354 réponses à ce sujet

[Brockololly]

The combat can be a bit wonky at first. IMO, its definitely not the highlight of the game. Its the writing, voice acting, characters and atmosphere that make the game awesome.

[Jozape]

KnightofPhoenix wrote...

So I started my first run of this game
Angela, Ventrue, Dominatrix.

So far it's looking good! The graphics are not so bad and the character design and facial animations are actually quite good. I'm liking Smiling Jake so far. Also like how computers are handled. A lot of abilities so I am a bit overwhelmed but I'll get used to it.
Only thing is, combat in this game seems meh to me, both range and melee. So I am hoping that combat can be avoided most of the time, as I'll be focusing on stealth, persuasion, seduction and domination (and as a dominatrix, I can't raise skills that effectively). If it's too combat focused, I might get screwed. So what build do you advise to those who wish to avoid combat if it's possible?

Also any general advice about anything would be very appreciated.

I started the same character after I found I didn't like how I could play my Malkavian. Female Ventrue, dominatrix, with an emphasis on domination, persuasion and seduction. Unfortunately, you will have to invest some experience and money into combat, if you're like me anyways and not very good at the action combat the game presents. Moreso for what I think is optional content. What I think is only the 'main plot' seems to present more options.

Brockololly wrote...

The combat can be a bit wonky at first. IMO, its definitely not the highlight of the game. Its the writing, voice acting, characters and atmosphere that make the game awesome.

Indeed. The combat is by far the worst part of the game. As I play though, I'm finding the rest to make up for it.

[xkg]

KnightofPhoenix wrote...

So I started my first run of this game
Angela, Ventrue, Dominatrix.

So far it's looking good! The graphics are not so bad and the character design and facial animations are actually quite good. I'm liking Smiling Jake so far. Also like how computers are handled. A lot of abilities so I am a bit overwhelmed but I'll get used to it.
Only thing is, combat in this game seems meh to me, both range and melee. So I am hoping that combat can be avoided most of the time, as I'll be focusing on stealth, persuasion, seduction and domination (and as a dominatrix, I can't raise skills that effectively). If it's too combat focused, I might get screwed. So what build do you advise to those who wish to avoid combat if it's possible?

Also any general advice about anything would be very appreciated.

Oh and the music is awesome!

It is unfortunate that you picked Dominatrix because you will need combat skills to fight stronger vampires and bosses. You can't just sneak past through them and Dominate wont help you much in those fights (weak effect against supernaturals and nearly useless against bosses).

One important advice - do not waste even a single point on Seduction. Completely useless Feat. Its only purpose is to get an easy blood from some chicks in pubs. If you need blood just feed on the street on pedestrians (but not on bums - you will vomit). Another con of rising it is the simple fact that both Subterfuge and Appearance are only used to raise Seduction and not any other Feat.

Properly built Ventrue is a walking tank - literally. The key are two Disciplines - Fortitude and Presence.
Fortitude (lvl 5) = +5 Soak to all damage types, even aggravated (the only available defense in the game against this damage type)
Presence (lvl5) = -5 to main combat attributes of your enemies and slows their attacks.

It works well with Ventrue's "Diabolic" history for +35% Presence duration (-1 Frenzy and Humanity is nothing to worry about).

On top of that add the protection +3 (or even +4) from armor and you can end up with up to 9 Soak damage and with your enemies completely powerless.
Nothing can touch you . Even boss fights are PoC.

Modifié par xkg, 29 août 2012 - 09:33 .

[Fisto The Sexbot]

^ It's not as useless if you play as a woman. *trollface*

[Andarthiel_Demigod]

Chouan wrote...

Well, both Jack and Beckett appear in the Gehenna novel (and the events of the game are briefly referenced in the novel iirc, it's been a few years since I read it), Beckett being the main character. And like termokanden said, there are plenty of VTM novels, some sort of list can be found here: whitewolf.wikia.com/wiki/Category:Vampire:_The_Masquerade_books (lists all VT:M books, not just the novels).

Indeed, there are quite a few novels and I highly recommend the Clan novel series(I think there are about 12 of them, I could be wrong) starting with Clan Toreador

[xkg]

Andarthiel_Demigod wrote...

Chouan wrote...

Well, both Jack and Beckett appear in the Gehenna novel (and the events of the game are briefly referenced in the novel iirc, it's been a few years since I read it), Beckett being the main character. And like termokanden said, there are plenty of VTM novels, some sort of list can be found here: whitewolf.wikia.com/wiki/Category:Vampire:_The_Masquerade_books (lists all VT:M books, not just the novels).

