Does the entire game world still amount to only a single city acting as an instance hub? If so then D&D Online is still bad game and tremendous waste of the license.
Adding new races and dungeons and whatnot doesn't change the fact that the game is fundamentally flawed.
Even in the beginning this wasn't the case, but even less so now. The city was the center of the DDO universe, but it wasn't the "hub" for all the quests. You could visit Three Barrel Cove...another city, and from there go on a dozen quests. You could visit the Sorrowdusk Isles and from there embark on a dozen or so quests. etc.
Now, however, it's far less the case. After teleporting to Gianthold, for example, you are now in a completely separate camp. Complete with it's own tavern, Auction House site, bank, vendors, healers, etc., it's own quest givers, and as the entrance to a giant landscape to explore. Take an airship or the caravan to the Menechtauran Desert and you'll find a complete oasis town, again complete with all of the above, and also the entry way to a very large landscape to explore. Restless Isles, same thing...Orchard of the Macabre or Necropolis, same thing.
Playing a game in beta for a week hardly qualifies anyone to review it a couple years and a dozen meaty releases later.
Even a network of hubs does a world make. And no I didn't make it to max level, however did go past the harbor. Because the game simply wasn't fun.
I completely reject the concept of "the game gets fun at X level or Y point in your character progression." If the game isn't enjoyable in the first few hours, it's not worth sinking more time into.
I'm guessing many people here had the same experience, which is just as valid as your experience of enjoying DDO.
My basic point is that the people who tried DDO in the past will likely not change their opinion despite the added content because the game did not appeal to them (and me) at a fundamental level.
This is usually the case whenever anyone dislikes a game. It all comes down to preference and opinion. Which of course is not the realm of "correct" and "incorrect."
Vincenz is like the 300 Spartans up against the Persian army in here
In my experience with the game those of us that love DDO do so because it is different than your standard MMO. Yea we know it could be better, what game couldn't be done better? I had to laugh at the comments at Turbine taking the easy out making this game. They took a chance making a different sort of MMO instead of another WoW clone.
Most of the complaints I saw were people that seemed to want a Oblivion/NwN style MMO so this game won't be for them.
I'm having trouble seeing where the Gold Box games are tied into DDO?
I was also a HUGE fan of that series. I even went beyond that series and bought Pool of Radiance: Ruins of Myth Drannor when it came out. Sure, it had its bugs and its haters, but I still found it to be a fantastic, fun game with lots and lots of content. Same thing with DDO.
I enjoy this game because it breaks away from the "same ol' same ol'" of the majority if MMORPGs that seem to be hitting the market. The majority of my friends play WoW. They've tried to convince me to switch over and I won't. Yes, I have tried the game. I've played at low level and at high level on their accounts. I don't like the combat style, I don't like spending two hours running to a quest, I don't like that half of the audience seems to be 12-14 year olds that are more interested in trying to cap themselves and show gaming eliteness than to actually enjoy a game for what its worth. Thanks, but no thanks.
I've played a select few other MMORPGs, including EQ and EQ2. As much as I love how massive the maps are in the EQ worlds, the combat absolutely sucks in my opinion. If DDO had as massive of a mapping system as EQ2 does, the game would be prime at number one, I think. It doesn't, but it still has much more to offer than most people that are giving it a bad name have said.
Playe the game past the Harbor and the Marketplace and then see what you think. It's Dungeons & Dragons, which is PARTY based originally, not solo based. If you're so interested in solo gaming, why worry about MMO? Doesn't make much sense to me.
Oculitus, I see you point and I do agree. A game should be fun from the very beginning. I never really understood people saying; but the game gets so good at lvl 35+ or 8+, give it a chance mate!
I did like DDO from the very start, just because it hadnt the boring starter quests you see in ever other MMO. If you didnt have fun, you did the right thing to quite and moved along.
As a reply to the OP: This thread is pointless based on your humbug opening post/vote, which is, and i say this mildly, laughable. Im not gonna generalize here, but some of you AD&D RPG fanbois are wearing me down with your spoiled and displeased attitude.
Oculitus, I see you point and I do agree. A game should be fun from the very beginning. I never really understood people saying; but the game gets so good at lvl 35+ or 8+, give it a chance mate! I did like DDO from the very start, just because it hadnt the boring starter quests you see in ever other MMO. If you didnt have fun, you did the right thing to quite and moved along.
Thank you for understanding what was trying to say. It's good to see that people on the forum can have differing opinions about a game and discuss in a rational and calm manner.
