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Why I gave up on AoC!
hidden1
Member UncommonPosts: 1,244
After playing for 4 days straight, and looking at the lush world, nice animations, and immersive sound track, I got bored. Here's what I did in those for days. I played this game non-stop, got into the story, and achieved level 30 with my ToS, level 21 with a Guardian, and level 9 with an Archer. Okay, I know what you're thinking, that I played this for more than 12 hours per day. If you're thinking that, then you're correct. I got very little sleep, and bags under my eyes to prove it. However, I digress. After enjoying the starting quests in Tortage, I old Tarantia, and from there Kemphi (I hope I'm spelling that right), then to some Cimerian outpost, amoung other various little outposts there, filled with barbaric Yimir, Wargs, and Bloodspiders. The story was captivating, and though it had the typical get "X" amount of pelts, or gems, or other such quest items, I have to admit that the background stories to the quests (that is if you're one to take the time to read them as I did) are both enjoyable and engrossing. In fact for me it wasn't tedious at all, as there was a very "human" touch to the writing that made it compelling to do so. You really felt as though you were helping out your fellow barbarians and friends. Now you may be wandering why I wrote the title header like that. It may seem slightly sensationalistic, but in this day-and-age of media bombardment, and desensatization, I acted in form.
So far you may be asking yourself, why is that header so negative when what I've written so far seems a positive review on the surface? The answer is simple. I made a self-discovery about where I was 5 years ago versus where I am now in regards to MMOGs. It seems I've evovled, or perhaps "spoiled" by gameplay mechanics of titles such as Hellgate and Neocron (and from what I've heard and read, Darkfall and TCoS). Yes it's true, I left AoC not because it's a bad game, because in truth it's got the eye-candy, smooth animation, and well written quests that pull the player in. But, in truth, I have been spoiled, as I just all of the sudden (and this realization happened to me 20 minutes ago in the game) I realized that using "tab" to auto-lock on your target (or point-n-click auto-targetting) no longer immerses me. Well, as you can see I can't blame AoC for that, as they decided to go with what I call the "traditional" route in regards to pve/pvp gameplay mechanics, and stand firmly on my relization that I have been spoiled by "free-lock", fps-WASD controls styles in my MMOG's.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying AoC is a bad game, only stating that I have changed, and perhaps evolved as a gamer (or spoiled perhaps is the better word) who needs "free-lock" instead of auto-lock on targets for my MMORPG experience.
Looks like now I may have to try Darkfall and TCoS next, as Neocron's pop is nearly dead, and we all know what happened to HGL.
Comments
Each to it's own, I tried DF in the hopes of the combat system there would be better then AoC, that it would be a game that I could have lots of fun in. For me DF was a no go, bow combat was awesome and I do hope Mortal Online turns out good. As I do like the more fps based combat system myself. Finding the right game is never easy. I wish you good luck in the journey
Playing: Battlefield - Bad company (Xbox360) Arma2, DFO (PC)
On my radar: TSW, MO
MMO's played: SWG (pre cu/cu), WoW, AoC, WAR, DFO, Planetside
MMO's that I have tested: Lotro, L2, Aion, Ryzom
I have to say that your post was intelligent, well written and an insightful review of your experience. Even though you decided to leave the game, you decided based on personal valid reasons.
I just hoped that more people were like you, when posting their views. whether is to leave or stick with the game (AoC or any game).
With posts like these, there's no need to come and defend the game (like it's being discussed in another thread). This post included no false information nor outdated information, only valid reasons.
I don't understand why people feel they need to write up some big departure message complete with reasoning. To each their own but I'd just leave and save my comments for the games I am actively playing.
AoC is making a come back ever since the server mergers. Funcom has been very aggressive at adding new content, new features and of course the fixes that are common with all MMOs. As a matter of fact there's a major game mechanics, character revision and content addition on the test server now. Although late from the launch the DX10 features are now available and optional. After some in initial testing I have found the DX10 client to use less resources than the DX9 client. I didn't expect that. But there may be reasons for it.
