Hellgate London - Demo Released

[Dhruin]

As promised, Flagship's Hellgate: London SP demo has been released. The 1.45Gb file is available from GameDaily (http://www.gamedaily.com/games/hellgate-london/pc/game-downloads/hellgate-london-demo/4251/7197/), Worthplaying (http://www.worthplaying.com/article.php?sid=46876&mode=thread&order=0), Gamer's Hell (http://www.gamershell.com/news/42597.html), FileShack (http://www.fileshack.com/file.x/11298/Hellgate:+London+Demo) and ComputerGames.ro (http://computergames.ro/en/downloads/viewitem/id/9448/name/hellgate-london-demo.html).
More information. (http://www.rpgwatch.com/show/newsbit?newsbit=6832)

[JDR13]

Been playing it for the last hour and having a lot of fun. For those of you expecting a deep crpg, you might be disappointed, this is definitely more of an action game than anything else. Yes, you do go up levels and gain skill points, as well as talk to npc's and get quest, but the bulk of the game is pure action style combat.

The graphics are nothing special imo, they actually seem more on par with something released 2 or 3 years ago. The art direction is very good though, and the game does a good job of giving you a post-apocalyptic atmosphere.

Also, be warned that there is no save function in this demo, which I think is pretty lame considering the size of the download.

[Santos]

I have been in the beta for a while (no experience with this specific demo), and, while I am under the NDA, I will say that at the high graphics settings, things look very nice. I am not sure if the settings in the demo are limited, or if yours just aren't tweaked correctly, but, in the beta, just 5 minutes ago, I hit a new area and was marveling at the intricate texture detail on the walls. And, at times, the sound scares the hell out of me (lights out, volume loud, only way to go).

[JDR13]

I have all the settings on maximum at 1280x1024 with 4xAA and 16xAF. They're not bad by a long shot, just not quite as good as I thought they were going to be.

The city backgrounds seem somewhat bland to me, although I must admit that I've only seen a few areas so far. I'm playing Half-Life 2: Episode 2 right now, and compared to that game Hellgate seems less detailed.

The game is a lot of fun though and I think I would buy it.

[magerette]

Good to hear, JDR13. I just got my beta invite today--incredible that it's still open, but I'm not complaining. :)

[JDR13]

I still can't get over the fact that they didn't include a save function in a 1.5 Gig demo.

[magerette]

If it's at all like Diablo, there's only a save when you exit--are you saying there's not even a save and exit feature? That would suck largely.

[JDR13]

I tried everything I could think of. I hit every key on the keyboard looking for a quicksave. There's nothing in the menu or when you chose to quit\exit either.

[Acleacius]

RED ALERT


Everyone whom has installed this or intends to buy the game, PLEASE Be Aware you are agreeing to having your personal information, collected and shared without any consent of use.
Additionally you computer is has been/will be infested with MALWARE.

This information is my best understanding at the moment and is NOT an legal definition, is only intended as interpretation after reading a portion of the EULA on Bluesnews.

3. Consent to Use of Data. You agree that EA, its affiliates, and each Related Party may collect, use, store and transmit technical and related information that identifies your computer, including without limitation your Internet Protocol address, operating system, application software and peripheral hardware, that may be gathered periodically to facilitate the provision of software updates, dynamically served content, product support and other services to you, including online play. EA and/or the Related Parties may also use this information in the aggregate and, in a form which does not personally identify you, to improve our products and services and we may share that aggregate data with our third party service providers.

[Gragnak]

I played the demo for 1,5 hours.....
Well, I'm really REALY disapponted.
The environments are empty and repetitive, monsters act like stupid robots, quests are all the same (go, kill the monster, take the item / go, kill this number of monsters, come back).
My impression was this is a MMORPG playable also in solo mode.
I found no atmosphere, no story, no sense of terror or other.
Alla the yhing resolves in killing and looting... without any other bonuses.

Diablo was far better, Sacred was far better...... sig.

