Chromehounds Content Download Available [Archive]

bapenguin

07-19-2006, 08:56 AM

Major Nelson (http://www.majornelson.com/archive/2006/07/19/Content_3A00_-Chromehounds.aspx) reports that the first downloadable content for Chromehounds is now available via XBox Live Marketplace for the low low price of 0 points.

Light arms 02
Heavy arms 01
Assist parts 01
Color 2

Groovey. Free is good.

torrefaction

07-19-2006, 08:59 AM

How awesome is your content?

So awesome.

fitbabits

07-19-2006, 08:59 AM

Groovey. Free is good.
No it's not, it's probably some shit that should really have been the original game in the first place. By saying this is cool, we're giving these companies a free license to take us for every single penny they can. And we'll thank them for it by buying their next half-finished game and paying a premium for the downloadable content for that!

Downloadable content will be the death of videogaming as we know and love it.

That was fun!

torrefaction

07-19-2006, 09:00 AM

No it's not, it's probably some shit that should really have been the original game in the first place. By saying this is cool, we're giving these companies a free license to take us for every single penny they can. And we'll thank them for it by buying their next half-finished game and paying a premium for the downloadable content for that!

Downloadable content will be the death of videogaming as we know and love it.

That was fun!

The funny part is you sounded 10 times more intelligent than the people who actually believe this argument ;)

fitbabits

07-19-2006, 09:01 AM

The funny part is you sounded 10 times more intelligent than the people who actually believe this argument ;)
Dammit, but I really mean it. SEGA and From can suxxor my coxxor! :D

torrefaction

07-19-2006, 09:02 AM

Dammit, but I really mean it. SEGA and From can suxxor my coxxor! :D

Much closer to the real thing now!

fitbabits

07-19-2006, 09:04 AM

Much closer to the real thing now!
I do try! :p

Goronmon

07-19-2006, 09:07 AM

Especially for online games, introducing content like this after release can be a great way to keep the balance manageable within a game. If they release tons and tons of weapons right at the beginning, it can cause serious problems with players finding the "iwinbutton" type weapons and it can be harder to balance with a huge weapon list. By slowly introducing more weapons, armor, etc...a developer can, hopefully, take into the account the effect of the currently available equipment and better tailor the new stuff so as to prevent it from completely skewing the balance of the game.

Serapth

07-19-2006, 09:07 AM

The funny part is you sounded 10 times more intelligent than the people who actually believe this argument ;)

Yeah gotta agree... it took me a few reads to decide if it was legit or not.

That said... Chromehounds is EXACTLY the game that could fuck microtransactions hard in the ear!

See, downloadable content is ok for say... Oblivion, because its mostly offline. GRAW its iffy, frankly because it splits the community, but atleast all people online are still created equal. In CH, if they start selling uber guns for $$$ on live, its going to totally screw the game up. So much of the game is about acquiring parts and building hounds. If simply having more money then other people gives you an edge, I can see the beginning of the end. It would sorta be the same as an MMORPG selling uber weapons to players for real cash.

Dog I hope that doesnt happen.

torrefaction

07-19-2006, 09:15 AM

Yeah gotta agree... it took me a few reads to decide if it was legit or not.

That said... Chromehounds is EXACTLY the game that could fuck microtransactions hard in the ear!

Dog I hope that doesnt happen.

I could see microtransactions FIXING balance problems just as easy as it creates them. Maybe they collect data on the most highly utilized weapons, and compare it to the win ratio of the players using them (This is assuming they have this much data...I'd be surprised if they didn't). Seeing this, they can go and release a counter :)

thenefariousone

07-19-2006, 09:28 AM

You're not making any sense. I wonder if you even read the words below the main headline. Here it is again, since you clearly missed it:

Chromehounds Content Download Available
"Major Nelson reports that the first downloadable content for Chromehounds is now available via XBox Live Marketplace for the low low price of 0 points."

"It's something that really should have been in the original game in the first place" only applies to stuff you have to pay to get soon after the game is released.

By saying this is cool, we're saying "free stuff is cool - including the stuff that comes out just after the game is released."

There's no free license to take us for anything, as we're the ones getting the stuff without spending a penny. This isn't even a microtransaction, as no money's being transfered.

This is a great way to balance out a game. Hopefully, the free weapons will make Sniper class more usefull.

I imagine a microtransaction for this game might be a combination of custom decals + maps.

No it's not, it's probably some shit that should really have been the original game in the first place. By saying this is cool, we're giving these companies a free license to take us for every single penny they can. And we'll thank them for it by buying their next half-finished game and paying a premium for the downloadable content for that!

