Three Near Release MMOs- which one?

Huntn

I'm looking for an MMO who has a high degree of exploration and a high percentage of soloable/small party content. In particular I'm considering 3 MMOs- Tabula Rasa, Age of Conan, and Warhammer. I think both TR and AoC place heavy emphasis on guild activities. I'm not sure about Warhammer. My impression is that AoC leans towards twitch PvP which I'm not looking for in a MMO (I save that for UT )

How would you compare these titles? Is there a near release title that fits the exploration and high % of soloable/small party content requirement?
Thanks!

Shoal

AoC and WAR are not 'near release'.

Unless you consider 6 months (and probably more, to be 'near').

And TR is all 'twitch' and not very good at that.

Heck, does not even support 1st person view mode.

Is a wierd sort of '3rd Person Shooter'.  Blech.

So, I am afraid you will have to wait a while.

Maybe try out some MMORPGs that you passed up?

CoH, EQ2, DAoC, AO, WoW, etc.

Any of those might keep you going for the 6 to 9 months it will be before AoC or WAR comes out.

Good Hunting.

treefitty

I think Warhammer is going be a great exploration game and small group game because they have a focus on endgame content being mainly PVP, rather than 40 to 25 man pve Raiding. If you watch some of the podcasts they mention how exploration will work in the game.  I think Paul put it into perspective when he said you would be walking around exploring and you see someone dead lying on the ground he has a sword impaled in him. You take the sword and bam new item for you >8D.

Plus with them focusing mainly on content rather than graphics shows that you don't have to have a super-computer to run it. This will allow more people to play it because I'm sure the majority of players do not have a computer that can run a graphic intensive game, such as AOC.

I'm ready for Warhammer... it may not be bring much more to the table but it looks like its doing what WoW said they would do in the beginning, which was that their game would be more pvp oriented. Plus with Warhammer, your actions directly effect the enviroment of the game. Watch all the podcasts on their site, it helps to understand the concept they are bringing to the MMO world.

Lucifrank

Originally posted by Huntn


I'm looking for an MMO who has a high degree of exploration and a high percentage of soloable/small party content. In particular I'm considering 3 MMOs- Tabula Rasa, Age of Conan, and Warhammer. I think both TR and AoC place heavy emphasis on guild activities. I'm not sure about Warhammer. My impression is that AoC leans towards twitch PvP which I'm not looking for in a MMO (I save that for UT )
How would you compare these titles? Is there a near release title that fits the exploration and high % of soloable/small party content requirement?

Thanks!

You know, you might also want to give Vanguard: Saga of Heroes a fresh start if you're looking for exploration and small party content. The game just underwent its second game update since being rescued from the inept hands of Sigil, and while it has a long way to go, there is a vast, seamless world to explore and a tight (though small) community to game with.

Huntn

What is the latest AoC release projection? Last I heard it was Fall 07. BTW they are hammering TR in this thread.

BTW check my signature. I've played quite a few MMOs. I'm starting to wonder if I'll every play another.
Thanks!

Huntn

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Originally posted by treefitty
I think Warhammer is going be a great exploration game and small group game because they have a focus on endgame content being mainly PVP, rather than 40 to 25 man pve Raiding. If you watch some of the podcasts they mention how exploration will work in the game. I think Paul put it into perspective when he said you would be walking around exploring and you see someone dead lying on the ground he has a sword impaled in him. You take the sword and bam new item for you >8D.
Plus with them focusing mainly on content rather than graphics shows that you don't have to have a super-computer to run it. This will allow more people to play it because I'm sure the majority of players do not have a computer that can run a graphic intensive game, such as AOC.
I'm ready for Warhammer... it may not be bring much more to the table but it looks like its doing what WoW said they would do in the beginning, which was that their game would be more pvp oriented. Plus with Warhammer, your actions directly effect the enviroment of the game. Watch all the podcasts on their site, it helps to understand the concept they are bringing to the MMO world.

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That sounds hopeful. Last I heard it was looking like a Spring 08 release.
Thanks!

rishaki

You should concider spellborn , release q4 this year

Shoal

Originally posted by Huntn


What is the latest AoC release projection? Last I heard it was Fall 07. BTW they are hammering TR in [url=http://www.mmorpg.com/discussion2.cfm/thread/147007]this[/url thread.
BTW check my signature. I've played quite a few MMOs. I'm starting to wonder if I'll every play another.

Thanks!

Yes, I saw the EQ2 after I posted.  But, none of the others.

Don't shy away from WoW because of all the flaming.  I have played most of the ones on your list, and all the ones on mine, and am still playing WoW after three years.  Lots to do and it is absolutely an exploration game (along with all its other sub-games).  Heck, you even get experience (equivilent to 2 or 3 mob kills) for finding new (to you) areas.  Plays *much* faster than EQ2 and is even more small-group focused than before.  Best classes for quick group pugs are :  Priest, Warrior, Mage.  Worst for PuGs is Hunter.  All others in the middle.

