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Aragami - Cel shaded indie Tenchu, control the shadows on PC/PS4, releasing Oct 4th
- Thread starter More_Badass
- Start date
PeregrinSe7en
Member
i only missed out on one of the tenchu games as it was an xbox exclusive. pretty wierd if you ask me, considering the history.
PeregrinSe7en
Member
bad news, looks like the american ce only includes a digital soundtrack and "artbook"
sucks cause i wanted the extra goodies.
why does america always get shafted on great ce's
still pumped for the game though
sucks cause i wanted the extra goodies.
why does america always get shafted on great ce's
still pumped for the game though
In the US, the physical CE can be preordered through Gamestop now.
I'm also disappointed that the physical copy includes a digital artbook. I might just opt for digital download, depending on the price difference.
I understand it in this case, especially for an indie title, but it really irks me when an American developer's game gets a better release in Europe. *cough* Resistance 3 Special Edition *cough*
I'm also disappointed that the physical copy includes a digital artbook. I might just opt for digital download, depending on the price difference.
I understand it in this case, especially for an indie title, but it really irks me when an American developer's game gets a better release in Europe. *cough* Resistance 3 Special Edition *cough*
PeregrinSe7en
Member
Linceworks is based in spain actually, but yeah disappionting.
maybe the costs of bringing all those ce goodies are too expensive for the publisher lol
waiting to see when bestbuy will have it up, or if they do at all. they're soo slow.
I know, which is part of the reason I don't expect an awesome American CE.
The same is happening with Guerilla's Horizon. Europe gets a medium tier with a physical art book. All we get is a digital deluxe version with a digital book, or the option to pay 50 bucks more for a statue I don't want.
Ubisoft Montpellier's Rayman Origins had a CE with both a physical art book and soundtrack. Luckily, Amazon offered the art book as a preorder bonus.
I feel like in today's day and age there should be a little more parity across regions. Granted a lot of the US laws are pathetic when it comes to products and consumer rights.
Moff
Member
played the beta and I like this game, a lot
first of all, I do not think it really plays like tenchu, Aragami is it's very own thing with a unique feel. Mostly because of the core gameplay ability that lets you teleport to any shadow near you, called shadow leap. you cannot run, you cannot jump, you cannot fight. you need to move in the shadows and teleport from shadow to shadow all the time and strike from the shadows. you need to do that because you are very vulnerable, not only can't you fight but enemies one-hit you. sure you can escape, but usually it's done after you are spotted and you lose a lot of progress. So you need to be 100% aware of your surroundings at all time. I would also like to mention that I actually expected to play this with a pad, but because of the constant precise shadow leaping you need to do I switched to mouse after 30 seconds.
Shadow leap is a very powerful ability, similar to blink in dishonored and we all know how this broke the game. so I thought Aragami might be very easy, but I was wrong. especially in the beginning the game can be quite hard. The first mission after the tutorial took me 6 tries until I gave up, in the beginning you can't move bodies or anything and if other guards find them it's an instant alarm. so I gave up and ghosted through the level, but that's not really that easy either because there are not shadows everywhere. and although you get the ability to create temporary shadows yourself, this costs a lot of energy (which fills up when you are in a shadow) and you can't do it in areas where there are lights.
I really feel this is balanced well, guard placement and level design work and it's fun and challenging.
The levels are quite big and open and I am very glad exploration is rewarded, because killing guards only gives you points for the score. to actually improve your character you need to find scrolls that are hidden in the level. I really like that decision because I love exploration and otherwise just ghosting the game would be to inviting.
The first ability I unlocked was of course the skill to let bodies disappear. so I could finally play the game how I love to play stealth games, to empty the whole level of enemies.
new enemies are introduced in later levels, the archers who can see into the shadows to spice the gameplay up a bit, which is of course very welcome. the abilities you can unlock look like a lot of fun as well.
If I had to describe the game I'd say it's a mix between thief (because you need to stay in the shadows constantly), dishonored (blink/shadow leap) and tenchu. My three personal favorite stealth games, so I'm pretty sure I'll like this game a lot.
If I may add some suggestions, since this is a beta:
- I'm not sure if it's a good idea to have an ability that tells you where all the scrolls are, although I wanted it immediately I realized that it lets you ignore certain areas of a level immediately if there are no scrolls or objectives in the area and that's not good/motivating for exploration.
- Shadow kill should be really loud and attract a lot of attention, it's a good thing that the more powerful abilities are so limited and shadow kill letting you get power for them is a good idea, but it must come at a price.
