I also came to the conclusion by the end that AI Hacking was absolutely useless. All it does is give you a chance that the target you hit is going to start firing on his friends instead of you. Sometimes they still fire at you. It just wasn't worth it at all to put points into (I had maxed it) compared to... well anything else. I did not use Neural Shock much though so I can't comment on that.<BR><BR>Really it's a bit of a wasted class as a primary in the game.
Mass Effect
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I found Neural Shock to be one of the better abilities that Engineers get, even if it is limited to organics.<BR><BR>That was more because of the stun than the rather limited damage component, however.
I found Infiltrator to be a useful class, although this was on normal. I'll have to see how my tech abilities do on Insane. However, even if you never use them in combat, being able to open everything yourself means you can take whoever you like in your party; first time I took Ashley and Liara, next time I'm planning on Wrex and Liara (currently doing my Hardcore playthrough with a Vanguard). Tali misses out on Neural Shock, but honestly, I haven't missed it.
Stupid Question:<BR><BR>I got the Quarian Ally achievement during the final scene. Is the bonus you get for it only good for that playthrough? Is it only for your character or the other tech characters?
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by the lidless eye:<BR>Stupid Question:<BR><BR>I got the Quarian Ally achievement during the final scene. Is the bonus you get for it only good for that playthrough? Is it only for your character or the other tech characters? </div></BLOCKQUOTE><BR><BR>You get the bonus every time you play after having unlocked the achievement.<BR><BR>I'm not completely sure as to the second part, but some of the other bonuses (like Krogan Ally) seem to only apply to your main character, not the other members of your party.
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by FractalLaw:<BR>You get the bonus every time you play after having unlocked the achievement.<BR> </div></BLOCKQUOTE><BR><BR>This reminds me of something I've been wondering about. Does anyone know whether these bonuses are tied to the console? That is, are they actually based on what achievements you have, or are they just unlocks that you get at the same time as the achievement? If I go to a different console and recover my gamertag, will I still get all the bonuses for the achievements I've unlocked?
Engineer is definitely boring as hell. I don't know what you get with the specializations, but I'm a level 10 or so and it sucks. My more combat oriented counterparts suck. I'm trying to do the Wrex quest and a pirate with a shotty just murders Wrex and Ashley everytime.
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by HappyBunny:<BR>This reminds me of something I've been wondering about. Does anyone know whether these bonuses are tied to the console? That is, are they actually based on what achievements you have, or are they just unlocks that you get at the same time as the achievement? If I go to a different console and recover my gamertag, will I still get all the bonuses for the achievements I've unlocked? </div></BLOCKQUOTE><BR>They are tied to the achievement.
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Jonathan Hart:<BR>Engineer is definitely boring as hell. I don't know what you get with the specializations, but I'm a level 10 or so and it sucks. My more combat oriented counterparts suck. I'm trying to do the Wrex quest and a pirate with a shotty just murders Wrex and Ashley everytime. </div></BLOCKQUOTE><BR><BR>Bleh... all the engineer hate doesnt bode well. granted I expected this. My first playthrough was as an adept, and I vowed I would not play through again any time soon with just pistols. Maybe I will do Vanguard next for fun, and Engineer on an easier difficulty... I want ALL the achievements you see.<BR><BR>Also I am fairly certain Sentinals / Infiltrators get all the Tech skills EXCEPT AI Hacking, sort of like how Singularity is unique for adepts.<BR><BR>And yes, I am all about Biotics. That is why I am looking forward to this vanguard run so much. While Adept was pretty hard early on, mid-game things just click. Once you have a bunch of skills, and some recharge reducers, every single enemy gets lifted off of cliffs, or lifted then thrown for a mile or so..
I'm going to get all the tech achievements by creating a new Engineer game, and just doing the first fight right after Jenkins dies over and over again, spamming tech skills, and then reloading a save. I'm sure as hell not going to play through the whole game as an Engineer, fuck that.
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<div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by The Faceless Rebel:<br>I'm going to get all the tech achievements by creating a new Engineer game, and just doing the first fight right after Jenkins dies over and over again, spamming tech skills, and then reloading a save. I'm sure as hell not going to play through the whole game as an Engineer, fuck that. </div>
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<br>You do realize you have to play far enough in to get enough levels to unlock them, right? -- View image here: http://episteme.meincmagazine.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif --
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<div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by The Faceless Rebel:<br>I'm going to get all the tech achievements by creating a new Engineer game, and just doing the first fight right after Jenkins dies over and over again, spamming tech skills, and then reloading a save. I'm sure as hell not going to play through the whole game as an Engineer, fuck that. </div>
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<br>You do realize you have to play far enough in to get enough levels to unlock them, right? -- View image here: http://episteme.meincmagazine.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif --
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Jonathan Hart:<BR>Engineer is definitely boring as hell. I don't know what you get with the specializations, but I'm a level 10 or so and it sucks. My more combat oriented counterparts suck. I'm trying to do the Wrex quest and a pirate with a shotty just murders Wrex and Ashley everytime. </div></BLOCKQUOTE><BR>What difficulty are you playing on? I've just started a new engineer (on normal), and after playing a fresh infiltrator on insanity recently, nothing is even remotely challenging. Hell, the enemies on Eden Prime and in the early Citadel quests seem to die just from having a tech mine thrown at them...<BR><BR>Personally, i'm quite enjoying the engineer. I did use my achievements to give her access to shotguns, but i haven't even used that yet, since most things die to an overload and three or so pistol shots so far anyway... Tossing out overload/sabotage/damping so that enemies just stand there like a muppet as you gun them down is just as satisfying as tossing them around with biotics, albeit slightly less dramatic.
