Earth Defence Force: Insect Armageddon

[Deuteros]

Judging from what has been shown, the best I can say about this game is that it may turn out to be fun, but it certainly doesn't feel like an EDF game. Something, somewhere along the line, seems to have gotten lost...

What if we sent an email to Vicious Cycle inviting them to drop by this thread for a chat? Maybe we could get some input across that might help shape the game into something a bit closer to its heritage.

It would have to start with something a bit more come-hither than 'Dear ****s', though.

[Sketcz]

That's a good idea. We're fans of the series, we're a known site, some of us on here are actual developers (I think), maybe we could be a focus group to offer advice.

Failing that, dear ****s sounds at least entertaining.

Maybe if we all send an email - that'd be about 10-20, right?

[Number45]

If you want to invite a developer for some open, constructive discussion I would suggest that getting them in this thread is the LAST thing you should do.

[Brats]

maybe we could be a focus group to offer advice.

If I were a developer, the last thing I would do would be to take advise from a load of nerds on a forum.

Granted from what we've seen this game has issues, but it's incredibly early to write it off. Wind Waker and SF4 were games that were panned by forums all over the planet based on early videos yet most people made a complete u-turn. Gamers are the most fickle people on the planet.

I don't see the game as the disaster that others do....yet. Sure the number of ants on screen is too low, but maybe they kept the number down in the previews so that the frame rate would still be stable. I know that rarme rate doesn't really matter (especially in EDF games) but it matters to some and I can see why they would rather keep the game looking smooth and stable in the early previews before they add bajillions of ants.

The fact that the game is called 'Insect Armageddon' (which is a great title) gives me some sembalnce of hope that the developer knows what they are dealing with. Seeing the ants fly away like paper mache is a good thing too (yet no-ones picked up on it in this thread).

It does look too brown, but maybe this is a specific section of the game?

It's 6 to 9 months away. For a game like this, I'm not that surprised it looks a bit ropey in the previews.

[prinnysquad]

If you want to invite a developer for some open, constructive discussion I would suggest that getting them in this thread is the LAST thing you should do.

Agreed. This thread is a sounding board for frustrations about the way things appear to be going. Better to email en masse with clear, reasoned concerns set out. Shame about the Dear ****s thing though.

Edit; Oh, and get bent for suggesting this thread hasn't been full of open, constructive discussion! There's some deep analysis hidden amongst the swearing and cusses.

If I were a developer, the last thing I would do would be to take advise from a load of nerds on a forum.

Speak for youself, sailor.

Granted from what we've seen this game has issues, but it's incredibly early to write it off. Wind Waker and SF4 were games that were panned by forums all over the planet based on early videos yet most people made a complete u-turn. Gamers are the most fickle people on the planet.

I don't see the game as the disaster that others do....yet. Sure the number of ants on screen is too low, but maybe they kept the number down in the previews so that the frame rate would still be stable. I know that rarme rate doesn't really matter (especially in EDF games) but it matters to some and I can see why they would rather keep the game looking smooth and stable in the early previews before they add bajillions of ants.

The fact that the game is called 'Insect Armageddon' (which is a great title) gives me some sembalnce of hope that the developer knows what they are dealing with. Seeing the ants fly away like paper mache is a good thing too (yet no-ones picked up on it in this thread).

It does look too brown, but maybe this is a specific section of the game?

It's 6 to 9 months away. For a game like this, I'm not that surprised it looks a bit ropey in the previews.

The only thing to base my opinion on about the game so far is what the developers have deigned to show me. If that provokes a bad reaction, then it's unfortunate. But beyond that, all I have left is hope. It's the reality vs the imagination at the moment. The reality of what I've seen is a huge let down, leaving hope and imagination to provide refuge. Almost everything on the wishlist has been seemingly shat down.

The reality is that we seem, from the videos, previews and press release, to have less of everything; bar framerate and 'armor'. The game is set in one city, so a diverse range of environments looks unlikely. We also have less weapons. And less size. We've had local coop stripped, which is terrible news, as it betrays a real lack of understanding about the appeal of the series.

If the videos do indeed show less of everything, in a tepid setting, to show off a spiffing framerate, then things are undoubtedly more encouraging. I'd argue, however, that the payoff has been questionable. Many, many old fans seem unimpressed, and is the footage really good enough to make noobs stand up and take notice? This will be seen when the reviews and sales numbers pour in. I really do think they've missed a trick not showing off onrushing dozens. The footage so far is desperately uninspired.

I would like nothing better than to be 100% completely wrong about this game. I really hope that it does have varied locales, a lovely art style elsewhere, and quality sound. I would love to see the hordes of big ants swarm towards me on first level, blocking the screen and setting my adrenaline pumping. It would be fantastic to see a wide variety of enemies and useful weapons, with the new soldier styles and purchasing system working fantastically well, and not overcomplicating beautiful simplicity whatsoever. I would be delighted to find that splitscreen will not be missed. Much of this, however - specifically the visual and audio aspects - are completely at odds with what the developer has shown and revealed so far. There's a lot to fix in 6-9 months. It's interesting to draw a parallel with Wind Waker and SF4, and they do provide an instructive experience, but we can only call it as we see it at the present time. And at the minute, EDF:IA seems to be missing the beat of the series in many areas. If it turns out brilliant, and I'm fickle, then fan-facking-tastic.