Anyhow good luck on your next MMO. I'm more a tab to target guy. Darkfall doesn't interest me although I do keep up on most MMOs.
The chronicles of spellborn is an excellent game which I am currently subscribing to at this point in time and thus I understand your reasons to break away from the ol'lock on tab targeting game. I'm in the same boat as you and feel this is the future of MMO's.
However, I did buy a 60 day time card at my local Circuit city as it was only 18 bucks so I do once again plan on playing my 80 Bearshaman and HOX sometime in the near future.
Even though AOC couldn't make up its mind whether it wanted to be fully tab targetting lock on or FPS aim for yourself style gameplay it was still a ton of fun.
Darkfall? Lol!
AoC has always been tabbed targeting with the exception of crosshairs for ranged weapons.
I took one look at the WoW-like screen shots of Spellborne and knew it wasn't for me.
AoC has always been dull. Remove the tits and fatalities and the game is dry as hell.
I don't understand why people feel the need to respond to threads they don't understand, and then proceed to post why their game is great and tell us about their own preferences...
LMAO!
Understandable, AOC is not for everyone just as WoW isn't or Warhammer for that matter. Good luck getting a copy of Darkfall. I've watched that game on live feeds, and followed it's forums all I can say is; I hope you are Hardcore
DF = strafe and press your LMB as quickly as possible
AOC, WOW, WAR = Tab target, position yourself, execute 1-7 or so abilities based on the fight.
I'm sorry, I believe you are telling the truth, but I think very few people would prefer the very simplistic FPS combat in DF. I absolutely hated DF combat. My head got dizzy just because the game automatically changes your 'view' based on if you have a melee or ranged weapon equipped. If you switch quickly, your camera angles go crazy and you can't tell where you are. You also can't move your camera at all. While the whole idea of someone sneaking up on you is cool (you can't use the camera to look behind you)... the fact that any type of terrain causes serious camera issues because you can't pivet at all.
And the simplistic combat of DF is the least of it's problems.
That's the worst part of this game?? Then I might actually have to give it a go.....
Guys I'm not hating on AoC, I dig the graphics, the story... just that I got tired of auto-targetting... meh blame Hellgate for that, it spoiled me rotten on FPS/WASD controls... honestly I just can't go back anymore. Believe me I tired... heck I even gave it till level 30 on one character. At least I gave it an honest try.
Honestly, if this game were fps style wasd controls, I'd be so hooked.
I have to say, I really did enjoy the quests stories... they were well written to and very "human".
The good news for me is that most ppl that have posted, have suggested TCoS, and I"ve got the client downloaded from the time of the IP ban, so since it's now in America maybe I"ll give that a swing.
As for Conan, I think it's well done, well put together (and I'm talking from current, not from release, I never got a chance to try it then... and so...) All I can go on is how it stands today it's a solid MMO.
Also I wrote to see who else has been spoiled (or evolved.. still not sure on that one, but whatever) like I have by MMORPGs that employ fps style, "free-lock" (aka user-targetting or "manual"-targetting if you will).
Despite my own "personal" reasons for leaving, I still hope that AoC succeeds, because it deserves to, and especially for those who are happy with it's gameplay mechanics.
Gee lets see, I'm STILL playing? So there may be some people that might consider or be considering the game so I was pointing out some of the features of it that may be of interest. If you read the OP he didn't have a character over level 30. So if you'd like to troll around and only read why people leave a game then knock yourself out.
But um don't strain yourself.
Checkmate.
I hear all of you and I hope that Mortal online is the mmo i've been looking for
OP has a valid point, I'm playing the game and really like it but I too wish there was some way around targeting in AoC. Turning off the targeting highlight helps on immersion, turning off target-facing was the first thing I did, but as a soldier I would be at an disadvantage if I didn't use target-lock. Need to be able to charge and need to be able to see if a boss switches agro.