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by The Faceless Rebel:<BR>I'm going to get all the tech achievements by creating a new Engineer game, and just doing the first fight right after Jenkins dies over and over again, spamming tech skills, and then reloading a save. I'm sure as hell not going to play through the whole game as an Engineer, fuck that. </div></BLOCKQUOTE><BR><BR>The AI hacking achievement requires a that you successfully hack an AI for each of the 75 uses, which makes it impossible to get that way.
I think the best solution is to stop playing games just to get achievement points. Play the game to have fun, that's my motto -- View image here: http://episteme.meincmagazine.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif --
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Magus`:<BR><BR>They are tied to the achievement. </div></BLOCKQUOTE><BR><BR>That is very cool. Achievements have really turned into an awesome idea for the console.
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<div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by KaiS:<br>I think the best solution is to stop playing games just to get achievement points. Play the game to have fun, that's my motto -- View image here: http://episteme.meincmagazine.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif -- </div>
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<br>Ah, but see - to some people, getting the achievements <i>is</i> fun -- View image here: http://episteme.meincmagazine.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif --
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<div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by KaiS:<br>I think the best solution is to stop playing games just to get achievement points. Play the game to have fun, that's my motto -- View image here: http://episteme.meincmagazine.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif -- </div>
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<br>Ah, but see - to some people, getting the achievements <i>is</i> fun -- View image here: http://episteme.meincmagazine.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif --
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by arhra:<BR><BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Jonathan Hart:<BR>Engineer is definitely boring as hell. I don't know what you get with the specializations, but I'm a level 10 or so and it sucks. My more combat oriented counterparts suck. I'm trying to do the Wrex quest and a pirate with a shotty just murders Wrex and Ashley everytime. </div></BLOCKQUOTE><BR>What difficulty are you playing on? I've just started a new engineer (on normal), and after playing a fresh infiltrator on insanity recently, nothing is even remotely challenging. Hell, the enemies on Eden Prime and in the early Citadel quests seem to die just from having a tech mine thrown at them...<BR><BR>Personally, i'm quite enjoying the engineer. I did use my achievements to give her access to shotguns, but i haven't even used that yet, since most things die to an overload and three or so pistol shots so far anyway... Tossing out overload/sabotage/damping so that enemies just stand there like a muppet as you gun them down is just as satisfying as tossing them around with biotics, albeit slightly less dramatic. </div></BLOCKQUOTE><BR><BR>I'm playing on veteran. My powers just don't seem to be nearly as effective as biotics.
How do people manage to get level 60? I hit 50 on my second play through during the final Citadel stage, and I was trying to do everything I could. <BR><BR>I'm not sure that I'm up for another play through to try to get the ally achievements, after two full games I only got one ally achievement. The first time around I didn't know how much you had to do in order to get one and didn't use the same party members all the way through. The second time I played with T'Soni the whole time after getting her but didn't know how absurd it really was in order to get the Asari Ally. So it was a waste anyway.
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Shrubber:<BR>How do people manage to get level 60? I hit 50 on my second play through during the final Citadel stage, and I was trying to do everything I could. </div></BLOCKQUOTE><BR>
<BR><BR>You can get 50 on a single playthrough, so you shouldn't have any trouble getting beyond that.
<BR><BR>You can get 50 on a single playthrough, so you shouldn't have any trouble getting beyond that.
