Mass Effect Numero Uno - Casual vs Normal

[RooneyFan]

Ok I feel shame. Not alot, but definately some shame. I amrealy trying to work off a shame pile andin that pile is ME2 which I got for Xmas, however I want'ed to bring in a caracter from ME1 which I never played. So I have been working on itfor a couple months, and finally got so frustrated with a mission that I was on the 5 replay of, that I went in andturned the dificulty settings to CASUAL. I cried a bit, wiped my tears, and proceeded to beat the mission and move on with the story.


Am I realy not as hard core agame asIaspire......orhave I just sucumed to the mounting guilt of purchased and uplayed games!!! Ohh the quandry!

[Simbacca]

What part had you stuck and what's your character build so far?

[HeartbreakRidge]

I'm also curious. Insanity on ME1 was not nearly as hard as on ME2 for me. [:O]

[nel e nel]

What part had you stuck and what's your character build so far?







Yeah, I was about to ask this as well. ME1 was my first real introduction to RPG games, so the whole concept of having to level up before attempting certain missions took me a bit to wrap my head around. And Bioware games aren't very explicit about what levels certain missions are. That's why Borderlands was so great, you could look at a mission and right away know if you had to go out and grind a bit before attempting it.

[Simbacca]

Yeah, I was about to ask this as well.
ME1 was my first real introduction to RPG games, so the whole concept
of having to level up before attempting certain missions took me a bit
to wrap my head around. And Bioware games aren't very explicit about
what levels certain missions are. That's why Borderlands was so great,
you could look at a mission and right away know if you had to go out and
grind a bit before attempting it.

Actually there technically isn't supposed to be any need to level up before any mission in the ME franchise because all the enemies are scaled to your level throughout both games.





I'm also curious. Insanity on ME1 was not nearly as hard as on ME2 for me. http://adultgamingenthusiasts.com/emoticons/emotion-3.gif

Agreed, Insanity in ME1 was just more tedious, enemies taking longer to kill due to their spammage of Immunity. I prefer to play ME1 on Hardcore for that reason, whereas ME2 I like Insanity.


Still I don't think Rooney is talking about Insanity, I think he saying one part was too frustrating on Normal so he had to dial it back to Casual.

[HeartbreakRidge]

Still I don't think Rooney is talking about Insanity, I think he saying one part was too frustrating on Normal so he had to dial it back to Casual.






I don't think so either, that was just my indirect way of saying ME1 was easier. If he will chime in with details, I bet we could solve it in a less shame inducing fashion. [;)]

[RooneyFan]

Well shamefully its the first real mission where you go rescue the Scientist chick at the archeological dig. Something someone said has made me think. I was trying to just follow the main story line and avoiding side missions to get through the game as quickly as possible to get the story done and get a character built, but if different missions require that I "grind" and level up then I need to rethink my approach.


The frustrating particulars were just gettingto the entrance of the dig site and that giant Geth thing lands with friends and some of those creepy crawly kind. I kept dyinguntil I dialed it down to casual and developing a set strategy of immediately activating Shield Boost on everyone and taking immediate cover to the far left and even still it took me 6 tries. My assult rifel doesn't seem to do any dammage, and sniper rifel seems to dificult to aim. I end up using Pistol and Grenades when available.


I think I probably suck at inventory management as well. I am constantly playing with the different stuff I find and changing it up. I am also always hessitant to give my squad mates orders to do things because when I do they seem to die quickly leaving me alone to finish the job.


Thanks for the feedback.

[HeartbreakRidge]

The frustrating particulars were just gettingto the entrance of the dig site and that giant Geth thing lands with friends and some of those creepy crawly kind. I kept dyinguntil I dialed it down to casual and developing a set strategy of immediately activating Shield Boost on everyone and taking immediate cover to the far left and even still it took me 6 tries. My assult rifel doesn't seem to do any dammage, and sniper rifel seems to dificult to aim. I end up using Pistol and Grenades when available.


I think I probably suck at inventory management as well. I am constantly playing with the different stuff I find and changing it up. I am also always hessitant to give my squad mates orders to do things because when I do they seem to die quickly leaving me alone to finish the job.


I do remember that mission, and to be fair I think it was one I had to do a few tries on to get it right.


First, I'd say that ME1 gives you a lot more room to make some mistakes because of the much greater detail both in character progression and in equipment. In terms of character progression, it makes the most sense to whenever possible build you and your squad's abilities from point to point - and by that I mean on each skill track there are varying points which also unlock either other skills or abilities, and if you choose which point to upgrade to that will give you better results than evenly increasing skills.


