Some observations after a couple of days play..
I've had it just freeze on me twice, usually in a tomb or cave of some sort, one being on round 6 of the Crucible which was very annoying - since although it says its saving content, it doesn't seem to save in bewteen rounds of the Crucible. Its odd, the game freezes, no response, but the console itself is still working, back to dashboard was ok. So its not a total hang as such.
I was very upset to see the strapping young lass I'd chosen as my avatar to start to become very scarred and very obese, and with any sort of clothing on, ridiculously rotund. Simply because I'd been adding HP via Physique to her so she could withstand battles, and pumping the Toughness for the same reason. She became grotesque and I couldn't love her anymore. I had to throw a shedload of XP spent away, to make her pleasing to the eye again (although the Scars and "Too Human-like" Will lines are still there) - but just as I've made her as I want her again, she's got the HP of a small garden snail.
I also, want to make my character specialise in one thing or another, not have to dabble in many to make her viable. I was forced to take a Will based skill to open a gate to the world.. I didn't like that.
The crafting mini games are slightly amusing for the first few runs through, but attaining the 5th level on any profession seems to be a feat of endurance in terms of physical and mental torture. These press a button at the right time "games" aren't THAT exciting to play. It is true grinding. And yet, one of the easiest ways to make a lot of money. The gambling games all stink if you ask me. Theres just no skill to hardly any of them. The card one has a modecum of tactics, the rest are just tedious luck based money sinks.
The world itself is more linear than say something like Two Worlds, and the equipment, even with augments is dumbed down from your traditional RPG's. Plus theres no Bows that I can find *stomps feet in anger* and they promote the use of crossbows *shudder*.
The world is charmingly realised though, and the combat with the inclusion of cinematic slow-mo strikes can be very satisfying. Performing the 'coup de grace' killing blow on prone enemies can be a bit hit and miss, but overall I like the combat system. The expression system is a breath of fresh air, if a little confusing to begin with. The dog is a good idea, for promoting exploration and treasure finding. He even lends a small hand in combat if he can, by nibbling the throat of prone enemies. Some of the quest stories are intriguing and have a quirky british take on them, with some trying a little too hard to be "funny". The co-op system has yet to be tested out properly, since it seems to be more a help your mates when they need it, rather than a true multi-character co-operative run through the game. However, seeing your friends orbs in game is a unique concept and probably one of the more impressive unique features.
It has a lot going for it. But, it does sort of smooth down the character class system, and I guess thats the price you pay for trying to appeal to the mass market - and some would say its opening up RPG's to the gaming public. The idea of avatar appearance changing through experiences is excellent, but having a pie for health reasons making you fat, or trying to boost your HP a little to endure battles better starts to distort your characters physique, really gets on my wick. I need to be able to shape my character in beneficial and pleasing to the eye ways - like unqiue costumes and weapons, hair colour, hats etc, I don't need my combat tweakings to turn her into a 50 stone WWE wrestling man!!
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