Sorry Vincenz, I guess you are here for a flame fest or what ever. That is not and was not my intention. You read things into the posts that were not said or implied. Obviously a lot of people disagree with you. The poll shows it. It is even posted where the DDO Fanboi's (like you) are most likely to agree with you. They don't. Sorry.
And yes, we definately played at different tables. And, I am glad of that.
Fortunately, we don't live in a world where majorities can set what's right and what's not. Thing that a lot of people don't like DDo what your poll shows has a value for people that think popularity of something is important and can change their decision making. For other people it has no value at all.
DDo is incredibly fun game if you don't expect it to be just another pseudo-nonlinear mmorpg. Yes sandbox with a fully payed gamemaster for each group that would storytell and code the settings for them runtime would be better! But try to be realistic here please.
And JohnH2005 get the facts before you make such an anti-something post. You were not just trying to state your opinion with it. The setting Eberron was not Turbine decision. It was Wizards of the Coast decision to advertise their world (it's the only one they made in such extent) All previous worlds were done by TSR previous creator of 2nd AD&D. There was no way to make it Forgotten Realms settings. Get it?
Sorry Vincenz, I guess you are here for a flame fest or what ever. That is not and was not my intention. You read things into the posts that were not said or implied. Obviously a lot of people disagree with you. The poll shows it. It is even posted where the DDO Fanboi's (like you) are most likely to agree with you. They don't. Sorry.
And yes, we definately played at different tables. And, I am glad of that.
Fortunately, we don't live in a world where majorities can set what's right and what's not. Thing that a lot of people don't like DDo what your poll shows has a value for people that think popularity of something is important and can change their decision making. For other people it has no value at all.
DDo is incredibly fun game if you don't expect it to be just another pseudo-nonlinear mmorpg. Yes sandbox with a fully payed gamemaster for each group that would storytell and code the settings for them runtime would be better! But try to be realistic here please.
And JohnH2005 get the facts before you make such an anti-something post. You were not just trying to state your opinion with it. The setting Eberron was not Turbine decision. It was Wizards of the Coast decision to advertise their world (it's the only one they made in such extent) All previous worlds were done by TSR previous creator of 2nd AD&D. There was no way to make it Forgotten Realms settings. Get it?
Then call it Eberron Online? Anyway, I came here with the information I had from Beta. I really had no idea how much it had changed since then. A few questions for Vincenz and the people that like the game:
1. Can you come across another party in combat with a creature and lend a hand if you see/think they are going to lose?
2. My video card is actually worse now than when I started the Beta. Will a 7300gs run it decently?
3. What servers/shards are there?
IF the answer to number 1 is yes, then I will be downloading the trial and trying it again. Even if the answer is no I still might. I am not sure where you guys got the idea I hated DDO or whatever, but I never said that. I just said I think Turbine did a poor job with what I thought could have been done much better. If they have made all the changes Vincenz says (I know he is a fanboi so I take what he says with a grain of salt) then I think it might be time to try the game again.
The whole orignal post was made because of my pure disgust with the state of MMO's on the market now. Every game I have beta tested or tried a trial of is so dumbed down and retardedly easy that my dog could probably solo to mid level chasing her favorite toy running across the keyboard. It was NOT because I hate DDO.
Anyway, I think I am going to start the download now...
If you use "plz" because it is shorter than "please" I will use "no" because it is shorter than "yes."
"1. Can you come across another party in combat with a creature and lend a hand if you see/think they are going to lose?"
-absolutely not, and the reasons are many. First among them though, is the real reason for all instanced dungeons/quests...no ninja looting, no waiting for the named to spawn with 200 other people and hoping you get the kill, etc. For me, that's one of the biggest reasons I like DDO above most other games.
-2. My video card is actually worse now than when I started the Beta. Will a 7300gs run it decently?
-ABSOLUTELY. In fact, mod 5 came with a very significant engine upgrade that not only managed to make the graphics look much better...but with much lower requirements. I'm running the game on high settings for the first time since launch.
Vincenz with number 1 maybe you should also mention raids? There are a few dungeons where you can raid with your group and another group, so total of 12 people.
Maybe Vincenz can explain better as I'm still a lonely level 9.
Yeah, really though a raid is merely a larger group (you convert your 6 person party to a raid party and invite 6 more people). Several of the high level dungeons though do function like a "party within a party" where you're required to split up into smaller groups to accomplish various tasks (which is a LOT of fun).
