Except one strange thing i noticed - and this might become problem in release. You can shift the sliders to make your avatar very wierd and ugly. I have seen something like huge gigantic mutated elf ... It could become very big problem in hands of leet kids
Now this made me laugh Rattrap but at least we would spot the "leet kids" a mile off. Hopefully though, those sliders can be used to create unique and interesting characters.
My own opinion of the game is that it just keeps getting better and better, although the first couple of weeks of beta did have me worried I'm now having a blast!
This thread is not gonna go anywhere. It's filled with abunch of self absorbed jerks that get off on pissing people off and will post anything to that end.
I'll add to the pandemonium anyway though:
The people that are complaining about empty spaces with generic mobs aren't considering a very important thing... Player Cities.
There has to be enoug space for players to build and expand player cities.
With flying mounts they have the option to put content in the skies where players can't build homes, and there all ready is an island in the sky.
Whatever though, flame and troll on cause you guys are obviously not gonna let little things like facts get in the way of your doom, gloom, and borderline harassment.
For people who hate the game so much you guys sure do post alot in the forums for it. You are also watching the forums like hawks so you can swoop in and repeat that same garbage over and over.
So keep on watching and posting, because the people who have brains enough to try the game out for themselves will and the weak minded sheep will flock around FullmetalArch and Rattrap and you guys can create your own little circle jerk of hate.
1. Later on, the game is sadly lacking. There seems to be a complete lack of content after level 25 currently. While they've been implementing things every day, the higher levels are quite lacking. Talents are rumored to be in the works, but currently, it's just skills. Oh, and you can add attribute points, but it's pretty standard. Out of 10, currently I'd give Vanguard a 3 in terms of character development..
You said lacking twice, not quite the verbology one would expect from a staff writer. I would be interested, as you gave Vanguard a 3 out of 10 in terms of character development, in how you would compare it to say WoW or EQ2? I hate to break it to you but you seem utterly biased.
2. As far as I'm aware, this is not currently implemented yet. Rumor has it that it will require teams of crafters though. It sounds pretty interesting, but we'll have to wait and see what unfolds. I'd imagine housing is just a storage dump though.
3. Sadly, yes. Even then, levels are not seemingly a total factor in PvE. In my experience, you will NEVER solo a 4 dot creature. Really impressive gear is lacking as well. Currently, Level > Loot > Skill. Skills seems to play virtually no role in this game for PvP purposes. The higher level will almost ALWAYS win.
4 dot NPC's are DESIGNED not to be solo'd. They are specifically for challenging group play.
4. Exploring, for me, is mind-numbingly dull in this world. It's lifeless. The graphics can look nice, but even the glossiest shine can't take away the lack of vibrance from the environment. The world is one of the most disappointing parts about Vanguard. They pride themselves on making such a huge world....but left it devoid of fun and interest. I would say that, currently, exploration is utterly pointless and tedious. I am hopeful that with the implementation of boats, that new opportunities will arise.
This is when your bias shows through starkly. The world is one of the most dissapointing parts of Vanguard?? Even the worst troll on this site will recognize the beauty and epic scope of the world of Telon.
5. Combat is weak. I don't have anything positive to say about it, so that's all I'm going to comment on it.
Combat is weak?? How would you say Vanguards combat diverges from, say, any other freaking MMO in existance?
6. I'm not sure what you're asking. Are you looking for a role-playing friendly environment, or...? Specify a little for me.
I hope that answers your questions. I'd STRONGLY advise waiting 2 months for this game to be polished up. I'd imagine there will be a significant influx of content by then as well, which should dramatically strengthen the game.
My rebuts to your "statements" about the game might seem a bit harsh, but when you post with the writers badge beside your name, you're going to have to expect it. I've never seen a staff writer so biased against this or any other game in my life. Which game do you play, EQ2 WoW or DAoC? Either way, I think a writer should have some level of objectivity, even when he or she is off the clock.
You on the other hand seem to have real performance problems. What system do you have Rattrap? I only want to help. Your opinion of Vanguard seems to be colored by your lacklustre performance, like so many other people who dislike the game.
Thanks Anarchy.
