The ultimate problem here, is that we have a critic giving a review about something that he has not fully researched or fully played out. While I appreciate your opinion, it is premature. Why post your thoughts on a game when you have not hit 80 or tried out the end game content? I mean seriously. I could play wow for 1 hour get to 10 and say this game is not only easy its stupid. But most of the fun stuff comes later between 60-70 respectively. And I am a person that is willing to play the game many times over to try out new classes and learn new crafts. The OP basically gave me 1 thing that makes sense, all MMO's become boring after you have played them enough times. Sure maybe for people that dont have active imaginations and only want to play to uh...level 23? Please play the game through and then post your review. Untill then this is not only a bad review, but premature.
agree eve best sand box , most ppl in my guiild of 88 ppl avg level 44 .
I see no freedom in AoC. All i see are hundreds and hundreds of mind-numbing quests that Im forced to do. I know this might be hard to understand if your the type that wants to be entertained, but I dont want quests forced down my throat. I want to do my own thing. I gotta laugh at the posts here stating that AoC and games like WoW have freedom in them. You people are slaves and dont even know it because you havent experienced true freedom yet. Its like saying a prisoner has freedom because he gets to choose between playing checkers or chess.
You take video games way to seriously. I think you are beginning to forget they are pixels on a screen that offer enjoyment and kill time. I don't think because you play AoC or WoW you have never experienced true freedom.
Actually, Admierkr is right. And, it may be you don't take the games seriously enough.
It's not just a matter of either you enjoy a game or not; there is a third state of gaming: immersion. That magical feeling when you see a world through your character's eyes and feel you are almost "in" the game is wondrous.
But, artificial restrictions kill immersion.
TO me, AoC is immersive.
Artificial restrictions will always exist in one form or another, as these games are an artificial reality.
I love a good sandbox game, don't get me wrong...but I also understand that standing around trying to think of something to do, or having to micro-manage every little thing is not entertaining to everyone.
Also...I work for a living. When I get home...I don't want to have to work in my game too. I want to relax and have fun, enjoy a bit of story, and some action.
Maybe some day someone will develop the perfect sandbox game that can balance things nicely, but I don't see it happening in the near future. Until then, I'll be playing AoC.
I have to agree with this statement fully. I am jumping into AoC on the 23rd and I am not expecting a sandbox game. I also work a fair few hours in RL so I would rather have a great storyline and gameplay to occupy my limited time rather than stand around looking for micro level items for crafting to build a house that takes 4 months. Personally I absolutely love it but I just don't have time. All I play now is Tabula Rasa because I like the missions and overall storyline and the jump in gameplay. I have 2 accounts on EVE for 4 years and I rarely play any more because there is just too much involvement in corp building, wars etc etc. shame really...
On that note I am definitely playing Darkfall if it does launch
never played AoC but I have played in chronological order:
UO (3 years)
long break nothing caught my interest from 2000 to 2004 but I was busy as hell in college at the time too
CoX (release to present)
EQ2 (3 months)
WoW (14 day trial)
EvE (6 months)
I've played enough of both Linear/Quest type MMO's and sandbox/grind MMO's. I will be quite honest I have CoX and EvE installed currently. There is something to be said for both. Sometimes I like to jump in and run quests aka missions in CoX which are good XP and although somewhat repetitive a lot of fun if you are rolling with a good team..........EvE on the other hand you can run missions in but you really aren't good at those or PVP until you train skills and yes grind on some very mundane skills. However, EvE opens up a whole other world than what the CoX/WoW/EQ2 type of game can offer just like Ultima Online did back in the day. Yet once again we had to do a lot of mundane things in UO didnt we? Those mundane things though lead to a greater purpose, the one which you set for yourself. So while instant action is very enjoyable sometimes the QUEST for the greater purpose chosen by thee is also extremely appealing. Can't we all just enjoy what we all as individuals like to play? I know I like both so I see everyone's points which most are valid. If you prefer one over the other then fine but why argue about it online? geez..............www.givemeabreak.com
What we see is what ALL MMO's are and will be... We must enjoy that ride while we can, because the next time it may not be as fun.. All I know is right now AoC feels like a brand new Porsche... Until it ages...and then I will be driving a clunker...
You are correct. The problem is WHEN will it age?
I fear AoC will lose it's shine and become old in about 2 months.
--------------------------------------------------------- Never argue with idiots. They are immune to logic.
Sandbox MMO's give the player a fishing pole, the bait, maybe a soda to cool off, and an instructor to show how to fish. After that, the player is on his own but he has the necessary tools / skills to get all the fish he needs. I like Age of Conan. Its pretty to look at. The combat is fun. But its not going to be my home for the next several years.
What you describe admriker is grind. Your 'sandbox' is nothing more than a pure and simple grindfest. Nothing wrong with grind, if that's what you like.
I would suggest there is another option in AoC. Don't do the quests. Just go out and do what you want to do (grind). You'll level up... slower... but you will still level.
