OlausPetrus: I just don't see the point of warning people in overly melodramatic style, it's not helping anyone, because it doesn't give them critical view about the product (most professional reviews explain in detail what has changed and everyone can make their mind based on that). And like I said, most people think that the game is actually pretty decent sequel to Amnesia, although not as good as the first game. My own view is that it has it's strong moments. I get it that you didn't enjoy the game, because it wasn't what you expected, but I think your criticism is bit unfair and I did enjoy the story and the new setting.
dyscode: Ok, it already helped Jonesy89, so that point is moot and all my points and are technically verifiable in the game. Just my conclusion differs from 'most other people' and 'professional reviews'.
I am usually quite advocate about not perfect games but with AMFP I haven't felt as ripped off since I bought Red Faction 2 for $2.49 I bought years ago. That's 6 Hours of my life I really want back. But I openly admit, IF it hadn't "Amnesia" in the name, I would not have put my hopes up so high and thus becoming so disappointed to such a degree, I see that. No wonder I sound over the top.
Check out the review on Destructoid, reviewd by a quite mild-mannered Jim Sterling. I mean read it, don't just look at the 7/10 score, it mentions everything that it wrong with AMFP:
http://www.destructoid.com/review-amnesia-a-machine-for-pigs-261455.phtml Some feedback on negative reviews on the Frictional forums said "the reviewers did not care to immerse themselves", about a specific review that is. Well Amnesia _draws me in_ if I want it nor not. With AMFP I had to fight to get and stay immersed because of the utter linearity and the gameplay irrelevant railed event-triggers in a 'Look-Don't-Touch'-World and after some time I just could not care anymore, I admit. Is this my fault? No. Also there is zero replay value because of that, unless you want just another ride on the same railed haunted house-train. This is not even psychological horror. All the game wants is presenting it's story and it makes sure you don't miss it. Yes, there are some disturing things told underneath but are only mentioned oh so vaguely and unprovokingly for not to scare you too much. 'Scare me but DON'T scare me' is the take on horror in AMFP. But that does not make AFMP a slow burner. Because of the fragmented story it's more like a pale glimmer with an occasional crackling of the wood in teh fireplace.
Yes, it has moments, for sure. The beginning, The Pig Cells, The Fall of London are quite strong. But they are so few and far between. The only real immersion I had was in the 'Pig Cells'. This was one of the most touching and provoking scenes I've seen in a game for some time, because the story showed me, evocatively. Unfortunately is was too short, also. Not-/Showing and evocative hinting is a master streak of Amnesia and Penumbra, even Requiem. But AMFP just does not go there most of the times.
I hope I made myself more clear why one should not expect a sequel to Amnesia but more something like Penumbra Requiem or 'Dear Amnesia' as someone on the nets nailed it. Even if AMFP uses most of the in-game assets ot it.
Still all I said may not make it a bad game for somebody else. But for the 'faction'
of gamers like me, who expected more along the way of the original Amnesia and less a narrated walking simulator, I give my feedback to maybe spare them the huge disappointment I ran into.
Jonesey still said that he is going to do some research, which I strongly encourage, because it's better if people know what to expect when they start playing, so they don't have unreasonable expectations.
My point was that you described AMFP like it's the worst game published this year, which it isn't and it gave wrong impression to people about the game. The game certainly has it's flaws, like critical reviews said, it's not perfect, but if you can enjoy the story and atmosphere, then it's not a bad game and second game has improved some aspects of the storytelling (although I assume that how much people enjoy story and atmosphere is highly subjective) . When it comes to difficulty much of the criticism about linearity, easy puzzles and scripted monsters apply also to first game. Removal of the inventory just means that you don't have to carry as much stuff around.
