"Combat is most certainly NOT what Drifter is remembered for" - Allow me to be one of the first. I love EVERYTHING about Drifter but the Combat is what made me stay in the first place to enjoy everything else. I loved how fluid and action-packed it felt. And it especially felt good once I got the upgrade that lets your sword slashes reflect enemy projectiles. All of a sudden I was sending ninja-stars back at ninja frogs before dashing away to cut a different frog in half and it was just GLORIOUS. Especially those parts where you finish off an ambush room and the Drifter does his cool "thrust his sword into the ground" victory pose. Like "WHO'S NEXT!?".
one thing i only recently noticed is that basically EVERYTHING can be cancelled into a dash, so agression is really safe as long as ensure you have a direction to dash in, you can just react on demand. there's a lot more i can say about the combat but i'm 86 hours in and i'm still finding neat details about the combat, plinking is always the example people go to for a reason. it's just a really solid system.
Yo I didn't even realize the gun/sword synergy problem until you pointed it out. I watched another video on this game where it also mentioned how annoying infinite mob spawns were during bosses, but they said "I understand you need it for ammo...", and in my head I immediately conceded the point; but you're right, this problem was SOLVED in the first game by just refilling ammo on any melee combat. Why spawn infinite adds if you can just recharge your sword from hitting the boss? Very well articulated.
"I'm sure that that was a very interesting nut to crack for all the very smart people in the studio, but it's not a particularly interesting thing for the player of a video game." - A smaller indie game called "Chasm" suffered this same problem.
Dude this video is like a direct transcription of the thoughts i have on this game haha, wow. Instant subscribe. Total agreement about the melee attacks recharging ranged section you have. How did they not do this.
Know what's wild? I've been watching the discourse on this game from an indie-dev perspective, not really interested in playing the game (because surprise, I'm more strategy, more singleplayer focused) - but I really feel like you've tapped into the design problems moreso than other folks playing the game so far, especially the reasons why the genre choice doomed the pitch, and how mindboggling it is to make decisions like not reloading the gun through melee. Cheers man, a solid analysis!
Its strange, while i agree with most of the things you say, i can't help but really like this game, even with its very clear problems. It's unfortunate that a lot of its problems dont have clear or easy answers, so it might never reach its potential, but im hopeful. It's a really good sign how receptive the devs have been to all criticism and they even made a couple community suggested changes within 48 hours of launch. It's clear to me that they care about this game a lot so even if it ends up playing completely different by the time 1.0 releases, I believe they can still make this into a good game.
Music is really good. It looks really nice and the dodge feels good. And they're a talented team so the map is interesting. I did play for 18 hours so it's not hopeless for sure.
Shame, I enjoyed Drifter and, while I wasn't sold on the concept of this one, it looked pretty interesting. Maybe they will overhaul these issues, as they seem pretty major and the gameplay looks clumsy.
Great video! I couldn't agree more strongly. It's so strange to me that the team was able to make one of the best feeling 3D platformers I've ever played and not import any of that experience into their new game. At the very least, they could've made doing a trick refill your stamina, but it seems like the hoverboard is just a glorified sprint button.
This is a very good review. I appreciate your relatively deep knowledge of Heart Machine’s previously games and how you even went back to play Solar Ash to confirm your feelings. I hope that Heart Machine can salvage Hyper Light Breaker and learn some big lessons from early access. I know that they’re working on another game for Devolver Digital, but honestly it kind of feels like if HLB doesn’t do well, the studio might have to do even more layoffs or they might go under completely.
Great video. My thoughts exactly. It's so weird how a lot of basic things are missing. Especially after how long they've been developing the game. My guess is that they spent most of the time working on the world generation and had to rush everything else quickly for the early access. Regarding the price, I think I saw a post they had on HLD of them having a patreon for the DLC so they might be running low on funds? By the way, the game looks a little greyed off / bleached, are you using HDR?
