APB: Finally, I Can Be A PUNK!

[Threash]

I maxed out fashionista during the early start and it didn't unlock half the things in there.

[Koyasha]

Wow.  I don't think I've seen any game actually show numbers on this in real-time since EQ stopped doing it.  In APB, you can use the /pop command to see how many people are on the server, showing total, enforcers, and criminals, as well as how many in the district.  Not sure that'll be directly useful, but it's interesting.

[FatuousTwat]

I ran into my first entire group of hyper-aggressive cat-assers, who proceeded to kill my entire group in about two seconds with their quad upgraded weapons, spam district with UR CLAN IS NEWB HUR HUR and then follow us when we moved to a different district.

Thankfully, these types usually have the attention span of dogs, so they will be moving on to a new game soon, I hope.

[Furiously]

I fully expect most of the server will be doing the same thing.

I also have not seen anything from RTW about aimbots and what all their "profiling" did. It's a bit too common for my liking. Also... nerf the star.

But. There is still a lot of fun to be found.

[Kageru]

"Fun" is not a very interesting topic to discuss given it's entirely personal and subjective. There is no game in existence *someone* will not find fun (especially here).

However the way RTW's game design is intrinsically imbalanced, exploitable and has little to offer other than fashion disasters and a half-assed shooter which will lead to bored griefers is fascinating. Please keep us updated on how it evolves in practice.

[Mrbloodworth]

I'm still having an insane amount of fun. I think some people are worrying about what APB is not, and can't just play it for what it is. Sure it has flaws, but as I said before, its looseness is part of its charm IMO. There is nothing wrong really with how the shooter bits are, its just different and was never intended to be a hyper realistic Modern warfare shooter. Once you get past that this game is really its own thing, and not trying to be a pure RPG or a pure shooter, its extremely refreshing. I have never personally enjoyed shooters with head shots, so I prefer games with out them, games with head shots usually devolve into just one thing for me, unseen head shots. IMO most session based shooters are worse than MMG, they are a bunch of people playing together, alone just worrying about being top of the kill board. So I highly enjoy the large amount of emphasis placed on teams and working together, we had some brilliant examples of this going on last night.

I hear complaints about "content" and "repetitiveness", every time I read this I think about how in most shooters, they are the most repetitive things in the world, with only one game mode per session. Where as APB has every game mode I can think of from session based FPS/TPS games, and some unique to it, but randomly strung together in a chain of missions, only the maps doesn't reset when you are done, so downtime is really low (more so for criminals).

Game balance to me, has been fine. Sure, the match making isn't fair sometimes, you can be outnumbered. I don't have an issue with this because I don't have the need for everything to be completely 1:1 all the time, in fact its part of what keeps it exciting. Last night we have many matches that we were outnumbered, yet we still overcame in the end. Quite a number of times we were 3 VS 5, or 4 VS 5, including me continuity getting star rank 5 (entire criminal side can shoot me), we still won. We also lost many times too, sometimes in spectacular fashion!. But that just made the wins that much sweeter. Not because we are awesome, but because we worked together. If your sole goal is kills, you are missing the point I think. If your sole goal is winning all the time, I think perhaps you will not enjoy something as dynamic as APB can be.

I think in a lot of ways, games have become to congratulatory for nothing, APB is a game that continually throws challenges at you, including at times overwhelming odds.

We meet a good deal of tough opposition, some more than once, but just about every time witty banter, and lolz were had on both sides. While arresting some fools, some even pleaded with me that they had children to feed, so they could not go to jail (OMG Role play!!). I tried talking a criminal into just letting me arrest him at one point because I had him dead to rights in a standoff for a bit, it distracted him long enough for Aveline to sneak up behind him and murder his face.   Hay, I gave him the option :)

Honestly, I think the main problem for APBs acceptance is the fact that to many come in to it expecting it to be something its not, so somehow its inferior, and never see it for what it is doing and the merits it has. I do not think the 10 hours in the KTTC was enough times for people to adapt to the games game play, and it left many with the wrong impression, not to mention created a good deal of anxiety and urgency because of the limited time frame, that just lead to frustration.

