inherit
1319
0
May 19, 2024 15:55:18 GMT
7,170
RedCaesar97
1,910
Aug 28, 2016 19:33:39 GMT
August 2016
redcaesar97
Mass Effect Trilogy, Jade Empire
|
Post by RedCaesar97 on May 8, 2020 15:14:41 GMT
I'm currently pondering what class to play ... to clarify, I've gone through the entire trilogy as Vanguard, played ME1&2 as Sentinel I've also done an Engineer playthrough of ME1 in the past generally I tend to play through ME1 as a Sentinel only to switch to Vanguard in 2 though this time around I'd like to commit to one class that I can focus on for the entire trilogy playthrough so...yeah...kinda pondering what to play This kind of question will only result in everyone suggesting a different class. But since you tend to play classes with biotic talents, I suggest taking a combat or tech-focused class for a change of pace. Maybe take Infiltrator through the series: - In ME1, Infiltrator can be a more durable Engineer (take Hacking or Medicine as a bonus power), or a Soldier that can unlock (take Assault Rifles or Shotguns as a bonus power). Or maybe use a biotic bonus power if you want some biotics; Singularity or Lift for crowd-control, or Warp for defuffing - In ME2, Infiltrator can be fairly versatile depending on bonus power. Can select shotguns as the bonus weapon for more fun close-quarters combat. - In ME3, Infiltrator is very flexible. Use whatever weapons you want. Damage bonuses galore (both power damage and weapon damage). Choice of bonus power can really change playstyle.
|
|
inherit
1319
0
May 19, 2024 15:55:18 GMT
7,170
RedCaesar97
1,910
Aug 28, 2016 19:33:39 GMT
August 2016
redcaesar97
Mass Effect Trilogy, Jade Empire
|
Post by RedCaesar97 on May 7, 2020 23:04:51 GMT
I don't think that happens at the party....I think it's one of the meet-ups instead.....? (I haven't romanced Jack in ME3 so don't know for sure) That's what I'm saying though......From the time I saw her in Purgatory on the Citadel and we talked about duty rosters, I didn't see or hear anything from her until she showed up at my party in Anderson's apartment. She was supposed to meet me at the Armax Arsenal Shooting Gallery, where she has that line "I'm gonna help you pop your thermal clip", and "I'm gonna beat you till candy comes out...." among others. But I never saw her. I saw Garrus at the bar, I saw Sam playing 'Space Chess', I even saw Zaeed at a toy machine.....But no Jack. I never even received the email to meet up with her at the shooting gallery as I did all the others. So......I'm either going to delete every save I have and take it right back to the very start of the Citadel DLC where I first meet Jeff for Sushi........OR, I'm going to delete my entire Career and start from scratch with a fresh import. Thoughts? I think to get the Jack meetup you also need the following: 1. complimentary pass to compete in the simulator (read email from Armax Arsenal Arena, then talk to the VI in the arena to get it) 2. the simulator map unlocked (you need to play at least one match to get enough credits to unlock it). I cannot remember the name of the map offhand 3. Maybe the correct enemy difficulty? "Basic" enemies are already unlocked. I cannot remember if you just need the Basic enemy set, or if you need the Elite enemy set unlocked. You need enough credits to buy the Elite enemy set. I know you need at least the map unlocked since Jack needs to fight in that arena for the meetup. (only Wingman and Blasteroid are unlocked by default).
|
|
inherit
1319
0
May 19, 2024 15:55:18 GMT
7,170
RedCaesar97
1,910
Aug 28, 2016 19:33:39 GMT
August 2016
redcaesar97
Mass Effect Trilogy, Jade Empire
|
Post by RedCaesar97 on Apr 25, 2020 13:52:21 GMT
Anyone ever play for a few hours but don't really get anything significant done? Today I mostly ran around the citadel played a couple of arena matches, chatted with Liara in Shepard's apartment, went to the Presidium had a meeting with Miranda who wanted access to alliance sources which Shepard reluctantly gave her, then finally got off the citadel and helped secure a fuel depot on Cyone. Then I realized I am tired. Well it is back to Rannoch tomorrow. On every playthrough in ME2 -- since I play on a console -- I spend a couple of hours just scanning planets so I can accumulate a bunch of the resources I will need to research upgrades.
