With all due respect, xplororor... Asheron's Call 2 has nothing to do with the race and story concepts from D&D or Tolkien. There are no Orcs, Elves, Trolls, Goblins or any of the other rehashed races that you find in many games including the magnificently boring Lineage II or Blizzard's World of Warcraft (at least Blizzard can write a story). I felt this necessary to point out, however if you are a fan of the D&D or Tolkien "themed" MMORPG, I recommend you look at Turbine's 4th Generation "D&D Online" or "Middle Earth Online (Lord of the Rings)" 8) --- I think you will agree that Turbine once again proves they are not duplicators... just originators.
Asheron's Call 2 Races: Human [RIPOFF!], Lugian and Tumerok
I couldn't even begin to describe how the game is original in is story, I recommend the 15 day trial.
This has been brought up before. By "D&D Themed" and "Tolkien Themed" I am not saying AC2 is a rip off of either. I am saying AC2, (as well as EQ, DAoC, UO, RS, AS3, Lin, Lin2, WoW, etc...) are all the direct and indirect result of D&D.
Tolkien was responsible for popularizing worldwide European myths, folklore, legends, and superstitions. This directly led to the creation of D&D back in the early 1970's. D&D became super-poplular. This directly led to the creatiion of RPG games in the very late 1970's (Ultima 0), and the 1980's (Ultima 1,2,3,4,5,6,7, etc....), Bard's Tale 1,2,3,4, Phantasie 1,2,3 etc... They all became super-popular. This directly led to the creation of MMORPGs. Realm Online, Ultima Online. Their success is directly responsible for AC and EQ being made. And their success is directly responsible for DAoC, AC2, and many, many, more being made.
AC2 features a world and setting full of magic, sorcery, warriors, monsters, dragons, etc.... That is D&D Themed. D&D further popularized the idea of a world full of magic, warriors, monsters, etc... And thus Tolkien Themed. Tolkien was the first to popularize such a world and setting worldwide.
Perhaps Fantasy-themed is a more likeable term?
Here is a very intresting article I re-found that further drives home my point:
Last, MEO, and DDO will be absolute failures. This is strictly my opinion. I think it is beyond silly that Turbine will/is attempting to make two MMORPGs at the same time, and both will be compeating vs each other! And both will be jumping into the super-mega saturated D&D Themed, Tolkien Themed, Fantasy Themed MMORPG market.
*EDIT:*
I ment to say MEO and DDO! aka Middle Earth Online aka Lord of the Rings Online,
Originally posted by xplororor Last, MEO, and Lord of the Rings Online will be absolute failures. This is strictly my opinion. I think it is beyond silly that Turbine will/is attempting to make two MMORPGs at the same time, and both will be compeating vs each other! And both will be jumping into the super-mega saturated D&D Themed, Tolkien Themed, Fantasy Themed
Umm ok... MEO and Lord of the Rings Online....
WTF is Lord of the RIngs ONline... isn't that MEO? Nub!
Originally posted by Maxxx so Xplororororor... you flame MMORPGS? because they are D&D themed? Seriously go to the WoW section and flame that nub game Maxxxi - Frostfell - Asherons Call 2
Maxxx, you completly missed what the subject was. I definatly do not flame MMORPGs or else I would not even be playing any of them at all. The Fantasy-themed/D&D Themed/Tolkien Themed MMORPG market is super-saturated. Meaning there are toooo many titles set in a fantasy setting. It is one reason for the string of vaporware ..... vaporizing in the past few months. There are only so many MMORPG players who are fans of fantasy. And with the advent of EQ2, WoW, Lin2, GW, the mighty VANGUARD, and many, many, more.... the fantasy market will cannibalize itself.
In WoW's corner is the fact that there are litterally millions of Blizzard fans. WoW will not be compeating vs all the other Fantasy-Themed MMORPGs..... all WoW needs to do is get a tiny amount of their own Blizzard fans to go for paying a monthly subscription and WoW will succeed at doing two things:
1. Further expanding the MMORPG market. Aka introducing anywhere from 100,000 to 1 million to 5 million new gamers to the MMORPG industry. This will increase the MMORPG playerbase. These new MMORPG players will very likely want to check out other MMORPGs which will be a nice thing for ALL MMORPGs.
2. And of course make WoW a bona fid success. Even a runaway success. I predicit WoW will definatly get 100,000 accounts aka meet the industry standard for being a successful MMORPG. WoW has the potiential to be the biggest selling MMORPG in history due to the fact it is being aimed at the massive untapped millions of Blizzard fans worldwide.
Before you or anyone knocks WoW, consider that it is the only MMORPG other than SWG, that will indirectly save, help, and expand the MMORPG industry, and ALL MMORPGs.
That was an excellent article you recommended xplororor!
I particularly liked reading about how TSR so savagely ripped off the play concepts from Tolkien. It doesn't matter because TSR is not only known for story but more dominantly the rules to regulate gameplay.
