My Review Of The Dayz Mod

[Cedrik (DayZ) 0]

Heres my over all review of the mod, just FYI. I'm just offering my thoughts on the game for the Devs, take it or leave it. As for trolls, I know any post ever made is kibble for them... but oh well.

HOW I STARTED:

I played OFP years ago and loved the MFCTI mod. Had some really fantastic times on that. So, when I a friend told me of a persistent mod for Arma 2 (even though it's a zombie mod and I don't care much for zombies) I bought Arma 2 etc expressly for this mod. The first week, theres lots to learn about how the game works. Lots of trial and errors and deaths.

HIGH INTEREST AT FIRST

As I got better and gained better gear, it was cool. Often found that right after I gained better gear I died... which was really disappointing. And, I've found out that the game doesn't change much as you progress. The better guns still aggro zombies like mad which discourages me from firing a weapon at all... which is disappointing. Whats the point of a game with guns where firing it once gets you instantly swarmed so that you have to burn up all your ammo, spend 10 minutes killing zombies only to have them instantly respawn, knowing all the while 5 guys will be hearing your shots and closing in on you to finish you? Ido the same thing... it a free kill. Running from zombies is your (sadly) better option though that is tedious too. I've gotten pretty good at ditching them, but it often can take 10 or more minutes in some cases. Gets old. Zombies should shamble, not run a light speed. Saw them keeping up with a jeep before. Every zombie is evidently a bionic track star.

As for stealth, it often results in getting sniped OR simply getting popped by some guy running by. I've been on both ends, just trying out all aspects of the game. The easiest guys to kill are the ones trying to sneak thru town... they are sitting ducks.

I even tried the crossbow. Make the bolts stackable. That one per slot business is just... not even worth it.

Sniping rules the game, as far as easiest way to kill people. I'll ditch whatever gun I have for sniper every time... whether you fight zombies or people - a sniper back in the hills covering your team or popping that random looter is so easy. I don't worry about any others like I do snipers. I've used them to great effect and know just how simple it is to take people out who never knew you were there.

EXPLOITS REAL AND IMAGINED

There are some real exploits and some things people complain about which I don't really fuss about. The logging of, relocating and then logging back in one is by far the worst. I'd suggest that there be an individual server (for lack of a better word) "temporary ban" that affects individuals for 5 or 10 minutes when they log out under fire. IMO thats the best option. The 5 min fall down timer is glitchy and pointless. I've had it hit me even tho I logged off hours before not under gunfire or anything. Sitting there watching a 5 minute hour glass while anyone can walk by and kill you... makes me fume at the Devs and want to uninstall. Instead, just prevent them from that one server for a temp time, this prevents the whole relocate issue and "punishes" people who log off in battle in order to relocate, without killing interest in the game over all.

Also, logging in where players are already present is irritating. Two guys and myself were at green mountain the other day. Just checked the area and secured it. Only one way in and out after all... when I saw zombies vanish. Two of my guys go down suddenly inside the compound... then two german guys start talking about it on comms. Then the german guys logged off before I could sneak past the remaining zombies at the gate to get a shot off. Could there be some way to... well I hesitate to say relocate... maybe delay logging in if a player is within a certain distance? Whats the point of securing an area if people can materialize out of thin air behind you? Sneak if you can, fine. Be hidden and not seen, fine. But... it was pretty aggravating to all of us, but especially the two who got taken out in this way. But dunno what can be done about it. Those two people haven't played the game since tho... and my interst has lessened due to this and other events. Even my stint trying the server changing to find a target while I was hidden, resulted in boredom for me. Whats the point in doing that? Guess some people find it fun.