And there are a lot of bugs....... The engine seems not well optimized, with gfx running slower or faster with no reaseon (I play the game all maxed out). There's no music (but perhaps this is a demo feature). I noted some pieces of the inventory interface stay on screen also when you close the inventory interface.
When leavin an area, the loading screen seems to freeze or stutters and I can hear my audio device changing from stereo to 5.1 like if it would be trying to resetting the audio.
The character locks on some moves or starts to slash his sword without stopping unless you exit and re-enter the game.
Teleportation device doesn't work..... if you use it you can go back to the base station but it's impossible to use the coonsole at the base station to go back to the place you were teleported from.
The skill system is terrible. I find the use of shift key often not so easy to use.

This game is still in terrible shape if we consider it should be released in 10 days.

Sorry but I wont buy it.
Really a DELUSION.

[JDR13]

.

And there are a lot of bugs....... The engine seems not well optimized, with gfx running slower or faster with no reaseon (I play the game all maxed out). There's no music (but perhaps this is a demo feature). I noted some pieces of the inventory interface stay on screen also when you close the inventory interface.
When leavin an area, the loading screen seems to freeze or stutters and I can hear my audio device changing from stereo to 5.1 like if it would be trying to resetting the audio.
The character locks on some moves or starts to slash his sword without stopping unless you exit and re-enter the game.
Teleportation device doesn't work..... if you use it you can go back to the base station but it's impossible to use the coonsole at the base station to go back to the place you were teleported from.
.


I never encountered any of the bugs you're describing.

[Gragnak]

Teleports work well?
You can travel in and from the base every time?
Monsters AI looks well engineered?


Are you playing a marksman or templar?

Are you playing under Windows Vista or XP.

Here's my specs:
Mobo: DFI Lanparty UT
CPU: AMD Dual COre 4200 + (oc to 2500 mhz)
Audio: SBlaster Audigy 2 + Crative 5.1 surround system
Video: ATI radeon X1800XT
RAM: 2 Gb Corsair.
Monitor: Samsung LCD 19"

Game played at 1280x1024 all maxed out. Character: Templar - swordmaster

[Reyla]

Maybe I am just older and more jaded too but it certainly lacks that "Stay awhile and listen" atmosphere.

[azarhal]

Under WinXP almost max settings (no shadows).

No slow down, except sometimes in the inventory/skills tree, goes away once I close them.

There is music, it just doesn't play often. Some kind of underground/dance stuff.

My "review":
It look/smell/feel exactly like Diablo but in 3D for the "management". The hunter class feel like playing Painkiller or Serious Sam, though.

In other word, get old fast.

[woges]

I don't think you are really going to see much of the game in the demo. There are like 2 acts that the beta testers haven't even seen yet according to Dave Brevik interviews. It's like judging Diablo 2 after playing the rogue encampment and den of evil - give it some time.

[chamr]

It's like judging Diablo 2 after playing the rogue encampment and den of evil - give it some time.

What's wrong with that? I think that gives a pretty good idea of the game as a whole. If you don't like those parts, you most likely will not like the full version.

Haven't played the demo yet, but dl'ed it last night. Will give it a go this weekend, but have to admit my expectations are pretty low, even before this thread. The promo vids up to this point just haven't been very exciting. Other than the cut scenes, which the Diablo guys obviuosly haven't lost their touch with.

[JDR13]

I don't understand the Diablo references, I think it's been too long since some of you have actually played Diablo.

Hellgate does not look or feel anything like Diablo. I hated the Diablo games and I find all those Diablo clones to be extremely boring, yet I really enjoyed the Hellgate demo.

[magerette]

JDR, fairly or unfairly, the game's going to be compared to Diablo because when you have the guys that built Diablo making the game and putting in a lot of the same kinds of elements that made the game successful--the skill trees and the builds, the online play, the items, the randomized levels, etc---you're going to hear a lot of the inevitable comparisons.

But it's not supposed to be a diablo clone, it's supposed to be a modern reworking of the action rpg from a different point of view, so if you don't sit there thinking about Diablo and how you hated it as you play, JDR, obviously they succeeded with that, anyway.

Do you feel it's more like a shooter, or just not the hack n slash feel that most Diablo clones depend on?

