Zeno Clash is 50% Off If You Buy Today

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  • lolfighterlolfighter Snark, Dire Join Date: 2003-04-20 Member: 15693Members
    edited April 2009
    Well, it's also because I'm angling for actual information about the game. I could go looking for it, but I'd prefer to hear what you people have to say about it. What's the gameplay about? It has fish-guns, but apparently it's not an fps? WHAT THE HELL IS THIS GAME ANYWAY? I mean, it's not like there's a demo. At least not on Steam.
  • locallyunscenelocallyunscene Feeder of Trolls Join Date: 2002-12-25 Member: 11528Members, Constellation
    It has guns, but they're not as effective as running up to someone and beating them senseless. They have their uses, but most of the gameplay is focused on brawler style fights(you against 1-3 guys). Think of it as a cross between an FPS and Fighter.
  • lolfighterlolfighter Snark, Dire Join Date: 2003-04-20 Member: 15693Members
    Melee fps does not sound attractive. Waiting for the demo.
  • CrispyCrispy Jaded GD Join Date: 2004-08-22 Member: 30793Members, Constellation
    lolf, here's a review from RockPaperShotgun: <a href="http://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2009/04/19/world-exclusive-the-zeno-clash-review/" target="_blank">http://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2009/04/19...o-clash-review/</a>

    All I want to know now is what specs people are running this on. I can run Ep2 on pretty high specs, do you think that will be enough? Because for once this is a game I can truly say I am mostly getting for the graphics! <img src="style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile-fix.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":)" border="0" alt="smile-fix.gif" />
  • locallyunscenelocallyunscene Feeder of Trolls Join Date: 2002-12-25 Member: 11528Members, Constellation
    <!--quoteo(post=1705501:date=Apr 22 2009, 09:38 AM:name=Crispy)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Crispy @ Apr 22 2009, 09:38 AM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1705501"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->lolf, here's a review from RockPaperShotgun: <a href="http://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2009/04/19/world-exclusive-the-zeno-clash-review/" target="_blank">http://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2009/04/19...o-clash-review/</a>

    All I want to know now is what specs people are running this on. I can run Ep2 on pretty high specs, do you think that will be enough? Because for once this is a game I can truly say I am mostly getting for the graphics! <img src="style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile-fix.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":)" border="0" alt="smile-fix.gif" /><!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
    nvidia GTS 8800, intel Q6600, 2 gigs ram(hmm I really should up that) and it runs fine. Better than ep 2 for me, but ep 2 used a lot of Source's special effects.
  • ThansalThansal The New Scum Join Date: 2002-08-22 Member: 1215Members, Constellation
    Out of curiosity, has any one else noticed that the fights get progressively harder with out cheating?

    I haven't run into a case where the rules I learned at any point no longer apply, instead the baddies seem to simply get smarter and better at fighting as the game goes on (they also seem to have exactly the same skill set you do).

    All of those were huge pluses in my mind.

    And lolf: just check out the videos (linked earlier in the thread iirc) for some good info.
  • lolfighterlolfighter Snark, Dire Join Date: 2003-04-20 Member: 15693Members
    So it's a first-person beat 'em up. Felt that the RPS review was too ambling, rambling, and not concrete enough, but I guess I got the info I needed. They say it's four hours long though. Price doesn't sit right with me for that kind of length. Hope you have fun with it.
  • TychoCelchuuuTychoCelchuuu Anememone Join Date: 2002-03-23 Member: 345Members
    Just out of curiosity, did you buy Episode 1? That's at the same price/performance ratio and I feel like they're nearly equal in quality, although obviously Zeno Clash is better in some areas and Episode 1 is better in some areas.
  • lolfighterlolfighter Snark, Dire Join Date: 2003-04-20 Member: 15693Members
    I did buy Ep. 1, but I already knew what the gameplay was like there. Once I've played the demo, I'll make my mind up about Zeno Clash. Hope they're making one.
  • TychoCelchuuuTychoCelchuuu Anememone Join Date: 2002-03-23 Member: 345Members
    I think the best comparison is the melee from Dark Messiah of Might and Magic, only the melee combat is deeper and more visceral, but also longer (each enemy takes longer to kill) and more focused on the fighting than on the killing. It's a little bit like a 3rd person beat-em-up game like Oni or something.
  • spellman23spellman23 NS1 Theorycraft Expert Join Date: 2007-05-17 Member: 60920Members
    <!--quoteo(post=1705508:date=Apr 22 2009, 02:08 PM:name=Thansal)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Thansal @ Apr 22 2009, 02:08 PM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1705508"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->Out of curiosity, has any one else noticed that the fights get progressively harder with out cheating?