There is no question that Tolkien contributed significantly to the fantasy genre. Hell, you could argue that he devised the framework as you have. With that said, I continue to believe that Turbine, more than any software house, has taken the greatest pains in making Asheron's Call a truly unique concept from their warriors, magic users, magics, weapons to their entire bestiary. Its all new, original concept. The only borrowed concepts in AC2 are ancient concepts, that have endured far longer than Tolkien's legacy. Perhaps that is why Asherons Call suffers against other games, they are forging an original playerbase for an original MMORPG based in completely original lore. Many new players can't deal because you have very little familiarity with the game. I mean why put out the effort when you can simply be a super hero, jedi, spaceship captain or a beloved Elf!?
I see you are looking forward to WoW, without a doubt I am also. I have 6 Diablo II accounts and 1 full 1.10 ladder account. I also was ladder ranked in Warcraft III for some time before Frozen Throne. Indeed, Blizzard will open the floodgates for gamers that are waiting on the fringes for something to grab their attention and I am certain WoW will completely deliver. Still, when you spoke before, you were basically saying you can pick this game, but there are all these games coming out later... well I have two major characters in AC2 and I have no intention of abandoning them in the wake of WoW. Sure itll cost me an extra 12 bucks but its worth it to play AC2!
Also, like WoW will use Warcraft III and Diablo II to enrich their ranks online, you will see the same thing with D&D Online and MEO. Thousands of players from Neverwinter Nights and other games will come to play D&D without a doubt. MEO will certainly have the same type of appeal to affectionados. I am confident they will not fail although I agree that it is peculiar they are working on two major titles that eventually will compete with eachother. D&D will likely steamroll MEO although it is due to release much, much later.
That was an excellent article you recommended xplororor!
I am very glad you liked it. I like lurking at that site because it has many fresh, and different P.O.V.s (Point Of Views). Once in a while I post there.
I particularly liked reading about how TSR so savagely ripped off the play concepts from Tolkien. It doesn't matter because TSR is not only known for story but more dominantly the rules to regulate gameplay.
You got it! They even got sued by the Tolkien estate in the 1970's.
There is no question that Tolkien contributed significantly to the fantasy genre. Hell, you could argue that he devised the framework as you have. With that said, I continue to believe that Turbine, more than any software house, has taken the greatest pains in making Asheron's Call a truly unique concept from their warriors, magic users, magics, weapons to their entire bestiary. Its all new, original concept. The only borrowed concepts in AC2 are ancient concepts, that have endured far longer than Tolkien's legacy.
Well, the real original thing about AC was that it was more of a Skill Based game. Instead of like EQ which is more of a Level Based game. In the long run, Skill Based games are better than Level Based games. Players have more choices in Skill Based games. There are very, very, few Skill Based MMORPGs out - UO, AC, AO, and SWG. AC2 is maybe 60% Skill Based and 40% Level Based. It can be argued AC2 is also a skill based game.
Perhaps that is why Asherons Call suffers against other games, they are forging an original playerbase for an original MMORPG based in completely original lore. Many new players can't deal because you have very little familiarity with the game. I mean why put out the effort when you can simply be a super hero, jedi, spaceship captain or a beloved Elf!?
I see you are looking forward to WoW, without a doubt I am also. I have 6 Diablo II accounts and 1 full 1.10 ladder account. I also was ladder ranked in Warcraft III for some time before Frozen Throne. Indeed, Blizzard will open the floodgates for gamers that are waiting on the fringes for something to grab their attention and I am certain WoW will completely deliver. Still, when you spoke before, you were basically saying you can pick this game, but there are all these games coming out later... well I have two major characters in AC2 and I have no intention of abandoning them in the wake of WoW. Sure itll cost me an extra 12 bucks but its worth it to play AC2!
Also, like WoW will use Warcraft III and Diablo II to enrich their ranks online, you will see the same thing with D&D Online and MEO. Thousands of players from Neverwinter Nights and other games will come to play D&D without a doubt. MEO will certainly have the same type of appeal to affectionados. I am confident they will not fail although I agree that it is peculiar they are working on two major titles that eventually will compete with eachother. D&D will likely steamroll MEO although it is due to release much, much later.
AC2 is NOT Tolkien or D&D themed. Fantasy themed would be more accurate. If you play AC2 will see NO orcs, trolls, elves, goblins, ents, dwarves etc. Nor have they taken anything from mythology and folklore as far as I know--you will not see krakens, cyclops, sphinx, gryphons, gargoyles, demons, pixies, gnomes, minotaurs, centaurs, etc. in AC2. The closest thing you might find are the undead. The backstory is original, the races are original, the designs are original as well. What other game has bipedal lizards that wear feathered headdresses and kill things using a bongo drum? Certainly not WoW.
Warcraft III's storyline ripped off of some Norse mythology. I think Blizzard has a thing for Norse myths, there are names from them all over their games.. the Jormungand Brood of Zerg in Starcraft, an Overlord named Yggdrassil in the SC Campaign Editor.. Warcraft III has the World Tree in it, for example.
Vendor buy us all a decent MMORPG bank guards recdu recsu
Vendor buy us all a decent MMORPG bank guards recdu recsu
Originally posted by Acesuperstar I have never played any AC series games. Tell me something that would make me want to join. Btw, I do not and have not ever played eq either. I am serious. I am looking for something totally immersive. Tell me why AC2 could be the one.