|
|
inherit
1319
0
May 19, 2024 15:55:18 GMT
7,170
RedCaesar97
1,910
Aug 28, 2016 19:33:39 GMT
August 2016
redcaesar97
Mass Effect Trilogy, Jade Empire
|
Post by RedCaesar97 on Apr 18, 2020 21:07:21 GMT
Hey guys! If these have already been asked I haven't seen them, so apologies if this is "clutter" on the thread. Anyway, I have a few questions that I haven't been able to conclusively answer, I get a lot of conflicting accounts: Reave. Good bonus power for Vanguard? Does it prime/detonate biotics only? Is the radius upgrade worth it? Armor-Piercing Ammo. Does it stack with piercing mods, and if so, is there a "cap" on the piercing amount/distance? Thanks in advance, hope everyone is doing fine with the covid crisis. Reave: - Can be a good bonus power for Vanguard. It will allow the Vanguard to prime biotic combos on protected enemies. - Correct, it primes and detonates only biotic combos. - Radius is always worth it on Reave. AP Ammo: - It does stack with piercing mods for cover penetration. - There is no cap for penetration distance.
|
|
inherit
1319
0
May 19, 2024 15:55:18 GMT
7,170
RedCaesar97
1,910
Aug 28, 2016 19:33:39 GMT
August 2016
redcaesar97
Mass Effect Trilogy, Jade Empire
|
Post by RedCaesar97 on Apr 13, 2020 1:56:51 GMT
Let's also not forget that Shepard magically knows about Thermal Clips after he wakes up from Lazarus, when he should know nothing about it. I mean let's face it. Bioware poorly retconned their weapons systems, ME2 for all intents and purposes, acts like the vintage heat sinks were never a thing. I do not think Shepard "magically" knows. The beginning of ME2 (Normandy SR-1 getting destroyed) happens a few months after the end of ME1. It is not inconceivable that the switch to thermal clips started to happen after the Battle of the Citadel. Remember, the codex about thermal clips states that the thermal clips was started by the Geth and the rest of the galaxy made the switch after studying it. So Shepard knowing about thermal clips in Lazarus Station is not some plot hole.
|
|
inherit
1319
0
May 19, 2024 15:55:18 GMT
7,170
RedCaesar97
1,910
Aug 28, 2016 19:33:39 GMT
August 2016
redcaesar97
Mass Effect Trilogy, Jade Empire
|
Post by RedCaesar97 on Apr 10, 2020 18:10:04 GMT
Go ahead, tell me you have more fun firing and Avenger 1 in Mass Effect 1 than you do an Avenger at the start of ME2. One gun is fully functional from the start but the other is tedious as hell to use. The heat system might have worked if Mass Effect was never a shooter to begin with and was instead turn based, but it was a real time shooter instead. That necessitates good gunplay. The Avenger has never been good in any of the games, despite it being sort of a "poster gun" for the series. Yes, Avenger was functional in ME2, but none of the assault rifles in ME1 were functional until level IV. All assault rifles in ME1 had 1 accuracy until level IV. I think the Avenger I - X all had 1 accuracy. I will agree that real-time shooter necessitates good gunplay. I prefer thermal clips, but ME1 gunplay is not terrible; it is serviceable and it works. I do get some enjoyment out of it, but I find most of ME1 is a slog to get through, the gunplay being part of the issue.
|
|
inherit
1319
0
May 19, 2024 15:55:18 GMT
7,170
RedCaesar97
1,910
Aug 28, 2016 19:33:39 GMT
August 2016
redcaesar97
Mass Effect Trilogy, Jade Empire
|
Post by RedCaesar97 on Apr 8, 2020 23:31:07 GMT
1. Frictionless Material says hello. Nothing is more constant than literal non stop firing. 2. Harder hitting? So what? when you have like 5 thousand possible bullets in your gun, I think how hard each one hits is completely irrelevant. The hacking is an interesting defense....except you can use vintage heat sink weapons in both ME3 and Andromeda with no issues, because enemies don't DO that anymore. ME1 was the only game where enemies used sabotage tactics. No one ever hacks your shields, or locks up your guns. Bioware abandoned these ideas with their new more "advanced" combat mechanics. More to the point, even when enemies DID hack your weapons, the effect lasted only a few moments, was barely an annoyance. However i don't think in a thousand years, if you presented both options to a General, he is going to pick the option where it is possible for his men to run out of heat sinks and be unable to fire anything. Over a system that provides thousands of bullets PER GUN at a cost of waiting a few seconds to cool off. 1. Frictionless materials made that game a joke. "The weapons overheat so you cannot fire them forev-HAHAHA who needs that amiright?" Seriously, slap two Frictionless materials on a weapon and it bypassed one of the big gun mechanics. fun: Yes. Stupid: also yes. But this is where in-game mechanics fights in-game lore. Why doesn't everyone just use frictionless materials? for that matter, why doesn't everyone use sabotage and overload? Again, in-game mechanics versus in-game lore. 2. Harder hitting: more damage in-game. Lore-wise it does not mean much I suppose beyond "take down shields faster". Regarding sabotage in ME1: not a lot of enemies had it. It was a minor annoyance if you had at least two weapons. It super sucked if you had only one usable weapon (Adept, Sentinel, or engineer with no bonus weapon talent for example), as it lasted for waaay too long at times. More enemies used it in Bring Down the Sky DLC, which could get really annoying. Regarding a general: if the two options were: you need to reload constantly and carry more clips (and/or pick clips up on the battlefield, OR just wait until the gun cools down, then yes you are correct the general will pick the second option every time. I think it is a bit more nuanced than that, but now we are discussing the fictional properties of fictional guns in a fictional game world. In-game I much prefer reloading guns than waiting for a cooldown. Lore-wise, overheat is probably better but who knows? I suppose it depends on how long it takes a gun to cool down versus reload speed, and how many enemies you are expecting to face.
