Im so sick of people trashing a game THEY dont like. What is the point? If you tell me your top 5 favorite games I bet I could do the same thing, find one I didnt like and shit on it.
I played Wow. And it looks nothing like this. The combat is static and it doesnt have an immersive feel. It feels and plays like a game. And to the person who said guns dont belong in fantasy, says who? Thank god you dont get to define what can and cannot be in a genre.
GW2 isnt for everybody. No game is. But it is catering to a specific niche of the MMO Market that have been looking for a game like, including myself.
You not liking it (even though you havent even played it) doesnt mean the game is a 'clone' or is 'bad' - it just means its a game you in particular will not enjoy.
I play games that appeal to my tastes. Open to competition with other players, but generally play alone unless I find someone who is consistent and interesting. My goal is to level in all aspects (skills, crafting, etc) in order to customize my character to maximize my playstyle. I live for the exploration and the fight. I am deadly. committed to the destruction of monsters everywhere to claim loot and achievements to signify my victories.
Way before my MMO time :) Considering EQ came out in 1999, I was on my 14th or so console, Dreamcast - which coincidentally was my first online experience with SegaNET dial-up playing Quake III Arena.
I agree with Space Cobra. My perfect mix is a game that looks simple on the surface (easy to learn), but the longer you play the more you learn about the complexity (hard to master). That was the joy of the old school console RPGs. It was very easy to select 'FIGHT' and beat a snake. But as you progressed you LEARNED new skills expanding your actions to the point where you are now throwing magical combos followed by highly critical physical attacks.
Its the idea that you 'grew' this character from a low level, single skill orphan into this master fighter which is the hook for me. The downside to these games (seen now, but not then) was the lack of action. RPGs of old were strategy games. Take your time, think about your actions and make a selection. They were great. But now being older (and having experienced action time bars), I love the added 'complexity' of time into the strategic combat.
What I love about MMOs is the enemy fights in real time, forcing your to perform a quick strategy to eliminate them. Your thoughts against the clock (or your health rather). This shifted focus for me from the skills (which will do damage every time they level) to the build. How do you customize your character and your character traits to imbue your actions with bonuses.
The ones that do it best, provide an engaging story, and easy (and colorful interface to manage all of your assets) and (LARGE) enemies to pit your mettle against, all within in a beuatiful, changing world that begs to be explored.
Sandboxy things like crafting are also great, but not a true requirement as if you get the story and conflict (combat gameplay) just right it makes overlooking whats missing a bit easier.
I feel exactly the same way as the OP. I played countless 16bit SNES RPGs on my cell phone last year until I found MMOs. I fall in the middle, I like nice graphics (easy on the eyes) but doesnt have to be super realized. I tend to go for the more upbeat, cartoony/stylized models over the ultra realistic. Games today are getting too dark, cynical and serious for me.
I too have been playing F2P games that have 'simple' graphics, but DEEP gameplay mechanics. Currently playing Eden Eternal which has a beautiful cel-shaded look ala Dragon Quest (but if it was in HD).
I wish more developers would make games like this, allowing them to expand the world to massive scales since the characters and art would be of 'lower' quality.
Im new to MMOs. Started with SWTOR because I got completely bored with consoles, which Ive been on since 1975. I wanted mature stories, and longer (RPG related) gameplay. Consoles just to make the old school stat-based RPGs anymore, and the ones they do make dont have a combat mechanic I can really dig into.
Got bored with SWTOR in what? 2 months, and thats where I realized what I look for in an MMO. Story. It doesnt have to revovle around me but I need LORE to set the context of what Im doing. It gives the game a unique feeling. Which gives me IMMERSION. I really do want a living breathing world where I can play with other players. And finally COMBAT is critical. If Im going to be fighting 90% of the time (because I like to fight things) the combat mechanic has to be simple, but have depth and fun. All at the same time. Ive even realized I like the tab/hotkey combat if it moves fast enough adding a pinch of skill to the victory.
I happen to like leveling, but on a curve. Level me fast at first but then flatten the curve as I get higher. But this type of leveling has to be coupled with content to support the XP. What I find in MMOs today is you level nicely to about the mid 30s... and even with quests, and other xp-grabbing mechanics, it becomes stale. There isnt enough variety nor enough quality in actions outside of combat. Then even though I like to grind, it begins to feel like one taking the fun out of it and making it more a chore.
