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Edited by CodeVantage: 7/29/2014 11:35:03 AM
24

Absolutely Impressive-- Promising, but Still Shaky

[i]The follow will be my opinion of Bungie's Destiny after experiencing 4 days of its Beta. Albeit long, I hope it's a good read and others can relate to some of my concerns or comments about it.[/i] Hmm. [url=http://rack.2.mshcdn.com/media/ZgkyMDEzLzA4LzEyLzFkL21pbmRibG93bi44ZWE0MC5naWYKcAl0aHVtYgkxMjAweDk2MDA-/f76fbcf8/cdc/mind-blown.gif]That was some ride[/url]. As the end of the Beta draws near, I'd like to reflect on Bungie's new game before departing from it with my back turned (and Hunter's cape veered from the sides) until September 9th. In summary, my experience with the game was predominantly positive and every second was [i]just thrilling[/i], the loading screen excepted. However, like all games, Destiny has some major issues that can't escape the sovereign demand of players and some minor personal nitpicks I wish were heard. Yet, even with all these issues regarding the game, Destiny triumphed in being a massively addicting game I couldn't retract from; Destiny definitely redeems itself in being an “overhyped” game. But hear me out, DeeJ, Bungie, and fans alike— these issues still remain a threat to the success of Destiny in a long run. [b]Let's get started on this review.[/b]

 [u]Presentation[/u] There are a lot of comments on YouTube stating how unimpressive the graphics in Destiny are. Some reasoned back that the graphics aren’t amazing because it’s in Alpha/Beta stage, but Bungie will surely improve it in the final build. While there is no confirmation in improved graphics in the final build of Destiny, I personally thought the game looked [i]fantastic[/i] and its graphics, be it in-game or cinematic renders, looked stunning. Sure, Battlefield 4, Halo 4, Crysis 3, and some famous hit titles on PlayStation are graphically superior, but the overall tenor in viewing the Traveler in the beginning cutscene was as overwhelming as seeing the Halo in Combat Evolved and the Forerunner architecture in Halo 4. To pull such a feat with subtly inferior graphics reflects how unbelievably incredible Bungie is and how Destiny is the fruition of their dedicated hard and talented work. [b]So no worries[/b]. Destiny still holds up great graphically at 30 FPS. It can’t possibly hold you back from liking the game when [url=http://cdn2-b.examiner.com/sites/default/files/styles/image_content_width/hash/8b/fc/8bfc9f39b6a4d19a454772352a95cd91.jpg?itok=BmhVsam7] shit like this sells billions[/url]. As for sound and OST, it’s simply [url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pICsOvo9Li0]glorious[/url]. The music absolutely gets you pumped during missions or public events, and the faint soundtrack while exploring or on the menu/tower certainly adds to the mystical essence Bungie wanted to employ in their game. Marty O’Donnell strikes again, and his scores and composition are atmospheric. Here’s the [url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D7E3_hWkWeA]Alpha playlist[/url], the[url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=93bjEF_mAwo&list=UU58eWl3Jzy1mmXLUd9shlvg&index=5] Last Array[/url] soundtrack, and [url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rSUKeDc6qN4&index=3&list=UU58eWl3Jzy1mmXLUd9shlvg]Defending the Ghost[/url] soundtrack. Aside from the soundtrack, the weapon sounds pale in comparison with other FPS games currently. Sound effects could certainly be beefed up as I agree with the complaints that the guns sound like laser weaponry ([url=http://files.abovetopsecret.com/files/img/yh52afa62e.jpg]pew pew pew[/url]). However important the gun sounds are, it certainly doesn’t detract me from the experience Bungie delivered. [u]Content[/u] First off, before articulating the concern about the open-world element of Destiny, I have to address an assurance to all players that this game’s universe is [b]ginormous[/b]. There were some threads on the forum regarding the [url=http://www.bungie.net/en/Forum/Post/66895835/0/0]dissapointing scale the world of Destiny is[/url]. While the original poster states the area impermissible in the Beta were glitched into, this is not true.

