@gogosox82 said:
I don't think its any more shallow than any other 3rd person open world game but I can listen to the argument.
Helicopters are a perfect example of shallow mechanics squandering the game's potential for the mundane to be awesome. It's an extremely shallow flight model to begin with, disregarding torque and inertia and whatever other forces would play into it, going for an always level altitude that's completely at the player's behest, no matter what. What makes matters worse, the rate at which choppers ascend and descend is so ludicrously low, it's akin to making choppers move on a 2D plane entirely. Volition has essentially killed the z-axis in the name of approachability in order to circumvent a 5-minute learning curve. In doing so, my potential enjoyment of flying helicopters has been crippled even beyond how shallow the flight model is to begin with. Such a shame.
This attitude to mechanical depth permeates throughout the product. I bet it's the result of focustesting. Letting meatheads play the game for an afternoon, and after adapting the game to such feedback, that's the shit we end up with. Sure - all of these mechanics are servicable when everything comes together in activities and missions, but it could be so much better if at least some mechanical depth remained.
Ever noticed how the driving model for cars isn't really analog? Cars have two speeds. Slow and Full Speed. Braking? Always full breaks, stopping on a dime. No finesse whatsoever. Instead of proper driving physics, there's a dedicated *powerslide* button. What an abomination.
You are absolutely right however. I enjoy the fuck out of Saint's Row: The Third - but by every quantifiable quality in terms of core gameplay - it's a lesser game. Certainly in comparison to GTA IV, which outside of the rather clunky shooting mechanics, does a quantifiably better job at pretty much everything else - especially driving. It works with much higher fidelity simulations, offers a much higher degree of finesse and potential mastery.
It's a popular opinion amongst player's who didn't enjoy GTAIV driving model, that driving just is *shit* and *unfun*. Well - if one lacks the will to master the finesse of a much deeper driving model, then sure - it sucks. In many ways GTAIV had a more accurate driving model than even a semi-sim-racer like Forza has. That's what makes playing it so damn rewarding.
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