Off Topic Productions

I like doing playthrough topics for games, so here's one for my latest TNM playthrough.

Mods: Shifter v1.8.3
TNM Version: 1.0.4+
Difficulty: Custom (Tank/Normal/Plentiful/Crowded)
Storyline: Siding with PDX and the Llamas
Trestkon's Attitude: Paragon (Light side)
Current Location: Llama temple, exploring before I head to the Server Complex

I never finished my last playthrough; I got a bit bored on the GameSpy Station, and when I came back to it earlier this month, I had forgotten basically everything, so I started over.

I'm building this edition of Trestkon to work mostly with Pistols, though I'll keep an Assault Rifle on hand for 20mm HE ammo. I don't intend to use Heavy weapons at all because they take too much space. I also have a good number of all four DX grenades, though I plan to ditch the Gas and Scrambles at some point. Also stockpiling Crystal Melk and Medkits.

As for augmentations, I already have Microfibral Muscle 1, Speed Enhancement 1, Ballistic Protection 3, Aqualung 1, and Cloak 1. To round out the set, I plan to take Vision Enhancement, Aggressive Defense System, Power Recirculator, and Regeneration for sure. Additionally, if I can find a second Regeneration/Energy Shield container, I'll replace Aqualung with Energy Shield.

My intent at the moment is to do every sidequest that comes available as soon as possible, except for the WorldCorp subbasement; I'll do that on Day 2.

Also, some questions.

1. The portal behind the bookshelf in Despot's apartment. Is there any way to access it without the Ghost cheat? I tried it once, and what Narcissus said after I arrived...wherever I arrived implied that the answer is no, so I'm curious.

2. I have not been able to locate any entrances to the sewers. Where are some?

boct1584 wrote:1. The portal behind the bookshelf in Despot's apartment. Is there any way to access it without the Ghost cheat? I tried it once, and what Narcissus said after I arrived...wherever I arrived implied that the answer is no, so I'm curious.

Despot's apartment can be legitimately accessed in the WorldCorp storyline.

2. I have not been able to locate any entrances to the sewers. Where are some?

There are four throughout the Corporate sector. One is to the right of PDX HQ when facing it, one is in an alley on the same side of the street as the Partyzone, one is behind the AMD building, and one is in front of the Quickstop. Look for circular manholes in the ground.

In the PDX story too, unless you say 'meta-knowledge' is illigitimately

Yeah that is what I was getting at

Current Location: Sewers (PDX access point)
Current Mission: Go to the Old Server Complex

I decided to try exploring the sewers for the way into WorldCorp's subbasement, and I'm having trouble contending with all the greasels, because it's hard to dodge the spit without falling in the water because the ledges are so narrow.

I realize that it makes sense from a DX-universe perspective to have them in the sewers, but from a gameplay/developer perspective, what was the rationale behind having so many?

The rationale was to make the sewers less boring to traverse. The number of greasels changes dramatically depending on your enemy quantity difficulty setting.

You are aware you put the NPC amount to very high, right?

*facepalm*

Now I feel stupid. It completely failed to occur to me that NPC Quantity might affect animals too.

Current Location: Old Server Complex

I've so far shut down 3 of 5 servers, and am thanking my lucky stars I took the EMP Pistol from WorldCorp; I had forgotten there were so many of those flying drones. (Or the NPC Quantity affects them as well.)

Not looking forward to the Shadowcode puzzle; last time, I spent like three days trying to figure it out before I said "fuck it" and opensesame'd the door linked to the puzzle.

(Request for list of medbot locations removed because there's one on the TNM Wiki)

It's nowhere near complete though.

As for the OSC, medpacks can help. 60HP for lvl 2 can keep you going for a looooooong time .
And don't forget to pick up the Vortex Nade.

boct1584 wrote:(Or the NPC Quantity affects them as well.)

It does. It affects all enemy types.

Current Location: Outside PDX HQ
Current Quest: WorldCorp Sub-Basement

Again, I elected not to screw with the ShadowCode AI puzzle, and opensesame'd my way past the door. I have since also done Beefman's quest to wreck the Melk fountains.

Hassat Hunter wrote:It's nowhere near complete though.

It's something, at least.

And don't forget to pick up the Vortex Nade.

Where was that? I don't think I saw it. Was it in the last storage room before the area transition to ShadowCode? (Above the machinery with the two spiderbots in front of it?) I forgot to check that one.

It's in one of the rooms somewhere near the computer you download Shadowcode to IIRC.

Current Location: Outside PDX HQ
Current Quest: Proceed into DXI

I did the WorldCorp sub-basement in two visits: first, to take out Black ICE, then to take out the WCID terminal and rescue Slicer. A few questions relating to Slicer.

1. Does rescuing him have any effect on the storyline?
2. Can you find the code to shut the lasergrid fencing him in off in-game, or are you supposed to multitool it?

boct1584 wrote:1. Does rescuing him have any effect on the storyline?

It changes his dialogue later on, that's all.

2. Can you find the code to shut the lasergrid fencing him in off in-game, or are you supposed to multitool it?

You have to multitool it.