Further on that point, your choice of progression for your squadmates is similarly important, but also you need to note that for a number of skills you only need one party member to have it leveled up, so you may not want the overlap in skills.


More to the specific point - since you mention you "suck at inventory management" I wonder whether you have kept your squadmates equipment upgraded, and whether you and/or your squadmates have useful addons and ammo equipped - for instance, it makes a big difference if you are using ammo that gives big bonuses against organics here instead of the ammo that gives big bonuses against synthetics (i.e. Geth), since at this point in the mission you are fighting the latter.


Also, it is possible that for you or your squadmates you are using weapons for which they are not skilled. For example, unless you are a Soldier, your Shepherd is not going to be skilled at using an assault rifle, and you will get much better results using a weapon that you are skilled in (like pistol), and that holds true for your squadmates.


There is also the issue about squad selection - i.e. what class is your Shepherd, and who did you bring along on that mission?

[RooneyFan]

Thanks Heartbreak, that is very helpful. I didn't realize how intracate equipment/class selection was. I must be too use to the FPS model of pick it up and shoot it. I will definately play with that. I can't remember at the moment what my class is I will check tonight. What is the best ammo to use on the geth, antipersonel, amor piercing, chemical rounds?

[Simbacca]

Anti-personal/Shredder versus organics, Armor-piercing/Tungsten versus synthetics. Chemical rounds are less damaging than the prior two sets, but they work good versus both organic and synthetic enemies. Chemical rounds also stop enemy health regeneration, so good versus Krogans.

Build up your strongest defense skill to atleast Advanced early, after at least unlocking Basic in everything use to be used anyway. On Soldiers and Infiltrators, that talent is Fitness (for the Immunity ability); on Adepts, Sentinels, and Vanguards, that talent is Barrier; on Engineers, that talent is Electronics (take this to just 9). As far as you other talents go, know that Basic Marksman on your Pistol can take you pretty far in the game if you wanted to focus points on getting your other abilities up. That is actually what I do as far as weapons goes for the first third of my playthroughs even on the higher difficutlies.


Use your crowd control abilities, and don't cast them on a single target. There is a bug where if you cast Lift, Throw, or Warp on a specific target, it hits only that one despite if there are other enemies within the stated radius of the biotic. Instead cast them on the ground or ceiling directly near them.

Versus synthetics, your best crowd control abilities are: Singularity, Sabotage (Decryption), Lift, AI Hacking, Throw, Stasis

Versus organics, your best crowd control abilities are: Singularity, Lift, Throw, Neural Shock (Medicine), Stasis, Damping

For the mission you were stuck on, your best squad would probably have been Wrex and Kaidan. Tali could be useful with AI Hacking and Sabotage, but she is very squishy. Wrex is a tank with Immunity, Barrier, and health regeneration. Kaidan's durable too with Barrier and Electronics. Kaidan also has Lift, Decryption, and Throw (don't put points in his Stasis, you can't hurt enemies in his) for good crowd control. In that fight, after getting in cover, you could have thrown Sabotage in the middle of the group of Geth Troopers and Lifted the Armature. Focus the fire of your squad on those Hoppers, since they can Snipe and Sabotage you. Then as you whittle away the enemies, keep casting Lift and Sabotage as they come up. This is without knowing what class your Shepard is. Use any of his relevant abilities as well.

[RooneyFan]

This is why I love this site. You guys rock. I will be putting in some hours this weekend, I will let you know how it goes.

[HeartbreakRidge]

This is why I love this site. You guys rock. I will be putting in some hours this weekend, I will let you know how it goes.






You're welcome! I forgot to mention that making sure you/your squad is wearing the heaviest armor they can (i.e. only a soldier can wear heavy) and has the most useful upgrades (higher shield capacity and recharge rates) makes a big difference.

[RooneyFan]

Update: Ok, much better. Not sure what happen but put it back to normal and upgraded some stuff and once i started rolling I just picked up a bunch of mementum. I think Armor and Shields was my problem. I realy did have any. I am now rolling some Merch Medium armor with some kind of add-on. also got a better handle on my squad. They are helping outmore now in battle.


Not sure if spoiler alert is necessary given teh age of this gaem but I put it up anyway.


I lost Kaiden yesterday. Figured Rooney Shepard had the hots for Ashley, so I better keep her. I also have been ranking up Lia and she kicks serioius ass as a biotic so I figured I could sacrifice Kaiden.


My Shep is an Infiltrator/Comando. Any advice on which other squad mates match up best with that setup? Should I be using Tali more? She is the only one with AI Hack and i never use her. Is it necessary?