Downloadable content will be the death of videogaming as we know and love it.

That was fun!

fitbabits

07-19-2006, 09:29 AM

Serapth

07-19-2006, 09:30 AM

You're not making any sense. I wonder if you even read the words below the main headline. Here it is again, since you clearly missed it:

Chromehounds Content Download Available
"Major Nelson reports that the first downloadable content for Chromehounds is now available via XBox Live Marketplace for the low low price of 0 points."

"It's something that really should have been in the original game in the first place" only applies to stuff you have to pay to get soon after the game is released.

By saying this is cool, we're saying "free stuff is cool - including the stuff that comes out just after the game is released."

There's no free license to take us for anything, as we're the ones getting the stuff without spending a penny. This isn't even a microtransaction, as no money's being transfered.

This is a great way to balance out a game. Hopefully, the free weapons will make Sniper class more usefull.

I imagine a microtransaction for this game might be a combination of custom decals + maps.

Hey Fits... I think you need to use a bit more sarcasm next time.

fitbabits

07-19-2006, 09:31 AM

Hey Fits... I think you need to use a bit more sarcasm next time.
Nah, it's just too much fun catching the newer members off guard. Consider it my welcome to EvAv. :D

Knite

07-19-2006, 09:59 AM

I'm so confused.... :D

Savok

07-19-2006, 10:03 AM

Hooray, and I only just got the game.

Salesmunn

07-19-2006, 10:06 AM

Yeah gotta agree... it took me a few reads to decide if it was legit or not.

That said... Chromehounds is EXACTLY the game that could fuck microtransactions hard in the ear!

See, downloadable content is ok for say... Oblivion, because its mostly offline. GRAW its iffy, frankly because it splits the community, but atleast all people online are still created equal. In CH, if they start selling uber guns for $$$ on live, its going to totally screw the game up. So much of the game is about acquiring parts and building hounds. If simply having more money then other people gives you an edge, I can see the beginning of the end. It would sorta be the same as an MMORPG selling uber weapons to players for real cash.

Dog I hope that doesnt happen.

I understand your point here.

Even still, I'd rather have the option to buy extra content that I actually want instead of having to pay per month to play the game online.

Barrapa

07-19-2006, 10:24 AM

New Colors!!! (crosses fingers) Please be pink! Please be pink!

JudasGoat

07-19-2006, 10:31 AM

So help me god, when Sega releases the Christmas re-skin pack so my scout mech can finally look like a spry elf or my heavy gunner can look like a menacing snowman, it had better DAMN WELL be free also. If they pull any of that Kameo shit, I'll be pissed as hell. Nickle and dime me to death if they could...

Lon Lon Rabbit

07-19-2006, 10:57 AM

Serapth

07-19-2006, 11:06 AM

I ignored this game due to the fact that in release week there were about 3 threads floating around on these boards alone about how bad the game was.

But now that every time I log in to live 50% of my friends list is playing it, I'm going to go order it right now...

Just stop paying attention to anyone that thinks "Mech Assault" is a real mech game, and you'll be good in the future. There was a lot of buzz for this game from the MechWarrior crowd, and to my knowledge, nobody is disappointed.

I do have a few beefs though... single player, make the fucking instructions clearer!!! GRRR... During the soldier sequence, the conversation went something like this...

"Merc, you need to destroy there base, we can hold out long, do it quickly"
"Merc, we cant hold out long, destroy all the enemies"
"Merc, are you done with the base yet"

GRRRRR.... not to mention that stupid f’ing mission requires you to blow up a base using bombs that are never once explained to you, and YOU NEED EVERY DAMNED BOMB TO BLOW UP THE DAMNED BASE!!!

Grrr… that mission pissed me off bigtime. The single player isn’t as bad as some people say, but it does have some serious flaws.

Online though, it’s the cats ass. Im trying to decide which I enjoy more online… GRAW or CH. It’s a bloody hard call.

Savok

07-19-2006, 11:12 AM

GRRRRR.... not to mention that stupid f’ing mission requires you to blow up a base using bombs that are never once explained to you, and YOU NEED EVERY DAMNED BOMB TO BLOW UP THE DAMNED BASE!!!
If you mean the solider one, I switched out to the shotgun and missiles while the bombs were reloading, only needed half of them, not like they're of any use (other then a few missiles into the quads) on that mission anyway.

Serapth

07-19-2006, 11:24 AM

If you mean the solider one, I switched out to the shotgun and missiles while the bombs were reloading, only needed half of them, not like they're of any use (other then a few missiles into the quads) on that mission anyway.

