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worth the money?
yesuconn
Member Posts: 19
just got done playing the trial for this game and Ill admit....not a bad game at all. I considered playing it but i felt it wasnt worth the $15/ month. I dont know maybe its just me but it just didnt seem to have enough to make me want to play it that much. I did enjoy my time playing......there were a few faults, just as in any game but overall it wasnt too bad and i was suprised. I admit i didnt expect much but it was good, just not worth the money in my opinion. what do you think?
Comments
completely agree.... you sir are a genious!! This game would be a pleasant suprise for a FREE game, however, since it costs real money, I expect something more than what I could design myself.... small world, pre-existing lore.
With 1/3 of the money put towards development, I think I could lead a game development team to a more fulfilling game than turbine did in this case.
The skills are too simple, the world is too small, and the systems are too under-thought to earn my money.
Elite poster by 82
Been playing since beta, so I obviously think it is worth the money. I also bought GW, which is free to play, decided it was really a single player game, not a MMO, lots of much better single player games, so overally it wasn't worth the money to me even to play for free. So all subjective.
With DDO you get continual development thrown in for the price. Now if I had to pay a monthly fee and then pay for expansion packs on top, that would bug me more.
p.s. I play in Europe and we pay a lot more than $15.
I can guarantee if you did, people would be lining up to tell you how idiotic your design was and how they could do better for a third of the price.
I think "worth the money" means comparable to the market and demand...and using that, I think absolutely it's worth it.
1. Industry standard is 15 bucks a month for most of the large MMOs. DDO has as much content, if not more, than a good portion of those. I would also say DDO has much more "real content" (not kill 100 bears) than almost any of them.
2. DDO has the best combat system available in the MMO market today, IMO. Hands down, no one else is even close.
3. DDO has the most in depth character building in any MMO out today, IMO. Between feats, enhancements, skills, stats, multiclassing, and equipment there are no "cookie cutters".
4. Graphically, DDO stands with just about any game out there, particularly after the engine upgrade in mod 5.
5. DDO offers dozens of free updates already, more than doubling it's size and content since launch, compared to many other MMOs who you have to buy a box to get the development.
Is DDO for everyone? Nope, and I'd prefer to keep it that way. It's not a big sandbox MMO with all the bells and whistles of some MMOs that I consider mostly fluff (housing, music making, clothes designing, etc.). It's not a PVP game...but neither is D&D...so what PVP there is, which is fun, is more than enough.
p.s. As far as the "pre-existing lore", I'd like to point out that the original lore created by DDO is good enough that Wizards is now publishing an entire Eberron book based on it.
Problem is, the game is small, and it's so dead that it stinks.
Honestly, people expect more from that title. If I said that D&D was making an mmoRPG today (and DDO never existed) there would be twice the buzz of WAR. Frankly, it's not much of an mmo at all unfortunately.
I expect character built zones... because that is the heart of the title.
I expect more of a free-flow combat system, and not the cheesy mana/block garbage.
Those are just two of my personal expectation, that I think this game absolutely NEEDS to appeal to anyone outside of the players who dropped 50 bucks on this game without ever trying it out. I will be so bold as to say, that if you cap any game, you obviously think it is ok, and most likely will defend the game because you don't want to be the "dark-lord" of a dead game.
In this case, however, turbine dropped the ball, and without a major expansion and refit of the entire game... this game is over, until maybe d&d releases another game under a different dev.
Elite poster by 82
TenTonHammer says "Overall, Dungeons & Dragons Online remains a very fun game. If you have not tried it, the fast paced combat interface and small group content really are some of the best examples in MMOGs."
