The debug 0.9.9.3 special k released today keeps on forcing the game to 0fps... which as I found out all the way back with the benchmark, crashes the game (in other games, this usually = unlocked fps, but not here). The only way to keep it from doing this is to open the dxgi config, change the fps - save, open the game, open another copy of the file again, change the fps back - save, and then lock the file to read only. MESS.
Performance/stuttering/loading did not noticeably improve. In fact, the on-time-rythmic-hitching issue returned. So I said fuck it, and rolled back to 0.9.9.
Finally finished chapter 1 (11 hours in game, 24 hours steam time because of retries and tech toubleshooting) - did all hunts, fought all major field enemies 1 time each (each giant type [let the sun do the job for me on the red guy], giant scorpion, ban-snatch), did all 3 dungeons (couldn't open them at the end of course). Reviving the guys at the last second so they don't fall behind on the EXP tip sure is time consuming/nerve-wracking. Decided to focus on AP (got almost all important all passives). The bioblaster poison ability is a time saver for the Ronin guy. Using the 3 fanfares+20% sandwich (major fights)+GQ Hotel, I wound up at 42K~ EXP: Level 1 >> level 24 with 667+ surplus AP to spend on other junk at the start of chapter 2. I tell ya, half the passive AP abilities (camping, food prep, pictures) rely heavily on camping - which effs up experience gain multiplier. Thank goodness for the Nixperience Band - how'd ya'll do this ish in 2016??? Been using Ragnarock 90% of the time for that 1+ AP per kill - this is now WARPSTRIKE XV, but I'm still having a lot of fun!
Am I overleveled? I don't plan on leveling again until the free stays in chapter 3 and 9. Idea is "No Mob EXP Grinding/Hotel Only/AP Monger/'Tourist' (one and done)" run.