- the bell to distract enemies should let you let them lure a bit further away. It might make the game easier but I feel the way it is now you have little possibilities to play around with the AI, and that's something that is a lot of fun in a stealth game in my opinion. I haven't unlocked the decoy, yet so this one might be more powerful.
and a small question, how does the enemy marking with the raven work? I didn't manage to pull it off.
either way, day 1 for me, it's a very good stealth game, and I am picky when it comes to those.
first of all, I do not think it really plays like tenchu, Aragami is it's very own thing with a unique feel. Mostly because of the core gameplay ability that lets you teleport to any shadow near you, called shadow leap. you cannot run, you cannot jump, you cannot fight. you need to move in the shadows and teleport from shadow to shadow all the time and strike from the shadows. you need to do that because you are very vulnerable, not only can't you fight but enemies one-hit you. sure you can escape, but usually it's done after you are spotted and you lose a lot of progress. So you need to be 100% aware of your surroundings at all time. I would also like to mention that I actually expected to play this with a pad, but because of the constant precise shadow leaping you need to do I switched to mouse after 30 seconds.
Shadow leap is a very powerful ability, similar to blink in dishonored and we all know how this broke the game. so I thought Aragami might be very easy, but I was wrong. especially in the beginning the game can be quite hard. The first mission after the tutorial took me 6 tries until I gave up, in the beginning you can't move bodies or anything and if other guards find them it's an instant alarm. so I gave up and ghosted through the level, but that's not really that easy either because there are not shadows everywhere. and although you get the ability to create temporary shadows yourself, this costs a lot of energy (which fills up when you are in a shadow) and you can't do it in areas where there are lights.
I really feel this is balanced well, guard placement and level design work and it's fun and challenging.
The levels are quite big and open and I am very glad exploration is rewarded, because killing guards only gives you points for the score. to actually improve your character you need to find scrolls that are hidden in the level. I really like that decision because I love exploration and otherwise just ghosting the game would be to inviting.
The first ability I unlocked was of course the skill to let bodies disappear. so I could finally play the game how I love to play stealth games, to empty the whole level of enemies.
new enemies are introduced in later levels, the archers who can see into the shadows to spice the gameplay up a bit, which is of course very welcome. the abilities you can unlock look like a lot of fun as well.
If I had to describe the game I'd say it's a mix between thief (because you need to stay in the shadows constantly), dishonored (blink/shadow leap) and tenchu. My three personal favorite stealth games, so I'm pretty sure I'll like this game a lot.
If I may add some suggestions, since this is a beta:
- I'm not sure if it's a good idea to have an ability that tells you where all the scrolls are, although I wanted it immediately I realized that it lets you ignore certain areas of a level immediately if there are no scrolls or objectives in the area and that's not good/motivating for exploration.
- Shadow kill should be really loud and attract a lot of attention, it's a good thing that the more powerful abilities are so limited and shadow kill letting you get power for them is a good idea, but it must come at a price.
- the bell to distract enemies should let you let them lure a bit further away. It might make the game easier but I feel the way it is now you have little possibilities to play around with the AI, and that's something that is a lot of fun in a stealth game in my opinion. I haven't unlocked the decoy, yet so this one might be more powerful.
and a small question, how does the enemy marking with the raven work? I didn't manage to pull it off.
either way, day 1 for me, it's a very good stealth game, and I am picky when it comes to those.
PeregrinSe7en
Member
fantastic impressions moff
good to hear your reasoning for enjoying it so
good to hear your reasoning for enjoying it so
xDavidLeon
Member
Great first impressions and good feedback
I'm currently working over the list of user feedback from the last closed beta round, and I'm definitely adding some of the stuff you mentioned. Marking an enemy is done with the 'R' key if I remember correctly.I don't know how it works for other companies, but in our case, we've got a physical publisher who talks with the local distributors in different countries (Maximum Games in US, Avance in Spain, etc.) and tries to 'sell' them different options for selling the game, like normal + collector's ed for PS4, or just a special ed. for PC, things like that. So, whatever's available in every country depends on what the local distributor agreed to do/sell. For Aragami, there's a 'special ed' for PS4 and PC, and a collector's ed in Spain. There's also a physical Collector's edition with all the goodies that you'll be able to order online globally, but we are giving more details about that later this week (need to confirm everything).. so if you really want the physical artbook / OST and you don't live in Spain, don't worry, we thought about it
PeregrinSe7en
Member
Great first impressions and good feedback
I don't know how it works for other companies, but in our case, we've got a physical publisher who talks with the local distributors in different countries (Maximum Games in US, Avance in Spain, etc.) and tries to 'sell' them different options for selling the game, like normal + collector's ed for PS4, or just a special ed. for PC, things like that. So, whatever's available in every country depends on what the local distributor agreed to do/sell. For Aragami, there's a 'special ed' for PS4 and PC, and a collector's ed in Spain. There's also a physical Collector's edition with all the goodies that you'll be able to order online globally, but we are giving more details about that later this week (need to confirm everything).. so if you really want the physical artbook / OST and you don't live in Spain, don't worry, we thought about it
i would be fine with just a physical artbook/ digital ost
or perhaps now that i think about it a "making of" documentary chronicling the development of aragami from initial concepts to finished product. that would be cool.
xDavidLeon
Member
So.. I heard you guys liked the spanish collector's ed... so there's now a way to get it outside Spain -> Signature Edition.
https://signatureeditiongames.com/products/aragami-developer-signature-edition
By the way, official release date is October 4.
https://signatureeditiongames.com/products/aragami-developer-signature-edition
By the way, official release date is October 4.