    I haven't run into a case where the rules I learned at any point no longer apply, instead the baddies seem to simply get smarter and better at fighting as the game goes on (they also seem to have exactly the same skill set you do).

    All of those were huge pluses in my mind.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->

    Yeah. I got my arse handed to me on a few occasions. But, then I just learned how to use my moves better. Haven't gotten the flying kick down yet.

    It's very linear, so don't expect any open-world choices.

    Overall, the guns are pitiful in comparison to fighting melee (i.e. most of them stink monkey balls in dps and have tiny clips), but they do give you distance and are great for sniping down swarms of little animals.

    As much of a skeptic I was, the fps melee is very well done. I still don't feel quite as awesome as fighting in real life or pulling awesome combos in a Tekken game, but who'd want all those button and mouse gestures in their fps anyways?
  • SvenpaSvenpa Wait, what? Join Date: 2004-01-03 Member: 25012Members, Constellation
    edited April 2009
    Just completed it, sure was a good, short, little game. The challenges provide additional hours of gameplay because you will die over and over and over again trying to complete them all. The final levels of the different stages all have some kind of snipers running around with 1-2 heavies and mercenary. If you attempt to fire a gun, be prepared to not have time to reload at all. It's especially flimsy when trying to disengage lock-on and picking stuff up with the same key.

    Best cheap combination for multi battles are charging one enemy with an elbow swing thrice/twice then uppercut/grab as they stand stunned. Additionally, try to run around someone and hit em in the back, they seem to have a pretty slow turn speed.

    Anyone else figure out father-mother's secret before the end?

    <span style='color:#000000;background:#000000'>Golem is awesome</span>
  • DiscoZombieDiscoZombie Join Date: 2003-08-05 Member: 18951Members
    <!--quoteo(post=1705535:date=Apr 22 2009, 01:13 PM:name=Svenpa)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Svenpa @ Apr 22 2009, 01:13 PM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1705535"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->Just completed it, sure was a good, short, little game. The challenges provide additional hours of gameplay because you will die over and over and over again trying to complete them all. The final levels of the different stages all have some kind of snipers running around with 1-2 heavies and mercenary. If you attempt to fire a gun, be prepared to not have time to reload at all. It's especially flimsy when trying to disengage lock-on and picking stuff up with the same key.

    Best cheap combination for multi battles are charging one enemy with an elbow swing thrice/twice then uppercut/grab as they stand stunned. Additionally, try to run around someone and hit em in the back, they seem to have a pretty slow turn speed.

    Anyone else figure out father-mother's secret before the end?

    <span style='color:#000000;background:#000000'>Golem is awesome</span><!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
    I wouldn't say I figured it out, but I did suspect.

    man, amazing art direction... what imagination... and I think the melee combat was the best I've yet to play, even if I did find myself using some "cheap" moves a lot toward the end (particularly running elbow to the face). in fact it's all I used to beat <span style='color:#000000;background:#000000'>the Hunter melee fight</span>. Just the same move over and over til the end...
  • locallyunscenelocallyunscene Feeder of Trolls Join Date: 2002-12-25 Member: 11528Members, Constellation
    <!--quoteo(post=1705842:date=Apr 27 2009, 07:28 PM:name=DiscoZombie)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (DiscoZombie @ Apr 27 2009, 07:28 PM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1705842"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->I wouldn't say I figured it out, but I did suspect.

    man, amazing art direction... what imagination... and I think the melee combat was the best I've yet to play, even if I did find myself using some "cheap" moves a lot toward the end (particularly running elbow to the face). in fact it's all I used to beat <span style='color:#000000;background:#000000'>the Hunter melee fight</span>. Just the same move over and over til the end...<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
    The only cheap move I used:
    <span style='color:#000000;background:#000000'>
    1. Grab Heavy Melee Weapon
    2. Swing Batter!
    3. Repeat Step 2
    </span>
    Only works with two enemies max, you're too slow otherwise. Still surprisingly satisfying though.
  • GeminosityGeminosity :3 Join Date: 2003-09-08 Member: 20667Members
    edited April 2009
    I completed it on saturday and it was fun but I have a few complaints...

