Xbox Canadian Live Blog

XCL Roundtables are quick peeks into the world of XCL and aim to feature some of the more interesting, important and humourous conversations that occur within our forums. The latest edition of the XCL Roundtable takes a look at what XCL’ers think about the recently released Too Human.

The Icon: Well after spending about 14 hours in both single and co-op multiplayer I felt I would post some review comments for those of you still sitting on the fence for this game. Don’t ask how I got the game cause I ain’t telling!!!!

Firstly if you didn’t like the demo don’t bother with this game. You get to experience most of the main gameplay mechanic here. However its is the depth content where I feel the full version has become more appealing. If you are the type of person who likes the random loot drops and level grinding then this is the game for you. There are very cool individual character skill trees for each class that further branch off after the first level. It starts to get cool when you have to make your first permanent decision. To cybernetically enhance or not to cybernetically enhance. Each “alignment” Cyborg or Human has a different skill tree available to them as well as different equipment. So far this choice has been the only permanent one I’ve seen in the game. The rest of the skill trees can be completely re-distributed for a price. You can use the games currency referred to as “bounty” which is obtained as a drop item or by salvaging/selling unused out dated equipment, to re-map the character. However every time you perform this the price to do rises. But if you don’t like your characters current layout you are free to change anything in either your class skill tree of your alignment skill tree. You just can’t change your characters class or alignment. I love this feature. Nothings worse then investing hours of playtime iinto a character and then realizing that the first 10 points you spent are on useless or unused skills for your gameplay style. The loot drop and naming system follows the diablo/hellgate london dungeon siege style systems. There are different rarities and pieces. You can also used collected runes which also have rarities to customize some weapons with abilities. That being said, as much as you enjoy your level 18 glorious fiery hammer of noob smashing, chances are you will be swapping it out for something more powerful within 3 or 4 levels. The only part I hate about this is that sometimes you have to substitute a really wicked looking piece of armor for a much gayer looking piece. However a great feature that I feel must be included in every game of this type is that every single piece of equipment in the game has a unique appearance on your character. That being said if you go through the inventory everytime you pick something up this game will drag on very slowly. I recommend not bothering even checking your stash until you level up or finish a level, or else you will be micro-managing forever. It’s really not necessary and it can take away from the enjoyable pace of the game.

There is a ton of action in this game. Lot’s of enemies to kill. Unfortunately in my current experience not of lot of different base types. That being said I’m only halfway through. However I have noticed that on the higher levels the enemies start to obtain unique armor and damage inflicting properties i.e. freezing, slowing, immunity to ballistic weapons etc. It add some variety. But so far I feel that the variety is too few. However I have played through the first half of the game twice in one day, once in SP and once in MP so it may just be Too Human overload. Jake has played through the game so he could comment a little more on the enemy variety. Also in a MP game the enemies are all spawned based on some sort of combination of you & your partners combined stats. The game ramps up the number/difficulty of enemies from sp to mp so it’s always challenging. In fact we got our asses kicked more times in mp then I ever did in sp. Also Jake disagrees (he has the worst memory anyway, he swore to me for 2.5 hours that we were at the end of al level soon.) but last night I watched as GeekesS played through the first level, some of the maps have slight differences between sp & mp. Jake denies this but I can assure you it is 100% and confirmed. They are only subtle.

As for character creation you really start to see differences in the classes as you get more powerful. Any character to generally be decent at any one style of play but they really start to diversify as you get more experienced. I have a level 28 cybernetic commando that can do decent melee, but generally is a lead hose. When I watch GeekesS play as a Berserker flying from enemy to enemy my guy looks like a snail at melee combat. The only class I can’t seem to get my head around is the bio-engineer. He just doesn’t seem like fun to me. However that is based purely on speculation.

Another unique property is that all of the types of weapons have pro’s cons, with generally the 2 handed versions of those weapons being stronger & slower and the dual-wield versions being faster and weaker. For example and hammer has the unique property of an area of effect pop-up attack , i.e. it launches multiple enemies into the air at once. The staves excel at having a wide arc of attack etc. Dual pistols can target two seperate enemies at once, lasers inflict more damage the longer they stay on target. Combos are a very important part if gameplay in too human. your ruiner moves and your battlecries are all powered from your combo meter. Most characters can build up their meter to level 3. Certain characters that have chosen the “Human” can increase their combo meter higher. This is one of the big differences between cyborg and human. Cyborgs on the other hand are able to carry the heaviest ballistic weapon in the game… Cannons.. god bless cannons especially in the hands of my commando. Each ballistic weapon has three primary projectile types. There are traditional “slug”, and area of effect plasma and a concentrated laser. Each has different game play advantages as well. Personally I’m partial to Slug & laser weapons.