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<div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by FractalLaw:<br>I'm using a new Adept on Insanity with sniper rifles as a bonus skill. I've rescued Liara, cleared Feros, and am about mid way through Noveria. I haven't really had much trouble taking out ranged enemies, but anything that likes to close to melee range gives me trouble, particularly as their melee attacks will almost always one hit you.<br><br>I've been using Garrus and Wrex for party members; it's worked out well so far. The best advice I can give is to use cover and choke points as best as possible. Don't rush it, particularly when you're in a situation where enemies close to melee range. If you're in a melee situation try to go more for crowd control with your biotics than offense; if something gets in range to touch you you'll probably die.<br><br>You'll probably also want to look in to different weapon mods than you'd used on easier difficulty levels. Shield bypass really helps for enemies that have a ton of shields, DoTs help for ones that regen, and weapon force can be a big help in shotguns to keep melee enemies on the ground. The straight bonus damage ammo mods simply don't help as much at mid to short range due to the amount of damage that enemies can put out--you need something that gives you some crowd control while you whittle them down.<br><br>One other thing to be aware of is that many 'bosses' are immune to most biotics, which may mean that you need to adjust tactics. </div>
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<br><br>So would you suggest that I hold off on trying to finish Assignments and instead head out for the main quest planets? During the Citadel the fights for the main quest weren't that hard, but the one Assignment fight (Jax, I think) was a pain. I can't see why there would be that much difference though, since everything should be scaled in much the same way.<br><br>As to upgrades, this is an irritating one; currently I have one Radioactive Rounds III, and two Phasic II, with a couple of HC Barrels, a Combat visor and a Stabilizer...so not much choice about what I apply....yet. Garrus' Electronics is still too low (even after hiking it up to Advanced (Sabotage?)) to open <i>any</i> of the debris I've come across, and since I can't get past the enemies I can't get the goodies in the main Assignment areas.<br><br>I mean, I love a challenge...but -- View image here: http://episteme.meincmagazine.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_mad.gif -- .
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<div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by FractalLaw:<br>I'm using a new Adept on Insanity with sniper rifles as a bonus skill. I've rescued Liara, cleared Feros, and am about mid way through Noveria. I haven't really had much trouble taking out ranged enemies, but anything that likes to close to melee range gives me trouble, particularly as their melee attacks will almost always one hit you.<br><br>I've been using Garrus and Wrex for party members; it's worked out well so far. The best advice I can give is to use cover and choke points as best as possible. Don't rush it, particularly when you're in a situation where enemies close to melee range. If you're in a melee situation try to go more for crowd control with your biotics than offense; if something gets in range to touch you you'll probably die.<br><br>You'll probably also want to look in to different weapon mods than you'd used on easier difficulty levels. Shield bypass really helps for enemies that have a ton of shields, DoTs help for ones that regen, and weapon force can be a big help in shotguns to keep melee enemies on the ground. The straight bonus damage ammo mods simply don't help as much at mid to short range due to the amount of damage that enemies can put out--you need something that gives you some crowd control while you whittle them down.<br><br>One other thing to be aware of is that many 'bosses' are immune to most biotics, which may mean that you need to adjust tactics. </div>
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<br><br>So would you suggest that I hold off on trying to finish Assignments and instead head out for the main quest planets? During the Citadel the fights for the main quest weren't that hard, but the one Assignment fight (Jax, I think) was a pain. I can't see why there would be that much difference though, since everything should be scaled in much the same way.<br><br>As to upgrades, this is an irritating one; currently I have one Radioactive Rounds III, and two Phasic II, with a couple of HC Barrels, a Combat visor and a Stabilizer...so not much choice about what I apply....yet. Garrus' Electronics is still too low (even after hiking it up to Advanced (Sabotage?)) to open <i>any</i> of the debris I've come across, and since I can't get past the enemies I can't get the goodies in the main Assignment areas.<br><br>I mean, I love a challenge...but -- View image here: http://episteme.meincmagazine.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_mad.gif -- .
Gah, that took a while - just got all the biotic mastery achievements...<br><br>Pro tip: You can use stasis on the breakable crates (like in the Feros docking bay), not just enemies, and it counts for the achievement. Every other biotic can be used on anything, even walls and floors.<br><br>I'm hoping AI Hacking works on the boxes also, or this Engineer run is going to take me even longer -- View image here: http://episteme.meincmagazine.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_frown.gif --
Playthrough 1 on Normal 1-50<BR>Playthrough 2 on Normal (For shits and giggles) 50-59<BR>Playthrough 3 on Veteran 60 in an hour or so<BR><BR>No, you honestly didn't play the game the whole way through if it took you two play throughs to get to 50%
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<div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Magus`:<br>...<br>I'm hoping AI Hacking works on the boxes also, or this Engineer run is going to take me even longer -- View image here: http://episteme.meincmagazine.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_frown.gif -- </div>
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<br>I don't think it works on boxes - you have to actually see the enemies status change to "hacked". I got it on Vermir there was a Geth Destroyer or Rocketeer or whatever around a bend - I parked my companions and went around to the Geth and played the "hack, wait for recharge while strafing to avoid damage, use shield recharge when necessary, repeat" game. the reason I did that was that I had been using my tech powers - all of them - in battle through the whole game but that was the only one I hadn't gotten yet.
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<div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Magus`:<br>...<br>I'm hoping AI Hacking works on the boxes also, or this Engineer run is going to take me even longer -- View image here: http://episteme.meincmagazine.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_frown.gif -- </div>
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<br>I don't think it works on boxes - you have to actually see the enemies status change to "hacked". I got it on Vermir there was a Geth Destroyer or Rocketeer or whatever around a bend - I parked my companions and went around to the Geth and played the "hack, wait for recharge while strafing to avoid damage, use shield recharge when necessary, repeat" game. the reason I did that was that I had been using my tech powers - all of them - in battle through the whole game but that was the only one I hadn't gotten yet.
