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APB: Reloaded: All Points Bulletin Review

135

Comments

  • kellerman24kellerman24 Member Posts: 87

    Originally posted by CujoSWAoA



    6.5? Hah. Screw this Review.

    You know why this game is better than 6.5? Because I don't have to to push the #1 key to kill the same thing over and over and over while watching a shitty animation repeatedly. There may be some repetitiveness to APBs gameplay, but every encounter is ORIGINAL.

    Can WoW say that? No, can LOTRO? No.

    MMORPG.com... you're institutionalized.  If its not one of the Set Standard of games, then you rate it badly.

    APB has THE nicest looking characters and THE nicest looking character creation on the market.

    The driving is far from how you describe it. It just takes EFFORT AND SKILL to learn.

    Pathetic review, absolutely.


     

    Maybe that's why they shouldn't review this at all? Because it's not really a mmorpg? They shouldn't even list this on the site, soon every multiplayer game will be here.

     

    Anyway, I'll wait buying this about half a year or maybe even a year? I've stopped being a sucker buying unfinished products at launch haha.

  • MahloMahlo Member UncommonPosts: 814

    Originally posted by BizkitNL

    I need to add some more;

    >Driving is something you need to get used to. Once you do, it's great.

    >The controls are fine. All I'm missing is a toggle crouch.

    >Missions (quests) are repetitive in any and all MMO's or online games for that matter. the key difference here is that you get pitted against other players, rather than NPC's. That itself will keep you coming back for more. Not to mention the pursuit missions, where you actually have to stop the criminals from "escaping".

    After reading the review, I can only say that I disagree wholeheartedly with it. it's almost as if it was written by someone not used to playing Shooters. In fact, I'm quite certain of it.

    Oh well.

    What, along with every other review of APB? Shame no one has reviewed it who can play it properly. Wonder if any gamers can either? No fault of the game of course, just hardly anyone knows how to play it. Either way, same result - not enough subs.

  • exilioexilio Member UncommonPosts: 46

    Originally posted by Ozmodan

    Well I still say this is not really a MMO, just a FPS disguised to look like one.

    I also will keep repeating, they are not going to find enough players to pay a subscription to this game.  Look for a change in the way they fund this game in the near future.

    I wish them luck in getting some of the problems ironed out and hope some of you enjoy this type of game.

    Agreed. I was expecting something different and hoped it would be -- it could have been a breath of fresh air for the MMO genre. Ah well. I think the CounterStrike people will be happy -- the customization is really impressive. Traditional MMOs, i.e. fantasy-based, should take note.

    image

  • haibanehaibane Member Posts: 178

    Well i played this game since last Oct, and i can say that i agree with you, except when you say that the matchmaking is "clever", it's actually a piece of junk that everybody condemned since day one as it just stacks Threat Levels to define who's against who, without any accounting on rank nor on weapons.

    About the driving, it's clear that it doesn't have good mechanics compared to most games these days, some cars feel like u drive on ice (charge mikro for example), others feel like they are baloons full of air (fly high with the slightest impact).

    This game's fun, but imo the worst things that happen to it so far are :

    1) Crappy matchmaking.

    2) Hit box detection still messed up after over 10 months of beta test (u can empty ur clip in someone sometimes and he doesn't die because the game didn't register all the hits).

    3) Aimboters (they still didn't remove all helios bot users and the like).

    4) The way unbalanced missions at release (i guess that RTW realized than 5 missions weren't enough so they added like 10-15 more, but these are like 200 times easier for enfs than for crims).

    5) Unbalanced weapons, still 8 months after release (this is getting worse than SWG classes balance).

    6) Emptyness and lack of content which are not balanced by a good fighting mechanics like a real shooter would have.

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  • dragonfyredragonfyre Member Posts: 60

    Originally posted by Khorrax



    Originally posted by CujoSWAoA



    6.5? Hah. Screw this Review.