Yeah, but I did the soldier track my first time through... didnt have a clue what the bombs were so I kept trying to blow mechs and shit up with them ( doesnt work well, btw... :D ). Not to mention I did what the lady told me and killed any hounds on the way through so I had no guns left. Not to mention they dont even tell you *HOW* to blow bases up and given there is no graphical feedback to show damage, its pretty bad design.

I have also noticed, especially on the scout missions, there are paths around *STRICT* paths. Either you follow those paths to get an S ( and may not have to fight anything ), or you could go up a hill and bang, 9 turrets smokes your fragile little scout faster then you can say "NO FAIR!"

Achilles

07-19-2006, 11:24 AM

I really hope the 1 assist part is a working missile countermeasures system for Tarekia.

Serapth

07-19-2006, 11:28 AM

I really hope the 1 assist part is a working missile countermeasures system for Tarekia.

Your a defensive player.... bah, best defence is a good offence!!! Pussy! ;)

Savok

07-19-2006, 11:48 AM

Yeah, but I did the soldier track my first time through... didnt have a clue what the bombs were so I kept trying to blow mechs and shit up with them ( doesnt work well, btw... :D ). Not to mention I did what the lady told me and killed any hounds on the way through so I had no guns left. Not to mention they dont even tell you *HOW* to blow bases up and given there is no graphical feedback to show damage, its pretty bad design.
I look at it like a real world military operation in that you hope to god your orders are correct "I've been sent here, this is the only building so this must be my target. Not that it looks like a base, more like a repair bay. Beyond that it's guess work, I saw my 4th slot, tried it, saw it spewed black things that took ages to make a really big bang and hoped it was there for stationary things.

They could of really done better on the feedback aspect of building damage though, maybe Chromehounds 2. They can add tanks that stay on the map as burning husks as well, that's half the pleasure of mechs right there, creating fields of burning shells.

Achilles

07-19-2006, 11:48 AM

Your a defensive player.... bah, best defence is a good offence!!! Pussy! ;)Ah! I see you haven't run into the squad of wheeled Moskoj hounds with quad missile racks yet :D

Goronmon

07-19-2006, 12:07 PM

Ah! I see you haven't run into the squad of wheeled Moskoj hounds with quad missile racks yet :DYeah, wtf is with those mechs? That stuff is ridiculous.

And I assume by the "working" missile counter-measure you mean that the existing one doesn't work. I thought maybe I was using it wrong because I could never get it to do anything.

Serapth

07-19-2006, 12:09 PM

Actually, im starting to see this game turning into a giant match of rock paper scissors where teams come up with "the winning combo" until somebody counters it.

I hope that doesnt end up happening as it totally ruins mech creation if you have to use X design to foil Y exploit. Sadly, I dont have high hopes.

Watership

07-19-2006, 12:10 PM

Nah, it's just too much fun catching the newer members off guard. Consider it my welcome to EvAv. :D

The EA hazing rirtuals are getting brutal. I only had to slaughter a goat using a spoon.

fitbabits

07-19-2006, 12:12 PM

The EA hazing rirtuals are getting brutal. I only had to slaughter a goat using a spoon.
Heh! I don't know why, but I woke up feeling very sarcastic this morning. :)

Goronmon

07-19-2006, 12:12 PM

Serapth

07-19-2006, 12:13 PM

Heh! I don't know why, but I woke up feeling very sarcastic this morning. :)

As opposed to the normal "mild to mostly" sarcastic manner you wake up in?

fitbabits

07-19-2006, 12:14 PM

Plus, being able to take down mechs legs at range might be a great boon as well.
Shit, I didn't think of that! Aim for the legs, Jimbo - THE LEGS!

fitbabits

07-19-2006, 12:14 PM

As opposed to the normal "mild to mostly" sarcastic manner you wake up in?
Good golly, I surely don't know what you mean.

Serapth

07-19-2006, 12:16 PM

I think my next mech design is going to be a long range gunner. Carry a couple sniper rifles, a group of assault rifles and whatever else I can fit to soften up targets for the closer range guys. Plus, being able to take down mechs legs at range might be a great boon as well.

Im considering building a super mosqito mech. A scout frame, dickall for armour, FAST and loaded and I do mean loaded with blind fire machine guns... If I can keep the speed > 220, I figure you could create a mech fast enough to not get hit that could strafe and dump an assload of ammo into an enemy and retreat. Seeking missles would be my bane though...

