I bought this based on some of the reviews. I was expecting something. But all I got was an old game that performs poorly on modern hardware, a joke for an interface, and ugly... I have yet to find one redeeming thing to say about it. Even the manual fails to show the bizarre key layout. All the higher reviews don't say what they actually liked about the game. Maybe it is the only game they have ever played? I just don't get it. I only gave it a 2 for trying to be Privateer. You are better off playing the first Privateer.
I see a lot of comparisons and expectations in other reviews. Taken on it's own, this game is fun and entertaining. The trade seems a little too easy, but I was never much on the trading side anyway. I am older so I am playing on 'easy' ;) I just want to have a good time and not prove anything. Story seems good so far. Yes, missions are just cookie cutter, but ALL games of this ilk are like that. Event the famed Mount and Blade. This and Rebel Galaxy Outlaw are my go to space games now. Easy to get into and fun to play. I don't want a Astronaut University degree to play a game. Hello Elite dangerous, I am talking to you. OK, it is not that bad, but for the steep learning curves of other games it better have that much more fun!
This is probably one of the best games I have played. And I have played a lot. If is sounds like I am gushing, I am. In short it is Thief like but with the charm of 'A Princess Bride'. It is kid friendly (no killing) but fun for adults. If you want to kill and fight things, this game is not for you. The story and lore were amazing. The levels not too big. The game not too long (30 hours). Note however that you will be going over the same areas over and over on your many quests. But the levels were so maze like, and organic, that they never seemed stale and boring. The levels and missions were designed in such a way that it almost forces you to see everything. There were just a few missions that I never completed. There is not much in the way of AI. The rat guards have their standard posts and walk paths. But this did not detract from the fun of trying to figure out how to best elude them. The graphics were wonderful (occasional glitch near walls), the interface slick and easy to use and follow. The characters charming and well thought out. A game well worth the price. Brilliant. The end leaves an obvious sequel to be created. Let's hope it happens.
I will just say I enjoyed it. Very linear. Good story. Characters really felt real to me. Well written. Looks great. 14 - 15 hours game play on easy. Not much strategy. Pick the perks and weapons you want. Tag team the bad guys. And watch them do your bidding.
Play a few hours, close the program and it will place you right back at the start. That sucks the fun right out of it. It doesn't even hint at if there is a save system. I will not waste another couple of consecutive hours to find out. If you think games should be fun, and not torture, then don't even buy this on sale. The art style looks great, but that is about it.
I am not sure why all the flack? It is fun and the writing is entertaining. I find the text based quests challenging (but not impossible), and fun. Even the space battles are text based. Now I stand a chance! If you like good story, witty writing and text based games give it a try. It makes me think of the old style text based games, but in an evolving universe. Much better.
If you can't save when you want, the game is useless to me. I don't have unlimited time to play as long as the game developer thinks I should. Bad enough with lame console games artificially trying to make a game harder or more interesting. Fail. This game may have been interesting. Now I will never know. Delete.
The menu and item system are insane. The controls some of the worst in any game I have played. And it starts with a lackluster linear narow fencing paths with waves of boring zombies? And checkpoint saves? Who wants to reapeat these levels. To be honest, I gave up after 30 minutes. I don't care how amazing the story might hae become, I will never find out. The tourture is not worth it.
