MMORPG Please RE-review DDO

dtal311

I just read the review for DDO done in 2006. I am asking that MMORPG.com re-review DDO and the current state of the game.

The amount of content, depth and playability of DDO is amazing and it does not get the credit it deserves.

So, MMORPG, please re-review! Its worth and the game has changed since release.

 

 

Unicorns_Pwn

Actually I think they should hold off till after Module 7

New class and starter quests really make it worth looking back into and will help boost the harbor.

dtal311

First, Great icon - lol - will never think of Unicorns in the same way

Second - great point, just don't know release of Mod 7.

Either way, this game does not get a fair rap and its a Jem in the rough. Sort of amazed!!

They just need to re-review at some point and want a thread to get going that asks them to do so.

It is by far the greatest community I have run into in 8 years of playing MMORPGs. Either that or I got to de-senitized by EVE players - lol

Kyleran

Originally posted by dtal311


First, Great icon - lol - will never think of Unicorns in the same way
Second - great point, just don't know release of Mod 7.
Either way, this game does not get a fair rap and its a Jem in the rough. Sort of amazed!!
They just need to re-review at some point and want a thread to get going that asks them to do so.
It is by far the greatest community I have run into in 8 years of playing MMORPGs. Either that or I got to de-senitized by EVE players - lol

I'm an EVE player and I resemble that remark. 

It would be a good idea though.  I played it the first month it was released and hated it. Didn't even keep it going past the initial free month, something I rarely do. (usually always give a game 3 months minimum)

Be nice to see how much has changed since those days.

 

Elnator

Definitely worth re-reviewing but I agree it should wait till after Mod 7 which is slated to release sometime near May I believe.

 

Unicorns_Pwn

small celebration for me. For once more than at least one person agrees with my incoherent ramblings.

kb4blu

I agree.  I played when it first started and did not care for it.  However I just tried it again and its like night and day.  It really needs to be reviewed again.

 

 

Sevenwind

I'm all for waiting for Mod 7, you'll have the monks and a new starting area. I'm sure there is a mess of other stuff as well but those two I remember reading about.

I'm very anxious to see the new starting area. Also curious what they are going to put where the big tent use to be.

 

 

pfloydguy84

agreed, DnD online is much more fun for me now cause of all the solo content added and outdoor areas.when it launched it sucked cause you HAD to group even early on and that sucks.

Vincenz

I actually has sent an e-mail to the reviewer requesting this, based solely on this line from the most recent review, now if they've fixed every problem you had with the game when you reviewed it before...how can you justify leaving the review as is???

""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."

 

uncus

I agree - DDO is much better now than when it launched!  As MMORPG has in the past re-reviewed [or updated their review] some games, I think it is time that they do so for DDO.

Ok, maybe after Monks get in would be a better time - especially with a new starting area, too! [And the additions of collectable & gem bags...with quivers to come <potentially mentioned>]  Inventory is still too small, but that seems to be a Turbine philosophy - LOTRO's is, too!

mindspat

I am also someone who quit DDO within a month after the game launched due to limited dynamics and a tiny game world.  Returning a year later I saw vast improvements across all spectrums.  Over the last year I had stepped away from ddo for a total of about 3 months.  The current game IS more along what an MMO should feel like even though there are still needed improvements.

The game deffintely deserves an updated review although it shouldn't be done until after monks are added in module 7

To add, there's been a LOT of new/returning players lately.  Almost everyone I've come across said they had paid for the 6 month subscription plan.  A few others said they were planning on it and not a single person said they weren't going to stick around.  Seems like most who didn't like it at launch are greatly enjoying what the game currently has to offer.    

dtal311

Just to add some more thoughts.

I was going to wait for AoC but after trying DDO I think I will hold off on AoC even after release.

Why?

Becuase I am an old school DnD PnP fan and the one thing I have always wanted was a TRUE ONline DnD Game.

