Ashes Afterglow TC - closing the vault

[Gzegzolka]

I hope that salesman Larry will return in Episode 3

[EddieNahui]

I've played through the mod about 4 times so far 5 technically(but i got softlocked on 1.00 but shit happens) 3 times on Apocalypse, 1 time on Survival . The gameplay I absolutely love and the weapon arsenal is across the board fun to use though. The rest is under this spoiler as to not ruin it for newcomers

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The story is incredible and I love the method of story telling coming from the chats and from the environment and the end of area comics which are so awesome. The atmosphere is incredible and combined with the music or ambient noises it does a superb job of immersing the player. Anomaly 210 is probably the best level atmospherically and still manages to frighten the life out of me due to the way the level builds tension. The references in the game make me smile alot so many of them are great it also makes me very happy to see Mr Icarus in prosperity . On the endings I like the two options we have but I would not mind a third one but if there is a secret one I may have missed it (because you get that bomb off Commissioner Garvano and I have no idea what you do with it) also if it is to do with getting 100% secrets i need to look harder on Sigma. As a whole I'm very happy with the experience though I would not mind a couple of weapon buffs and enemy buffs. Most notably the enemies found in the Anomaly 210 which are like haunts on crack (I have no idea what they are called i originally called them Laughing toms but I think those are the Snipers you find in the Nuclear Power Plant) I would not mind the projectiles moving quicker and in terms of weapon buffs I would not mind a buff to the Laser Gun as it feels a tad weak and the Pig Launcher has felt quite weak on Apocalypse. Aswell In general I'd make Apocalypse a bit more difficult same with survival but my difficulty balance perspective is a bit out of whack as because before this I was mashing my face into the way trying to beat Blood on Extra Crispy. I'll never complain about seeing more weapons.I was also slightly sad that To Ashes which was the soundtrack from the second to last level in Ashes 2063 was not used in this which was a shame because imo it was the best song in the soundtrack but these are very minor complaints.

In conclusion the game is incredible it is easily the Best Doom Mod I've ever played and this for me would be my game of the year even if it is a mod because it is that fucking good. Thank you for your hard work and time Voystok, Reformed Joe & everyone else involved fucken sick game.

[CyberneticPhantom]

I have finally finished my most recent playthrough on my preferred difficulty of survival and just like the first time it was great (even better with the bug fixes)! It's my second time since 1.0 and I got 100% of the secrets and what I believe is the best endings for everyone and I can't wait for the new expansion whenever that comes out, that short story collaborative project that may happen, whatever else you have planned and of course Episode 3! Overall this was an amazing mod and I can't wait to see where this goes next and how awesome that'll be! Don't want to spoil anything so specifics are below.

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The story in particular was my favorite part and I totally didn't expect the arena or the cutscene before it at all, though it was a welcome sight! Everything with the mutant army and learning about the times before the apocalypse was super interesting and cool as well and I'm super interested to find out about the DPRI (that's the right spelling right?) and 'The Blooming'. The weapons were fun to use and the enemies were challenging and fun to fight as well. I can't think of many complaints; the exploration, combat, atmosphere, and story were all awesome and now I just need more of it! I'd be surprised if this didn't win a Cacoaward this year because this is one of the best mods I've played and it feels like an indie game more than a Doom mod. It's like a modern Strife and I loved it.

Also the extra ending was the Porcelain one right? So, we're gonna play as her in the expansion which is cool, I didn't expect we'd get to play a different character. And then Episode 3 is totally taking us to New Nashville right? Athena mentions we should go there and that she hasn't been able to reach the backup of herself so maybe we help with that? Plus we've heard New Nashville mentioned a couple times and it's north of Georgia, where we're already heading. I'm excited to see where we do eventually end up since this game is so interesting.

Oh and the soundtrack! Props to Primeval for that and I can't wait for that to release soon either and listen to it all again to find my favorite tracks!

