re: Crimson Desert discussion thread - Try to be spoiler free

Played for an hour. Going to have to get used to the combat.

Soooooo much to explore

Gorgeous world, great voice acting.

Having a blast. Can't wait to get back to it later

The more I play, the more I am convinced that this game started out as a F2P GACHA game that was converted to a single player RPG late in development.

I honestly have no idea wtf is going on in the story

Xbox Series X impressions 2 Hours

Balanced and Quality Graphic options are unplayable for me. I can play 30FPS games that handle it well (Both Zelda open world games for example). This is just too jarring for me.
Performance mode runs a fairly smooth 60FPS with some stutters. There is a bit of texture loss but no difference in the amount of foliage and effects blowing around. Even on performance it is a really good-looking game.

The UI is a mess. Some menus you can use analog and dpad, others are dpad only. Analog can be used in inventory, but it is erratic.

The controls feel off and janky at times. Character does not move around on foot as well as in other games.

Picking up items is more of a chore than it should be, even when locking in on an item. Sharing jump (x) and picking up items (hold x) was a terrible idea.

Made it to chapter two but the only combat I have done was at the start of the game and two guards when you get past the intro. Did die once running out of stamina when I fell in water on a mistimed jump.

Story is what it is. I generally do not need a great story to enjoy a game. The less dialog in some areas the better. Did a side mission cleaning a chimney and they would not shut up.

The game does not hold your hand and for me that is fine but for some it could be an issue. The first puzzle in the sky, which had far too much basic platforming has been an issue for many players as you can overlook a few things and a newly acquired power required to solve it.

The explorer in me, finding all the items around the world has me excited. There is a ton to do, places to go and it really is a beautiful world. If they can add some controller customization, UI fixes and make player movement much smoother I can see putting a hundred hours in it.

The controls are so fricking arse

I bounced around from PC to PS5 pro version last night. PC looks better but I prefer the ease of use with consoles, and typically better HDR.

Regardless, after exploring around a tiny bit around the first town. I can see this game could easily scratch that Elden Ring “I need to check around every corner itch.”

At the same time movement is indeed clunky and slow. So it seems like it will be slow to climb and explore. Will see how I feel once I get used to them.

The menu and inventory system is the absolute worst shite I have ever seen in a game. It needs a complete overhaul. They should just implement a generic soulslike menu system.

Honestly a 6 might be a little harsh but it’s somewhat of a mess. I’d probably give it a 7 or 8 just off the world design alone though. However there are definitely some things that will run off a lot of people.

Currently mixed on Steam

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Played for an hour last night it took mine till 1230 to download. Controls are definitely stiff. Fighting wasn’t bad. I bought the deluxe version so I’m going to commit as much as I can, although hearing the story is nothing sucks. I will say the view when you cross the bridge on horse at the beginning was epic

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The controls are so fricking arse

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I am not a huge fan.

Combat is growing on me.

I love the lack of "Focus, M" dialog "yellow paint-ism". . .but I can see why younger gamers would be put off by it. They have grown up with handholding.

Makes every accomplishment more satisfying

Don't care about the story, probably won't care for a while.

Controls are a real problem, I will say