just wanted to say while i agree with some of the criticisms in the video i would also like to add this games still in early access for all the people in the comments dogging on the devs hopeful that the devs have a lot more in store for the future, really do hope they add more items though as i think that is definitely something missing right now
I'm glad you brought up the vendor thing. Once you've amassed a set of rare items there is literally no reason to pick up weapons/upgrades in the Overgrowth. The focus on exploration dissipates and you just start sprinting toward prisms and crowns. I've maybe come across two or three good quality items at the marked locations on the map in my entire 30 hour playtime. Not to mention the fact that you can't cache the passive items, so you literally can't even test something out without permanently destroying something you brought with you. I have wanted to try other builds but can't because I need the items I have currently. The items and weapons are also just boring, as you stated. I think games like Enter The Gungeon do it best, where stat increases are few and far between, preferring to multiply projectiles or trade accuracy for damage. This game can barely be called a roguelike, and even less so an extraction shooter. When there's nothing to extract, what's the point of going? This game seems like it's about exploration on the surface but punishes you for exploring and gives you everything you need at home base. I'm not sure if it's recoverable. It would take a complete redesign of the core concepts of the game.
As soon as I saw the trailer for this game, I thought they didn't get what made the original game great: the aesthetics, and atmosphere, the world, the fluidity of movement, all of that simply didn't make any sense. So I'm not surprised that this game isn't good. Even though I haven't watched anything on it until now lol. Great video by the way, you're much better at putting thoughts into words than I am.
"That didn't matter because I already owned Drifter. For me, Hyper Light Breaker was 30 dollars" - AGREED They even tell you that Drifter is free. This means that it's inclusion is NOT factored into the cost of the bundle. They are REALLY JUST CHARGING YOU 30 BUCKS for Breaker Early Access.
thank you. Being a huge fan of HLD I thought of getting this game but you saved my $30. All of this is unacceptable, I think Breaker isn't Drifter's successor in any way
I love when devs don’t understand the appeal of their game and force it. There have been some great games made by accident. I’m glad we have them. But I can’t help but help enjoy the schadenfreude seeing pompous jerks fail.
"Combat is most certainly NOT what Drifter is remembered for" - Allow me to be one of the first.
I love EVERYTHING about Drifter but the Combat is what made me stay in the first place to enjoy everything else. I loved how fluid and action-packed it felt. And it especially felt good once I got the upgrade that lets your sword slashes reflect enemy projectiles. All of a sudden I was sending ninja-stars back at ninja frogs before dashing away to cut a different frog in half and it was just GLORIOUS.
Especially those parts where you finish off an ambush room and the Drifter does his cool "thrust his sword into the ground" victory pose. Like "WHO'S NEXT!?".
one thing i only recently noticed is that basically EVERYTHING can be cancelled into a dash, so agression is really safe as long as ensure you have a direction to dash in, you can just react on demand.
there's a lot more i can say about the combat but i'm 86 hours in and i'm still finding neat details about the combat, plinking is always the example people go to for a reason. it's just a really solid system.
Yo I didn't even realize the gun/sword synergy problem until you pointed it out. I watched another video on this game where it also mentioned how annoying infinite mob spawns were during bosses, but they said "I understand you need it for ammo...", and in my head I immediately conceded the point; but you're right, this problem was SOLVED in the first game by just refilling ammo on any melee combat. Why spawn infinite adds if you can just recharge your sword from hitting the boss? Very well articulated.
I agree completely, but drifter even had adds in its fights but they felt like more of the bosses kit rather than just having them thrown at me.
great critique, excited to see more in the future
"I'm sure that that was a very interesting nut to crack for all the very smart people in the studio, but it's not a particularly interesting thing for the player of a video game." - A smaller indie game called "Chasm" suffered this same problem.
Dude this video is like a direct transcription of the thoughts i have on this game haha, wow. Instant subscribe. Total agreement about the melee attacks recharging ranged section you have. How did they not do this.
Crazy!! Its the best part of the first game. So weird they didn't realize that.
Know what's wild? I've been watching the discourse on this game from an indie-dev perspective, not really interested in playing the game (because surprise, I'm more strategy, more singleplayer focused) - but I really feel like you've tapped into the design problems moreso than other folks playing the game so far, especially the reasons why the genre choice doomed the pitch, and how mindboggling it is to make decisions like not reloading the gun through melee. Cheers man, a solid analysis!
Heart machine should f***ing watch this review. I also love the art style. I just need another good roughlite besides ROR2
Its strange, while i agree with most of the things you say, i can't help but really like this game, even with its very clear problems. It's unfortunate that a lot of its problems dont have clear or easy answers, so it might never reach its potential, but im hopeful. It's a really good sign how receptive the devs have been to all criticism and they even made a couple community suggested changes within 48 hours of launch. It's clear to me that they care about this game a lot so even if it ends up playing completely different by the time 1.0 releases, I believe they can still make this into a good game.