Massively says "DDO still isn't the biggest of MMOs out there, but it seems to have found a pretty sure footing, and there is no doubt that the team behind it is interested in making sure players have access not only to typical hacking and slashing, but also to some complex and rewarding game and group experiences. The Shroud is a very nice example of how MMO designers can break boundaries in what's expected of MMO gameplay"
Gamespy says "The company's earlier release, Dungeons & Dragons Online, is still going strong. According to the company, the subscriber base, while not boasting world-beating numbers, has had relatively little turnover and the game continues to hold a steady group of hardcore players. That's a tribute to Turbine's continuing commitment to the title and the steady stream of content upgrades it releases every four to six months."
MMORPG.COM says "While the visual style was there from the start, the actual feel of D&D took a bit longer to develop. I have to give Turbine credit for listening to their audience, as most of my complaints about the earlier version of the game have been addressed in subsequent" modules.
p.s. That's all within the last couple of weeks...but if you say it's DOOOOOOOOOMED...you must be right
p.s. Reading your posts two things become very clear to me.
1. You haven't played the game in a LONG time. You talk about low populations, but this hasn't been the case for months since the merges. You can easily get a group at any level and for just about any quest in a matter of a few minutes. You talk about the "small world" which tells me you clearly haven't been into the exploration zones, and in fact both the EU and US main forums have complaints now about travel time between quests it's gotten so large. You talk about the "mana/block" technique...which doesn't work anymore either, thanks to updated AI.
2. You really aren't that familiar with the SRD or D&D rules, regardless of what you claim. Spell points and mana are an alternate rule set, written out clearly by Wizards, and a much more effective system than memorization for an MMO. You stated that casters would hate running out of mana in DDO...but fail to mention that in PnP at the current level cap, they'd be able to cast that new shiny 8th level spell...2 times. In fact, they'd be able to cast a total of 32 spells total, from all levels, between each rest...if we were using memorization instead of mana.
As to your expectation that there would be player created content...well...that'd be like me going to the WoW forum and saying I didn't like it because I couldn't fly an X-Wing. It was never advertised, discussed, or even expected to be in the game by anyone but you. Virtually none of the "big MMOs" have this, or are even looking at adding it, so no clue why DDO would be expected to.
Bloody good game, i would still be playing if i could afford to hand out for a second mmo to play.
I hated this game the first time I trialed it, can't remember how long ago
But I just finished my trial with a group of friends and we all decided to get the game. Great game and definitely worth the $7.99 pricetag Amazon has it listed for. I would have bought it for $30+ though, I'm digging this game now. The $15 a month isnt horrible and I have my 40 days of gametime to decide whether to pay it or not.
You haven't played the game have you - don't front, we can see right through you. :P
Small? seriously, you are completely unfamiliar with the state of the game and making such statements sound foolish.
Free Flow Combat System - this must be your own catch phrase since it's quite generic in its self without identifying anything specific. The combat mechanics in DDO are the most dynamicaly proactive short of the pre-cu area of Star WArs Galaxies.
The only thing "chessy" is needless trolling of a title known nothing about claiming to know everything about it? A hobby might be more enlightening.
Nothing about "dead" in ddo other then the quoted opinions. While the intial design *was* lacking and *was* lacking open environments there have been vast improvements to place the game to the top.
There's some things we might not ever see in ANY game: Player Created Dungeons. Can you show me a single example where players are able to create dungeons for others to play in an MMO? There's a certain amount of technological challenge which needs to be overcome before it can be done.
No expansion and no refits!?! OK, you just proved you have no credibilty to your statements and wouldn't know water if it rained on you. Good luck with that - ddo is doing VERY well without you.
DDO is a game with an astonishing amount of character and combat dynamics that does not tire. There is not a single game on the market that challenges players to the degree DDO does - exception to EVE Online.
p.s. I came into DDO not knowing anything other then old school AD&D rules. While it was not what I expected it is still an amazing game that provides for a crebreal experiance unsurpassed by its dynaming gaming environment.
My opinion... No. It's not worth it if you want something to keep you occupied for more than a month. The game world is small compared to other MMOs. I expect much more from something using the D&D world.
And again, when did you actually play it?
The content is more than double the size at launch. You can level to the cap without repeating a single quest...and in fact won't have even done them all.
