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Best Game Ever? in Geneforge 4: Rebellion
Silb Aran
Apprentice
Member # 6559
 written Friday, December 1 2006 10:05 Profile #8
I would vote G4, and G1 in the same respect as Student of Trinity, even over Exile 2.

I'd say, though, that the area/global map system remains the major flaw. It's simple but really not immersive.

Perhaps it's not so much the area system itself as the fact that all areas are small flat squares of the same size. Some variety in shape or size, elevation, towers, anything really, would be a great addition.
Posts: 27 | Registered: Thursday, December 15 2005 08:00
Ghaldring (SPOILERS) in Geneforge 4: Rebellion
Silb Aran
Apprentice
Member # 6559
 written Friday, December 1 2006 09:59 Profile #1
I agree Ghaldring was handled well, and I hope he comes back. I was puzzled that he didn't personally attend the final act of shaping.

Concerning that last part, when he advises you to go pay homage to Salassar's tomb before you leave, it felt somewhat like "Don't forget the souvenir shop on your left". When I clicked on the tomb, I half expected to get a dragonskin keyring/Salassar plush. I suspect deliberate mischievousness on Jeff's part.
Posts: 27 | Registered: Thursday, December 15 2005 08:00
Storyline and Endings in Geneforge 4: Rebellion
Silb Aran
Apprentice
Member # 6559
 written Wednesday, November 29 2006 03:13 Profile #11
I meant GF1's Trajkov ending, not Trakovite ending. Thanks (again), Dikiyoba.

quote:
Originally written by Servile Synergy:

I'm not quite sure how to put my finger on it, but the endings are the one part of the game that isn't satisfying to me. No matter what you do or how consistent or moral or clever or anything else you try to be, I wasn't left feeling very good or very appreciated for all my hard work and the world doesn't really become a better place in any notable way.

The Trakovites have been around since GF1?

-S-
I know what you mean, but I think this has improved in GF4. The choice 'morals vs pesonal achievement' seems clearer. It's frustrating, but Geneforge wouldn't be so likable otherwise. I think. Just like the canister dilemma.

I've checked the shaper ending in more detail, and it's not so bad. It just falls in-between the other two in both the moral and personal department. Although this, arguably, makes it especially unfulfilling.

Like for all good endings, though, the key is to remain on the same side throughout. The game is not very forgiving in this respect. Eigenvalue, I suspect you changed sides at some point, didn't you? What can you say to your defense?

quote:
Originally written by Student of Trinity:

I think it's a great touch how Trajkov's story has gotten garbled by repetition in Servile tales, so that he becomes 'Trakov' as the legendary founder of the Trakovites. This seems realistic somehow.
Yes! The allusions to previous Geneforges are handled beautifully in this one. Like that servile who hazily mistakes you for the main shaper character of a previous Geneforge? That was brilliant.

[ Wednesday, November 29, 2006 03:28: Message edited by: Silb Aran ]
Posts: 27 | Registered: Thursday, December 15 2005 08:00
Storyline and Endings in Geneforge 4: Rebellion
Silb Aran
Apprentice
Member # 6559
 written Tuesday, November 28 2006 19:13 Profile #6
To answer the first post-
quote:
Originally written by Eigenvalue:

What, in your opinion, is the most spiritually rewarding ending?
warning- the following contains no actual plot spoiler, but is kind of spoiler-y nonetheless.

Most personally rewarding ending: being faithful to the rebels from start to finish, having both major rebel characters survive the last battle, and using no or very few canisters. The moral aspect of this one is debatable, though.

Most moral ending (arguably): there are two Trakovite endings. Both are equally moral, but as far as you're personally concerned, it goes from terrible to not good. To get the better one, I think you need a high reputation with the rebels.

How to screw up both aspects: helping the shapers. Sorry. I think the shapers don't look so wrong throughout this game, but you have to admit that the ending is coherent. The shapers' rules are very harsh. Depending on your beliefs, though, I guess you might consider this ending to be morally sound.