PS - the ants awkwardly disappearing is chod, compared to blasting them against buildings and/or into orbit.

[Brats]

Yeah, yeah, yeah. I knew you would answer like that, but I would have thought experience would have shown that being completely down on a game this far before launch is a) unnecessary and b) still made on lot of assumptions. You can choose to form an entrenched opinion now or you can choose to be open minded about the possibilities. Yes split screen is gone, but with online there's a strong possibility system link may be in, which imo is far better.

The main issue seems to be the number of ants on screen and that's clearly an issue that could be fixed.

[prinnysquad]

Most points made are based on assumptions about things viewed so far. If you cared to read between the lines, or even just the lines, you'd actually see that it's perfectly clear that I know I could be completely wrong, I hope I am completely wrong, and that the opinions are not entrenched, rather, concerns based on available information. I cannot ignore what the information currently suggests. I am fully aware that my assumptions are just that, and I'm open minded about things improving in good time, despite everything, and despite every single problem seen. I'm not such a twat that I've given up yet, thank you, despite your best efforts to paint it that way.

[vanpeebles]

Yeah, yeah, yeah. I knew you would answer like that, but I would have thought experience would have shown that being completely down on a game this far before launch is a) unnecessary and b) still made on lot of assumptions. You can choose to form an entrenched opinion now or you can choose to be open minded about the possibilities. Yes split screen is gone, but with online there's a strong possibility system link may be in, which imo is far better.

The main issue seems to be the number of ants on screen and that's clearly an issue that could be fixed.

And I knew you would post like a complete and utter kunt. We have lived and breathed this game for years, we have every right to be concerned.

[Brats]

Now now, theres no need for that language Mr VP.

Perhaps 'entrenched' is a bit too far, but certainly emphasising the negative I would say. I've loved the series for years too, from back when I was introduced to the first game at an NTSC-UK meet up. I want a brilliant sequel too, but there's so much I don't know I'd be unwilling to offer any opinion either way at the moment. The new weapon system could be great, there could be even more variety than the second game and maybe the three player co-op will bring an added dimension of fun (three sounds like a very specific number - like it's been carefully considered).

I'm just offering a different perspective to the almost overwhelming wave of negativity and playing bit of devils advocate. If that makes me a 'kunt', so be it .

[vanpeebles]

There was, it does, you are and you have a proven history of posting like one. There's no need to play devils advocate at all.

Vicious have a proven history of making hot turd and it doesn't look good at this moment in time. I'll give it a chance but I hold little hope. Some people look forward to the big blockbusters like Reach but EDF is on the top of our wishlist. We have completed it on PAL and JAP on PS2/360 but also helped out on other mates copies. Not to mention encouraging everyone we know to get and play it.

[prinnysquad]

The turrets look good.
The buildings collapse.
The character menu screen looked good.
The name is decent.
The big walker on the trailer was nicely done.
Online coop will be great.

It's a start.

[Brats]

There was, it does, you are and you have a proven history of posting like one. There's no need to play devils advocate at all.

Guess I'm not on your Christmas card list then. That's fine.

I admire your passion for the game, but sometimes passion clouds judgement. I mean, there's been lots of examples of fans dismissing a project that turns out to he brilliant, such as the Fallout fans starting a petition against Fallout 3! Sometimes you need a devils advocate.

Vicious have a proven history of making hot turd and it doesn't look good at this moment in time. I'll give it a chance but I hold little hope. Some people look forward to the big blockbusters like Reach but EDF is on the top of our wishlist. We have completed it on PAL and JAP on PS2/360 but also helped out on other mates copies. Not to mention encouraging everyone we know to get and play it.

Yeah, I'm with you on Viscious, they have made utter gak (at least Fallout 3 was in the hands of a developer with a track record). But again, stranger things have happened.

And I agree completely about promoting EDF. I have friends who bought the game on my recommendation. I wrote the review for 2017 on this site with a view to getting as many people as possible to play it. I would have scored it 9/10 but the score got adjusted by committee. Have a read of it - hopefully you'll agree that I 'get' EDF.

[vanpeebles]

The only card you will be getting is the one I've just marked.

If you 'get' EDF then there's no need for you to play devils advocate is there? We all champion the series, we all loved to see new people enjoying what we enjoyed for the first time on the replay thread. In my eyes it's Sandlots game and they should be entrusted with it. I'd love to be proved wrong with a great EDF game from Vicious.

I'll be the first to hold my hands up and say hey this is good but if it turns out ****e I'll be skanking them, then I'll be skanking you.

[Brats]

I don't agree with you about the devils advocate point. You seem to be implying that a serious fan of the series should agree with you and everyone else in this thread, but it doesnt have to be that way. I think a bit of discussion like this is a healthy thing. We can completely disagree on the our outlook towards the sequel, yet still be united by our love of massive ants.

[vanpeebles]

Not at all, I believe that opinions should always be backed up with facts. The main fact on this one is that the trusted, time honoured developer has been binned and it's been handed over to a complete tosshouse of a developer.

The odds are against it already unless they start ****ting tiffany cufflinks over night. They will have to work a hell of a lot harder to even produce something average never mind what we have come to love in an EDF game.