EpidemicDark Force GorgeJoin Date: 2003-06-29Member: 17781Members
I completely agree with coleman, advertisement works on everyone, it's nearly impossible to escape from. Granted I'm not talking homeshop here (or whatever that totally lame american sales pitching show is called). But it's how we humans are designed, to be cleverly exploited by ads that makes us feel a certain way, and then BAM the logo comes on.
It's impossible to escape them? You try your hardest to purchase and install video games but somehow the advertisers slip in? Correct me if I'm wrong, but it looks like you have to actively seek that kind of stuff. You could avoid ads if you wanted to. Just watch public access TV, listen to NPR, get your books from the library, and visit websites that don't have ads.
Private_ColemanPhD in Video GamesJoin Date: 2002-11-07Member: 7510Members
<!--quoteo(post=1570845:date=Oct 22 2006, 04:29 PM:name=TychoCelchuuu)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(TychoCelchuuu @ Oct 22 2006, 04:29 PM) [snapback]1570845[/snapback]</div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec--> It's impossible to escape them? You try your hardest to purchase and install video games but somehow the advertisers slip in? Correct me if I'm wrong, but it looks like you have to actively seek that kind of stuff. You could avoid ads if you wanted to. Just watch public access TV, listen to NPR, get your books from the library, and visit websites that don't have ads. <!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
So now I'm not able to go to certain places without getting mind######ed? How long will it be before I can't go anywhere? Where exactly am I supposed to go? More importantly, where should I go for employment?
Public access TV : We don't have this in Australia. <img src="style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile-fix.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":)" border="0" alt="smile-fix.gif" />
NPR: Internet radio (which is constantly under attack) is probably 1000x better anyway. I never listen to regular radio. MP3's for the car.
Books from the library: There's advertising in the library/around the library anyway. <img src="style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile-fix.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":)" border="0" alt="smile-fix.gif" /> If there isn't where you are, you'll be seeing that sometime soon.
Visit websites that don't have ads: Adblock wins.
Not that I go hide in the woods (lol) because advertising is out there, but I try and reduce the damage as much as possible. As I've said, not ALL advertising is bad, but when people start going around with big brandnames on their chest and ostracizing everybody who isn't wearing the same name it gets a bit too much.
"Well, this was a nice place, but now I'm here too, and I'm going to be a belligerent ###### and make everyone miserable. If you don't like it, you can just ###### OFF. I'm not forcing you to stay here."
QuaunautThe longest seven days in history...Join Date: 2003-03-21Member: 14759Members, Constellation, Reinforced - Shadow
<!--quoteo(post=1570940:date=Oct 23 2006, 01:37 PM:name=RustySpoon)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(RustySpoon @ Oct 23 2006, 01:37 PM) [snapback]1570940[/snapback]</div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec--> EA doesn't actually make the games does it? I thought they just publish them. <!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Thats correct.
However, they also have infinite control over what happens with the game.
Alcapwn"War is the science of destruction" - John AbbotJoin Date: 2003-06-21Member: 17590Members
<!--quoteo(post=1570940:date=Oct 23 2006, 04:37 PM:name=RustySpoon)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(RustySpoon @ Oct 23 2006, 04:37 PM) [snapback]1570940[/snapback]</div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec--> EA doesn't actually make the games does it? I thought they just publish them. <!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Now we went a little 'off topic' with this ads thing.
The #1 reason people shouldn't buy BF2142 = <b>It's just basically BF2, except things look <u>slightly</u> different and there are different maps. Not only that, it costs $60, when BF2 is around $30 right now right?</b>
The reason isn't really the 'ad' or spyware thing EA games set you up with when installing BF2142, the major reason is it's pratically BF2 in a more colder/snowy setting rather than a hot desert setting.
Of course I posted that topic about how EA games may stop updating BF2 and only updating BF2142 and forcing people to buy their game, but I forgot to add that there will always be fan-made custom free mods for BF2.
<!--quoteo(post=1570981:date=Oct 23 2006, 08:29 PM:name=WaterBoy)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(WaterBoy @ Oct 23 2006, 08:29 PM) [snapback]1570981[/snapback]</div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec--> Never played burnout; have you? <!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
No, actually, never. I miss something?
*edit* Does someone actually recommend the game if I have BF2? The demo was like, a carbon copy.
QuaunautThe longest seven days in history...Join Date: 2003-03-21Member: 14759Members, Constellation, Reinforced - Shadow
The demo is a poor indication of how the changes honestly changed the gameplay.
