Marmite. In Britain we have this weird yeast-extract stuff called marmite. They call it veggie-mite in Aus but it's not as nice. I'm totally showing my narrow-minded xenophobia by assuming you guys don't know what marmite is but whatever. The point is - some people love marmite, and some people absolutely hate it. The marketing for marmite that picked up on that trend has been so strong over the years that "marmite" has essentially become an adjective for describing something people will either love, or hate.
 
MAG is marmite.
 
Here's the thing - I see a lot of people bitching on MAG on the forums and I understand entirely. If you want to form an opinion on MAG you can't just play for 20-minutes, decide it's shit, and put it down. Hi-ho, my time with the game suggests nuh-uh. You need at least 2 hours to understand what's going on, and in the latest beta, at least three or four hours before you unlock the actual "MAG" mode -- the 256 player battles which are, to put it simply, fucking mental.
 
The thing about MAG is, you can already see it developing a solid player-base; and I think that's what's in the long-run going to make MAG as a community a success. At the moment, jumping into the beta you get a lot of dudes not understanding what the fuck they are doing and chaos ensuing. But I imagine sometime in March, when the stragglers have given up after their 20 minute session, the game will be very different.
 
If you do stick with the beta and get into a squad with an actual good leadership, it's actually rather rewarding. Headsets are paramount (WHY AREN'T SONY BUNDLING WITH THE GAME!?), but you really do get a sense of being "part of something."
 
The mode that unlocks from the start, Sabotage, isn't exactly the best way to showcase the game in my opinion. You absolutely don't get that big-war feel here. What I do like however is the way in which there are almost like two factions, running simultaneously at different objectives. You can capture uplink A for sure - but if the other people on your team but in different squads aren't able to capture uplink B, you kinda lose. Sure, that sounds mad frustrating, but it's actually kinda neat. You still get rewarded for your individual performance, but the team loses out if there's a lose link in the squad. Just like any real team.
 
But the mode that unlocks at level 10 is what really showcases the "MAG" part of MAG. The 256 player matches are intense. I saw a post below mine berating snipers, but - here's something I spotted while playing MAG last night -- say there are a group of snipers ahead of you: get some machine gunners to loosely fire in their general direction, watch the snipers fall back, allowing other members of your squad to rush forward through the area the snipers had covered. Cover fire actually being important in a multiplayer shooter? That's mental in my opinion.
 
I also really like the whole PMC contracts idea. I dunno about any of you guys, but I feel like I could get really attached to my team (Raven). What I'd like to see is more visual feedback on menus about my team - who are the most important players for Raven, who are the upcoming starlets, how's our performance etc. The moment I start referring to Raven as "we" though, I'll know Zipper achieved something.
 
What I like;
 

• There is a sense of a "bigger war" even if it's not apparent in modes like Sabotage, as the overarcing PMC thing gives a good sense of scale, and working for the team.
• Mechanically it feels very different to MW2, Resistance, etc - as there's no respawing health, you can't run and gun, it's very tactical, etc. I guess this might lead to the Killzone 2 effect though actually, where people are put off after 15 minutes because they can't play it the way they're used to.
  
• Huge maps are amazing. Graphically MAG isn't particularly that great, but the draw distance is phenomenal on the 256 player maps. You can see other plays parachuting in from miles off. Awesome.
• Netcode seems solid to me. Despite some issues on the first couple of days of the new beta (which is good, because you don't want it on launch day), MAG's netcode seems pretty solid, especially considering the scale. I think they'll be ok come launch.
• Almost RPG like sense to the unlocks, perks, upgrades and stuff. Seems like there's a huge opportunity for tuning your player to your liking here, but, I still haven't played enough to be sure of that myself yet.