I have to admit, you have the first 'review' I've read that suggested there were "too many quests." Actually, I think that's an absurd notion. But then again, I actually like doing quests... whereas you prefer to grind.
Different strokes for different folks, I guess.
Maybe your game will come some day. Me, I'm going to be enjoying the hell out of Conan's "too many quests".
No, he is not asking for a grind. He is asking for more than one way to accomplish something. AoC has taken the theme park to new levels. It is the only non-Korean MMO I have played that only gives you one starter area. And after that, it is pretty much predetermined what path you will take as you level. In a sandbox, you could go many places to level. Or you could forgo levelling all together if you want, and be a crafter or traveling trader. Sandbox games are less grindy, not more, because they are so many different things to do.
How can you review a game, that you have barely played. Make little sense.
So we can disregard the glowing reviews from all the gaming sites that are based on the reviewer spending some time with a dev as they are shown the cool aspects of the game then? Good.
AoC will be a good RPG with lasting appeal if it follows LOTRO's example in content adding over time. If not, the lasting appeal will not last for long (pun intended).
AoC will be a good RPG with lasting appeal if it follows LOTRO's example in content adding over time. If not, the lasting appeal will not last for long (pun intended).
AOC should not do that, instead , they should offer open ended game play features instead of the same old dungeon grind or quest grind.
LOTRO is a good game , we can be honest about that but the problem with LOTRO is that players finish faster the content then developers make and i am talking about CASUALS!
That's one of the reasons why many people left after 2/3 months.
AOC should NOT follow that path. It should offer open ended game play for one time for godsake!
----------------------------------------------------------- the old days, the days of gold.
representer of euhporium, shade/amity , high member of the council.
played
UO,M59,EVE,L2,AC,GW,WOW,LOTRO,SWG pre cu/nge,COH/COV, VG,TR,L1, POTBS,Neocron 1 and 2, DAOC pre TOA and age of conan
playing: EVE ONLINE Waiting for Earthrise, FE, bioware mmo, guild wars 2, DFO , mortal online , the chronicles of spellborn
I'm not sure I understand the concerns but in AoC if you want to grind for xp is pretty much ok, in fact you do more xp that way than questing.
Also there are many areas for grinding for your level once you leave the starter island but is true it might be not enough.
If at level 20 you choose to go in the crafter area (if is not bugged lol) and start gathering resorces you level up too, through grinds of mobs that attack you pretty much everywhere...
So I'd say is a pretty good compromise there as long as you are not forced to quest/raid etc. I don't know yet how gear and end game pvp will be like but I guess it will turn out into whatever we want it to be (as players). The only issue that worries me is the fast leveling of the game which in turn will lead to the fast dropout rate. But then again I'm more into the type of games in which you have fast access to your class basics so that you can make many small level guys and see what you want to make and then have only your main class to play not 50 alts with all the possible crafting features.
I'm not sure I understand the concerns but in AoC if you want to grind for xp is pretty much ok, in fact you do more xp that way than questing. Also there are many areas for grinding for your level once you leave the starter island but is true it might be not enough. If at level 20 you choose to go in the crafter area (if is not bugged lol) and start gathering resorces you level up too, through grinds of mobs that attack you pretty much everywhere... So I'd say is a pretty good compromise there as long as you are not forced to quest/raid etc. I don't know yet how gear and end game pvp will be like but I guess it will turn out into whatever we want it to be (as players). The only issue that worries me is the fast leveling of the game which in turn will lead to the fast dropout rate. But then again I'm more into the type of games in which you have fast access to your class basics so that you can make many small level guys and see what you want to make and then have only your main class to play not 50 alts with all the possible crafting features.
You won't have to make 50 alts to try all the crafting features, their aren't near that many. Besides, with no item decay, just wait until you're 80, buy the best that can be crafted and you won't ever have to buy again. Sounds like a great environment for crafters eh? All that repeat business.
Comments
easy game too level.
Actually, Admierkr is right. And, it may be you don't take the games seriously enough.You take video games way to seriously. I think you are beginning to forget they are pixels on a screen that offer enjoyment and kill time. I don't think because you play AoC or WoW you have never experienced true freedom.
It's not just a matter of either you enjoy a game or not; there is a third state of gaming: immersion. That magical feeling when you see a world through your character's eyes and feel you are almost "in" the game is wondrous.
But, artificial restrictions kill immersion.
TO me, AoC is immersive.Artificial restrictions will always exist in one form or another, as these games are an artificial reality.
I love a good sandbox game, don't get me wrong...but I also understand that standing around trying to think of something to do, or having to micro-manage every little thing is not entertaining to everyone.
Also...I work for a living. When I get home...I don't want to have to work in my game too. I want to relax and have fun, enjoy a bit of story, and some action.
Maybe some day someone will develop the perfect sandbox game that can balance things nicely, but I don't see it happening in the near future. Until then, I'll be playing AoC.
