Ubi Soft: Guns Blazing

[Aku]

Ubi Soft is coming out with Ghost Recon 2, as well as expansions to Far Cry and Rainbow Six 3. Looks like they're staking their claim to dominate the FPS market.

[mandark]

Ubi Soft is coming out with Ghost Recon 2, as well as expansions to Far Cry and Rainbow Six 3. Looks like they're staking their claim to dominate the FPS market.

I sure hope that Ubi Soft enables some form of jumping for Ghost Recon 2. The original Ghost Recon was great. But there was nothing more frustrating than having to navigate around a small cravice, or ledge, therefore exposing one's self to fire, since the soldiers are unable to jump anywhere.

Of course I wouldn't want GR2 to become a jumpfest like some other FPS games so a stamina bar should be added so a soldier can only jump high with the initial jump and the secondary jumping will be more like a skip.

[Aku]

I sure hope that Ubi Soft enables some form of jumping for Ghost Recon 2. The original Ghost Recon was great. But there was nothing more frustrating than having to navigate around a small cravice, or ledge, therefore exposing one's self to fire, since the soldiers are unable to jump anywhere.

Of course I wouldn't want GR2 to become a jumpfest like some other FPS games so a stamina bar should be added so a soldier can only jump high with the initial jump and the secondary jumping will be more like a skip.

Besides the inability to jump, realism in Ghost Recon is hampered by that old FPS chestnut: the impassible incline. There's a 30 degree slop to you left. Can you climb it? Nope, gotta go around. I long for the day when environments allow total freedeom of movement. So, If I want to stupidly go off the trail and climb up some rock face, pulling down gravel and dirt as I claw my way up, inch by inch, I can do it.

[Suicides-by-Steve]

You know, while I love Far Cry, I have to say it just doesn't contain the same shock value that Doom 64 or Half-Life had... Goes to show that spooky lighting, and bump-mapping doesn't make the game. Those genetically modified creatures desperately need to be re-skinned into something with less of a budget-title look. The Baron of Hell wannabe's as well aren't particularly frightening either. Those jumping spazzes though are pretty wicked- but invisible soldiers, elite tactical units- yawn...

Maybe instead of constantly spending time and money trying to push the graphic bar, the time should be spent on existing engines, making the uber game... Chrome's engine for instance could still be ekked for a bit more IMO, not too mention Warfare, Lithtech etc... Graphics only improve the look of the gameplay, it doesn't make the gameplay itself...

[moya]

I long for the day when environments allow total freedeom of movement. So, If I want to stupidly go off the trail and climb up some rock face, pulling down gravel and dirt as I claw my way up, inch by inch, I can do it.

Operation Flashpoint.

[Hieremias]

I long for the day when environments allow total freedeom of movement. So, If I want to stupidly go off the trail and climb up some rock face, pulling down gravel and dirt as I claw my way up, inch by inch, I can do it.
Far Cry. Chrome. Morrowind.

But yeah, I feel your frustration with Ghost Recon. Steve will hate me for this, but Ghost Recon blows, the ridiculous limitations on your movement are only one reason.

[Aku]

Far Cry. Chrome. Morrowind.

All game I haven't played yet, heh-heh.

[moya]

You haven't played Morrowind?!

[Aku]

You haven't played Morrowind?!

Nope. Just one in a long list of games I haven't gotten to. You see, I always wanted to play GTA3 so I got that. Then I played through Ghost Recon and Desert Thunder. Then I went on a combat flight sim binge. And I was playing a lot of Civ 3 and Alpha Centauri for awhile. Then I finished Rogue Spear. Then I went back and played Grim Fandango all the way through. Now I'm about three quarters of the way through another old game (that I'm keeping mum about until I finish and write the review). Then there's Mechwarrior 3. And I just picked up VC: First Alpha. And I would like to get Vice City next. The last rpg I played was Throne of Bhaal. I would like to play Morrowind, and one day I'll get to it. It took me five years to get to Baldur's Gate, so I still have time. :)

[Suicides-by-Steve]

Well, when it comes down to it- the true tactical nature of GR is superb... Nothing can beat the gritty feel of the game. However, the terrain limitations DO suck; however, they're not exactly ALL over the place. Many of the maps take place in urban settings too, where 45 degree angles are not exactly commonplace. I wouldn't say the game blows because of it though. They probably did it for LOS vs AI reasons (that would be my guess). I also prefer not being ABLE to run over a cliff face.

If I were to counterpoint your claims on those games you mentioned, I could and will. The limitations of the slopes in those games are just as frustrating- you feel like you could just perch on that slope, and instead, you hit the apex of the polygons, and over the top you go- sliding to where ever. Well, WHY can't I put my foot on that tree trunk and use it for support? Another thing I have found in Far Cry in particular is the fact that on some slopes (while prone), it's impossible to move your head up past a certain point- you actually have to crouch to re-position yourself- even though it's physically possible. Perhaps GR tried to actively avoid situations like these?

And I can't believe you've never played Morrowind Aku- shame on you!!

[Aku]

And I can't believe you've never played Morrowind Aku- shame on you!!


I have no shame. Geez, I can't play everything you know!

[Aku]

Speaking of first person shooters, VC: Fist Alpha is a nice expansion to Vietcong. It's got the same great production values as the original, plus all the major bugs with VC have already been fixed so it plays great out of the box. The enemy AI is probably unchanged, but the game is tougher than the original. I've just played the first two missions, but the foliage is even denser and the enemy harder to see. I've been getting pasted, end even my teammates have been taking more lead than in the first game. First two maps were a little too linear, but lots of great action. Game has the same great atmosphere as the original. The story is actually a prequel, covering the establishment of camp Nui Pek about eight months before Vietcong takes place. Good solid FPS.