My review - A Polarising Game

[robcram]

Full review in the video. The topic was already discussed here - https://steamcommunity.com/app/1139900/discussions/0/2965016081059112393/ and here - https://steamcommunity.com/app/1139900/discussions/0/2965016081069648999/ in terms of the game's difficulty, and the master elitist fans residing shot down complaints with the usual git gud remarks. Seeing as I've played the game, I can honestly say the game would be far more inclusive if it allowed players to tweak the difficulty. As it stands, some people are just going to rage quit which is shame. My video makes the sections look easy but I can tell you I died 100s of times across the 16 missions.

https://youtu.be/cQu65BeCjh4

Ghostrunner is an acquired taste game with a neat premise and a mixed execution. On one-hand, the combat, whilst frustrating at times is the best part of the experience. It feels great when you can clear a room of enemies using all the skills and deft moves at your disposal. However, when things don’t work when they should, or the level design feels like it’s deliberately fighting against you because you didn’t line up your jump angle properly, or use a specific move when required, it begins to grate and blood boils over, and that’s before the numerous cheap deaths. Prepare for plenty gamer rage moments to the point of contempt! The story is perhaps somewhat forgettable, and the puzzle/platforming sections mar the pacing. If this was just a combat game it would have fared better.

Ghostrunner then, will be a polarising game, which unfortunately One More Level, lean strongly on the side of, it’s tough-as-nails, and if you don’t like it then play something else mentality. A shame, because a little tweaking, some alternative play options, would have made it a more enjoyable experience all-round.

Pros:

- fast visceral combat
- great cyberpunk visuals
- excellent soundtrack
- decent 8-10 hour length

Cons:

- Dull puzzle platforming sections outside of combat
- too much Trial and Error
- Forgettable story
- lack of modes
- some control issues

[Mooty!]

... So you're just here to shill your YT reviews?

[Bwanaba]

I absolutely get where you are coming from. As much as your issues with difficulty make me legitimately more excited about the game, I agree that an optional easier difficulty only makes the game more accessible to those who are not as good at games.

[robcram]

Escrito originalmente por T3HM3T4L:

... So you're just here to shill your YT reviews?

Yeh sure, like no one is interested in reviews for this game. I included my closing thoughts, in the op so watching the video is optional.

[robcram]

Escrito originalmente por Bwanaba:

I absolutely get where you are coming from. As much as your issues with difficulty make me legitimately more excited about the game, I agree that an optional easier difficulty only makes the game more accessible to those who are not as good at games.

Exactly. Or those with less patience. I think the game prides itself for how many times you die. I get there will be a section of gamers who love this approach but others will simply switch off.

[Bwanaba]

That's why games like doom eternal have difficulties. I love that game on Ultra Violence and Nightmare, but I would not even recommend it to my friends had they not had the easier difficulties. It's why i tell my friends not to bother with cuphead despite the fact that I love that game.

[robcram]

Another review:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Sy2KR06xf4

[Techpriest]

Escrito originalmente por robcram:

Prepare for plenty gamer rage moments to the point of contempt! The story is perhaps somewhat forgettable, and the puzzle/platforming sections mar the pacing. If this was just a combat game it would have fared better.

Ghostrunner then, will be a polarising game, which unfortunately One More Level, lean strongly on the side of, it’s tough-as-nails, and if you don’t like it then play something else mentality. A shame, because a little tweaking, some alternative play options, would have made it a more enjoyable experience all-round.

This pretty much sums it up for me I just tried the demo and couldn't finish it as I got to the 2nd level but after dying in the same room repeatedly again I realized I wasn't having much fun with it. I like the concept and in the parts where I made it through the area felt good but for me the one hit kill is more frustrating than anything to me. The git gud argument could be made but really I don't see me investing the time between working hours to learn to play this. I can see the appeal and hope the game does well but unless there's a way to maybe get at least 2 hits I will pass.

[7zH]

Escrito originalmente por robcram:

Escrito originalmente por Bwanaba:

I absolutely get where you are coming from. As much as your issues with difficulty make me legitimately more excited about the game, I agree that an optional easier difficulty only makes the game more accessible to those who are not as good at games.

Exactly. Or those with less patience. I think the game prides itself for how many times you die. I get there will be a section of gamers who love this approach but others will simply switch off.

You should understand some games should not cater to all audiences, because it will end up ruining the core experience.

[Grampire]

Escrito originalmente por robcram:

Ghostrunner then, will be a polarising game, which unfortunately One More Level, lean strongly on the side of, it’s tough-as-nails, and if you don’t like it then play something else mentality. A shame, because a little tweaking, some alternative play options, would have made it a more enjoyable experience all-round.

