Mass Effect

[Kerii]

<blockquote class="ip-ubbcode-quote">
<div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div>
<div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Kevin Lowe:<br>What's the max you can get for charm? I've got two blank blocks left - do I need more Paragon in order to open those up, is there another class that opens those, or am I out of luck? </div>
</blockquote>You need more Paragon. -- View image here: http://episteme.meincmagazine.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif --<br><blockquote class="ip-ubbcode-quote">
<div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div>
<div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Happysin:<br>Ok, so trying the unlocked difficulty with a new character. I'm <b>damn</b> glad I chose Barrier as me extra skill for my Soldier. The enemy snipers are actually capable of one-hit killing you, and from a long-ass distance.<br><br>Overall, I'm really liking the unlocked difficulty. I'm actually having to think about the fights, use cover, run, hide, all the stuff I didn't have to do before. (where I just run and gunned)<br><br>I'm afraid to see what Insane is like... -- View image here: https://cdn.arstechnica.net/forum/smilies/scared_classic.gif -- </div>
</blockquote>Good to hear that. I was beginning to think picking Infiltrator and maxing sniper rifles was a waste.<br><br>Gonna have some fun with that once I unlock insane.

 

[Deleted member 14629]

Oh no doubt! My Soldier has been snipering it up a good bit. Saved me a few times, it has. (Along with finding the sniper scope for the Mako)<BR><BR>For all the arguments of the enemies scaling with you, it appears to me that you still end up eclipsing them, as you add skills and they only seem to add HP/damage. Maybe I'm not noticing correctly.<BR><BR>Also, It's <B>really</B> annoying when your gun overheats <I>and</I> all your skills get capped my en enemy. Run Away!

 

[Kerii]

Yeah, know what you mean. Usually don't worry about overheating with heatsinks and the cryo ammo, but when the enemies use overload there's nothing you can do about it.

 

[Asmodan]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Kerii:<BR>Yeah, know what you mean. Usually don't worry about overheating with heatsinks and the cryo ammo, but when the enemies use overload there's nothing you can do about it. </div></BLOCKQUOTE><BR><BR>Heh, I double stack rail extensions and incendiary rounds. I overheat fast, but I do a LOT of damage with each shot of the assault rifle.

 

[Agreschn]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Happysin:<BR>Oh no doubt! My Soldier has been snipering it up a good bit. Saved me a few times, it has. (Along with finding the sniper scope for the Mako)<BR><BR>For all the arguments of the enemies scaling with you, it appears to me that you still end up eclipsing them, as you add skills and they only seem to add HP/damage. Maybe I'm not noticing correctly.<BR><BR>Also, It's <B>really</B> annoying when your gun overheats <I>and</I> all your skills get capped my en enemy. Run Away! </div></BLOCKQUOTE><BR><BR>What difficulty are you playing on then, Happysin, if you're afraid to play on Insane? There are two difficulty levels unlocked once you beat the game?

 

[Kerii]

You unlock Hardcore by beating the game.<BR>You unlock Insane by beating the game on <STRIKE>Hardcore</STRIKE> Veteran.

 

[InfiniteNoodles]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content"> <BR>I noticed in that FAQ that it says it's hard to unlock the Asari henchman achievement. If I did all the Citadel quests I could, but then went and got her first, can I still get it, or am I out of luck? In general, how does it count "complete the majority of the game" for determining these achievements? </div></BLOCKQUOTE><BR><BR>As far as I can tell, both the completionist achievement and the henchmen achievements are activated after a set number of quests are completed. I got the completionist last night, but no ally ones. I beat one more quest and got the alliance soldier one, which makes sense since I only left ashley out for one quest. Now to see how many I need to get tali's. I got both of those achievements while doing minor quests in the second citadel visit. I started using Tali about the same time I got Liara and I did the same thing with the early quests. I'll let you know if it works.<BR><BR>So, if I played through on medium the first time, I'll have to play through two more times to beat it on insane?