There are now 7 raids in total, and a dozen exploration zones, as well as crafting, favor, dragonscale armor, and numerous other longer term "grinds" if that's what you're after as well.
I'm playing the game now and have been for the last month. I'm loving the game but there are a few things I dislike as well. But 2 things that simply aren't true about DDO right now are low pops and small world.
I re-subbed for mod-6 just to see how the game has changed in the past year and change since I had played it last and I have to say I'm quite impressed with how things have come along. It's still got several issues but it's definitely come a long way and is much much better for casual and hard core gamers alike now. It's still missing many elements I consider 'key' for an MMORPG but it's worth the money now if you enjoy just hopping on, getting in a group and going on a quick adventure. If you're raid or pvp oriented it has that now too and lots more solo-able content for those who like to do things on their own.
All in all I have to say that I'm impressed with how DDO has evolved. I hope it continues though I do still hope that they implement an explorable world map that eventually has links to other cities besides Stormreach.
Currently Playing: Dungeons and Dragons Online.
Sig image Pending
Still in: A couple Betas
For all those talking about how small the world is, just thought you'd get a kick out of this post on the main forums...
http://forums.ddo.com/showthread.php?&postid=1560265#post1560265
Apparently your view is not only the opposite of many DDO vets, they're actually complaining about the "sprawl" and the area being too large.
I do not see the world as being small, in the beginning it is definitely compact with the quests all close together in the Harbor and so on. I myself have not moved past the marketplace as of yet and I look forward to moving out into the "world."
BTW...vincenz, I enjoy your posts but your lack of clicky links...
How To Make A Clickly Link (take about 5 seconds):
1) Type Word or Cut & Paste Link
2) Highlight Word or Link
3) Click on Insert/Edit Lick (little world button)
4) Paste Link in URL section
5) Click OK
"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 received a warning for "referral links" for doing that with a link to the high rez download...so it's intentional LOL!
I see says the blind man as he picked up the shovel and saw.
You have your reasons then
"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)
Unfortunately, this statement is still NOT true. Even with the 25% bonus for each "level" of a quest, you cannot level without repeating quests. It mathematically cannot be done, too much xp is needed between levels to do this. [The "new" death penalty will help this a lot, since no xp is "wasted"]
Perhaps the material added since launch allows this about level 6 or so, but this is definitely NOT true of the lower level quests. You hit a large doldrums at about level 3 which continues through level 5 at least. [I have a level 2 about 3/4 the way to 3 that has only 1 level 2 quest left on Normal and has 1/3-1/2 done on Hard; I have other characters of levels 3 and 5 who are going back and eliting the level 1-2-3 quests now]
Now perhaps it CAN be done if you are doing elites that are a level or 2 higher than your character, but that would involve having a well twinked character, not a "main" [or alt played without twinking].
Edit: I am NOT knocking the game - I've just resubbed while I have time to play.
<p align=center><a target=_blank href=http://www.nodiatis.com/personality.htm><img border=0 src=http://www.nodiatis.com/pub/20.jpg></a></p>;
Unfortunately, this statement is still NOT true. Even with the 25% bonus for each "level" of a quest, you cannot level without repeating quests. It mathematically cannot be done, too much xp is needed between levels to do this. [The "new" death penalty will help this a lot, since no xp is "wasted"]
Perhaps the material added since launch allows this about level 6 or so, but this is definitely NOT true of the lower level quests. You hit a large doldrums at about level 3 which continues through level 5 at least. [I have a level 2 about 3/4 the way to 3 that has only 1 level 2 quest left on Normal and has 1/3-1/2 done on Hard; I have other characters of levels 3 and 5 who are going back and eliting the level 1-2-3 quests now]
Now perhaps it CAN be done if you are doing elites that are a level or 2 higher than your character, but that would involve having a well twinked character, not a "main" [or alt played without twinking].
Edit: I am NOT knocking the game - I've just resubbed while I have time to play.