Yes www.ac2hq.com has a lot of great information on Quests, Vaults, and Player guides. Plus there's an AC2Agent that allows you to view all of the guides in game via the help menu. I also downloaded the Enhanced Map which allows me to view the Portal routes. Makes it much easier to travel knowing what portals to take instead of asking around every time you're trying to get somewhere. Asheron's Call 2 has a 15-day free trial so go download it and give it a try. You might like it or you might not, but you gave it a shot.
Currently Playing: AC2, WW2Online, SWG
Retired: Everquest, DAoC
_________________________________
Currently Playing: Eve-Online On the Backburner: EQ2 Retired: EQ, DAoC, WW2Online RIP: AC2 Tried: Ryzom, Roma Victor, RoM, KH2, Forsaken World, AO, AoC, APB Quit: SWG PRE-CU(Radiant/Starsider), WoW
Originally posted by Acesuperstar I have never played any AC series games. Tell me something that would make me want to join. Btw, I do not and have not ever played eq either. I am serious. I am looking for something totally immersive. Tell me why AC2 could be the one.
I can only speak for myself, but what dragged me into AC2 was the unique and changing world. I have a burning hatred for elves, dwarves and orcs.
I started playing, and soon I was on a quest to help reclaim a mine from something called Drudges. I soon met a few, and one of them attacked me with a plank with a nail through it. They are pitiful things, but they are many. I then saw a three-legged Spikeshark, so named for it's huge spike on its back. And as I explored I found all kinds of new monsters; Grutts, Skraven, Shreth, Reapers, Burun. I even saw a Tyrant! And all in beautiful graphics, and natural and fluid animations.
I had made a home of Rithwic, where lots of other lvl 14-19 people spent their time. Rithwic was a town by a huge lake, and it had easy access to both Cragstone and Cavendo, two other major cities on Osteth (the only continent I had been to ever). I was making human armours (with the added joy when I found out any race could use my shields!) - and I made a stunning 100,000 gold during my time as a master crafter.
Then one day I log in, and I see that someone had built a DAM by the city. The water level was building up on one side, and being drained on the other. (Since the dam is still in place, you can find drowned houses and roads) As the lake was dried out, some people on the server was thrilled! They said that one of the coolest cities in Asheron's Call 1 had laid where the lake now was. And true enough, the now muddy lake bottom had broken houses, and other remenants from the old city - as well as undead. The old smith that people used to buy wares off in AC1, is now an undead haunting the old town. The same with other NPCs from that town. I was amazed. And so I stayed.
Its a new beginning.. and the players keep signing up. I feel that the game will do well. I am in a great guild and having fun when I play. the graphics are good the story line is good. Every month there is some thing new. Mature players for the most part, and no camping mobs.
person can sign up for 15 long days and check it out. What a Country.
AC2 is NOT Tolkien or D&D themed. Fantasy themed would be more accurate.
EXACTLY! And where did the ENTIRE Fantasy-Themed RPG, and MMORPG industry come from? It came from D&D. D&D came from Tolkien. Please calmly re-read my response on page 1 to a poster named Liqz. It also includes the link to a very NICE article that further supports, and proves my point.
If you play AC2 will see NO orcs, trolls, elves, goblins, ents, dwarves etc. Nor have they taken anything from mythology and folklore as far as I know--you will not see krakens, cyclops, sphinx, gryphons, gargoyles, demons, pixies, gnomes, minotaurs, centaurs, etc. in AC2. The closest thing you might find are the undead. The backstory is original, the races are original, the designs are original as well. What other game has bipedal lizards that wear feathered headdresses and kill things using a bongo drum? Certainly not WoW.
1. EQ, and SWG, both have Bi-Pedal Lizards.
2. Please re-read again, my response on page one to the poster Liqz posted the EXACT same things you posted just now LOL! And take the time to actually read the information at that link (that the first post on this here page 2 of this here thread was a response to). D&D Themed/Tolkien Themed does not mean ripping off D&D or ripping off Tolkien. It means having the same themes, setting, popularized by Tolkien and D&D.
If it were not for Tolkien, then D&D would not exist. If it were not for D&D, then Ultima 0 would not exist. If it were not for Ultima 0, then then all computer RPGs would not exist including the most successful RPG game line ever in the history of all computer games... which led to the FIRST MMORPGs! The main one which was incidently Ultima Online. If it were not for the first MMORPG, and UO, then AC, EQ, and AC2 would NOT exist. ALL those/these games are "ancestors" of D&D which is a direct "offspring" of Tolkien. D&D created TONS of monsters, creatures, and even game worlds, that were NEVER in any of Tolkien's works. D&D was STILL Tolkien-Themed!
EQ is on record saying their entire game, and gameworld Norrath was first created as a D&D world. EQ also has TONS of monsters, races, species, that were NEVER in any of Tolkien's works. EQ is STILL a Tolkien themed/D&D Themed game. (And It doesn't matter than EQ has Bi-Pedial Lizards just like AC2 does heheh.)
AC is on record saying their game was ment to compete vs EQ. Obviously AC2 is ment to compeate vs EQ2 (in the coverstory on AC2 in a major computer magazine the AC2 DEVs said AC2 was on purpose released as far ahead of time as possible because they were afraid of EQ2.)