The fact that you can just drop from a gunship/transporter is a huge change- as is the launcher pods in the APC. It creates new ways to get into battlezones, as well as just looks/feels awesome.
The flight model is perfected. Anyone who finds it difficult to fly now, I can honestly say: You are stupid. Press W. Steer. Tahdah. Its simple as hell and takes almost no skill, but still allows for some unique flying/tricks(though, I wish it could be a little wilder on the steering).
The balance between the 4 classes has finally reached a peak- each class truly has advantages, and some don't feel like carbon copies of others like they do in BF2, with minor differences(Spec Ops/Assault/Medic, anyone?). Not to mention, the customization you can do with your playstyle is absolutely phenominal- my medic-with-a-big-gun style is great fun, as is my super-spy-knifer.
I think the mech could use a good power buff(currently, it takes as many shots as a tank and does smaller bouts of damage, and is worthless against ground troops. I also think it should be registered as a 'flying' target, so the AA guns will actually do damage to it), but otherwise the potential in refinements to gameplay here are great. I've really been enjoying just about every game, if not because the teamwork is great, but also because the speeded up advancement(with bigger bonuses than before!) is lots of fun.
I think its BF 2.5 if anything, but then again, BF2 was one of the best MP shooters of a long, long time. This is just really perfecting it, in my eyes. Just gotta clean that engine up ><
<!--quoteo(post=1571020:date=Oct 24 2006, 03:49 AM:name=Quaunaut)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Quaunaut @ Oct 24 2006, 03:49 AM) [snapback]1571020[/snapback]</div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec--> The demo is a poor indication of how the changes honestly changed the gameplay.
The fact that you can just drop from a gunship/transporter is a huge change- as is the launcher pods in the APC. It creates new ways to get into battlezones, as well as just looks/feels awesome.
The flight model is perfected. Anyone who finds it difficult to fly now, I can honestly say: You are stupid. Press W. Steer. Tahdah. Its simple as hell and takes almost no skill, but still allows for some unique flying/tricks(though, I wish it could be a little wilder on the steering).
The balance between the 4 classes has finally reached a peak- each class truly has advantages, and some don't feel like carbon copies of others like they do in BF2, with minor differences(Spec Ops/Assault/Medic, anyone?). Not to mention, the customization you can do with your playstyle is absolutely phenominal- my medic-with-a-big-gun style is great fun, as is my super-spy-knifer.
I think the mech could use a good power buff(currently, it takes as many shots as a tank and does smaller bouts of damage, and is worthless against ground troops. I also think it should be registered as a 'flying' target, so the AA guns will actually do damage to it), but otherwise the potential in refinements to gameplay here are great. I've really been enjoying just about every game, if not because the teamwork is great, but also because the speeded up advancement(with bigger bonuses than before!) is lots of fun.
I think its BF 2.5 if anything, but then again, BF2 was one of the best MP shooters of a long, long time. This is just really perfecting it, in my eyes. Just gotta clean that engine up >< <!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Med, that does sound like fun. :-/ Too bad games by EA always cost that extra 10e.
I dunno about the full version, but god damnit the mech in the demo is rediculous. I literally took out 2 tanks and an APC last game. Tanks are pai, just rush in with the shield on and keep strafing around it faster than the barrel turns. Remember shift speeds up mechs. APC's are no prob as they cant even do any damage. And the miniguns for infantry are primarily for supression I'd say. The mechs are a funny sort of thing. I suppose they were included in the game as sort of a support vehicle - which they own at - however they can still hold their own well against pretty much all vehicles in the game, including airborne. I agree tho about the aircraft thingy. Funny how a huge double barreled gun does zero damage to anything apart from things that fly. Balance I suppose, but still some effect would be nice.
<!--quoteo(post=1569178:date=Oct 6 2006, 08:14 AM:name=Scythe)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Scythe @ Oct 6 2006, 08:14 AM) [snapback]1569178[/snapback]</div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec--> This week marked the release of the demo of EA's latest offering in their lucrative Battlefield IP: Battlefield 2142. While this incarnation is based in the future, 136 years to be precise, it isn't all laser guns and wookies. In this squad-based-FPS you'll still be using chemically propelled weaponry and the occasional electromagnetic weapon.