• There's a huge learning curve which is already putting some people off (read other posts on this forum). Which is really disappointing for Zipper because, I know it's opinions and all, but I think there game is rather good. But it's terrible for n00bs. You need 2-3 hours to really feel involved, and maybe 4-6 hours before you start feeling like you're part of a match, and have an understanding what you're doing. I get the feeling that time is going to be super rewarding for those who invest it, but I'm not sure how many are going to be willing to. I will say this - you absolutely cannot play MAG for 20 minutes and form an opinion on it. Because those first 20 minutes will be simply: run, die, respawn. It almost has a JRPG-esque learning curve to it in my opinion.
• Graphically kinda weak. I really like the map design I've seen in MAG, and the graphics are better than expected but, yo, it's still kinda poor.
• Animation and sound. Again - the audio really lacks punch (which is a shame becuase that's something you feel they COULD have done better) and the animation is a bit jerky.
• Menus are confusing as fuck - what does this button do? What does that do? Perhaps things will be explained better in the actual retail game. I appreciate this is a beta so hopefully -- I can kinda imagine MAG having a huge instruction manual though.
• The big war feel is not instantly apparent. Again I think people are switching off the game because they're jumping into Sabotage and not really getting that "Massive Action Game" feel coming through. Need to play until level 10 baby, then you'll understand it.
• Headsets. Why aren't Sony bundling the official PLaystation headset with this game? Not only would it make the game feel more value rich, it would also greatly enhance the experience for everyone involved. You need to communicate with your squad or you're fucked.

Well, I hate Marmite but I still like the sound of this game.

Kudos for the Marmite comparison, being a Brit myself it is always a pleasure to see that comparison made!
 
I've only put an hour into the game, if even that. And I have to say the best comparison to an existing game I can think of is EVE. MAG seems like the sort of game that will have a loyal and enthusiastic following but not an amazingly large one like other online shooters have.
 
Based solely on the Beta I'd say MAG has a somewhat steep learning curve. It'll take, like you said, a good investment of time to get a fair understanding and level of skill at the game before you can really appreciate it. The biggest thing obviously is having a decent leader in your squad and being able to communicate which is hampered by the fact the official PS£ headset isn't bundled with the console or with MAG itself which is an annoyance.
 
I think your write up nails it pretty well. MAG won't be for a large majority of people, but those who stick with it will have a lot of fun.

"MAG seems like the sort of game that will have a loyal and enthusiastic following but not an amazingly large one like other online shooters have.  Based solely on the Beta I'd say MAG has a somewhat steep learning curve. "

I wanna get this game, but I'm worried the fan base in OZ may not be big enough for it, plus our internet is shite.

I really like "Battlefield" multiplayer games. Of course I mean literally the Battlefield series, but also titles where the playercount is 32 and up. I like being in a game where the action I'm currently taking partaking in isn't the only skirmish currently going down. I was playing MAG yesterday and defending B pretty well and all the while there was a huge battle going down over at A. A battle I had nothing to do with (In fact I never even went over there). 
 
Mechanically I think it's fine. It has it's own feel which is not too light and twitchy but not too cumbersome. The guns feel pretty good as well. 
 
So far the only thing that's missing is a way to see everyone on the server. like a full server list. 
 
I dont see myself buying this at all, but I'll definitely rent it. It'll be a nice stop gap until Battlefield 3

" I wanna get this game, but I'm worried the fan base in OZ may not be big enough for it, plus our internet is shite. "

you sold it to me, im gonna giv it another go

" you sold it to me, im gonna giv it another go "

I wish there were better visual indicators for who's on your team. The blue dot is almost nonexistent. The game is also way too dark.

Interesting read.
 
The problem, for me, is that when it comes down to it the game is Battlefield 2 with a new skin. Yes there are differences, but the 99% of the game that you simply spend moving about a large-scale multiplayer map, it is Battlefield 2. It's a 5 year old game copied for PS3 users.

That's a really good post. I don't know how I know what Vegimite is (American), but I do, and appreciate the simile.