I never said it didn't come from D&D! Your logic is totally screwed up here.
Let me use a different example here. Let's say that a futuristic movie comes out called Blah which is categorized as a Yadda movie, which has spaceships, laserguns, and giant humanoid robots. Then a whole legion of other movies follow it and also are notable for their spaceships, laserguns, and giant humanoid robots. Then all of a sudden, a new movie called Whatever comes out, which is set in the future just like the others, and has similar clothing like the others, but has no spaceships, laserguns, or giant humanoid robots. Instead there are people with spiked bats and harpoons as weapons, a bit different from laserguns. They get around by riding on enormous flying fish. They fight giant moving stone baboons, instead of humanoid robots. From this, it is clear that Whatever is similar to Yadda movies and is targeted at fans of Yadda movies, which were inspired by their originator, Blah.
This does NOT make Whatever a Yadda movie. It does not have the distinct characteristics of a Yadda movie: laserguns, spaceships, and giant humanoid robots. It has gone against the trend of including all of those Yadda things and has been creative, by coming up with its own characteristics that contribute to the setting.
In the same way, you cannot call AC2 a D&D themed game.
Vendor buy us all a decent MMORPG bank guards recdu recsu
Vendor buy us all a decent MMORPG bank guards recdu recsu
Ok, I do have to say Xplorer "may" be holding a grudge, he "may" just be wanting to stire up some emotions, but from what I have read he is just trully stating the facts. In his oppinion AC2 will be a waste of time and money because all the new 4th generation MMO's will hit retail come November and even the AC2 players will jump ship and head for the new games with great graphics.
(That is Xplorers stand if I understand correctly, and it is a stable outlook on the future of AC2 IMO)
Now all of you AC2 players are trying to relate to us that AC2 has changed, and oh for the better, so come play! The game needs that, you are trying to get devoted players to come try it out. What needs to happen with AC2 to ensure it won't falture and fail once all these new 4th Generation MMO's come out is the Devs really need to give it an identity. And from what you have all been saying is the devs have done that.
You are all trying to encourage people to try it out, and xplorer is trying to discourage, both of you all have facts and good examples for your points. I for one may try it out, I have a lot of time to find a fun game before EQII hits retail.
________________________________ Warrior of Passion
Originally posted by kc2283 Ok, I do have to say Xplorer "may" be holding a grudge, he "may" just be wanting to stire up some emotions, but from what I have read he is just trully stating the facts. In his oppinion AC2 will be a waste of time and money because all the new 4th generation MMO's will hit retail come November and even the AC2 players will jump ship and head for the new games with great graphics. (That is Xplorers stand if I understand correctly, and it is a stable outlook on the future of AC2 IMO) Now all of you AC2 players are trying to relate to us that AC2 has changed, and oh for the better, so come play! The game needs that, you are trying to get devoted players to come try it out. What needs to happen with AC2 to ensure it won't falture and fail once all these new 4th Generation MMO's come out is the Devs really need to give it an identity. And from what you have all been saying is the devs have done that. You are all trying to encourage people to try it out, and xplorer is trying to discourage, both of you all have facts and good examples for your points. I for one may try it out, I have a lot of time to find a fun game before EQII hits retail.
________________________________ Warrior of Passion
YOu hit the nail 99% on the head in summing up my entire reason for posting.
But I do so encourage everyone to try out the FREE AC2 trial (I've many times posted for lurkers and other gamers to give AC2 a try.). I'm just making sure anyone who does decide to start subscribing to AC2 be fully informed of it's status which you summed up - it may not be around roughly 1 year from now when the rest of the big boy 4th Generation MMORPGs get released.
All AC2 really has to do to get its own unique identity is STICK with what it first advertised as the most major, new, revolutionary, game feature it was suppose to have. But to this day the AC2 game DEVs still have not put in! *Sigh*
But xplororor most peope are getting sick of next mmorpg X is going to be the downfall of mmorpg Y we have heared it so many times with games like horizons/ffxi/swg They dont effect the population dramasticly.
What i've heared from the people of my allegiance in ac2 who have played the WoW beta, is that it wasnt what they expected it to be. Like always the grass looks greener on the other side.
And for the canceling of ac2: turbine bought the whole ac2 franchise they have laid a plan of whats comming they are even talking about a expansion so i dont really believe in the doom of ac2 sorry
But xplororor most peope are getting sick of next mmorpg X is going to be the downfall of mmorpg Y we have heared it so many times with games like horizons/ffxi/swg They dont effect the population dramasticly.
The difference is those doomsday naysayers were claiming already successful MMORPGs would be killed off by new MMORPGs. "SWG will kill off AO" "DAoC will kill off EQ" "DAoC will kill off UO" etc.....
Every, and I mean every, single MMORPG has more players on 1 server than AC2 does in its entire game at peak time.
And for the canceling of ac2: turbine bought the whole ac2 franchise they have laid a plan of whats comming they are even talking about a expansion so i dont really believe in the doom of ac2 sorry
And intill then i'll keep enjoying a great game.