    1) The Lock-on System
    I didn't need it and the fact you auto-lockon to whoever you hit is actually far from helpful. I found myself screaming expletives every time I attempted to dodge round a crowd only to find my movements changed because of the damnable lock-on system. Totally unnecessary and I wish there was an option to turn it off and keep it off. There was one ocassion where I tried to pick up weapons but ended up locking on to an enemy instead too. Grrr...

    2) Distance
    I found the distance on one or two things didn't 'feel' right. I'd often kick at squirrels to find they were just out of range and it took me a long time to get a feel for the range on the bashing weapons which doesn't quite feel correct.

    3) Goodbye Reload
    If you get interrupted at ANY point during your reload it cancels. At one point I was jammed into a small space by the game where I couldn't dodge and was being pelted with rocks. As a result I was completely unable to return fire for a good while and worst of all some of the reloads that got cancelled had pretty much complete, they just hit me as my hand was coming away from the gun after it had finished and yet that still seems to nullify the whole reload :/

    4) Where's my gun?
    I spent most of the boss fight trying to work out where the hell my guns had been knocked to. They're often hard to see in the middle of frantic combat, especially if the floor is lightly coloured or there's lots of rubbish lying about :s

    5) I can do something you can't... cutscenes!
    Nothing quite like thrashing heck out of a badguy only for him to win via cutscene. I often feel like they should have just followed the 'vile' route from megaman X if they're going to do that and make him impossibly hard so he beats you; at least then you're not left sitting there at half or 3/4 health wondering why they won't die as you constantly dodge the attack that triggers the cutscene without realising it :p


    But... don't let those complaints make it sound like I didn't enjoy it. I did. A lot. I think it does rather well for itself, though in a toss up between it and heroes of might and magic I'm not sure which I'd go for a brawl in. Either way, it was fun and that's all that matters :3

    <b>edit:</b> I guess I should also point out that it's remarkably polished for a game from a small studio. I often found myself marvelling at the landscapes or other elements thinking "This looks very high budget" :3
  • SvenpaSvenpa Wait, what? Join Date: 2004-01-03 Member: 25012Members, Constellation
    edited April 2009
    <!--quoteo(post=1705864:date=Apr 28 2009, 07:32 AM:name=Geminosity)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Geminosity @ Apr 28 2009, 07:32 AM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1705864"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->I completed it on saturday and it was fun but I have a few complaints...

    1) The Lock-on System
    I didn't need it and the fact you auto-lockon to whoever you hit is actually far from helpful. I found myself screaming expletives every time I attempted to dodge round a crowd only to find my movements changed because of the damnable lock-on system. Totally unnecessary and I wish there was an option to turn it off and keep it off. There was one ocassion where I tried to pick up weapons but ended up locking on to an enemy instead too. Grrr...<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->

    Tell me about it. If you try challenges it will have enemies at all directions so any attempt to unlock just locks on someone else :E.

    <!--quoteo(post=1705864:date=Apr 28 2009, 07:32 AM:name=Geminosity)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Geminosity @ Apr 28 2009, 07:32 AM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1705864"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->2) Distance
    I found the distance on one or two things didn't 'feel' right. I'd often kick at squirrels to find they were just out of range and it took me a long time to get a feel for the range on the bashing weapons which doesn't quite feel correct.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->

    Mercenary's charged punch was WAY off anything I've seen. Almost like it flew 5m.

    While I'm at it, the stamina bar is a bit fubar. It's always better to get exhausted so 50% fills up quickly then running around with 5% which regenerates extremely slow over time.

    The challenges, in many of them there is enemies running around the arena where you cannot reach them with melee. They seem to be granted wallhack because they can track you behind pillars and shoot exactly when you emerge if they happen to be in "ready to fire" position. Feels a bit unnecessary when the difficulty already is through the roof.

    <!--quoteo(post=1705864:date=Apr 28 2009, 07:32 AM:name=Geminosity)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Geminosity @ Apr 28 2009, 07:32 AM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1705864"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec--><b>edit:</b> I guess I should also point out that it's remarkably polished for a game from a small studio. I often found myself marvelling at the landscapes or other elements thinking "This looks very high budget" :3<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->

    Just, yes.
  • AlignAlign Remain Calm Join Date: 2002-11-02 Member: 5216Forum Moderators, Constellation
    <!--quoteo(post=1705864:date=Apr 28 2009, 08:32 AM:name=Geminosity)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Geminosity @ Apr 28 2009, 08:32 AM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1705864"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->1) The Lock-on System

    [...]

