Ben-DutkaIt's undoubtedly one of the biggest games of 2014, as the shared-world FPS could be "destined" for greatness (forgive the bad pun). Bungie's Destiny is a hugely ambitious game that will boast a gigantic amount of content, and it should result in a game that offers countless hours of entertainment. In fact, we've heard the developers will continue to support the game for a full decade. There's the concerning possibility that microtransactions or a subscription service may eventually kick in (this is an MMO, after all), but we'll cross that bridge when we come to it.
The beta test, scheduled to launch on July 17 on the PlayStation 4, will feature more players and more gameplay. However, what we've seen in the alpha test is hardly disappointing: Strictly from a shooter standpoint, it's difficult to find fault with this work-in-progress, as the control is already crisp and smooth – without sacrificing a grounding sense of weight – and the AI isn't exactly stupid. Exploring the vast landscape helps when you can immediately summon a hoverbike of sorts, which lets you cross much greater distances in a shorter span of time. This is only one of the slick features that will help streamline the experience and add appreciated depth.
Admittedly, there isn't as much to do in the alpha as I would've hoped. Then again, this is an alpha , so we can't really expect too much. At the very least, we can check out the basic mechanics, the world that will eventually be filled with friend and foe, and the in-depth character advancement system. Even if you can't team up with anyone, you can always do some solo hunting, which will inevitably result in valuable experience. As you might expect, you can utilize this experience to earn new skills and unlock class-specific skills. What will be interesting is to see how distinct each of the classes become the more you play; it's difficult to tell based on just the alpha.
However, there's no doubt that each class will require a different approach from the player. Akin to the various vault hunters in Borderlands , your choice of class has a definite impact on the gameplay, and how you'll approach encounters. This is the way it should be, too; it's not technically a role-playing game, but it's not a straight shooter, either. This isn't merely about weapon and equipment upgrades. When you pop out of the map and head into orbit, you can explore a central hub of sorts, during which time you wander around in a third-person view. This is where you get a sense of your character's potential, which will rely entirely on your efforts in the field.
I did run across a few bugs, especially when Bungie extended the test. That's to be expected, of course. For now, I don't have any serious concerns, although I do wonder about the balancing between classes; that's always critical and it's tough to examine that aspect at this point. As for those who call it "just another shooter," that's true and false. On the one hand, Bungie has retained the core principles of the standard FPS (which I think is essential if you want to appeal to those fans); on the other hand, they've added depth and customization that feels like a natural evolution of the genre.
I will say I had fun with the alpha, and I could imagine dozens of players and enemies running around, leveling up, working together, and having a blast. I won't analyze it much more, simply because I need to see and experience more. But for the time being, I'd say Bungie is definitely sitting on a winner.
Will this game have crafting of any kind?
Highly looks like it. During the test you could get weapon parts and what seemed to be crafting items that had no use.
you can also level up certain weapons themselves. in the alpha if the gun had green formatting on the equip screen then it could be enhanced through using it more.
Last edited by Temjin001 on 6/17/2014 11:08:22 PM
I'm referring to crafting items/weapons that can be sold on the market.
Yeah there has been mention of crafting by bungie.
Also in the Alpha you were able to 'dismantle' weapons and armor, which would give you weapon components or special items from armor. These are going to be used for repairing items and crafting new ones.
Also, it has been confirmed that they are working on item trading between people, but at launch you will only be able to trade items between your own characters.
Last edited by Akuma_ on 6/18/2014 11:28:54 PM
would've been nice if they had e-mailed an alpha code like the said they were gonna
Yeah there wasn't much there to really judge on, I can't yet see how it is any more ambitious than the average online shooter but hopefully there's a lot left to add to the story and environments. I'm playing Resistance 3 as well and that's way better.
I really cannot comprehend how you can't see the difference between this and the other online FPS games.
Like, it seems impossible to me that someone cannot see the differences.
The biggest difference being the higher overall quality of the product ..
