[MusicallyInspired]

John Brown, on 28 January 2019 - 06:18 PM, said:

For the fellow GOG owners, Ion Maiden is now its own game in your library, separate from the preview build (now renamed Ion Maiden - DEMO). The one that does not say "DEMO", that is the one with the 4.1 patch. I saw someone else post on the GOG forum (deserted wasteland it is) that the "DEMO" version has to be uninstalled, for the main version to install properly. I have done that, and 4.1 works fine for me on GOG, I just replayed the existing episode on Maximum Violence difficulty and it was glorious.

Now, to do the new level.

Yeah, Ion Maiden was separated from Bombshell's goodies & extras a while ago now. It was a separate item in my library for ages. But it was called something else and not DEMO like it suddenly is now. But even if I log into GOG on my browser (outside of Galaxy) it still says Update 2. I did not purchase the game yet so I cannot access Update 4.1 as TX said. Doesn't matter if I uninstall or not.

And I'm ok with that, btw. Originally it was just supposed to be a bonus extra before it turned into its own project. I figure I got what I was promised as the extra and nothing more. I was surprised when I got the Queen of the Hill update, tbh.

[John Brown]

MusicallyInspired, on 28 January 2019 - 07:02 PM, said:

Yeah, Ion Maiden was separated from Bombshell's goodies & extras a while ago now. It was a separate item in my library for ages. But it was called something else and not DEMO like it suddenly is now. But even if I log into GOG on my browser (outside of Galaxy) it still says Update 2. I did not purchase the game yet so I cannot access Update 4.1 as TX said. Doesn't matter if I uninstall or not.

And I'm ok with that, btw. Originally it was just supposed to be a bonus extra before it turned into its own project. I figure I got what I was promised as the extra and nothing more. I was surprised when I got the Queen of the Hill update, tbh.

Ah, I see. I originally got it as an extra from owning Bombshell, then bought the full Ion Maiden afterwards. This whole time I've been playing what has now been renamed to DEMO, I guess I just never noticed. The GOG forum is also still linked through the DEMO (clicking "forum" for the main/real/whatever Ion Maiden just takes you to GOG's main community forum).

Also I did just finish Heskel's House of Horrors, 100% kills and 5/8 secrets found on first try on Ultra Violence. It was pretty fun, gave me Blood vibes.

[Zaxx]

Speaking of "vibes" there was one thing the new map really reminded me of: the first Alone in the Dark game. I loved that game when I was a kid and somehow the map's atmosphere felt similar, even with the ending that takes you underground.

[Little Tijn]

John Brown, on 28 January 2019 - 06:18 PM, said:

For the fellow GOG owners, Ion Maiden is now its own game in your library, separate from the preview build (now renamed Ion Maiden - DEMO). The one that does not say "DEMO", that is the one with the 4.1 patch. I saw someone else post on the GOG forum (deserted wasteland it is) that the "DEMO" version has to be uninstalled, for the main version to install properly. I have done that, and 4.1 works fine for me on GOG, I just replayed the existing episode on Maximum Violence difficulty and it was glorious.

Now, to do the new level.

That was me! Read posts that the new update is available on GOG, so checked it out. Was a bit stumped that I couldn't install it via GOG Galaxy. It always failed at first. The problem is that both the DEMO version and the new Update 4.1 version try to install in the same directory. That's the reason you need to remove the (now called) DEMO version first or install it in another directory altogether. After doing that it installed without any problem. A bit weird, but it works.

[necroslut]

When it comes to criticism of Shelly's voice or personality it should probably be kept in mind that she's being compared to some of the most memorable FPS protagonists, stars of arguably the most atmospheric and memorable FPS games ever made - that's quite some bar to reach and might not be intended to be quite as harsh as it might come across.
There's a hundred 90's FPS protagonists she's not being compared to.

[oasiz]

I'm glad I just do maps.. Got another stupid jukebox-like thing done that required like close to 100 effect sprites to accomplish.

[Aristotle Gumball]

necroslut, on 29 January 2019 - 12:06 AM, said:

When it comes to criticism of Shelly's voice or personality it should probably be kept in mind that she's being compared to some of the most memorable FPS protagonists, stars of arguably the most atmospheric and memorable FPS games ever made - that's quite some bar to reach and might not be intended to be quite as harsh as it might come across.

Yep, it's a 3drealms game, after all. There's no way it won't be compared to their previous titles.

[Micky C]

thricecursed, on 29 January 2019 - 02:23 AM, said:

Yep, it's a 3drealms game, after all. There's no way it won't be compared to their previous titles.

Yes and no. It's a Voidpoint game, and there's more than 20 years between them. They're not cut from the same cloth.

[Aristotle Gumball]

Micky C, on 29 January 2019 - 03:25 AM, said:

Yes and no. It's a Voidpoint game, and there's more than 20 years between them. They're not cut from the same cloth.

I know it is, but what's the first screen you see when you boot up the game? There's a legacy there. Either way, they've nailed practically everything I'd expect from a 3drealms shooter.

edit: Admittedly there is a Voidpoint logo now also, so point taken. Not trying to be a dick.

[Hank]

I must word this careful

3D Realms is no longer 3D Realms from the past. Ever since they hooked up with 1C, the promotion for Voidpoint'd IM has very much improved.
There is a saying: "Trust is good, control is better". For as long as Voidpoint runs the development of Ion Maiden, we have something to look forward too.

[Kathy]

What does option to disable game messages actually do? I disabled it at the start of Heskel level, but still received "press E to win" in the elevator.

Shelly's voice/delivery is alright. Nothing out of the ordinary, but it gets the point across. Nothing cringy for sure. I'd prefer less jokes, though.

Also, will there be mirrors in game? Was disappointed I couldn't "damn I'm looking good" myself.