[quote] Makeshyft: As one of the people who HAS done said glitches, you're misinformed. The only solid gameplay area able to be glitched into was the Serephim Vault. The other glitches at King's Watch and Skywatch respectively showed none of the areas we were denied access to in the Beta.[/quote] Travel to the Forgotten Shore and move towards the right to face ?? level Fallen Dregs that blocks an entire unexplored region of the Cosmodrome. Head underground on the first shack to your left when you spawn in The Divide to face a Hive dungeon impenetrable with your current level. Move to the Skywatch and enter the Hive’s nest to reach the Jovian Complex, only to be blocked from further entry by rubble and doors. [url=http://i.imgur.com/zOh6jdG.jpg]These are only three examples of nonexplorable regions on Earth[/url], and we’re not even sure if there will be [url=https://trailers.apple.com/trailers/wb/inception/images/poster-large.jpg?lastmod=1]more regions further ahead of these unexplored locations[/url]; [url=http://www.weddingplannernc.com/wp-content/uploads/uploads/2012/04/unnamed.jpg]imagine the places we’ll visit in the full game and other planets[/url]. The only complaint I have in regards to the map is just how small each segment or region is. The Mothyard is probably the largest open area in the entire Cosmodrome, and its size is still just as limited as a large Big Team Battle map in Halo. I expected regions to be as large as ones in Battlefield, seeing that we can travel by Sparrow from one location to another. It’d be pretty sensational to see an entirely barren desert or moon surface to just unobstructedly cruise with your sparrow (perhaps even race with them; hint hint, Bungie). [u]Gameplay[/u] Now we’re at the important part. Ultimately, Destiny is successful being a shared-world first person shooter action role playing game. Yet, there are major problems that Bungie absolutely needs to fix (at the very least, consider) before releasing the final game. It’s evident that the net-code has been an issue in the PvP Crucible game mode: Melee hits won’t register in time (or register at all), some shots from auto rifles land but don’t deal damage, and [i]ridiculous[/i] head shots register even when they hit the torso. Net-codes aren’t the only problem in PvP. Essentially, there’s a lack of balanced game mechanic because of some (or [url=http://img4.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20140726131603/destinypedia/images/5/50/Shingen-C.jpeg]one[/url]) overpowered weapons and class-specific supers during the Beta. I could see why people on forums were so frustrated that Titans and Warlocks had an instant AoE attack that gave them a slight of hand in multiplayer. I’ve heard some people using the Hunter’s super to snipe people, but it fundamentally requires precision skill to actually render the Golden Gun useful. Lastly, I’m unsure how the reward system works, but I rarely got good rewards from the Crucible even when I got first place (and it was frustrating to see someone with only one kill and two assists on my team getting a Legendary equipment). While Bungie stated that one could thoroughly enjoy Destiny by purely playing the Crucible or the Story Missions, it is too far from the truth when players aren’t rewarded with items that intrinsically impacts PvP matches: aside from the overpowered Shingen-C, the Iron Banner does not account for higher level weapon damage, so higher level weapons are significantly superior. Because of the disadvantages in using weaker weaponry or armor, players must enter PvE to practically farm in-game currency (glimmer) or weapons (in engrams or drops) in order to perform adequately against higher leveled players in PvP. This conclusively blisters the game’s enjoyment. But, unlike traditional massively multiplayer online role playing games, the level of grinding for experience in Destiny is [i]minimal[/i]. It only takes less than a few minutes to fully upgrade your weapon or level up your Guardian character, which I [i]sincerely[/i] applaud. Ranking up in the Crucible, Vanguard post, or in the Iron Banner is not difficult, even when you can only gain points by winning matches. It’s great to see that I don’t have to focus on getting my upgrades for my weapon when they manually develop from the [b]potential beast they are[/b] by simply securing missions or playing in the Crucible. The two things I found irritating with the weapon mechanics was that every weapon is unique— stats, sights, and upgrades are different for different copies of the same gun— and that the same gun and weapon tier required you to be at a higher level. It seemed to me that Bungie tried too hard in defining their “unique Guardian” approach here with all the different upgrades. Personally, I didn’t quite like that one Cydonia AR3 was better than another because of its initial base attack value and its upgrade being more useful. I hope this will never be the case for rare, legendary, and exotic weapons. Essentially, there should be a freedom for how to upgrade your gun instead of being limited to the available ones present on the gun you picked up (I want my damn Red Dot sight on my Jigoku SR3— [b]screw the truesight[/b]!). In regards for the weapon levels, I found it kind of weird to see two Shingen-C models with but one accessible at level 8 and the other 10. I can only hope the final build won't copy paste the same guns from the previous levels because they're out of ideas for next level weapons. [u]TL;DR[/u] Destiny is an amazing game with some flaws that can’t be overlooked. However, it will certainly deliver in the final build seeing how dedicated Bungie has been. I hope these addressed issues were heard. Please post away about your opinions (or critiques in my own opinions :P).

