Yes, but it's OK. Gamers don't care about clipping. :hmm:
Yes, but it's OK. Gamers don't care about clipping. :hmm:
Clipping or not, it looks horrible in general. Everything about it screams "unprofessional"! Why on earth do Bioware publish horrible screens mixed with really good ones?
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Sigh... I know I'm like a broken record, but that Halamshiral shot just looks fake and gamey, like the spike fortress only not quite as in your face. Nothing like the wonder when Bioshock Infinite did a location reveal of the Welcome Center, for instance.
http://www.oxmonline.com/files/u49901/oxm_shot-of-welcome-center.jpg
Art style counts for a lot. Bioware sucks at it.
Suddenly I can't post URL links.
http://www.oxmonline.com/files/u49901/oxm_shot-of-welcome-center.jpg
Art style counts for a lot. Bioware sucks at it.
Suddenly I can't post URL links.
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Still hopingg that it will be good. But hope is fading fast after seeing these updates......
I think it will be decent game actually. Just deal with some nonsenses and probably ignore mainstory about saving world(again). I don´t think it has any chance to beat Dragon Age Origins but I expect combat to be fun mix of tactical rpg and hack and slash action. Also exploring of big world could be fun too if they put in some intresting non generic locations which is my biggest concern about such a big game they are promising.
Well, if that's what it takes to enjoy a game that stlyes itself cRPG, I'd rather not play it at all. Oddly enough, I wouldn't buy a car with no engine either, just because the seats are comfortable.
to be fair though you just kill an instigator of rebellion in DA2 not save the world. Oh and your choice doesn't matter in the end.
@veleda for contrast, some words from the art directors of Dark Souls.
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You can still enjoy the story but the thing is it is probably going to be save the world cliche again. It is car with engine just old one. And there can of course be good plot twists and story elements with the same result(save the world) in the end which sucks most for me. Maybe they can suprise with something like inevitable end of the game world but I very highly doubt it.
Well...DA2 is...poor man´s DA1.
We've kind of moved past that point in cases like this though, they'll still get enough sales of your average consumer and won't even feel a thing regarding the informed masses who make the decision not to support them.
Sometimes, reading some interviews and forums like Bioware family, watching some websites like EA marketing.... well my mind uses to play dirty tricks on me and it gives me a weird portrait of some reactions....
[video=youtube;tJgMueh-zLM]http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=tJgMueh-zLM[/video]
[video=youtube;tJgMueh-zLM]http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=tJgMueh-zLM[/video]
Dark Souls definitely has some outstanding art direction. It's a pity the gameplay's not for me.
Not speaking for her, but i dislike actiony combat, so it stands to reason i won't like Dark Souls. Same as someone who dislikes turn based, won't like a TB game that has a focus on combat (and not story, as someone can tolarate bad gameplay if he likes the rest of the game.Witcher 2's case for me)
First Look: Halamshiral
Civil war has ravaged the Orlesian countryside for months, but you'd never know it in Halamshiral. The nobles carry on as they always have, seemingly unaffected by the chaos surrounding them. You certainly won't hear the merchants complain about that, though. Not so long as the sovereigns continue to line their pockets.
So, with opposing forces engaged in battle outside the city walls, why has the Inquisition come to Halamshiral?
"The civil war is now at an impasse," explains level designer Chris Corfe. "The faction leaders are at a peace talk at the Winter Palace in Halamshiral, a magnificent Orlesian structure built on ancient elven grounds. The Inquisition is here to find and stop an assassin."
"We are about to attend a costume party," adds senior environment artist Ryan Love. "Get your mask on and your dancing shoes ready, but don't let your guard down. There's more to this party than meets the eye."
Though we've heard much about Orlais through Dragon Age lore, players will get their first chance to really get out there and explore it in Inquisition. Creating areas such as the Winter Palace in Halamshiral presented the team with an opportunity to flex some creative muscle.
"The cultural background of the Orlesians and the elves inspired the area," says Corfe. "From a layout perspective, the Winter Palace is inspired by old French palaces like Versailles. Writing, level design, cinematic design, and level art all had a hand in helping shape it."
"I think a lot of Halamshiral's inspiration comes from the world's most ornate and decorated places. Buckingham Palace was also used as inspiration," Love said. "Middle Eastern styles also influenced the building of this place."
"Our team of level artists really outdid themselves here," Corfe added.
Orlesian nobility has a reputation for enjoying the finer things, and the Winter Palace’s lavish architecture is no exception. What sets the look of this Orlesian gem apart from that of other areas players will visit in the game?
"There's a plethora of unique areas, but the main point of interest would be the ballroom," says Corfe. "Oh, and don't forget to check out the artwork in its ceiling."
"Ornate decorations, lots of gold, and over-the-top flair," Love added. "You may also notice the stark contrast between the gold-covered main areas of the palace and the servants' areas. This also speaks to the large wealth inequality within Orlais. In order to have this kind of excessive decoration, someone has to polish the brass."
The Winter Palace is quite the sight to behold, but of course, looks can be deceiving. Not all battles here are fought with staves and steel. In Halamshiral, politics can be even deadlier than the blade. The most effective weapons are typically rumor and scandal.