You can create several different characters on any account and they all are treated as separate gameplay instances. You can transition your character from sp/mp without any issues and the game scales its difficulty accordingly. Also the achievements for mission completion are unlockable from sp or mp in almost all cases.

This game is meant to be played through more than once and with more than one different character. I’m having a blast with it. The main character is cool as hell. He speaks with a holier than thou tone that is very condescending to his enemies. Level grinders will really enjoy it. If you like coop this is your game! If Diablo and Hellgate London are your style this is for sure your game.

Geekess: I’ve been playing through as a Berserker and have been watching the boyfriend play through as a Commando. While my Berserker is much more efficient in close quarter combat, and finds no difficulty sliding between enemies for quick melee damage, the Commando is much more effective with a cannon at a distance. Our skill trees are completely different, each class started with different choices and we focused on different attacks. He has decided to focus more on ballistic ranged damage, while I’ve opted for two-handed melee damage. He chose to go the path of the Cybernetic, and I chose the Human path. Both our skill trees are different because of our classes, and because of what we chose to focus on. Essentially after choosing Berserker class, I can create 6 characters with different strengths: two handed gun combat, strong two-handed melee combat, or quick two-handed melee combat and each character with either a Cybernetic or Human focus.

The inventory system reminds me of the KOTOR inventory system. I’m not saying that it’s pretty, but once you play around with it a bit, it becomes easier to navigate. Yes you’re always going to pick-up new loot because it’s a loot based game! I’ve never had to scrounge for money or save up to craft a piece of armor or weapon. By going through the inventory and selling whatever is old and weak and crafting new armor after leveling up I’ve had no issues with a messy inventory. Yes the cool armor set I make will only last a few levels, but I still look forward to bigger and better armor I’m going to be able to craft.

I haven’t yet tried multiplayer as we only have one copy of the game, but I’m looking forward to it and after watching some friends play, I can see myself spending the majority of time in a co-op game. I believe o-op will also give me a chance to try out the different classes such as the Bioengineer and I’ll focus more on defense while my teammate focuses on the enemy.

The story so far has been entertaining. I’ve enjoyed watching the cut scenes and don’t feel as though they’ve been added into the action. The ideas of the civilization and ideals seem complete. I’m interested in what will happen in the story based on events that have happened and love the integration of Norse Mythology. I enjoy playing through the single player with the story and will miss seeing the cutscenes when going through the game again in multiplayer.

My major gripe with the game is the camera. For the most parts it’s okay, but when it goes to a stationary camera in the room, or I’m trying to aim a distant finisher attack it really gets on my nerves when I’m aiming the wrong way. All because I’m aiming with the thumbsticks from what I perceive to be right behind my character, when I’m really a couple degrees left or right due to a recent turn.

I am really looking forward to finishing my first character in the game, and am looking even more forward to playing through as a different class in multiplayer. We don’t get two copies of many games but this is one and I know we’re going to get our worth out of it.

TK421: I rented Too Human a week and a half ago and have enjoyed it much more than I anticipated. It was due back last Thursday but just haven’t been able to bring myself to return it. I played once through as a champion, figuring being decent in all areas would be a good introduction and I could focus on whatever area I like. I kind of preferred the melee fighting and so was always trying use runes to increase my attack speed, juggle times etc which noticeably helped.

Then on the second time through since I was enjoying melee combat more than anything I went with berzerker. Man what a difference, right of the bat the berz’s slides and speed far surpassed anything I could upgrade to with the champion. I think I miss the armour and shooting abilities I had as a champion sometimes, but holy crap is it ever a lot of fun zipping around and maxing out the combo meter! I’m getting close to the end of the 2nd playthrough and the areas in Hel that gave me a lot of trouble before (where the enemies are swarming and shooting at you) were a hell of a lot easier and the bodies were just flying.

I could see myself even playing it a few more times, I haven’t even tried doing the cybernetic route, or a character that is gun based and has a cannon, or co-op. But I really should return the rental as soon enough I might as well have bought it due to late charges.

Apache00: Yeah I’m wondering what Gamespot was smoking, giving this game a 5.5? I refuse to believe that this game is worthy of a 5.5, that is just ridiculous. I think it’s a victim of it’s own hype. It may not live up to certain peoples expectations, but it’s still not a mediocre game.

Creeping Judas: I like the game but I hate the inventory, not being able to heal, camera, and aiming!!! Graphics are of low quality, Outtie stay away from this one!!! 3.5 angry clowns recommend this game. thats my rating.