This is it. I have never seen such ability to customize a character Class as this game. It blows my mind. So many types of class builds. Name a game with that type of direction (other then EVE)?

The game devs have so much source material to add future content that it will make sticking around this game a strong draw. Prestige classes and Epic levels, even if not talked about now have a place in the future.

THe questing and combat system is unlike any ohter fantasy game out now and is a breath of fresh air. I was so sick of collecting fox pelts and bat wings. I always thought it was funny that you go to an area and 'pull' one monster and the 15 next to him sit there.

Not in DDO.

Amazing.

Thanks!! keep this post going. Make MMORPG re-do their Review.

Elnator

Originally posted by uncus


I agree - DDO is much better now than when it launched!  As MMORPG has in the past re-reviewed [or updated their review] some games, I think it is time that they do so for DDO.
Ok, maybe after Monks get in would be a better time - especially with a new starting area, too! [And the additions of collectable & gem bags...with quivers to come <potentially mentioned>]  Inventory is still too small, but that seems to be a Turbine philosophy - LOTRO's is, too!

Erm

I currently have 5 tabs for inventory and 3 tabs for bank.... if your inventory is too small you're doing something horribly wrong.

Hvymetal

Originally posted by Elnator


 
Originally posted by uncus


I agree - DDO is much better now than when it launched!  As MMORPG has in the past re-reviewed [or updated their review] some games, I think it is time that they do so for DDO.
Ok, maybe after Monks get in would be a better time - especially with a new starting area, too! [And the additions of collectable & gem bags...with quivers to come <potentially mentioned>]  Inventory is still too small, but that seems to be a Turbine philosophy - LOTRO's is, too!

Erm

 

I currently have 5 tabs for inventory and 3 tabs for bank.... if your inventory is too small you're doing something horribly wrong.

And honestly I like the fact that people have to actually manage their inventories. We already carry around much more gear than could realistically (I lnow fantasy world, take this with a grain of salt) be carried. Managing inventory space means you just might not be able to carry everything you might need and might have to you know rely upon other party members to help achieve your goals.

uncus

Originally posted by Elnator


 
Originally posted by uncus


I agree - DDO is much better now than when it launched!  As MMORPG has in the past re-reviewed [or updated their review] some games, I think it is time that they do so for DDO.
Ok, maybe after Monks get in would be a better time - especially with a new starting area, too! [And the additions of collectable & gem bags...with quivers to come <potentially mentioned>]  Inventory is still too small, but that seems to be a Turbine philosophy - LOTRO's is, too!

Erm

 

I currently have 5 tabs for inventory and 3 tabs for bank.... if your inventory is too small you're doing something horribly wrong.

If by wrong, you mean "low level, non-twinked, non-zerging" then you are correct.  If by wrong you mean "Hasn't yet bought plat from the farmers who spam me once EVERY TIME I log in, in order to buy a portable hole for the 5th inventory slot", then I am.  I only have 1 bank tab - House K favor is just about 2 levels too high for me to gain at present - I haven't even unlocked drow yet. Oh, and if by wrong, you mean "keeping one of each bane-type melee and as many bane-type ranged weapons as I can turn in for/buy at the AH", then yes again, I am wrong.

In the original game - whether 1st Edition AD&D or 3.5 - a portable hole or a bag of holding would hold much more than the current inventory.  I fully agree on limiting backpack space - but give me 9 bank tabs.  Let me choose my gear for a particular dungeon and stash the rest - I accept that equiped items should be damaged - especially on death - but I spend close to 50% of repair costs on things in my backpack!  If I could leave them in the bank, I would!

If you are satisfied with your storage space, good for you - perhaps when I've maxed out a character, I'll be happy, too.  From a low level character's perspective, it is too small!  As it is, I have 4 mule characters and one haggle-bot and create a new trial account once a month for trading and storage - if I had the space on my "real" character, I wouldn't have to do this!  [Maybe Turbine encourages this to inflate the account numbers?]