"Combat is not the main focus here," Corfe says. "Intrigue and social interactions rule the day, so the gameplay has unique elements. We still have some balancing to do, but I'd say it's shaping up nicely."
When it comes down to story, both Corfe and Love are a bit more tight-lipped. Although they are careful not to reveal any plot spoilers, they couldn't resist a little titillation.
"There is a nice chunk of content off the beaten path," admits Corfe. "And beware of the approval of the Imperial Court!"
"Make sure to search every dark corner of the place. You never know what you might find," Love confessed. "Also, always remember to be a good party guest. People won't take kindly to a guest snooping in their closets!"
Civil war has ravaged the Orlesian countryside for months, but you'd never know it in Halamshiral. The nobles carry on as they always have, seemingly unaffected by the chaos surrounding them. You certainly won't hear the merchants complain about that, though. Not so long as the sovereigns continue to line their pockets.
So, with opposing forces engaged in battle outside the city walls, why has the Inquisition come to Halamshiral?
"The civil war is now at an impasse," explains level designer Chris Corfe. "The faction leaders are at a peace talk at the Winter Palace in Halamshiral, a magnificent Orlesian structure built on ancient elven grounds. The Inquisition is here to find and stop an assassin."
"We are about to attend a costume party," adds senior environment artist Ryan Love. "Get your mask on and your dancing shoes ready, but don't let your guard down. There's more to this party than meets the eye."
Though we've heard much about Orlais through Dragon Age lore, players will get their first chance to really get out there and explore it in Inquisition. Creating areas such as the Winter Palace in Halamshiral presented the team with an opportunity to flex some creative muscle.
"The cultural background of the Orlesians and the elves inspired the area," says Corfe. "From a layout perspective, the Winter Palace is inspired by old French palaces like Versailles. Writing, level design, cinematic design, and level art all had a hand in helping shape it."
"I think a lot of Halamshiral's inspiration comes from the world's most ornate and decorated places. Buckingham Palace was also used as inspiration," Love said. "Middle Eastern styles also influenced the building of this place."
"Our team of level artists really outdid themselves here," Corfe added.
Orlesian nobility has a reputation for enjoying the finer things, and the Winter Palace’s lavish architecture is no exception. What sets the look of this Orlesian gem apart from that of other areas players will visit in the game?
"There's a plethora of unique areas, but the main point of interest would be the ballroom," says Corfe. "Oh, and don't forget to check out the artwork in its ceiling."
"Ornate decorations, lots of gold, and over-the-top flair," Love added. "You may also notice the stark contrast between the gold-covered main areas of the palace and the servants' areas. This also speaks to the large wealth inequality within Orlais. In order to have this kind of excessive decoration, someone has to polish the brass."
The Winter Palace is quite the sight to behold, but of course, looks can be deceiving. Not all battles here are fought with staves and steel. In Halamshiral, politics can be even deadlier than the blade. The most effective weapons are typically rumor and scandal.
"Combat is not the main focus here," Corfe says. "Intrigue and social interactions rule the day, so the gameplay has unique elements. We still have some balancing to do, but I'd say it's shaping up nicely."
When it comes down to story, both Corfe and Love are a bit more tight-lipped. Although they are careful not to reveal any plot spoilers, they couldn't resist a little titillation.
"There is a nice chunk of content off the beaten path," admits Corfe. "And beware of the approval of the Imperial Court!"
"Make sure to search every dark corner of the place. You never know what you might find," Love confessed. "Also, always remember to be a good party guest. People won't take kindly to a guest snooping in their closets!"
Dark Souls combat is more of a dance. It doesn't rely on twitch reflex but predicting movements and being patient. You guys should at least try it @veleda ; no other game gives you thrill and churn in your stomach like DS1 does in singleplayer. DS2 is for co-op but I recommend DS1 first.
now back to Dragon Age
Empress Celene I http://dragonage.wikia.com/wiki/Celene_I seems like an interesting character especially since she has Morrigan at her side. I'm betting she's trying to get rid of Alistair's grey warden affliction.
The same way I judge any other game, or any purchase for that matter. I know what I like in a game and I can read reviews. Over-the-top challenge is not my cup of tea. My gaming time is too short to play games I don't like.
Aaaand... once again the art kind of falls flat. Dishonored is the comparison I draw here, and that just doesn't look like much.
I think it's a lack of variety in the textures, so all the surfaces have the same plastic look to them.
Same old story. Bioware got a new engine that they barely know how to use and are just scratching the surface of its possibilities. Mark my words, in couple of years once they get some experience with it they will improve in the graphics department.
I'm currently replaying Mass Effect 1 and when I compare it to ME3 the differences in that aspect are staggering. Except animations, they suck balls across all three.
Not to mention that DA:I is cross-gen... that's gonna have some impact unfortunately.
I'm currently replaying Mass Effect 1 and when I compare it to ME3 the differences in that aspect are staggering. Except animations, they suck balls across all three.
Not to mention that DA:I is cross-gen... that's gonna have some impact unfortunately.