Should mention I am at the point now where I need to go to ILOS so before I make the jump I am tyring to finish up some of the generat assignments. I think other than the UNC sanning/artifact stuff I only have 3 more assignments left.


I can't wait to finish this tonight and start up the ME2 and see what effect it has on my character.


Running out of here at 5:00PM, straight home, sandwitch and cofee in hand and its ME time baby. Kids and wife are away so there is nothing else to do anyway.[:P]

[Simbacca]

...My Shep is an Infiltrator/Comando. Any advice on which other squad mates match up best with that setup? Should I be using Tali more? She is the only one with AI Hack and i never use her. Is it necessary?...

Use whoever helps you get the job done best. That's really it, there are no required squadmates for any situation. The only rule for squadmates in ME1 was to make sure you had someone on the squad at all times with Master Decryption and Master Electronics. The reason was solely for loot; some containers can't be opened with someone on the squad with these skills. However since your Shepard is already an Infiltrator, you should already have those skills so really there are no guidlines other than whoever you want to bring along.

No you don't have to use Tali more, especially just for AI Hacking (it's ok but lift and singularity crowd control better). She is also the squishiest sqaudmate in ME1. For an Infiltrator, I usually ran with Liara and Wrex (more balanced) or Liara and Kaidan (crowd control FTW).

[HeartbreakRidge]

I adored Wrex a) because he's a tank and b) he invariably has the best dialogue. I tended to use Liara, because once her Singularity gets maxed out it is just silly how powerful it is.


Not to be a spoiler, but.... did Wrex live or die in your run through?

[BruteForce0G]

Update: I only have 3 more assignments left.


I can't wait to finish this tonight and start up the ME2 and see what effect it has on my character.


Running out of here at 5:00PM, straight home, sandwitch and cofee in hand and its ME time baby. Kids and wife are away so there is nothing else to do anyway.http://adultgamingenthusiasts.com/emoticons/emotion-4.gif






LOL, nothing like having nothing to do but GAME! Sounds to me like you are getting some great advice from Simbaca and Heart Break, unfortunately for me it's been so long since I've played the original ME I can't offer you anything better. However for the last past month I've been playing nothing but ME2. SO I'll offer you a few tips to get you started when you are finally ready to play ME2.


First of all your doing the right thing playing through ME, this gives you a fresh prospective of the following story in ME2. If you can you want to Import a level 60 character from ME to give you the maximum benefits for a imported Shepard. If you do you'll start off with a level 5 character in ME2 with skill points, credits to spend and minerals in stock. You should also consider getting the armor from the available DLC. I think your character is going to start off with a SMG as his main weapon, so getting the Thief DLC will also be a big help as she has the best SMG in the game. At first your kind of limited to credits, so buy only those upgrades that benefit you and your two closes teammates. I find early using the two Cerberus Officers Jacob and Miranda work well in tandem. Use their powers in combos like Jacobs Pull and Miranda's Warp, works 100% of the time on Normal.


Speaking of Normal, you'll need to decide your difficulty from the onset of the game. I suggest saving Insanity for your second playthrough, were you'll be able to combine anImported character from ME coupled with the benefits having completed ME2 once. Choose the Force over the Darkside (Paragon over Renegade) and just play it on Normal for your first round. Once you've explored being the nice guy you can be a complete jerk on Insanity.


BTW I also took a ton of notes during my first two playthroughs, and I'd be willing to share that info if you feel like your getting stuck in ME2. I even thought about posting a walk through for ME2 based off my notes but I'm not sure if the need is in demand as ME2 is now gaining some age as well. Fair warningmy fellow AGE'r,Insane Mode is crazy hard at times, so be prepared.

[Simbacca]

...I think your character is going to start off with a SMG as his main weapon, so getting the Thief DLC will also be a big help as she has the best SMG in the game...

Unless he selects a Soldier, and to a lesser extent, a Vanguard or an Infiltrator. The Locust is a good SMG for range, though I still prefer the Tempest's larger clip size (burst firing makes it capable of ranged combat as well).





...early using the two Cerberus Officers Jacob and Miranda work well in tandem. Use their powers in combos like Jacobs Pull and Miranda's Warp, works 100% of the time on Normal...

I would recommend playing through on Hardcore for the first ME2 run if you wish to eventually do an Insanity playthrough, especially if you're already experienced with ME1 (yes, in spite of the games differences). The jump from Hardcore to Insanity is far less shocking than Normal to Insanity and Hardcore requires much more similar tactics to how you'll need to play to get through Insanity (Casual/Normal/Veteran are almost like a different game). If not Hardcore, at least on Veteran to try to minimize that jump. Normal is just far too easy, it will cause a following Insanity run to seem frustrating.