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  • One thing I think you should add to your review under the sound category is the voice acting. I don't think it is very good, myself.

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  • Bump

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  • I think you are just about right on every issue you stated

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    • Fantastic writing some of the best I've seen on these forums thank you for taking the time and writing an in depth review. I would like to add I feel as if the difficulty of the missions/strikes were incredibly easy and not a challenge at all [spoiler]ive been in the "unbeatable" "dungeon" that you refered to and... It's not a dungeon it's a small room with a loot crate in it[/spoiler]

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      • In relation to leveling, keep in mind level isn't everything. It takes much longer to cap your sub class abilities which is what was important in my opinion. Even after being capped for some time, I don't think my abilities reached the beta cap.

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      • What solid writing! I think I can agree with most things that you said. Umm as for leveling I would like it to be a bit harder. I feel that destiny is a game about achieving the guardian that is the ultimate guardian for you and if you reach level cap to quickly you will miss some of the point of becoming a legend. I am a college student as well but even between school and work I want to put time into making the most bad ass hunter I can. Seeing how even with the limited equipment I could get in the beta I could make my hunter look pretty sweet. So In the end I would mind it being harder. My biggest concern with the beta was all the connection issues I had with my friends. There were a lot of times when I couldn't even connect with them or hear them talking. This was annoying because it happened all throughout the beta. So maybe take a quick peek bungie? This game is gonna be addictingly fun. I had more fun just playing the beta then I have playing some of the of hit games this year. I can't wait for this game. It's gonna be crazy. Any who as I said before that was an excellent review that covers most of my major issues with the beta. And hopefully we get a chance to play together (or against one another) when the actual game comes ouy. Well until next time peeps! :)

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        • Edited the thread in regards to the same weapon being accessible at different levels.

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        • SO much [url=http://i.imgur.com/FMDHZ8r.jpg]Doctor Nope[/url]. Sorry Brah I don't agree with you. 114+ Hours on the Beta 50+ on the Alpha. First graphically inferior? were you playing on Xbone? Xbox360. I would say this game is graphically superior. Those vistas visuals, level of detail. Did you even Check out the [url=http://www.twitch.tv/sirproper/c/4764328]moon[/url]? I can in no way say that the graphics are inferior. at most different. I think you need some more bass driver in your speaker those guns had punch, maybe the Hz is too low for whatever system you were using. The only part I do agree with you on is scope. I glitched into every region that was available, or that we knew about and I must say we are in for a lot more. Seraphim Vault actually has more than the area you could explore, as the other part was locked by doors, but you could see darkness gates in the back definitely implying that we would be in there. Jovian complex was huge. King's Watch was some what compact, but it had a lot of areas and an ULTRA CAPTAIN!!! HYPE!!! The Lost grotto, was fairly small, but I am not certain that there won't be more in there later. The set up seemed like a staging point. I have video exploring it. (will be posted and linked soon.) The moon was massive as well. Dat Hellmouth was awesome! Gamplay issues... I ran into some of the netcode issues people have complained about, but it was so few and far between I rarely noticed it, maybe once in like 6 matches. I cannot in anyway agree that any of the supers were overpowered nor a single weapon. I ran with a few MLG competitors and their preferences in guns varied significantly. If the pro's are divided than I am sure there isn't one best, or at least it can be countered. Now if you mentioned how Handcannons just don't work I might have agreed with you. The handing out of rewards was a little odd especially in the Iron Banner matches. They made no indication as to what earned what, but I ended up with 4 timur's lash....Seriously. This isn't an MMO, but just so you know they said they accelerated the leveling for the Beta, although compared to the Alpha it was SLOW.... At your level all greens started at an attack of 57 and when fully upgraded were 62 there was no variance. It was predicated by level. A 9 or 10 level weapon should be better. IT requires you to be a higher level. You played at most two pvp types not sure if you noticed but there was at least 6. I can't remember the actual count and for some reason I have no pics. Stats were never different for the same gun only variants had varying stats. Like the Jigoku SR3-SL was different from a Jigoku SR3, but unless affected by a scope option all the Jigoku SR3 had the same base stats. Although there were 4 different scout rifle types available to use, in case you didn't know. I preferred the ACOG on my Jigoku, just saying. On Rares and higher you will have 3 scope options, 3 launch options, 3 mag, and or 3 ammo options some combination of those and usually two bonuses and two attack upgrades. [url=http://imgur.com/a/z4XFd#0]Check out these guns bro![/url] I can respect some of where you are coming from, but some of your points didn't feel supported by the actual games. I know personal perception always plays a part, but in this case. Too many points that I can't agree with.