Wackiest (and worst) endings: Being faithful to one cause right until the end, and then betraying it, thus ensuring the other side's victory. Silly you.

Conclusion:
1) All this is very coherent.
2) The only ending ever to be both morally and personally rewarding was the Trakovite ending of GF1.
Posts: 27 | Registered: Thursday, December 15 2005 08:00
Slartanalysis: Classes in Geneforge 4: Rebellion
Silb Aran
Apprentice
Member # 6559
 written Tuesday, November 21 2006 12:46 Profile #3
That data is really useful. Thanks!

Regarding (5), I have precisely been putting my bet on an Infiltrator with somewhat decent magic shaping, and no melee (the reasoning being that magic probably still rules -which Synergy67 confirms-, but a pure spell-weaver might now be too vulnerable because of the more potent melee range - and boosting melee itself would require too many distinct high stats). So if you need any kind of data collecting, I'll be happy to help.

Also, while we are on the topic of stats, what would you beta-testers say is a "useful minimum" for mechanics? (although I suppose that may depend on whether your character is interested in canisters.)
Posts: 27 | Registered: Thursday, December 15 2005 08:00
Very quick Geneforge 4: Rebellion Update. in Geneforge 4: Rebellion
Silb Aran
Apprentice
Member # 6559
 written Monday, November 20 2006 13:18 Profile #115
Just downloaded it. It's running fine here as well. Hurray!

Edit: here's the link for the ftp. Use at your own risk, though, since I guess it's not official yet.

[ Monday, November 20, 2006 13:24: Message edited by: Silb Aran ]
Posts: 27 | Registered: Thursday, December 15 2005 08:00
Very quick Geneforge 4: Rebellion Update. in Geneforge 4: Rebellion
Silb Aran
Apprentice
Member # 6559
 written Monday, November 20 2006 11:31 Profile #106
I would have the game stunningly perfect, and today. It should also cure cancer, and usher in a new age of prosperity.

Seriously though, Jeff just said "quick update: should come out close to the 20th". It's not a release date at all. I thought we were just pretending. Or was I the only one?
*looks around in sudden doubt and fright*
Posts: 27 | Registered: Thursday, December 15 2005 08:00
Very quick Geneforge 4: Rebellion Update. in Geneforge 4: Rebellion
Silb Aran
Apprentice
Member # 6559
 written Monday, November 20 2006 04:56 Profile #95
This just in- GF4 is postponed to an unspecified date. Asked for details over the phone, Jeff hastily told the press: "No time to speak. Must hurry. The twilight realm is covering Hyrule!".
Posts: 27 | Registered: Thursday, December 15 2005 08:00
Very quick Geneforge 4: Rebellion Update. in Geneforge 4: Rebellion
Silb Aran
Apprentice
Member # 6559
 written Monday, November 20 2006 00:32 Profile #91
I would camp Jeff's house if it were not for the giant spiders.
Posts: 27 | Registered: Thursday, December 15 2005 08:00
Creationism in Geneforge 4: Rebellion
Silb Aran
Apprentice
Member # 6559
 written Friday, November 17 2006 02:35 Profile #6
Randomizer, do you mean that all these creations can be shaped, or that they appear in-game?

Also, according to the Oxford Genuine UrDictionnary:
Ur. (noun. German.)
1. Original, as in "the source, unaltered". In particular, UrGlaahk should be read like "Original Coca-Cola".
>The new glaahks? Don't stand up for that nerfed crap. (Mark Twain)
2. (hip) Your.
>Ur[Name] is the new My[Name], which is the new i[Name]. (Jeff Vogel)
>"An iGlaahk attacks your party"
Posts: 27 | Registered: Thursday, December 15 2005 08:00
Very quick Geneforge 4: Rebellion Update. in Geneforge 4: Rebellion
Silb Aran
Apprentice
Member # 6559
 written Sunday, November 12 2006 15:41 Profile #46
Ph'nglui mglw'nafh fluffy Cthulhu R'lyeh wgah'nagl fhtagn.