[Steve 64]

I love shelly voice as well young and strong/.

[Forge]

Kathy, on 29 January 2019 - 10:54 AM, said:

What does option to disable game messages actually do?

thought that was a multiplayer thing - where people post text during DM.

[MetHy]

Disabling messages is just like in Duke, it's for messages on the top left of the screen such as "Dick's Secret Stash" or "Door Unlocked", or when you pick-up supplies etc

There is currently no way to turn off the help prompt.

[Danukem]

For any messages that aren't handled by the old quote system, the coder would need to add a check for the player's messages setting before displaying the message. That's not necessarily desirable, though, because a player familiar with EDuke32 might assume that by turning off "messages" they are only turning off the ones that normally get turned off in Eduke32.

[Kathy]

There could be just a different option like "turning off help messages" if it's not desirable to mix up both.

[oasiz]

Help messages are really just one-off right now and you shouldn't see them again after the first instance.

[MusicallyInspired]

I really couldn't care less about help messages. Leave em for all I care.

[Kathy]

Nah, it's not that big of a deal. Just thought I could turn them off with that option.

[cosmonautcowboy]

Kathy, on 30 January 2019 - 10:58 AM, said:

Nah, it's not that big of a deal. Just thought I could turn them off with that option.

Just wanted to add my two cents on the voice work. I enjoyed Valerie's work in Bombshell, and I like what I've heard in Ion Maiden.

For those writing/directing the lines, if you feel the need to add a little to it, that's not a problem. But I don't think you should start doubting yourselves and changing things up. Keep on doing what you're doing!

[High Treason]

The new level was cool. Overall it seemed a bit more like a display piece than the earlier ones, feeling less fleshed out in regards to action and more of a showcase for what the textures and effects can do, not that this wasn't fun or anything, I enjoyed it. I couldn't seem to turn off the jukebox after starting it though (admittedly I never tried bashing it, which may have worked, didn't have much time) which quickly began to clash with the background music, not a big deal and I need to go through it again and perform further explorations.

[PsychoGoatee]

On the alternate weapon modes, one thing is I don't think the bowling bomb should explode on you. It happens quick, the on-screen meter is nice but can be tough to keep track of the alternate fire one during the action. And you don't want to feel like you're punishing the player, your most iconic weapon should feel safe and reliable, not unwieldy. Not sure what the exact solution is, maybe have her just put it away and pull out another one. And in general, other than the homing version of the main attack, none of it's attacks feel that reliable to me. And with a weapon that you have limited ammo on, you want reliable. I do still like the homing version of this weapon though.

I do like the alt fire for her revolver though, especially that it fires twice if targeting one enemy. Fun for taking out those spider robots.

The idea of story scenes was mentioned, do we know if those are in the game? Illustrated text cutscenes like Duke 3D or something like that? A few of those would be cool for sure.

[Kathy]

Oh, forget to mention. The alt fire for revolver. I think the crosshair should contain enough information when targeting enemy. Instead of skull icon appearing near the enemy the whole crosshair could become red(or 'locked') so that information is contained only there. Having skull near enemy looks way too arcadey, unless that was the intention.

[Doom64hunter]

cosmonautcowboy, on 30 January 2019 - 04:46 PM, said:

Just wanted to add my two cents on the voice work. I enjoyed Valerie's work in Bombshell, and I like what I've heard in Ion Maiden.

For those writing/directing the lines, if you feel the need to add a little to it, that's not a problem. But I don't think you should start doubting yourselves and changing things up. Keep on doing what you're doing!

Want to chime in and say the same -- Ion Maiden has the best one-liners in recent memory, at least for this kind of game. They don't get annoying, and there's no dated references. Good job!

[John Brown]

I just replayed HHH on Maximum Violence, and found all 8 secrets without a guide (hooray, warm fuzzies). I found the challenge to be sufficient enough, the flying torso robots and grenade launcher guys were the biggest threat, but not too bad. The crossbow is giving me pleasant flashbacks to my younger days with Jedi Knight, and I paid closer attention to Shelly's voice this time. Really, I have no complaints there, I enjoyed what I heard. My favorite is still one of her old lines ("Clean up on aisle... YOUR ASS") but I like the new stuff, especially the Shadow Warrior reference.

I just hope I don't have to wait an extra week/month/who-knows for the GOG version of the final game to drop (I know it's not any of your fault).

[Hank]

I moved from Wanton Carnage to Maximum Violence: The actors shoot more accurately and are more 'outgoing'. Good luck making all those head shots at moving targets.
What a game

[necroslut]

MrFlibble, on 26 January 2019 - 03:35 AM, said:

So, is there going to be a level taking place in the Jungle of Doom as well?

Also loved that Shadow Warrior reference

Ok now I have no idea if the level title was in any way meant to reference that game, but it would be awesome if the full version had some Hugo reference in the House of Horror's level... a gorilla mask in a closet, a pumpkin with a key inside, a hideous bat painting on a wall, something.

[Master O]

How many Iron Maiden references will this game have?

[Kathy]

Hank, on 02 February 2019 - 03:46 PM, said:

I moved from Wanton Carnage to Maximum Violence: The actors shoot more accurately and are more 'outgoing'. Good luck making all those head shots at moving targets.
What a game

It changes the AI? Not fan of that approach. Especially, when that info isn't given while choosing difficulty.

[Hank]

Kathy, on 03 February 2019 - 01:22 AM, said:

It changes the AI? Not fan of that approach. Especially, when that info isn't given while choosing difficulty.

I'm not certain. All I'm giving is my 'first' impression, at top difficulty. The way the level's are laid out play a significant role as well. It can be as simple as just having more enemies to deal with; and they have more time to attack and run towards the player, i.e. fulfill their intended program.

Bottom line, it is a must have game, when it comes out.