I've yet to play the game, but the trend of making titles that are designed around being tough as nails that reward mastery is by no means a shame for players who are drawn to those types of games.

It's not even about elitism or "git gud." These games may be difficult but they demand mastery and improvement, things any player is capable of.

I'm glad developers are brave enough to do this. Titles that trade the pulp "experience" quality for challenge and gameplay are welcome by a growing contingent of players and I hope concessions aren't made.

[7zH]

Escrito originalmente por Grampire:

Escrito originalmente por robcram:

Ghostrunner then, will be a polarising game, which unfortunately One More Level, lean strongly on the side of, it’s tough-as-nails, and if you don’t like it then play something else mentality. A shame, because a little tweaking, some alternative play options, would have made it a more enjoyable experience all-round.

I've yet to play the game, but titles that are designed around being tough as nails that reward mastery is by no means a shame for players who are drawn to that type of game.

It's not even about elitism or "git gud." These games may be difficult but they demand mastery and improvement, things any player is capable of.

I'm glad developers are brave enough to do this. Titles that trade the pulp "experience" quality for challenge and gameplay are welcome by a growing contingent of players and I hope concessions aren't made.

It's not just that, but everyone feels entitled nowadays and if a game that seems interesting comes up, they think the game should be designed specifically for them, just because they want to experience it.

[Grampire]

Escrito originalmente por 7zH:

Escrito originalmente por Grampire:

I've yet to play the game, but titles that are designed around being tough as nails that reward mastery is by no means a shame for players who are drawn to that type of game.

It's not even about elitism or "git gud." These games may be difficult but they demand mastery and improvement, things any player is capable of.

I'm glad developers are brave enough to do this. Titles that trade the pulp "experience" quality for challenge and gameplay are welcome by a growing contingent of players and I hope concessions aren't made.

It's not just that, but everyone feels entitled nowadays and if a game that seems interesting comes up, they think the game should be designed specifically for them, just because they want to experience it.

Agreed. I think when developers try to cast such a large it ends up weakening the overall hold the games have.

It's actually refreshing that developers are making decisions that will put off players from buying their game, playing through it once and move on. These sorts of games, to feel any sort of mastery and satisfaction, won't be rewarding to players who do that.

[Anders_UA]

I think the problem is that many people believe games should be for everyone. But just like arts or sciences, games have an entry threshold.

Sometimes the threshold is low, and a game can be enjoyed by everyone. But sometimes, it's MEANT to be difficult. Making such a game easier would ruin it. So, you either brace yourself for a challenge and learn to overcome difficulties (including your own frustration), or simply uninstall the game. The satisfaction you get when you win a tough boss fight or finish a difficult level stems from this overcoming.

No pain - no gain.

Trying to please everyone and to meet everyone's expectations is the reason why so many things in this world (including video games) get ♥♥♥♥♥♥ up. They become insipid, generic, and thus boring.

[Fullmetal]

Wait, it's also hard? This game is only getting better for me

[Grampire]

Escrito originalmente por Anders_Z1:

I think the problem is that many people believe games should be for everyone. But just like arts or sciences, games have an entry threshold.

Sometimes the threshold is low, and a game can be enjoyed by everyone. But sometimes, it's MEANT to be difficult. Making such a game easier would ruin it. So, you either brace yourself for a challenge and learn to overcome difficulties (including your own frustration), or simply uninstall the game. The satisfaction you get when you win a tough boss fight or finish a difficult level stems from this overcoming.

No pain - no gain.

Trying to please everyone and to meet everyone's expectations is the reason why so many things in this world (including video games) get ♥♥♥♥♥♥ up. They become insipid, generic, and thus boring.

Very well said sir.

[Fullmetal]

Escrito originalmente por Anders_Z1:

I think the problem is that many people believe games should be for everyone. But just like arts or sciences, games have an entry threshold.

Sometimes the threshold is low, and a game can be enjoyed by everyone. But sometimes, it's MEANT to be difficult. Making such a game easier would ruin it. So, you either brace yourself for a challenge and learn to overcome difficulties (including your own frustration), or simply uninstall the game. The satisfaction you get when you win a tough boss fight or finish a difficult level stems from this overcoming.

No pain - no gain.

Trying to please everyone and to meet everyone's expectations is the reason why so many things in this world (including video games) get ♥♥♥♥♥♥ up. They become insipid, generic, and thus boring.

Besides, if you want a babysitter, just wait for a mod with godmode. The way celeste handled it was perfect in my opinion. The game is tailored towards difficulty, and if you want to actually experience the game, you HAVE to experience the difficulty too. But if you want handholding there is a god mode there you will feel no satisfaction using.

Your choice.