There's a total of 7 raids now too, btw...still hoping for a lower level one though (5-8 level range'ish) at some point.
p.s. one of the best things about DDO, especially in raid groups, is the integrated voice chat.
p.s.s. At level 9 you can start thinking about Tempest Spine Raid today Seven
Ok...came to this thread late and will admit right now that I haven't read it all. However, I will throw my tuppenceworth in.
I like DDO...I really like it. I have played it since pre-order and still haven't gotten bored.
Does it have faults...yes. Is it perfect...obviously not. Is any game?
What DDO has done however is have the guts to do something differently. The combat system is the best I have ever used in an MMO. Maybe it isn't as easy as WOW but come on...it's hardly difficult is it?
The classes are very diverse and open to interpretation...you want to be a healing cleric...fine. You want to be a undead killing cleric...fine. You want to be a cleric that can open locks and disarm traps...fine.
People are right however, I also would have loved a sandbox game but to tell the truth every MMO I have ever played (and it's been most of them) has dissapointed in this regard. DDO may not have been the way you would have done it but give it credit for what it has done...it's not perfect by a long way but it's a latge step in the right direction.
Notice: The views expressed in this post are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the reviews of MMORPG.com or its management.
The whole orignal post was made because of my pure disgust with the state of MMO's on the market now. Every game I have beta tested or tried a trial of is so dumbed down and retardedly easy that my dog could probably solo to mid level chasing her favorite toy running across the keyboard. It was NOT because I hate DDO. Anyway, I think I am going to start the download now...
This is not a flame on you OP or anything. Im just wondering...
Why complain about a game that had the guts to break the mold, went a new direction in the making of a MMO, when you are digusted with the state of todays MMOs?
We should parise their efford and hope someone follows their example. Maybe if DDO had more success, we wouldnt see all these EQ clones coming out. Maybe.... No, im not saying we should play DDO just because it breaks the mold, but DDO has gotten alot of unfair critics/lies spread around in various threads on these forums. If you dont like the game, fine, thats okey, but pick your battles - Think alittle longer ahead than your own nose, maybe you can see we need these kind of games...
I did not love or hate the game either way I playedit right before the server merger. I had a little problem with repeating the same quests three times at different levels but that I overlooked as necessary newbie stuff.
However something I did not like (understanding this is from the perspective of only PUGs) was the how you were expected to have a build (almost a min-maxed type issue) that people did not want your class to divert from. I saw/heard clerics being berated because they chose to wade into battle, or when my strength based rogue did more damage hence more aggro and I was being told to only help sneak attack, etc, etc. More barbarian/warforge leeroy jenkins incidents that I have seen in any game.
I think this would be a pretty fun game with a group of friends (i know...thank you cpt. obvious) but just picking it up, it is touch and go. I will probably visit Stormreach again in the future.
"It is easier to be cruel than wise. The road to wisdom is long and difficult... so most people just turn out to be assholes" Feng (Christopher Walken)
I find that most of the people that criticize this game played it for only a few minutes and made their judgments based on that little experience. DDO is unlike any other mmo out there today, it is nowhere near the grindfest of the other games on the market. Not to mention it undoubtedly has the best combat in the mmo genre. So yes they could have probably done better in terms of catering to the ddo license, but as an mmo i put it on the top of my list in the current ones out there due to its innovation.
To begin, I played this game during Beta, and for a while after. Not long, but a while. It was fun for a while, then I quit. I do not think the game deserves all of the flaming people do of it. Is it ground breaking, no, not really. It is a "Good" (Not great) game that was done well for what they had. Turbine did not exactly WANT to use the license they were given. They WANTED a world people wre more familiar with, but were refused because Wizards of the Coast wanted to help promote their 3.5 rule set at the time. To the people that think Turbine totally screwed up on this one, I only ask that you take that fact into consideration. The game is enjoyable for a short time, much like any other MMO. It suits the "Casual gamer" style better than anything, and most people have become too accustom to the hardcore raid style of gaming, thanks to games such as WoW. If you want a raid game, play a raid game. If you want something very casual ad laid back, this game is not terrible. I personally will not go back to it again unless it has something ground breaking added (Or updates to the 4.0 rule set, or reverts to 2.0) but that is my personal opinion, for me. Anyone else that wants something that is condusive to casual play would find themselves at home here.