I have to agree with this statement fully. I am jumping into AoC on the 23rd and I am not expecting a sandbox game. I also work a fair few hours in RL so I would rather have a great storyline and gameplay to occupy my limited time rather than stand around looking for micro level items for crafting to build a house that takes 4 months. Personally I absolutely love it but I just don't have time. All I play now is Tabula Rasa because I like the missions and overall storyline and the jump in gameplay. I have 2 accounts on EVE for 4 years and I rarely play any more because there is just too much involvement in corp building, wars etc etc. shame really...
On that note I am definitely playing Darkfall if it does launch
never played AoC but I have played in chronological order:
UO (3 years)
long break nothing caught my interest from 2000 to 2004 but I was busy as hell in college at the time too
CoX (release to present)
EQ2 (3 months)
WoW (14 day trial)
EvE (6 months)
I've played enough of both Linear/Quest type MMO's and sandbox/grind MMO's. I will be quite honest I have CoX and EvE installed currently. There is something to be said for both. Sometimes I like to jump in and run quests aka missions in CoX which are good XP and although somewhat repetitive a lot of fun if you are rolling with a good team..........EvE on the other hand you can run missions in but you really aren't good at those or PVP until you train skills and yes grind on some very mundane skills. However, EvE opens up a whole other world than what the CoX/WoW/EQ2 type of game can offer just like Ultima Online did back in the day. Yet once again we had to do a lot of mundane things in UO didnt we? Those mundane things though lead to a greater purpose, the one which you set for yourself. So while instant action is very enjoyable sometimes the QUEST for the greater purpose chosen by thee is also extremely appealing. Can't we all just enjoy what we all as individuals like to play? I know I like both so I see everyone's points which most are valid. If you prefer one over the other then fine but why argue about it online? geez..............www.givemeabreak.com
I fear AoC will lose it's shine and become old in about 2 months.
---------------------------------------------------------
Never argue with idiots. They are immune to logic.
I would suggest there is another option in AoC. Don't do the quests. Just go out and do what you want to do (grind). You'll level up... slower... but you will still level.
I have to admit, you have the first 'review' I've read that suggested there were "too many quests." Actually, I think that's an absurd notion. But then again, I actually like doing quests... whereas you prefer to grind.
Different strokes for different folks, I guess.
Maybe your game will come some day. Me, I'm going to be enjoying the hell out of Conan's "too many quests".
No, he is not asking for a grind. He is asking for more than one way to accomplish something. AoC has taken the theme park to new levels. It is the only non-Korean MMO I have played that only gives you one starter area. And after that, it is pretty much predetermined what path you will take as you level. In a sandbox, you could go many places to level. Or you could forgo levelling all together if you want, and be a crafter or traveling trader. Sandbox games are less grindy, not more, because they are so many different things to do.
So we can disregard the glowing reviews from all the gaming sites that are based on the reviewer spending some time with a dev as they are shown the cool aspects of the game then? Good.
AoC will be a good RPG with lasting appeal if it follows LOTRO's example in content adding over time. If not, the lasting appeal will not last for long (pun intended).
LOTRO is a good game , we can be honest about that but the problem with LOTRO is that players finish faster the content then developers make and i am talking about CASUALS!
That's one of the reasons why many people left after 2/3 months.
AOC should NOT follow that path. It should offer open ended game play for one time for godsake!
-----------------------------------------------------------
the old days, the days of gold.
representer of euhporium, shade/amity , high member of the council.
played
UO,M59,EVE,L2,AC,GW,WOW,LOTRO,SWG pre cu/nge,COH/COV, VG,TR,L1, POTBS,Neocron 1 and 2, DAOC pre TOA and age of conan
playing: EVE ONLINE
Waiting for Earthrise, FE, bioware mmo, guild wars 2, DFO , mortal online , the chronicles of spellborn
I'm not sure I understand the concerns but in AoC if you want to grind for xp is pretty much ok, in fact you do more xp that way than questing.
Also there are many areas for grinding for your level once you leave the starter island but is true it might be not enough.
If at level 20 you choose to go in the crafter area (if is not bugged lol) and start gathering resorces you level up too, through grinds of mobs that attack you pretty much everywhere...
So I'd say is a pretty good compromise there as long as you are not forced to quest/raid etc. I don't know yet how gear and end game pvp will be like but I guess it will turn out into whatever we want it to be (as players). The only issue that worries me is the fast leveling of the game which in turn will lead to the fast dropout rate. But then again I'm more into the type of games in which you have fast access to your class basics so that you can make many small level guys and see what you want to make and then have only your main class to play not 50 alts with all the possible crafting features.
You won't have to make 50 alts to try all the crafting features, their aren't near that many. Besides, with no item decay, just wait until you're 80, buy the best that can be crafted and you won't ever have to buy again. Sounds like a great environment for crafters eh? All that repeat business.