Dungeon Siege III Demo Out

[John]

So, the Dungeon Siege III demo is now available on Xbox Live, and I'll be very happy to collect on my $10 from Rob when this game actually sells well.  Demo was pretty fun - just about what I'd expect from a top-down hack-and-slash RPG.  Looks to have a bit more depth than I expected, too.

[Eusis]

Seemed OK, but I can probably wait on this despite the Steam incentive being VERY tempting. I'll give it another shot when the PC demo hits however.

[neogalahad]

I played through the demo twice last night, to try out the two different characters. The gameplay is actually really fun and reminds me of the days when I used to play champions of norrath or dark alliance. Its pretty streamlined for an rpg due to the fact that there are no stat building points, no potions or items of that calibur. The enemies drop green orbs for health and you use your main attack to recharge your focus (MP metter) to use your skills. When you are fighting bosses you need to use the roll and block skills or your going to get owned! Great game, cant wait for it to come out.

[Arhkaos]

I had a great time playing this demo! I was actually really surprised there actually was a story, I appreciated the conversations with NPCs. And the gameplay is really smooth for a console hack and slash. I'm definitely going to buy this one when it releases!

[Cyril]

The demo sold me.  I was a bit worried, but I did enjoy Dungeon Siege: Throne of Agony.

As long as it's not a buggy mess, I'm sure I'll enjoy it.

[Esper_Crusader]

I just finally got around to checking out the demo. I think I like it enough that I may trade in my copy of Hunted: Demon's Forge for this next week. I think I'll have a better time with it.

[Britton]

It's nice to see some online co-op rpg's come to the 360. This, Crimson Alliance, the upcoming LOTR: War In The North and a few more. I loved the demo and preordered the game a month or so ago.

[PaleRobbie]

We'll see, John.  I doubt this series still has a core following, but I'm okay with being surprised. 

[Taelus]

Check out the boards on GameFAQs, Rob. People are still into it. They're all bawwwing about how it's different, though. But I agree with everyone else, the demo sold me, it's pretty damn fun.

[Eusis]

Well, the PC controls really ARE bullshit. It's a genre that was popularized on the PC and in many ways should still be a natural fit even with the design decisions made with consoles in mind, how did they manage to fuck it up? If I get it I'll definitely play with the 360 controller, I figured for sure this would be a keyboard and mouse kind of game.

[Taelus]

Did they not make any interface changes for the PC version? I haven't seen it yet.

[Eusis]

There's a demo on Steam, if you can play it it's better than having it described to you.

If not... well, ok. You don't click on where to go, you control with WASD as if it were a shooter, or hold the right mouse button in the direction you want to go. And the left mouse button is for attacking, period. Not clicking a target to attack or anything, just you will swing your sword/staff if you click it. I didn't get far enough to see how well this even worked, but I have little doubt it would not have been a pleasant experience compared to the controller.

Actually, it's pretty damn telling that if you have a 360 controller plugged in the game will display the Xbox buttons in the menus and completely ignore the keyboard and mouse once you actually start the game proper. With no option to toggle in the menus.

[PaleRobbie]

I didn't have too many problems with the PC controls, but it is a little awkward at first.  The game is more defense focused than I figured, so I think the controls have been built with that in mind.  This isn't Diablo where you just rend armies asunder with powerful spells and attacks.  This is more deliberate and paced.  Honestly, I was surprised by the demo and enjoyed it quite a bit.  Whether or not that gameplay can hold up for twenty hours is another story. 

[neogalahad]

I didn't have too many problems with the PC controls, but it is a little awkward at first.  The game is more defense focused than I figured, so I think the controls have been built with that in mind.  This isn't Diablo where you just rend armies asunder with powerful spells and attacks.  This is more deliberate and paced.  Honestly, I was surprised by the demo and enjoyed it quite a bit.  Whether or not that gameplay can hold up for twenty hours is another story. 

SO true about the pacing and defense mechanics. The demo surprised me as well. I thought it was going to be like diablo, titan quest, torchlight, but its not. If you dont defend and dodge, you'll get destroyed. I like the idea because just standing there and taking hits so that you can attack and if you have more hp then you win is old after SO many rpgs use this. ( I know there is a lot more involved but you get what im saying)

[Taelus]

I agree with the general sense of being surprised and pleased. It had its own flavor, and the production values on it were top-notch. Except the chick character's voice sounds really, really awkward. But other than that, solidness. Going to enjoy reviewing it and co-oping it with my gf.