Planet Descent
From the Front Page => Poll => Topic started by: -<WillyP>- on June 11, 2011, 06:27:12 AM
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To be honest, I can't remember how long it's been since I've really played, or even worked on a level. I've probably forgotten how. :o
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it was a tough one to vote on. I rarely play games, but other games are more fun. sorry. they're newer and easier to play. Easier as in, pop in the game and play. I don't have the Descent series fully operational, except right now, just Descent 1.
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Every once in a while, typically blended with other games, but I'm trying to get more priority in things like PiggyDump.
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I play at least a few times a week. I'm trying to play at least once a day this summer because I have a job so I can stop using all my time to look for one! I actually have free evenings! And no homework!
But there are basically no singleplayer missions I haven't played yet (except a few that are way too hard for me), and there's no guarantee anyone will be online (and not to mention the matter of... Portal 2).
I also don't play games at all when I have a song idea.
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I've only played multiplayer a few times this year and I loved that game. Any free time I have I devote to visiting forums or studying. I'm in my last year of college and internship and though it's easier now, I want to take my psyche course over again.
Off Topic.....@wazzazzle.... The recent thread you started that was closed. I thought it was brilliant and wished I saw it earlier.
Bee
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I chose "Not very often, other games are more fun" because it's the closest to the truth. I don't play Descent very often, I'm usually playing other games. It's not that Descent isn't fun, it just takes a very specific mindset and mood to enjoy, for me. In multiplayer, it takes a willingness to get my rear end handed to me repeatedly and laugh it off, which unfortunately is not something I'm good at.
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For me, it varies. I sometimes switch from Descent to other games, other games to Descent, or other games to other games.
(I wish there was an option for it varies)
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Off Topic.....@wazzazzle.... The recent thread you started that was closed. I thought it was brilliant and wished I saw it earlier.
Bee
I closed it because Karx pointed out to me that I had not made it for the purpose I said I had - and I had been deluding myself too. I'll eventually make a new one that isn't selfish.
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I play at least once a week. I would play tons more, but all you see is tank infested levels, an Anarchy game in Veins that somehow mysteriously runs the CTF gametype, and the modded subway.
Frag Tag is one normal level that pops up often and I jump in there all the time.
I voted "Every Day" though, because that is my spirit!
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Frag Tag is basically all I play now too.
I sometimes go to other servers and hope that someone else comes, but no one ever does.
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I had to pick "Rarely, I don't play games much anymore" because I'd be lying if I said anything else. Never really been that much of a gamer, see, but it also doesn't help that I've been busy, busy, busy with other things in life, like school, personal projects, etc.
But as of late, I also have to admit that "Portal 2" has played a role in this.
...and the fact that I don't have Descent on my new laptop yet (but I plan on changing that today!)
During better times, however, I used to play at least once a month, typically D1, but occasionally not.
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when unemployed and a linux system, I use to play Descent 3 (online) like EVERY night, ranging from 9 pm to 1 am or 2 am.
A lot has changed though. Now at best, I play Call of Duty: Black Ops (zombie maps) online, but only on Saturday, only time to really play it. Sometimes Fridays and or Sundays. But some days, no days out of week.
Gaming, forums, web browsing or cybering, whatever they call it, is not as interesting anymore. maybe getting bored with it. maybe life is getting too busy. who knows.
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A few times in a month. I go for a round of co-op once or twice, lucky if I catch someone (new) in.
And Portal 2... I'm sorry Descent, this is THE game I'm dating now. Both in gameplay and in Level building. (Joined a contest just recently!)
Speaking of level building, what happened to the Crowd-Source level building? I couldn't do much till now, due to schoolwork and stuff...
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And Portal 2... I'm sorry Descent, this is THE game I'm dating now. Both in gameplay and in Level building. (Joined a contest just recently!)
So that was you. ;)
Yesterday I tried some D1 coop for the first time with my brother. I got the feeling he liked it far more than I did.
So now I have to introduce him to the Apocalyptic Factor in D2.
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Hey, I always come back to see what my old flame doing! After all, the "first" is always unforgettable... :D
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Even when I'm busy, I'll manage to grab 5 minute to pop back into the mines once a week or so, just for old times sake.
But I do like playing it on the weekend. Hopefully we'll see more players this summer.
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Hey, I always come back to see what my old flame doing! After all, the "first" is always unforgettable... :D
you do have a point there. the classics are the most fun; or at least, 'unforgettable'
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I did actually play some Descent today :D I realized I have no saves for Descent (wut?!?!) so I had to start from level 1. I got through level 4 before I stopped. I have to say that the original Descent is still by far one of the best games ever. It's so far ahead of its time, and yet so very simple. The beauty is very much in the simplicity. And the musical track is awesome. Unlike most games today, the story is there to supplement and explain the gameplay rather than define and control it. And of course, the nostalgia.
