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Comment by sirbranedamuj | Hacker News Reader

>As my gear improves, I don't feel any stronger.

I don't see this as a problem. I'd rather a deep or skillful gameplay system where I get better and gear upgrades are incremental or side-grades.

"Avatar strength" is boring.

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I really like what they've done with progression here. You still kind of get the standard RPG linear progression with armor upgrades, but it's the preparation aspect of the gameplay loop that really shines for me.

ex.: You get to a new region, something in the environment prevents you from exploring easily (for instance, cold). You can either tough it out and spend a lot of time/resources, or return later once you've acquired some meals/weapons that help you deal with the situation. I see this system as a really clever alternative to classic logarithmic power creep curves.

It also feels more natural and, well, realistic, than having XP bars and attribute stats, which really are just a vestige from the paper based DnD games of yore.

I'd argue the game doesn't really have that either. Combat feels really simple and hasn't changed for me over the course of 10 hours of play; swing, jump back, dodge, swing..

I'm not sure how you're surviving on just a swing sword and dodge strategy. If the enemy has a spear, you can't just run up to them. If they have thick armor you have to parry their attacks, maybe shoot a weak point. I just fought a giant monster who started covering his weak spot after I shot it one time.

Maybe you just got really good at it really fast :)

You get better weapons, more hearts, more stamina, and the most import thing is that you actually get better at combat. It would be interesting to spend a substantial amount of time with the game, beat it, and then start from the beginning. You'd be able to do everything, no need to learn it all.

I want to watch one of these 1hour speed runs, but only after I complete the game. I can only image how good those guys must be

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