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Very first impressions
Knightblast
Member UncommonPosts: 1,787
A few impressions from playing so far --
1. The graphics are very detailed (esp the environment) and feel like EQ2, or an updated EQ. In some ways the world feels like EQ2's but ... emptier. The NPCs don't move around like some of EQ2's, don't seem engaged in their own environment to the same degree, but the overall "feel" of the world is very EQish. Some may like that, and others may not. One feature I thought was neat is that your character hs different outfits depending on what they are doing -- one for adventuring, one for crafting/harvesting and one for diplomacy. That's a neat little detail that helps immersion in a world that otherwise is somewhat immersion challenged at the moment.
2. The encounters/quest system seems to work well enough. Yes the game requires grouping to play much of the content, and it has steep death penalty compared to many other games. But the combat mechanics seem the same as in most games and easy enough to get used to. Animations could use some more polish.
3. Crafting system reminds one of EQ2 as well, but is different in terms of play experience. It's like EQ2 in that it is its own game that requires attention, rather than an instacraft system.
4. Diplomacy is an interesting game in itself as well, and surprisingly addictive. It's a card game with a few twists and it's kind of fun. I'm not sure how much fun it would be as a main focus, however.
5. This is not a game for casual players at all. It takes a long time to do a lot of things. The zones are huge, as are the cities. Walking across the city to get to where you need to go (trainer, quest giver, bank, crafting area, etc.) takes quite some time compared to many other games. You'll look up at the clock and notice that 45 minutes have gone by, and you haven't really accomplished much at all. If you're the kind of player who has 2-3 hours a session to put into a game, you won't progress well in this one at all ... it's a very time-sinky game.
Just first impressions. I'll have more observations in another few levels.
1. The graphics are very detailed (esp the environment) and feel like EQ2, or an updated EQ. In some ways the world feels like EQ2's but ... emptier. The NPCs don't move around like some of EQ2's, don't seem engaged in their own environment to the same degree, but the overall "feel" of the world is very EQish. Some may like that, and others may not. One feature I thought was neat is that your character hs different outfits depending on what they are doing -- one for adventuring, one for crafting/harvesting and one for diplomacy. That's a neat little detail that helps immersion in a world that otherwise is somewhat immersion challenged at the moment.
2. The encounters/quest system seems to work well enough. Yes the game requires grouping to play much of the content, and it has steep death penalty compared to many other games. But the combat mechanics seem the same as in most games and easy enough to get used to. Animations could use some more polish.
3. Crafting system reminds one of EQ2 as well, but is different in terms of play experience. It's like EQ2 in that it is its own game that requires attention, rather than an instacraft system.
4. Diplomacy is an interesting game in itself as well, and surprisingly addictive. It's a card game with a few twists and it's kind of fun. I'm not sure how much fun it would be as a main focus, however.
5. This is not a game for casual players at all. It takes a long time to do a lot of things. The zones are huge, as are the cities. Walking across the city to get to where you need to go (trainer, quest giver, bank, crafting area, etc.) takes quite some time compared to many other games. You'll look up at the clock and notice that 45 minutes have gone by, and you haven't really accomplished much at all. If you're the kind of player who has 2-3 hours a session to put into a game, you won't progress well in this one at all ... it's a very time-sinky game.
Just first impressions. I'll have more observations in another few levels.
Comments
My first observations on Vanguard:
1) Skill upgrades appear to be purchasable at certain levels, and are not automatically awarded to your character. I like this, as it allows differences in characters, however, I can see with the in game prices the Asian platinum farmers are going to have a field day.
2) I miss the voice overs from NPC's in the towns/cities, like EQ 2 had. Maybe just me, but it gave a nice feeling to be walking thru Freeport and overhearing somebody say something negative to your character. Gave the city some flavor, in Vanguard they just stand there and wait til you interact with them. In Vanguard the populated areas feel to artificial, just not alive with their own personality.
3) Diplomacy was sweet, I played the little tutorial, and picked up a free book in town that described it. There is plenty of in game help for a player to follow what is going on. Going to try crafting next, and see how that tutorial is. Sometimes I felt lost, but eventually found my way. Not too impossible.
4) I agree with many others, more choices in hair styles and beard styles. Character customization is fun, I spent my first evening designing characters, checking out starting areas, then deleting the characters, and trying something different.
5) My server is developing a community. People are starting to ask for help, and receive it, rather than get an intimidation hassle. Mostly it seems like non-beta noobs helping each other though. The beta players have already rushed thru and are staking out their groups/guilds in their rush to level.
6) I am a casual player, and feel at home in the game. I am concerned about solo content issue though. Brad McQuade stated 20% solo content, and that is pretty much what the starter areas are so far. If this counts as his solo content, I don't expect to see any solo content after level 10. This could have a detrimental effect on casual player staying around.
7) I know, I know, "Noob, this game is not for everyone, go back to WOW". Thank you for that advice Beta testers.
You can use diplomacy to gain access to rare items or quests, so that makes it a lot more meaningful in the long run.
This is coming from someone who quit EQ2 to play vanguard and who will continue to play vanguard...
Plenty of solo content right upto 50th, its an option.
The reason it won't be detrimental in the long term is because people realise the best xp and loot is only available in group dungeons. It really is loads better.
So you can solo to 50th but if you group, you will do it in half the time.
Soloing really is an option if you cant find a group.
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
Came up in the beta a lot and still isn't enough. I am sure it will be better when they have time.
Good news is the left the customisation option in.
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
Plenty of solo content right upto 50th, its an option.
The reason it won't be detrimental in the long term is because people realise the best xp and loot is only available in group dungeons. It really is loads better.
So you can solo to 50th but if you group, you will do it in half the time.
Soloing really is an option if you cant find a group.
Sweet, I like to at least have the option to do something solo if I can only log for a few hours. Usually I kill time crafting, and diplomacy appears to be an option, but sometimes I really just want to kill something.... you know the feeling......
I haven't played into it too far yet but this game reminds me so much of EQ2 it could almost be EQ3. If you like EQ2, you'll like this.
The Diplomacy looks like a nice addition.
The only thing I will contest with the OP is that...I have 2-3 hours a night to play (I don't get home until 5:00, I have to make dinner, take care of things and get in bed by 9:30 at the latest) ...and I feel like I make a significant dent in my XP bar or accomplish enough quests to make me feel satisfied.
Alot of nights 2-3 hours is a good enough block to run a dungeon, which can result in 1/4 - 1/2 a level or more around level 15.
Granted the FAQ was outdated in more than a few places, but FYI....the best loot is not always in a dungeon, or with a raid. According to that original FAQ, the idea was to allow people with different playstyles to have access to that great loot. Soloer? There will be some long and intense quests, figure 15-20 hours that might give you that incredible weapon. That item will be every bit as good as the one that someone gets via a 24 man raid.
The catch to it, was that the raid type items would be of a different benefit, such as one found in a dungeon needing Fire Resistance might have FR as a benefit as well. Different, but equally as good.
Did all this good stuff make end game?
Dont think anyone knows for sure yet, but in concept, it's a pretty great idea.