Originally posted by Vincenz p.s.s. At level 9 you can start thinking about Tempest Spine Raid today Seven
Thanks Vincenz, but I am super casual gamer when college is in session. So mostly can play on the weekends if I get a chance. With that said what I mean to say I guess is I know next to nothing about Tempest Spine raid. All the raids I thought DDO had were Titan and Vons.
I don't think I made my lvl 9 bard right so I made a pally who is up to level 4 and when i get a chance to play I PUG with people on a few dungeons. I tried close to make the paladin good from what people suggested on the forums.
Is the guild you are in Vincenz very active? Have webpage?
I understand what you're saying with the whole college deal. I'm also in college finishing my degree in adolescent history education, so time can be a big factor when it comes to gaming, especially in an MMO where you're constantly interacting with everyone else to even be able to do the majority of the stuff in the game.
If you are looking for a guild, there are TONS of them on the DDO website that take in casual (and hardcore) gamers a like. I've been playing since the pre-release and I've loved every minute of it. I'm not tired of it because I don't feel the need to be the first to max out my characters or be the first to beat the new raid and zerg through all the content that they've added. People do that and then wonder why they can't enjoy the game anymore. I'd say I'm on the line between casual and hardcore. I don't get extreme, but I know the majority of the quests in and out. If you're looking to gain some more knowledge, finding a guild would definitely benefit you. You'd have more people to run with, more people to help you learn the other quests and raids (Tempest Spine, Vault of Night, Titan, Dragon Queen, Gianthold, Orchard) and most likely it would make your in game experience a lot better.
John: Probably be weekend before I'm on, crazy week and I'm actually kind of absorbed in the NWN2 expansion in what little game time I've had LOL! (Don't have DDO on my work computer...for obvious reasons)
Seven: Tempest Spine is THE raid for casual players because unlike all the others it has zero prerequisites. You just form a raid group and head in. It's more like a really big quest that you can run with a raid party. No warded chests or named raid loot, but great gear can be found (including tomes, vorpals, etc.) with some luck.
My guild was Guildless and Allegiance of Blades, but I've gone unguilded for a time because of playtime issues and political crap that doesn't interest me...but seems inherent in guilds LOL!
Originally posted by Thillian And JohnH2005 get the facts before you make such an anti-something post. You were not just trying to state your opinion with it. The setting Eberron was not Turbine decision. It was Wizards of the Coast decision to advertise their world (it's the only one they made in such extent) All previous worlds were done by TSR previous creator of 2nd AD&D. There was no way to make it Forgotten Realms settings. Get it?
Actually, that last statement is false. Physician, heal thyself.
While Greyhawk, FR, et.el. were certainly created during and tied to 2nd edition AD&D, Wizards of the Coast (now Hasbro) purchased the game and its properties lock, stock and barrel. They now own Forgotten Realms. The creator, Ed Greenwood, no longer has any control over what they do with his work (this has become a point of mild contention since 4th D&D was announced and the conversion of FR is slated to take place after Eberron).
So, while it appears clear that DDO used Eberron's setting in an attempt to promote it as the new setting for D&D (whether that succeeded or failed is up for debate), they certainly could have made the creative decision to place DDO in FR.
Consider, however, how poorly their initial introduction of the game played out, and add to that a large number of irate FR fans, and I think that in the end Turbine made (or was forced to make) the best choice they could.
Originally posted by Thillian And JohnH2005 get the facts before you make such an anti-something post. You were not just trying to state your opinion with it. The setting Eberron was not Turbine decision. It was Wizards of the Coast decision to advertise their world (it's the only one they made in such extent) All previous worlds were done by TSR previous creator of 2nd AD&D. There was no way to make it Forgotten Realms settings. Get it?
Actually, that last statement is false. Physician, heal thyself.
While Greyhawk, FR, et.el. were certainly created during and tied to 2nd edition AD&D, Wizards of the Coast (now Hasbro) purchased the game and its properties lock, stock and barrel. They now own Forgotten Realms. The creator, Ed Greenwood, no longer has any control over what they do with his work (this has become a point of mild contention since 4th D&D was announced and the conversion of FR is slated to take place after Eberron).
And where the hell you see me saying that TSR is the current owner? I was saying Wizards made Eberron as the only world they ever did, so they wanted to promote it. It was Wizards decision and Turbine could do nothing to change it
N O T H I N G
Even if Turbine was the first one trying to use Dungeons and Dragons license for a video game, they still wouldnt get a license for Forgotten Realms but only for Eberron. It was
N O T T U R B I N E D E C I S I O N
No matter what you think would be the best world for it, the only company you can blame that DDO is no in FR but in Eberron is:
W I Z A R D S O F T H E C O A S T
If you still don't get it, ill paint you a picture about it. Those are easier to understand I've heared.