|
|
inherit
1319
0
May 19, 2024 15:55:18 GMT
7,170
RedCaesar97
1,910
Aug 28, 2016 19:33:39 GMT
August 2016
redcaesar97
Mass Effect Trilogy, Jade Empire
|
Post by RedCaesar97 on Apr 8, 2020 23:17:49 GMT
I'm not a fan of thermal clips, especially ME2's implementation. ... My issues with their implementation are as follows: 1. Having to pick up clips to continue with a mission made Shep feel like a crappy, unprepared commander. An N7 really ought not be counting on scavenging from the slain to complete missions. Shep is not a lone wanderer in a post-apocalyptic world struggling to survive, and shouldn't have to strive to make every bullet count. 2. Players weren't given an interchangeable clip pool; BioWare chose to distribute the available clips among all weapons carried. The scarcity in ME2 meant I sometimes had to swap to a non-preferred weapon. While they may have done an adequate job explaining the lore behind the change to thermal clips, they offered no explanation as to why these supposedly universal clips could not be removed from one carried weapon and installed in another. 3.The bang for your buck in terms of clip expenditure was not well-balanced. One weapon in particular really frustrated me in ME2; the Incisor. It eats clips too fast for its damage output, and is thus largely unavailable. You can't kill very many things with a load of clips for it, and end up using secondary weapons quite a bit. 4. Although clips are much more plentiful in ME3, I always look forward to unlocking the Lancer. Some questions/comments: 1. This is not exactly new to games. A lot of games have you pick up ammo from the battlefield or enemies. I guess ME2 and ME3 was just more blatant about it? Also, I believe the rate of ammo drops depends on difficulty if I recall? For example, I think enemies drop less ammo on Insanity than Normal? Or was that just ME3 and not ME2? I forget. 2a. Regarding interchangeable clip pool: That would essentially be a shared spare clip pool. Not sure how that would work exactly. Thermal clip weapons (like most ammo-based weapons in other games) have a variety of stats that are used to try to balance the weapon, including SPARE AMMO. If you had a shared spare ammo/clip mechanic, not sure how that would work between certain weapons. In ME2 for example, the single-shot Mantis 9-12 spare clips, while the Katana shotgun had 10 spare ammo shots, essentially two spare clips for its 5-shot clip. If you had a shared clip pool, some weapons would probably benefit more from a shared clip than others. How many clips should be shared? Can you actually balance that? I don't know. It is possible that I misunderstood your statement. I apologize if I misunderstood you. 2b. Can you clarify "The scarcity in ME2 meant I sometimes had to swap to a non-preferred weapon." Perhaps I have just played the game too much that I forget my first few times through the game; I am very comfortable with the game mechanics at this point. Personally, I find I am rarely switching to a non-preferred weapon, as I am rarely running out of ammo. I can think of maybe a handful of segments in ME2 where I can (and sometimes do) run out of ammo. I am usually using the best weapons for the situation (for example, SMG for shields/barriers, and pistols for armor), and utilizing Shepard and squadmate powers to the best of my ability. Is this just a situation where you are trying to use an assault rifle or sniper rifle constantly, or are you actually weapon switching? Or is it the fact that you would prefer NOT to switch weapons, and use just one weapon like you could in ME1? 3. Agree about the Incisor. Just about everyone agrees it is bad on Shepard. Great for squadmates, though. 4. You used guns in ME3? Joking aside, everything in that game is a nail and you have so many hammers its comical. So may power combos, and a few good weapons (DLC weapons are ridiculously good) and everything melts. You barely need ammo. But the Lancer is good, probably too good. It is what the Avenger should have been (minus the overheat mechanic).