 

[NinjaMutha]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Kevin Lowe:<BR>What's the max you can get for charm? I've got two blank blocks left - do I need more Paragon in order to open those up, is there another class that opens those, or am I out of luck? </div></BLOCKQUOTE><BR><BR>I guess I need to go renegade to fill the intimidate blocks. Crap. I have a hard time being an asshole, even a virtual one.

 

[Agreschn]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Kerii:<BR>You unlock Hardcore by beating the game.<BR>You unlock Insane by beating the game on <STRIKE>Hardcore</STRIKE> Veteran. </div></BLOCKQUOTE><BR><BR>Woot. Insane, here I come once I finish up!

 

[Kevin Lowe]

<blockquote class="ip-ubbcode-quote">
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<div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Kerii:<br>You need more Paragon. -- View image here: http://episteme.meincmagazine.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif -- </div>
</blockquote>I just hope there's enough left. I've got it well into the next-to-last segment, but I've basically only got Novaris and some side quests to go.

 

[Kerii]

Oh don't worry, there's plenty of Paragon points to be had in Noveria.<BR><BR>The office manager at the hotel club/bar can net you 24 points if you can convince him to do something (after doing something for him first), and there's another 8 points to follow up if you simply "finish" the quest (talk to the related NPCs again).<BR><BR>Don't mix the hanar merchant's quest with the characters from the above quest though. I did that my first playthrough and it completely locked out that first quest for me.

 

[Abulia]

I played last night and loved every minute. Then I read the Ars review and cried a little inside. Then I let it go and started counting the hours until I could play ME again. -- View image here: http://episteme.meincmagazine.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif --<br><br>Unless this turns into Indigo Prophecy at some point, GOTY for me, easy. The depth and cinematic experience is unparalleled. Plus it's just damn FUN.<br><br>I haven't found the elevators too bad but then, I haven't been in them 100+ times like you guys.<br><br>Combat on the standard difficulty setting is really challenging as a soldier. A couple of hits and my shields are failing fast and at least one NPC is taking a dirt nap. Am I doing something obviously wrong? I was advised to not bother with the cover system (strafe out from cover) but the cover system worked great against the fight with Fist. Lost two NPCs and I had to finish that battle solo.<br><br>I see a lot of replays in my future with ME. I consider that a ringing endorsement of any game I touch; many I finish (or not) and then get rid of. I want to try lots of different combos with ME.

 

[Edge|]

Weird? So my Spectre shotty has an easier time taking down a Geth Colossus than my Mako's cannon?

 

[Agreschn]

<blockquote class="ip-ubbcode-quote">
<div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div>
<div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Abulia:<br><br>Combat on the standard difficulty setting is really challenging as a soldier. A couple of hits and my shields are failing fast and at least one NPC is taking a dirt nap. Am I doing something obviously wrong? <b>I was advised to not bother with the cover system</b> (strafe out from cover) but the cover system worked great against the fight with Fist. Lost two NPCs and I had to finish that battle solo.<br> </div>
</blockquote>
<br><br>Bwah? Cover is your friend, whoever said otherwise isn't. -- View image here: http://episteme.meincmagazine.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_razz.gif --

 

[Abulia]

Oh, and is there a trick is stabilizing the sniper rifle? It's drifting all over the place. An upgrade? Skill? Button to hold breath? Damn thing is useless at the moment.

 

[10k]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Abulia:<BR>Oh, and is there a trick is stabilizing the sniper rifle? It's drifting all over the place. An upgrade? Skill? Button to hold breath? Damn thing is useless at the moment. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>There are stabilizer upgrades. Once you get your skill up with the sniper and have some decent stabilizer upgrades it becomes a somewhat useful weapon. I didn't really start using the sniper regularly until about level 25 or so.