Apparently, that particular Great Elder does not eat all that live. Instead, it eats threads.
Posts: 27 | Registered: Thursday, December 15 2005 08:00
Very quick Geneforge 4: Rebellion Update. in Geneforge 4: Rebellion
Silb Aran
Apprentice
Member # 6559
 written Friday, November 10 2006 10:36 Profile #23
The gentleman doth protest too much, methinks.
Posts: 27 | Registered: Thursday, December 15 2005 08:00
Very quick Geneforge 4: Rebellion Update. in Geneforge 4: Rebellion
Silb Aran
Apprentice
Member # 6559
 written Friday, November 10 2006 09:00 Profile #18
Thank you for clearing that up, Dikiyoba. May you prosper and buy a Mac.

Edit:
quote:
—Alorael, who thinks everyone should pay more attention to the ostensible lies in a certain rather Xian thread. See how many grains of truth you can extract now!
Are you speaking about the "good news" thread (I'm not sure what Xian is)? Sure, that place is all kinds of devious, but suggesting that vahnatai are shapers is outright evil. Does human treachery know no bound?

[ Friday, November 10, 2006 09:08: Message edited by: Silb Aran ]
Posts: 27 | Registered: Thursday, December 15 2005 08:00
Very quick Geneforge 4: Rebellion Update. in Geneforge 4: Rebellion
Silb Aran
Apprentice
Member # 6559
 written Friday, November 10 2006 02:28 Profile #11
Is this a placeholder graphic? Do they... cast 'razor disks'? Have we recently entered an alternate plane of the multiverse (I don't watch the news)? Is it possible to get one's sanity back from the door?
Posts: 27 | Registered: Thursday, December 15 2005 08:00
Good news! in Geneforge 4: Rebellion
Silb Aran
Apprentice
Member # 6559
 written Sunday, November 5 2006 14:03 Profile #146
I hear the best part about playing as an augmented servile is deciding to join the shapers.

[ Sunday, November 05, 2006 14:21: Message edited by: Silb Aran ]
Posts: 27 | Registered: Thursday, December 15 2005 08:00
Good news! in Geneforge 4: Rebellion
Silb Aran
Apprentice
Member # 6559
 written Sunday, November 5 2006 12:19 Profile #143
IMAGE(http://img2.freeimagehosting.net/uploads/e32a450bda.jpg)
Posts: 27 | Registered: Thursday, December 15 2005 08:00
Good news! in Geneforge 4: Rebellion
Silb Aran
Apprentice
Member # 6559
 written Sunday, October 29 2006 01:57 Profile #108
quote:
Originally written by Ijuuin Enzan:

quote:
Also, there is a BIG change in shaping too.
quote:
I don't think I am allowed to say it. Non disclosure.
You tease.
Yes, it's that damnable Hinted Disclosure Agreement from Hell.
Article 10b: you may drop very sparse info that should be both very vague and very exciting.
I believe you then sign with your blood and a puff of maniacal laughter.

(Yes, I'm the same Silb - hi! plug: Lugaru - The most surreal yet spiffy game in History.)

[ Sunday, October 29, 2006 05:17: Message edited by: Silb Aran ]
Posts: 27 | Registered: Thursday, December 15 2005 08:00
Good news! in Geneforge 4: Rebellion
Silb Aran
Apprentice
Member # 6559
 written Wednesday, October 25 2006 04:55 Profile #80
quote:
Originally written by Guardian Magma:

But then, a Fyora can be very though! Moves away, attack. A swordman would be doomed.
This only works if the Fyora's movement range and attack range are greater than the swordman's movement range. (All living swordmen have studied this stuff thoroughly at school.)