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...And the musical track is awesome. Unlike most games today, the story is there to supplement and explain the gameplay rather than define and control it...
[Blatant Self-Promotion]Take a look here and listen to the previews of the songs I wrote for Descent WiiWare. http://soundcloud.com/diamond-paw (http://soundcloud.com/diamond-paw). Hoping they actually get used. They definitely have the percussive feel of the original Descent tracks, but the style is a bit more D&B rather than industrial. I'm not sure how, where, or how many will be used though.[/Blatant Self-Promotion]
I agree that a game is a game, not a story. Games like Half-Life 2 are great and all that, but they should be called something more like 'Interactive Novels'. The point of a game, is to play. (And to prepare for your adult life, if you're a wild animal).
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yeah, most games are games. One rare one that I like is Call of Duty: Black Ops.
At first, I wasn't too sure about the story, but it really, IMO, would make a great movie. Even the ending, and absolute end was good. Good enough for me to play just that ending part a few times.
but a lot, just end. Some shorter and more plain than others, like Descent 3 Mercenary, Doom 3, assuming Doom 3 resurrection. I may have them reversed, but both I believe ended very quick and had little to show for.
I'm sure about 90% of the games I have played and are out there, end short. That's fine. a game is a game.
If memory serves, I think 'No One Lives Forever' had a more decent end to it.
edit: actually, this may not be a bad poll. I know we just got one, which is fine. maybe later on, have a new poll, "what game do you think had the best ending?" better have Black Ops or I'm not voting :P
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@ wazzazzle: Your link says I have to log on to see the material the link goes to. :P
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Fixed. I probably should not have been logged on when I copied the link...
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Hey, good stuff Fox!
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I think you missed my point entirely, vanguard. I was saying I don't like games with complicated, in depth stories. I don't like being interrupted in the middle of my rampage to be told some silly detail.
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Hey, good stuff Fox!
Thanks!
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I think you missed my point entirely, vanguard. I was saying I don't like games with complicated, in depth stories. I don't like being interrupted in the middle of my rampage to be told some silly detail.
I agree! but it is good to have a thin plot going on, a simple story like in Descent. But that story should be carried reasonably consistently. And it is nice to have a good ending. Not to involved, the ending to D3 was good. I don't even remember the end of Merc, IIRC, there wasn't one, you complete the level and that was it.
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The ending to D3 is really good. It mops up all the loose ends, and the MD gets sweet revenge.
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the ending to d3 wasn't too bad. but I'm still hooked on the C.O.D. Black Ops ending.
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I liked the end to D3 because it wasn't a sequel hook, even though they were planning a sequel. Considering that the sequel was never made, I think it was a good place to leave off the series. Though there were a few things left unresolved, like the origins of the 'alien' virus -- I'm exploring those. The virus as a sentient preadator that preys on entire civilizations, an entity whose sole property is sentience -- a hive mind of sorts. The idea being that the 'aliens' and the 'virus' are not two separate things, the alien is the virus.
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Wasn't that merc level on the alien planetoid supposed to deal with that?
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The datalinks say that the bees got infected with the virus just like everything else. They also reveal that the 'alien' planetoid wasn't alien at all, it was a human project that went horribly wrong because of the virus.
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I liked the end to D3 because it wasn't a sequel hook, even though they were planning a sequel. Considering that the sequel was never made, I think it was a good place to leave off the series. Though there were a few things left unresolved, like the origins of the 'alien' virus -- I'm exploring those. The virus as a sentient preadator that preys on entire civilizations, an entity whose sole property is sentience -- a hive mind of sorts. The idea being that the 'aliens' and the 'virus' are not two separate things, the alien is the virus.
That's good! I never thought of it like that, it wraps up nicely.
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Wasn't that merc level on the alien planetoid supposed to deal with that?
Heck, no, it only gave a taste of what could be, and didn't really resolve anything. The only it did was tide players over for the time being, until the answers could come...which never did.
They also reveal that the 'alien' planetoid wasn't alien at all, it was a human project that went horribly wrong because of the virus.
I don't remember this, actually. I had thought it was more of the fact that the CED had secretly found the planetoid and set up a facility on it to study it. Whether or not these studies went awry I don't recall being mentioned...but I suppose that would explain why it's so void of inhabitants (save infected bots). But I have to admit, I like the idea that it was just a human project gone terribly wrong due to the virus coming along.