Comments
Even in the beginning this wasn't the case, but even less so now. The city was the center of the DDO universe, but it wasn't the "hub" for all the quests. You could visit Three Barrel Cove...another city, and from there go on a dozen quests. You could visit the Sorrowdusk Isles and from there embark on a dozen or so quests. etc.
Now, however, it's far less the case. After teleporting to Gianthold, for example, you are now in a completely separate camp. Complete with it's own tavern, Auction House site, bank, vendors, healers, etc., it's own quest givers, and as the entrance to a giant landscape to explore. Take an airship or the caravan to the Menechtauran Desert and you'll find a complete oasis town, again complete with all of the above, and also the entry way to a very large landscape to explore. Restless Isles, same thing...Orchard of the Macabre or Necropolis, same thing.
Playing a game in beta for a week hardly qualifies anyone to review it a couple years and a dozen meaty releases later.
Even a network of hubs does a world make. And no I didn't make it to max level, however did go past the harbor. Because the game simply wasn't fun.I completely reject the concept of "the game gets fun at X level or Y point in your character progression." If the game isn't enjoyable in the first few hours, it's not worth sinking more time into.
I'm guessing many people here had the same experience, which is just as valid as your experience of enjoying DDO.
My basic point is that the people who tried DDO in the past will likely not change their opinion despite the added content because the game did not appeal to them (and me) at a fundamental level.
This is usually the case whenever anyone dislikes a game. It all comes down to preference and opinion. Which of course is not the realm of "correct" and "incorrect."
Vincenz is like the 300 Spartans up against the Persian army in here
In my experience with the game those of us that love DDO do so because it is different than your standard MMO. Yea we know it could be better, what game couldn't be done better? I had to laugh at the comments at Turbine taking the easy out making this game. They took a chance making a different sort of MMO instead of another WoW clone.
Most of the complaints I saw were people that seemed to want a Oblivion/NwN style MMO so this game won't be for them.
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DDO Permadeath guilds
I'm having trouble seeing where the Gold Box games are tied into DDO?
I was also a HUGE fan of that series. I even went beyond that series and bought Pool of Radiance: Ruins of Myth Drannor when it came out. Sure, it had its bugs and its haters, but I still found it to be a fantastic, fun game with lots and lots of content. Same thing with DDO.
I enjoy this game because it breaks away from the "same ol' same ol'" of the majority if MMORPGs that seem to be hitting the market. The majority of my friends play WoW. They've tried to convince me to switch over and I won't. Yes, I have tried the game. I've played at low level and at high level on their accounts. I don't like the combat style, I don't like spending two hours running to a quest, I don't like that half of the audience seems to be 12-14 year olds that are more interested in trying to cap themselves and show gaming eliteness than to actually enjoy a game for what its worth. Thanks, but no thanks.
I've played a select few other MMORPGs, including EQ and EQ2. As much as I love how massive the maps are in the EQ worlds, the combat absolutely sucks in my opinion. If DDO had as massive of a mapping system as EQ2 does, the game would be prime at number one, I think. It doesn't, but it still has much more to offer than most people that are giving it a bad name have said.
Playe the game past the Harbor and the Marketplace and then see what you think. It's Dungeons & Dragons, which is PARTY based originally, not solo based. If you're so interested in solo gaming, why worry about MMO? Doesn't make much sense to me.
Yes, if you're looking for a giant world where you have to walk 3 hours to get to a quest DDO isn't it...thank god.
If you're looking for a "simple interface" and point and click combat DDO isn't it...thank god.
If your definition of a quest is "go milk the cow and bring me the pail of milk" DDO isn't it...thank god.
And yes, if your definition of DDO is that people have to talk about Drizz't and Elminster...this isn't it...thank god.
Yes, if you're looking for a giant world where you have to walk 3 hours to get to a quest DDO isn't it...thank god.
If you're looking for a "simple interface" and point and click combat DDO isn't it...thank god.
If your definition of a quest is "go milk the cow and bring me the pail of milk" DDO isn't it...thank god.
And yes, if your definition of DDO is that people have to talk about Drizz't and Elminster...this isn't it...thank god.
