So I did get Cyberpunk on release, and played through then. Overall I enjoyed the game then too, but there were definitley flaws. Pacing felt weird, combat felt off in a way. The world didn't feel as lived in. Overall enjoyed it enough to beat it once thoug. Then Phantom Liberty released, and I figured I'd play through again to play the dlc, and wow. The game is so much more engaging now. Pacing feels improved. Everything I had an issue with has been addressed in some way. I am now about 50 hours into my new character, and am now in The Phantom Liberty expansion proper, and it really feels like a natural part of the game. I am definitley replaying again because there are other builds I want to try, and other decisions I want to make. Overall Highly recommend, and am eagerly waiting for the sequel! Side Note: I highly recommend doing Phantom Liberty before you get too far in Takemura's quest line. As I guess if you get too far, Phantom Liberty won't have an effect on the outcome of the game.
So i tried to run this game last year on the EGS, but even when I had my 5800 xt, it bogged down hard. I could barely pull enough frames to be runnable at a spot I like. So I refunded. Didn't think I would touch the game again, that is until they released the Heroes of the Inner Sphere, and it rolled onto GOG. The game runs way better now. I can run at 2k resolution with all maxed out settings at 60fps, so a definite improvement. The game is awesome through and through. Managing your merc company reminds me of doing so in Battletech, and the combat feels great. The mechs are varied as one would expect and there are ones that I wouldn't use in all situations. The only part I don't like is the intro to the campaign. It feels a little weak, and the voice acting kind of blows. But I'm not really here for the story, or the voice actors, moreso just to battle with big ass mechs. Definetly check it out. I think it's worth the time and money, and can see myself sinking many hours into this.
I would preface this with that I have never played System Shock before. I had heard of it, thought it looked super interesting, but was afraid the 90s control scheme would put a sour taste in my mouth. Well after watching Mandalore's video on this, and taking some of his recommendations on how to approach it, the game is absolutely brilliant. Once you get used to the controls everything starts to make sense, and feels fairly fluid. The story so far is pretty cool. primarily told through logs, and journal entries. You get a sense of how Shodan took over Citadel, and how she plans to enact her extermination of humanity. You play as a hacker working your way through Citadel base trying to stop Shodan. However you won't get any objective markers, so you really need to pay attention to the data logs, as those provide key insights into what to do, and how to stop the rogue AI. Gameplay wise, it's pretty good for the time I would say. Not perfect by modern standards, but if you are willing to look past that, it's pretty good. Combat consists of hitting them before they hit you, and trying not to get hit, at least for now. I believe there are some cybernetics down the line that I can get that will change that dramatically. Presentation is actually very good. I think it looks really vibrant, and not as grim as a lot of games in the future would look. Areas are very distinguishable, so everywhere has a bit of a different feel. The sprites are good looking, and overall I can't complain. The game goes on sale quite a bit I think so you can grab it for a couple bucks, if you're patient for a sale.. Otherwise go ahead and give it a go, even if you have never played it before. In 2021 it still holds up, and is good fun.
Overall I am really enjoying the game. It's a bit of a throwback to fps's of yesteryear, but it's very much it's own thing. This isn't a doom clone in the slightest. The pace is slower, and at the end of each level you get to spend upgrade points on weapons or spells. Generally with weapons you get a choice between 1 of 2 upgrades. So if you want to experience all the weapons and each of their upgrades you will probably have to playthrough a couple times(unless there is a new game + mode which would be nice). Haven't really touched the spells, but from what I have heard they aren't as satisfying as the guns. Music is solid, I really enjoy it, and the musics seem to fit the feel of the level you are on. There are some pretty cool winks and nods at older games, and some pop culture. Personally I felt that the snow level was very much inspired by John Carpenter's The Thing, and the Egypt level feels like a bit of a throw back to Serious Sam. The options menu really is something to ogle at too. You can customize your game to look exactly as you want. miss limited colors from older hardware? you got it. Want to have it look like you are playing on a CRT? go for it. It is a really cool addition. There are a few things that I don't like. I don't like how short the stages are. most can be completed in a few minutes which is a bit disappointing. Also I feel there could a better visual, or audio representation of taking damage. I sometimes find myself dying without even knowing I was taking damage in the first place. Overall though, I like it. I would recommend picking it up, plus it's only $12.
