APB - Beta
polycounter lvl 18
Anybody else get in...? *cough* 
Shame I don't think I can take any pics/video but can't wait to try this out
Shame I don't think I can take any pics/video but can't wait to try this out Shame I don't think I can take any pics/video but can't wait to try this out
Replies
Whats your impressions so far odium?(or anyone else in!)
Impressions of what I've "seen" so far look amazing. It looks like Crackdown on, well, Crack. Mostly interested in the create a character system, which is why it sucks I can't go on and do that, offline... There will likely be an hours play time one night, and I'll probably spend most of that doing my character
But I can't wait. Crackdown 2 so far looks... Naff. Loved the first sooooo much but 2 just looks more of the same, only with some poor choices made in terms of gameplay. (Reason I bring that up is that RTW made the first Crackdown and passed on 2 to do APB instead).
(Let's all team up our Polycount Group!) :poly136:
I've been in the Beta for about 6 months or so, (maybe a little less, I can't remember when I got the invite) and it's awesome. I was hyped for it after seeing the trailers but when you actually play the game and realise the game is exactly as it's portrayed in those trailers, it's a very pleasant surprise!
I'm not sure when servers are up, they used to run about 3 nights a week, but then there was a huge break (or a second phase which 1st phase people didn't get to play) then they just started up again with a 48 hour session at the weekend. But yeah they usually list server times on the beta site.
Awesome, awesome game though!
Just received an invite, though, so it's all good.
How is that so many polycounters got in? Do we have a special deal with realtime worlds? hehe
The character customization looks amazingly deep.
But sign up anyway, you never know:poly124:
I'm not sure if this is UK only but servers are apparently up tomorrow (Sat 13th) 6PM to 10PM.
Good to hear some more people got in!
I'll show ya as much Lego Universe as you want though :P
To get there, choose 'Change District' from the Esc menu and go to the Social District. Then hit up one of the terminals to get into customisation.
I'll prewarn you though, you'll probably spend a LOT of time in there once you find it so if you're in the 2 hour session then maybe best to play the game a bit first, do some missions etc. You'll unlock new items that way too.
Sunday 14 March 2010 - 2000 GMT – 2200 GMT.
Thats 8pm until 10pm on a SUNDAY, the only time I can play...?
That seems a bit daft. Not only because you know, normal people have to be up early on a Monday and can't be playing games all night, but also how short it is in general. Am I expected in those small short two hours to both setup my game config, sort my controls AND make a character? Something that I can't actually do because theres no offline mode...?
Sounds strange... I'm all for them saying "You can only play on X and Y" but they should at least open the game up in offline mode to not let people play, but let them do basic stuff that is wasting time online... I was hoping to spend 2 hours on making a character ALONE...
The original live times were like 4 hour sessions on three evenings a week.
Don't worry about spending too much time setting up your prefs though, there isn't a lot to mess with. The graphics settings are currently just resolution and then 'low-medium-high', they took out advanced settings in the most recent patch, temporarily I guess.
Also controls are pretty decent already, the usual movement/action keys with a few for inventory etc.
To be honest, the limited sessions have one huge benefit now the groups have been split and that is presumably reduced server load. The last testing phase suffered absolutely horrible lag. Like really bad, almost to the point it was unplayable. Two hours of lag free play is far better than four of lag problems.
I agree the character customisation would be nice offline, but I think it's because a lot of the content is syncd with the servers for things like user created content and knowing what items you have unlocked etc.
I've probably said far too much already but just enjoy it man, I'm sure play times will get extended very soon.
Some drawbacks that I found quickly is...
- Too Too small of a city world for a "to-be" monthly paid subscription based mmo. It takes literally not even a minute (if you don't crash while driving) across the city. 3 minutes just to get around the whole thing.
- missions are limited to like 5 types that you basically do over-and-over again. Not very special.
- Poor customizable UI. It was very difficult to know how to exit menus, and apply changes, or search a certain menu layout. Especially in-game, when you buy a weapon. You have to go through 2 menus, and have to buy ammo for that 'specific' weapon before you can put it in your inventory.
Overall very fun game, but I can see it getting boring VERY fast if this is all they are putting into it. Not even the customization alone will let it live long. Kinda makes me wonder why the play-times are kept so short and servers aren't up very long. Something to be sold with short-sided features.
The city definitely feels small, and to me, a little generic. If the city was say 5 times larger then the repetition wouldn't be such an issue, but to have a pretty small environment that also feels a little uninteresting is something that could be improved.
I also find the menu and tutorial system a mess. This is something they're spending a lot of time trying to get right though I think. The UI had a massive change in the recent patch and all the surveys and feedback forms I've been sent relate heavily to the UI and tutorials.
I still feel they need to simplify it further though.
I think the thing that will drive this game and obviously the idea behind it is a very strong online aspect. If they can nail the whole gang based pvp thing then it will be a great game for sure, just in a action MMO way rather than having much in the way of RPG mechanics.
Yeah awesome work on APB, it's already a fun game and one with a LOT of potential.
It's also good to see you're not on here taking names of those here pushing the limits of the NDA... or are you?!
I know this isn't the place to say, but since you're here... the vehicle handling needs work. Steering is too sluggish in all cars and could really benefit from something a little more like GTA4... more responsive handling and noticeable weight transfer on the vehicle suspension.
Other than that, keep up the good work!
I never understood.
If so, you might understand...
And to be honest, there isn't really a big deal about it, surprisingly little about it in fact.
http://www.fileplanet.com/promotions/apb/