Of course I did watch quite a few Insanity gameplay videos before my first playthrough, so maybe that helped a little in at least having an idea of what to expect from the enemy defenses system in place.







...I even thought about posting a walk through for ME2 based off my notes but I'm not sure if the need is in demand as ME2 is now gaining some age as well...

Here's a very handy list of numerous ME2 class and gameplay guides/videos (http://social.bioware.com/forum/1/topic/128/index/2749272). For actual walkthroughs or equipment/power statistics, there's the wiki (http://masseffect.wikia.com/wiki/Mass_Effect_Wiki).





...Fair warningmy fellow AGE'r,Insane Mode is crazy hard at times, so be prepared.

It was on my first playthrough, though that probably also had a lot to do with my choice of the Vanguard, but not any more. I can't play the game on any other difficulty setting; it just feels to me the way the game is meant to be. I enjoy the tactics needed to counter the added defenses and the need to select and prepare your squad adequately for each mission.

[BruteForce0G]

...I think your character is going to start off with a SMG as his main weapon, so getting the Thief DLC will also be a big help as she has the best SMG in the game...


Unless he selects a Soldier, and to a lesser extent, a Vanguard or an Infiltrator. The Locust is a good SMG for range, though I still prefer the Tempest's larger clip size (burst firing makes it capable of ranged combat as well).


In my first two playthroughs including Insane I didn't have any DLC, I only recently DL'ed all the content available. Those first couple of times it was a huge relief to get the X-9dTempest especially for my Sentinel as this is his main weapon. Now I'm on my thirdplay through as a Vanguard (normal) and comparing the Locustto the Tempest I find the damage and accuracy of the Locust coupled with squad incendiary ammo to be a no contest decision. Even if I was playing at a harder difficulty, I would still choose to max out Jacobs incendiary ammo power ASAP along with Miranda's' warp early on as the two really do provide all you need in that stage of the game.






I would recommend playing through on Hardcore for the first ME2 run if you wish to eventually do an Insanity playthrough, especially if you're already experienced with ME1 (yes, in spite of the games differences). The jump from Hardcore to Insanity is far less shocking than Normal to Insanity and Hardcore requires much more similar tactics to how you'll need to play to get through Insanity (Casual/Normal/Veteran are almost like a different game). If not Hardcore, at least on Veteran to try to minimize that jump. Normal is just far too easy, it will cause a following Insanity run to seem frustrating.


Of course I did watch quite a few Insanity gameplay videos before my first playthrough, so maybe that helped a little in at least having an idea of what to expect from the enemy defenses system in place.






I have another friend who also choose to make his first playthrough on Insane just because he wanted to attain all the achievements in one run. My hats off to you guys, but to me thats comparable toslamming your big toe with a hammer intentionally.After I suggested playing it on Normal for the first run, I too kind of felt like I should have posted some warning about the change in difficulty and was actually going to edit that section. But this is the way I see it Simbacca, you could try a harder setting such as hardcore at first but then you run the risk of running into that wall of frustrationyou mentioned, a catch 22. I prefer to enjoy all the dialog of a Paragon and rape everything in site, then get my ass handed to me in a second run (Renegade Insane, different character/class).











...I even thought about posting a walk through for ME2 based off my notes but I'm not sure if the need is in demand as ME2 is now gaining some age as well...


Here's a very handy list of numerous ME2 class and gameplay guides/videos (http://social.bioware.com/forum/1/topic/128/index/2749272). For actual walkthroughs or equipment/power statistics, there's the wiki (http://masseffect.wikia.com/wiki/Mass_Effect_Wiki).






This is all good reference material, definitely worth the time to look over. And theres really no reason for a achievement guide as this game almost gives them to you guaranteed.






[QUOTE=BruteForce0G"]


...Fair warningmy fellow AGE'r,Insane Mode is crazy hard at times, so be prepared.


It was on my first playthrough, though that probably also had a lot to do with my choice of the Vanguard, but not a

[Simbacca]

...Respectfully I've enjoyed the debate...




Did I turn it into a debate? I didn't mean too [ro]

Well there are indeed many ways to enjoy these great games [Y]

[BruteForce0G]

...Respectfully I've enjoyed the debate...







Did I turn it into a debate? I didn't mean too http://adultgamingenthusiasts.com/emoticons/72.gif


Well there are indeed many ways to enjoy these great games http://adultgamingenthusiasts.com/emoticons/emotion-21.gif







No you didn't, not really anyway. I was just being polite as to entice you to comment further. I think it's a testament of ones character to come on the forums and offer to help with good sound advice.