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Hangfire:<BR>No, you honestly didn't play the game the whole way through if it took you two play throughs to get to 50% </div></BLOCKQUOTE><BR>Sure I did.<BR>I just didn't do New Game+.<BR>I didn't realize you started at your last level. Damn, that's even more boring. The only good thing about multiple play throughs for me is trying different classes. Ah well.<BR><BR>I'd like to get a chance to talk to some of the ME devs to find out what went wrong, if it was just a case of not enough time to polish things out or if they really think the game was 100% what they were aiming for. <BR><BR>Also to find out if my suspicion is correct and Nodacrux was put in as a joke to see how many people are masochistic enough to explore it.
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Shrubber:<BR>Also to find out if my suspicion is correct and Nodacrux was put in as a joke to see how many people are masochistic enough to explore it. </div></BLOCKQUOTE><BR><BR>I just did Nodacrux again recently. No masochism required. As someone pointed out, you just have to stick to the green paths, and plan on always going to higher ground. It was a walk in the park. I didn't get stuck or frustrated a single time. I just travelled at a reasonable pace to all of my destinations.<BR><BR>Nodacrux is just slightly more challenging than the other planets. It takes about 5% more skill to do well. But once you know how to drive the Mako, it's easy.
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Hangfire:<BR>No, because ONE complete play through on normal nets you 50 levels. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>Quite a long time before the ending actually.<BR><BR>Kills with the Mako count for less XP than kills on foot (50%?), opening crates by hand gives XP (as opposed to using omnigel) and every survey of a planet, debris etc gives XP. Did you complete all the sidequest? A lot of them you have to look around for...<BR><BR>I don't know if the level of autoaim changes XP. Might be worth checking out.
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">I didn't realize you started at your last level. Damn, that's even more boring. The only good thing about multiple play throughs for me is trying different classes. Ah well. </div></BLOCKQUOTE><BR>No way! Playing the game starting from level 50+ is great. You have access to all your powers, you can sweet talk/intimidate your way through all those situations you weren't skilled enough for earlier, and it makes a lot more sense in the context of the story. I thought the conversation at the beginning where they discuss your background and military experience made a whole lot more sense when I was starting with a high-level character, not a lvl 1 Newb.<BR><BR>My best run so far was on Veteran with my Soldier+Lift. I made it to lvl 54 by the end of the game.
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Hangfire:<BR>No, because ONE complete play through on normal nets you 50 levels. </div></BLOCKQUOTE><BR>I did get to 50 on a complete play through. When I said two complete play throughs I meant complete as in starting from level 1 each time with a new character. I thought people were somehow getting from 1 to 60 in a single game, that's where my question came in.<BR><BR>And Nodacrux is an issue for two reasons. One because almost every other planet allows you to drive up and over most of the landscape. Outside of the main quest planets the rest don't have many areas that you have to drive around that much. So you are conditioned to be able to do that in every other case. Nodacrux looks the same at first glance, but they arbitrarily decided to intentionally and artificially extend the amount of time it takes to get around. The second issue is that it allows you to get physically stuck in the Mako and have to return to the ship and come back, which really shouldn't happen at all.<BR><BR>It isn't a big deal, it's just another example of what I view as poor design because it isn't consistent with the rest of the game.