Those familiar with the Battlefield franchise should feel right at home when you arrive at the kit selection screen. You've a choice of four classes and, as you progress in rank, the option to swap out your weapons and equipment. Then you choose your spawn point and you're away. Once in the field you'll have the choice of jumping in a range of vehicles or slugging it out on foot. As with the previous Battlefield games there's a wide choice of vehicles: there's ground vehicles including a hover-tank, an APC, a AT-ST-esque mechanised walker and also numerous aircraft.
By far the most impressive vehicle in your team's arsenal is The Titan. This is a flying fortress protected by a tough shield and equipped with a hangar for the providence of fighters and carriers for your team. These titans are the primary objectives of the demo's gameplay mode. In order for your team to win you must destroy your opponent's Titan. However, before any offensive action can be taken against one, your team must first drain its shields. This is accomplished with ground-to-titan missile silos dotted across the map. Once the shields are down your team has two choices: Go on defence and protect your titan and the silos you hold and allow the missiles to batter the Titan down, or board the Titan yourselves and take it out from the inside.
Boarding the titan is a simple matter of either flying an aircraft over to it and landing on the deck, or the much more impressive option of a drop-pod. In order to board using a drop-pod one must first locate an APC near the Titan and seat one's self in the pod seat (F3 by default). Left clicking will launch your pod skywards towards the enemy titan. It's then your job to pilot the pod down onto the desired landing point. A word of advice: Don't try to land on the shielded hangar section, you'll be instagibbed. Once aboard the Titan your team will have to destroy four control panels and finally, the core. You'll be given a short period to escape the stricken ship before it explodes in a very satisfactory manner.
In line with the career soldier system implemented in BF2, BF2142 features a stat-logging system that keeps track of your points and allows you to gain ranks. These ranks entitle you to more advanced toys to make you more effective in battle. Points are earned by neutralising enemy soldiers and assisting your team in the capture of the silos across the map. The vehicles in the demo are satisfying to drive and none too overpowered. The learning curve on the aircraft is nowhere near that of previous incarnations. I managed to crash the fighter several times until I inverted the flight controls. From then on it was plain sailing.
Having said all that about the game, it is definitely not without its faults. In a move typical of EA they've gone and made an excellent game and encased it in the most godawful customer experience imaginable. When I first attempted to run the game I received an error stating that the game was unable to find a "d3dx9_29.dll". This kind of error is usually indicative of an out-of-date DirectX installation however I was running the latest version already. After a bit of scratching around on the internets I turned up a download of the said file. I downloaded it and copied it to "c:/windows/system32". The game then started up fine.
From there I was subjected to the usual stream of bloated, unskippable corporate logo videos followed by a quite passable video guide to the Titan game-mode. Handy hint: If you navigate to the install directory then "/mods/bf2142/movies/" and rename all the files contained within, you'll no longer be forced to watch the intro movies. Having gotten that out of the way I then proceeded to customise the game's settings to my own liking. When I tried to configure the game to run at my monitor's native resolution of 1280x1024 I found there was no such option in the video configuration menu. Undaunted, I proceeded to edit the video.con files in the "My Documents/Battlefield 2142 Demo" folder to manually insert the resolution as with BF2. Unfortunately this only had the effect of making the game crash upon launch. Oh well, c'est la vie.
Performance-wise, it ran smoothly on my computer (See post-script) once it got past the near-glacial loading process.
As a game, BF2142 could well shine as a very popular online shooter. Unfortunately, as a product, it's pretty shoddy. At this stage I don't see myself buying the full version of this game. However I strongly encourage the reader to make their own decision. I suggest you all download the demo when it hits the public mirrors and give it a try.
See you ingame, -/AUS/- Scythe
P.S. Review PC specs: AMD 3700+, ATI X1800XT 512MB, 2GB (2x1GB, dual channel), 250GB SATA w/ 16MB cache. <!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Do you feel that BF2142 requires 2GB of ram to run effectively? I am upgrading my PC soon and I was thinking about playing the game, but I was only going to upgrade to 1 gig. Would you feel its worth the extra money or so to upgrade to two ?
QuaunautThe longest seven days in history...Join Date: 2003-03-21Member: 14759Members, Constellation, Reinforced - Shadow
<!--quoteo(post=1571062:date=Oct 24 2006, 08:17 AM:name=TychoCelchuuu)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(TychoCelchuuu @ Oct 24 2006, 08:17 AM) [snapback]1571062[/snapback]</div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec--> RAM will really only effect your loading time if it's 1 gig vs 2 gigs. <!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Yeah.