[JDR13]

I mean it's nothing like Diablo at all. Diablo was a point and click game that used an isometric view and was controlled solely with your mouse. Hellgate London is a 3d 3rd person game where you control the movements of your character with the keyboard. Other than the Hell references they really have nothing in common. Things like skill trees and loot\items are too common in all action rpg's to be considered a connection. I think the main reason people keep mentioning Diablo is because of the developers, which is unfair to the devs.

[dteowner]

Who gives a rat's butt about Diablo? Is HG:L a good game or not? I don't plan on grabbing the demo for a while due to an already-overflowing queue, so I'd like some real impressions. I was pretty excited about this game, but it's sounding more and more like a shooter with random levels and goals. I don't need a game like that. What's the scoop folks?

[Dhruin]

You have a clear dislike for iso views, so not everyone makes the clear distinction you do on that basis alone. I haven't played but I can understand the reference - I can see a connection with Diablo in Two Worlds, for example - the PoV really doesn't change the underlying mechanics.

[JDR13]

@ dteowner, I liked it but I guess you won't know until you try it. I don't know why anyone mentioned random levels, the levels are not random afaik, at least they don't appear to be from what I've played in the demo.

@ Druin, I'm not sure if you comment was for me, but your analysis is 100% wrong if so. As I've already said in other threads, many of my favorite games use iso views. Play the demo before you comment on the reference.

[DArtagnan]

Except for the London setting and the perspective, this is as close to a Diablo clone as you can get.

I'm not sure how anyone with Diablo experience could miss that.

Several of the key developers are from Blizzard North, which was the company largely responsible for the first two Diablo games. They've stated numerous times in interviews that Hellgate is the "next step" in the genre, and they've spoken about features in DIRECT comparison with Diablo 2, because many of the features are, in fact, the exact same features.

It's a class based action RPG in which you battle various demons and monsters that originate from hell, which happens to be your final destination. You have town portal charms and you have identify charms. on the UI you have a red health bowl to your left, and on the right you have a blue mana bowl. It's loot driven, and you have loot of multiple magical rarities. You have basic town hubs, which serve as the place to repair, identify, buy, sell, upgrade, get quests and little else. The story is wafer-thin and serves only to drive you forward to get more loot and experience. The dungeons are randomized, as are the enemies you encounter. There are unique monsters that drop better magical loot. You gain 5 attribute points and 1 skill point upon gaining a level, but certain quests will reward you with similar special upgrades.

If you insist that this is not like Diablo, be my guest, but know that you are being totally and utterly delusional.

[Dhruin]

@ Druin, I'm not sure if you comment was for me, but your analysis is 100% wrong if so. As I've already said in other threads, many of my favorite games use iso views. Play the demo before you comment on the reference.

I'm not trying to be difficult and if I've mischaracterised you, I apologise. I have, however, noted several comments you've made about games lacking an over-the-shoulder view or being held back by point-and-click (I'm paraphrasing from memory) and I was left with the clear impression you feel iso/point-and-click is either outdated or inferior to 3rd-person/WASD control.

Either way, my point is that from here in that you say HGL and Diablo are nothing alike based on the control/view -- and I'm just saying, some of us don't pay much attention to the view. Take that away, and is the underlying system similar to Diablo?

[JDR13]

Except for the London setting and the perspective, this is as close to a Diablo clone as you can get.

I'm not sure how anyone with Diablo experience could miss that.

I could probably name at least 10 games that are closer to a Diablo clone than Hellgate. It doesn't even use a similar control scheme among other things.

I'm not sure how anyone with Diablo experience could miss that. ;)


Several of the key developers are from Blizzard North, which was the company largely responsible for the first two Diablo games. They've stated numerous times in interviews that Hellgate is the "next step" in the genre, and they've spoken about features in DIRECT comparison with Diablo 2, because many of the features are, in fact, the exact same features..

Thank You.
Them stating that Hellgate is the "next step" in the genre, is exactly why it's not a "clone".