" Interesting read.  The problem, for me, is that when it comes down to it the game is Battlefield 2 with a new skin. Yes there are differences, but the 99% of the game that you simply spend moving about a large-scale multiplayer map, it is Battlefield 2. It's a 5 year old game copied for PS3 users. "

I think I'd like it because I like the large scale battles of Battlefield. But I might not like it at the same time due to my predisposition similar games and bias of how I want things to work. I really wish I had picked up a PS3 while our stores still had the Holiday bundles.

Downloaded the Beta last night planning to play, then had the hour half of updates... So ended up going to sleep.  But I'm excited to check it out tonight.  
 
It looks really interesting from what I've seen.  I got a beta key when I went to PAX but never used it but from everything I'm hearing I had to d/l it now that I don't even have to type in a CODE.

Are we talking about the MASSIVE ACTION GAME?

Are we talking about the MASSIVE ACTION GAME?

I need to download this as soon as I get home. I've always been a fan of games with huge sprawling skirmishes, to the point that the only selling point of Call of Duty 4 was that the private servers could host 32 player + matches. 

" @butchio said:

" you sold it to me, im gonna giv it another go "

Remember to think of it like SOCOM rather than MW2. If you still hate it after an hour or two, I understand why, but I think it's worth a shot. Especially while the beta is free to play. "

the game is like socom.  
many people suck at it and just walk away but never stick around long enough to get the feel of it and progress and get good at it. 

I can see this game developing a loyal fan-base and I think this game will gather more people who are willing to invest the time in going through it's rather steep learning curve. I can see this game becoming successful in the long run. Being a part of the Beta i had a rather good time with the game and I actually met a few good people on it that were just a blast to play with. Unfortunately I won't be able to get this game on launch because it came down to MAG or Heavy Rain and I don't need to tell you who won. 

Finally, a god damn thread which SPEAKS THE TRUTH! Thank you, thread creator... Exactly my thoughts...

" I can see this game developing a loyal fan-base and I think this game will gather more people who are willing to invest the time in going through it's rather steep learning curve. I can see this game becoming successful in the long run. Being a part of the Beta i had a rather good time with the game and I actually met a few good people on it that were just a blast to play with. Unfortunately I won't be able to get this game on launch because it came down to MAG or Heavy Rain and I don't need to tell you who won.  "

" @get2sammyb said:

" @butchio said:

" you sold it to me, im gonna giv it another go "

Remember to think of it like SOCOM rather than MW2. If you still hate it after an hour or two, I understand why, but I think it's worth a shot. Especially while the beta is free to play. "

Why should we think of SOCOM? Zipper abandoned probably the most loyal fanbase of console video games, I could care less about M.A.G. "

How can you eat something that is yeast based on your toasts? I don't get it. 
 
Anyways, the OP makes a good point, you can't judge MAG before hitting level 10. For my part, i tried it and I love it. The only thing though is that, since there's no single player, sometimes you'll be stuck waiting for a game to start, and that's really bad. 

" @Mordukai said:

" I can see this game developing a loyal fan-base and I think this game will gather more people who are willing to invest the time in going through it's rather steep learning curve. I can see this game becoming successful in the long run. Being a part of the Beta i had a rather good time with the game and I actually met a few good people on it that were just a blast to play with. Unfortunately I won't be able to get this game on launch because it came down to MAG or Heavy Rain and I don't need to tell you who won.  "

Haha yes. Sorry MAG, but if I had to pick between you and Heavy Rain then you'd lose.
 
@ADTR_ZERO said:

" @get2sammyb said:

" @butchio said:

" you sold it to me, im gonna giv it another go "

Remember to think of it like SOCOM rather than MW2. If you still hate it after an hour or two, I understand why, but I think it's worth a shot. Especially while the beta is free to play. "

Why should we think of SOCOM? Zipper abandoned probably the most loyal fanbase of console video games, I could care less about M.A.G. "

Why do people say they, "could care less." Where I come from it's "couldn't care less," based on the context you're coming from. Never understood that. "Could care less" suggests to me you have interest in the game, when your post suggests you actually don't.  Anyway, I don't think Zipper abandoned you at all. Hey, yo, they made SOCOM in first-person with 256 players. That's exactly what MAG is. And that's kinda why I think it's awesome. "

That seemed longer than a minute

The only, the ONLY thing that is bad about MAG right now is that its released the same day Mass Effect 2 is released. Man, january 26th is gonna be tough on my wallet!

