Requoting so you guys don't think I just upped and forgot about you ;)
Just as an upfront: I think an 8.1 is an excellent grade, the word next to the score is 'Geweldig', which roughly translates to excellent or awesome.
Which is an apt description of how I feel about the game.
However, there are still issues. As you asked me for them, I'll post some here, but don't mistake this for me being very down on the game. Again, I gave it an 81, which in my book is still an excellent score.
Most of my gripes are with the pacing and some of the gameplay elements. The crafting is too simplistic and because there are only 2 crafting elements, you are not encouraged (except on higher difficulties) to check out all the world has to offer.
General gunplay is somewhat decent, but not nearly where I would like to see it. I'm not expecting some instant point and shoot gibbage, but right now some of the guns feel a little off to me. I'm a big fan of the new crossbow however.
The general story I thought was excellent and I found the cast charming. Standing around for 20 minutes while they tell you stories is not my idea of fun however. At some point I would've rather just read it, so I can set my own pace and not have to wait for someone to finish talking. I literally just lit up a cigarette on the train sections and settled in with a drink until they were done. The content itself isnt bad as such, but it's the presentation that bugs me.
The vehicle sections (boats and car) feel kind of off and dont really add anything, except give you a way to get around quicker, while skipping exploration, which I think would be more interesting, especially with how full and vibrant the world is. It feels as though they had intended to do more with the car, but the map in which they wanted to do it got cut or smth. For instance, you bring the car with you on the train, and it's there in the end, but only for a small linear section.
The AI is rather shit on lower difficulties, and tbh it's still nothing to write home about on the higher ones. I did really enjoy the way they convey what they are doing and how aware they are of your presence through speech.
Overall, I did really enjoy my time with the game, but I can imagine someone who does not enjoy story as much, will come away with a very different impression. It very much feels like a Metro game, warts and all. I hope they make another one soon.