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<div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by krimhorn:<br>So would you suggest that I hold off on trying to finish Assignments and instead head out for the main quest planets? During the Citadel the fights for the main quest weren't that hard, but the one Assignment fight (Jax, I think) was a pain. I can't see why there would be that much difference though, since everything should be scaled in much the same way.<br><br>As to upgrades, this is an irritating one; currently I have one Radioactive Rounds III, and two Phasic II, with a couple of HC Barrels, a Combat visor and a Stabilizer...so not much choice about what I apply....yet. Garrus' Electronics is still too low (even after hiking it up to Advanced (Sabotage?)) to open <i>any</i> of the debris I've come across, and since I can't get past the enemies I can't get the goodies in the main Assignment areas.<br><br>I mean, I love a challenge...but -- View image here: http://episteme.meincmagazine.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_mad.gif -- . </div>
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<br><br>I skipped most of the Citadel Assignments for my Insanity playthrough, at least at the start. That was more because this is my 6th play through and they had become a little boring than any desire to keep my level low.<br><br>By the time I had rescued Liara and cleared both Feros and Noveria I was level 34. I've decided to go back and do some of the Assignments as I had quite a bit of trouble with the last few fights on Noveria and I think that a few more levels of talent points would help. V nyfb arrq rabhtu cbvagf va gb Cnentba fb gung V pna znk crefhnfvba va beqre gb xrrc Jerk; V jbhyqa'g unir unq rabhtu bgurejvfr. Doing the Citadel Assignments was enough for that.<br><br>I don't know what to say on the gear side as I've really not had any major issues there yet, though I don't really expect to get much in the way of major upgrades until level 35 or so.<br><br>Overall, though, I think Insanity is geared a little too much towards classes that can take a few hits like soldiers rather than the light armor classes like Adept.<br><br>There have been several points where I've had to cheese some game mechanics to progress. For example, jura lbh vavgvngr gur arhgeba chetr ba Abirevn naq ner nzohfurq ol gur ebbz shyy bs Enpuav. Lbh pna'g xvyy gurz snfg rabhtu gb pyrne gur ebbz, abe pna lbh fheivir nal yratgu bs rkcbfher gb gurve npvq fcvgf. Zl fbyhgvba jnf gb pyrne n fznyy fcnpr gura fraq Jerk va jvgu Vzzhavgl naq Oneevre hc juvyr V ena cnfg gb gur ryringbe. Obgu Jerk naq Tneehf jrer qrnq ol gur gvzr V znqr vg, ohg vg qbrf pbhag nf znxvat vg bhg. V fhccbfr gung vs V'q unq rabhtu cbvagf va fvathynevgl V pbhyq unir hfrq vg gb xrrc gur Enpuav sebz nggnpxvat zr, ohg V arrqrq gubfr cbvagf ryfrjurer.
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<div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by krimhorn:<br>So would you suggest that I hold off on trying to finish Assignments and instead head out for the main quest planets? During the Citadel the fights for the main quest weren't that hard, but the one Assignment fight (Jax, I think) was a pain. I can't see why there would be that much difference though, since everything should be scaled in much the same way.<br><br>As to upgrades, this is an irritating one; currently I have one Radioactive Rounds III, and two Phasic II, with a couple of HC Barrels, a Combat visor and a Stabilizer...so not much choice about what I apply....yet. Garrus' Electronics is still too low (even after hiking it up to Advanced (Sabotage?)) to open <i>any</i> of the debris I've come across, and since I can't get past the enemies I can't get the goodies in the main Assignment areas.<br><br>I mean, I love a challenge...but -- View image here: http://episteme.meincmagazine.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_mad.gif -- . </div>
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<br><br>I skipped most of the Citadel Assignments for my Insanity playthrough, at least at the start. That was more because this is my 6th play through and they had become a little boring than any desire to keep my level low.<br><br>By the time I had rescued Liara and cleared both Feros and Noveria I was level 34. I've decided to go back and do some of the Assignments as I had quite a bit of trouble with the last few fights on Noveria and I think that a few more levels of talent points would help. V nyfb arrq rabhtu cbvagf va gb Cnentba fb gung V pna znk crefhnfvba va beqre gb xrrc Jerk; V jbhyqa'g unir unq rabhtu bgurejvfr. Doing the Citadel Assignments was enough for that.<br><br>I don't know what to say on the gear side as I've really not had any major issues there yet, though I don't really expect to get much in the way of major upgrades until level 35 or so.<br><br>Overall, though, I think Insanity is geared a little too much towards classes that can take a few hits like soldiers rather than the light armor classes like Adept.<br><br>There have been several points where I've had to cheese some game mechanics to progress. For example, jura lbh vavgvngr gur arhgeba chetr ba Abirevn naq ner nzohfurq ol gur ebbz shyy bs Enpuav. Lbh pna'g xvyy gurz snfg rabhtu gb pyrne gur ebbz, abe pna lbh fheivir nal yratgu bs rkcbfher gb gurve npvq fcvgf. Zl fbyhgvba jnf gb pyrne n fznyy fcnpr gura fraq Jerk va jvgu Vzzhavgl naq Oneevre hc juvyr V ena cnfg gb gur ryringbe. Obgu Jerk naq Tneehf jrer qrnq ol gur gvzr V znqr vg, ohg vg qbrf pbhag nf znxvat vg bhg. V fhccbfr gung vs V'q unq rabhtu cbvagf va fvathynevgl V pbhyq unir hfrq vg gb xrrc gur Enpuav sebz nggnpxvat zr, ohg V arrqrq gubfr cbvagf ryfrjurer.
Ok, so pressing 'x' and skipping conversations is a definitely plus. And thanks for the tips, I shot that damn Krogan in the head with my pistol before he could sucker-punch me again.