Yes, it really can. You can't do it with solo settings, and you can't do it without doing some of the explorer area content, but you absolutely can.
Unfortunately, this statement is still NOT true. Even with the 25% bonus for each "level" of a quest, you cannot level without repeating quests. It mathematically cannot be done, too much xp is needed between levels to do this. [The "new" death penalty will help this a lot, since no xp is "wasted"]
Perhaps the material added since launch allows this about level 6 or so, but this is definitely NOT true of the lower level quests. You hit a large doldrums at about level 3 which continues through level 5 at least. [I have a level 2 about 3/4 the way to 3 that has only 1 level 2 quest left on Normal and has 1/3-1/2 done on Hard; I have other characters of levels 3 and 5 who are going back and eliting the level 1-2-3 quests now]
Now perhaps it CAN be done if you are doing elites that are a level or 2 higher than your character, but that would involve having a well twinked character, not a "main" [or alt played without twinking].
Edit: I am NOT knocking the game - I've just resubbed while I have time to play.
You are mistaken. Just cause you don't know how does not mean others have and continue to do so.
I have a few lower level characters that I had not repeated quests with who are around lvl 6. It wasn't even difficult to get them there without redoing a dungeon. Maybe you don't know how or where to look?
There's more of an issue with WANTING to repeat some quests. Some dungeons are so well designed that they are lots of fun to repeat. When you run one that you don't like it's hard to not go back and run a previous one at a harder difficulty for shits and giggles.
A quest I must recomend for lvl 14-16: Rainbow In The Dark (Like the Dio song.)
Unfortunately, this statement is still NOT true. Even with the 25% bonus for each "level" of a quest, you cannot level without repeating quests. It mathematically cannot be done, too much xp is needed between levels to do this. [The "new" death penalty will help this a lot, since no xp is "wasted"]
Perhaps the material added since launch allows this about level 6 or so, but this is definitely NOT true of the lower level quests. You hit a large doldrums at about level 3 which continues through level 5 at least. [I have a level 2 about 3/4 the way to 3 that has only 1 level 2 quest left on Normal and has 1/3-1/2 done on Hard; I have other characters of levels 3 and 5 who are going back and eliting the level 1-2-3 quests now]
Now perhaps it CAN be done if you are doing elites that are a level or 2 higher than your character, but that would involve having a well twinked character, not a "main" [or alt played without twinking].
Edit: I am NOT knocking the game - I've just resubbed while I have time to play.
You are mistaken. Just cause you don't know how does not mean others have and continue to do so.
I have a few lower level characters that I had not repeated quests with who are around lvl 6. It wasn't even difficult to get them there without redoing a dungeon. Maybe you don't know how or where to look?
There's more of an issue with WANTING to repeat some quests. Some dungeons are so well designed that they are lots of fun to repeat. When you run one that you don't like it's hard to not go back and run a previous one at a harder difficulty for shits and giggles.
A quest I must recomend for lvl 14-16: Rainbow In The Dark (Like the Dio song.)
"Don't know how" to not repeat a quest? Uh, what? I would think it is obvious how to not repeat a quest - don't do it again once you have completed it. Do you find that a difficult concept?
"Don't know where to look?" Unless they've added 2nd-3rd-4th level quests that are not in the favor panel after visiting all the Harbor/Market/Great Houses, I have them all listed up through level 7 [Including Irestone Inlet and Tangleroot Gorge and 3 Barrel Cove]. I went to the desert during the "welcome back" weekends and saw nothing of those levels there.
What I am saying is that I don't believe that you can level past 3rd level without repeating quests. The quests do not offer enough xp - even given doing them 3 times each on the 3 difficulty levels - to gain levels without repeating the quests. If you think I am in error, show me the math to prove it.
If your method of "How to" do this is to have a 1st level character [or whatever the minimum level is for a given dungeon] enter and stand at the entrance while other - level appropriate - characters complete the higher level quests, I'd call that exploiting, not playing the game.