|
|
inherit
1319
0
May 19, 2024 15:55:18 GMT
7,170
RedCaesar97
1,910
Aug 28, 2016 19:33:39 GMT
August 2016
redcaesar97
Mass Effect Trilogy, Jade Empire
|
Post by RedCaesar97 on Apr 8, 2020 22:53:58 GMT
I just want to preface my next few posts/replies with the following statement:
I am not going to make a value judgement on whether the thermal clips mechanic or overheating mechanic is better. Liking one or the other is a personal preference and completely subjective. You may like one or the other for different reasons and that is completely fine.
Personally I prefer the thermal clips because it helped provide a larger variety of weapons. You may disagree and prefer the overheat mechanic because it was unique and fit the setting and established lore better. That is fine.
* * *
Somewhat of a note, sometimes (often?) game mechanics dictate in-game universe lore. I suspect that the game mechanics in ME1 precipitated the lore, and so when the game mechanics changed, the lore had to adjust.
|
|
inherit
1319
0
May 19, 2024 15:55:18 GMT
7,170
RedCaesar97
1,910
Aug 28, 2016 19:33:39 GMT
August 2016
redcaesar97
Mass Effect Trilogy, Jade Empire
|
Post by RedCaesar97 on Apr 6, 2020 22:36:52 GMT
For the record, I much prefer the thermal clip system in ME2 than the overheat system in ME1. The thermal clip system may be essentially "ammo", but it allows for a more wide variety of weapons.
Also for the record, I think the in-game lore explanation for the switch to thermal clips was... fine, I guess?... even though I think a better explanation was standing right in front of you.
Basically (from what I recall from memory; I do not have the explanation in front of me at the moment) the in-game lore states that the Geth were using the thermal clip system. the council races then tested the thermal clip system and found it superior because reloading allowed a more constant barrage of bullets instead of waiting longer for the gun to cool down. It also mentioned that the thermal clip system allowed for "harder-hitting" rounds (more damage per bullet basically).
That explanation is fine. Now, I think a better explanation would be that the galaxy made the switch to combat the rise of combat tech hacks on the field, including various sabotage programs that could run on even the most standard omni tools. I think this explanation would fit the lore and gameplay that existed in ME1.
Basically: If an enemy uses Sabotage, your overheat-based weapon is useless. But with thermal clips, a Sabotage is just a small annoyance when you just pop in a new one and start firing again.
Anyway, those are my thoughts.
|
|
inherit
1319
0
May 19, 2024 15:55:18 GMT
7,170
RedCaesar97
1,910
Aug 28, 2016 19:33:39 GMT
August 2016
redcaesar97
Mass Effect Trilogy, Jade Empire
|
Post by RedCaesar97 on Apr 4, 2020 2:32:22 GMT
You can also free up some points by not spending any in Charm or Intimidate. The impact of not persuading people with Charm/Intimidate in ME1 is pretty small in the rest of the series.
You also do not have to max Assault Training; you could probably leave that at Advanced (60s cooldown). Shock Trooper bonus + Medical Exoskeleton mods will still get you a pretty good cooldown. By the end of the game, you may not end up using it all that much.
Level 50: 92 points (start with 2, plus 90 points levels 1 - 50). You can max up to 7 talents (7 x 12 = 84) with 6 points left over.
You can max these seven talents: - Pistols - Throw - Lift - Singularity - Warp - Barrier - Vanguard/Shock Trooper
And then you can put the remaining points into Assault Training.
Although I would drop Throw down to Advanced (8 points) to make more room for Assault Training. If you want Charm or Intimidate at max, you have to take another 8 points from somewhere. So that means singularity and/or Barrier, and/or Warp.
Spectre Training is useful early game but nearly pointless by the end of the game. Boy I really wish there was a respec option in this game (but that could cause problems or exploits with the Charm/Intimidate system in this game).