[RooneyFan]

Ok need some advice. Thanks to all of your input as you can see below I was able to begin progressing at a much better rate. On Mon i completed almost all of the side missions with the exception of the one where you return to the Citadel to tell some Asari diplomat about her sister, and I was still missing one Turian artifact. I created a save game spot at that point and then pushed forward to Ilos.


I was then able to finish the game, and ended at Level 48. It was then that I read on line about level capping (at 50), and the expansion pack which I did download last night. So I started a new career with the same character and I see all my XP are in tact, and weapons/armor. Played through the first mission to Eden Prime, and then on to the Citadel so I have picked up Kaiden/Ashley/Wrex/and the Turian who all had the XP to spend that they earned from my last play through.


Now for the question.


If I want to play the expansion packs BringDown the Sky and Pinnacle Station should I/can I:


1) continue through my second play through until I collect all my squad mates, or


2) go back to my save game from Play through 1, do the expansion missions, and then re-finish the game.


I should say that I really don't want to do another whole play through, but wouldn't mind getting the xp out of the DLC, get my guy to level 50 something and then start up ME2.


Thoughts?

[Simbacca]

@Rooney: if all you want to do is get your character to level 50 for import into ME2 (cause you to start at lvl 3), then go with your option 2).

Note the level cap in ME1 is actually 60 (import this into ME2 causes you to start at lvl 5), it's just that you have to beat the game once to unlocked the ability to get to level 51-60. The XP required for those last few levels goes up exponentionally. Level 58 is something like half way to level 60.

[RooneyFan]

Cool, I will do this tonight and let you know how it goes. I am dying to continue the story line with ME2. BTW - I got the Paramour achievment and was caught off guard by the nuddy scene......yikes, glad the kids weren't around.....[:$]

[HeartbreakRidge]

Cool, I will do this tonight and let you know how it goes. I am dying to continue the story line with ME2. BTW - I got the Paramour achievment and was caught off guard by the nuddy scene......yikes, glad the kids weren't around...../emoticons/emotion-10.gif






With who? The one with Liara is kinda neat, but not as risque as the one with Shepherd/Ashley. [Y]

[RooneyFan]

With who? The one with Liara is kinda neat, but not as risque as the one with Shepherd/Ashley. http://adultgamingenthusiasts.com/emoticons/emotion-21.gif





Shepard/Ashley was the one......[H]

[BruteForce0G]

Ok need some advice. Thanks to all of your input as you can see below I was able to begin progressing at a much better rate. On Mon i completed almost all of the side missions with the exception of the one where you return to the Citadel to tell some Asari diplomat about her sister, and I was still missing one Turian artifact. I created a save game spot at that point and then pushed forward to Ilos.


I was then able to finish the game, and ended at Level 48. It was then that I read on line about level capping (at 50), and the expansion pack which I did download last night. So I started a new career with the same character and I see all my XP are in tact, and weapons/armor. Played through the first mission to Eden Prime, and then on to the Citadel so I have picked up Kaiden/Ashley/Wrex/and the Turian who all had the XP to spend that they earned from my last play through.


Now for the question.


If I want to play the expansion packs Bring Down the Sky and Pinnacle Station should I/can I:


1) continue through my second play through until I collect all my squad mates, or


2) go back to my save game from Play through 1, do the expansion missions, and then re-finish the game.


I should say that I really don't want to do another whole play through, but wouldn't mind getting the xp out of the DLC, get my guy to level 50 something and then start up ME2.


Thoughts?






It's been a long time since I played ME1, but I'm sure I understand your dilemma. Let me give you a little incite as what happened to me first. I played ME1 and leveled a character to 60 but I didn't complete the story thinking a level 60 character was good enough for ME2. Well it turns out that the only characters you can import are the ones on your hard drive that have completely finished the ME1 story with or without DLC.


So having said that your either going to have to go back to your previous save and try to level your character to 60 with the DLC orcontinue another whole playthrough to the end. I know that kind of sucks because the game is easily 40+ hours long if not more. On the other hand though, <U>you don't really need to import a maxed out character,</U> thats only if you want max benefits which are nice to have but not absolutely necessary to enjoy ME2. Your going to have enough credits and resources to get everything you want eventually, it just won't all come to you as quickly.


My first game was with an imported level 59 character as it turned out, and I believe I had $200,000 credits with a lvl 4 character and some 50,000 per element inresources in Normandy's storage for upgrades. Simbacca will see this post some time today and I'm sure he willeither confirm what I've said or give you a better suggestive line to follow.