Won about five matches in a row last night. It's hilarious when you go up against a squad attempting to play CoD/Halo style. Totally obliterated them in Sabotage. Was storming Objective C with 18 minutes to go, so took out Uplink's A and B within the first 120 seconds amazing. Quite a rush when you're on a good team.
 
Most hilarious thing is - I just know some of the people on the opposing team we destroyed were heading straight to a forum to write their forum topic: "MAG, Massive Disappointment".
 
In all honesty though, I do kinda hope the final MAG product on blu-ray deals with the learning curve a little more elegantly, because it is a big ask to expect your playerbase to invest 5-6 hours before they "get it", and will surely be a flaw of the game, no matter how good it feels when you've figured it out.

at first i didnt like mag (but i didnt bash it like people have done) but thats mainly i was trying to compare it to cod4... which is something not to do since its completely different. after i did that i liked it .. a lot but one thing is that its mp only and 60$ i just dont feel like a mp only game is worth 60$ i need something more than just mp (to me at least). i did buy socom confrontation near release because i liked the beta and it came with a headset (cause the warhawk one broke) and this game really needs headsets but i like how they made it a little more doable if you dont have one..

I read that first sentence and only an imbecile would rate that filth Marmite ahead of godly Vegemite. Therefore the rest of you post does not derserve to be read.

Marmite, unlike a challenging fps, must be eaten conservatively. If you spend hours and hours eating Marmite, you're gonna be very ill. Though strangely satisfied. 
 
@c1337us said:

" I read that first sentence and only an imbecile would rate that filth Marmite ahead of godly Vegemite. Therefore the rest of you post does not derserve to be read. "

" at first i didnt like mag (but i didnt bash it like people have done) but thats mainly i was trying to compare it to cod4... which is something not to do since its completely different. after i did that i liked it .. a lot but one thing is that its mp only and 60$ i just dont feel like a mp only game is worth 60$ i need something more than just mp (to me at least). i did buy socom confrontation near release because i liked the beta and it came with a headset (cause the warhawk one broke) and this game really needs headsets but i like how they made it a little more doable if you dont have one.. "

" I read that first sentence and only an imbecile would rate that filth Marmite ahead of godly Vegemite. Therefore the rest of you post does not derserve to be read. "

OP's post made me go and download the beta.  He provided decent points for both sides of the argument and sounded  like he knew what he was talking about, which is more than can be said for most talking about this game.
 
OK, firstly...anyone who says the graphics are that of a PS2 game, are obvious trolls and/or blind.  Sure, the graphics aint all that hot, but i was going into the game expecting my retinas to be offended or something.  We've been spoiled recently with a lot of very pretty games, but not a single one of them have the scale this game does.  Having 256 players, running around a huge-ass-map is obviously a risky thing, so Zipper needed to tune the graphics down a touch, and I feel they've not taken too much of a hit at all.
 
Secondly, I'm convinced the net code for this game is from 10 years in the future or so.  It's fucking baffling how they can run the game as laf free as they can, with so many people from around the worrld.  I luve in the UK and I was playing with Americans in a 256 player match with absolutly zero latency....how the fuck did they do that?!?!  They should win awards for that shit.
 
The gameplay aint too bad.  People will go a head and say it's generic, but it feels good, and unlike other games, people who've been investing hours upon hours into the game, whilst still having an advantage over newbies, won't damn near ruin the experiance for other people learning the ropes.
 