Finally, keep up the great work guys and thank you to everyone who worked on this or contributed anything to it! I see many more playthroughs of this series, especially with another update coming soon, in my future!

[Serathis]

Quick question. How many legendary armors are in game? I found only 1.

[Kroc]

Botanical Gardens was the most incredible level I've ever played in Doom and may be one of the best FPS experiences I've ever had. Just, wow.

[Max Dickings]

Botanical Gardens was the most incredible level I've ever played in Doom and may be one of the best FPS experiences I've ever had. Just, wow.

Agreed.

Just finished all of Afterglow -

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Out-fucking-standing. I thought you guys would come close at hitting what made the first chapter great, instead you blew it out of the water. I have a couple minor gripes/requests and that's about it, don't change much please!

Leaving the subway with the motorcycle was incredibly frustrating regardless of the controls. So much of that segment is so close quarters I was afraid to gain ANY speed unless I risk losing HP on the walls or supports/pillars everywhere. Plus despite the brightness adjustment in the prologue I felt it was too dark, and the cycle's light being only a 6ft radius all around the player barely helped. Oh and the few times I had to run over a mutants the cycle seemed to come to a dead stop more often than not. Post-stadium the other areas are wide open and it was a genuine joy to drive around, especially the dog.

I agree with a previous poster, I wish the sawed off didn't auto-reload like a few other weapons. I'd rather blast all the barrels and switch to something else. Instead I'd get the triple barrel upgrade, blast two barrels, then switch to avoid a reload.

The fully upgraded musket REALLY wish it had a cancel ability when charging it. Also the LED display on the bottom right of the scope view is obscured if you use the default HUD layout.

Not really an issue but something I alluded to earlier is the game has a good habit of crossing off things in the journal (THANK YOU FOR THAT BY THE WAY) the second you finish something. I feel like after you get the harmonica it should warrant crossing it off the journal. I spent way way too much time at the power plant looking for the dead scavengers unbeknownst to me I was holding the quest item the whole time.

I'll be honest I'm super confused what was expected of me/us in the mission where we put bombs on the Roamer base. It was so difficult and unclear where to put the thermite charges that I wiped out everyone just to make sure I had all the points. In retrospect I GUESS I could have wiped out everyone besides the boss and the main building, but I never got the sense that planting the four bombs using stealth was optional. Also I was dead-set on finding warehouses to attach the bombs I never thought to check the oil tanks because I was going off what the baron said. That may be the only point I was truly stuck.

Otherwise the levels were perfect. Perfect blend of open areas to explore combined with linear set pieces.

Jesus christ what are those new gas bags they are terrifying and horrifying. I don't think a doom mod ever gave me that much sense of dread until when I first heard/saw one. I loved it. Speaking of which so much enemy variety MY GOD YES it always kept me on my toes, like wtf new thing is going to be around the corner this time.

I have a bad habit in games of hoarding and never using special weapons until bosses because I'd rather save it 'just in case' than use it, and REALLY wish I had it later on. You solved that problem by introducing the mysterious soldiers - finally got to let loose with the M16! Speaking of bosses that fight was perfect. I legitimately died the first time and won the second time. To me that's perfect, not too hard not too easy. Also that escape sequence was fucking aawwwweeesssooooome.

If you're keeping track of new player experiences I had plenty of money for all upgrades and assembled the PIG on my first and only run.

Great nod to fallout with the ending sequence!

In conclusion despite my minor gripes this was perfect. So much so in fact I don't feel there are any areas I'd rather skip in a second play-through. It was all a joy, and so much detail to appreciate.

ETA on chapter 3?? Joking. But I am already crazy excited for it whenever it comes!

[Leostales]

Finished the whole game! Dang! What a ride!

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* Allied with the baron to save prosperity. He ultimately removed the barrier between the towns.
* Blew up the ammunition and killed all the Roamers soon after.
* Don't think I completed the medicine quest, but Michonne seemed to have a good ending. Porcelain survived to become an experienced scavenger.
* Got the ending with Silver killing travellers. Is this supposed to be a good ending or bad?
* No nukes launched, so Smiley was not killed.