If you want the Vanguard to play like an Adept but with Adrenaline Burst, the Vanguard is very point-starved. Most of the other classes tend to have a lot of garbage/throw-away talents that you can ignore. Vanguard can really only ignore Shotguns, and maybe Tactical Armor.
|
|
inherit
1319
0
May 19, 2024 15:55:18 GMT
7,170
RedCaesar97
1,910
Aug 28, 2016 19:33:39 GMT
August 2016
redcaesar97
Mass Effect Trilogy, Jade Empire
|
Post by RedCaesar97 on Apr 3, 2020 23:25:35 GMT
On the off chance you see this... Thoughts on skipping Tactical Armor completely? I do not know if capn233 will see it, but I can certainly provide my thoughts. The Adept can get by without investing in armor (I have done it). So therefore the Vanguard can certainly get by without it as well. The Sentinel already gets by without any armor investment. Not spending any points in Tactical Armor means no Shield Boost, no armor talent bonuses, and no ability to wear medium armor. Just still make sure you out points into Assault Training for the Adrenaline Burst skill. But I assume you were planning to do that anyway.
|
|
inherit
1319
0
May 19, 2024 15:55:18 GMT
7,170
RedCaesar97
1,910
Aug 28, 2016 19:33:39 GMT
August 2016
redcaesar97
Mass Effect Trilogy, Jade Empire
|
Post by RedCaesar97 on Mar 14, 2020 23:23:45 GMT
Finally ordered a new laptop, so hopefully I can start contributing to this thread again next week.
|
|
inherit
1319
0
May 19, 2024 15:55:18 GMT
7,170
RedCaesar97
1,910
Aug 28, 2016 19:33:39 GMT
August 2016
redcaesar97
Mass Effect Trilogy, Jade Empire
|
Post by RedCaesar97 on Mar 1, 2020 17:58:09 GMT
All I can think of is the joke Drack tells Jaal in Mass Effect Andromeda:
Knock knock. "Who's there?" Incompetently, an Elcor.
|
|
inherit
1319
0
May 19, 2024 15:55:18 GMT
7,170
RedCaesar97
1,910
Aug 28, 2016 19:33:39 GMT
August 2016
redcaesar97
Mass Effect Trilogy, Jade Empire
|
Post by RedCaesar97 on Feb 24, 2020 13:44:25 GMT
I'm not sure if this is from a mod, if there was a mod conflict, or if I was just too tired to notice: But I missed Anderson's line about Shepard being an ex-Spectre. I actually played the Mars mission yesterday. But since I could not pick up any weapon mods at all, I'll go back and play that one again in hope that restarting the mission from scratch fixes this. If it were just the usual first two mods, I'd continue. But not being able to pick up any mod during this mission was a first. I take it this a new game (new character or ME2 import), not New Game+ (import with an existing ME3 character?). If it is a new game, that seems weird. Also, I need to stop fooling around with Mass Effect Andromeda and start playing the trilogy again. I started ME2 about a month back with the intention of getting a new laptop and load my recording software onto it, but... I kind of didn't. I may just install the software on my desktop PC and do it from there. Jackie Shepard (and then Dimitri Shepard, and then Jack Shepard) cannot wait forever. Plus, I really just want to play ME2 again. I love that game so much.
|
|
inherit
1319
0
May 19, 2024 15:55:18 GMT
7,170
RedCaesar97
1,910
Aug 28, 2016 19:33:39 GMT
August 2016
redcaesar97
Mass Effect Trilogy, Jade Empire
|
Post by RedCaesar97 on Feb 24, 2020 13:38:13 GMT
Since I am playing ME:A again (three concurrent playthroughs on the go), I might have to give this mod a look. I generally do not bother with mods, but ME:A weapon balancing is... yeah.
I will have to take a closer look at it, but does the mod affect augmentation slots at all? In the base game, I felt I was shoehorned into crafting N7/Platinum/Ultra-rare tier weapons since they had the most augmentation slots available.
|
|
inherit
1319
0
May 19, 2024 15:55:18 GMT
7,170
RedCaesar97
1,910
Aug 28, 2016 19:33:39 GMT
August 2016
redcaesar97
Mass Effect Trilogy, Jade Empire
|
Post by RedCaesar97 on Feb 10, 2020 3:20:29 GMT
Unless you are trying to unlock an achievement for playing on a specific difficulty (such as Insanity), then I recommend lowering the combat difficulty. Drop it Casual if you have to. The lower the difficulty, the less health enemies have and the less damage they deal. So if your finger joints lock up, hopefully the enemies will not kill you before you have a chance to correct the situation.
Otherwise: 1. As sjsharp2010 wrote, use the tactical pause (weapon wheel or power wheel on consoles) to plan your attack and use powers.
2. Hang back as much as possible. This should prevent you from needing to move around a lot.
In driving sections, you can kill enemies using the Mako. Use the terrain to your advantage to avoid fire and then fire back. You can scope the Mako up to 2x zoom, letting you shoot enemies from afar.