On the subject of hacks: In beta there was a good deal, last night in a 5-7 hour session, I did not run into anyone I would suspect of cheating. Better shots than me? Sure, but nothing I thought was suspect. I can see a lot of things in the game such as the unified hit box perhaps being interpreted as a hack (you think you are in cover but are not). Game modes such as VIP or bounty that gives a side the player target location, ETC..

As far as ass hats, yeah, its a shooter, on the internets.  

And just as a disclaimer, I am at best mediocre at shooters, I never claim to be supper awesome at them. And as some who have played various games in the past with me cant attest, I will gladly throw myself into the fray if it means delaying the opposition while you sink the goal, death does not overly concern me most times. I enjoy games that run hot and cold. I'm not posting this to get anyone to play, just to share my experiences.

[Lantyssa]

Honestly, I think the main problem for APBs acceptance is the fact that to many come in to it expecting it to be something its not, so somehow its inferior, and never see it for what it is doing and the merits it has. I do not think the 10 hours in the KTTC was enough times for people to adapt to the games game play, and it left many with the wrong impression, not to mention created a good deal of anxiety and urgency because of the limited time frame, that just lead to frustration.

My main problem was that I felt like I was fighting the interface the entire time.  It's as simple as that.

[01101010]

That's actually not a bad write up Blood. I am still not buying the game 

This is the only shooter where I died way more than I killed and I am not convinced its because I am a poor FPS player. Even when I managed to get the controls to cooperate, I still managed to die while plugged my opponent the entire fire fight. When that kinda shit happens, I hit the exit/uninstall key. I don't mind losing in a fair fight, but I do mind dying repeatedly without much I can do about it. The game was cool otherwise, but the actual fight interactions were severely lacking for myself.

[caladein]

The problem from a multiplayer shooter perspective is not so much that the shooting is poor (it is), it's that there's only two maps.  There are a fixed number of very defensible positions.

When the missions invariably turn into Team Deathmatch-variants (which does happen a little less than in Beta), the team that is able to get to one of those positions and set up is probably going to win that mission.  It's already corners-in-L4D in the head start.  Now yes, there are ways for the game to screw with groups that are doing very well: being at Notoriety 4+ means the matchmaking is going to be unbalanced against you but being at Notoriety 5 isn't actually much of an extra burden outside of also being the VIP (because then you risk losing your position and being left out in the open upon respawning).

Really though, new players are either going to learn to use these specific positions or quit in frustration.  Going up against someone that has more experience, better equipment, and knows how to use the terrain, even when you can outnumber them is just untenable.  And no, the matchmaking doesn't really fix that because you either wind up going against the same 4-person group plus 2-3 others or you just work through cycles of YourThreat-5 half-PUGs until the district dries up.

That's not to say I haven't had a lot of fun the past couple of nights, but without a ready-made group of friends to play it with it's completely pointless.

[Sky]

Ok, let me ask this then (because GWAR does have some muzak versions of stuff) do you know of a site or a way someone that is not musically inclined can figure out how to translate to the blocks in the editor?

The left side represents pitch, it's a keyboard, basically. The blocks represent the notes you want to play, and the length of them represents time. From my quick look in beta, it seems you're limited to 4/4 time (one piece I wanted to put in was in 6/8 and I remember being frustrated). Or at least some division of four, I guess if you see the subdivisions as eighth notes you can do 3/4 but waltz/shuffle is probably going to be tough.

Anyway, you'll have to have at least a rudimentary knowledge of standard notation (to identify the note values and pitch) and keyboard layout (to transfer it to the music editor).

[Mrbloodworth]

There are two places, one in each map, that have one way up and have a 270 degrees roof coverage to that way up for those on the roof, and no other buildings in the area that match the height with opportunities to at least get a sniper covering the roof.

I hope they address this, because its down right stupid and such a huge advantage, I don't even try any more. Its something I have been voicing sense beta, so I hope its something they address.