Incorrect, Turbine is still in the process of buying back itself from MicroCrap...errr... MicroSoft. MicroSoft still owns the 2 most important parts of Turbine. Aka MicroSoft still controls enough of Turbine to make some major influences. In fact, since MC still controls the Billing, in a way MC controls the most important part of AC2 - the money!
But I do so encourage everyone to try out the FREE AC2 trial (I've many times posted for lurkers and other gamers to give AC2 a try.). I'm just making sure anyone who does decide to start subscribing to AC2 be fully informed of it's status which you summed up - it may not be around roughly 1 year from now when the rest of the big boy 4th Generation MMORPGs get released.
BS. Again you contradict yourself. In other posts you said you were looking out for people wasting their "irreplaceable time" on AC2. You were totally discouraging people from playing it because you claimed it would not be worth their time with the low populations.
All AC2 really has to do to get its own unique identity is STICK with what it first advertised as the most major, new, revolutionary, game feature it was suppose to have. But to this day the AC2 game DEVs still have not put in! *Sigh*
And what is this game feature that they have not put in?
Vendor buy us all a decent MMORPG bank guards recdu recsu
Vendor buy us all a decent MMORPG bank guards recdu recsu
Ever heard the saying "Knock on wood" of coarse we all have... Know what it means? Probably not... Back in the Medieval times the peasants and such lived in wooden shacks, they had big wooden tables they would eat on, wooden chairs, ect... They believed when bad things would happen after they boasted about themselves or their situation that little Gnomes living in their wooden furniture and home would bring this bad luck upon them. So they began to "Knock on wood" during their current boast so the Gnomes could not hear what was being said over the knocking. So that became their way to be able to say "I haven't been sick in a whole year!" without the bad luck getting them. Nowadays everyone boasts then knocks on wood afterwards, it's all good, but makes no sense at all.
This little tidbit was brought to you by me, for no other reason but me being bored!
(Note: Were Gnomes part of the whole Tolkien theme or not really? Was wondering that when I read the post about Dragons and such predating Tolkien)
________________________________ Warrior of Passion
But I do so encourage everyone to try out the FREE AC2 trial (I've many times posted for lurkers and other gamers to give AC2 a try.). I'm just making sure anyone who does decide to start subscribing to AC2 be fully informed of it's status which you summed up - it may not be around roughly 1 year from now when the rest of the big boy 4th Generation MMORPGs get released.
BS. Again you contradict yourself. In other posts you said you were looking out for people wasting their "irreplaceable time" on AC2. You were totally discouraging people from playing it because you claimed it would not be worth their time with the low populations.
See here is how it works:
1. I make sure everyone can make an informed decision by:
a. Telling them to play the FREE AC2 trial
b. Telling them about the dismally low amount of players playing AC2 which directly influences if AC2 will get shut down roughly 1 year from now.
2. By making sure the lurkers, and gamers, are fully aware of a & b, they then can decide to subscribe to AC2 and not be angrey IF/WHEN it gets shut down roughly 1 year from now when the REST of the 4th generation Fantasy-Themed MMORPGs get released.
I am "looking out for people so they do not waste their irreplaceable time" by making sure they know the full truth. For example take you. You have played AC2, you KNOW about the dismally low amounts of players AC2 has. You are in a position to make a fully informed decision to play AC2. If you decide to continue subscribing to AC2 for another year, and it later gets shut down, you have nothing to complain about, since you decided to invest your time. You have accepted all the risks.
Now if everyone told you this game is wonderful! Play it! You play it, you like it. You do not know how far it is from reaching the industry standard for a successful MMORPG, you find out 1 year from now it got shut down. You have a huge question mark over your head. "What the Freek ?!? This was a wonderful game! Why did it get shut down?!?" They were NOT able to accept all the risks, because they did not know what all the risks were. It is like getting hit with a punch you never see coming, vs getting hit with a punch you do see coming.
All AC2 really has to do to get its own unique identity is STICK with what it first advertised as the most major, new, revolutionary, game feature it was suppose to have. But to this day the AC2 game DEVs still have not put in! *Sigh*
And what is this game feature that they have not put in?
I was waiting for you to ask heheh. Before AC2 came out, and while it was in beta, and during the first 4 months it was out, and even in the 2 page magazine coverstory on it, AC2 advertised a game feature no other MMORPG ever had, nor was planning. (Not even the rest of the new 4th generation MMORPGs are planning it!) -
NPCs coming along, destroying towns, and players rebuilding the towns, defending the towns from getting destroyed again by NPCs. Heck, if AC2 ever get around to putting this in, I would even support it even more than you. I would personally find a way to advertise AC2's uniqueness among the sea of over-saturated Fantasy-Themed MMORPGs.
Vendor buy us all a decent MMORPG bank guards recdu recsu
Comments
With all due respect, xplororor... Asheron's Call 2 has nothing to do with the race and story concepts from D&D or Tolkien. There are no Orcs, Elves, Trolls, Goblins or any of the other rehashed races that you find in many games including the magnificently boring Lineage II or Blizzard's World of Warcraft (at least Blizzard can write a story). I felt this necessary to point out, however if you are a fan of the D&D or Tolkien "themed" MMORPG, I recommend you look at Turbine's 4th Generation "D&D Online" or "Middle Earth Online (Lord of the Rings)" 8) --- I think you will agree that Turbine once again proves they are not duplicators... just originators.