It's a class based action RPG in which you battle various demons and monsters that originate from hell, which happens to be your final destination. You have town portal charms and you have identify charms. on the UI you have a red health bowl to your left, and on the right you have a blue mana bowl. It's loot driven, and you have loot of multiple magical rarities. You have basic town hubs, which serve as the place to repair, identify, buy, sell, upgrade, get quests and little else. The story is wafer-thin and serves only to drive you forward to get more loot and experience. The dungeons are randomized, as are the enemies you encounter. There are unique monsters that drop better magical loot. You gain 5 attribute points and 1 skill point upon gaining a level, but certain quests will reward you with similar special upgrades.

What do those features have to do with it being a clone? You could implement those exact same features into any game you wanted, would that then make it a Diablo clone?


If you insist that this is not like Diablo, be my guest, but know that you are being totally and utterly delusional.

Well I guess if all else fails just resort to simple insults. :lol:

[JDR13]

I'm not trying to be difficult and if I've mischaracterised you, I apologise. I have, however, noted several comments you've made about games lacking an over-the-shoulder view or being held back by point-and-click (I'm paraphrasing from memory) and I was left with the clear impression you feel iso/point-and-click is either outdated or inferior to 3rd-person/WASD control.

Either way, my point is that from here in that you say HGL and Diablo are nothing alike based on the control/view -- and I'm just saying, some of us don't pay much attention to the view. Take that away, and is the underlying system similar to Diablo?

No need to apologize Druin. It's just a matter of personal preference, I prefer more control over my character in an action-oriented rpg.

I shouldn't have said that Hellgate was "nothing" like Diablo, because all games in that genre are going to share similarities and features, especially when they're created by the same development team. I just wouldn't call Hellgate a "Diablo clone" because I believe it's much more than that, and I really don't think it was the intention of Flagship Studios to create just another clone.

[Reyla]

edit: Dead Horse.

Hellgate London is Diablo 2 with extensive plastic surgery.

If that is not a clear description of the gameplay, I do not know what else to say.
It is not revolutionary, it is evolutionary.

The only difference in gameplay from Diablo 2 are the base MMO elements. And base they are.

Kill 10 zombies and report back to me.

[JDR13]

The only difference in gameplay from Diablo 2 are the base MMO elements. And base they are.



I'm honestly not trying to make a big deal out of this, but have you really played it? Because it doesn't sound like you have.

[dteowner]

Thanks for the review, JDR.

Perhaps I need to clarify a little: I don't own Diablo2. I never played Diablo2. I don't remember any reviews of Diablo2 beyond their being glowing. Can I get an opinion or two that doesn't use the word "Diablo" at any point? Tell me about HG:L, folks!

[magerette]

Sometime when the servers are up at the same time I am, I'll be playing the beta--hopefully this weekend. I'll undoubtedly be running my mouth about it. :)

[Reyla]

I'm honestly not trying to make a big deal out of this, but have you really played it? Because it doesn't sound like you have.

Why are you attacking me? Because I have an opinion different than yours? And why are you so adamant about this game being different than Diablo 2?

In Hellgate there are different colored items that represent their rarity. You can augment these items.

The Summoner has the exact same skills as the Necromancer, Ranged and melee minions, life tap, terror and even Revives that last for a short duration before returning to the underworld.

Bill says the word Diablo 11 times in this interview.
http://www.eurogamer.net/article.php?article_id=83007

Here is a direct quote from Bill from another interview:

Diablo II players especially are going to keep waiting for that next big thing they can latch on to, and hopefully that'll be Hellgate. Because we definitely love that style of game, and that's who we made it for - for us and for them.

You have a red bulb on the bottom left for health and a blue bulb on the bottom right for power in Hellgate, too.

Also, be warned that there is no save function in this demo, which I think is pretty lame considering the size of the download.

There is a save function. It is the exact same save function as Diablo. When you exit, your character information is saved. There is no need for a "save" button because the maps and levels are randomized exactly like another game which name escapes me at the moment.

[chamr]

OK. Have played for a bit. This is Diablo 2 in 3d set in a post-apocalyptic world. Being an old D2 vet, I say this with confidence. Sorry, JDR, but you either never played D2 (to take a page from your book) or are just being obstinate. This is the exact same game. Not that that's a bad thing. But it's true. For instance, let's contrast changes (hesitate to call all of these "innovations", so we'll stick with "changes")

From D1 to D2:
Class-based skill-tree system
Breakable items with loot in them
Item upgrade system (sockets, rune words, etc)
Waypoint system without a typical "save anywhere" option
Open, outdoor areas
Acts, each with their own, very distinct theme
Hire-able mercs complete with their own equipment management
Horadric cube with recipes
etc.