Just about every other spot has at least 3 routes to assault, so they don't bother me so much.

Anyway, you'll have to have at least a rudimentary knowledge of standard notation (to identify the note values and pitch) and keyboard layout (to transfer it to the music editor).

 

Thanks but I think, I just need someone to do it for me and make me one, i'll gladly pay RTW points for the effort.

[Chinchilla]

I'm suffering from massive withdrawal.  Haven't been able to play at all these past few days.  I played on Sunday, but no more.  I'm going insane!  Too much work and damn Real Life.

[Threash]

I've been accused of cheating three times so far today, i'm not even that good.

[Mrbloodworth]

I've been accused of cheating three times so far today, i'm not even that good.

Don't get me started.

I go on a VIP mission, and suddenly I am a hacker because I knew just where the VIP was. 

People hide behind exploded cars, and I shoot them threw it, so I must be a hacker. 

People hide behind wooden fences, and I still shoot them, so I must be a hacker. 

People hide behind a short wall, and I still hit them (they though making a tiny girl would help them) So I must be a hacker. 

People make bright pink outfits, and I killed them while in shadow, so I must be a hacker.   

[EvilJohn]

Cheaters never win, Mr B.

[Mrbloodworth]

Cheaters never win, Mr B.

Fo shame on me!

[Koyasha]

There are two places, one in each map, that have one way up and have a 270 degrees roof coverage to that way up for those on the roof, and no other buildings in the area that match the height with opportunities to at least get a sniper covering the roof.

I hope they address this, because its down right stupid and such a huge advantage, I don't even try any more. Its something I have been voicing sense beta, so I hope its something they address.

Just about every other spot has at least 3 routes to assault, so they don't bother me so much

I found that one really annoying cause the spot is unassailable if you get 2-3 people up there.  They can concentrate their fire on the one ladder point.  There's no option to just peek over the edge and fire, but even if there was, it would still be unassailable with three people up there.  If it had three ladder points it would still make one hell of an awesome defensive position, but at least it would be possible to do, since you could coordinate your attack to come from three sides at once, and at least one of you will likely survive long enough to kill someone, then you just gotta stop them from getting back upstairs.

We meet a good deal of tough opposition, some more than once, but just about every time witty banter, and lolz were had on both sides. While arresting some fools, some even pleaded with me that they had children to feed, so they could not go to jail (OMG Role play!!). I tried talking a criminal into just letting me arrest him at one point because I had him dead to rights in a standoff for a bit, it distracted him long enough for Aveline to sneak up behind him and murder his face.   Hay, I gave him the option :)

Also, I did not know that you were doing that, and that is awesomely hilarious.    I'm such a terrible shot most of the time I'm happy when I successfully kill anyone at all.  Can't remember whether you were still there or had gone to bed already for the one where I rambo'd three guys and somehow managed to kill them all, but I was in stunned disbelief that I actually managed to do that, cause I usually die even 1 vs 1 and I start shooting first.

[Mrbloodworth]

Also, I did not know that you were doing that, and that is awesomely hilarious.    I'm such a terrible shot most of the time I'm happy when I successfully kill anyone at all.  Can't remember whether you were still there or had gone to bed already for the one where I rambo'd three guys and somehow managed to kill them all, but I was in stunned disbelief that I actually managed to do that, cause I usually die even 1 vs 1 and I start shooting first.

Yeah, it was in the mall. I was laying down fire with my rifle when you came up the stairs, I watched you rambo them while holding the package (I did get some hits in, so that helped I am sure but you got all the kills I think), but it was awesome indeed. Teamwork is a fine fine thing.

And yeah, I know the VOIP was spotty last night at times, maybe thats why you didn't hear me (others did), but I was camping one of those guys in some hallway, I noticed you were creeping around to flank and I had the guy kinda stuck in a corner, one of us was going to die (or be arrested) if we made the wrong move. So I started talking to him about just giving up, he was sitting there telling me to fuck off when you came kicking in the door and gunned him down.  