So.. I heard you guys liked the spanish collector's ed... so there's now a way to get it outside Spain -> Signature Edition.
By the way, official release date is October 4.
Nice, really liking the collector edition. Any word on the possible XB1 day release?
xDavidLeon
Member
If sales are good then we'll consider porting the game. Technically should be fine, but it will take a few months to do it properly anyway.
PeregrinSe7en
Member
So.. I heard you guys liked the spanish collector's ed... so there's now a way to get it outside Spain -> Signature Edition.
https://signatureeditiongames.com/products/aragami-developer-signature-edition
By the way, official release date is October 4.
sweet. pre-ordered
gonna have to cancel the amazon one
That's okay, I just want the best for you and your team. Some indie developers end up screwing their business with poor decisions and some awesome games die because of this. Anyway, I'll most likely go the PS4 route this time.
Messofanego
Banned
Wait, there is a special edition for PC? I pre-ordered the physical edition from amazon a while back, it was £19.99, and seemed like just the game with digital OST, artbook, and dev diaries.
PeregrinSe7en
Member
well said, hopefully we can see some sort of marketing for this game, though i have my doubts
Moff
Member
So.. I heard you guys liked the spanish collector's ed... so there's now a way to get it outside Spain -> Signature Edition.
https://signatureeditiongames.com/products/aragami-developer-signature-edition
By the way, official release date is October 4.
oh wow that's great, a lot sooner than expected, and it's not even full price?
How many levels will the full release have?
Anyway, I hope you'll have a lot of success, judging from the beta, I think you deserve it.
xDavidLeon
Member
I don't think there's a collector's ed with physical extras for PC, as there was no interest from local sellers. The one you are describing looks like the one with all the digital extras.
MergeGames is selling that edition themselves, so I guess they can cut out some middlemen and lower the price tag. The game is 13 chapters, which I think averages to 6-8 hours of gameplay. There's also the full online multiplayer mode for the story.
ZombiePlatypus
Member
Looks awesome. Want.
More_Badass
Member
Messofanego
Banned
Aragami |OT| Make Em Afraid Of All The Shadows
Aragami |OT| It Came From The Shadows
Aragami |OT| You're Already Shadowed
PeregrinSe7en
Member
i like option #2
I've been in the beta but haven't talked about it yet. One problem I'm having is not related to the game, but with Windows 10- my Xbone controller doesn't work after the anniversary update, and if I plug in a 360 controller, Windows will switch the audio to its headphone jack after a period of time. It's incredibly annoying and has been shutting down a lot of attempts I've been making to play games with controllers on PC.
I tried this with mouse/KB and it's way better with a controller. That windows mess aside, the game is incredibly promising and runs great on my PC.
I tried this with mouse/KB and it's way better with a controller. That windows mess aside, the game is incredibly promising and runs great on my PC.
Right after that post, I tried re-syncing my controller and now it works. LMAO. Finally I can get back to playing this. Cannot say enough how satisfying it is to move around the shadows and pop out for stealth kills. It plays like a smoother Tenchu in that regard.
Gotta say, other than crouch defaulting to 'ctrl', I've found that kb/m works really smoothly so far.
PeregrinSe7en
Member
wow that's high praise
great to hear
can you tell me what difficulty your playing in?
I'm just not much for KB/M controls in general. Only use them when I have to.
There's no difficulty selection in the beta from what I can see.
Also needs to be noted that this is a pure stealth game- no combat situations like in Tenchu. Get hit by an enemy and you're dead.
There's no difficulty selection in the beta from what I can see.
Also needs to be noted that this is a pure stealth game- no combat situations like in Tenchu. Get hit by an enemy and you're dead.
PeregrinSe7en
Member
thanks for the info
xDavidLeon
Member
I implemented today the much demanded 'Crouch Toggle'. Besides that, I'm working on a screen to redefine keys. It's a bit tricky to implement properly so it might be a post-launch update.. I'll keep you updated
I always play with a ps4 or xbox one controller.. although some people at the office prefer kb+m!
I implemented today the much demanded 'Crouch Toggle'. Besides that, I'm working on a screen to redefine keys. It's a bit tricky to implement properly so it might be a post-launch update.. I'll keep you updated
I always play with a ps4 or xbox one controller.. although some people at the office prefer kb+m!