From D2 to HG:
3d complete with WASD movement
post-apoc setting

Get the picture? I hope so...

P.S. Love, love, love the grapple gun! Fun idea.

[JDR13]

Why are you attacking me? Because I have an opinion different than yours? And why are you so adamant about this game being different than Diablo 2?.


Calm down Reyla, nobody is "attacking" you, don't be ridiculous. You have your opinion and I have mine, I have no problem with that.

What I disagree with is you saying - "The only difference in gameplay from Diablo 2 are the base MMO elements" which is blatantly false. Even if the game was indeed a clone, which I do not believe it is, there are a great many differences between them.




There is a save function. It is the exact same save function as Diablo. When you exit, your character information is saved. There is no need for a "save" button because the maps and levels are randomized exactly like another game which name escapes me at the moment.

I'm glad to hear that, I didn't know because I have yet to boot the demo up a second time, and there was no indication given upon exiting the game that it was saving anything.

[JDR13]

chamr, I could go point to point with you over a dozen different reason why it's not "the exact same game", but It's not necessary.

I actually like Hellgate while I hated Diablo 2, so it obviously couldn't be "the exact same game", now could it?

Get the picture?

[chamr]

I actually like Hellgate while I hated Diablo 2, so it obviously couldn't be "the exact same game", now could it?
Um... sure it could. I don't pretend to understand "the mind of JDR13".
;-p Whatever floats your boat, my man...

[JDR13]

Um... sure it could. I don't pretend to understand "the mind of JDR13".
;-p Whatever floats your boat, my man...


Snide and ignorant remarks aside, why don't you explain why it's not titled Diablo 2 then? Since it's apparently the exact same game.

[chamr]

why don't you explain why it's not titled Diablo 2 then? Since it's apparently the exact same game.

*sigh* surely you jest...

Snide and ignorant remarks aside

Don't get your panties in a wad. If you like it, great. Nothing wrong with that.

[JDR13]

I guess we agree to disagree, I just don't understand why someone would act like it's inconceivable that I could enjoy Hellgate if I didn't like Diablo.

[DArtagnan]

Snide and ignorant remarks aside, why don't you explain why it's not titled Diablo 2 then? Since it's apparently the exact same game.

Obviously, no one said or even remotely claimed that the two games are literally IDENTICAL. There is such a thing as a figure of speech, and the game has a different name and a different setting, so only a blind moron would claim that. This is about resembling each other A LOT, to the point where it's not unreasonable to think of them as basically the same game at first sight. If you didn't like Diablo 2, only you can know why. But it would not be unprecedented for someone to dislike something, and then later changing his mind. I did this myself with Diablo (the first one), and I did the same thing with MYST (which I initially hated with a passion). Maybe you like Hellgate without realising that Diablo 2 was very similar, but something about it wasn't to your tastes at the moment of first beholding the game.

You're now changing things around as if we're trying to say you couldn't enjoy Hellgate if you didn't enjoy Diablo.

You're the one claiming in different threads that the games are not alike at all, and being obviously confused as to why people think so.

[JDR13]

Let me repost what I said to Druin earlier on this same page.

I shouldn't have said that Hellgate was "nothing" like Diablo, because all games in that genre are going to share similarities and features, especially when they're created by the same development team. I just wouldn't call Hellgate a "Diablo clone" because I believe it's much more than that, and I really don't think it was the intention of Flagship Studios to create just another clone.

Maybe you should read all my post before commenting on what I said or didn't say.


This is about resembling each other A LOT, to the point where it's not unreasonable to think of them as basically the same game at first sight

Are you talking about just the way the games look? If so, then that's the most ridiculous comment I've heard all day. You're going to tell me that a 3D 3rd person game set in a ruined futuristic London looks so similar to a 7 year old 2D isometric game set in a medieval fantasy world, that most people might think they're "basically" the same game at first sight???