In closure, the game aint very bad at all.  Like the OP said, when tactically on it, you feel a great sense of acheivement and having 3 persistant factions is absolutly genius, it creates a mad bond between players that no game really shoots for, and it does it well.
 
Will I buy the game...?  I dk yet, see how I feel after another 20 hours of playing.

I like the EVE and Vegimite comparison.  My wife is Aussie so I have to call it Vegimite. :p  
 
I enjoyed EVE because it was hard to learn and forced you to actually learn and specialize.  MAG is working out a lot to be the same.  Sure at it's base it IS Battlefield 2.   I liked Battlefield 2 so having a BIGGER BF2?  Yeah I'm there. :)  
 
Toss in leveling and customizable classes with specializations that can actually hurt or hinder a team?  Heck yeah.  
 
I also agree that they so should bundle a bluetooth headset.  Luckily my boss had an old one I could steal so it REALLY makes a difference.  I've hooked up with a group of really good guys and I have to say it really does make all the difference in the world.  I went from being a nobody to being in the top 3 or 5 in all our matches. (Normally my buddies are the ones above me. :) ) What's also nice is that I do NOT shoot people well, but I can still score well by doing my role: Medic.   
 
Oh and snipers are nice, in fact I am one for speed medic runs.  It has to be the easiest game to snipe in since Tribes. (For me at least)  Though with 60 lvl's max you can come up with lots of nice specs.  
 
Overall I have to say this game is definitely a "cult" game and not mainstream.  Hopefully a large enough cult will enjoy it to make the game worth playing because without a regular large amounts of people joining in to play in those big wars nothing is going to happen.  I look forward to seeing large organized groups attack the big fights.  

" Most hilarious thing is - I just know some of the people on the opposing team we destroyed were heading straight to a forum to write their forum topic: "MAG, Massive Disappointment"."

" @Mordukai said:

" I can see this game developing a loyal fan-base and I think this game will gather more people who are willing to invest the time in going through it's rather steep learning curve. I can see this game becoming successful in the long run. Being a part of the Beta i had a rather good time with the game and I actually met a few good people on it that were just a blast to play with. Unfortunately I won't be able to get this game on launch because it came down to MAG or Heavy Rain and I don't need to tell you who won.  "

Haha yes. Sorry MAG, but if I had to pick between you and Heavy Rain then you'd lose.
 
@ADTR_ZERO said:

" @get2sammyb said:

" @butchio said:

" you sold it to me, im gonna giv it another go "

Remember to think of it like SOCOM rather than MW2. If you still hate it after an hour or two, I understand why, but I think it's worth a shot. Especially while the beta is free to play. "

Why should we think of SOCOM? Zipper abandoned probably the most loyal fanbase of console video games, I could care less about M.A.G. "

Why do people say they, "could care less." Where I come from it's "couldn't care less," based on the context you're coming from. Never understood that. "Could care less" suggests to me you have interest in the game, when your post suggests you actually don't.  Anyway, I don't think Zipper abandoned you at all. Hey, yo, they made SOCOM in first-person with 256 players. That's exactly what MAG is. And that's kinda why I think it's awesome. "

" Well i only played about 20 min of it.   And you can say whatever you want about this game. But the gameplay is just shitty as hell. It just doens't feel good, and if it doenst feel good, well whats the point in playing? Also i played a match or 2 and only encounterd 2 enemies.......kinda weird since there suppose to be like a 100 of them. "

New trailer. Pretty fucking epic.
 

" Marmite. In Britain we have this weird yeast-extract stuff called marmite. They call it veggie-mite in Aus but it's not as nice. I'm totally showing my narrow-minded xenophobia by assuming you guys don't know what marmite is but whatever. The point is - some people love marmite, and some people absolutely hate it. The marketing for marmite that picked up on that trend has been so strong over the years that "marmite" has essentially become an adjective for describing something people will either love, or hate.
 
MAG is marmite.

"I wanna get this game, but I'm worried the fan base in OZ may not be big enough for it, plus our internet is shite. "