It is truly amazing how completely you missed the point I was trying to make.I have no idea where you got those ideas about interface, quests, and other D&D characters from in my post. I mentioned none of those.
This will clearly not a productive debate, so I'll leave you to your rather odd methods of defending D&D Online.
Oculitus, I see you point and I do agree. A game should be fun from the very beginning. I never really understood people saying; but the game gets so good at lvl 35+ or 8+, give it a chance mate!
I did like DDO from the very start, just because it hadnt the boring starter quests you see in ever other MMO. If you didnt have fun, you did the right thing to quite and moved along.
As a reply to the OP: This thread is pointless based on your humbug opening post/vote, which is, and i say this mildly, laughable. Im not gonna generalize here, but some of you AD&D RPG fanbois are wearing me down with your spoiled and displeased attitude.
Bes
Thank you for understanding what was trying to say. It's good to see that people on the forum can have differing opinions about a game and discuss in a rational and calm manner.
DDo is incredibly fun game if you don't expect it to be just another pseudo-nonlinear mmorpg. Yes sandbox with a fully payed gamemaster for each group that would storytell and code the settings for them runtime would be better! But try to be realistic here please.
And JohnH2005 get the facts before you make such an anti-something post. You were not just trying to state your opinion with it. The setting Eberron was not Turbine decision. It was Wizards of the Coast decision to advertise their world (it's the only one they made in such extent) All previous worlds were done by TSR previous creator of 2nd AD&D. There was no way to make it Forgotten Realms settings. Get it?
REALITY CHECK
DDo is incredibly fun game if you don't expect it to be just another pseudo-nonlinear mmorpg. Yes sandbox with a fully payed gamemaster for each group that would storytell and code the settings for them runtime would be better! But try to be realistic here please.
And JohnH2005 get the facts before you make such an anti-something post. You were not just trying to state your opinion with it. The setting Eberron was not Turbine decision. It was Wizards of the Coast decision to advertise their world (it's the only one they made in such extent) All previous worlds were done by TSR previous creator of 2nd AD&D. There was no way to make it Forgotten Realms settings. Get it?
Then call it Eberron Online? Anyway, I came here with the information I had from Beta. I really had no idea how much it had changed since then. A few questions for Vincenz and the people that like the game:1. Can you come across another party in combat with a creature and lend a hand if you see/think they are going to lose?
2. My video card is actually worse now than when I started the Beta. Will a 7300gs run it decently?
3. What servers/shards are there?
IF the answer to number 1 is yes, then I will be downloading the trial and trying it again. Even if the answer is no I still might. I am not sure where you guys got the idea I hated DDO or whatever, but I never said that. I just said I think Turbine did a poor job with what I thought could have been done much better. If they have made all the changes Vincenz says (I know he is a fanboi so I take what he says with a grain of salt) then I think it might be time to try the game again.
The whole orignal post was made because of my pure disgust with the state of MMO's on the market now. Every game I have beta tested or tried a trial of is so dumbed down and retardedly easy that my dog could probably solo to mid level chasing her favorite toy running across the keyboard. It was NOT because I hate DDO.
Anyway, I think I am going to start the download now...
If you use "plz" because it is shorter than "please" I will use "no" because it is shorter than "yes."
"1. Can you come across another party in combat with a creature and lend a hand if you see/think they are going to lose?"
-absolutely not, and the reasons are many. First among them though, is the real reason for all instanced dungeons/quests...no ninja looting, no waiting for the named to spawn with 200 other people and hoping you get the kill, etc. For me, that's one of the biggest reasons I like DDO above most other games.
-2. My video card is actually worse now than when I started the Beta. Will a 7300gs run it decently?
-ABSOLUTELY. In fact, mod 5 came with a very significant engine upgrade that not only managed to make the graphics look much better...but with much lower requirements. I'm running the game on high settings for the first time since launch.
3. What servers/shards are there?
http://forums.ddo.com/showpost.php?p=1254605&postcount=1 All the server merge info is here, but the remaining/merged servers are:
Argonessen, Thelanis, Sarlona, Khyber, and Ghallanda
p.s. I'm on Sarlona, love it, but they're all very heavily populated.
Vincenz with number 1 maybe you should also mention raids? There are a few dungeons where you can raid with your group and another group, so total of 12 people.
Maybe Vincenz can explain better as I'm still a lonely level 9.
.. .... .- - . - .-. --- .-.. .-.. ... .-- .... --- .-. . .--. --- .-. - .-.-.-
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Promote what you love instead of bashing what you hate.