EXPLORATION. Im an explorer. Give me a map with nooks and crannies and I want to search through them. The best ones give you XP for discovering new areas, or give you that 'hidden' quest which is great. This is how I wish questing was like. more natural, let me come across it. But Ive played MMOs where exploration meant HUGE flat, abandoned, boring landscapes that you have to run....... for minutes at a time to cross... and cross you will ... to finish the quest and then to turn it back in. I wouldnt hate the run back so much if there was interesting stuff to see/do (maybe fishing, crafting, stopping at ale house along the way or there were multiple ways back allowing to perhaps find a shortcut or another quest.
The more options you give me to do, the longer I will stay in the game.
Being new to PC gaming can someone explain this model to me? What is the difference between pre-order and pre-purchase? If I pre-purchase from gamestop does that mean I can digitally download the client from the Anet website or they will ship me a shrink-wrapped copy?
From a business perspective why would someone want to (or not) be on Steam? Does steam get a cut of the price if I buy from them versus ANet?
This PC stuff is complicated :P With consoles you simply buy a disc and your done. You want digital download you get XBOX Live.
Still wont go back though, PC games are way more involved, varied, mature and all around fun for an old timer like me.
@Maseno I have a station pass to SOE. I STILL had to PAY for bag space in EQ2. That sucks, but it was less than 10 dollars and to me not the end of the world. Lets be straight its not the F2P model thats the problem, its the way SOE implements it.
Wow nice to hear. Quadrupled the devs? So they have what, four now? ;-)
Their F2P model is fair, if it like all the other P2P converts it will bring an influx of new users who didnt want to pay to see what its all about. There would be 3 tiers. Free (but extremely limited), silver (less limited), and gold (do whatever you want). Which Ive heard others hate, but I like because it allows you to upgrade on your own schedule. I have a station pass so Im covered.
Vanguard to me feels like the spiritual successor to Everquest. But the lack of players and the bugs brought it down a notch for me. I still can hear rain but cant see it! So I stopped playing.
Will definitely jump back in with the expectation of actual other players as I felt this is one of the best up-to-date sandbox games out there. With a little dev love, and some hotfixes could turn out really nice.
See you guys on the Isle (like level 8 and havent left yet) :-)
Guild Wars 2 closed beta impressions -- Shawn's thoughts
Apr 16th 2012 3:07PM (Massively)I played Wow. And it looks nothing like this. The combat is static and it doesnt have an immersive feel. It feels and plays like a game. And to the person who said guns dont belong in fantasy, says who? Thank god you dont get to define what can and cannot be in a genre.
GW2 isnt for everybody. No game is. But it is catering to a specific niche of the MMO Market that have been looking for a game like, including myself.
You not liking it (even though you havent even played it) doesnt mean the game is a 'clone' or is 'bad' - it just means its a game you in particular will not enjoy.
So here's some advice. Dont play it.
The Soapbox: Casual is as casual does
Apr 4th 2012 2:29PM (Massively)I am a gamer. period.
The Daily Grind: What's on your MMO bucket list?
Apr 4th 2012 2:13PM (Massively)Finding that *one* MMO to call home, complete with crafting, housing, exploration and multiple lands. Im looking at you lime odyssey. Do it! :-)
Leaderboard: Ultima Online vs. EverQuest vs. Asheron's Call
Apr 2nd 2012 4:04PM (Massively)The Soapbox: Mechanical buildup
Mar 30th 2012 11:05AM (Massively)Its the idea that you 'grew' this character from a low level, single skill orphan into this master fighter which is the hook for me. The downside to these games (seen now, but not then) was the lack of action. RPGs of old were strategy games. Take your time, think about your actions and make a selection. They were great. But now being older (and having experienced action time bars), I love the added 'complexity' of time into the strategic combat.
What I love about MMOs is the enemy fights in real time, forcing your to perform a quick strategy to eliminate them. Your thoughts against the clock (or your health rather). This shifted focus for me from the skills (which will do damage every time they level) to the build. How do you customize your character and your character traits to imbue your actions with bonuses.