I admit, there are some dungeons that I enjoy repeating. Before Turbine removed the xp debt for death, there were a few I'd run just to lose the debt - before taking another stab at the level appropriate stuff.
<p align=center><a target=_blank href=http://www.nodiatis.com/personality.htm><img border=0 src=http://www.nodiatis.com/pub/20.jpg></a></p>;
Again Unc, you're forgetting about explorer areas, which are huge experience.
p.s. Don't forget 25% bonus first time running, 25% bonus for conquest, 10% bonus for ransack, and then spotting secrets and disabling traps are another 10 and 10 if you do them. Also, some quests will just always be run at a lower level (Tangleroot, as it gets higher level in the series, but few people are going to stop running it until they get to the next level...Catacombs same thing), so you get the bonuses for running a quest above your actual level.
p.s.s. BTW, doing each quest three times by difficulty you'll stack levels so badly that you'll stop gaining experience multiple times if you don't actually level up.
Unfortunately, this statement is still NOT true. Even with the 25% bonus for each "level" of a quest, you cannot level without repeating quests. It mathematically cannot be done...
Perhaps the material added since launch allows this about level 6 or so, but this is definitely NOT true of the lower level quests.
Now perhaps it CAN be done if you are doing elites that are a level or 2 higher than your character..
Edit: I am NOT knocking the game - I've just resubbed while I have time to play.
You are mistaken. Just cause you don't know how does not mean others have and continue to do so.
I have a few lower level characters that I had not repeated quests with who are around lvl 6. It wasn't even difficult to get them there without redoing a dungeon. Maybe you don't know how or where to look?
I would think it is obvious how to not repeat a quest - don't do it again once you have completed it.
What I am saying is that I don't believe that you can level past 3rd level without repeating quests. If you think I am in error, show me the math to prove it.
I admit, there are some dungeons that I enjoy repeating. Before Turbine removed the xp debt for death, there were a few I'd run just to lose the debt - before taking another stab at the level appropriate stuff.
There are guilds set up for perma-death characters that intentionaly NEVER repeat quests. My perma-death chaarcter died at rank 4 of lvl 4 and would have leveled if I had not bought the farm - a few others in the group were level 5 and there was a level 6, all whom had not repeated any quests - we all died. (I was lower level 'cs I had missed some gaming sessions)
No one needs to prove it. It is possible and it's as simple as that. How do I know? Cause I play the game and have played extensively over the last 14 months.
I believe you have predisposed opinions and regardless of the proof given you will continue to rebutal. The arguement serves no purpose. Other then holding your hand and walking you through all the content, which I refuse to do, there's no diffenitive way to "prove" it.
All due respect, you are the one claiming statistics while refusing to provide the equations that you base a misunderstanding on. If the content is fun, then repeat it. If you do not like it then find something else to run. Is there really a point to an arguement as sophmoric as this?
P.S. You're welcome to repeat any of the vale quests with me if you wish - Ghallanda
Compared to other mmo's the world is very small and linear (since you have to do all of the quests OR repeat old quests... which is weak.)
There is NO player made content, which is a major turn-off to the pnp world.... DM's are the driving force behind this game. For some (not me particularly) it's a labor of love.
The combat system is not great. Level desparity overcomes any positional strategy just like any other game, they just allow you to pose in a defensive stance in a hope of having a chance and not getting wailed on.
Casting is not acceptable. I know the "alternate method" argument, but it's just not as good. With meta-magic, I cannot cast 32 spells between "rest sessions" as is. I would greatly prefer that system, or at least a system that doesn't leave you melee'ing in a long quest, considering casters have no ability to melee, and who plays pnp D&D alone???? No one.... therefore using a ALWAYS grouped system for a game where a great deal of a players' time is solo, just doesn't work.
Traditional systems are more fun, and still balanced. The original system could be properly implemented, but this neutral ground is garbage.
Elite poster by 82