I do have older system , 1 gig ram and ati X700 gfx card. With tweaks you posted i manage to get around 20 fps.
I even mused about upgrading the system just to play Vanguard. But finnaly decided it is just not worth it.
There is few things that put me off personnaly
First off , it is the graphic. Vanguard is suffering from the same problem as EQ2. Some call this "the plastic" look ,for lack of better term.
All models are high quality , but they just dont fit together. They create - out of place - look. This is goes for MOB aswell. Some of them feel like they are completely out of place. This is not the question of rendering, just a poor design. - but i wont be all that critic. There are good sides aswell - When good designed, Vanguard really shines. Especially in forested areas, thanks to speed tree.
Even more I started to dislike player models. They are very strange , somehow flat on the sides. Thin. The model is completely same for all the races. And only the heads are diferent.
The customisation is poor. And not that much can be done to make your avatar diferent at all.
Except one strange thing i noticed - and this might become problem in release. You can shift the sliders to make your avatar very wierd and ugly. I have seen something like huge gigantic mutated elf ... It could become very big problem in hands of leet kids
Still all this would be aceptable, if Vanguard delivered one promise made - that made all the world to me.
"Content is the king"
For me VG was worth its weight in gold only for that.
However, i feel it is as far from truth as it gets.
Away from starter zones, world becomes empty and populated only by wandering generic mob. Places of interest become far and wide apart. And to tell the truth are not very interesting either. And all this huge world becomes instead of explorers heaven, a travellers nightmare...
This is where VG fails in my eyes
All this is my personal oppinion. It might be the question of tastes. How ever , i strongly suggest people to test the game before they
jump head first!
I know you have probably heard this before, but another gig of ram would make your experience just 10 times better! Not sure what zones you have been in, but travelling through the higher zones has been hairy to say the least. I was never alone for a second and it can be downright difficult to travel without getting in fight after fight. Perhaps some zones are more finished than others?
Anyway, I know it sucks but another gig of ram is needed in your case. I have the x800 pro and the game plays just about as good as EQ2 on full settings the both. And Vanguard just looks so freaking sweet.
Oh and the out of place thing, I have heard that about every game before. Seems to be what people say when they just arent enjoying a game. Oh well, maybe its not for you but I hope you find one you do like. I will have Vanguard for years to come!
Originally posted by madnagash Hi,Im a level 9 betatester, and i have some questions concerning the game. I hope that some high level tester will be able to answer. (I dont want to start a flame-war: i like this game, and would only like to see some constructive answers plz, to keep me going through the beta).1. VG is said to be a 3rd gen mmo - in the low levels it doesnt really feel that different than todays mmo's though. How does it look later on? How does the character development look - is it just the normal skills from the vendors you buy, or are there some other ways to advance - like talents or achievements or perks?2. What about housing? What are the benefits of having a house, and what can you do with it?3. PVP - from what i see now, a person who is 5 levels higher than me does signifficantly more damage than me, while my spells loose their capabilities... are my fears that only levels count in this game true?4. Exploring seems pretty dull right now...the areas are simply gatherings of similar level MOBs - i havent noticed any hidden stashes or chests, or hidden quests - is it also that way later on?5. Fighting is said to be highly tactical, but right now, although i have about 10 skills in total, i use only 2 or 3, the same against every foe. Is it like that later on?6. How much depth does the game have (i mean many different ways to play with a single character - and i dont mean leaving adventuring for the sake of diplomacy or crafting)...any examples?
I have a 26th Shaman so not exactly major high level but hope its informative.
1. I have lots of spells at this level, have a choice of about 5 ways to heal someone, HOT, Dmg Reduct, fast spells small heals, slow spells large heals, heal and immunity. Not to mention my dots, dd, buffs, slows, pet abilities etc etc. The "Talents" system is going to be shortly after release, they said they didnt want to rush it and it deserved to be good, so should see it about a month after release maybe less.
2. Houses. Firstly they are expensive. Cost a lot to buy, maintain and build. Benefits, well its something to be proud of, you can place your rare items in it and show off, can have a vendor (although not seen this yet), think SWG really.