The Outcast: How the hell did I get dragged into this one?

XprestoneX: Controls f#%$ing suck ass! I rented this yesterday and I am glad I only rented it and didn’t waste my money on it. Especially with games like Fable 2, The force Unleashed, and Fall out 3 around the corner.

I don’t mind the graphics, I thought they were ok, not great but ok. For the hype of the game and how long its been in production……..its a big let down!

Apache00: I might as well put my two cents in here as well. As far as the controls go I think they are the complete opposite of “completely sucking ass” as pres so eloquently put it. I think they are extremely precise and responsive, but at the same time they require skill to be used effectively. Yes the first little while they might seem like they are terrible, because you haven’t even learned how to use them yet. This is a control scheme that’s never been used before, of course you aren’t going to pick it up and play like a pro immediately. This is one of those games that requires you to be patient sometimes and work through the occasional frustration to be able to fully enjoy the game.

I know there are those of you who say that you shouldn’t have to do that for a game, it should always be fun. Seriously? I’m sure that there have been times in every game I’ve played that frustrated me. Some of my favorite games are like that. Oblivion frustrated the HELL out of me for a little while, but then I adjusted how I played it and it went back to being fun again. This is the type of game that you get out of it what you put in. It’s going to appeal to some and not to others, that’s just the nature of the beast.

Mercury 869: I am rather mixed on it. I truthfully hate the acting on the cinematics I think the dialog is brutal haha. The camera, yea its can get very frustrating especially when your engaged in combat. I dont mind the combat system though the melee with the right stick is kind of cool and I like the fact that if you pick a beserker and spec the right way your attack speed gets faster and faster with more combo points. I still dont understand how those points fully work I know when I hit the RB button my guy lights up the ground around him.

Heinrich Pants: What I really like is that you can pick up a bunch of armor pieces that don’t match, buy a dye rune and switch them all to the same color. it makes your character look a lot less like a circus clown.

Mister Switch: Don’t tell CJ that.

XprestoneX: I have to be honest the more I play the more I like it, but still not enough to buy it! This game feels like it was rushed and unfinished, there isn’t even SOUND OPTIONS for crying out loud! With our current generation of games and systems I would EXPECT to be able to adjust the volume levels for FX and Voices etc.!

Also the annoying Valkyrie that takes your body away, falls through the floor and we have noticed alot of glitches with friends falling through the map and keep falling and falling and falling until progress is made by the other individual.

Chaos Smurf: This game doesn’t require any skill. It’s a grinder and nothing more. Wave after wave of enemies and you handle them pretty much in the same fashion. I love the loot!

JakenBear: There is definitely more involved in the combat then just holding out your right stick. Air Juggles by doubble tapping towards an enemy, Finishers by using both sticks, circling on your R stick when surrounded, using long range fierce projectile attacks, ruiners, battle cries, spiders, and the most important thing : stringing together your combo hits to raise your combo meter and kick ass.

Overall, I am still learning new ways to take on the enemies. At level40 and above, you really need to mix these strategies up or you will die…and die quickly.

Kirbydb: One thing that I knew about but didn’t get to put into practice until last night was the pairings for co-op. Last night I played with Icon and he was the Bio-Engineer and I was the berserker. He was hanging back a little picking of the guys on the edge of the crowds and I was wading through the middle. His battlecry would heal me and his spider would heal me and my battlecry helps the bioengineer melee skills.Its a nice touch.

Mercury869: Dont play with him when he is using his commando I found myself flying away….alot

TheIcon: mmmm yeah…. my level 50 commando is a force to be reckoned with. I hav a LasCannon that does 396 Damage points (plus the 40% ballistic weapon boost) and a level 50 Hammer that does 2286points of damage (minus the commandos 40%melee damage penalty)

Mercury869: I just beat the game last night and was wrather dissapointed with the ending.

Moghlear: Remember Merc, this is a 3 part series, so that means more to come.

From time to time, XCL’ers engage in some pretty interesting conversations about a wide array of topics. XCL Roundtable highlights some of these more interesting and entertaining conversations. Let’s check in with Creeping Judas polling XCL as to whether or not Batman was a superhero.

Creeping Judas: I was talking about Batman/Dark Knight last night with the wife and we got into a discussion whether he is a superhero or not? Wikipedia defines a superhero as such: “By most definitions, characters need not have actual superhuman powers to be deemed superheroes, although sometimes terms such as costumed crimefighters are used to refer to those without such powers who share other common traits with superheroes.” He has no super powers, he hasnt been bitten by a bat to give him the bat like abilities, he has no extra sensory powers related to a bat?? So my answer is no, he is not a super hero!!