CoH is fun for a while because it is different.  But do need to get into a guild.  Solo content tends to get tiresome soon into the leveling process.

DAoC focus is mainly PvP (which the call RvR), and the whole point is to get to 50 to do it.  If you do try DAoC, be sure to play the Classic Servers; others have Trial of Atlantis enabled, and that is a grind-fest; not for casuals.

If you want to play, and not pay, then Anarchy Online will easily keep you going till AoC or WAR.  You can also get a feel for how Funcom manages a game and get a hint in advance as to if you want to sign up for AOC.  (WAR is from the folks that did DAoC; same thing applies to that game as well).

One I did not mention is GuildWars.  Is ok game, but not really a MMORPG.  More along the lines of a fantasy BF2142 with lots of kiddies and zones that are big chat rooms.  More PvE content than when first launched, but still, the whole point is PvP.  100% instanced.

One note on PvP.  If you are a casual PvP player, WoW is hard to beat.  I never PvP before in all the 7 years I have been playing MMORPG.  But last Saturday, I got 60 Honor Kills (level 62-70 that I was primary killer) and numerous 'ganks'.  Just started doing WoW PvP a few weeks ago and am no way 'hardcore' geared or experienced in PvP.

So, my recomendation.  World of Warcraft.  Try it.  Don't even need the Expansion.  Does not really come into play till level 58 anyway.

Good Hunting

Huntn

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Originally posted by Lucifrank

You know, you might also want to give Vanguard: Saga of Heroes a fresh start if you're looking for exploration and small party content. The game just underwent its second game update since being rescued from the inept hands of Sigil, and while it has a long way to go, there is a vast, seamless world to explore and a tight (though small) community to game with.

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I played the beta. I had recently quit WoW and Vanguard seemed so much like a WoW clone. I remember some criticism about the game not being solo friendly in mid-game. My real problem is that I spent so much time with WoW and kill and collect quests, at level 60 I was doing the same exact quests that I may be out of the MMO game for a while if they keep using the same quest philosphy. And WoW's raids- they required too much time commitment. If I can't solo, I much prefer small party content.
Thanks for the feedback.

Huntn

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Originally posted by Shoal

So, my recomendation. World of Warcraft. Try it. Don't even need the Expansion. Does not really come into play till level 58 anyway.
Good Hunting

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Thanks Shoal for the suggestions. I've got 20 months of WoW XP.

Shoal

Ugh!

Did not see WoW on your top line.

Oh well. 

Yes, it is '08 for both AoC and WAR now.

Luck

Huntn

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Originally posted by rishaki
You should concider spellborn , release q4 this year

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Thanks for the suggestion. I'll check it out.

Daffid011

You might want to go way old school and give anarchy online a shot.  Plenty of solo/small group stuff there and it is free so not much to lose.  Pretty high learning curve, but a great community last time I was there.  It has been a while since I logged on so no promises of what it is like now.

 

D&D online sounds like it might fill your void while you wait for something to come out.  It isn't really an exploration game, but you can hack and slash through dungeons with some nice twists.

 

Tabula Rasa is almost entirely solo play and not much for exploration.  The game honestly points to you on the map where you should go next.  If you enjoyed WoW I doubt you will find this entertaining.

 

It sounds like LOTRO would fit your needs, but you didn't like it?  I thought it was a fine game, but just not enough to pull me away from WoW.  Guessing it is the same for you?

Kyleran

Since you aren't currently playing a MMORPG, consider giving the EVE free trial a go. 

I did 4 months ago and really am enjoying the change.

Huntn

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Originally posted by Daffid011
You might want to go way old school and give anarchy online a shot. Plenty of solo/small group stuff there and it is free so not much to lose. Pretty high learning curve, but a great community last time I was there. It has been a while since I logged on so no promises of what it is like now.

D&D online sounds like it might fill your void while you wait for something to come out. It isn't really an exploration game, but you can hack and slash through dungeons with some nice twists.

Tabula Rasa is almost entirely solo play and not much for exploration. The game honestly points to you on the map where you should go next. If you enjoyed WoW I doubt you will find this entertaining.

It sounds like LOTRO would fit your needs, but you didn't like it? I thought it was a fine game, but just not enough to pull me away from WoW. Guessing it is the same for you?

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I'm very hesitant to do a civilization crumbling MMO, but I should take a look at it. Regarding LOTRO, I don't know. It did not seem very magical and I've read LOTR 3 times. Actually if it was a choice between the two, I'd stick with WoW.

Huntn

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Originally posted by Kyleran
Since you aren't currently playing a MMORPG, consider giving the EVE free trial a go.
I did 4 months ago and really am enjoying the change.