...but I've heard the load times are even worse than BF2 with most folks. I've got 2 gigs, so load times are in the under-10-seconds range, so I am feeling faster ones, if anything.
NeonSpyder"Das est NTLDR?"Join Date: 2003-07-03Member: 17913Members
I had a bit of a ram issue with BF2, only having 1gb seemed to slow things down for me when loading a map, however BF2142 hasn't given me any issues like BF2 did. It hardly takes any time to load and I don't get the stuttering for the first minute of play like I did with BF2 (and yes I'm sure that was a ram issue of some sort)
QuaunautThe longest seven days in history...Join Date: 2003-03-21Member: 14759Members, Constellation, Reinforced - Shadow
<!--quoteo(post=1571421:date=Oct 26 2006, 03:37 PM:name=TychoCelchuuu)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(TychoCelchuuu @ Oct 26 2006, 03:37 PM) [snapback]1571421[/snapback]</div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec--> The 2142 beta loaded faster than BF2 does for me, although that might be because the maps are 48 player instead of 64 player. <!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Yeah, Titan is designed for a maximum 48 players, while Conquest can still go full out 64.
I love the new Titan Mode, but damn the new city maps just get the blood pumping. I <3 city maps.
QuaunautThe longest seven days in history...Join Date: 2003-03-21Member: 14759Members, Constellation, Reinforced - Shadow
<!--quoteo(post=1571430:date=Oct 26 2006, 04:18 PM:name=Sonic)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Sonic @ Oct 26 2006, 04:18 PM) [snapback]1571430[/snapback]</div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec--> Are the city maps as bland, uninteresting and downright ugly as the one in the demo? <!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
TalesinOur own little well of hateJoin Date: 2002-11-08Member: 7710NS1 Playtester, Forum Moderators
Major difference between BF2 and BF2142. I felt the same way until I picked up a copy, as I (thought I) had an extra $40 sitting around, and Fry's had it on sale.
-Advertising is very well-blended with the game. It took me a good little while to even FIND an ad. They fit the theme, are worn and half-destroyed, and most definitely are NOT blatant. Good show, EA. -Classes are actually distinct and seperate now. No more medic that is better off than an Assault class... they just let you grab a de-fib if you want to go that route. -Frag grenades cost an upgrade point. Not many actually grab frags off the bat, as it slows their progress toward their upgrade unlock weapon of choice. These also take up a carry-slot, which could otherwise be used to hold a demopack, mine, extra weapon (underbarrel shotgun or rocket launcher), medkit, smoke grenade, EMP grenade, or other useful item. You don't deal with too many of them, in other words, as they aren't standard-issue any more.
The additional up-sides: -Field upgrades. You work in a squad, you do well, you get temporary upgrade points that last until you're done with your gaming session. This lets you try out different upgrade paths and decide what you want to work toward, ahead of time. I always had the problem in BF2 of spending an upgrade point, then having buyer's remorse when I had a chance to actually USE it. This way, save your upgrade points and just use field upgrades until you know what you want to be. -Flight model. It's kinda crap. I had more fun playing with the helicopter in BF2, but that's just because I have a joystick specifically for flying around, and could kick some real butt with it. The flight model is similar to a helicopter, but different enough to be irritating. -Railgun Turrets. No one currently watches these, and having an on-the-fly adjustable sensitivity mouse is awesome for leaving them zoomed in and sniping infantry. Er, even aside from their intended use of blowing up tanks/jeeps/walkers. Give me a turret and a guard, and the area will stay clear. As Paranoia2MB found out. <img src="style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/biggrin-fix.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":D" border="0" alt="biggrin-fix.gif" />
lol haven't seen one or dont understand what you mean by it.
I wish you could cancel an unlock, hell ill pay money to restart my unlocks.
The AT-Rifle does less if not equal dmg to a regular rocket launcher plus it can't track and the AA is all it's good for is AA, but it takes like 4 hits to bring down a transport ship and does .00001 point of damage to anything else.
I say either UP the damage on the AT-Rifle or make it's travel time MUCH quicker and give us mroe than 5 shots because it takes all 5 shots. lol
The railgun turret is the one with the secondary fire that zooms in and kills your mouse sensitivity. And if you don't like the unlocks, you should have tested them out as field upgrades first. Besides, you can always just make a new account.