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by senduran:<BR><BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Shrubber:<BR>Also to find out if my suspicion is correct and Nodacrux was put in as a joke to see how many people are masochistic enough to explore it. </div></BLOCKQUOTE><BR><BR>I just did Nodacrux again recently. No masochism required. As someone pointed out, you just have to stick to the green paths, and plan on always going to higher ground. It was a walk in the park. I didn't get stuck or frustrated a single time. I just travelled at a reasonable pace to all of my destinations.<BR><BR>Nodacrux is just slightly more challenging than the other planets. It takes about 5% more skill to do well. But once you know how to drive the Mako, it's easy. </div></BLOCKQUOTE><BR><BR>I mean this with all possible respect, but until I see a video of someone navigating Nodacrux with the ease you indicate (AND going to every POI) I consider this to be BS. I redid Nodacrux again the other day and it was just as bad, even knowing going in to it that it would be bad. It is NOT as simple as "stick to the green paths" considering that half the time, the green paths are broken up by jagged peaks, or the path stops, the mountain has a sheer face the length of the Mako (not climbable) and then starts up again.<BR><BR>Alternatively: Tell people what they are doing to make it so hard on themselves.<BR><BR>As for experience, my first run through, I killed everything I could while in the Mako, I did every sidequest, and I opened everything I came across that I had the skill for. The result? Finished at L49 about 300 xp short of 50. Yes I know I can just New Game+ that in about 10 minutes. My point being that it absolutely is not a "given" that you will reach 50 on your first play through.<BR><BR>The lesson learned for me was not to use the damn Mako unless absolutely necessary. Certain things get much harder, but they also are much more rewarding. <BR><BR>Which brings me to my funny story. I was clearing Geth outposts, and had just killed all the normal troops in the area, which spawned a Colossus on the middle of the "camp". The funny thing is... I had parked the mako right in the center of camp as well. As a result, the Colossus' two back legs penetrated straight through the middle body of the Mako, and remained stuck there. The thing would keep firing straight ahead at the same spot, but was unable to swivel, look around, or walk else ware. Then when it finally died, it sort of flung itself up and over, and the Mako remained embedded on the legs, so it's body carried the Mako with it, where it was suspended in the air for another 10 seconds or so until the physics engine rendered the Colossus permeable again.
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by BBBoT:<BR>I don't think it works on boxes - you have to actually see the enemies status change to "hacked". </div></BLOCKQUOTE><BR>That's what people said about Stasis also though, that you had to use it on enemies and see "In Stasis", but it worked on the destroyable boxes just fine.
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<div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div>
<div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Shrikebtr:<br><blockquote class="ip-ubbcode-quote">
<div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div>
<div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by senduran:<br>Nodacrux is just slightly more challenging than the other planets. It takes about 5% more skill to do well. But once you know how to drive the Mako, it's easy. </div>
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<br><br>I mean this with all possible respect, but until I see a video of someone navigating Nodacrux with the ease you indicate (AND going to every POI) I consider this to be BS. I redid Nodacrux again the other day and it was just as bad, even knowing going in to it that it would be bad. It is NOT as simple as "stick to the green paths" considering that half the time, the green paths are broken up by jagged peaks, or the path stops, the mountain has a sheer face the length of the Mako (not climbable) and then starts up again. </div>
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<br><br>Ok, yes, some intelligence may be required. You have to look at where you're going. But like I say, always plan on gaining higher ground and follow the green paths. Small breaks in the green are ok: you can drive across those. I'd hope I don't have to point out that you shouldn't take a green path that does indeed end abruptly in a sheer vertical mountain.<br><br>But come on, I'm not genious and had no problems. It wasn't by any stretch of the imagination difficult.<br><br><blockquote class="ip-ubbcode-quote">
<div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div>
<div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Which brings me to my funny story. I was clearing Geth outposts, and had just killed all the normal troops in the area, which spawned a Colossus on the middle of the "camp". The funny thing is... I had parked the mako right in the center of camp as well. As a result, the Colossus' two back legs penetrated straight through the middle body of the Mako, and remained stuck there. The thing would keep firing straight ahead at the same spot, but was unable to swivel, look around, or walk else ware. Then when it finally died, it sort of flung itself up and over, and the Mako remained embedded on the legs, so it's body carried the Mako with it, where it was suspended in the air for another 10 seconds or so until the physics engine rendered the Colossus permeable again. </div>
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<br><br>I had a similar thing happen which I think was much cooler. Those 4 legged animals on one of the UCWs? I ran over one in the mako, and like some kind of grim road-kill it got stuck on the front left bumper and just continued flailing around as I mowed down somemore of its brethrin. Strangely awesome -- View image here: https://cdn.arstechnica.net/forum/smilies/biggrin.gif --