 

[Daemonic]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by NinjaMutha:<BR><BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Kevin Lowe:<BR>What's the max you can get for charm? I've got two blank blocks left - do I need more Paragon in order to open those up, is there another class that opens those, or am I out of luck? </div></BLOCKQUOTE><BR><BR>I guess I need to go renegade to fill the intimidate blocks. Crap. I have a hard time being an asshole, even a virtual one. </div></BLOCKQUOTE><BR>No kidding.<BR><BR>******* warning: possible minor spoiler *******<BR><BR>There's a spot where I had one hell of a time actually choosing the option, since your character, ummm... executes someone.

 

[Eyris6]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Kerii:<BR>You unlock Hardcore by beating the game.<BR>You unlock Insane by beating the game on <STRIKE>Hardcore</STRIKE> Veteran. </div></BLOCKQUOTE><BR>Hmm. Looks like I'd need 3 more play throughs then (1 vet, 1 hardcore, 1 insane), so plenty of time to do new chars or new game+. If you do new game+, do you get to do the extra talent thing, or is that strictly new chars only?<BR><BR>Also, what are people's ammo preferences? I've just started picking up Snowblind, HE, and Inferno rounds, but honestly, I've been happy with good old Tungsten +40% dmg rounds. I gave Liara some Snowblind, since it fits her support role more, and I'm experimenting with having Ashley using HE rounds, but I wasn't hugely impressed with either of them when I tried them on my pistol or sniper.

 

[Kerii]

<blockquote class="ip-ubbcode-quote">
<div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div>
<div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Eyris6:<br>If you do new game+, do you get to do the extra talent thing, or is that strictly new chars only? </div>
</blockquote>New characters only.<br><br>And... I'm pretty sure playing through on hardcore would unlock insane as well since hardcore is supposed to be harder than veteran.<br><br><br><blockquote class="ip-ubbcode-quote">
<div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div>
<div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Eyris6:<br>Also, what are people's ammo preferences? I've just started picking up Snowblind, HE, and Inferno rounds, but honestly, I've been happy with good old Tungsten +40% dmg rounds. I gave Liara some Snowblind, since it fits her support role more, and I'm experimenting with having Ashley using HE rounds, but I wasn't hugely impressed with either of them when I tried them on my pistol or sniper. </div>
</blockquote>
<br>Snowblind works great on assault rifles, works good on snipers too if you have an itchy trigger finger.<br><br>Really not much to the ammo otherwise. It's just a balancing of damage vs rate of fire vs heat (which is essentially rate of fire again) and more often than not they cancel eachother out.<br><br>I switched them all the time on my first playthrough but I just can't be bothered anymore, so I just put incindiary or cryo in ann of them for the neat death effects. -- View image here: http://episteme.meincmagazine.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif --

 

[Jonathan Hart]

I can't remember what the high velocity rounds are called at the higher levels, but they have 500% increase in weapons force and overheat. In the specter shotty it's a one shot kill everytime but an instant overheat as well.

 

[Hangfire]

High explosive X redonkulous in my Master Spectre Sniper X. Redonkulous when I'm killing armatures and turrets too... bwahahahaha

 

[Eyris6]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Hangfire:<BR>High explosive X redonkulous in my Master Spectre Sniper X. Redonkulous when I'm killing armatures and turrets too... bwahahahaha </div></BLOCKQUOTE><BR>I found that HE rounds overheat my sniper rifle every single shot; is this the case for you too, and do you just deal with it? And I'm a little unclear on the whole "weapon force" thing that hammerhead/HE rounds increase, since it seems to be separate from damage - does it just mean that they're more likely to knock people over?

 

[Jonathan Hart]

Yeah it overheats it every shot, but you shouldn't need more than one. Also since it kills in one shot the weapon force doesn't really matter, but it would be more likely to knock them over if they survive.