    You know why this game is better than 6.5? Because I don't have to to push the #1 key to kill the same thing over and over and over while watching a shitty animation repeatedly. There may be some repetitiveness to APBs gameplay, but every encounter is ORIGINAL.

    Can WoW say that? No, can LOTRO? No.

    MMORPG.com... you're institutionalized.  If its not one of the Set Standard of games, then you rate it badly.

    APB has THE nicest looking characters and THE nicest looking character creation on the market.

    The driving is far from how you describe it. It just takes EFFORT AND SKILL to learn.

    Pathetic review, absolutely.


     

    That's quite funny, because there's only one button to perform actions in APB which means you'll be pressing that a lot. But I guess that's not repetitive to you. As for animations, the jump animation looks weird in APB - it's as if the character is about to fall on his back.

    Next, you're comparing an online shooter to MMORPGs. I hope I don't need to point out why the comparison is off. Besides, encounters are supposed to be different in PvP games because you face various people. I don't see why this should count as one of APB's strengths, especially when you take into account the poor matchmaking system.

    I agree characters look nice, but that's not a good enough reason to like a game.

    I also agree that driving isn't as bad as many reviewers said. Maybe that's because I was in the beta and it was much worse at some point. It's not great either, but I quickly got used to it.

    And to everyone saying the game is so much better when played in a group: isn't that the purpose of an online game? To play together with other people, friends or not? Why should APB be praised for this? None of its gameplay elements are great, some are not even decent.

    Just because you genuinely enjoy a game doesn't mean a review is rubbish if it's rated low. A review is meant to point both the strengths and weaknesses of the game, and the present review did just that. The reviewer even started off by saying he finds the game fun, but that alone doesn't mean the game had to score high.


     

    Completely agree with you Khorrax.

  • PapaB34RPapaB34R Member Posts: 300

    decent review, although I contest the OPs statement that driving is more of a chore. Find the right car and its like magic, you wait for escape missions just to try it out... and taunt your opponents.

    The missions are repetetative and the match making system could probably be improved but in general its pretty fun to play, so long as you have someone with you. This is not a solo play game.

     

    Oh and as far as subscription numbers, well theres 2 servers in EU (where I play) with about 7 different instances per action district and a big social one. Each instance runs up to 100 people, sure its not WoW but Id say right now theres a lot of players fighting it out on the streets of San Paro.

    I just hope they add some end game content though.

    image

  • dreldrel Member Posts: 918

    Just another jazzed up shooter-not really interested.

  • BizkitNLBizkitNL Member RarePosts: 2,546

    Originally posted by Mahlo

    Originally posted by BizkitNL

    I need to add some more;

    >Driving is something you need to get used to. Once you do, it's great.

    >The controls are fine. All I'm missing is a toggle crouch.

    >Missions (quests) are repetitive in any and all MMO's or online games for that matter. the key difference here is that you get pitted against other players, rather than NPC's. That itself will keep you coming back for more. Not to mention the pursuit missions, where you actually have to stop the criminals from "escaping".

    After reading the review, I can only say that I disagree wholeheartedly with it. it's almost as if it was written by someone not used to playing Shooters. In fact, I'm quite certain of it.

    Oh well.

    What, along with every other review of APB? Shame no one has reviewed it who can play it properly. Wonder if any gamers can either? No fault of the game of course, just hardly anyone knows how to play it. Either way, same result - not enough subs.

    I have no idea what you just said.

    10
  • jimbo833jimbo833 Member Posts: 158

    well i think theres only really 2 downsides to the game.

     

    1. the repition- i can over look this to an extent.. the missions themselfs are always the same( theres only like 5 different text senarios) but the places you go ETC are always changing, you can be at the other side of the map donig the same thing you where a minute ago, which does split it up.

     

    2. matchmaking- it can be bad as, you can vs a level 200 but again its about skill i can easily take out some level 200's+ and sometimes i cant at all.. its all skill (im currently level 70)

     

    and the other thing about matchmaking is that you can sometimes be put into a game when its 4 vs 1(you) yes you can find backup but still its not fun and if its a "you get X amounts of lifes mission) you have no chance as they will be in 1 vechile shooting yours.