3. No experience of PvP.
4. No chests in game, exploring is more eye candy and there is a lot to see, dungeons are huge.
5. You get a lot of spells/abilities, some are reactive, how you use them and what order can mean the difference from an easy win to a hard fight. NPC intelligence is not great at the moment but they have been improving it steadily. It certainly wont be WoW orientated push 3 buttons.
6. Depth, well as far as adventuring goes, I find I have about 3 zones per continent I can level in. Some have a lot of content (quests dungeons), some have just mobs. Some like Hilsbury Manor have events, curses, quests, faction etc etc.
From a game perspective, they say 20th level is when your character has a full set of skills that defines your class.
Now playing: VG (after a long break from MMORPGS) Played for more than a month: Darkfall online, Vanguard SOH, Everquest, Horizons, WoW, SWG, Everquest II, Eve
Away from starter zones, world becomes empty and populated only by wandering generic mob. Places of interest become far and wide apart. And to tell the truth are not very interesting either. And all this huge world becomes instead of explorers heaven, a travellers nightmare...
your so right ratttrap i think it would be way to much fun doing corpse runs every 20 feet just to get somewhere
I am sorry for being so harsh on Vanguard. But that is just my way.
I am very critical about everything. Even the games i play and praise , are not without many faults in my eyes.
You also noticed well. I am a lot on this forum.
It is because i am interested in Vanguard. Not because i hate it.
I will not hide the fact i am disapointed. But why call it hate? I am just commenting on the game, and expresing my oppinion.
Just as you do.
My oppinion just happens to be diferent, and negative.
And belive me when i say one thing. I would love to be wrong. I would love to hear in one month from everybody : "Vanguard is great, best mmo ever!" I wouldnt mind to be wrong , if it would win me a great game to play.
"Before this battle is over all the world will know that few...stood against many." - King Leonidas
1. Later on, the game is sadly lacking. There seems to be a complete lack of content after level 25 currently. While they've been implementing things every day, the higher levels are quite lacking. Talents are rumored to be in the works, but currently, it's just skills. Oh, and you can add attribute points, but it's pretty standard. Out of 10, currently I'd give Vanguard a 3 in terms of character development.. You said lacking twice, not quite the verbology one would expect from a staff writer. I would be interested, as you gave Vanguard a 3 out of 10 in terms of character development, in how you would compare it to say WoW or EQ2? I hate to break it to you but you seem utterly biased.
2. As far as I'm aware, this is not currently implemented yet. Rumor has it that it will require teams of crafters though. It sounds pretty interesting, but we'll have to wait and see what unfolds. I'd imagine housing is just a storage dump though.
3. Sadly, yes. Even then, levels are not seemingly a total factor in PvE. In my experience, you will NEVER solo a 4 dot creature. Really impressive gear is lacking as well. Currently, Level > Loot > Skill. Skills seems to play virtually no role in this game for PvP purposes. The higher level will almost ALWAYS win. 4 dot NPC's are DESIGNED not to be solo'd. They are specifically for challenging group play.
4. Exploring, for me, is mind-numbingly dull in this world. It's lifeless. The graphics can look nice, but even the glossiest shine can't take away the lack of vibrance from the environment. The world is one of the most disappointing parts about Vanguard. They pride themselves on making such a huge world....but left it devoid of fun and interest. I would say that, currently, exploration is utterly pointless and tedious. I am hopeful that with the implementation of boats, that new opportunities will arise. This is when your bias shows through starkly. The world is one of the most dissapointing parts of Vanguard?? Even the worst troll on this site will recognize the beauty and epic scope of the world of Telon.
5. Combat is weak. I don't have anything positive to say about it, so that's all I'm going to comment on it. Combat is weak?? How would you say Vanguards combat diverges from, say, any other freaking MMO in existance?
6. I'm not sure what you're asking. Are you looking for a role-playing friendly environment, or...? Specify a little for me.
I hope that answers your questions. I'd STRONGLY advise waiting 2 months for this game to be polished up. I'd imagine there will be a significant influx of content by then as well, which should dramatically strengthen the game.