Indeed, there are quite a few novels and I highly recommend the Clan novel series(I think there are about 12 of them, I could be wrong) starting with Clan Toreador

Yep. 13 to be more precise.

Here is the list of books (only novels) from WoD :
http://wiki.white-wo...hp?title=Novels
and as stated in this link you can get most of them in PDF format from this site:
http://www.drivethru...1&filters=0_0_0

[KnightofPhoenix]

Thanks for the advice guys.

And the Ocean hotel thing. Omg, I've never been that spooked out by a game in my life.

[Brockololly]

KnightofPhoenix wrote...

And the Ocean hotel thing. Omg, I've never been that spooked out by a game in my life.

Ocean House Hotel is probably one of the best levels in the game. Its so great.

[Chromie]

Brockololly wrote...

KnightofPhoenix wrote...

And the Ocean hotel thing. Omg, I've never been that spooked out by a game in my life.

Ocean House Hotel is probably one of the best levels in the game. Its so great.

In any game more like it.

[KnightofPhoenix]

Alright been playing for a while and the politics is getting interesting, particularly between the Anarchs and Camarilla. I think both factions have good and bad points.

First, as both factions would agree, I think the Masquerade is essential for the survival of the species and for the good of humanity (by implication, vampires) along with it, so the faction of the Sabbat that doesn't give a damn about it is out of the question. The difference between the two factions is that the Camarilla wants to create a hierarchy to impose these laws and severely punish any violation of the Masquerade. The Anarchs on the other hand believe that the masquerade being common sense does not need a system of control. In this aspect, I am in full agreement with the Camarilla, laws need to be enforced and relying solely on vampires' common sense or sense of morality seems very imprudent to me. The existence of the sabbat, if anything, proves that you need a system to prevent any violation and severely punish it if it happens. I am in full agreement with forbidding the siring new vampires without approval. And no it's not similar to population control, as there's another important element to it and that's maintaining the Masquerade and making sure no innocent humans are hurt.

Now where this gets tricky is that the Camarilla becomes a bureaucratic gerontocracy of sorts, rule of Elders. This form of aristocracy does not seem focused on merit, at least not primarily, but rather on clan politics and age And like all systems, it ends up serving the interests of the few on top. The Anarchs on the otherhand are more meritocratic and their leaders lead by example, even if they are unwise. Here, I sympathize with the Anarchs more, as I naturally lean towards meritocracy and am not a fan of oligarchies unless they are absolutely necessary. Though I have to say that my idea of merit might be very different from the Anarchs. For me, political skill, cunning, administration, knowledge, strategic mindset, people skills, are more important to me than leading in the front lines and doing the dirty work *only* (of course if someone can do both, that's great).

So for now, I am torn between the two. I share the Camarilla's idea that the Masquerade needs to be enforced by law, all the while promoting common sense, education and all that. But I also share the Anarchs' ideal of merit and less rigid bureaucracy centered around clan ranking.

So it's interesting so far. What is more interesting is that the guy I am intrigued about the most is Maximillian Strauss. For now I think he embodies the gerontocracy aspect of the Camarilla (though for some reason he seems very powerful and knowledgeable, so he could very well merit his position), but at the same time doesn't seem to give a damn about ruling the thing, as his main focus is his clan and upholding the ideals of the Masquerade (in that order). He's probably not in line with my ideals, but I find him intriguing nonetheless.

Modifié par KnightofPhoenix, 30 août 2012 - 04:31 .

[Dominus]

Yep, they're essentially two warring factions - both with understandable, yet extreme enforcements of their ideals. The Masquerade needs to be upheld, but to what threshold that's maintained is up to debate.

[Addai]

The anarchs also enforce the Masquerade. As Skelter says, if you act stupid you get put down. The Free State has been working in LA for a couple generations. It only starts to break down when the Camarilla and Kuei-jin move in to claim it. All their people are reasonable and pretty sane individuals which speaks well for them- well, Damsel is a "b*tch, but in a good way" (that's one of the things you can tell her, lol).

Strauss is pretty moderate. Playing a Tremere, I didn't like him because he reminded me one too many times that I wasn't a real Tremere and only started helping me after I'd done dangerous jobs for the Camarilla.

[MerinTB]

Such a great game. Like Alpha Protocol, I don't think the combat is nearly as bad as people make it out to be, but I guess I don't play the kind of games where people say the combat is "great" so who am I to judge?

[KnightofPhoenix]

Addai67 wrote...