     

    but i am really enjoying the game, i do agree with after the first 50 hours i wonder who will stay but ill be paying at least a months sub.

     

    p.s. i have been solo'ing so far

  • AoCrulesAoCrules Member Posts: 104

    He was very generious. 6 mont max it goes sub-free. Its too boring and no content.

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  • aesbestosaesbestos Member Posts: 81

    Good review and rating.  I like when games are rated on what they actually have, rather than "the potential" that they show.  I also like that you said in your review that, despite the rating, it is still fun. 

     

    Not sure I will jump for the game just yet, but definitely interested now.

  • NovaKayneNovaKayne Member Posts: 743

    I think the driving is definately related to the FPS you are getting in gaeme.  For one, the controls are keyboard controls atm and the longer you hold onto a steering direction the further in that direction the wheels will turn.  If you do not see the impact of turning in a direction and hold onto the button for a longer period of time you will definately over steer.

     

    Different vehicles have different responses on this theory as well.

     

    Now, IMO.  If you make driving any easier you are going to get way more people edriving in the game and killing in this manner over just shooting it out.  I think leaving this alone will keep more of the combat out of the cars which have issues of hitboxes and no realistic damage models.  Leave it be and force more people out of cars.

     

    I think I am <R50.  I group with a number of guys that are well over this level.  I am constantly going up against much higher opponents in groups.  Stun guns are the SUK if you are playing a criminal.  However, I still have fun and get waay more satisfaction when I can take one of these guys out!!!!  Especially when they only need to hit me 2-3 times to either stun or kill.  Where I have to lay into them with at least a 5-8 hits for a take down.

     

    You still get points and rewards for dieing and losing in game.  Just not as much as a win.  Yes, the matches are based upon your Threat versus your rating.  I think this is to make sure you are being challenged in game.  If you or your group is constantly owning everything in your same level would you get bored?  Would you not want to accept a more challenging PvP?  By bringing together someone who is owning other groups of a same or lower threat level with another group that may not be owning every onee they come across but, are of a higher ranking.  Does that not seem to be more of a challenge for you and some chance for the other group to get their tactics straight?

     

    Seems like it would to me and I bet that was the original thought behind the current process.  However, since there are so many players QQ'ing about this unfair advantage and mash up I assume it will be changed.  What you will end up with is a group that uses their own VOIP.  Play together constantly and will virtually OWN the whole area every time they are on.

     

    Just remember, this is what you asked for.

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  • aesbestosaesbestos Member Posts: 81

    Originally posted by dragonfyre

    Originally posted by Khorrax



    Originally posted by CujoSWAoA



    6.5? Hah. Screw this Review.

    You know why this game is better than 6.5? Because I don't have to to push the #1 key to kill the same thing over and over and over while watching a shitty animation repeatedly. There may be some repetitiveness to APBs gameplay, but every encounter is ORIGINAL.

    Can WoW say that? No, can LOTRO? No.

    MMORPG.com... you're institutionalized.  If its not one of the Set Standard of games, then you rate it badly.

    APB has THE nicest looking characters and THE nicest looking character creation on the market.

    The driving is far from how you describe it. It just takes EFFORT AND SKILL to learn.

    Pathetic review, absolutely.


     

    That's quite funny, because there's only one button to perform actions in APB which means you'll be pressing that a lot. But I guess that's not repetitive to you. As for animations, the jump animation looks weird in APB - it's as if the character is about to fall on his back.

    Next, you're comparing an online shooter to MMORPGs. I hope I don't need to point out why the comparison is off. Besides, encounters are supposed to be different in PvP games because you face various people. I don't see why this should count as one of APB's strengths, especially when you take into account the poor matchmaking system.

    I agree characters look nice, but that's not a good enough reason to like a game.

    I also agree that driving isn't as bad as many reviewers said. Maybe that's because I was in the beta and it was much worse at some point. It's not great either, but I quickly got used to it.