Music is really good. It looks really nice and the dodge feels good. And they're a talented team so the map is interesting. I did play for 18 hours so it's not hopeless for sure.
Shame, I enjoyed Drifter and, while I wasn't sold on the concept of this one, it looked pretty interesting. Maybe they will overhaul these issues, as they seem pretty major and the gameplay looks clumsy.
I doubt it. How often do devs admit they’re wrong?
Great video! I couldn't agree more strongly. It's so strange to me that the team was able to make one of the best feeling 3D platformers I've ever played and not import any of that experience into their new game. At the very least, they could've made doing a trick refill your stamina, but it seems like the hoverboard is just a glorified sprint button.
This is a very good review. I appreciate your relatively deep knowledge of Heart Machine’s previously games and how you even went back to play Solar Ash to confirm your feelings. I hope that Heart Machine can salvage Hyper Light Breaker and learn some big lessons from early access. I know that they’re working on another game for Devolver Digital, but honestly it kind of feels like if HLB doesn’t do well, the studio might have to do even more layoffs or they might go under completely.
Great video. My thoughts exactly. It's so weird how a lot of basic things are missing. Especially after how long they've been developing the game.
My guess is that they spent most of the time working on the world generation and had to rush everything else quickly for the early access. Regarding the price, I think I saw a post they had on HLD of them having a patreon for the DLC so they might be running low on funds?
By the way, the game looks a little greyed off / bleached, are you using HDR?
this is a very well thought out critique. very impressive
Loved the video! Does anyone know if there were any major departures from the developers from Drifter to Breaker?
just wanted to say while i agree with some of the criticisms in the video i would also like to add this games still in early access for all the people in the comments dogging on the devs hopeful that the devs have a lot more in store for the future, really do hope they add more items though as i think that is definitely something missing right now
Great review.
Excellent analysis
I'm glad you brought up the vendor thing. Once you've amassed a set of rare items there is literally no reason to pick up weapons/upgrades in the Overgrowth. The focus on exploration dissipates and you just start sprinting toward prisms and crowns. I've maybe come across two or three good quality items at the marked locations on the map in my entire 30 hour playtime. Not to mention the fact that you can't cache the passive items, so you literally can't even test something out without permanently destroying something you brought with you. I have wanted to try other builds but can't because I need the items I have currently.
The items and weapons are also just boring, as you stated. I think games like Enter The Gungeon do it best, where stat increases are few and far between, preferring to multiply projectiles or trade accuracy for damage.
This game can barely be called a roguelike, and even less so an extraction shooter. When there's nothing to extract, what's the point of going? This game seems like it's about exploration on the surface but punishes you for exploring and gives you everything you need at home base. I'm not sure if it's recoverable. It would take a complete redesign of the core concepts of the game.
please emulate a ROM of Ninja Gaiden Black and touch the control stick on the first screen
As soon as I saw the trailer for this game, I thought they didn't get what made the original game great: the aesthetics, and atmosphere, the world, the fluidity of movement, all of that simply didn't make any sense.
So I'm not surprised that this game isn't good. Even though I haven't watched anything on it until now lol.
Great video by the way, you're much better at putting thoughts into words than I am.
Do we have a road map? i hope this EA dont suffer from lack of communication, not about asking feeback, but showing the work in progress
"That didn't matter because I already owned Drifter. For me, Hyper Light Breaker was 30 dollars" - AGREED
They even tell you that Drifter is free. This means that it's inclusion is NOT factored into the cost of the bundle. They are REALLY JUST CHARGING YOU 30 BUCKS for Breaker Early Access.
looking at HLB and solar ash makes me feel that HLD was probably a fluke, it's a shame they couldn't understand what made their first game so good.
thank you. Being a huge fan of HLD I thought of getting this game but you saved my $30. All of this is unacceptable, I think Breaker isn't Drifter's successor in any way
I love when devs don’t understand the appeal of their game and force it. There have been some great games made by accident. I’m glad we have them. But I can’t help but help enjoy the schadenfreude seeing pompous jerks fail.
its not confusing, its just a shit game.