Finished Mercs 2 -- the final battle is a QTE. And the camera was broken during the QTE, it was trapped, clipping through a spinning camera with frozen character models that were probably supposed to be "off camera" in an out of control helicopter. If that doesn't count as shitting the bed, I don't know what does.
In summary, ending of Mercs 1 is an epic, tank rush followed by clandestine movement, siege invasion of a hardened fortress, and you really have to work to capture the last guy alive. Mercs 2 gave me a messed up, immersion destroying camera with a cheesy QTE before finishing the game for me. In many ways, the essence of the difference between the experiences both games offer is right there. All anyone needs to know.
Played some Saints Row 2 Strong Arm games; was surprised when someone was actually playing strong arm. One good game where people were doing what they were supposed to, another game where everyone on my team quit but me, and rather than compete for points, the other team decided to start deathmatch mode to encourage me to quit. During which time I won an event (derby). Losers.
I started Red Faction Guerilla today, and am so, so happy I finished Mercs first. The dynamics of the game are pretty astounding. But I'll drop my notes on it in the appropriate thread.