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          • Keep the comments coming!

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          • That was very well constructed

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            • That "hive dungeon" you mentioned is actually a couple rooms with a chest or 2. Nothing much there

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              • Great post, I thoroughly enjoy reading well informed posts. Just want to throw in my 2 cents: The rate at which you build supers should be decreased by roughly 25% to 33% - I've read tons of complaints about the 1 shot kill nature of this game (I think that claim is greatly exaggerated) and the get out of jail free thing. So maybe if the rate was reduced people would need to be more selective. Secondly make it so we can see if a teammate/opponent has a stored super (in the same way we can see their health, gamertag/psn id) - this removes the random factor from encounters and allows well co-ordinated teams and smart players to plan accordingly (1 of the aspects dt put halo in a league of it's own) in addition to giving added intel for those scouting the terrain Reduce the height of the killbox from the titan and warlock super - self explanatory, but this ties into my previous points. If you've been able to predict when your opponent has, or is about to use, a super you should be able to almost 'bait it out' and dodge it when at a certain height. This may help with the whole 'get outta jail free' thing also Slightly increase kill time for non headshots - this one is not as big a priority for the competitive future of the game, I think the killtimes as they are work well. But anything that encourages and rewards headshots and steady aim are welcome (I'm an OG goldeneye, perfect dark, timesplitters and unreal dude also). Buff the pulse rifle and hand cannon - I think my previous suggestion may aid in this as these are designed to be precision weapons, no? Headshots need to matter more with these (esp with the pulse). I'm not even gonna lie and claim to have all the answers but buffs are in order based on the general feedback. Maybe make pulse rifle hip fire more viable and consistent so you can be more mobile whilst shooting (not to dissimilar to the halo BR/carbine). By mobile I'm referring to strafing and jumping, not double jumping or gliding.

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                • Bump?

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                • Going to edit some parts to make arguments more solid. Go ahead and read the comments as well as they also hold valuable and sound contributions to the improvement of Destiny!

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                • Edited by Caytus The Heir: 7/28/2014 10:46:48 AM
                  Only problem i had with what you said was when you said "the Iron Banner does not account for higher level weapon damage, so higher level weapons are significantly superior. Because of the disadvantages in using weaker weaponry or armor, players must enter PvE to practically farm in-game currency (glimmer) or weapons (in engrams or drops) in order to perform adequately against higher leveled players in PvP. This conclusively blisters the game’s enjoyment." That is whole point of iron banner, your stats COUNT, if you want more balanced/fair pvp, go play the other playlists in release that make all guns and armor a certain stat to make it fair. Apart from that, good post.

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                  • Be sure to click the links to get the full review experience (I think they're funny :/)

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                  • Edited by Ripley: 7/28/2014 9:50:17 AM
                    The guns you're refferimg to [u]are[/u] laser weaponry. Why is it weird that a higher level weapon has a higher damage score? Weapon unique traits is actually fun for most of us, and shouldn't be standardized. Then its too cookie-cutter and takes away from getting exactly the right drop, and the fun of loot is diminished. Your getting ahead of yourself talking about how fast things level up, since Bungie already told us we were on an accelerated experince gain for the beta. Its going to take at least a bit more work in the final release.

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                    • I just realized some links weren't working. Damnit. Let's try again.

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                    • Holy crap... a sane individual with the ability to share an opinion without calling someone a hore, bich, faker, newb, or gay. I think I love you, what gender are you, if male, does your state allow heterosexual marriage?

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                      • Let it be heard!

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                      • Thanks for the tl;dr version :).

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                        • I was going to go on about trade but the thread's long as it is.

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                        • I enjoyed reading your opinions, however I feel like I have to comment when you said that leveling up your character was easy. It has already been confirmed that leveling was severely accelerated for the purpose of the beta. So "no lifers" will still hold a higher level always than people who have things to do in real life. But that comes from any game with level gains. I got to level 8 in less than 4 hours, with no help from anyone else. That would mean you could get to level 20 in... maybe a day? That doesn't seem likely for what is supposed to be the AAA game of the year. Just thought I'd share. :)

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                          • TL;DR Destiny is an amazing game with some flaws that can’t be overlooked. However, it will certainly deliver in the final build seeing how dedicated Bungie has been. I hope these addressed issues were heard. Please post away about your opinions (or critiques in my own opinions :P).

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