For indoor sections, stay behind cover. Indoors, you can open doors and just stay outside shooting from relative safety. There are a few segments where you are kind of forced into getting surrounded by enemies, but you can usually try to kite or lead enemies into a straight line in front of you.
Hopefully this advice helps somewhat.
As for finishing a mission: 1. On uncharted worlds, you need to be in the Mako to exit the planet. Alternatively, you should be able to exit the planet from the map whether you are in the Mako or not. You should be able to access the map from the pause menu.
2. On story missions, you typically need to complete the entire mission; there is no end button. Eden Prime, Therum, and Virmire require you complete the mission before you go back to the Mako. On Noveria, you can head back to the Normandy at any time although it can be a long trek back. on Feros, you can head back to the Normandy at any point until you drop down a specific point in Exogeni building (just inside after you finish the skyway); after that point you must complete the mission before you go back to the Normandy.
|
|
inherit
1319
0
May 19, 2024 15:55:18 GMT
7,170
RedCaesar97
1,910
Aug 28, 2016 19:33:39 GMT
August 2016
redcaesar97
Mass Effect Trilogy, Jade Empire
|
Post by RedCaesar97 on Feb 7, 2020 2:13:56 GMT
Does anyone know a good way to record videos or pictures on Xbox One for Canon Shepard? Typically you would use an external video capture device to record video from a console. There are several such devices on the market. I use this method to record videos from my Xbox 360. It is essentially a hardware device that captures video traffic between the console and TV screen, and forwards it to the computer for processing. (The video feed continues to the TV screen so you can continue playing as normal.) I had a Hauppage HD PVR (I thought it worked well), some Diamond device (I thought it was crap), and now I am using a Roxio device (it seems okay). I think Elgato currently makes the most commonly-used devices. Another option I think you can use with the Xbox is with an app that can connect your Xbox One console with a Windows desktop. I think the app is Microsoft Smartglass? I believe it is a free download and install. It should allow you to record from the Xbox One to a Windows desktop, although I think you need to log in to the computer with the same Windows Live user that you use to log in to the Xbox. I recall seeing this option when I was looking for other ways to record video without buying another hardware device.
|
|
inherit
1319
0
May 19, 2024 15:55:18 GMT
7,170
RedCaesar97
1,910
Aug 28, 2016 19:33:39 GMT
August 2016
redcaesar97
Mass Effect Trilogy, Jade Empire
|
Post by RedCaesar97 on Jan 7, 2020 0:38:31 GMT
Found another build in ME3 only: Adept with SR + Stasis as PB. Use Warp + Throw if Stasis is useless (don't know maybe other used that buil). - reser-throw - faster CD - Stasis + HSh with Javelin. You could also do that with a Sentinel. Stasis has an evolution that provides like 30% chance to cause no cooldown when casting. Sentinel also has a passive evolution that provides a 15% chance to cause no cooldown when casting a power. So that can give you a greater than 30% chance to cause no cooldown when casting Stasis, all the while you also have tech armor to provide a little damage protection.
|
|
inherit
1319
0
May 19, 2024 15:55:18 GMT
7,170
RedCaesar97
1,910
Aug 28, 2016 19:33:39 GMT
August 2016
redcaesar97
Mass Effect Trilogy, Jade Empire
|
Post by RedCaesar97 on Jan 5, 2020 0:37:42 GMT
Okay, I restarted Jackie Shepard with AP Ammo this time. Still cannot one-shot mechs. Maybe if I threw on the Recon Hood for an extra +5% weapon damage (versus the Kestrel Helmet +3% damage, +5% headshot) I could do it, but I dislike wearing helmets in ME2 since they stay on during conversations and cutscenes. I prefer seeing more of Shepard's face. I can live without one-shotting the mechs, so I will continue to roll with AP Ammo early on.
Not sure when I will next play it. I may buy a new laptop first so I can record to laptop instead of my desktop PC.
|
|
inherit
1319
0
May 19, 2024 15:55:18 GMT
7,170
RedCaesar97
1,910
Aug 28, 2016 19:33:39 GMT
August 2016
redcaesar97
Mass Effect Trilogy, Jade Empire
|
Post by RedCaesar97 on Jan 4, 2020 17:35:46 GMT
I decided to re-import Jackie Shepard fresh into ME2. She is an Infiltrator. Last time I played her in ME2, I gave her Energy Drain and tried to make her some weird Engineer-lite with a Widow sniper rifle and it did not go as well as I had hoped.
This time I am going to play her straight as a Sniper Infiltrator. She is a pure paragon that romanced Thane previously, so that should be easy to re-create. I think everyone survived the suicide mission with her last time, so that should also be easy. I am not looking to re-import her into ME3 when I finish ME2 with her, but I would like to keep the decisions the same.
