The Matrix system in this game is just the worst

[Rageagainstthedyingofthelight]

I have never posted in a steam forum, and i broke with that rule just to say that the matrix system sucks.

It doesn't fit with the flow of the game, it's alike a bad game of PacMan followed by a bad game of SimonSays.

I'm hoping some mod or patch comes out that makes it unnessesary, because while I usually explore every nook and cranny, this mini game system is so terrible I actively avoid decking.

[morbosfist]

Given how cash-strapped you are in this game, the new decking system is excellent. You don't have to shell out for anything more than a boost program until you've finished more than half the missions.

[DaGuy]

Cool story.

[phantomreader42]

I like the fact that it's so clearly different from the rest of the game, but it could definitely use some improvement. Like an option for more direct movement control, or being able to run Suppression after combat or blow up Watcher IC before they see you. It seems all the decking programs are only useful once you've already been seen, which worked on the old system but not when the Matrix is a STEALTH game. The stealth and code-breaking elements are very fitting, but not supported well by the abilites.

[whitedoor]

I liked the matrix in this game for the most part. In the previous shadowruns games, I personally found the matrix was just a little boring given it was just another section of combat but one you were forced to fight through. The new matrix gives you some non-combat gameplay options.

I do think a nice option that wouldn't require much dev work would be to allow players to start combat by clicking on the gun in the corner in the matrix. (Like players can outside the matrix.)

This might make dodging watchers a bit easy, so maybe only allow it on easy difficulty? Also you would be able to take out watchers before they detect you using AOE, which currently you can only do if you happen to engage a standard IC.

[Killyox]

Was ok. Just a bit too easy. Is0bel did perfect for all my playthroughs. Did not buy her additional programs or anything and still never triggered alarm. Was surprised at how little actual decking there was.

[Insane Nerd Ramblings]

The problem is the Stealth-aspect is totally divorced from the actual Decking skill. There are Sleaze and Stealth programs in the PnP RPG, so why not here? Remove the automatic Real-Time aspect (or at least let those of us who want to enter Combat-mode at will). There should be Sleaze and Stealth Programs available for use instead.

[nobrainer]

The matrix has 2 main problems in my opinion:

The Blocker IC mini-game is always the same which makes them boring after a time. Gladly they implemented the possibility to find passwords to bypass some of them towards the end of the campaign, which helps only to aliviate a bit the "I'm tired of this" feeling.

The stealth game is somewhat interesting but, due to the way that party movement works in the game, it impossible to have more than one decker in the matrix simultaneosly to create more varied missions/tasks.

Overall, for me, this version of the matrix is not better or worse than the previous version, just different, but both versions suffer from a lack of variety and could be vastly improved with more elements like puzzles, conversations/interactions with ICs and nodes and more types of programs and other gear.

[sanddorn]

1. Trigger alarm on purpose
2. Kill, kill.
3. Kill.
4. Profit. (vanilla Is0bel)
I'm not a decker type myself, but that recipe works too well.

[thisserviceismadeoffail]

It's always immersion breaking in a game based on CHARACTER skills to switch to a format based on PLAYER skill. Not to mention the irony of the Decking skill now only having a use in meatspace.

[DaGuy]

Originally posted by nobrainer:

but both versions suffer from a lack of variety and could be vastly improved with more elements like puzzles, conversations/interactions with ICs and nodes and more types of programs and other gear.

That's a pretty fair critique actually, meatspace combat would get pretty bland at times if there wasn't ways to influence a fight before it begins or avoid combat entirely through dialogue. Both matrix systems suffered from this.

Originally posted by thisserviceismadeoffail:

It's always immersion breaking in a game based on CHARACTER skills to switch to a format based on PLAYER skill. Not to mention the irony of the Decking skill now only having a use in meatspace.

Eh, upgrading a deck gives about an additional 5 secs per tier on the block IC hacking and more space for additional programs/ESPs so you can get those boost/delay passive programs and still be ok in combat, which is still dependant on how many points you have in decking. There could certainly be more things it could influence in cyberspace, as I typically do pretty well with just 6 decking and the Nova deck but I do enjoy being rewarded for playing well so I dunno.

[thisserviceismadeoffail]

Originally posted by T3hMerc:

Originally posted by nobrainer:

but both versions suffer from a lack of variety and could be vastly improved with more elements like puzzles, conversations/interactions with ICs and nodes and more types of programs and other gear.

That's a pretty fair critique actually, meatspace combat would get pretty bland at times if there wasn't ways to influence a fight before it begins or avoid combat entirely through dialogue. Both matrix systems suffered from this.

Definitely.

[Lujo]

The key lifesaver with the current matrix is that it doesn't mean a decker is out of the fight for too long if you're careful / done some matrix prepwork. This opens up a lot of possibilities. On the first attempt it was just confusing, but once I figured out how hacking works it turned out to be way easier than I assumed and I haven't failed it since.

[Clown Fiesta]

the movement is clunky, but i like how you gotta plan your pathing instead of fighting through everything this time

[mistabobdobolina]

I must be doing something basic wrong with the "hacking" mini-game because even after hitting every segment of the puzzle, I still have yet to achieve a successful "hack" that way. I'm getting better at stealthing past the watcher IC -- which is to say I've improved from "incompetent" to "terrible." Fortunately you can just fight you way through old-timey Matrix style, especially if using Is0bels who with her ESPs in tow is more than powerful enough to get the job done.

[morbosfist]

You only need to do one of the number sequences. Then click Next. Then you just match the symbol pattern. It isn't that hard.