My rebuts to your "statements" about the game might seem a bit harsh, but when you post with the writers badge beside your name, you're going to have to expect it. I've never seen a staff writer so biased against this or any other game in my life. Which game do you play, EQ2 WoW or DAoC? Either way, I think a writer should have some level of objectivity, even when he or she is off the clock.
I'm not taking offense here. My goal was not to troll, but answer the question with my opinion and experience. As for the ''verbology''...we all have moments of genius......and then we have moments of fail. Guess which one I had there, haha.
I do't have as much of a bias as much as I do just disappointment. To an extent, I would agree with you that I haven't tackled this particular title with a lot of... ''fluffy'' responses. I would not give WoW or EQ2 above a 7 in character creation either. Having seen Star Wars Galaxies and City of Heroes, it's not even fair to give this game a higher-end rating. I would give WoW a 5 on character customization, as I think it's just average, and EQ2 maybe a 6, though I haven't played EQ2 in QUITE some time now. The only reason I say this is because, personally, I think customization with the sliders is in need of some serious improvement. Why is my Vulmane cross-eyed, or why does half the scale for the slider seemingly have no effect on my character's appearance for example?
Regarding the 4-dot NPC's, I understand that enemies are meant to be group'd and solo'd by design. However, I find it slightly ridiculous that I can still get my ass handed to me on a silver platter by an enemy I'm nearly doubling in level on some instances. What real ''progress'' have you made when that same, nasty mob from level 10 is still whooping you at level 20? If advancement only means I'll be more effective in group situations, and get to wear some pretty new armor...well, I consider that a fundamental flaw.
In response to the world comment, I stand by it. Many others have said it, and I for one agree. Aside from the level 1-15 areas, mobs just seem randomly spawned. Small patches of mindless, drone-like enemies walking back and forth. Empty, lifeless zones of land. Minimal ''useless life'' running around. The world can look pretty nice with a graphics card...but Telon, in my opinion, lacks a soul. It's like one giant, empty, hollowed shell of a continent. This is my dispute with it. Congratulations to Sigil, they produced a remarkably over-sized land, but lack the content to really utilize it effectively. Yes, this will leave space for improvement and implementations in the future, but I'm personally not the type who enjoys paying for what coulda/woulda/shoulda been if you catch my drift.
Lastly, the comment about the combat system. You're right, perhaps I was a bit out of line on this one. Perhaps not. I would not have set the bar above a standard MMORPG title were it not for ''Brad's vision'', which, in my opinion, is a nice crock of nothingness. Think Peter Molyneux with Fable. I will demean the combat system in this game, not because it's exactly horrible, but I don't want a lot of potential players thinking this is truly some ground-breaking development in the MMO world. Despite the hate this comment will generate, it's nearly identical to EQ/WoW. So I guess I was trying to make the impression to other potential players that the combat system isn't anything special.
Hopefully this is an acceptable retort.
Waiting for something fresh to arrive on the MMO scene...
Comments
Except one strange thing i noticed - and this might become problem in release. You can shift the sliders to make your avatar very wierd and ugly. I have seen something like huge gigantic mutated elf ... It could become very big problem in hands of leet kids
Now this made me laugh Rattrap but at least we would spot the "leet kids" a mile off. Hopefully though, those sliders can be used to create unique and interesting characters.
My own opinion of the game is that it just keeps getting better and better, although the first couple of weeks of beta did have me worried I'm now having a blast!
This thread is not gonna go anywhere. It's filled with abunch of self absorbed jerks that get off on pissing people off and will post anything to that end.
I'll add to the pandemonium anyway though:
The people that are complaining about empty spaces with generic mobs aren't considering a very important thing... Player Cities.
There has to be enoug space for players to build and expand player cities.
With flying mounts they have the option to put content in the skies where players can't build homes, and there all ready is an island in the sky.
Whatever though, flame and troll on cause you guys are obviously not gonna let little things like facts get in the way of your doom, gloom, and borderline harassment.
For people who hate the game so much you guys sure do post alot in the forums for it. You are also watching the forums like hawks so you can swoop in and repeat that same garbage over and over.
So keep on watching and posting, because the people who have brains enough to try the game out for themselves will and the weak minded sheep will flock around FullmetalArch and Rattrap and you guys can create your own little circle jerk of hate.