I am playing her again as a straight sniper, since someone asked me some time ago if I had any Sniper/Widow Infiltrator videos on my YouTube channel and I did not. So I decided that I would eventually change that and film a sniper Mantis/Widow Infiltrator.
Anyway, I beat Lazarus Station and got to Freedom's Progress. I may have to re-import again to switch bonus powers. I took Warp Ammo for the sniping, but I forgot you do not need that until Horizon, so I may re-import with AP Ammo as a bonus to start. Not that it will matter a whole lot, since I do not think the ammo damage difference between level 1 Warp Ammo and level 1 AP Ammo will make that much of a difference on Insanity at this point. Without the sniper rifle damage upgrades, the Mantis cannot one-shot mechs this early in the game.
* * *
I plan to do three more Mass Effect playthroughs: 1. ME2 Sniper Infiltrator (Mantis/Widow) 2. ME2 Basic Soldier. Have not decided on the bonus weapon since I prefer the basic guns on the Soldier. 3. ME2 Basic Engineer (Overload/Incinerate and Drone)
Every time I think I am done with the series, it sucks me right back in...
|
|
inherit
1319
0
May 19, 2024 15:55:18 GMT
7,170
RedCaesar97
1,910
Aug 28, 2016 19:33:39 GMT
August 2016
redcaesar97
Mass Effect Trilogy, Jade Empire
|
Post by RedCaesar97 on Dec 19, 2019 0:32:58 GMT
Made a start on the Insanity run. Left the Citadel ASAP to go recruit Liara, managed to take down the Krogan Battlemaster on my 6/7th try at level 12. Then went to Edolus and took down the Thresher Maw for the UNC: Missing Marines assignment. It's definitely a good bit tougher than Hardcore, but not undoable. There's a fair bit of trial and error involved with finding a good strategy and then trying to pull it off in the moment. It does feel bad going back to crappy weapons after just finishing my last playthrough with an unlimited-firing Spectre X assault rifle though. While overall I don’t think insanity is hard once you figure out the rules of how insanity works. Pinnacle station is crazy hard for me on insanity. Hunt Volcanic on Insanity can go die in a fire. It is the only reason I have never beaten Pinnacle Station on Insanity.
|
|
inherit
1319
0
May 19, 2024 15:55:18 GMT
7,170
RedCaesar97
1,910
Aug 28, 2016 19:33:39 GMT
August 2016
redcaesar97
Mass Effect Trilogy, Jade Empire
|
Post by RedCaesar97 on Dec 10, 2019 0:23:14 GMT
An old topic but whatever. Several months ago encounted a thing I don't know how to explain. The purpose is: only Tali is dead, others - alive (incl the crew). In both cases made the same choices everywhere and according to the apprxm calculator Tali should be dead, though in case 1 - she was alive, in case 2 - dead. In both cases Legion mission is done the same way: geth rewritten. Legion is present during Tali's LM. Legion's mission is the last one. Case 1: Tali is a would-be (if not for planned death) admiral due to Shep renegade speech to those admirals. In Legion - Tali argument took Legion side so Tali became unloyal, but survived "hold the line" somehow. Case 2: Tali is unloyal as I gave the evidence about her father's experiments. No Legion - Tali agrument as she is unloyal already. Don't remember whom I took for the final battle and who held the line but know for sure "hold the line" number was ab 1,8 in both cases. The rest, as had mentioned, was the same. Don't understand the outcome in both cases actually: should be dead in both cases, but was alive in case 1 (but it could be some error of the game calculations, though this method has never failed me in all my ab 50 PTs). Or maybe in case 1 her "loyalty to unloyaly" played some role for the game calculations. Wanted to replay both cases but was tired already and just left the last save. Also wanted to check others, but didn't have time. If you want to make sure only Tali dies without having to rely on the "hold the line" score, you can send her into the vents but choose someone other than a loyal Garrus, Miranda, or Jacob as the second fireteam leader.
|
|
inherit
1319
0
May 19, 2024 15:55:18 GMT
7,170
RedCaesar97
1,910
Aug 28, 2016 19:33:39 GMT
August 2016
redcaesar97
Mass Effect Trilogy, Jade Empire
|
Post by RedCaesar97 on Nov 26, 2019 15:04:34 GMT
Dimitri Shepard travelled to Virmire to meet up with the Salarian Infiltration Team. Joker dropped him off in the Mako so that he could disable some AA towers, allowing the Normandy to land.