Anyway, as for story plots, I personally like games that have more story than Descent generally did, but I suppose it is more than possible to have too much. Like...um...like...RPGs! RPGs have more story than game, and actually are kind of boring IMO. :P
I honestly didn't like D3's ending too much, as it felt a little...campy and cheesy. I mean, "That's what I like, easy money" is a heck of a line to send you off on. :P But I will give it props that it was still a satisfactory enough an ending in the sense that it DID indeed wrap up enough of the plot to leave you happy. :)
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If memory serves, that guy from the CED that says "blast that thing to hell!" looks so clownish and just wrong almost.
it wasn't too bad an ending I suppose.
If it's not a RPG, then I guess I never got into any of those, but I did like the classic "legend of Zelda" on Nintendo.
My girl friend likes Final Fantasy IV on the classic Sega (On the PS3, the Sega classics disc)
I've always liked first person shooters. some are better than others though.
How did F.E.A.R. end? I'd like to say, that's another rare game that gets more into an actual story and detail rather than the usual games we play.
I understand, most games have a story, some just go deeper.
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There is a lot of implied story in Descent, especially D2 -- but it's hard to figure out what it means.
After level 16 in D2, there are no hostages, and strange alien writing on the walls instead of PTMC signs. Also, the names of the levels (though many are anagrams) at first glance look like they're some other language. The first impression this gave me was 'I'm not in PTMC's mines anymore' -- except for Gytowt Station, which gave me the impression of being the last PTMC mine.
My impression of the planetoids, given that we know they aren't the virus's source, is that they were infected in order to spread the virus.
Mercenary level 3 is (pretty obviously I think) a coverup to stop the CED from finding out that Dravis sent the override to kill the Material Defender.
I think the Mercenary series, up to level five, must have happened before Vertigo because at the beginning of Vertigo Dravis seems to be in the process of recommending Sweitzer be fired and imprisoned. Mercenary level 5 would also nicely explain why the Beta Ceti system was infected.
I'm pretty sure the SuperThief was Dravis's attempt, once you'd found Sweitzer's evidence, to have the robot bring the data to him. Fortunately you stopped that :D.
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Yes, Level 4 was supposed to deal directly with that, but it was so easy and simple that it was impossible to believe that that was it. It did say in the briefings that it was the source of the virus.
And Scyphy, you have it backwards. "Easy money. That's what I like." And it's a classic mercenary-like quote! I use it all the time! :P
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You're a mercenary now? Uh oh. :P
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what's so bad about being a mercenary? just a bad reputation.
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Being a mercenary IRL?
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i had to google that, IRL, in Real Life.
ah, no comment. ;D
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Levels in Chronological Order: Ziqidel's version. (http://www.prepare4descent.net/descentchrono1.shtml)
Levels in Chronological Order: Tech-Pro's version. (http://www.prepare4descent.net/descentchrono.shtml)
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I like Tech Pro's version because it does not look so much like a clusterf***.
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I do not agree with either chronology :D.
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Dravis is evil. uses bots against us. sends MD in to be killed. MD lives to kill Dravis.
That works for me.
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It did say in the briefings that it was the source of the virus.
Nooooo, it said that neither planetoid was the source of the virus, just that the virus had been carried here via them, so exactly where the virus comes from is still very much a mystery.
I think wazzazzle's about nailed it with both the virus and the planetoids, though. The virus is sentient, and uses the planetoids as a means of transport. But, again, neither tells us the virus origins.
I've thought at times that given the nature of the virus that it was artificially created by some other race for some reason, possibly on purpose, or possibly accidental, having different purposes in mind, but they lost control. But this is just speculation on my part.
There is a lot of implied story in Descent, especially D2 -- but it's hard to figure out what it means.
This is very true. A lot of potential hints are dropped in both of those first two games, but were never really picked up on and explained in detail later on in later productions. D1, for instance, emphasizes greatly the virus is of alien origins and extremely deadly, and that the PTMC was caught off guard by it's appearance, which makes me think that Dravis didn't actually start coming up with his ulterior motives until either after he hired MD when he couldn't back out, or just before, but didn't have his plans solidified enough to realize that MD would cause trouble later. (Or he hired him as a cover to hide his plans and make it seem like he was still following orders, which is also just as possible, just didn't realize it'd cause issues later. Maybe Dravis figured MD wouldn't succeed so well with the mission) And then there's D2, and I have wondered myself if all of those mines were really of PTMC origin myself, as some of them don't seem like it, especially late in the game (minus the planetoid, which we KNOW isn't of PTMC origin). And didn't the briefing in the D2 demo say that the jump core was of alien origin instead of PTMC origin like in the final game? (can't remember, it's been awhile) That alone raises quite a few questions.