QuaunautThe longest seven days in history...Join Date: 2003-03-21Member: 14759Members, Constellation, Reinforced - Shadow
edited October 2006
<!--quoteo(post=1571523:date=Oct 27 2006, 02:43 PM:name=Paranoia2MB)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Paranoia2MB @ Oct 27 2006, 02:43 PM) [snapback]1571523[/snapback]</div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec--> WTH is a railgun turret?
lol haven't seen one or dont understand what you mean by it.
I wish you could cancel an unlock, hell ill pay money to restart my unlocks.
The AT-Rifle does less if not equal dmg to a regular rocket launcher plus it can't track and the AA is all it's good for is AA, but it takes like 4 hits to bring down a transport ship and does .00001 point of damage to anything else.
I say either UP the damage on the AT-Rifle or make it's travel time MUCH quicker and give us mroe than 5 shots because it takes all 5 shots. lol <!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Just start a new soldier. You don't get 'em free, but hey.
Edit: And as per the AT-Rifle, its a specialty purpose. Nail a walker in the lower leg, or a tank from behind- 1 shot deaths. And its always damned fast for me. As for transport ships, aim towards the front- I've used my roommie's account to take a pilot, a 'la BF2's sniper rifle.
TalesinOur own little well of hateJoin Date: 2002-11-08Member: 7710NS1 Playtester, Forum Moderators
The railgun turret is the turret that isn't the AA turret. It just has a single railgun on the right hand side. Otherwise known as the 'ground defense turret' as you don't have much vertical tilt available. Zoomed in, it also lets you out-snipe the snipers.
I'm still trying to learn all of the weak points on armor and the like; ticks me off when I'm in an A8 Tiger and get plonked by a Nekomata, or when it takes six to eight shots to take out a walker sometimes, and others it only takes about two.
<!--quoteo(post=1571623:date=Oct 28 2006, 09:15 PM:name=Talesin)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Talesin @ Oct 28 2006, 09:15 PM) [snapback]1571623[/snapback]</div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec--> The railgun turret is the turret that isn't the AA turret. It just has a single railgun on the right hand side. Otherwise known as the 'ground defense turret' as you don't have much vertical tilt available. Zoomed in, it also lets you out-snipe the snipers.
I'm still trying to learn all of the weak points on armor and the like; ticks me off when I'm in an A8 Tiger and get plonked by a Nekomata, or when it takes six to eight shots to take out a walker sometimes, and others it only takes about two. <!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
ooooh the AT turret. kk <img src="style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/biggrin-fix.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":D" border="0" alt="biggrin-fix.gif" />
That thing is fun!
<img src="style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/siege.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid="::siege::" border="0" alt="siege.gif" /> in BF2142
Comments
But it's how we humans are designed, to be cleverly exploited by ads that makes us feel a certain way, and then BAM the logo comes on.
It's impossible to escape them? You try your hardest to purchase and install video games but somehow the advertisers slip in? Correct me if I'm wrong, but it looks like you have to actively seek that kind of stuff. You could avoid ads if you wanted to. Just watch public access TV, listen to NPR, get your books from the library, and visit websites that don't have ads.
<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
So now I'm not able to go to certain places without getting mind######ed? How long will it be before I can't go anywhere? Where exactly am I supposed to go? More importantly, where should I go for employment?
Public access TV : We don't have this in Australia. <img src="style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile-fix.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":)" border="0" alt="smile-fix.gif" />
NPR: Internet radio (which is constantly under attack) is probably 1000x better anyway. I never listen to regular radio. MP3's for the car.
Books from the library: There's advertising in the library/around the library anyway. <img src="style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile-fix.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":)" border="0" alt="smile-fix.gif" /> If there isn't where you are, you'll be seeing that sometime soon.
Visit websites that don't have ads: Adblock wins.
Not that I go hide in the woods (lol) because advertising is out there, but I try and reduce the damage as much as possible. As I've said, not ALL advertising is bad, but when people start going around with big brandnames on their chest and ostracizing everybody who isn't wearing the same name it gets a bit too much.
Go go english exam. :o
They make good games.
The end.
I like EA.
They make good games.
The end.
<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
That's great! <img src="style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile-fix.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":)" border="0" alt="smile-fix.gif" />
If that's what you want to do, that's a-ok. Just let us know if you change your mind.
EA doesn't actually make the games does it? I thought they just publish them.
<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Thats correct.
However, they also have infinite control over what happens with the game.
EA doesn't actually make the games does it? I thought they just publish them.