The anarchs also enforce the Masquerade. As Skelter says, if you act stupid you get put down. The Free State has been working in LA for a couple generations. It only starts to break down when the Camarilla and Kuei-jin move in to claim it. All their people are reasonable and pretty sane individuals which speaks well for them- well, Damsel is a "b*tch, but in a good way" (that's one of the things you can tell her, lol).

Strauss is pretty moderate. Playing a Tremere, I didn't like him because he reminded me one too many times that I wasn't a real Tremere and only started helping me after I'd done dangerous jobs for the Camarilla.

Damsel is the one rambling that communism can work with vampires. Yea doesn't impress me.

Also, if the anarchs can lose their power so easily even after claiming a city, then I am not sure I trust them with enforcing the Masquerade as effectively as the Camarilla can. Plus, laws are not only about punishment, it's also about prevention. I am not sure the Anarchs can prevent as well as the Camarilla (via patronage, buying off and intimidation). Anarchs don't believe in laws and a system that can impose it. Not big on that. Not a fan of having the vampires be divided amongst cities when they can be united in greater endeavors.

Though the problem that is present in most games is that since you're the errand boy, it seems like you're doing all the work and the other factions are just using you as lapdog. One thing I dislike about these sorts of games. Makes you feel well like a lapdog, while making it look lik no one can do **** without you.

Overall, I am leaning slightly more torwards the Camarilla. The Anarchs, while having some sympathetic ideals, don't impress me as of yet, don't see that much skill in them other than street smartness which is not nearly good enough. But ideally, I'd have a more democratic version of the Camarilla, with a mechanism that can check the rich and powerful.

Modifié par KnightofPhoenix, 30 août 2012 - 05:39 .

[Dominus]

Though the problem that is present in most games is that since you're the errand boy, it seems like you're doing all the work and the other factions are just using you as lapdog. One thing I dislike about these sorts of games.

Yeah... unfortunately that comes with the concept of the whole Rise-To-Glory within a faction - even Scarface had to start with the small stuff. I'd be fine with seeing something that breaks the barrier. Perhaps a Hostile Takeover, so to speak?

[KnightofPhoenix]

DominusVita wrote...

Though the problem that is present in most games is that since you're the errand boy, it seems like you're doing all the work and the other factions are just using you as lapdog. One thing I dislike about these sorts of games.

Yeah... unfortunately that comes with the concept of the whole Rise-To-Glory within a faction - even Scarface had to start with the small stuff. I'd be fine with seeing something that breaks the barrier. Perhaps a Hostile Takeover, so to speak?

Yea I don't mind doing the dirty work if:
a- my PC can display some initiative, proactivity and ambition if I should so choose.
b- not make it look like everyone else is sitting on their ass and counting on you to do everything.

Because it really makes me feel like I am a lapdog and everyone else is either too incompetent or lazy. I really dislike that.

TW1 and 2, especially the latter, were succesful in both counts. So was Alpha Protocol, especially on the first point.

Modifié par KnightofPhoenix, 30 août 2012 - 05:47 .

[Cutlass Jack]

Skelter192 wrote...

Brockololly wrote...

KnightofPhoenix wrote...

And the Ocean hotel thing. Omg, I've never been that spooked out by a game in my life.

Ocean House Hotel is probably one of the best levels in the game. Its so great.

In any game more like it.

This is true. Only thing in a game that ever had me that on edge. I spent the whole thing worrying about dying and there was no actual combat involved. stellar.

[HoonDing]

KnightofPhoenix wrote...

First, as both factions would agree, I think the Masquerade is essential for the survival of the species and for the good of humanity (by implication, vampires) along with it, so the faction of the Sabbat that doesn't give a damn about it is out of the question. The difference between the two factions is that the Camarilla wants to create a hierarchy to impose these laws and severely punish any violation of the Masquerade. The Anarchs on the other hand believe that the masquerade being common sense does not need a system of control. In this aspect, I am in full agreement with the Camarilla, laws need to be enforced and relying solely on vampires' common sense or sense of morality seems very imprudent to me. The existence of the sabbat, if anything, proves that you need a system to prevent any violation and severely punish it if it happens. I am in full agreement with forbidding the siring new vampires without approval. And no it's not similar to population control, as there's another important element to it and that's maintaining the Masquerade and making sure no innocent humans are hurt.

