Recent reviews by JetSyndrome

Guess I'll update on hotfix:

HOTFIX #6
Cool new blood effects, still getting Fatal Error every so often. I appreciate the variation in staining in response to weapon/damage type. Hoping that the full blood rework amends the pooling and character wounds though, those still aren't very fun.

Didn't notice any stuttering that was present in prior hotfixes, so that's nice.

HOTFIX#5
With how fast these come out, will probably have to batch review updates by week lmao.

Outdoors performance improved, managed to set my settings up to high now and am running the game at a brisk fps. Indoor maps are still having some problems for me, but it isn't terrible by any means.

Everything else mostly the same.
EDIT: Getting alot of the usual FATAL ERRORS, reminds me if the Baron struggle in the demo lol.

HOTFIX #4
Performance took a slight hit for me on the indoor maps, outdoors run better. Seems like it is trying to reload the lighting during the level and that is when I drop frames.

Physics tuning provides finer control over weapon movement, and I'm not being flung around with heavier weapons. Long weapons feel a little wonkier, though.

Blood spilling improved a bit, still not a fan of the actual pools. The staining and droplets are cool though, nice to see more variation there, although stretching occurs on the decals sometime. Noticing a bigger variance due to weapon type in this hotfix. Don't have an AMD system so can't comment on that prior glitch.

***
Updating my review, as some time has passed since initial release.

I have a 5060ti, Intel i9, and 65gb of ram for reference. Beefy.

Stability has improved with the recent hotfixes, with that being said I had very little problem running the game with my system set-up from the get go so fyi. Even so, FPS improvements are noticeable and performance is running smoother. Anecdotal, yes, and it may be a little unfair of me to stop talking ability the performance here, but it has been a non-factor for my enjoyment. If you're under recommended spec be cautious.

I enjoy the combat and physics more in EA than in the demo. It is no longer feasible to wildly swing in an attempt to hit, which worked QUITE WELL in the demo and playtest. Now with the re-tuned physics and strength system, slower, more deliberate strokes are a necessity. Failing to do so will result in Willie breaking his wrists, flailing ineffectually, or losing his footing. If you can come to grips with the new combat, you're met with much more freedom of precise control.

Still, for many people combat is a point of contention, and unfortunately might be a matter of taste. Given the latter, odds are it'll be difficult to fully please everyone even if the combat is reverted to the demo.

Early ranks are difficult, but this stabilizes after peasant rank with some armor and decent weapons. Dying only resets the current rank progress, not overall progress. Insured gear will persist after death, as will gear in your storage. When in doubt, give up quick, or otherwise pay off the souls at night to avoid an abyss confrontation (10p a pop for each Willie you've slain, maybe best to avoid being overly lethal early on.)

I do not have problems maintaining footing.

Bladed weapons are much too good as dismembering, so much so I had to turn down the gore and NPC damage.

Blunt weapons are kino, but I dislike the reliance on them for higher ranks (warstaff my beloved.)

I'm actually enjoying the brawls quite alot, it was something I completely ignored in the demo. I look forward to them now.

High level riots are so much fun, as is going back with a fully geared Willie and absolutely wrecking lower ranks.

I've now acquired a full baron set, so progression is more-so just a glorified free mode for me at this stage. This is very good, because:

Free mode sucks lol. Dev's are working on making it more robust, but they've said performance is a massive priority at this time. Looking forward to updates in this regard.

Gore is both improved and the same. Blood pools function the same, but additional droplets and trails are present. Staining and wounds on Willie can either be very nice or very cartoony. Noticeably improved is the response to blunt weapons in the form of bruising and splatter.
[fixed? AMD systems are sort of shafted right now with a pernicious blood glitch that create large square areas of blood. A forthcoming fix will be much appreciated.]

Overall I recommend the game if you have a system that can run it well, I'm having a blast.

Most of the cons have been stated in other reviews; controls are a little clunky, graphics are fine, some QOL and compatability changes are really needed across the board.

That being said, moment to moment action is fun, and the mech customization is surprisingly deep.

Story mode is a decent effort to conceptualize Alternative in an action game, as well as bridge in a few new story elements.

PVP is, well, pvp. I'm not a massive fan of it, and it has had some connectivity issues, but could be worse. TSF v TSF combat isn't the best, but there for you to try. Would definitely not pick up the game for PVP.

While the aforementioned modes are at best middling, the Frontier Mode is a whole lotta fun. Coordinating with other players to fend off the beta across a persistent map is tantalizing, even if there are some bugs. IMO picking up the game for this mode and hopping into the official discord is definitely worth the price of entry. I would scope out the forums for a more structured dialog on frontier, there's ALOT going on. Good and bad.

It's an EA release, so there's alotta jank. The more negative reviews do hold merit, but don't seem that interested in discussing what works well within the game.

Game is fun, and opens another avenue for practice seldom seen in other forms.

I would say it's worth it for guitarists and bassists already familiar with the instrument, but would caution beginners to utilize this as an add-on for their initial practices; easier segments can seem perplexing with a lack of tablature, and spotty detection can at times be jarring (however it can be sufficiently mitigated by replacing the strings and setting correct intonation.)

Just be sure to have the tabs handy, when available, for any songs you truly wish to learn. Will improve performance at a faster rate if you are unable to keep up with the notes as they cascade.

Session mode is perhaps the most fun, allowing you to build improvisational techniques within chord and scale structure, as well as helping define a tone you wish to cultivate. The ability to mix and match instruments, scales, tempo, and chord progression in this mode is icing on the cake.

Final protip: Please be sure to go to the settings and invert the strings, as doing so will align the strings with standard guitar tablature and notation.

A splendidly envisioned and executed Visual Novel, Muv-Luv Alternative continues to impress years after its initial release. Whether it be characterization, plot, art, or music, Alternative surpasses its predecessors in every category, delivering a cathartic tale of love, pain, and those willing to face the impossible.

Expect the unexpected, and bear witness to a near-perfect Visual Novel. You owe yourself that much.

"Achieve your mission with all your might. Despair not until your last breath. Make your death count"

Supposedly I just finished the prologue (Muv-Luv Extra), and I already feel as though I've already made good on my purchase.

I look forward to Part 2 and, eventually, Alternative. That said:

WHOEVER THINKS SUMIKA ISN'T BEST GIRL, MEET ME BEHIND THE 7-11 OFF FIFTH AND SQUARE UP. LOOK FOR THE MAN IN WHITE, EYE CONTACT WILL INITIATE THE DUEL.

EDIT:

I have finished Unlimited and Alternative. Never have I experienced the duality of pain and happiness to this magnitude.

For the love of God, play this.

Absolutely splendid.
Core gameplay is not only fun, but addicting.
Coupled with excellent music and an engaging story, this game is well worth the price tag.

Give it a try. Incredibly satisfying.

Visually updated PC port of the last-gen cult classic. Well worth the price if you've already played the game and are looking to enjoy it again. If you haven't played the game, I can attest that after multiple playthroughs and countless hours of gametime it still holds up as one of the most satisfying rpgs out there. Looking forward to spending another hundred hours on the PC version.

Do what Shinji couldn't and save the world.
10.10/10

edit: It has been many moons but, in the end, Shinji did save the world.

Pretty great game. Stab people with pool sticks and bash heads with whatever else is lying around.
12/10, pop on your favorite music and it truly shines.