<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Never played burnout; have you?
The #1 reason people shouldn't buy BF2142 = <b>It's just basically BF2, except things look <u>slightly</u> different and there are different maps. Not only that, it costs $60, when BF2 is around $30 right now right?</b>
The reason isn't really the 'ad' or spyware thing EA games set you up with when installing BF2142, the major reason is it's pratically BF2 in a more colder/snowy setting rather than a hot desert setting.
Of course I posted that topic about how EA games may stop updating BF2 and only updating BF2142 and forcing people to buy their game, but I forgot to add that there will always be fan-made custom free mods for BF2.
Never played burnout; have you?
<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
No, actually, never. I miss something?
*edit*
Does someone actually recommend the game if I have BF2? The demo was like, a carbon copy.
The fact that you can just drop from a gunship/transporter is a huge change- as is the launcher pods in the APC. It creates new ways to get into battlezones, as well as just looks/feels awesome.
The flight model is perfected. Anyone who finds it difficult to fly now, I can honestly say: You are stupid. Press W. Steer. Tahdah. Its simple as hell and takes almost no skill, but still allows for some unique flying/tricks(though, I wish it could be a little wilder on the steering).
The balance between the 4 classes has finally reached a peak- each class truly has advantages, and some don't feel like carbon copies of others like they do in BF2, with minor differences(Spec Ops/Assault/Medic, anyone?). Not to mention, the customization you can do with your playstyle is absolutely phenominal- my medic-with-a-big-gun style is great fun, as is my super-spy-knifer.
I think the mech could use a good power buff(currently, it takes as many shots as a tank and does smaller bouts of damage, and is worthless against ground troops. I also think it should be registered as a 'flying' target, so the AA guns will actually do damage to it), but otherwise the potential in refinements to gameplay here are great. I've really been enjoying just about every game, if not because the teamwork is great, but also because the speeded up advancement(with bigger bonuses than before!) is lots of fun.
I think its BF 2.5 if anything, but then again, BF2 was one of the best MP shooters of a long, long time. This is just really perfecting it, in my eyes. Just gotta clean that engine up ><
The demo is a poor indication of how the changes honestly changed the gameplay.
The fact that you can just drop from a gunship/transporter is a huge change- as is the launcher pods in the APC. It creates new ways to get into battlezones, as well as just looks/feels awesome.
The flight model is perfected. Anyone who finds it difficult to fly now, I can honestly say: You are stupid. Press W. Steer. Tahdah. Its simple as hell and takes almost no skill, but still allows for some unique flying/tricks(though, I wish it could be a little wilder on the steering).
The balance between the 4 classes has finally reached a peak- each class truly has advantages, and some don't feel like carbon copies of others like they do in BF2, with minor differences(Spec Ops/Assault/Medic, anyone?). Not to mention, the customization you can do with your playstyle is absolutely phenominal- my medic-with-a-big-gun style is great fun, as is my super-spy-knifer.
I think the mech could use a good power buff(currently, it takes as many shots as a tank and does smaller bouts of damage, and is worthless against ground troops. I also think it should be registered as a 'flying' target, so the AA guns will actually do damage to it), but otherwise the potential in refinements to gameplay here are great. I've really been enjoying just about every game, if not because the teamwork is great, but also because the speeded up advancement(with bigger bonuses than before!) is lots of fun.
I think its BF 2.5 if anything, but then again, BF2 was one of the best MP shooters of a long, long time. This is just really perfecting it, in my eyes. Just gotta clean that engine up ><
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Med, that does sound like fun. :-/ Too bad games by EA always cost that extra 10e.
I dunno about the full version, but god damnit the mech in the demo is rediculous. I literally took out 2 tanks and an APC last game. Tanks are pai, just rush in with the shield on and keep strafing around it faster than the barrel turns. Remember shift speeds up mechs. APC's are no prob as they cant even do any damage. And the miniguns for infantry are primarily for supression I'd say. The mechs are a funny sort of thing. I suppose they were included in the game as sort of a support vehicle - which they own at - however they can still hold their own well against pretty much all vehicles in the game, including airborne. I agree tho about the aircraft thingy. Funny how a huge double barreled gun does zero damage to anything apart from things that fly. Balance I suppose, but still some effect would be nice.
This week marked the release of the demo of EA's latest offering in their lucrative Battlefield IP: Battlefield 2142. While this incarnation is based in the future, 136 years to be precise, it isn't all laser guns and wookies. In this squad-based-FPS you'll still be using chemically propelled weaponry and the occasional electromagnetic weapon.