Yes, I admit I tried it with a sniper to test how people did it... and it turned out to be incredibly easy to get player kills that way. Just camp an important spot... change servers till you see people... and then pop them. A 15 sec log off (as suggested elsewhere many times) where if you move the timer stops would help discourage hit and runs & lessen the constant flow of forum complaints about people logging off to avoid battle; but not prevent server jumping to find targets. I've played other games online for years. It just can't be avoided that people will log even WITH a timer, and realistically you can't forbid people from logging off whenever they want to unless you just want to lose regular players to the game because its normal for people to want to survive, get bored waiting for targets and change servers, etc. As for banning them for logging off even during a fight... eh. Thats very controlling. Never seen any game I've played (free to play or pay to play) that ever banned anyone for that; and it takes away from the voluntary & fun atmosphere of the game just as much as the log and relocate people do. If I miss my shot on a guy and he logs... I just tell myself to aim better next time and imagine "he ran off" - not like its actually hard to one shot people if you aim well. I don't rage that "he got away by logging". In fact, I missed a snipe the other day on a guy and I saw him vanish (log) right after... I just chuckled thinking he was probably filled with adrenaline at the moment and shouting in his house "I LIVED WHEW!!! THAT WAS CLOSE!!!" And I missed 2 shots (was a LONG distance shot lol) on a guy and he beat feet out of there. After 2 missed shots, I figured he deserved to live to tell the story. heh

Doubt the Devs will be minded to change this, but... the only option I see to prevent server hopping is to make each server an independent world. You get gear on that server, it stays on that server. As it is, someone compared the current state of things to the Sliders series. Yet here, you can go back and forth with everything at will... and quite intentionally for the purpose of jumping people, getting past defenses, or... as the case often is: people block off whole areas, and the only way they access them is by logging off and relogging via another server. Defenses are one thing but normally there would be at least ONE entrance... but with server hopping that just doesn't seem to matter.

ZOMBIES

Most of them just need to be slowed down. They simply sprint too fast... endlessly. I'd suggest making most of them an average, shambling speed. This way when you enter a building, you better have an exit strategy / be quick or get trapped. They won;t be there instantly, so you have a short time (unlike the current way of them always getting there). And they don't all chase you across half the map of Chenarus. You can actually out run them. I like that some go really slow (crawlers) and you sometimes miss them as they are kind of sneaky. And then leave just a few faster... maybe the priest clothed ones. That way everyone dreads the priest ones because they are the quickest. I'd even say that the priest ones could take 2-3 shots to kill. Some variety in zombies, in other words, would be interesting and it would make those cathedral loot spawns more... intimidating since priests spawn there more.

Respawn rate is too high. I was in a building killing more zombies at the door than were in the entire city as I passed thru. And saw the same from the outside once. Guy endlessly killing zombies in a building, and I saw them spawn over and over and over and run in. That occurs all too often. Slower zombies and even harder to kill zombies (some of them) would be fine. But super fast running and instant respawn... eh.

A PERSISTENT MOD, WITH NO PERSISTENT VALUE

As far as the mod specifically goes, it is different. And it held my interest highly for about two weeks. But, I've already started sensing disinterest. Not burn out really, though I have played it maniacally for this period of time. Just disinterest. Theres no lasting investment in the game to hold you when you die. No cache of goods, no gear you keep, no scoreboard even of past feats or records.

There is *nothing* persistent really about this game. It certainly has some intense moments, but what I'm trying to say is there needs to be *some* aspect that is persistent beyond dying and losing everything (gear and score).

I'd love to at least keep my backpack (an empty copy of it) once I restart. I mean, you need to feel like you've earned *something* out of that previous life. And a score board for your character would be a great step in the right direction.

So. I've gone lives helping people (always ends in me being killed by people), and even went one life being a full blown bandit. Got 10 kills, but the last attempt turned fatal for me. I attacked a squad of guys - I took out 4 pretty quickly but a 5th guy popped me. Not bad imo. Yet, theres no record of it for me to see or to show anyone... So when you start over... with nothing... theres no attachment/investment in the game. I've already seen several people I know who play, die and stop playing at that moment. When you lose even your score, theres nothing to hold on to. Nothing to look at and say "I did that, see!"

I know there will be plenty who can only shout praises for the game. Thats fine. Some will love it. I'm just giving my perspective on how you can add to the mod's durability and longevity, without changing it significantly (well, except the independent server suggestion, thats a pretty significant change).

NEED MORE VEHICLES

I've run so much in this game, and rarely ever gain access to vehicles. Yes, I know where spawn points are. But my point is they are not available enough. Thats half the fun of the Arma environment. More vehicles would be enjoyable. They are so rare, I don't even worry about seeing one when I run down the road. When I first started I wondered if running down the road was a bad idea... someone might drive by and all... But it never has happened yet. Had to go to the single player mode just to play with a bike... heh.