At the base camp, Captain Kirrahe told him they had found Saren's base of operations, a facility being used to breed Krogan. Their plan was to destroy the facility. Wrex was not happy about that, but Dimitri talked to him and was able to convince him that it was the correct choice of action.
They split into teams, with Kaidan going with the Salarians to handle communications between Shepard and the Salarian teams. Once inside the facility, Dimitri discovered that it was much more than a Krogan breeding facility: they were also studying indoctrination. Several captured Salarians were now fighting for Saren alongside Geth and Krogan. Dimitri freed some captive Salarians; one ran to hopefully escape the blast, while another was very much indoctrinated and tried to kill him.
Dimitri found another beacon, then had a chilling conversation with Sovereign. Sovereign was not just a Reaper ship, it was an actual Reaper! Eventually, Shepard made it to his destination, and the Normandy landed. They planted the bomb, and Ashley stayed behind to arm it while Shepard went to go help Kaiden. Unfortunately, Geth dropped in on Ashley's location, and she armed the bomb to make sure it would go off. Dimitri then broke up with Ashley in the best worst way possible (or was it the worst best way possible?) and decided to leave her with the nuke while he went to go help Kaiden.
Saren then dropped by, and after a brief fight, he left when the bomb's alarm began to sound off. Dimitri escaped with Kaiden and the Salarians, leaving Ashley and possibly some other Soldiers behind (bet you forgot about them, didn't you?).
* * *
One mind-mend with Liara later, and they determined that Saren was going after the Conduit on Ilos.
Udina and Council called the Normandy back to the Citadel, where they informed Dimitri that they were blockading the Citadel. When Dimitri insisted they go to Ilos, Udina grounded the Normandy.
Captain Anderson agreed that Shepard should go to Ilos, so he went to Udina's office, knocked him out, and removed the lock. Dimitri then took off for Ilos, but not before stopping off at his apartment for more supplies.
* * *
They landed at Ilos (and nearly landed on Saren), then pursued Saren through the ancient Prothean ruins. Along the way, they found a Prothean VI that told them the Citadel was actually a Mass Relay that would transport the Reapers into the galaxy from dark space. The VI aslo told them that the Conduit was a Prothean-built Mass Relay prototype that could transport them directly onto the Citadel. The VI then gave them a data file that would prevent the Reapers from using the Citadel.
Sovereign and the Geth were already attacking the Citadel and had closed the Citadel arms. After using the Conduit to get onto the Citadel, Dimitri chased Saren all the way to the council chambers. A fight ensued and Saren was killed. Dimitri then used the data file and opened the Citadel's arms. He ordered the Alliance fleet to protect the Destiny Ascension. Sovereign then controlled Saren's corpse in an attempt to regain control of the Citadel. Dimitri destroyed Saren's body once and for all, and Sovereign was eventually defeated.
* * *
The Citadel Council then offered humanity a seat on the council and asked if Shepard had a recommendation. Dimitri recommended Anderson to the Council, much to Udina's displeasure.
|
|
inherit
1319
0
May 19, 2024 15:55:18 GMT
7,170
RedCaesar97
1,910
Aug 28, 2016 19:33:39 GMT
August 2016
redcaesar97
Mass Effect Trilogy, Jade Empire
|
Post by RedCaesar97 on Nov 25, 2019 19:44:42 GMT
While exploring the galaxy (took a wrong Relay on the way to Virmire), Dimitri Shepard discovered an asteroid that was being accelerated into the planet Terra Nova. He landed on the asteroid to shut down the fusion torches. Turns out Batarians were responsible. Dimitri managed to shut down the torches.
After shutting down the last torch, one of the Batarians tried to explain the situation. Dimitri stopped listening when the Batarian said the operation was supposed to be a simple slave-grab operation. Dimitri was not in the mood for talking and killed the Batarians, then took a key card for the main facility off a corpse.
At the main facility, Dimitri met more Batarian resistance, although the resistance was ultimately futile. One of the Batarians was clearly regretting his life choices when Dimitri cut him down. If he had surrendered, he might have been spared, but he didn't so he wasn't.
Then the leader, a guy named Balak showed up and started ranting about how it was actually the humans who were at fault. Then Balak offered an ultimatum: let him go or he would blow up the hostages. Dimitri decided to spare the hostages and let Balak go. Balak then ran, letting Dimitri know that the bombs were still on a timer. Dimitri managed to defuse the bombs before they exploded. The hostages were grateful. Dimitri hoped that he would get another chance to put a bullet in Balak's head someday.
|
|