Those familiar with the Battlefield franchise should feel right at home when you arrive at the kit selection screen. You've a choice of four classes and, as you progress in rank, the option to swap out your weapons and equipment. Then you choose your spawn point and you're away. Once in the field you'll have the choice of jumping in a range of vehicles or slugging it out on foot. As with the previous Battlefield games there's a wide choice of vehicles: there's ground vehicles including a hover-tank, an APC, a AT-ST-esque mechanised walker and also numerous aircraft.
By far the most impressive vehicle in your team's arsenal is The Titan. This is a flying fortress protected by a tough shield and equipped with a hangar for the providence of fighters and carriers for your team. These titans are the primary objectives of the demo's gameplay mode. In order for your team to win you must destroy your opponent's Titan. However, before any offensive action can be taken against one, your team must first drain its shields. This is accomplished with ground-to-titan missile silos dotted across the map. Once the shields are down your team has two choices: Go on defence and protect your titan and the silos you hold and allow the missiles to batter the Titan down, or board the Titan yourselves and take it out from the inside.
Boarding the titan is a simple matter of either flying an aircraft over to it and landing on the deck, or the much more impressive option of a drop-pod. In order to board using a drop-pod one must first locate an APC near the Titan and seat one's self in the pod seat (F3 by default). Left clicking will launch your pod skywards towards the enemy titan. It's then your job to pilot the pod down onto the desired landing point. A word of advice: Don't try to land on the shielded hangar section, you'll be instagibbed. Once aboard the Titan your team will have to destroy four control panels and finally, the core. You'll be given a short period to escape the stricken ship before it explodes in a very satisfactory manner.
In line with the career soldier system implemented in BF2, BF2142 features a stat-logging system that keeps track of your points and allows you to gain ranks. These ranks entitle you to more advanced toys to make you more effective in battle. Points are earned by neutralising enemy soldiers and assisting your team in the capture of the silos across the map. The vehicles in the demo are satisfying to drive and none too overpowered. The learning curve on the aircraft is nowhere near that of previous incarnations. I managed to crash the fighter several times until I inverted the flight controls. From then on it was plain sailing.
Having said all that about the game, it is definitely not without its faults. In a move typical of EA they've gone and made an excellent game and encased it in the most godawful customer experience imaginable. When I first attempted to run the game I received an error stating that the game was unable to find a "d3dx9_29.dll". This kind of error is usually indicative of an out-of-date DirectX installation however I was running the latest version already. After a bit of scratching around on the internets I turned up a download of the said file. I downloaded it and copied it to "c:/windows/system32". The game then started up fine.
From there I was subjected to the usual stream of bloated, unskippable corporate logo videos followed by a quite passable video guide to the Titan game-mode. Handy hint: If you navigate to the install directory then "/mods/bf2142/movies/" and rename all the files contained within, you'll no longer be forced to watch the intro movies. Having gotten that out of the way I then proceeded to customise the game's settings to my own liking. When I tried to configure the game to run at my monitor's native resolution of 1280x1024 I found there was no such option in the video configuration menu. Undaunted, I proceeded to edit the video.con files in the "My Documents/Battlefield 2142 Demo" folder to manually insert the resolution as with BF2. Unfortunately this only had the effect of making the game crash upon launch. Oh well, c'est la vie.
Performance-wise, it ran smoothly on my computer (See post-script) once it got past the near-glacial loading process.
As a game, BF2142 could well shine as a very popular online shooter. Unfortunately, as a product, it's pretty shoddy. At this stage I don't see myself buying the full version of this game. However I strongly encourage the reader to make their own decision. I suggest you all download the demo when it hits the public mirrors and give it a try.
See you ingame,
-/AUS/- Scythe
P.S. Review PC specs:
AMD 3700+,
ATI X1800XT 512MB,
2GB (2x1GB, dual channel),
250GB SATA w/ 16MB cache.
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Do you feel that BF2142 requires 2GB of ram to run effectively? I am upgrading my PC soon and I was thinking about playing the game, but I was only going to upgrade to 1 gig. Would you feel its worth the extra money or so to upgrade to two ?
RAM will really only effect your loading time if it's 1 gig vs 2 gigs.
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Yeah.
...but I've heard the load times are even worse than BF2 with most folks. I've got 2 gigs, so load times are in the under-10-seconds range, so I am feeling faster ones, if anything.