Asheron's Call 2 Races: Human [RIPOFF!], Lugian and Tumerok
I couldn't even begin to describe how the game is original in is story, I recommend the 15 day trial.
This has been brought up before. By "D&D Themed" and "Tolkien Themed" I am not saying AC2 is a rip off of either. I am saying AC2, (as well as EQ, DAoC, UO, RS, AS3, Lin, Lin2, WoW, etc...) are all the direct and indirect result of D&D.
Tolkien was responsible for popularizing worldwide European myths, folklore, legends, and superstitions. This directly led to the creation of D&D back in the early 1970's. D&D became super-poplular. This directly led to the creatiion of RPG games in the very late 1970's (Ultima 0), and the 1980's (Ultima 1,2,3,4,5,6,7, etc....), Bard's Tale 1,2,3,4, Phantasie 1,2,3 etc... They all became super-popular. This directly led to the creation of MMORPGs. Realm Online, Ultima Online. Their success is directly responsible for AC and EQ being made. And their success is directly responsible for DAoC, AC2, and many, many, more being made.
AC2 features a world and setting full of magic, sorcery, warriors, monsters, dragons, etc.... That is D&D Themed. D&D further popularized the idea of a world full of magic, warriors, monsters, etc... And thus Tolkien Themed. Tolkien was the first to popularize such a world and setting worldwide.
Perhaps Fantasy-themed is a more likeable term?
Here is a very intresting article I re-found that further drives home my point:
http://www.womengamers.com/articles/rpg.html
Last, MEO, and DDO will be absolute failures. This is strictly my opinion. I think it is beyond silly that Turbine will/is attempting to make two MMORPGs at the same time, and both will be compeating vs each other! And both will be jumping into the super-mega saturated D&D Themed, Tolkien Themed, Fantasy Themed
MMORPG market.
*EDIT:*
I ment to say MEO and DDO! aka Middle Earth Online aka Lord of the Rings Online,
and Dungeons and Dragons Online.
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MMORPG games I've played:
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http://community.webshots.com/user/xplororor
Star Wars Galaxies:
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http://community.webshots.com/user/capt_xplororor
More games:
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http://community.webshots.com/user/xplororor_archives01
so Xplororororor...
you flame MMORPGS? because they are D&D themed?
Seriously go to the WoW section and flame that nub game
Maxxxi - Frostfell - Asherons Call 2
Umm ok... MEO and Lord of the Rings Online....
WTF is Lord of the RIngs ONline... isn't that MEO? Nub!
Maxxxi - Frostfell - Asherons Call 2
Maxxx, you completly missed what the subject was. I definatly do not flame MMORPGs or else I would not even be playing any of them at all. The Fantasy-themed/D&D Themed/Tolkien Themed MMORPG market is super-saturated. Meaning there are toooo many titles set in a fantasy setting. It is one reason for the string of vaporware ..... vaporizing in the past few months. There are only so many MMORPG players who are fans of fantasy. And with the advent of EQ2, WoW, Lin2, GW, the mighty VANGUARD, and many, many, more.... the fantasy market will cannibalize itself.
In WoW's corner is the fact that there are litterally millions of Blizzard fans. WoW will not be compeating vs all the other Fantasy-Themed MMORPGs..... all WoW needs to do is get a tiny amount of their own Blizzard fans to go for paying a monthly subscription and WoW will succeed at doing two things:
1. Further expanding the MMORPG market. Aka introducing anywhere from 100,000 to 1 million to 5 million new gamers to the MMORPG industry. This will increase the MMORPG playerbase. These new MMORPG players will very likely want to check out other MMORPGs which will be a nice thing for ALL MMORPGs.
2. And of course make WoW a bona fid success. Even a runaway success. I predicit WoW will definatly get 100,000 accounts aka meet the industry standard for being a successful MMORPG. WoW has the potiential to be the biggest selling MMORPG in history due to the fact it is being aimed at the massive untapped millions of Blizzard fans worldwide.
Before you or anyone knocks WoW, consider that it is the only MMORPG other than SWG, that will indirectly save, help, and expand the MMORPG industry, and ALL MMORPGs.
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MMORPG games I've played:
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http://community.webshots.com/user/xplororor
Star Wars Galaxies:
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http://community.webshots.com/user/capt_xplororor
More games:
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http://community.webshots.com/user/xplororor_archives01
That was an excellent article you recommended xplororor!
I particularly liked reading about how TSR so savagely ripped off the play concepts from Tolkien. It doesn't matter because TSR is not only known for story but more dominantly the rules to regulate gameplay.
There is no question that Tolkien contributed significantly to the fantasy genre. Hell, you could argue that he devised the framework as you have. With that said, I continue to believe that Turbine, more than any software house, has taken the greatest pains in making Asheron's Call a truly unique concept from their warriors, magic users, magics, weapons to their entire bestiary. Its all new, original concept. The only borrowed concepts in AC2 are ancient concepts, that have endured far longer than Tolkien's legacy. Perhaps that is why Asherons Call suffers against other games, they are forging an original playerbase for an original MMORPG based in completely original lore. Many new players can't deal because you have very little familiarity with the game. I mean why put out the effort when you can simply be a super hero, jedi, spaceship captain or a beloved Elf!?