Now where this gets tricky is that the Camarilla becomes a bureaucratic gerontocracy of sorts, rule of Elders. This form of aristocracy does not seem focused on merit, at least not primarily, but rather on clan politics and age And like all systems, it ends up serving the interests of the few on top. The Anarchs on the otherhand are more meritocratic and their leaders lead by example, even if they are unwise. Here, I sympathize with the Anarchs more, as I naturally lean towards meritocracy and am not a fan of oligarchies unless they are absolutely necessary. Though I have to say that my idea of merit might be very different from the Anarchs. For me, political skill, cunning, administration, knowledge, strategic mindset, people skills, are more important to me than leading in the front lines and doing the dirty work *only* (of course if someone can do both, that's great).

So for now, I am torn between the two. I share the Camarilla's idea that the Masquerade needs to be enforced by law, all the while promoting common sense, education and all that. But I also share the Anarchs' ideal of merit and less rigid bureaucracy centered around clan ranking.

So it's interesting so far. What is more interesting is that the guy I am intrigued about the most is Maximillian Strauss. For now I think he embodies the gerontocracy aspect of the Camarilla (though for some reason he seems very powerful and knowledgeable, so he could very well merit his position), but at the same time doesn't seem to give a damn about ruling the thing, as his main focus is his clan and upholding the ideals of the Masquerade (in that order). He's probably not in line with my ideals, but I find him intriguing nonetheless.

Considering how ridiculously powerful even thin blooded vampires are in comparison to humans, I don't think the argument of vampires being destroyed by "strength in numbers" applies to uphold the Masquerade (an elder vampire could probably level all of L.A. on his/her own - not to mention the Tzimisce had entire armies of ghouls and zombies at their disposal and controlled several US cities behind the scenes). It's merely an excuse to control lesser vampires while the elders play their games (Anarchs actually revolted against this during the Middle-Ages, but buckled down afterwards anyways when all-out civil war between vampire clans threatened).

There should've been an option to join the Tzimisce and turn L.A. into one giant flesh-crafting paradise (Gehenna was coming anyway). 

Troika being Troika had probably planned on such a path, but likely it was skipped due to budget and time constraints.

Modifié par HoonDing, 30 août 2012 - 01:26 .

[KnightofPhoenix]

Not only strength in numbers, also technology, surveillance...etc.
I don't think it's wise and prudent at all to ignore the Masquerade. That plan of yours could be undone by concentrated napalm bombing of the city anyways.

[Addai]

KnightofPhoenix wrote...
Also, if the anarchs can lose their power so easily even after claiming a city, then I am not sure I trust them with enforcing the Masquerade as effectively as the Camarilla can.

It's not easy- the entire game is essentially about this and the easiest part is playing the different factions off each other.

Don't forget that they have Smiling Jack.  He's a clan unto himself. 

Not big on that. Not a fan of having the vampires be divided amongst cities when they can be united in greater endeavors.

What greater endeavors?    The Camarilla is mostly about preserving its own power.  They aren't great humanitarians.

[KnightofPhoenix]

I know that, hence why I am not a fan of the Camarilla either. Don't see them as visionaries, at least as of yet.

[KnightofPhoenix]

So I now have my very own ghoul. This is disturbingly satisfying, especially since the "nice" dialogue options are exactly what my dominatrix would say haha
Though no sex option it would seem, bummer

[Brockololly]

Thats one thing I love about the game- is that no one faction is clearly the "right" one and just about every character you meet, to some extent, is mostly just interested in themselves. So you have plenty of characters who you might think are shady or villainous who end up being ok. Or people who might seem to have your best interests at heart who end up not caring for you at all. But you have the dialogue options to really role play how you want.

[termokanden]

MerinTB wrote...

Such a great game. Like Alpha Protocol, I don't think the combat is nearly as bad as people make it out to be, but I guess I don't play the kind of games where people say the combat is "great" so who am I to judge?

It is not really bad, but it does get rather stale in drawn out fights, and some things are not really balanced very well. All in all, I mostly enjoy the combat, but it is not near as fun as it could have been.

However, I still enjoy the crap out of the rest of the game after quite a few playthroughs.

[KnightofPhoenix]

Is it just me, or did everyone else have a bad feeling about the sarcophagus? Something doesn't seem right to me.

The ship carrying it was attacked but the sarcophagus was still there. So the attackers probably took what's inside to begin with, or something within did the killing, but why would it remain? Unless it wants to be found. Or maybe the attackers from outside wanted it to be found too. Maybe they replaced what's within.

Feels like a trap to me tbh. Strauss says that Lacroiz is too attracted to the sarcophagus. Maybe it's a trap from Max? Or someone else? I don't know, but I have a bad feeling about this. If it is a trap, Max is a bit too obvious though, hmmm