    And to everyone saying the game is so much better when played in a group: isn't that the purpose of an online game? To play together with other people, friends or not? Why should APB be praised for this? None of its gameplay elements are great, some are not even decent.

    Just because you genuinely enjoy a game doesn't mean a review is rubbish if it's rated low. A review is meant to point both the strengths and weaknesses of the game, and the present review did just that. The reviewer even started off by saying he finds the game fun, but that alone doesn't mean the game had to score high.


     

    Completely agree with you Khorrax.

    Completely agree with Khorrax...  Maybe Cujo was kidding?

  • mrsonemrsone Member Posts: 45

    Originally posted by Tazlor



    like i said, the customization is good but that's really all there is.


     

  • Rent-A-HeroRent-A-Hero Member Posts: 8

    "But I am damned good at racing games."

    Being good at "Burnout" or other arcade-style racers means nothing in APB. Yes, the controls feel a bit sluggish because everything happens server-side. Aside from that, vehicle modeling is based on sim racers, rather than the arcade variety (the devs even said as much). Once you practice a bit to compensate for the lag in input, driving is pretty damn fun. I find it no more difficult than leading my targets back in the good ol' days of playing FPS's on dial-up.

    Overall, I agree with just about everything is this review, vehicle handling aside. I am also a current subscriber to the game who was in both closed and open beta tests. The game is far from perfect, but for me it is indeed fun. I also understand what the game is, and isn't. APB really is a love it, or hate it game. There isn't much of an in-between.

    The score given may seem low, but I think it's pretty close to what I would have given it. Maybe a solid 7, but certainly no higher based on its current form.

  • eyceleycel Member Posts: 1,334

    fair review I must say.  This game is kinda hard to review though since there isnt anything else like it, so being that alot of people Iv watched havent had problems driving so much, and didnt complain about how repetetive it was coupled with the fact that there isnt another game llike it I would say its a bit underrated. The reviewer did a good job of pointing out alot of the bad in the game, when there is still alot of good to that is easily passed by without commenting on. 

    image

  • KroxMalonKroxMalon Member UncommonPosts: 608

    lol i'm having great fun in APB. sounds to me like another flame war on mmorpg.com.

    Not a fair review score imo either. Its a great crack ^^

  • McGamerMcGamer Member UncommonPosts: 1,073

    Originally posted by coxyroxy



    lol i'm having great fun in APB. sounds to me like another flame war on mmorpg.com.

    Not a fair review score imo either. Its a great crack ^^


     

    Lol, a flame war? It's called the truth and the truth hurts doesn't it? APB should be a F2P straight-up like I been posting on their forums from day one. No one with any sense should pay a monthly sub for a TPS with no content.

  • FaidianFaidian Member UncommonPosts: 20

    First off I have to say there isn't anything really wrong with the driving, I have so much fun with it and I'm pretty decent at getting from A to B without hitting things other than pedestrians (I play a Crim) so that arguement is kind of off base.  The second, the part where you said you unloaded fifty bullets into a car window and nothing happened? well that isn't right at all...I know it's an exaggeration but still with the right about of bullets the car kind of goes boom with the people inside it becoming insta-dead.  The cover mechanics i kind of agree with the article on that, it would be nice to have something like gears of war, however with everyone on the same playing field when it comes to cover it really isn't all that bad, besides you're not going to take cover behind your own vehicles or npc vehicles due to the fact they can blow them up.  The only real problems i've had with the game is there are still a few exploits going around, im sure the occasional hacker, and also the lack of variety in the weapons, sure you can put other upgrades in the empty slotted weapons and customize them a little but in the end I would prefer to see some other weapons in there as well.  All in all though, I absolutely have a blast playing this game no matter how long I play it.  I can play it for 20 minutes or 8 hours and still have a crazy amount of fun with it.  I'd give this game no lower than an 8.