Cerion

I have to echo the sentiments here. I resubbed two weeks ago to check it's progression. Night and Day.

And dare I say that the armor looks better in DDO than LOTRO? I'm not speaking of stylistic high fantasy armor either. The basic plate, splint, banded, chain, leather...all of it just looks better in my opinion than much of the 'best' gear in LOTRO. I find that a bit ironic.

I remember the combat system was a high-point of the game, and that still shines. The character customization of abilities rivals SWG-PreCUNGE.

My only complaint: Can't get out of the Harbor solo! I play at odd hours, and finding a group is challenging. Four of my characters are now gated, unable to progress (unless I want to repeat missions ad nauseum). Am I missing something? A secret handshake to get the Harbormaster's seal?

In any event, DDO certainly deserves another review.

 

 

Dr.Rock

 

Originally posted by Cerion   
My only complaint: Can't get out of the Harbor solo! I play at odd hours, and finding a group is challenging. Four of my characters are now gated, unable to progress (unless I want to repeat missions ad nauseum). Am I missing something? A secret handshake to get the Harbormaster's seal?

*nudge*, *nudge*, *wink*, *wink*, rumour has it Guard Killmarten is open to bribes.

 

Riddikulus

Originally posted by Dr.Rock


 
Originally posted by Cerion   
My only complaint: Can't get out of the Harbor solo! I play at odd hours, and finding a group is challenging. Four of my characters are now gated, unable to progress (unless I want to repeat missions ad nauseum). Am I missing something? A secret handshake to get the Harbormaster's seal?

*nudge*, *nudge*, *wink*, *wink*, rumour has it Guard Killmarten is open to bribes.

 

What he said.

Waterworks is actually soloable with a good melee build, bit of care, and a small stock of healing pots or healing wands (assuming you can use wands).

Sevenwind

Originally posted by Riddikulus


 
Originally posted by Dr.Rock


 
Originally posted by Cerion   
My only complaint: Can't get out of the Harbor solo! I play at odd hours, and finding a group is challenging. Four of my characters are now gated, unable to progress (unless I want to repeat missions ad nauseum). Am I missing something? A secret handshake to get the Harbormaster's seal?

*nudge*, *nudge*, *wink*, *wink*, rumour has it Guard Killmarten is open to bribes.

 

What he said.

 

Waterworks is actually soloable with a good melee build, bit of care, and a small stock of healing pots or healing wands (assuming you can use wands).

What they said. I was able to solo it on my lvl 3 paladin with lots of heal pots and TONS of arrows. Tried to do it solo with my rogue and just kept dying. Finally gave up and joined a group and did most of it on elite the rest on hard. Lot more fun and better exp.

 

 

uncus

Originally posted by Cerion


My only complaint: Can't get out of the Harbor solo! I play at odd hours, and finding a group is challenging. Four of my characters are now gated, unable to progress (unless I want to repeat missions ad nauseum). Am I missing something? A secret handshake to get the Harbormaster's seal?

You only need to complete the first TWO waterworks quests to get the seal [I think it used to be all 4, but it's been a while].  After doing the second one, talk to Guard Tember, then go back and talk to the Harbor master and he'll sign your writ allowing you to pass into the Marketplace.

If you are trying to solo:

1. The "Die Hard" feat is almost a must have - you will slowly heal back to 1 hp if you are dropped as far as -9!

2. You must have a weapon of lesser reptile bane - or a holy weapon [good luck!].  Even with a mage, I made it through with that weapon.

3. In the second part, a missile weapon of reptilian-bane used while perching is almost a necessity.

Having the right gear is critical to soloing

Souldrainer

I am not sure why DDO deserves another review when it is still broken.  Clerics don't even have domains, and turning mechanics are still a wild and uncalled-for departure from tabletop rules.  Most of the classes are broken, but clerics are the only ones that are so broken that the class in DDO doesn't match the mechanics of the PnP class in any way.  It's like the devs took the 2nd Ed cleric and fudged some numbers and said "here you go."

