~sr3 - defiance.. ^^, 11.18.03 Options

[DivA]

~at last, it comes : Soul Reaver 3 - Defiance
11.18.03

~omgoodness.. Oo if the date of release for this one holds true, then all my other choices must be put on the backburner.. i cannot rush this upcoming experience ~ time will stand still, the clouds shall part - & my return to Nozgoth will be of priority.. >=)

~the visuals look very impressive; i'm a fan for the series, the 2nd being my favorite thus far - the ambience is both alluring & mysterious, held together by the rich story of formidable beings - vampires, mortals & magicians alike.. =D if you like gothic/horror type games, then this is truly a must..

...

~can you tell i like this series yet? ;)

[HC82]

I guess i'll give a differing opinion.

I really liked Soul Reaver 1. Some of the dungeon designs were pretty cool(The windy pipe tower, with the spiders was especially cool), the block puzzles were never a problem for me, so it was never a complaint. It just required more spatial problem solving(Supposedly this type of puzzle solving is easier for one sex, as apposed to the next sex, atleast thats what my pyschology text book says). It had a very free feeling to it, being able to climb and glide where you please. The game didn't feel like there were any typical "you can't go this way" gaming obstacles that in real life would not restrict people(ex.OMFG the door is locked...I need a key dude, but i'll ignore that i'm carrying a grenade launcher with me). The dimension warping was probably the coolest part of the game. A great game for the fantasy freak within. The combat was kinda bleh, but it wasn't a primary focus.

Soul Reaver 2 felt far more restrictive. The general "can't go beyond this dirt mound enclosement" really killed the freeness the 1st one had. Combat was improved, but a bit tedious after a while. They attempted to make combat a focus, but it lacked the strategy of a fighter. They probably should of went for a more frentic pace with masses of enemies coming at you, thus allowing for a less slugish control scheme. Alot less secrets to find and alot shorter. In general, I felt this game was a rush job, it was only worth it for the follow up story. A main focus on SR2, alteast from the publicity, was the elimination of block puzzles and more orginal puzzles. I guess I over expected.

I prefer puzzles that are less systematic and more free thinking. Zelda's/SR's puzzles are more systematic, even though they give the illusion of being free thinking. Free thinking puzzles requires a greater degree of manipulation with the enviornment, multiple approachs to solving the puzzle, and differing end results. Is there even a game with this type of puzzle solving? I seriously doubt it.

So with that said, I have mixed feelings about Soul Reaver 3. I don't know what to expect, only draw point is the story.

In case you haven't noticed, I expect much more from games and will continually do so as time progresses.