By the time we get to D3, there seems to be a lot of questions that need to be answered, but D3 actually gets kind of off-topic on all of this and instead focuses on Dravis's attempts for power and not the virus and it's origins, like what I think many of us were expecting it to, although there's nothing wrong with that (beating the crap out of the PTMC is actually quite satisfying :P). But even D3 drops some hints, and then there's that first demo that was released of the would-be level three. Remember the crashed flying saucer? I think the developers had something very different in mind for D3 at first...
Because of all of this, I really think that if a D4 ever were to be made, it needs at least enough story to sort this all out. I've actually been planning out a possible story in my head lately...maybe someday I'll write it down and share. :)
Chronology-wise, I've never really been entirely sure where to stick the Vertigo levels. I personally would like to think they sit precisely between D2 and D3, but that would mean that MD was out floating in deep space in stasis for longer than most people seem to like to consider. And that doesn't answer whether or not there's any overlap with Mercenary or not. :-\
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I actually like to think that Vertigo happened during D3. I would think the end of Vertigo happened just before the mission on the CED Expediator -- any later than that and the pilot probably would have been blocaded from entering Shiva Station.
BTW -- speaking of the D3 demo, the briefing in there implies that you're playing as the Vertigo pilot again, but working for SRAD (a different part of PTMC). The hint is when it says you'll be 'going back to the Beta Ceti system'. No other pilot in the series had gone there before.
I would guess this happens after D3, because... well... you already quit a job at the PTMC. But perhaps Dravis' death caused you to reconsider (after all, it was Dravis who lied to you about the infestation).
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Dravis is evil. uses bots against us. sends MD in to be killed. MD lives to kill Dravis.
That works for me.
This. I don't feel any compelling need to dig much deeper than that. I usually like my games light on story and heavy on the shooty-shooty (but it must be well-made shooty-shooty)
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i got quoted whoo hoo! lol. im silly today.
That's how deep I usually get with games too. It either has to be something basic, like doom, descent, arcade games, or a really good story like Black Ops.
in most cases, I just want the simple story. "kill demons? okay. will do."
end of story.
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Being an English major, I feel disappointed if everything I play/watch doesn't have a big complicated story plot to analyze. :P
BTW -- speaking of the D3 demo, the briefing in there implies that you're playing as the Vertigo pilot again, but working for SRAD...
This makes me want to replay that demo and get a good look around in that again. And the idea of the Vertigo pilot returning is actually kind of an interesting idea I hadn't ever really considered. :D
EDIT: speaking of which, anybody know where I can find copy of said demo, for PC?
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I have it!
Will see if I can upload it here. :)
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Ah ... I think the D3 Demos and Trailers are already here.
http://www.planetdescent.net/index.php?action=tpmod;dl=cat168
By the way, last I knew, at least one of the D3 Demos only works on Windows 95 (... maybe XP?).
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I've checked, and there's only the Mac demo and demo 2 on there.
I tryed to upload the Demo 1, but it gives me an error that it exceeds the maximum file size allowed. :(
(The file size of the Demo 1 is about 30MB)
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I haven't posted here in forever, so this a good one to step into. I still play several times a week, but it's starting to fade. For me the fun was always the people I got in and laughed like a maniac with, and they're all pretty much gone now. (you should feel guilty B) Not really B. You're doing good things in life.
Subway was always my favorite level, because of the people who played there, but I always liked jumping into different and new levels.
Not much going anymore though, so I'm starting to play Burnout on Xbox with my kids more, and spend more time on Facebook, and out in my workshop.
D3 is still my favorite game, but it looks like I'll have to go back to LANing with my kids and playing single player soon.
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Hi Grizz
Look for me tonight at 10pm EDT. My ship is rusty and the controls that used to have labels on them like "Fire" "Slide" "Get Grizz" etc, are either faded or have fallen off completely. I used a small hammer and got some of the levers to actually move and a few nights ago I played one quick game with no sound and got slaughtered. I felt like Will Smith and Jeff Goldblum when they first tried getting that alien ship to fly in Independence Day. I fight like a rookie now.
I can make time but not every night like I used to. Twelve hour shifts with two on two off, seems to be the norm but students like me are low on the totem pole (until December) so I have to do some night work. The good is that it's not every night and we get walked to our cars.
Look for the light brown rusted ship tonight...
Bettina
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I'll keep an eye out should be done with dinner by then. We're 3 hrs earlier. Look for the guy with the cane limping around.... :P
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Putting the... B back in Descent?