The ones that do it best, provide an engaging story, and easy (and colorful interface to manage all of your assets) and (LARGE) enemies to pit your mettle against, all within in a beuatiful, changing world that begs to be explored.
Sandboxy things like crafting are also great, but not a true requirement as if you get the story and conflict (combat gameplay) just right it makes overlooking whats missing a bit easier.
Perhaps GW2 will be the first iteration?
Free for All: From realistic dragons to a dragon icon
Mar 29th 2012 9:31AM (Massively)I too have been playing F2P games that have 'simple' graphics, but DEEP gameplay mechanics. Currently playing Eden Eternal which has a beautiful cel-shaded look ala Dragon Quest (but if it was in HD).
I wish more developers would make games like this, allowing them to expand the world to massive scales since the characters and art would be of 'lower' quality.
The Soapbox: Leveling isn't bad -- its implementation is
Mar 28th 2012 3:35PM (Massively)Got bored with SWTOR in what? 2 months, and thats where I realized what I look for in an MMO. Story. It doesnt have to revovle around me but I need LORE to set the context of what Im doing. It gives the game a unique feeling. Which gives me IMMERSION. I really do want a living breathing world where I can play with other players. And finally COMBAT is critical. If Im going to be fighting 90% of the time (because I like to fight things) the combat mechanic has to be simple, but have depth and fun. All at the same time. Ive even realized I like the tab/hotkey combat if it moves fast enough adding a pinch of skill to the victory.
I happen to like leveling, but on a curve. Level me fast at first but then flatten the curve as I get higher. But this type of leveling has to be coupled with content to support the XP. What I find in MMOs today is you level nicely to about the mid 30s... and even with quests, and other xp-grabbing mechanics, it becomes stale. There isnt enough variety nor enough quality in actions outside of combat. Then even though I like to grind, it begins to feel like one taking the fun out of it and making it more a chore.
EXPLORATION. Im an explorer. Give me a map with nooks and crannies and I want to search through them. The best ones give you XP for discovering new areas, or give you that 'hidden' quest which is great. This is how I wish questing was like. more natural, let me come across it. But Ive played MMOs where exploration meant HUGE flat, abandoned, boring landscapes that you have to run....... for minutes at a time to cross... and cross you will ... to finish the quest and then to turn it back in. I wouldnt hate the run back so much if there was interesting stuff to see/do (maybe fishing, crafting, stopping at ale house along the way or there were multiple ways back allowing to perhaps find a shortcut or another quest.
The more options you give me to do, the longer I will stay in the game.
Guild Wars 2 pre-purchase locations announced
Mar 28th 2012 2:47PM (Massively)From a business perspective why would someone want to (or not) be on Steam? Does steam get a cut of the price if I buy from them versus ANet?
This PC stuff is complicated :P With consoles you simply buy a disc and your done. You want digital download you get XBOX Live.
Still wont go back though, PC games are way more involved, varied, mature and all around fun for an old timer like me.
SOE answers Vanguard free-to-play questions
Mar 28th 2012 2:38PM (Massively)I have a station pass to SOE. I STILL had to PAY for bag space in EQ2. That sucks, but it was less than 10 dollars and to me not the end of the world. Lets be straight its not the F2P model thats the problem, its the way SOE implements it.
SOE answers Vanguard free-to-play questions
Mar 28th 2012 2:34PM (Massively)Their F2P model is fair, if it like all the other P2P converts it will bring an influx of new users who didnt want to pay to see what its all about. There would be 3 tiers. Free (but extremely limited), silver (less limited), and gold (do whatever you want). Which Ive heard others hate, but I like because it allows you to upgrade on your own schedule. I have a station pass so Im covered.
Vanguard to me feels like the spiritual successor to Everquest. But the lack of players and the bugs brought it down a notch for me. I still can hear rain but cant see it! So I stopped playing.
Will definitely jump back in with the expectation of actual other players as I felt this is one of the best up-to-date sandbox games out there. With a little dev love, and some hotfixes could turn out really nice.
See you guys on the Isle (like level 8 and havent left yet) :-)