Yeah, really though a raid is merely a larger group (you convert your 6 person party to a raid party and invite 6 more people). Several of the high level dungeons though do function like a "party within a party" where you're required to split up into smaller groups to accomplish various tasks (which is a LOT of fun).
There's a total of 7 raids now too, btw...still hoping for a lower level one though (5-8 level range'ish) at some point.
p.s. one of the best things about DDO, especially in raid groups, is the integrated voice chat.
p.s.s. At level 9 you can start thinking about Tempest Spine Raid today Seven
Ok...came to this thread late and will admit right now that I haven't read it all. However, I will throw my tuppenceworth in.
I like DDO...I really like it. I have played it since pre-order and still haven't gotten bored.
Does it have faults...yes. Is it perfect...obviously not. Is any game?
What DDO has done however is have the guts to do something differently. The combat system is the best I have ever used in an MMO. Maybe it isn't as easy as WOW but come on...it's hardly difficult is it?
The classes are very diverse and open to interpretation...you want to be a healing cleric...fine. You want to be a undead killing cleric...fine. You want to be a cleric that can open locks and disarm traps...fine.
People are right however, I also would have loved a sandbox game but to tell the truth every MMO I have ever played (and it's been most of them) has dissapointed in this regard. DDO may not have been the way you would have done it but give it credit for what it has done...it's not perfect by a long way but it's a latge step in the right direction.
Notice: The views expressed in this post are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the reviews of MMORPG.com or its management.
Neil Thompson
Staff Writer
MMORPG.com
This is not a flame on you OP or anything. Im just wondering...
Why complain about a game that had the guts to break the mold, went a new direction in the making of a MMO, when you are digusted with the state of todays MMOs?
We should parise their efford and hope someone follows their example. Maybe if DDO had more success, we wouldnt see all these EQ clones coming out. Maybe.... No, im not saying we should play DDO just because it breaks the mold, but DDO has gotten alot of unfair critics/lies spread around in various threads on these forums. If you dont like the game, fine, thats okey, but pick your battles - Think alittle longer ahead than your own nose, maybe you can see we need these kind of games...
I did not love or hate the game either way I playedit right before the server merger. I had a little problem with repeating the same quests three times at different levels but that I overlooked as necessary newbie stuff.
However something I did not like (understanding this is from the perspective of only PUGs) was the how you were expected to have a build (almost a min-maxed type issue) that people did not want your class to divert from. I saw/heard clerics being berated because they chose to wade into battle, or when my strength based rogue did more damage hence more aggro and I was being told to only help sneak attack, etc, etc. More barbarian/warforge leeroy jenkins incidents that I have seen in any game.
I think this would be a pretty fun game with a group of friends (i know...thank you cpt. obvious) but just picking it up, it is touch and go. I will probably visit Stormreach again in the future.
"It is easier to be cruel than wise. The road to wisdom is long and difficult... so most people just turn out to be assholes" Feng (Christopher Walken)
I find that most of the people that criticize this game played it for only a few minutes and made their judgments based on that little experience. DDO is unlike any other mmo out there today, it is nowhere near the grindfest of the other games on the market. Not to mention it undoubtedly has the best combat in the mmo genre. So yes they could have probably done better in terms of catering to the ddo license, but as an mmo i put it on the top of my list in the current ones out there due to its innovation.
To begin, I played this game during Beta, and for a while after. Not long, but a while. It was fun for a while, then I quit. I do not think the game deserves all of the flaming people do of it. Is it ground breaking, no, not really. It is a "Good" (Not great) game that was done well for what they had. Turbine did not exactly WANT to use the license they were given. They WANTED a world people wre more familiar with, but were refused because Wizards of the Coast wanted to help promote their 3.5 rule set at the time. To the people that think Turbine totally screwed up on this one, I only ask that you take that fact into consideration. The game is enjoyable for a short time, much like any other MMO. It suits the "Casual gamer" style better than anything, and most people have become too accustom to the hardcore raid style of gaming, thanks to games such as WoW. If you want a raid game, play a raid game. If you want something very casual ad laid back, this game is not terrible. I personally will not go back to it again unless it has something ground breaking added (Or updates to the 4.0 rule set, or reverts to 2.0) but that is my personal opinion, for me. Anyone else that wants something that is condusive to casual play would find themselves at home here.