You would only be able to take out a mech or two before ammo is gone, and would be useless against bases, but you could still be a viable scout taking commbas.

Goronmon

07-19-2006, 12:19 PM

I have a mech that uses a hoverbase a plate in front of the cokpit, quad PILEs and quad machine guns. The PILEs of course completely wtfpwn anything they touch and the mech is pretty quick, but I really want to test it in a group setting. If I can catch people off guard with that mech they'll go down real quick.

Serapth

07-19-2006, 12:30 PM

Serapth

07-19-2006, 12:31 PM

BTW, is there a way to direct dual with a friend online ( in the non war modes ). Would be a better way of testing mechs in a head to head duel with someone else working on a mech.

Sl1pstream

07-19-2006, 12:35 PM

I have seen one on the first day I got the game, sold it too.

Downloaded the packs earlier but it doesn't look like there are any scout parts.

Goronmon

07-19-2006, 01:00 PM

I havent even seen a quad pile available yet :(I just meant 4 piles in an array that fire all at once.

TheBrainKills

07-19-2006, 05:55 PM

The new parts are free to purchase ingame too.... so you can stock up on them.

mightbe

07-19-2006, 08:25 PM

Nah, it's just too much fun catching the newer members off guard. Consider it my welcome to EvAv. :D
You could just slap them on the ass and hand them a wet wipe.

mightbe

07-19-2006, 08:29 PM

BTW, is there a way to direct dual with a friend online ( in the non war modes ). Would be a better way of testing mechs in a head to head duel with someone else working on a mech.

Start a free battle and then send invites to your friends.

51|RandoM

07-20-2006, 08:48 AM

"Merc, you need to destroy there base, we can hold out long, do it quickly"
"Merc, we cant hold out long, destroy all the enemies"
"Merc, are you done with the base yet"

GRRRRR.... not to mention that stupid f’ing mission requires you to blow up a base using bombs that are never once explained to you, and YOU NEED EVERY DAMNED BOMB TO BLOW UP THE DAMNED BASE!!!

Grrr… that mission pissed me off bigtime. The single player isn’t as bad as some people say, but it does have some serious flaws.

I built a quad mg mech on a scout chassis for that map... actually for most of the maps when I wanted to go back and get S ranks on the ones I needed it on.

All you have to do is follow the road, the enemy reinforcements come right down it. Kill them as you move up the road, then go *inside the base*, facing out and back along the road. That way you can shoot the side of the base and easily shift your fire for the next pair of trash mechs that come down the road.

51|RandoM

07-20-2006, 08:52 AM

I really hope the 1 assist part is a working missile countermeasures system for Tarekia.

The one we have works about every other missile. Unfortunately, people who are into missiles know that 2 or 3 missile pods works better than just one, heheh.

The best missile defense is any weapon with a range greater than 230 meters. If you're stuck fighting in an urban setting, knock down a bunch of buildings to give yourself room to fire before he closes. I've been doing a lot of that, not for missiles but so I can get a couple extra shots on the spikers on their way to the base.

Played a bunch of 1v1 matches yesterday. 2 people didn't spike, 2 disconnected early, and the rest were spikers. Over 15 matches vs spikers, so sad. Lost two of them. I've taken to just flagging them as players to avoid and I check to see who I'm playing against before deploying.

51|RandoM

07-20-2006, 08:57 AM

Im considering building a super mosqito mech. A scout frame, dickall for armour, FAST and loaded and I do mean loaded with blind fire machine guns... If I can keep the speed > 220, I figure you could create a mech fast enough to not get hit that could strafe and dump an assload of ammo into an enemy and retreat. Seeking missles would be my bane though...

You can build a 220+ speed scout with quad machineguns---the good machineguns with 1800-3000 ammo, 2 extensions and then put the good CE armor on the front and the sides.

I did that for the very last single player mission and smoked all 3 of the blackhounds without damaging a single part.

The build has just enough range to deal with missile hounds as well.

DeadPixel

07-20-2006, 10:40 AM

This darn game is tempting me to buy a 360 and I just got a new PC for all the coming games too. ARGH!

Damn you e-bay!!! (cowbell falls apart)

ElPresidente

07-20-2006, 09:06 PM

Surely Chromehounds needs to win awards for one of the most inaccurately reviewed games of all time.

Even the allegedly crap single player is actually okay... there are flaws as Seraph pointed out but it is still a relatively fun romp and good build up to the multiplayer.

And yes... damn that base destroying soldier mission. Damn it to hell. I could only hope I was blowing up the right thing... I didn't even know if it was taking damage.