  • DeivosDeivos Member EpicPosts: 3,692

    I really do enjoy playing APB, but I do feel like it's the case that I'm enjoying it in spite of itself.

     

    My main gripe with it? The engine choice.

     

    Why in the nine rings of this hell called earth did they pick the Unreal 3 engine? >_<

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  • MahloMahlo Member UncommonPosts: 814

    Originally posted by BizkitNL

    Originally posted by Mahlo


    Originally posted by BizkitNL

    I need to add some more;

    >Driving is something you need to get used to. Once you do, it's great.

    >The controls are fine. All I'm missing is a toggle crouch.

    >Missions (quests) are repetitive in any and all MMO's or online games for that matter. the key difference here is that you get pitted against other players, rather than NPC's. That itself will keep you coming back for more. Not to mention the pursuit missions, where you actually have to stop the criminals from "escaping".

    After reading the review, I can only say that I disagree wholeheartedly with it. it's almost as if it was written by someone not used to playing Shooters. In fact, I'm quite certain of it.

    Oh well.

    What, along with every other review of APB? Shame no one has reviewed it who can play it properly. Wonder if any gamers can either? No fault of the game of course, just hardly anyone knows how to play it. Either way, same result - not enough subs.

    I have no idea what you just said.

    This rating is in keeping with all the others, in fact it may be slightly above average. Are all the reviewers just bad at it? And what of the 6/10 user score on metacritic. are all those bad at it too? And if if the fault is with the players and not the game, which seems unlikely, it's still bad news if hardly anyone can play it properly! In concludsion, this game will not get many subs.

  • ScotScot Member LegendaryPosts: 24,439

    Definalty not a game for soloers, might give it a bash once its had a content update or two.

  • SimplyPsykeSimplyPsyke Member UncommonPosts: 32

    Kudos to the reviewer, this is pretty much exactly how I feel about the game. It has alot of major gameplay issues in a shell that is bursting with possibilities. I really hope this game takes off and expands.

     

    On matchmaking, the reason people get paired so unfairly is the nature of the limits on district sizes, 40v40 will limit you to being pitted against one (or several) of those from a limited pool of 40, so if you are R50 and the lowest ranked opposing force that is not already on a mission is R200, you're going to probably get paired off against you . It isn't that the matchmaking is broken necessarily (it could be) but a limited pool of variety to choose from makes the matchmaking difficult. So really the nature of the problem is a bigger issue, only having 40v40 in an instance of a district. Grant it w/ the size of the districts, the servers, etc I don't think it could handle much more than that to fix the issue.

    The hardest part is it makes the new player expereience a bit of a die, die, die, slowly get better, die less, etc. At least you get rewards for losing as well.

     

    An admitingly kind half-arsed idea to fix this follows:

     

    Rank restricted zones, maybe like 1 action district as an All ranks, 1 as low, 1 as med, 1 as high or something like that. Some way to regulate better what district instances you get stuck on. One downside is this would make things feel even more lobbyish vs open-world MMo style.

     

    On that note I would love to see a fully open faction pvp chaos district.

     

  • cloud8521cloud8521 Member Posts: 878

    im sorry again. but i think if the sub was dropepd it would make it worth peoples time. you just dont get back in gameplay what you are paying. and really the only thing worth any money in this game is the customizeation system..... thats it nothing else is worthwhile!

  • KhaosRJAKhaosRJA Member Posts: 20

    1. The handbrake is your friend, if you don't use it you will fail at driving.

     

    2. Anyone who thinks adding cover to this game would help it hasn't really played it. You can make your own cover just fine by hiding around a corner or crouching behind something and popping out to attack, adding shooting around corners without exposing yourself would bog down firefights so much it would be retarded.

     

    3. Yes the missions are repetitive in content, but what MMO's aren't? The variety comes from how the mission plays out against different human opponents. Is it perfect? Not even close, but it is entertaining.

     

    4. Its an mmorpg... just because the zones are instances doesn't mean anything, its every bit as much an mmo (maybe even more so) than a game like Guild Wars.

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