[ Wednesday, October 25, 2006 05:01: Message edited by: Silb Aran ]
Posts: 27 | Registered: Thursday, December 15 2005 08:00
Good news! in Geneforge 4: Rebellion
Silb Aran
Apprentice
Member # 6559
 written Monday, October 23 2006 12:33 Profile #71
Does the power shift from ranged attacks to melee hold for agent types vs guardian types? I suppose that would be fair (considering how much said balance was one-sided in GF2 & 3).
Posts: 27 | Registered: Thursday, December 15 2005 08:00
Good news! in Geneforge 4: Rebellion
Silb Aran
Apprentice
Member # 6559
 written Saturday, October 21 2006 02:43 Profile #28
quote:
Originally written by Transportion:

There have been a fair number of creation changes and some of the combat changes make the more abusive and abusable tricks no longer so tricky.
Abusive tricks are all the fun, though. But I suppose the better ones are still there?

Acid Rain, run behind a corner. "Really Annoying Bug takes 23 damage" over and over. Oooh, 18 damage *eats popcorn* ooh, 15 damage.

And the Glaahk trick? The simplest are the best.
Stun. Stun. Haha, stun. Stun again. Guess what? stun.

And of course there's this really abusive one where you play as an agent. :P

I'm in the league of people who can't wait one month.
Posts: 27 | Registered: Thursday, December 15 2005 08:00
Good news! in Geneforge 4: Rebellion
Silb Aran
Apprentice
Member # 6559
 written Thursday, October 19 2006 12:44 Profile #0
(From a regular player of JV's games. Hi, fellow players:)

Breaking news - there's a post about Geneforge 4 right on Joystiq.com. That's a really popular news source.

Plus, the post links for further info to an interview with Jeff, where the game comes off looking really good.

...Cheers!

IMAGE(http://blobs.shoppay.be/products/021-GOCC0147.jpg)
Posts: 27 | Registered: Thursday, December 15 2005 08:00
"Failed to open sound channels" crash in Tech Support
Silb Aran
Apprentice
Member # 6559
 written Wednesday, March 29 2006 18:56 Profile #2
I haven't installed MPlayer, but what you say makes it plain that Geneforge is not responsible for the problem.
Thanks for the help!

EDIT: sorry, I misunderstood your post.
I thought "Audio MIDI Setup" was some MPlayer preference panel. I've just realized it's actually a Mac OS X utility. Setting the output rate to 44 MHz did fix the problem.
Thank you so much :)

[ Wednesday, March 29, 2006 19:03: Message edited by: Silb Aran ]
Posts: 27 | Registered: Thursday, December 15 2005 08:00
"Failed to open sound channels" crash in Tech Support
Silb Aran
Apprentice
Member # 6559
 written Wednesday, March 29 2006 05:58 Profile #0
When I open any of the three Geneforges, The game immediately quits with a "failed to open sound channels" error message. This did not happen in the past. Reinstalling doesn't work.
I think something is corrupted in my OS X sound library (or whatever handles sound in OS X), and I realize Geneforge's crashing may not be the cause, and only an annoying side-effect.

However, if someone could tell me what library (or other) Geneforge uses to handle sound, so I would know what to fix/reinstall, I would really appreciate it :)
Posts: 27 | Registered: Thursday, December 15 2005 08:00
2016 in General
Silb Aran
Apprentice
Member # 6559
 written Tuesday, January 10 2006 09:58 Profile #48
Moral of the story: we're all fluffy bunny rabbits who are afraid of what lies ahead in time, and outside our homes :D

2016: Love cools; friendship falls off; brothers divide; in cities, mutiny; in countries, discord; in palaces, treason; and the bond cracked ’twixt son and father.
Posts: 27 | Registered: Thursday, December 15 2005 08:00
Where is the key ? in Avernum 4
Silb Aran
Apprentice
Member # 6559
 written Thursday, January 5 2006 17:07 Profile #16
This board's subtle and creative sense of pun makes me feel very mundane pointing this out, but "it's the principal" is just a mistranslation of the French expression "C'est le principal".

A philistine.
Posts: 27 | Registered: Thursday, December 15 2005 08:00

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