Thank you for calling me an anthropology student!!!!, you're such a charmimg person....

So I bought Ryse yesterday and I would guess I am about 40% or so through the game so far. Played it late last night and a bunch today. Here are my thoughts:

Pros:
The cinematic approach. Lots of games did this route last gen, makes sense for this to be one of those considering it began last gen. It adds to the immersion and feeling as if you are playing out a story.

Graphics. Holy shit! This game looks amazing. By far the most gorgeous console game I have ever played. Cut scenes are beautiful, but even the core gameplay looks just amazing. I am used to past gens where the drop off from cut scene to gameplay is dramatic, especially in games with pre-rendered ones like Ryse. But not the case. And the animations are excellent.

Combat. People (myself included) have compared the combat to games like Ass Creed, God of War, Batman, etc. What it really boils down to is a score attack type element to every single big battle. You're trying to string together huge combos and beat your best score. I love the aggressive nature of the combat. Every swing of the sword and bash of the shield looks and feels agitated. The "beat my score" nature to the combat makes its simplistic yet deep design all the more satisfying. And the executions are just brutal. My brother was over watching me play and said "holy crap!" at least 10 times as I lobbed off arms, legs, and slit throats. And there are plenty of environmental executions, so you are only limited by your own creativity.

Cons:
You can really tell this game has Kinect roots. Some of the areas of the game are just so simplistic in design, it's clear they ran out of time for completely removing forced Kinect out in time for launch. A lot of the archer segments seem like this so far, as do the siege elements.

Enemy character models look absolutely incredible, but there needs to be more variety.

Extreme auto aim when targeting some of the launchers or throwing one of your sticks with a pointy end.

This last one is a minor/silly complaint, but I wish there were more weapon variety. But I know it's based on Roman soldiers and is realistic to that.


Overall I was extremely hyped for the game and thus far have been pleased. I still need to finish it and sink some time into the co-op stuff, but right now I would give it a solid 7 out of 10. The game has LOADS of potential in any sequel(s). It's quite clear this is a cross-gen game that was deeply rooted in Kinect, so more time to build a Ryse 2 from the ground up for next gen should make it all the more intense. And maybe open up the possibility for multiple weapons, and enemies that aren't the same 5-6 barbarians over and over.

Glad your enjoying it. 40%,so Im guessing around the level called The King? The best of the game is the last 50%. So if you like the cinematic approach now, it gets wayy better. Enjoy the last half. :)

lol The King is exactly what level I am on.

Started getting into the co-op stuff today. I love the aspect of collecting booster packs for better gear. I just hope it isn't an insane grind where they want you to maybe buy gold with real monies instead.

Yea, they arein force! 

And since most never played it they have no legetimate opinion.  Just a waste of their time.

Glad he liked the game, it's pretty neat.

You were right, everything was kicked up a notch on the next level and it has remained that way through the rest of the game. *spoilers* I am just past the Commodus fight, so I guess I am right near the end. I don't remember if its Edge or End of the World but whichever one, that level is amazing. A true showcase of next gen graphics. I love the cut scenes too, so pretty.

But mostly the latter half of the game it seems they really opened it up more and are mixing up the enemies and gameplay. I wonder if maybe that represents where they were in development when it was switched from a Kinect title to a traditional controller title. And I love how the game now forces you to pretty much use all elements of the combat. This is something I never liked about titles like Inferno, God of War, or Conan. The option was there to go deeper in combat but it was never really required. Now in Ryse I am at a point where I really need to get my timing down on deflections and attacks or the enemies counter the shit out of me.

I didn't even realize all the way through the game until I was fighting Commodus that you are graded on timing for each execution button press.

The story took an amazing twist that even though someone had told me *spoilers* Marius dies, I had no idea was coming. I wish I could have enacted revenge on Barilius (sp) and Commodus though instead of cinematics. The game really relies on cinematics. It's like a Naughty Dog game, big production and cinematic values, game is pretty linear, and a chore at times to play. But the story and atmosphere are great.

btw MS is going to start selling it digitally for $40 today as they test out selling titles digital for less than retail. I gave the game a 7 originally, I think I'd still give it that, but I would give it a 7.5 or 8 if I'd bought it for $40. There's also supposed to be sales on the DLC leading up to new DLC the 25th IIRC. It has a horde type survival mode. Yes please.

Lets also hope this game does well digitally so MS sells more titles at a 33% savings versus physical retail.

not gonna lie read this review out of morbid curiousity

Haven't played it but based on how short it is and how repetitive the combat gets I'd say a 6 is being generous

Thanks for the review. Good that you enjoyed the game. But personally I think your rating is a bit too high, maybe I was too hyped and therefore was very dissapointed in this game. 

Just purchased it with the discount... Will let you know my opinion