I don't think I made my lvl 9 bard right so I made a pally who is up to level 4 and when i get a chance to play I PUG with people on a few dungeons. I tried close to make the paladin good from what people suggested on the forums.
Is the guild you are in Vincenz very active? Have webpage?
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Promote what you love instead of bashing what you hate.
Seven,
I understand what you're saying with the whole college deal. I'm also in college finishing my degree in adolescent history education, so time can be a big factor when it comes to gaming, especially in an MMO where you're constantly interacting with everyone else to even be able to do the majority of the stuff in the game.
If you are looking for a guild, there are TONS of them on the DDO website that take in casual (and hardcore) gamers a like. I've been playing since the pre-release and I've loved every minute of it. I'm not tired of it because I don't feel the need to be the first to max out my characters or be the first to beat the new raid and zerg through all the content that they've added. People do that and then wonder why they can't enjoy the game anymore. I'd say I'm on the line between casual and hardcore. I don't get extreme, but I know the majority of the quests in and out. If you're looking to gain some more knowledge, finding a guild would definitely benefit you. You'd have more people to run with, more people to help you learn the other quests and raids (Tempest Spine, Vault of Night, Titan, Dragon Queen, Gianthold, Orchard) and most likely it would make your in game experience a lot better.
Vincenz, in the game now. Can you list your characters names? Asking around but not having much luck finding you =P
If you use "plz" because it is shorter than "please" I will use "no" because it is shorter than "yes."
From another post he made in these forums to a troll.
But the info will help what you're looking for....
Formerly Aerenal, Now Sarlona.
Lucienz: 14th level drow fighter
Jacienz: 14th level human bard
Merlinz: 14th level drow wizard
Valienz: 10 paladin/2 rogue/2 fighter
Padreno: 5 cleric
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Promote what you love instead of bashing what you hate.
Dang, you fast... Lurker!
Yeah, I saw that before but forgot where it was... THANKS!
Dang, he is not on. Maybe later!
If you use "plz" because it is shorter than "please" I will use "no" because it is shorter than "yes."
John: Probably be weekend before I'm on, crazy week and I'm actually kind of absorbed in the NWN2 expansion in what little game time I've had LOL! (Don't have DDO on my work computer...for obvious reasons)
Seven: Tempest Spine is THE raid for casual players because unlike all the others it has zero prerequisites. You just form a raid group and head in. It's more like a really big quest that you can run with a raid party. No warded chests or named raid loot, but great gear can be found (including tomes, vorpals, etc.) with some luck.
My guild was Guildless and Allegiance of Blades, but I've gone unguilded for a time because of playtime issues and political crap that doesn't interest me...but seems inherent in guilds LOL!
While Greyhawk, FR, et.el. were certainly created during and tied to 2nd edition AD&D, Wizards of the Coast (now Hasbro) purchased the game and its properties lock, stock and barrel. They now own Forgotten Realms. The creator, Ed Greenwood, no longer has any control over what they do with his work (this has become a point of mild contention since 4th D&D was announced and the conversion of FR is slated to take place after Eberron).
So, while it appears clear that DDO used Eberron's setting in an attempt to promote it as the new setting for D&D (whether that succeeded or failed is up for debate), they certainly could have made the creative decision to place DDO in FR.
Consider, however, how poorly their initial introduction of the game played out, and add to that a large number of irate FR fans, and I think that in the end Turbine made (or was forced to make) the best choice they could.
Actually, that last statement is false. Physician, heal thyself.While Greyhawk, FR, et.el. were certainly created during and tied to 2nd edition AD&D, Wizards of the Coast (now Hasbro) purchased the game and its properties lock, stock and barrel. They now own Forgotten Realms. The creator, Ed Greenwood, no longer has any control over what they do with his work (this has become a point of mild contention since 4th D&D was announced and the conversion of FR is slated to take place after Eberron).
And where the hell you see me saying that TSR is the current owner? I was saying Wizards made Eberron as the only world they ever did, so they wanted to promote it. It was Wizards decision and Turbine could do nothing to change it
N O T H I N G
Even if Turbine was the first one trying to use Dungeons and Dragons license for a video game, they still wouldnt get a license for Forgotten Realms but only for Eberron. It was
N O T T U R B I N E D E C I S I O N
No matter what you think would be the best world for it, the only company you can blame that DDO is no in FR but in Eberron is:
W I Z A R D S O F T H E C O A S T
If you still don't get it, ill paint you a picture about it. Those are easier to understand I've heared.
REALITY CHECK