I have a bunch of questions:

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* What does the videotape in Smiley's cache do?
* What do the collectibles do? Do they just give you money like the first game?
* How do I get the combination for the vault in the bunker?
* How do I get to the submarine level? I don't think I found the Spire ruins in The Gap.
* Which level is the first secret level? How do I access it?
* Can I realistically get 100% monsters and survive the final level?

Awesome, awesome game! It took me a few playthroughs to fully appreciate the original, so I wouldn't be surprised if my love for this game grows as I revisit it. Here's what I liked:

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* The weapon upgrade system.
* Riding Lucy. So much easier than the motorcyle!
* Better motorcycle mechanics than first game.
* Revisiting old characters and locations. Loved how you guys continued plotlines from the last game
* That ending! It wasn't a nuclear war, but a response to cure a disease!

My favorite maps were The Flooded District, Up The Creek, and The Dome. God, The Dome was so creepy.

I'll save my criticisms for my next playthrough.

What I'd love to see:
* A level in an airport terminal
* A level on a moving train
* A third tier of upgrades
* A level/spin-off set in other parts of the world. Would love to see your take on post-apocalyptic Africa, Asia, and Europe.

Vostyok, you and everybody else who worked on this project should be giving yourself huge pats on the back for coming up with a sequel this epic. Looking forward to anything you guys cook up in the future!

[Mechazaurus]

Quick question. How many legendary armors are in game? I found only 1.

I found two I believe.

[Mechazaurus]

Replaying with the new version, and I'd like to re-iterate all the praise. This is probably my favorite DOOM engine game. I also have a question: How do you open the safe in the nuclear plant? Because after looking everywhere, I have no clue at all.

[NovaRain]

I have a bunch of questions:

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* What does the videotape in Smiley's cache do?
* What do the collectibles do? Do they just give you money like the first game?
* How do I get the combination for the vault in the bunker?
* How do I get to the submarine level? I don't think I found the Spire ruins in The Gap.
* Which level is the first secret level? How do I access it?
* Can I realistically get 100% monsters and survive the final level?

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* The video game cartridge can be sold to the radio guy when you get to the uppertown.
* You need to listen to the radio in that bunker to get the combination.
* About the secret maps: viewtopic.php?f=19&t=69612&p=1204676#p1204676
* Just make it to the shelter in time and all monsters outside will be killed when the nuke is dropped, at least that's how it works in 1.02.

[Kroc]

Is there no way to place the bombs without alerting everybody? I don't understand if I haven't got the game in the right state or if I really am supposed to just run my ass off and avoid getting killed?

Edit: I did exactly that, and that appears to have worked; at least the Baron mission was successful.

[EddieNahui]

Finished the whole game! Dang! What a ride!

---

* Allied with the baron to save prosperity. He ultimately removed the barrier between the towns.
* Blew up the ammunition and killed all the Roamers soon after.
* Don't think I completed the medicine quest, but Michonne seemed to have a good ending. Porcelain survived to become an experienced scavenger.
* Got the ending with Silver killing travellers. Is this supposed to be a good ending or bad?
* No nukes launched, so Smiley was not killed.

I have a bunch of questions:

---

* What does the videotape in Smiley's cache do?
* What do the collectibles do? Do they just give you money like the first game?
* How do I get the combination for the vault in the bunker?
* How do I get to the submarine level? I don't think I found the Spire ruins in The Gap.
* Which level is the first secret level? How do I access it?
* Can I realistically get 100% monsters and survive the final level?

Awesome, awesome game! It took me a few playthroughs to fully appreciate the original, so I wouldn't be surprised if my love for this game grows as I revisit it. Here's what I liked:

---

* The weapon upgrade system.
* Riding Lucy. So much easier than the motorcyle!
* Better motorcycle mechanics than first game.
* Revisiting old characters and locations. Loved how you guys continued plotlines from the last game
* That ending! It wasn't a nuclear war, but a response to cure a disease!