But hey, DDO has been out for a very long time.  If you want to see it get smashed to shreds in some re-reviews, go ahead and ask for them.  I am sure the game will get what it deserves.

pfloydguy84

so you're saying the game sucks cause you dont like the cleric class in DDO?kinda narrow minded...

Souldrainer

Originally posted by pfloydguy84

so you're saying the game sucks cause you dont like the cleric class in DDO?kinda narrow minded...

How did you get that out of my post?  I realize that interpretations vary, but what you are interpreting and what I said are not even in the same ball park.  The game sucks because they are not using D&D mechanics.  They are using some arbitrary system to run the whole game.  Did I say "run?"  I meant "RUIN."

Just for future reference, you can't argue that it would be hard to convert D20 to an MMO.  If you did, you would lose.  Plenty of games have used D&D rules, and Baldur's Gate used the THAC0 system, which was 10 times more complex than D20.  That is why DDO = Epic fail.

Hvymetal

Originally posted by Souldrainer


I am not sure why DDO deserves another review when it is still broken.  Clerics don't even have domains, and turning mechanics are still a wild and uncalled-for departure from tabletop rules.  Most of the classes are broken, but clerics are the only ones that are so broken that the class in DDO doesn't match the mechanics of the PnP class in any way.  It's like the devs took the 2nd Ed cleric and fudged some numbers and said "here you go."
But hey, DDO has been out for a very long time.  If you want to see it get smashed to shreds in some re-reviews, go ahead and ask for them.  I am sure the game will get what it deserves.

Actually the turning works exactly like P&P, it's the inflated HD that makes it not work as well........

 

When you consider it's based off of 3.5 ED ruleset and not 2nd ED

Cerion

Originally posted by Souldrainer


 
Originally posted by pfloydguy84

so you're saying the game sucks cause you dont like the cleric class in DDO?kinda narrow minded...

How did you get that out of my post?  I realize that interpretations vary, but what you are interpreting and what I said are not even in the same ball park.  The game sucks because they are not using D&D mechanics.  They are using some arbitrary system to run the whole game.  Did I say "run?"  I meant "RUIN."

 

Just for future reference, you can't argue that it would be hard to convert D20 to an MMO.  If you did, you would lose.  Plenty of games have used D&D rules, and Baldur's Gate used the THAC0 system, which was 10 times more complex than D20.  That is why DDO = Epic fail.

The flaw in your argument is plain.  Baldur's Gate != MMO. 

The consessions made seem exceedingly reasonable.  Wizard?  How boring would it be to have only a few spells to cast per day.  That mechanic only barely works in P&P because you can skip a lot of down time.  You can't fast forward time in an MMO, at least not a persistant world MMO. 

Oh but you could just have the Wizard tag along for the first four or 10 levels until the class begins to shine. Again, how boring is that for the player in an MMO?

The consession to ranks in leveling also makes sense. If the player characters are going to gain 20 levels as in P&P, then that level advancement in an MMO would see you gaining a level about once every month (because 20lvl is the typical maximum of most D&D campaigns).  So there you have a month of gaining no rewards, no advancement for your character. Again boring. And if you're playing a P&P version of a wizard in this set up? Damn, that's boring ^2. 

So Turbine decides to implement ranks so that rewards and character advancement can happen more frequently. Ranks also gives the game more longevity as there are effectively more levels to gain.  Hmmm, guess who else had this same thought? Yep, WoTC is implementing something very similar with 4th edition.

Oh, and the Wizard in DDO? Yep, that's essentially the Warlock you find in splat books--you know, WoTC's version of a wizard that can do at least SOMETHING every round of combat.

Really, the complaints of DDO as compared to the P&P version have zero merit. As compared to solo single player games, the complaints have only marginally more merit.