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That deserves a look too. I am currently playing Nexus: The Jupiter Incident and having quite a bit of fun with it. Plus Eve is coming to the Mac. I'll be toting a MacBook Pro in the near future. (PC gaming box + 360 at home.)

LouiseK

Originally posted by Huntn


What is the latest AoC release projection? Last I heard it was Fall 07. BTW they are hammering TR in this thread.
BTW check my signature. I've played quite a few MMOs. I'm starting to wonder if I'll every play another.

Thanks!

We do seem to have fallen into a bit of a new-release dry spelll... I believe AoC is "first quarter of 2008" and WAR is "March 2008" but i might have got those mixed up.

For me WAR and AoC are them most promising of the upcoming releases as far as mainstream stuff goes. I keep changing my mind as to which in particular... I think WAR is winning atm, it just looks more impressive and the community seems more mature.

Huntn

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Originally posted by LouiseK

We do seem to have fallen into a bit of a new-release dry spelll... I believe AoC is "first quarter of 2008" and WAR is "March 2008" but i might have got those mixed up.
For me WAR and AoC are them most promising of the upcoming releases as far as mainstream stuff goes. I keep changing my mind as to which in particular... I think WAR is winning atm, it just looks more impressive and the community seems more mature.

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Did'nt AoC start as a Summer 07 release, then move to Fall 07?

Regarding Warhammer- maturity is very good!

VultureSkull

I know you have played WoW already, but i was inthe same boat as you, looking for a new MMO after WoW, tried EQ2 but didnt like the graphic requirements and could never find anyone to party with. Tried D&D for 2 minutes didn't like it. Tried LOTR didn't like it.

 

In the end i went back to WoW, as i love the five man dungeons and they are well done in Wow.

Consider playing a different class, Healer or a Tank gives a totaly different expereince than a DPS, especially in parties.

Also if you like exploring, if your main was horde, try being an Ally as this gives u a new out look to the game.

 

 

 

 

Huntn

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Originally posted by VultureSkull
I know you have played WoW already, but i was inthe same boat as you, looking for a new MMO after WoW, tried EQ2 but didnt like the graphic requirements and could never find anyone to party with. Tried D&D for 2 minutes didn't like it. Tried LOTR didn't like it.

In the end i went back to WoW, as i love the five man dungeons and they are well done in Wow.
Consider playing a different class, Healer or a Tank gives a totaly different expereince than a DPS, especially in parties.
Also if you like exploring, if your main was horde, try being an Ally as this gives u a new out look to the game.

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The WoW 5 person instances are excellent and if there is a reason I'd come back to Wow it would be that. But I've got that distinct been-there-done-that feeling. I think I've changed. WoW has just outstanding environments, and so it took me all most two years to burn out on the "static nature" of the world. I may be ruined now for most MMOs.

Ozmodan

Hard to know how a game will be until you play it.  I have not seen many positive threads on Tabula Rasa, but again the game is not out yet either.  Both AoC and War are a bit down the pike, but I have serious doubts that Mythic has learned from their mistakes.  Besides War is a board game translated to a MMO, we all know how bad  DDO turned out strictly because so much is lost during the translation process and board game rules really conflict with the fun aspects of online gaming. 

Your wait might be longer than you expect.

VultureSkull

How about Gods and Heros i beleive that is out soon, havent heard anything negative about it yet.

Huntn

GaH Minion setup seems interesting and solo friendly.

saivior

The Chronicles of Spellborn, should fit what you want. It looks to be released before the end of the year. The only hold up is that they don't have a US publisher yet. It looks ready to be released in Europe and Asia, right now, but I think they are holding out on a simultaneous, world-wide release.

 

Mahlo

Spellborn is definitely worth taking a look at. It should be out before AoC and WAR.

Meltdown

Originally posted by Ozmodan


Hard to know how a game will be until you play it.  I have not seen many positive threads on Tabula Rasa, but again the game is not out yet either.  Both AoC and War are a bit down the pike, but I have serious doubts that Mythic has learned from their mistakes.  Besides War is a board game translated to a MMO, we all know how bad  DDO turned out strictly because so much is lost during the translation process and board game rules really conflict with the fun aspects of online gaming. 
Your wait might be longer than you expect.

I agree with what you said there in the beginning. There are so many discouraging threads/reviews about all the new games I am starting to wonder how much we should even pay attention to them. People have hated every single game in existance for one reason or another. I'm checking our Tabula Rasa right now and already I can see a lot of people's complaints against the game are not justified at all. One being that its very WoW-esque. Well WoW was very EQ-esque and EQ was very Meridian 59-esque which was very... you get the idea.

Thats not to say TR is the uber-est game evar and you should all play it!!!!1111one But so far I am enjoying it.