 

[Agreschn]

Heh... I liked the Rogue VI mission. It said "HELP" in binary once you killed it.<BR><BR>01001000 = 48h = H<BR>01000101 = 45h = E<BR>01001100 = 4Ch = L<BR>01010000 = 50h = P

 

[Kerii]

Ha ha, that's gold. -- View image here: http://episteme.meincmagazine.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif --<br><br>I wanted to write that down when I was playing but was too lazy to.<br><br>Also, another tip for Kevin if you still need more Paragon points:<br>Don't hack into the restricted area when you get to Peak 15, or else all the guards will turn on you and you can kiss all the quests there goodbye.<br><br>Worst part about it is that I got NO explanation at all why they did that.<br>There was no guard at that door to warn me or anything. They just all started to attack me as soon as I opened that door.

 

[Bolero]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Kerii:<BR><BR>Also, another tip for Kevin if you still need more Paragon points:<BR>Don't hack into the restricted area when you get to Peak 15, or else all the guards will turn on you and you can kiss all the quests there goodbye. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>Just to fill this in some... go through the maintenance tunnels instead to avoid the guards.

 

[Semi On]

<blockquote class="ip-ubbcode-quote">
<div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div>
<div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Worst part about it is that I got NO explanation at all why they did that.<br>There was no guard at that door to warn me or anything. They just all started to attack me as soon as I opened that door. </div>
</blockquote>
<br><br>I can't imagine why they wouldn't be happy you hacked their system. -- View image here: http://episteme.meincmagazine.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif --<br><br>I personally find it refreshing when people in an RPG actually mind me hacking their computers and taking their shit.

 

[Kerii]

Well, they didn't mind me rummaging through their armory and taking all their weapons and armor, they just didn't want me in their little clubhouse.<br><br>A simple "No Spectres Allowed" sign would've sufficed. -- View image here: http://episteme.meincmagazine.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif --

 

[nikolaihunt]

I have really enjoyed the 5 hours or so that I've played this game. Put me in the "there are flaws but I am distracted by the awesome" camp; I only noticed many of the flaws when I started reading about it on the 'net.<BR><BR>My only complaint is with the ability-refresh-timer game mechanic. I'm playing as an Adept, and I feel that in anything other than very short battles, I'm pretty much part-time biotic using phenom, full-time nearly naked gimp with a pistol. I'm not sure, but I think I would have preferred being able to use the abilities more frequently at reduced effectiveness. Or perhaps even better, some abilities than can be used frequently and some that are more powerful but less available; this is the time-tested mechanic that most games use and I'm starting to appreciate why.

 

[NinjaMutha]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Daemonic:<BR><BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by NinjaMutha:<BR><BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Kevin Lowe:<BR>What's the max you can get for charm? I've got two blank blocks left - do I need more Paragon in order to open those up, is there another class that opens those, or am I out of luck? </div></BLOCKQUOTE><BR><BR>I guess I need to go renegade to fill the intimidate blocks. Crap. I have a hard time being an asshole, even a virtual one. </div></BLOCKQUOTE><BR>No kidding.<BR><BR>******* warning: possible minor spoiler *******<BR><BR>There's a spot where I had one hell of a time actually choosing the option, since your character, ummm... executes someone. </div></BLOCKQUOTE><BR><BR>SPOILER<BR><BR>Talking about the ExoGeni dude on Ferros? I didnt have enough charm/intimidate or whatever I needed to talk that one out peacefully. It's the only one I've had that issue with

 

[Deleted member 14629]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Daemonic:<BR><BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by NinjaMutha:<BR><BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Kevin Lowe:<BR>What's the max you can get for charm? I've got two blank blocks left - do I need more Paragon in order to open those up, is there another class that opens those, or am I out of luck? </div></BLOCKQUOTE><BR><BR>I guess I need to go renegade to fill the intimidate blocks. Crap. I have a hard time being an asshole, even a virtual one. </div></BLOCKQUOTE><BR>No kidding.<BR><BR>******* warning: possible minor spoiler *******<BR><BR>There's a spot where I had one hell of a time actually choosing the option, since your character, ummm... executes someone. </div></BLOCKQUOTE> Uh, there's like five places where you can do that.