I may add more later. But, been at this for a while. Hope the Devs consider my points. Its definitely a lot of work to accomplish what you have; I just think you need to not forget that without some record or something carried over from life to life - a lot of people will find it easy to stop playing after that 50th or 100th new life with nothing... not even a kudo for killing 2k zombies.

[WhiteTigerShiro 25]

Typically you want until a game is finalized to review it. Just saying.

[Quaby 93]

You gotta realize the point of the game is to die. After you get to the point where you are well-armed and supplied, the only thing left to do is to die. I find camping on high value areas agonizingly boring, so after i get done on the coast, i head to stary sobor to try and get cool shit to play with. If i die, that's what I was trying to do anyway. If not, cool beans, im loaded with OP shit now. It's an alpha, lots of the kinks aren't worked out yet. Basically, don't get attached to your shit because you are going to lose it. And like so many other threads, this one features a "A SNIPERS KILLING MEEEEEE! WAAAAAAAAAAH!" clause. I personally have never been killed by a sniper, nor have i encountered one(hope my luck holds =)). And the exploits like server hopping and dc'ing to avoid death really can't be fixed without making everyone wait 3 hours to log out or log back in.

[euryale 72]

"I am trying to sneak in a town"

Then you deserve a clear shot, towns are death traps...

[scoffield77@gmail.com 192]

I didn't read this, but I assume you post this in the wrong place

[Dreganius (DayZ) 55]

I personally have never been killed by a sniper' date=' nor have i encountered one(hope my luck holds =)). [/quote']

I came across a sniper quite recently on a night server at the NWAF. Shame they were so idiotic. I had no NVGs, it was a full moon, skies were clear. I was looting the firestation, had a silenced M9 and an M16. Heard gunshots, saw bandit sniper with NVGs and an AS50 through the tower's windows. Climbed down, snuck up the side, and in direct chat, wrote "Shhh. No more tears. Only dreams." before shooting the bandit three times in the head with the M9.

Now I hunt those who once hunted me.

[adamtheheretic 106]

"After 2 missed shots, I figured he deserved to live to tell the story."

I think that was me, North America 1 north of Berezino?

Anyhow, it's an okay review and you seem just like a regular player which is good but the game is still in Alpha, I think you could compose a good argument for some cases for and against suggestions rather than judge the game before it's even got a release date.

[Cedrik (DayZ) 0]

Hey Fish, it was Starys Sober. I had a DMR btw, and the guy was running in the open on the South East side, circling the city. He actually ran right in front of my hiding spot and didn't see me then went through bushes and such till he was farther away. I could have tied his shoelaces together, but he ran by too fast. : )

I know its still alpha. But still, they need to hear genuine reviews even at this point. This is the time major development is still ongoing after all.

I know theres arguments for every which way, hence, I prefaced it as my review, not everyone elses. : P But, I've been gaming for years and a lot of games today do not have longevity imo. Doesn't mean no one will play them and enjoy them. Just some are successful, some are not to varying degrees. I bought Arma 2 Combined Ops specifically for this mod, and am already losing interest. In a few weeks... doubt I'll care enough to post a review. Heh. Just offering possible ways that would help the development towards maintaining people's interest. And you have to admit, that even just having a score board of your accomplishments would be a plus.

At the very least:

Most zombies killed in one life

Total zombies killed

Most zombies killed in less than 5 minutes

Most players killed in one life

Total players killed

Most players killed in less than 5 minutes

Most player helped in one life

Total players helped

Most players helped in less than 5 minutes

For players helped, that would include any bandages, blood, morphine etc applied to wounded players. I know all of this could easily be spoofed. Just farm zombies in barns... or wound people and heal them. Etc. But for genuine players, it will be something to add interest and spark memories of game moments.

[L0G!N 9]

interesting read, i wonder how i will feel in about a weeks time... :)

[Snapalapagus 2]

. I personally have never been killed by a sniper' date=' nor have i encountered one(hope my luck holds =)).

[/quote']

is that because you're the sniper?

=P