The 2142 beta loaded faster than BF2 does for me, although that might be because the maps are 48 player instead of 64 player.
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Yeah, Titan is designed for a maximum 48 players, while Conquest can still go full out 64.
I love the new Titan Mode, but damn the new city maps just get the blood pumping. I <3 city maps.
Are the city maps as bland, uninteresting and downright ugly as the one in the demo?
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...the demo wasn't a city map.
-Advertising is very well-blended with the game. It took me a good little while to even FIND an ad. They fit the theme, are worn and half-destroyed, and most definitely are NOT blatant. Good show, EA.
-Classes are actually distinct and seperate now. No more medic that is better off than an Assault class... they just let you grab a de-fib if you want to go that route.
-Frag grenades cost an upgrade point. Not many actually grab frags off the bat, as it slows their progress toward their upgrade unlock weapon of choice. These also take up a carry-slot, which could otherwise be used to hold a demopack, mine, extra weapon (underbarrel shotgun or rocket launcher), medkit, smoke grenade, EMP grenade, or other useful item. You don't deal with too many of them, in other words, as they aren't standard-issue any more.
The additional up-sides:
-Field upgrades. You work in a squad, you do well, you get temporary upgrade points that last until you're done with your gaming session. This lets you try out different upgrade paths and decide what you want to work toward, ahead of time. I always had the problem in BF2 of spending an upgrade point, then having buyer's remorse when I had a chance to actually USE it. This way, save your upgrade points and just use field upgrades until you know what you want to be.
-Flight model. It's kinda crap. I had more fun playing with the helicopter in BF2, but that's just because I have a joystick specifically for flying around, and could kick some real butt with it. The flight model is similar to a helicopter, but different enough to be irritating.
-Railgun Turrets. No one currently watches these, and having an on-the-fly adjustable sensitivity mouse is awesome for leaving them zoomed in and sniping infantry. Er, even aside from their intended use of blowing up tanks/jeeps/walkers. Give me a turret and a guard, and the area will stay clear. As Paranoia2MB found out. <img src="style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/biggrin-fix.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":D" border="0" alt="biggrin-fix.gif" />
--Scythe--
lol haven't seen one or dont understand what you mean by it.
I wish you could cancel an unlock, hell ill pay money to restart my unlocks.
The AT-Rifle does less if not equal dmg to a regular rocket launcher plus it can't track and the AA is all it's good for is AA, but it takes like 4 hits to bring down a transport ship and does .00001 point of damage to anything else.
I say either UP the damage on the AT-Rifle or make it's travel time MUCH quicker and give us mroe than 5 shots because it takes all 5 shots. lol
WTH is a railgun turret?
lol haven't seen one or dont understand what you mean by it.
I wish you could cancel an unlock, hell ill pay money to restart my unlocks.
The AT-Rifle does less if not equal dmg to a regular rocket launcher plus it can't track and the AA is all it's good for is AA, but it takes like 4 hits to bring down a transport ship and does .00001 point of damage to anything else.
I say either UP the damage on the AT-Rifle or make it's travel time MUCH quicker and give us mroe than 5 shots because it takes all 5 shots. lol
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Just start a new soldier. You don't get 'em free, but hey.
Edit: And as per the AT-Rifle, its a specialty purpose. Nail a walker in the lower leg, or a tank from behind- 1 shot deaths. And its always damned fast for me. As for transport ships, aim towards the front- I've used my roommie's account to take a pilot, a 'la BF2's sniper rifle.
I'm still trying to learn all of the weak points on armor and the like; ticks me off when I'm in an A8 Tiger and get plonked by a Nekomata, or when it takes six to eight shots to take out a walker sometimes, and others it only takes about two.
The railgun turret is the turret that isn't the AA turret. It just has a single railgun on the right hand side. Otherwise known as the 'ground defense turret' as you don't have much vertical tilt available. Zoomed in, it also lets you out-snipe the snipers.
I'm still trying to learn all of the weak points on armor and the like; ticks me off when I'm in an A8 Tiger and get plonked by a Nekomata, or when it takes six to eight shots to take out a walker sometimes, and others it only takes about two.
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ooooh the AT turret. kk <img src="style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/biggrin-fix.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":D" border="0" alt="biggrin-fix.gif" />
That thing is fun!
<img src="style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/siege.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid="::siege::" border="0" alt="siege.gif" /> in BF2142