I'm fine with it being post-launch, as you've obviously heard the reaction and are responding to it in a timely fashion. It's nice to see a dev respond that way.
As for controls. It's good that it works with either so seamlessly. A lot of games don't have that luxury
PeregrinSe7en
Member
it'll have a platinum trophy as well
http://www.truetrophies.com/n9801/aragami-dated-getting-signature-edition-alongside-super-meat-boy.htm
hope it's challenging but in a good way
good for completionists like myself
http://www.truetrophies.com/n9801/aragami-dated-getting-signature-edition-alongside-super-meat-boy.htm
hope it's challenging but in a good way
good for completionists like myself
Alcotholic
Banned
I like the aesthetics a lot, but the stiff animations bother me. I'll keep an eye on it though.
Great post, but FYI I've learnt that through lots and lots of practice you can stand an okay chance face-to-face with guards. Enough of a chance to escape if you play your cards right.
If you get good enough you can dodge their Light swipes and strike them, killing them. If there are more than one guard, you probably can't make it, so if you're fast enough you can Shadow Leap out of the way and then use Invisibility to properly peg it. I've got myself out of a few really sticky situations using this gambit.
It's nice how much player skill actually has an impact on gameplay. I can't wait for the guy who made those badass, stylish kill-combo videos for Dishonored to get his hands on this.
PeregrinSe7en
Member
trophy list is up on exophase
https://www.exophase.com/game/aragami-ps4/trophies/
Mr Leon, can you comment on how challenging it will be to acquire these medal related trophies?
https://www.exophase.com/game/aragami-ps4/trophies/
Mr Leon, can you comment on how challenging it will be to acquire these medal related trophies?
PeregrinSe7en
Member
well i think just because that engine gets a bad rap doesnt mean any game using it will be atrocious framerate wise. based on impressions i've read aragami doesn't appear to have any major performance issues.
a credit to mr leon and the team @ linceworks
we got a real gem in ours hands here
xDavidLeon
Member
There's 3 medals. You get 1 medal each time you beat a chapter with a specific rule:
* Yurei medal: Don't get spotted (ghost the level)
* Oni medal: Kill everyone.
* Kami medal: Don't kill anybody.
So, each time you play a chapter you could probably get a Yurei+Kami or Oni+Kami medal, but you'll need to replay at least once to get all 3 medals. We are probably releasing some unlockable extras in a future update related to your number of medals.
Mmm not super happy about Unity's performance on PS4, but it's getting better. The game runs fine at 30FPS, and I'm working on a patch to fix some low FPS on specific parts of the game, but generally the game works quite well and I enjoy playing the Aragami on my PS4 from the couch
PC version has more graphic options available, obviously, like Depth of Field, motion blur, Ambient Occlusion etc.. The game works pretty well on PC and Linux, Mac systems are usually more limited, but with the proper hardware it should work well there too.
We will also patch the game to work with unlocked FPS on PS4 Pro / NEO in a month or so, with more graphics options available too, I'm just waiting for the HDR libraries to become available to add that stuff into the game too.
basic_text
Member
Stood behind a couple of people playing this at EGX yesterday and I was very impressed.
I'll defo be buying it when it hits the (digital) shelves!
I'll defo be buying it when it hits the (digital) shelves!
Just as an heads up; I love the closed beta ^_^
I also came here to ask about a Pro Patch. Already answered and I love the answer
Mmm not super happy about Unity's performance on PS4, but it's getting better. The game runs fine at 30FPS, and I'm working on a patch to fix some low FPS on specific parts of the game, but generally the game works quite well and I enjoy playing the Aragami on my PS4 from the couch
...
We will also patch the game to work with unlocked FPS on PS4 Pro / NEO in a month or so, with more graphics options available too, I'm just waiting for the HDR libraries to become available to add that stuff into the game too.
Thanks for your reply! You got me one more reason to get a PS4 Pro. Better framerate etc @ 1080p is great.
So, even with this new version of Unity, it's still hard to make it run properly on a PS4... Oh well. =|
xDavidLeon
Member
Too many real time shadows going on, and everything's at 1080p, so we could tune it down to 720p and get some better FPS... but I prefer to work on performance fixes and try to get 30fps stable while keeping the 1080p resolution.
I believe we can get 60fps with no problems on PS4 Pro, but I still need to grab a Pro dev kit and take a look at it myself.
It can be pretty dang hard to get certain medals on certain levels... Rings a lot of Mark of the Ninja in that regard.
PeregrinSe7en
Member
thanks for that info
also would be great to see you guys support it with post launch dlc.
perhaps a costume signifying medal mastery would be neat
I really should try the linux and mac builds, see how they play.