Fallout 3 Forums up

[mactbone]

Originally posted by nostromo
It don't see why a FP/RTwP system couldn't have exactly the same depth as the original Fallout combat system.

How’s the V.A.T.S. combat system work again?
A: I talk about this a good bit in the July magazine article, but to be clear, Fallout 3 plays in both real time and a paused tactical combat mode. It’s not really turn based, however. Instead, you can pause the real-time action in order to make aimed ranged or melee attacks on your opponents, smashing their legs to slow them down, or perhaps shooting an arm to hurt their weapon aim. Like in the original Fallout games, doing these aimed shots take action points, but since there are no turns, those AP recharge over time after unpausing the game. You can shoot in real time, but that will then slow your recharge rate. In practice, this means players have the option to play the game very much like an RPG, but with a good bit more action than traditional RPGs. Are there other details to the way this system works? Almost definitely, yes. Do we know all the answers to how V.A.T.S. works after seeing it in one demo? No. We’re waiting just like you to find out more.

It's a special mode ala Bullet Time. Use Special Action Points to make super-spiffy targeted shots.

I know you're joking, but c'mon, "it's just a blank" is the lamest comeback ever. Why do anything that doesn't make money or help all the people in the world?

I have to repeat though:

In practice, this means players have the option to play the game very much like an RPG, but with a good bit more action than traditional RPGs.

How is that like a traditional RPG? In any way shape or form? Who the **** is this guy and what did he do with his brain?

BTW, here's some more great news :

Q. When will you all be allowed, if at all, to comment on this months feature in GI.

A. Most likely never. We give magazines the information to give to you all so that we don’t have to. Allows us to keep working.

Q. If you, the developers, want the fans' input on how to improve the game, why is no information released until things are already set in stone?
I can assume the answer is, "My boss tells me not to," but can you prove my assumption to be wrong?

A. Because as you put it, we, the developers, arent PR. As much as many of us may want to, it is not our task to relay snippet of info after info to the general public. So, in a sense, yes, it is a case of "My boss tells me not to", but we also understand why, being on the inside. As for things being released before the stone chiseling, we all know just how much more gas would be thrown on the flames if info was released then pulled back because of changes. Happens with all games.... simple knowledge there.

[Sandman]

Dunno what everyone is getting so annoyed about. The combat in Fallout was rubbish - like it is in most RPGs. There's usually no more 'depth' than hit 'n' heal tactics or 'Kill ice monsters with fire magic'.

[DrSpike]

I would tend to agree. The only RPG with real tactical depth is Guild Wars.

[Nostromo]

I played Fallout 2 only briefly (a couple of hours). From what I've seen, combat is similar to Baldur's gate 2. Combat in BG 2 certainly had more tactical depth than Oblivion.

[Kuciwalker]

Tactical depth and Oblivion in the same sentence

[Nostromo]

I know, Oblivion has next to no tactical depth But its one of the things people are afraid of: Oblivion-style combat in Fallout 3. A little tactical depth would make combat more fun.

[Nostromo]

BTW, have you guys ever played a first-person game where melee combat was done right? The Chronicles of Riddick game wasn't too bad, IIRC.

[Kuciwalker]

Halo. But I don't think that's what you mean.

[Skanky Burns]

Mount&Blade, easily. Its what the combat in Morrowind / Oblivion should have been like.

[Nostromo]

Originally posted by Kuciwalker
Halo. But I don't think that's what you mean.

No. Melee combat in Halo 2 wasn't better than Oblivion

[DrSpike]

Originally posted by Skanky Burns
Mount&Blade, easily. Its what the combat in Morrowind / Oblivion should have been like.

Maybe, but like 4 people have played it.

So please describe how the combat works.

[Kuciwalker]

Originally posted by nostromo
No. Melee combat in Halo 2 wasn't better than Oblivion

Surely you jest, sir.

[Nostromo]

There was nothing special about the melee combat in Halo 2, IIRC. You press a button and you strike. If you hit your opponent, he's dead.

[Traianvs]

Originally posted by Standup
Haven't played enough to have any strong opinions yet but initial impressions I would agree with Adagio.

The specs are pretty demanding although I'm running it in Vista with a DX10 card so like for like comparisons are probably of limited use.

There's a bit too much 'click next' during the dialogues and combat has been pretty fatal for me so far. You're not as bullet proof as in some of the FPS I've played in the past. But also I'm just not very good at FPS...

After you get some good armour and some decent weapon you're pretty safe, especially because fallen enemies provide you with plenty of healthpacks anyway

[Traianvs]

Originally posted by nostromo
BTW, have you guys ever played a first-person game where melee combat was done right? The Chronicles of Riddick game wasn't too bad, IIRC.

Rune (medieval combat) was fun and intuitive to play