<div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div>
<div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Shrikebtr:<br><blockquote class="ip-ubbcode-quote">
<div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div>
<div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by senduran:<br>Nodacrux is just slightly more challenging than the other planets. It takes about 5% more skill to do well. But once you know how to drive the Mako, it's easy. </div>
</blockquote>
<br><br>I mean this with all possible respect, but until I see a video of someone navigating Nodacrux with the ease you indicate (AND going to every POI) I consider this to be BS. I redid Nodacrux again the other day and it was just as bad, even knowing going in to it that it would be bad. It is NOT as simple as "stick to the green paths" considering that half the time, the green paths are broken up by jagged peaks, or the path stops, the mountain has a sheer face the length of the Mako (not climbable) and then starts up again. </div>
</blockquote>
<br><br>Ok, yes, some intelligence may be required. You have to look at where you're going. But like I say, always plan on gaining higher ground and follow the green paths. Small breaks in the green are ok: you can drive across those. I'd hope I don't have to point out that you shouldn't take a green path that does indeed end abruptly in a sheer vertical mountain.<br><br>But come on, I'm not genious and had no problems. It wasn't by any stretch of the imagination difficult.<br><br><blockquote class="ip-ubbcode-quote">
<div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div>
<div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Which brings me to my funny story. I was clearing Geth outposts, and had just killed all the normal troops in the area, which spawned a Colossus on the middle of the "camp". The funny thing is... I had parked the mako right in the center of camp as well. As a result, the Colossus' two back legs penetrated straight through the middle body of the Mako, and remained stuck there. The thing would keep firing straight ahead at the same spot, but was unable to swivel, look around, or walk else ware. Then when it finally died, it sort of flung itself up and over, and the Mako remained embedded on the legs, so it's body carried the Mako with it, where it was suspended in the air for another 10 seconds or so until the physics engine rendered the Colossus permeable again. </div>
</blockquote>
<br><br>I had a similar thing happen which I think was much cooler. Those 4 legged animals on one of the UCWs? I ran over one in the mako, and like some kind of grim road-kill it got stuck on the front left bumper and just continued flailing around as I mowed down somemore of its brethrin. Strangely awesome -- View image here: https://cdn.arstechnica.net/forum/smilies/biggrin.gif --
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<div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div>
<div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by senduran:<br>Ok, yes, some intelligence may be required. You have to look at where you're going. But like I say, always plan on gaining higher ground and follow the green paths. Small breaks in the green are ok: you can drive across those. I'd hope I don't have to point out that you shouldn't take a green path that does indeed end abruptly in a sheer vertical mountain.<br><br>But come on, I'm not genious and had no problems. It wasn't by any stretch of the imagination difficult. </div>
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<br><br>It's definitely tricky when you first encounter it but I didn't have a ton of problems. I did find a mineral specimen at the bottom of a hole that I couldn't get out of, at the edge of the map. I had to return to the Normandy to get out of there. I'm not sure if those are randomly placed or not.<br><br><blockquote class="ip-ubbcode-quote">
<div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div>
<div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">
<br>I had a similar thing happen which I think was much cooler. Those 4 legged animals on one of the UCWs? I ran over one in the mako, and like some kind of grim road-kill it got stuck on the front left bumper and just continued flailing around as I mowed down somemore of its brethrin. Strangely awesome -- View image here: https://cdn.arstechnica.net/forum/smilies/biggrin.gif -- </div>
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<br><br>Hehe, good times. I did that to a Geth once too.
<div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div>
<div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by senduran:<br>Ok, yes, some intelligence may be required. You have to look at where you're going. But like I say, always plan on gaining higher ground and follow the green paths. Small breaks in the green are ok: you can drive across those. I'd hope I don't have to point out that you shouldn't take a green path that does indeed end abruptly in a sheer vertical mountain.<br><br>But come on, I'm not genious and had no problems. It wasn't by any stretch of the imagination difficult. </div>
</blockquote>
<br><br>It's definitely tricky when you first encounter it but I didn't have a ton of problems. I did find a mineral specimen at the bottom of a hole that I couldn't get out of, at the edge of the map. I had to return to the Normandy to get out of there. I'm not sure if those are randomly placed or not.<br><br><blockquote class="ip-ubbcode-quote">
<div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div>
<div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">
<br>I had a similar thing happen which I think was much cooler. Those 4 legged animals on one of the UCWs? I ran over one in the mako, and like some kind of grim road-kill it got stuck on the front left bumper and just continued flailing around as I mowed down somemore of its brethrin. Strangely awesome -- View image here: https://cdn.arstechnica.net/forum/smilies/biggrin.gif -- </div>
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<br><br>Hehe, good times. I did that to a Geth once too.