You're now changing things around as if we're trying to say you couldn't enjoy Hellgate if you didn't enjoy Diablo.

Wrong.

I simply mentioned that I enjoyed Hellgate while I hated Diablo 2, and then he responded by insisting that they were the "exact same" game. How do you expect me to interpret that?

[DArtagnan]

Are you talking about just the way the games look? If so, then that's the most ridiculous comment I've heard all day. You're going to tell me that a 3D 3rd person game set in a ruined futuristic London looks so similar to a 7 year old 2D isometric game set in a medieval fantasy world, that most people might think they're "basically" the same game at first sight???

I think we've established that the setting is different. The graphics are different, not least because Diablo is 7 years old.

But everything about the game in terms of UI and gameplay is very reminiscent of Diablo 2. That's what I meant by "sight", because the game is perceived through the eyes. I don't look at Tabula Rasa and think "this is set in the future, so it can't possibly resemble other MMOs". I look at gameplay first, and that's what Hellgate takes DIRECTLY from Diablo 2 and hardly expands upon it, at least not judging by the demo. It seems more like a modified clone than an evolution to me. But I'd have to see the full game before commenting on this in a final way.

I simply mentioned that I enjoyed Hellgate while I hated Diablo 2, and then he responded by insisting that they were the "exact same" game. How do you expect me to interpret that?

There is no interpretation really, from where I'm sitting. He thinks they're basically the same game, and that's all I can infer from that. His opinion is his opinion, so I have no idea how that can be translated into you being unable to have yours or not enjoy Hellgate. I didn't think he meant it was impossible for you to enjoy Hellgate and hate Diablo 2, as that's obviously what you can do. My guess is he was expressing his opinion because he couldn't understand your position in relation to that.

In any case, given your comments to Dhruin, I can see that you've at least modified your articulation of this. It seems to be you're now able to see what the rest of us can see, to a lesser degree. I'm not saying you can't be right, of course, but at least you're not claiming they're nothing alike (basically) anymore.

I'll take that as a sign we no longer have anything to debate.

[JDR13]

But everything about the game in terms of UI and gameplay is very reminiscent of Diablo 2. That's what I meant by "sight", because the game is perceived through the eyes. I don't look at Tabula Rasa and think "this is set in the future, so it can't possibly resemble other MMOs". I look at gameplay first, and that's what Hellgate takes DIRECTLY from Diablo 2 and hardly expands upon it, at least not judging by the demo. It seems more like a modified clone than an evolution to me. But I'd have to see the full game before commenting on this in a final way.


How is everything about the UI and gameplay reminiscent of Diablo 2?? I don't recall being able to move my character in Diablo 2 with anything other than a mouse click for example.

Anyways, nevermind about that, as I understand what you're trying to say about appearence, even though you're now wording it quite differently than in your previous post.




In any case, given your comments to Dhruin, I can see that you've at least modified your articulation of this. It seems to be you're now able to see what the rest of us can see, to a lesser degree. I'm not saying you can't be right, of course, but at least you're not claiming they're nothing alike (basically) anymore.


If you're interpreting that as a concession to my original opinion, then you would be incorrect. I don't see Hellgate as just a "Diablo Clone", I think it is more than that. That is simply my opinion though and I'm not trying to force it on anyone else, you're more than welcome to your own.

I'm curious though as to who you're refering to when you say "the rest of us ", as if you assume that everyone else shares your opinion. I've only encountered a total of 2 people that have an opinon that is greatly different than mine. The fact is, the vast majority of gamers have yet to even play the game.



I'll take that as a sign we no longer have anything to debate.

Sounds good to me.

[DArtagnan]

How is everything about the UI and gameplay reminiscent of Diablo 2?? I don't recall being able to move my character in Diablo 2 with anything other than a mouse click for example.

Are you having trouble with the word "reminiscent"?

It means that it reminds me of something. In this case, everything (I guess you can only take things literally, so I'll rephrase), ALMOST everything about the UI and the gameplay reminds me of Diablo 2.

Anyways, nevermind about that, as I understand what you're trying to say about appearence, even though you're now wording it quite differently than in your previous post.