    But... don't let those complaints make it sound like I didn't enjoy it. I did. A lot. I think it does rather well for itself, though in a toss up between it and heroes of might and magic I'm not sure which I'd go for a brawl in. Either way, it was fun and that's all that matters :3<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
    I thought it was a FPS. Why is there a lock-on system?

    By heroes of might and magic, do you mean Dark Messiah?
  • GeminosityGeminosity :3 Join Date: 2003-09-08 Member: 20667Members
    edited April 2009
    I think I mean Dark of Messiah... what's the console version of it called? That one was poop. I was trying to avoid the subtitle incase I picked the console one over the PC one by accident :3

    <b>edit:</b> why is there a lock-on system? Darned if I know :/
  • AlignAlign Remain Calm Join Date: 2002-11-02 Member: 5216Forum Moderators, Constellation
    According to Wikipedia, Elements was the name of the console version. Apparently it got... adjusted, "for the console experience"
  • SvenpaSvenpa Wait, what? Join Date: 2004-01-03 Member: 25012Members, Constellation
    "Might and magic: Dark Messiah"
    "Heroes of might and magic"

    Really, it's a easy mistake to do.

    Why a lock on system? Because it's easier to hit an enemy when the center of the screen is locked on his face. Only in melee mode btw, for obvious reasons. Not that I agree with it. It makes things impossible like flanking and punching em in the back or what have you.
  • locallyunscenelocallyunscene Feeder of Trolls Join Date: 2002-12-25 Member: 11528Members, Constellation
    <!--quoteo(post=1705891:date=Apr 28 2009, 04:36 PM:name=Svenpa)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Svenpa @ Apr 28 2009, 04:36 PM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1705891"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->"Might and magic: Dark Messiah"
    "Heroes of might and magic"

    Really, it's a easy mistake to do.

    Why a lock on system? Because it's easier to hit an enemy when the center of the screen is locked on his face. Only in melee mode btw, for obvious reasons. Not that I agree with it. It makes things impossible like flanking and punching em in the back or what have you.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
    I bet the AI would have a much harder time dealing with you. Maybe that's why they did it.
  • RellixRellix Join Date: 2003-02-15 Member: 13572Members, Constellation, Reinforced - Shadow
    For anyone that has yet to try this yet, there is now a demo available in steam.
  • lolfighterlolfighter Snark, Dire Join Date: 2003-04-20 Member: 15693Members
    edited May 2009
    And so I finally got around to trying it. And I don't see the attraction. I find myself fighting the clunky controls more than the enemies. Especially that godawful lock-on system. Maybe that's really the entire problem, I am so used to standard fps controls that I find the whole automatic circlestrafing deal ridiculously counter-intuitive. And worst of all, I'd look to the left or right, attempt to attack the opponent standing there, but have the punches go in a different direction because I was still locked onto someone else. No, not the game for me. But I'm glad that I could find out through a demo.
  • CrispyCrispy Jaded GD Join Date: 2004-08-22 Member: 30793Members, Constellation
    R-r-r-r-esurrection!!!

    <a href="http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/4156/postmortem_ace_teams_zeno_clash.php" target="_blank">Zeno Clash Post Mortem</a>

    ACE Team have now done a post-mortem for those interested. It's a good read for anyone interested in indie development. In it they talk about how they kept the project small and managed to release with a team of only 7 (WTF 1 programmer!), where they messed up along the way, why 'third-world' indie game development is less challenging than indie game dev in the western world, what problems they encountered, and why they're called 'ACE Team'.

    You also see a panoramic shot of the Chiliean team's office (essentially a living-room). I'm a little bit jealous of their view, I have to admit.
  • AlignAlign Remain Calm Join Date: 2002-11-02 Member: 5216Forum Moderators, Constellation
    edited October 2009
    Don't know if I posted this before, but there was a cool review done for the game a while back.
    <center><object width="450" height="356"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/JIE9dpwsAv8"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/JIE9dpwsAv8" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="450" height="356"></embed></object></center>
    It may not be what you expect.
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