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<div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div>
<div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Migrant Programmer:<br>I did find a mineral specimen at the bottom of a hole that I couldn't get out of, at the edge of the map. I had to return to the Normandy to get out of there. </div>
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<br><br>The only time I ever got stuck and needed redeploying like that was when I was jumping from mountain top to mountain top and missed, ending up in a hole -- View image here: http://episteme.meincmagazine.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif --<br><br>Still, it's fun to do, and especially easy on Nodocrux since there are so many peaks close together to jump between -- View image here: http://episteme.meincmagazine.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif --
<div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div>
<div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Migrant Programmer:<br>I did find a mineral specimen at the bottom of a hole that I couldn't get out of, at the edge of the map. I had to return to the Normandy to get out of there. </div>
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<br><br>The only time I ever got stuck and needed redeploying like that was when I was jumping from mountain top to mountain top and missed, ending up in a hole -- View image here: http://episteme.meincmagazine.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif --<br><br>Still, it's fun to do, and especially easy on Nodocrux since there are so many peaks close together to jump between -- View image here: http://episteme.meincmagazine.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif --
I finally beat Insanity on a fresh Adept.<BR><BR>The last fight took over 20 minutes.<BR><BR>Ur *fcnzf* n encvq sver ebpxrg ynhapure gung jvyy purj guebhtu nalbar, vzzhavgl be abg. Nsgre gur zvq svtug phg fprar ur qbrf n fvatyr ynhapu bs gung ebpxrg ba rirel fcbg ur whzcf gb nf jryy va nqqvgvba gb uvf abezny vapernfr va whzc engrf.<BR><BR>V gevrq zhygvcyr qvssrerag nzzb glcrf. V arire rira znantrq gb chg n qrag va uvf fuvryqf jvgu nalguvat, fb V fjvgpurq gb Cebgba IVVf naq fybjyl oebhtug uvz qbja.
Playing through Hardcore now as an Adept (going Renegade this time too). It definately is harder than normal -- View image here: http://episteme.meincmagazine.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_razz.gif --<br><br>I'm gonna play Insanity mode as a Soldier - my first character was an infiltrator that used his engineer stuff mostly.
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by FractalLaw:<BR>I finally beat Insanity on a fresh Adept.<BR><BR>The last fight took over 20 minutes.<BR><BR>Ur *fcnzf* n encvq sver ebpxrg ynhapure gung jvyy purj guebhtu nalbar, vzzhavgl be abg. Nsgre gur zvq svtug phg fprar ur qbrf n fvatyr ynhapu bs gung ebpxrg ba rirel fcbg ur whzcf gb nf jryy va nqqvgvba gb uvf abezny vapernfr va whzc engrf.<BR><BR>V gevrq zhygvcyr qvssrerag nzzb glcrf. V arire rira znantrq gb chg n qrag va uvf fuvryqf jvgu nalguvat, fb V fjvgpurq gb Cebgba IVVf naq fybjyl oebhtug uvz qbja. </div></BLOCKQUOTE><BR><BR>Congrats, you deserve it, and thanks for the tips; when I get back to playing it (probably after work Sunday...I needed a bit of a break) I'll probably try out Artemus Tau or Feros and save Assignments for nearer to the point-of-no-return.<BR><BR>@hollow1:<BR>I guess you're experiencing something of the inverse of what I experienced. My first playthrough was as a Vanguard on Normal, when I replayed it on Hardcore it was as a Soldier. I expected the game to be much harder, but it breezed by ten hours quicker (though now that I know to stop looking for minerals when I've found three helps too).<BR><BR>That ease of play made me get cocky and choose to play Insanity as an Adept...and I'm too damn stubborn to quit.<BR><BR>Funny note: anyone notice that Rot13 Wrex = Jerk?
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<div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div>
<div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by FractalLaw:<br>I finally beat Insanity on a fresh Adept.<br><br>The last fight took over 20 minutes.<br><br>Ur *fcnzf* n encvq sver ebpxrg ynhapure gung jvyy purj guebhtu nalbar, vzzhavgl be abg. Nsgre gur zvq svtug phg fprar ur qbrf n fvatyr ynhapu bs gung ebpxrg ba rirel fcbg ur whzcf gb nf jryy va nqqvgvba gb uvf abezny vapernfr va whzc engrf.<br><br>V gevrq zhygvcyr qvssrerag nzzb glcrf. V arire rira znantrq gb chg n qrag va uvf fuvryqf jvgu nalguvat, fb V fjvgpurq gb Cebgba IVVf naq fybjyl oebhtug uvz qbja. </div>
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<br><br>Vf ur vzzhar gb yvsg va vafnavgl? -- View image here: http://episteme.meincmagazine.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_eek.gif --
<div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div>
<div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by FractalLaw:<br>I finally beat Insanity on a fresh Adept.<br><br>The last fight took over 20 minutes.<br><br>Ur *fcnzf* n encvq sver ebpxrg ynhapure gung jvyy purj guebhtu nalbar, vzzhavgl be abg. Nsgre gur zvq svtug phg fprar ur qbrf n fvatyr ynhapu bs gung ebpxrg ba rirel fcbg ur whzcf gb nf jryy va nqqvgvba gb uvf abezny vapernfr va whzc engrf.<br><br>V gevrq zhygvcyr qvssrerag nzzb glcrf. V arire rira znantrq gb chg n qrag va uvf fuvryqf jvgu nalguvat, fb V fjvgpurq gb Cebgba IVVf naq fybjyl oebhtug uvz qbja. </div>
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<br><br>Vf ur vzzhar gb yvsg va vafnavgl? -- View image here: http://episteme.meincmagazine.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_eek.gif --
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