Isn't there a better copy of this online to link to? That YouTube video is horrid quality.
I'm big borderlands fan so I'm hyped for Destiny!
I played the Alpha somewhere around 12-15 hours. I'll be honest, before the Alpha I had written this game off. It just didn't seem to offer much I couldn't get out of Borderlands or Halo, so I just discarded it as a potential buy.
The Alpha sure changed my mind! I was really impressed. The gameplay is soooo smooooth and solid. The gunplay is fantastic and there is enough variety between classes that each is MORE than viable for competing not only in the game, but with multiplayer as well. Winning in the Crucible is ALL on you as the player. I dig that the crucible considers your level versus your opponents and t hen levels the battlefield accordingly. Beware the noobies with mad skills!!! Excellent.
I was also impressed with the actual level of polish on an "Alpha". I also got a much better sense of what Bungie is doing with this game both gameplay wise – and for the long term. I can see them adding new planets and enemies and player classes as time goes by. Although, I think the initial game will be packed with tons of content.
Why did I write to this game off initially? I'm a single player campaign kind of guy. In fact, I've only in one game (Borderlands 2) ever played any multiplayer. And with that I co-oped with a good buddy of mine. That was fun, but I generally prefer to go it alone. In Destiny, you DO NOT have that option. Yes. You can play it the same as you would any other single player game – as long as you accept the fact that the world filled with NPCs is not just filled with NPCs, but also with other players. And those players can assist you if you wish. I am not clear if you play through story missions if you can do that without any other players interfering in the experience. I just don't remember now that the Alpha is over. I don't recall anyone being around on the 1 story mission that it did offer, but I can't say for certain. I hope my recollection is correct. I do hope that the story can be played isolated from all other players.
What surprised me was how much I actually did enjoy the multi-player aspects. Explore mode was a total blast for me. Public events were tons of fun! There was nothing cooler than taking down a spider walker and then gathering on the middle of the battlefield for an impromptu celebration with your fellow combatants! It was a real revelation for me. I think I may even be considering a set of Sony Gold headphones (you know – with a mic?). Sheesh. What has become of me? Damn you Bungie! Who knew a game with online multiplayer/MMO elements was my Des………..(yeah, I'm not going to say THAT word here)….future.
Last edited by Norrin Radd on 6/18/2014 9:03:57 AM
i went into the alpha feeling similarly. i did not anticipate that it would hook me like it did.
I felt the same way. I really had no idea what to expect. I too am a single player type guy. But after getting into that alpha I just can't wait for more.
I'm reminded somewhat of the online co-op in Resistance 2 and all the fun I had there. After making friends in co-op I was actually able to enjoy pvp in the the crucible when they wanted to jump in.
Good to know, I missed the Alpha but I'm looking forward to the Beta. Pre-ordered the game a while ago simply because I enjoyed the Halo games and trusted Bungie would deliver, but have to admit prior to E3 I was on the fence how this might turn out. Early previews I'd read seemed indifferent but most impressions after the Alpha seem really positive. That's a good start, hopefully the final product delivers because it seems to be the most interesting 'AAA' game releasing the rest of 2014.
Destiny is simply what the next Halo game would have been had Bungie not left Microsoft. I enjoyed the Alpha (and may preorder it to get into the beta) but in the end it was Halo. I've never been an XB fan (having only 2 games for my 360, one of which is Halo 3) but I didn't find anything ground breaking in the game and that kinda disappointed me. Don't get me wrong, it is a great game and definitely what "next gen" should be but it's been described as Halo meets Borderlands and that's fairly accurate. So while I'm in no way putting the game down (it's the most gorgeous looking game on any console) it's still Halo at the end of the day. But this was only the alpha so there's way more they could do with it.
That's kind of funny. Because Bungie didn't exactly 'leave'. Their deal with Microsoft was up as far as I know. If it was up to Bungie then Halo would have went multiplat years ago.
Destiny was always going to be their next game, and it was always going to be multiplatform.