Hitman: Is Iron Man a Superhero? He dosnt have powers. You could argue that Tony Stark is like Bruce Wayne: Rich enough and smart enough to build what they need to fight crime. I would consider them superheros, just for the fact that they are symbols to the public and do what no others do. They fight a higher level of crime and evil. Although thinking about it, does Batman’s Villains have super powers? Joker, Two Face, Riddle, Catwoman. They are all just human with a little bit of psycho thrown in.

Skeleton: He is a superhero though, albeit one without powers. If you take in his superior physical conditioning, the amount of fighting styles he knows, and his insane detective skills, wrap that all up in a tormented human being in the pursuit of justice, and his tendency to play dress up, well, if he isn’t a superhero, what the heck is he? Not to mention his long standing in the JLA, and the fact that in several stories, he’s the one guy able to take Superman down on ANY given day….

Imsel: He has abilities beyond the average guy as mentioned above, which makes him a superhero â„¢. They may not be outside the human range, but he’s at the top of the human scale. Similar for Green Arrow who is a regular guy with crazy archery skill. As an aside (and fun fact) DC and Marvel jointly hold the trademark on the term superheroâ„¢.

Skeleton: I would also like to add that he was part of this group:

Bruzza B2: My opinion is that heroes that don’t have some fancy power package to fall back on are more heroic. He gets hurt, injured and takes on a large amount of risk to do what he does… THAT’s heroic. If he knew he could step in front of a freight train and not get hurt, there’s no risk. Never been a Superman fan, as you might have guessed!

Kirbydb: I think that gadgets aside he still has fighting and detective skills that are superhuman, so I would have to say he is a superhero. The joker is a supervillain and his claim to fame is the chemical dip he got that gave him his grin and skin color and high intelligence. The Penguin is smart and has umbrellas, Two face is crazy (and has the coin) and the riddler is smart. They all mirror Batman in high intellect and gadgets. The supervillain definition from Wiki is:

“They are often used as foils to superheroes and other fictional heroes. Whereas superheros often wield fantastic powers, the supervillain possesses commensurate powers and abilities so that he can present a daunting challenge to the hero. Even without actual magical or superhuman powers, the supervillain often possesses a genius intellect that allows him to draft complex schemes or create fantastic devices. Many supervillains share some typical characteristics of real world dictators, mobsters, and terrorists and often have aspirations of world domination or universal leadership. Superheroes and supervillains often mirror each other in their powers, abilities, or origins. Often the only difference between the two is that the hero uses his extraordinary powers to help others, while the villain uses his powers for selfish purposes.”

CJ you have the uncanny ability to team kill in any game and an unhealthy habit of tea bagging after said team kill. Do those above average abilities make you a superhero/villain?

Mercury: I am going to have to say no, Batman much like Punisher and Iron Man are not superheros they are just action junkies who are really vigilantes. I mean technically all superheros are vigilantes because they go above the law to fight crime. But in my opinion to define a superhero he has to have some sort of super power.

Skeleton: I hate to disagree with you on that. Lumping Punisher in with Batman and Iron Man is like comparing apples to oranges. Punisher never thinks twice about killing who he perceives to be a villain. He believes he is above the law. Batman & Iron Man although do heroic things, tend to honor and uphold the law as well, and have worked with law enforcement on several occasions.

Batman has had plenty of time to hand out justice by killing those he faces, like The Joker for instance. Instead, he captures them, turns them over to the police, and sees that they are incarcerated or hospitalized. His belief comes down to this: Help those who need help, and inspire the masses to better themselves and the world around them. And that’s what makes him a superhero. His refusal to take the easy road and kill endless amounts of villains, and instead aim for the dream that one day there will be no need for him or his friends.

Mister Switch: Batman (like Ironman) is not a ’superhero’ …. he is a detective. a rich one. Just because he’s better than you doesn’t make him a superhero. Michael Jordan, Wayne Gretzky … SUPERHEROES!

Imsel: Well, they would be if they used their mad skillz for something other than selling underwear… Like maybe fighting crime. Tony Stark works for SHIELD now… so not really a vigilante anymore…

KrossRoad: He doesn’t think he’s a hero, therefore he can’t be a superhero.

Copper 1087: Anyone that can dive off of a skyscraper building to save the falling girl, land on the earth below on your back and the chick lives and thanks you for that, is all superhero in my books.

Umm, you guys need to get out more!