My rebuts to your "statements" about the game might seem a bit harsh, but when you post with the writers badge beside your name, you're going to have to expect it. I've never seen a staff writer so biased against this or any other game in my life. Which game do you play, EQ2 WoW or DAoC? Either way, I think a writer should have some level of objectivity, even when he or she is off the clock.
I do have older system , 1 gig ram and ati X700 gfx card. With tweaks you posted i manage to get around 20 fps.
I even mused about upgrading the system just to play Vanguard. But finnaly decided it is just not worth it.
There is few things that put me off personnaly
First off , it is the graphic. Vanguard is suffering from the same problem as EQ2. Some call this "the plastic" look ,for lack of better term.
All models are high quality , but they just dont fit together. They create - out of place - look. This is goes for MOB aswell. Some of them feel like they are completely out of place. This is not the question of rendering, just a poor design. - but i wont be all that critic. There are good sides aswell - When good designed, Vanguard really shines. Especially in forested areas, thanks to speed tree.
Even more I started to dislike player models. They are very strange , somehow flat on the sides. Thin. The model is completely same for all the races. And only the heads are diferent.
The customisation is poor. And not that much can be done to make your avatar diferent at all.
Except one strange thing i noticed - and this might become problem in release. You can shift the sliders to make your avatar very wierd and ugly. I have seen something like huge gigantic mutated elf ... It could become very big problem in hands of leet kids
Still all this would be aceptable, if Vanguard delivered one promise made - that made all the world to me.
"Content is the king"
For me VG was worth its weight in gold only for that.
However, i feel it is as far from truth as it gets.
Away from starter zones, world becomes empty and populated only by wandering generic mob. Places of interest become far and wide apart. And to tell the truth are not very interesting either. And all this huge world becomes instead of explorers heaven, a travellers nightmare...
This is where VG fails in my eyes
All this is my personal oppinion. It might be the question of tastes. How ever , i strongly suggest people to test the game before they
jump head first!
I know you have probably heard this before, but another gig of ram would make your experience just 10 times better! Not sure what zones you have been in, but travelling through the higher zones has been hairy to say the least. I was never alone for a second and it can be downright difficult to travel without getting in fight after fight. Perhaps some zones are more finished than others?
Anyway, I know it sucks but another gig of ram is needed in your case. I have the x800 pro and the game plays just about as good as EQ2 on full settings the both. And Vanguard just looks so freaking sweet.
Oh and the out of place thing, I have heard that about every game before. Seems to be what people say when they just arent enjoying a game. Oh well, maybe its not for you but I hope you find one you do like. I will have Vanguard for years to come!
I have a 26th Shaman so not exactly major high level but hope its informative.
1. I have lots of spells at this level, have a choice of about 5 ways to heal someone, HOT, Dmg Reduct, fast spells small heals, slow spells large heals, heal and immunity. Not to mention my dots, dd, buffs, slows, pet abilities etc etc. The "Talents" system is going to be shortly after release, they said they didnt want to rush it and it deserved to be good, so should see it about a month after release maybe less.
2. Houses. Firstly they are expensive. Cost a lot to buy, maintain and build. Benefits, well its something to be proud of, you can place your rare items in it and show off, can have a vendor (although not seen this yet), think SWG really.
3. No experience of PvP.
4. No chests in game, exploring is more eye candy and there is a lot to see, dungeons are huge.
5. You get a lot of spells/abilities, some are reactive, how you use them and what order can mean the difference from an easy win to a hard fight. NPC intelligence is not great at the moment but they have been improving it steadily. It certainly wont be WoW orientated push 3 buttons.
6. Depth, well as far as adventuring goes, I find I have about 3 zones per continent I can level in. Some have a lot of content (quests dungeons), some have just mobs. Some like Hilsbury Manor have events, curses, quests, faction etc etc.
From a game perspective, they say 20th level is when your character has a full set of skills that defines your class.