 

[Deleted member 14629]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by nikolaihunt:<BR>I have really enjoyed the 5 hours or so that I've played this game. Put me in the "there are flaws but I am distracted by the awesome" camp; I only noticed many of the flaws when I started reading about it on the 'net.<BR><BR>My only complaint is with the ability-refresh-timer game mechanic. I'm playing as an Adept, and I feel that in anything other than very short battles, I'm pretty much part-time biotic using phenom, full-time nearly naked gimp with a pistol. I'm not sure, but I think I would have preferred being able to use the abilities more frequently at reduced effectiveness. Or perhaps even better, some abilities than can be used frequently and some that are more powerful but less available; this is the time-tested mechanic that most games use and I'm starting to appreciate why. </div></BLOCKQUOTE> As you level and gain stuff, you will get to a point where you are regenning stuff about as fast as you can use it. Hell, I had my barrier and pistol skills regenning so fast I could reuse them before they expired.

 

[nikolaihunt]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Happysin:<BR>As you level and gain stuff, you will get to a point where you are regenning stuff about as fast as you can use it. Hell, I had my barrier and pistol skills regenning so fast I could reuse them before they expired. </div></BLOCKQUOTE><BR><BR>Well that's comforting then. Actually, hearing about the light at the tunnel makes me appreciate my current feebleness a bit now, heh.

 

[Kerii]

I gotta remember to do this the next time I see that reporter:<br><br>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FESOPPP5YEQ -- View image here: http://episteme.meincmagazine.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif --

 

[The Faceless Rebel]

<blockquote class="ip-ubbcode-quote">
<div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div>
<div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Kerii:<br>I gotta remember to do this the next time I see that reporter:<br><br>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FESOPPP5YEQ -- View image here: http://episteme.meincmagazine.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif -- </div>
</blockquote>
<br><br>My next playthrough is as a renegade. I am so doing this, and then reloading my save, and doing it again just to prove the point.<br><br>Spectres can hit anybody they want. -- View image here: http://episteme.meincmagazine.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif --

 

[Deleted member 14629]

MAn, I wondered what that comment did, but I just intimidated instead. -- View image here: http://episteme.meincmagazine.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_frown.gif --<br><br>Ah well, that's what my Insane playthrough is for!

 

[Deleted member 14629]

Hahaha, I love the fact that you can betray <b>everyone</b> in Noveria, if you work it right. I never did the cycle quite right before, but I got it to where everyone refuses to talk to me, for the most part.<br><br>I can't even buy goods there anymore. -- View image here: https://cdn.arstechnica.net/forum/smilies/biggrin.gif --

 

[neomits]

<blockquote class="ip-ubbcode-quote">
<div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div>
<div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Kerii:<br>I gotta remember to do this the next time I see that reporter:<br><br>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FESOPPP5YEQ -- View image here: http://episteme.meincmagazine.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif -- </div>
</blockquote>
<br><br>OMG!!! HILARIOUS! I'm laughing my ass off here.

 

[nikolaihunt]

Right now, my only wish is the ability to take notes of some sort on the maps. It could be really simple, just a handful of symbols or something that I could designate for various things like objects that require higher electronics skill or whatever.

 

[thatryan]

<blockquote class="ip-ubbcode-quote">
<div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div>
<div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Kerii:<br>I gotta remember to do this the next time I see that reporter:<br><br>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FESOPPP5YEQ -- View image here: http://episteme.meincmagazine.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif -- </div>
</blockquote>
<br><br>Holy shit, you can hit people! LOL I have been doing all good responses, have not tried mean ones yet. Maybe Ill try all bad ones on next playthrough. <br>Is it worth it to play through again? <br>As I ask, lol, I am barely into 1st play, 15 hours, mostly side quests, only done the first planet for the main quest.