My favorite maps were The Flooded District, Up The Creek, and The Dome. God, The Dome was so creepy.

I'll save my criticisms for my next playthrough.

What I'd love to see:
* A level in an airport terminal
* A level on a moving train
* A third tier of upgrades
* A level/spin-off set in other parts of the world. Would love to see your take on post-apocalyptic Africa, Asia, and Europe.

Vostyok, you and everybody else who worked on this project should be giving yourself huge pats on the back for coming up with a sequel this epic. Looking forward to anything you guys cook up in the future!

I have a question but it will be under the spoiler tag

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how did you stop the Nukes from launching mate since I think I'm missing something ?

[NovaRain]

I have a question but it will be under the spoiler tag

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how did you stop the Nukes from launching mate since I think I'm missing something ?

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You need to get the briefcase computer from Athena in the Sigma Site. If you mean the final run, you cannot stop that.

[Kroc]

The Roamers mission continues to be inscrutable:

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Others are saying that best ending requires keeping the boss alive. I've done the bombs and done a runner, leaving everybody at the site. When you go through the North gate, you get ambushed by the boss and your only option is to kill them all. I'm assuming this counts as bad-ending since if you go back to Prosperity, the news guy says that the Roamers boss is dead. Therefore should I just run past the ambush, grab the bike and go?

Also, why is the Roamers leader carrying a timed bomb? Did I miss one??

Other fixes/improvements to note:

* Once you've bought both the bandolier and the side-pouch the conversation doesn't really change, so he says he can make both, but there's nothing to select. The text should probably change to say that you're carrying as much as you can already

* Clearing the bunker should appear as a mission in the journal, or should otherwise have some kind of complete notification. I don't know if it's actually possible to claim you've cleared the bunker without actually doing so (killing all mutants), but it struck me as unlike other side-quests that have voice lines and the like once completed

* The jailer still says he has to guard an empty jail, even though there's a new occupant (if you catch the traitor)

* In general the responses from the town folk don't change enough according to your progression; Patch, for example, doesn't change his dialogue even when you've been to the Dome and the nuke site. The feeling of progression in the area would be stronger if more of the conversations change as you complete missions. The Sheriff doesn't change dialogue after you've done the Baron's mission or wiped out the Roamers etc.

* Related to this is how the "clearing the gas tunnels" mission completes as soon as you blow the turbine, but this is not related to obtaining the suit and going through the gas run. Players could possibly think they have completed the area and not remember to come back with the suit

[Ihavequestions]

As we roll into the tail end of this release, please let me know your thoughts on episode 2 as a whole - would like to know what you really enjoyed, what you think didn't really need to be here, and anything you'd like to see - we're using this information to plan a possible episode 3 (tbc).

As a whole, it is superb. I love the strong non-linearity and the multiple final storylines. The maps are very well done and offer a lot of thematic variety.

Of course, there are a few nitpicks. Specifically with Afterglow, what has been confusing me is how some of the new enemies are too similar looking from a distance, like the Hell Knight replacement that is almost indistinguishable from either the Demon replacement (cannibal) or the Hell Baron replacement (cannibal boss), unless you're just a few leaps away or get to be attacked; or the dark-hooded enemies (Revenant replacement, Arch-Vile replacement, Wolfenstein SS replacement).
Basically, the Hell Knight replacement and the Revenant replacement should have a different color than pink/black.

Another thing is the Mancubus replacement that is differently implemented on the technical level than the other enemies and therefore causing errors in combination with some other mods. I've found out that the reason why I had the original Mancubus appear instead was the old Nashgore.wad - a mod specifically recommended for use with the original Ashes 2063. I suppose it won't be compatible with Afterglow unless the Manslayer is implemented the same way as the other enemies are. The newer Nashgore.pk3 has not been causing this error but has to be tweaked a bit in order to find reasonable values for blood amount and gib amount.