Global Agenda has been making some changes of late. That almost goes without saying -- very few MMOs exist in a static state, after all -- but very few implement sweeping system changes and zone additions so quickly after launch. One of the largest additions with the newest phase of the Sandstorm patch is the Sonoran Desert, an open and persistent PvE zone for players to enjoy. In a new video developer blog, executive producer Todd Harris explains what the zone means for the game and how the systems within work.
The desert, which is aimed at providing a complete experience for players between levels 5 to 15, will be familiar in many ways to long-time MMO players. It's not that the idea of quests picked up from an NPC is new, but it's certainly new within the context of the game. Take a look past the cut to see the zone demonstrated in depth, and if the look strikes your fancy, it would be fair to point out that Global Agenda is subscription free.
This looks really great...Any feedback from someone in game? These dev's seem to do nothing but work their arses off...would love to give them support.
IDK it seemed pretty desolate in the desert, hardly any new players coming on board. HiRez needs to do something about the dwindling population. Too bad cause I like this game. I'm excited about the war zones when that gets implemented, maybe that will help with the players coming back.
The open zones have a capped population, around 50 is what the Dev's said. When you zone into the Sonoran Desert, you'll see the zone name followed by a number that shows how many instances of the zone are currently open.
The pop is kinda low, though it still feels higher than it was prior to Sandstorm. The consumables coming in is a big help. The open zone kind of feels like an afterthought, but I'm sure it's helpful to new players. It keeps them from the grind until 15 or so which is good.
It would be nice if they came out with a limited trial of some sort again. When I found out the game was going f2p I was stoked. I couldn't see paying a monthly fee for such small battles but so far I am loving the game. It's probably the most polished newer mmo I've played in a long time. My wife and I quested a little in the sonoran desert the other night and we had fun. Some of the pve instances seem really difficult, which is a nice change of pace. The defense raids can be difficult and fun but the rewards are so so. I look forward to larger persistant maps and learning about AvA, or the reworking of it that I hear is taking place.
It's hard for me to talk friends into buying it because there have been a lot of wasted money on failed mmo's in the past couple years. If they had a limited trial again I could at least talk some of them into checking it out I think.
Hey, I just downloaded the trial and have spent a happy few hours in the desert levelling to 10. The game is AAA polished and reminds me of Hellgate and Borderlands... F2P is definitely the model for this, and as soon as I get paid again, I'll definitely buy a key. More people would be good I guess, although I'm only just at the point where I can start doing 'event' battles. Still, I saw a few peeps mooching around Sonara.
The reason I hadn't looked at this before, was that I was under the mistaken impression that it was some kind of console junk. But anyway, it's great fun untill Planetside 2 comes out. ;) Thanks for the tip Massively. :)
Hey, I just downloaded the trial and have spent a happy few hours in the desert levelling to 10. The game is AAA polished and reminds me of Hellgate and Borderlands... F2P is definitely the model for this, and as soon as I get paid again, I'll definitely buy a key. More people would be good I guess, although I'm only just at the point where I can start doing 'event' battles. Still, I saw a few peeps mooching around Sonara.
The reason I hadn't looked at this before, was that I was under the mistaken impression that it was some kind of console junk. But anyway, it's great fun untill Planetside 2 comes out. ;) Thanks for the tip Massively. :)