Now playing: VG (after a long break from MMORPGS)
Played for more than a month: Darkfall online, Vanguard SOH, Everquest, Horizons, WoW, SWG, Everquest II, Eve
ATM PVP is meaningless unless your into just randome ganking ( wich is ok if thats what your into),
They really have alot of work to do if PVP is going to be any kind of a factor for VG.
searching for the next DAoC....
Kay-exile
Away from starter zones, world becomes empty and populated only by wandering generic mob. Places of interest become far and wide apart. And to tell the truth are not very interesting either. And all this huge world becomes instead of explorers heaven, a travellers nightmare...
your so right ratttrap i think it would be way to much fun doing corpse runs every 20 feet just to get somewhere
I am very critical about everything. Even the games i play and praise , are not without many faults in my eyes.
You also noticed well. I am a lot on this forum.
It is because i am interested in Vanguard. Not because i hate it.
I will not hide the fact i am disapointed. But why call it hate? I am just commenting on the game, and expresing my oppinion.
Just as you do.
My oppinion just happens to be diferent, and negative.
And belive me when i say one thing. I would love to be wrong. I would love to hear in one month from everybody : "Vanguard is great, best mmo ever!" I wouldnt mind to be wrong , if it would win me a great game to play.
"Before this battle is over all the world will know that few...stood against many." - King Leonidas
My rebuts to your "statements" about the game might seem a bit harsh, but when you post with the writers badge beside your name, you're going to have to expect it. I've never seen a staff writer so biased against this or any other game in my life. Which game do you play, EQ2 WoW or DAoC? Either way, I think a writer should have some level of objectivity, even when he or she is off the clock.
I'm not taking offense here. My goal was not to troll, but answer the question with my opinion and experience. As for the ''verbology''...we all have moments of genius......and then we have moments of fail. Guess which one I had there, haha.
I do't have as much of a bias as much as I do just disappointment. To an extent, I would agree with you that I haven't tackled this particular title with a lot of... ''fluffy'' responses. I would not give WoW or EQ2 above a 7 in character creation either. Having seen Star Wars Galaxies and City of Heroes, it's not even fair to give this game a higher-end rating. I would give WoW a 5 on character customization, as I think it's just average, and EQ2 maybe a 6, though I haven't played EQ2 in QUITE some time now. The only reason I say this is because, personally, I think customization with the sliders is in need of some serious improvement. Why is my Vulmane cross-eyed, or why does half the scale for the slider seemingly have no effect on my character's appearance for example?
Regarding the 4-dot NPC's, I understand that enemies are meant to be group'd and solo'd by design. However, I find it slightly ridiculous that I can still get my ass handed to me on a silver platter by an enemy I'm nearly doubling in level on some instances. What real ''progress'' have you made when that same, nasty mob from level 10 is still whooping you at level 20? If advancement only means I'll be more effective in group situations, and get to wear some pretty new armor...well, I consider that a fundamental flaw.
In response to the world comment, I stand by it. Many others have said it, and I for one agree. Aside from the level 1-15 areas, mobs just seem randomly spawned. Small patches of mindless, drone-like enemies walking back and forth. Empty, lifeless zones of land. Minimal ''useless life'' running around. The world can look pretty nice with a graphics card...but Telon, in my opinion, lacks a soul. It's like one giant, empty, hollowed shell of a continent. This is my dispute with it. Congratulations to Sigil, they produced a remarkably over-sized land, but lack the content to really utilize it effectively. Yes, this will leave space for improvement and implementations in the future, but I'm personally not the type who enjoys paying for what coulda/woulda/shoulda been if you catch my drift.
Lastly, the comment about the combat system. You're right, perhaps I was a bit out of line on this one. Perhaps not. I would not have set the bar above a standard MMORPG title were it not for ''Brad's vision'', which, in my opinion, is a nice crock of nothingness. Think Peter Molyneux with Fable. I will demean the combat system in this game, not because it's exactly horrible, but I don't want a lot of potential players thinking this is truly some ground-breaking development in the MMO world. Despite the hate this comment will generate, it's nearly identical to EQ/WoW. So I guess I was trying to make the impression to other potential players that the combat system isn't anything special.
Hopefully this is an acceptable retort.
Waiting for something fresh to arrive on the MMO scene...