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Rusty huh Bettina? ?!?! 2nd place, and if it wouldn't have been for the hyperorb you would have won !!!!!! And I took a screenshot to prove it.. Excellent games though. Really good to play you again. ;D
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Very nice to see you here on PlanetDescent Grizz.
I see you registered back on April 2010, but I see you were not posting that much here.
Good to find you here. ;)
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Thanks to help from willyP I have recently got back into D3 online>>>am rubbish compared to how I was years ago (but improving) I had forgotten what a stress release it is and just good fun>>>the on screen banter and nicknames are as ever hilarious...shame no rankings or competitions anymore....some seriously good players out there....d34e and blessu all
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I would've loved to join you guys tonight but I haven't gotten around to reinstalling D3, and it's honestly such a pain getting everything patched, etc. that I just didn't wanna deal with it.
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@Ihatehackers... Yes, I intend to get back in the game. I was working on the setups during the week and last night I found everything was working but me.:-)
@blessu D34E... I don't know if you were on last night but glad to hear you're playing.
@Vanguard... Surely someone here can help you. Foil usually checks in and will be more than willing to get you going.
@Grizz... Did you notice the 'B' I wrote on the wall with my flares just before you came in? :) Anyway, I left rusty skid marks on every wall and got shot down by my own missiles more than I want to admit and whenever I tried pushing the F8 key I ended up pushing something else and couldn't figure out how to get rid of the unwanted screen so flew around with it until I got killed. Then my contact lenses were getting stuck to my eyes because I wasn't blinking enough so I had to put in some wetting drops then everything was blurry. :-) Anyway, I had a great time and I couldn't believe I played way beyond my bedtime.
I came in second because you were being nice to me and don't think I didn't notice. :). I've seen you in action before so to stop you from being a gentlemen let me tell you that I could care less whether I win or not. Coming in last doesn't diminish the fun I have playing with the Subway regulars and you especially. In fact I have more fun trying to keep you from winning...than winning. If that makes any sense. ;D
I'll be on again tonight. I only have morning classes three days a week for the rest of August though I plan on going sightseeing with dad off and on during the month.
Bee
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UPDATE..
I was asked to go in so I can't make it tonight. Will try tommorrow night Sorry.....
Bee
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@Ihatehackers... Yes, I intend to get back in the game. I was working on the setups during the week and last night I found everything was working but me.:-)
Honestly even when you claimed to be actively playing I almost never saw you in a game, but maybe now that I have acquired a habit of staying up till 2 AM... (Not a good habit btw!) I wonder if my parents (or my pitiful excuse for common sense) will allow that continue once college starts...
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@Grizz... I came in second because you were being nice to me and don't think I didn't notice. :). I've seen you in action before so to stop you from being a gentlemen let me tell you that I could care less whether I win or not. Coming in last doesn't diminish the fun I have playing with the Subway regulars and you especially. In fact I have more fun trying to keep you from winning...than winning. If that makes any sense. ;D
Bettina..... Not guilty as charged !!!! While I might take it easy on a new player so they don't get too frustrated, I would never make that mistake with you.... you would hand me my head on a platter.. :o
I am a bit off my game in Subway. It hasn't been being played as much lately, so I've been forced to play Veins more to get get a game in. Totally different gameplay style.
You whipped me fair and square the other night..... >:(
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Well, right now I prefer the builder's side in terms of Descent 3. I've been playing around in 3Ds-Max, and had some progress on a single-player map... that is, if you are interested in a new map?
I'll start up a separate thread for it.
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Great thread! I play Descent 1 almost everyday, more than 5 times a week hehe, Descent 2 and 3 are fun too, but I prefer mainlyD escent 1, stronger weapons, no After Burner , it has a the best strategic layout, but hay that is just my feel for it :)
Descent 3 is the best for Co-Ops, there are not many good campaigns for it, but I do hope to see a few more new ones, I always have my PC Flashed Vodoo5 5500 PCi Macintosh ready for it, the PC Bios gives me access to it's DVI-D port ;)
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I'm kind of more of a D2 co-op guy actually. Generally the only part of D3 I really like is the anarchy (though sometimes it can be fun to dogfight one robot for five minutes -- cerebral challenge, they're so good at leading you :D).
To my mind, D2 has the best variety of robots to team up against rather than fighting them solo, the most interesting bosses in the series (again, cooperation/team thing), and the biggest variety of quality mission sets to play and quality custom enemies to fight. And maybe most importantly, I have someone to actually play it with, unlike D1's or D3's.