I see you are looking forward to WoW, without a doubt I am also. I have 6 Diablo II accounts and 1 full 1.10 ladder account. I also was ladder ranked in Warcraft III for some time before Frozen Throne. Indeed, Blizzard will open the floodgates for gamers that are waiting on the fringes for something to grab their attention and I am certain WoW will completely deliver. Still, when you spoke before, you were basically saying you can pick this game, but there are all these games coming out later... well I have two major characters in AC2 and I have no intention of abandoning them in the wake of WoW. Sure itll cost me an extra 12 bucks but its worth it to play AC2!
Also, like WoW will use Warcraft III and Diablo II to enrich their ranks online, you will see the same thing with D&D Online and MEO. Thousands of players from Neverwinter Nights and other games will come to play D&D without a doubt. MEO will certainly have the same type of appeal to affectionados. I am confident they will not fail although I agree that it is peculiar they are working on two major titles that eventually will compete with eachother. D&D will likely steamroll MEO although it is due to release much, much later.
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MMORPG games I've played:
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http://community.webshots.com/user/xplororor
Star Wars Galaxies:
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http://community.webshots.com/user/capt_xplororor
More games:
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http://community.webshots.com/user/xplororor_archives01
AC2 is NOT Tolkien or D&D themed. Fantasy themed would be more accurate. If you play AC2 will see NO orcs, trolls, elves, goblins, ents, dwarves etc. Nor have they taken anything from mythology and folklore as far as I know--you will not see krakens, cyclops, sphinx, gryphons, gargoyles, demons, pixies, gnomes, minotaurs, centaurs, etc. in AC2. The closest thing you might find are the undead. The backstory is original, the races are original, the designs are original as well. What other game has bipedal lizards that wear feathered headdresses and kill things using a bongo drum? Certainly not WoW.
Warcraft III's storyline ripped off of some Norse mythology. I think Blizzard has a thing for Norse myths, there are names from them all over their games.. the Jormungand Brood of Zerg in Starcraft, an Overlord named Yggdrassil in the SC Campaign Editor.. Warcraft III has the World Tree in it, for example.
Vendor buy us all a decent MMORPG bank guards recdu recsu
Vendor buy us all a decent MMORPG bank guards recdu recsu
I have never played any AC series games. Tell me something that would make me want to join. Btw, I do not and have not ever played eq either.
I am serious. I am looking for something totally immersive. Tell me why AC2 could be the one.
Ace
www.ac2hq.com ... read that website..
Maxxxi - Frostfell - Asherons Call 2
Currently Playing:
AC2, WW2Online, SWG
Retired:
Everquest, DAoC
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Currently Playing: Eve-Online
On the Backburner: EQ2
Retired: EQ, DAoC, WW2Online
RIP: AC2
Tried: Ryzom, Roma Victor, RoM, KH2, Forsaken World, AO, AoC, APB
Quit: SWG PRE-CU(Radiant/Starsider), WoW
Achiever 47% / Explorer 40% / Killer 87% / Socializer 27%
I started playing, and soon I was on a quest to help reclaim a mine from something called Drudges. I soon met a few, and one of them attacked me with a plank with a nail through it. They are pitiful things, but they are many. I then saw a three-legged Spikeshark, so named for it's huge spike on its back. And as I explored I found all kinds of new monsters; Grutts, Skraven, Shreth, Reapers, Burun. I even saw a Tyrant! And all in beautiful graphics, and natural and fluid animations.
I had made a home of Rithwic, where lots of other lvl 14-19 people spent their time. Rithwic was a town by a huge lake, and it had easy access to both Cragstone and Cavendo, two other major cities on Osteth (the only continent I had been to ever). I was making human armours (with the added joy when I found out any race could use my shields!) - and I made a stunning 100,000 gold during my time as a master crafter.
Then one day I log in, and I see that someone had built a DAM by the city. The water level was building up on one side, and being drained on the other. (Since the dam is still in place, you can find drowned houses and roads) As the lake was dried out, some people on the server was thrilled! They said that one of the coolest cities in Asheron's Call 1 had laid where the lake now was. And true enough, the now muddy lake bottom had broken houses, and other remenants from the old city - as well as undead. The old smith that people used to buy wares off in AC1, is now an undead haunting the old town. The same with other NPCs from that town. I was amazed. And so I stayed.
I was going to post about the draining of Lake Artefon also because that is something that I haven't seen in any mmorpg to this date lol.
Its a new beginning.. and the players keep signing up. I feel that the game will do well.
I am in a great guild and having fun when I play.
the graphics are good the story line is good. Every month there is some thing new.
Mature players for the most part, and no camping mobs.
person can sign up for 15 long days and check it out. What a Country.