I expanded upon what I meant, but it's good to know you feel you now understand it.

If you're interpreting that as a concession to my original opinion, then you would be incorrect. I don't see Hellgate as just a "Diablo Clone", I think it is more than that. That is simply my opinion though and I'm not trying to force it on anyone else, you're more than welcome to your own.

A concession? On an internet forum? No, that is not common enough to be expected.

I'm curious though as to who you're refering to when you say "the rest of us ", as if you assume that everyone else shares your opinion. I've only encountered a total of 2 people that have an opinon that is greatly different than mine. The fact is, the vast majority of gamers have yet to even play the game.

Everyone else in this thread seems to recognize what you didn't seem to recognize at first. Furthermore, I think you're the only one I've encountered so far that so blatantly denied the many obvious connections. I'm sure there are others, I've simply yet to hear anyone state that they hated one, but liked the other and that they weren't very similar.

This quote from you below is the kind of thing that got you into this, in the first place. I'm getting the impression (whether you like it or not) that you now realise your mistake, but I would never expect a concession in this environment. It takes a certain kind of personality to willingly admit their mistake on a public forum, when there's little or no consequence in just saying you meant something entirely different that what you originally said.

"Other than the Hell references they really have nothing in common."

Sounds good to me.

Great, then I'll move on from this thread.

[Elwro]

Does any of the dl sites support "resume"? Gamebanshee, apparently, does not :-(.

[woges]

It is very similar to D2 even Bill Roper and co say this. Been playing it a bit recently in Beta with my GF and we're enjoying it. Most of the levels are randomly generated but there are some set pieces like in Diablo. I've had a few crash problems using vista and DX10 but the GF has had hardly any problems running the DX9 version.

The game maybe updated to 3D with different play mechanics (with guns etc) but the underling game mechanics are very similar - kill stuff, find stuff, character building, random generation. It's a neat future Cthulhu like thing.

[aries100]

After this interesting ;) discussion I actually stayed till 3 AM in the morning, playing the demo for this game, Hellgate: London, and had fun playing the demo :)

I agree that the game strongly reminds me of both Diabllo 1 and 2. You have your main quest and your sidequests, your boss monsters and your low critters. However, the setting is very unique as are the monsters. The setting really was kept me going, I think as well as the monster's AI. I like the fact that the monsters just don't storm at you, but sometimes jump at you or back away from you when you back away from them.

For my money, Hellgates takes what the developers have learned in Diabblo 2 and add(s) this to the game. It isn''t just a Diablo 2 clone, but it is clearly game that builds upon the Diablo 2 game. or maybe I should say inspired by Diablo 2. The game mechanics and gameplay are the same as in Diablo, but in this game, Hellgate, you have the choice of fast shot or tactical stance which mean that more strategical-tactical players such as I also have a shot (pun intended) at this game.

This game does not pretend to be more than it is. I like this :) This game is just meant to be a sort of fun shooting action rpg in a sci fi london after the apocalypse
setting. And it is...

[woges]

Running around places you have actually been - its pretty interesting.

[zakhal]

The beta is better than the demo. Im on level 8 now. The FPS style shooting is refreshing (allthough its still not comparable to real fps games) and there is a kind of a loose story built into it. Im still not sure whether its good as a game or good as an addiction.

Last mmog I played was eve and i quit it after one week when i discovered that the addiction was the only reason I was playing it (the game itself was crappy).

[JDR13]

Are you having trouble with the word "reminiscent"?

It means that it reminds me of something. In this case, everything (I guess you can only take things literally, so I'll rephrase), ALMOST everything about the UI and the gameplay reminds me of Diablo 2..

So having full control over your character with a WASD scheme reminds you of a point and click game? And no I don't only take things literally, I'm just going by what you said, which seems to be constantly changing.



I expanded upon what I meant, but it's good to know you feel you now understand it.

Actually, you worded it completely different from one post to the next. You went from-

"This is about resembling each other A LOT, to the point where it's not unreasonable to think of them as basically the same game at first sight."

to-

"I think we've established that the setting is different. The graphics are different, not least because Diablo is 7 years old".