Good times.

[TripleDES]

I'm still not sure how the goddamn shooting works. Three stray bullets from a SMG and I'm dead. Me doing five or more confirmed hits (the crosshair indicator flashing) on a guy with an Obeya or similar jokes, he's still running.

[Mrbloodworth]

I'm still not sure how the goddamn shooting works. Three stray bullets from a SMG and I'm dead. Me doing five or more confirmed hits (the crosshair indicator flashing) on a guy with an Obeya or similar jokes, he's still running.

The SMG is really a close range gun, good for in your face action. The game uses distance damage drop off though (where that is, I don't know), so while you may be hitting, you are not doing full damage. The obeya is a med-longish rifle. I see a lot SMG users make this mistake.

So, I can only assume he was barely in your range. Of course there could have been other factors (like, you could get a mod that increases range a bit), but baring those, this may be your answer?

[TripleDES]

The targets were usually mid to long range. Due to age, I'm not really the best at shooters anymore, but hey...

Also, death tunes don't seem to make that much monies, altho mine are all ripped from electronic music.

[Mrbloodworth]

The targets were usually mid to long range. Due to age, I'm not really the best at shooters anymore, but hey...

Having not been there, I can only guess. You could try to feel out the range with a group mate.

Also, death tunes don't seem to make that much monies, altho mine are all ripped from electronic music.

You should make me one. 

[Chinchilla]

The SMG is really a close range gun, good for in your face action. The obeya is a med-longish rifle. I see a lot SMG users make this mistake.

I bought a SMG because I kept dying to the damn things.  I never realized that their range totally sucks.  I am going back to my OEM even though I have to twitch my firing finger like crazy hell to get some fast shooting in.

[TripleDES]

You should make me one.  

I made Ghosts'n'Stuff from deadmau5 and Majuro from Sebastien Leger. But also only because I've Ableton projects of these things here. Easy to copy the notes  I wish the goddamn music editor would come with an analog synth, tho. And more time than 5 seconds.

And I made an original one, too. I can send you copies if you want, if you're on Patriot. Check my shit on the market, under nick Kayleigh.

[Mrbloodworth]

I'm on LaRocha, sadly.

[EvilJohn]

Heya TripleD,

You can also make longer tracks but they cannot be used as death themes, only as songs played out from your playlist.

[Mrbloodworth]

Ok, this is just to cool (No i didn't make it):


So much awesome stuff being made.

[Threash]

OMG its the geek squad car from Chuck, that's awesome.  Dude should've made his char look like him though.  Question: can you stack more than one of the same mod on a weapon?

[01101010]

Like I said, the customization in this game is very well done. I made Rude and Reno from the Turks in Euro-beta and was very satisfied with their uncanny looks. Sadly, its playing the game that is a sticking point... but the making of the toys and dressing up my dollies was outstanding.

[Chinchilla]

Got to play some this morning.  Last night girlfriend dragged me to Eclipse.  Ugh is all I can say.

I really need some practice at chilling out.  I get all antsy when a APB goes out on me and I know the enemy is nearby.  I am so out of practice on FPS.

Oh and I hate those damn NTEC's.

[Sky]

Like I said, the customization in this game is very well done.

Yeah, that's not really in question. The reason I didn't spend more time with the music editor, and let's be honest, I could sit and crank out cool stuff all night long once I learned the tools, is that the game isn't appealing. The reason I'd sit in the costume editor for CO/CoX for hours getting it just right is that the game was fun (ymmv). This game's customization is great and I wish it were in a game I'd want to play.

[Mrbloodworth]

Question: can you stack more than one of the same mod on a weapon?

I don't think they stack, stack.

Also, awesome footage.

[Threash]

My footage would be about eight hours worth of the guys she's killing.

[TripleDES]

In my opinion, the mods start showing their effects. If someone heals 10% faster, survives 10% more bullets and does 10% more damage, all that adds up to a lot.

[Threash]

Well it looks like servers are down.