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MMORPG games I've played:
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http://community.webshots.com/user/xplororor
Star Wars Galaxies:
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http://community.webshots.com/user/capt_xplororor
More games:
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http://community.webshots.com/user/xplororor_archives01
I never said it didn't come from D&D! Your logic is totally screwed up here.
Let me use a different example here. Let's say that a futuristic movie comes out called Blah which is categorized as a Yadda movie, which has spaceships, laserguns, and giant humanoid robots. Then a whole legion of other movies follow it and also are notable for their spaceships, laserguns, and giant humanoid robots. Then all of a sudden, a new movie called Whatever comes out, which is set in the future just like the others, and has similar clothing like the others, but has no spaceships, laserguns, or giant humanoid robots. Instead there are people with spiked bats and harpoons as weapons, a bit different from laserguns. They get around by riding on enormous flying fish. They fight giant moving stone baboons, instead of humanoid robots. From this, it is clear that Whatever is similar to Yadda movies and is targeted at fans of Yadda movies, which were inspired by their originator, Blah.
This does NOT make Whatever a Yadda movie. It does not have the distinct characteristics of a Yadda movie: laserguns, spaceships, and giant humanoid robots. It has gone against the trend of including all of those Yadda things and has been creative, by coming up with its own characteristics that contribute to the setting.
In the same way, you cannot call AC2 a D&D themed game.
Vendor buy us all a decent MMORPG bank guards recdu recsu
Vendor buy us all a decent MMORPG bank guards recdu recsu
Ok, I do have to say Xplorer "may" be holding a grudge, he "may" just be wanting to stire up some emotions, but from what I have read he is just trully stating the facts. In his oppinion AC2 will be a waste of time and money because all the new 4th generation MMO's will hit retail come November and even the AC2 players will jump ship and head for the new games with great graphics.
(That is Xplorers stand if I understand correctly, and it is a stable outlook on the future of AC2 IMO)
Now all of you AC2 players are trying to relate to us that AC2 has changed, and oh for the better, so come play! The game needs that, you are trying to get devoted players to come try it out. What needs to happen with AC2 to ensure it won't falture and fail once all these new 4th Generation MMO's come out is the Devs really need to give it an identity. And from what you have all been saying is the devs have done that.
You are all trying to encourage people to try it out, and xplorer is trying to discourage, both of you all have facts and good examples for your points. I for one may try it out, I have a lot of time to find a fun game before EQII hits retail.
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Warrior of Passion
YOu hit the nail 99% on the head in summing up my entire reason for posting.
But I do so encourage everyone to try out the FREE AC2 trial (I've many times posted for lurkers and other gamers to give AC2 a try.). I'm just making sure anyone who does decide to start subscribing to AC2 be fully informed of it's status which you summed up - it may not be around roughly 1 year from now when the rest of the big boy 4th Generation MMORPGs get released.
All AC2 really has to do to get its own unique identity is STICK with what it first advertised as the most major, new, revolutionary, game feature it was suppose to have. But to this day the AC2 game DEVs still have not put in! *Sigh*
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MMORPG games I've played:
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http://community.webshots.com/user/xplororor
Star Wars Galaxies:
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http://community.webshots.com/user/capt_xplororor
More games:
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http://community.webshots.com/user/xplororor_archives01
But xplororor most peope are getting sick of next mmorpg X is going to be the downfall of mmorpg Y we have heared it so many times with games like horizons/ffxi/swg They dont effect the population dramasticly.
What i've heared from the people of my allegiance in ac2 who have played the WoW beta, is that it wasnt what they expected it to be. Like always the grass looks greener on the other side.
And for the canceling of ac2: turbine bought the whole ac2 franchise they have laid a plan of whats comming they are even talking about a expansion so i dont really believe in the doom of ac2 sorry
And intill then i'll keep enjoying a great game.
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MMORPG games I've played:
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http://community.webshots.com/user/xplororor
Star Wars Galaxies:
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http://community.webshots.com/user/capt_xplororor
More games:
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http://community.webshots.com/user/xplororor_archives01
Vendor buy us all a decent MMORPG bank guards recdu recsu
Vendor buy us all a decent MMORPG bank guards recdu recsu
Heres a fun little fact:
Ever heard the saying "Knock on wood" of coarse we all have... Know what it means? Probably not... Back in the Medieval times the peasants and such lived in wooden shacks, they had big wooden tables they would eat on, wooden chairs, ect... They believed when bad things would happen after they boasted about themselves or their situation that little Gnomes living in their wooden furniture and home would bring this bad luck upon them. So they began to "Knock on wood" during their current boast so the Gnomes could not hear what was being said over the knocking. So that became their way to be able to say "I haven't been sick in a whole year!" without the bad luck getting them. Nowadays everyone boasts then knocks on wood afterwards, it's all good, but makes no sense at all.
This little tidbit was brought to you by me, for no other reason but me being bored!
(Note: Were Gnomes part of the whole Tolkien theme or not really? Was wondering that when I read the post about Dragons and such predating Tolkien)
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Warrior of Passion
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MMORPG games I've played:
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http://community.webshots.com/user/xplororor
Star Wars Galaxies:
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http://community.webshots.com/user/capt_xplororor
More games:
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http://community.webshots.com/user/xplororor_archives01