Of course then you tried to spin it differently after that by adding -

"That's what I meant by "sight", because the game is perceived through the eyes"

OooooK



Everyone else in this thread seems to recognize what you didn't seem to recognize at first. Furthermore, I think you're the only one I've encountered so far that so blatantly denied the many obvious connections. I'm sure there are others, I've simply yet to hear anyone state that they hated one, but liked the other and that they weren't very similar.

This quote from you below is the kind of thing that got you into this, in the first place. I'm getting the impression (whether you like it or not) that you now realise your mistake, but I would never expect a concession in this environment. It takes a certain kind of personality to willingly admit their mistake on a public forum, when there's little or no consequence in just saying you meant something entirely different that what you originally said.


Just curious, but who is "everyone"? Would that be you and the 1 or 2 other people that I briefly debated with? So you haven't heard anyone else say they hated Diablo but liked Hellgate, and that means what exactly? As hard as it seems to be for you to comprehend, I'm sure there will be others who disliked Diablo but (*gasp*) actually like Hellgate.

And please feel free to point out how I "blantantly denied" the game having many connections? Do I need to repost my earlier statement to Druin, one which was made at the beginning of this debate, yet again because you seemed to have missed it?

Or would that be the same as your refusal to accept the fact that the games have many differences as well?

"Except for the London setting and the perspective, this is as close to a Diablo clone as you can get."

Really? Sure you want to stick with that?


"Other than the Hell references they really have nothing in common."

As far that quote is concerned, I was refering to the setting\storyline, but you can interpret it any way you wish. Which is exactly what you've been doing this entire thread.

[zakhal]

Hers a scanned pc gamer review (89%) of the game:
http://www.fpsbanana.com/news/9697

[chamr]

The beta is better than the demo. Im on level 8 now. The FPS style shooting is refreshing (allthough its still not comparable to real fps games) and there is a kind of a loose story built into it. Im still not sure whether its good as a game or good as an addiction.

Last mmog I played was eve and i quit it after one week when i discovered that the addiction was the only reason I was playing it (the game itself was crappy).

Well I, for one, can tell you they've kept the addictive formula going. I found myself playing the demo too late into last night, despite my best intentions. Whatever deal the Blizzard North guys made with the devil for the insanely addictive formula they started this whole series with (D1, D2 and now HG) is obviously worth it's weight in gold. Still, I swear to God I'm not buying this game!

[vrok]

Why any of you are even bothering trying to reason with this delusional "person" called JDR13 is beyond me. Obviously he's only capable of comparing games via control scheme and viewpoint, and has no idea what you're talking about when you mention these things called "gameplay" and its underlying systems. He even had no clue that Hellgate's maps are supposed to be randomized. Just ignore him.

For the record the demo is unimpressive and from the beta impressions I've heard the maps continue to be boring, lame, instanced railroads instead of continuing the tradition of Diablo's randomized mazes with plenty of long dead ends. And having to subscribe just to get access to Hardcore mode is pushing it.

[Gorath]

The first German review:

PC Action (print mag): 81%

[Moriendor]

The first German review:

PC Action (print mag): 81%

I would guess that this includes a +10% Roper and a +5% EA bonus so the score sounds about right assuming that the "true" score that they really meant to award the game is ~65% ;) .

[JDR13]

Why any of you are even bothering trying to reason with this delusional "person" called JDR13 is beyond me. Obviously he's only capable of comparing games via control scheme and viewpoint, and has no idea what you're talking about when you mention these things called "gameplay" and its underlying systems. He even had no clue that Hellgate's maps are supposed to be randomized. Just ignore him.



Congratulations on your 2nd post, we welcome everyone here, even the trolls.

Everyone has their opinon, after all, this is a forum is it not? The only people here who are delusional are the ones who try to force their opinion on someone else.

[Gorath]

I would guess that this includes a +10% Roper and a +5% EA bonus so the score sounds about right assuming that the "true" score that they really meant to award the game is ~65% ;) .
What, Roper gets his own bonus? ;)

[Moriendor]

What, Roper gets his own bonus? ;)

Yeah. The Diablo fanboy-ism is strong in some reviewers :) .