Have problems seeing how the game could be played without it, but would love to have a charge miss if my aim was off, having casters aim and calculate where to hit etc
Sure, healers would miss too and we would wipe and wipe and wipe 
I still would like to see this tried out somehow
Targeting is in no way a game-breaker for me, sorry to see that it is so for OP
Ok, this is like saying after drinking beer for 12 hours straight you don't think you like beer anymore, or after listening to the same album 4 days straight you don't think you like that band anymore.
Also melee caractrers don't auto target, you hit everything in the arc of your weapon swing and you need to move to the right position to connect. For casters it is true that its the same old 2 button business and while this does not prevent you from enjoying the pve with a melee it will frustrate you in pvp.
In terms of player skill needed AoC is more advanced than other games i've played and a good step towards making it skill based BUT keeping the RPG element in the GAMEPLAY (something DFO doesn't really do). So it's unfair to say thats the reasonyou quit.
There are plenty of other reasons to make you wanna quit though hehe
Ok, this is like saying after drinking beer for 12 hours straight you don't think you like beer anymore, or after listening to the same album 4 days straight you don't think you like that band anymore.
Also melee caractrers don't auto target, you hit everything in the arc of your weapon swing and you need to move to the right position to connect. For casters it is true that its the same old 2 button business and while this does not prevent you from enjoying the pve with a melee it will frustrate you in pvp.
In terms of player skill needed AoC is more advanced than other games i've played and a good step towards making it skill based BUT keeping the RPG element in the GAMEPLAY (something DFO doesn't really do). So it's unfair to say thats the reasonyou quit.
There are plenty of other reasons to make you wanna quit though hehe
I have to admit that playing the Guardian till level 21 was more enjoyable than other tanks classes I've played. I did like the fact that you have choices of 3 attacks against enemy shielding. It was an interesting twist in the tank class. So kudos to that indeed.
But guys, I have a right to leave a game if I don't like the control sceme of "auto-targetting"... that's more a personal choice than a negative on a the game itself. Again, I blame Hellgate and Neocron for that, as they both employed fps style, manuaul (aka user targetting). I guess I've been spoiled. But again, this is more of a personal choice. I never said the game was bad, it's actually quite good overall, its just after that realization (or revelation if you will), I just can't go back to auto-targetting games anymore. What else can I say.
Okay so getting a Tempest of Set to 30 means nothing to you? Getting a Gaurdian to level 21... Then finally trying out a ranger to level 9, then finally giving up on the realizating that I can't play "auto-targetting" mmo's anymore means nothing? Look, sorry I didn't get to level 80 or something like that, but I couldn't take the click Tab key to target your enemy anymore. Again, let me reiterate... I left AoC because of a personal choice that I can't play auto-targetting games anymore. I'm sorry that this realization came over me during AoC. Honestly this could have happened with any other game. I will say this, I have had good things to say about AoC, and I was fair in my review. I gave where credit was due, and commented on the well written quest dialog, the excellent graphics and art style. I even wished it success in that regards, and merely wrote to see if others are going through what I'm going through. Is the gaming community evolving, and respectively will future MMO's evole with us? Again, I do release there are mmo players who like the "auto-targetting" of most games, and that's completely understandable, but are there those like myself that also should have a voice and be heard as well?
Okay so getting a Tempest of Set to 30 means nothing to you? Getting a Gaurdian to level 21... Then finally trying out a ranger to level 9, then finally giving up on the realizating that I can't play "auto-targetting" mmo's anymore means nothing? Look, sorry I didn't get to level 80 or something like that, but I couldn't take the click Tab key to target your enemy anymore. Again, let me reiterate... I left AoC because of a personal choice that I can't play auto-targetting games anymore. I'm sorry that this realization came over me during AoC. Honestly this could have happened with any other game. I will say this, I have had good things to say about AoC, and I was fair in my review. I gave where credit was due, and commented on the well written quest dialog, the excellent graphics and art style. I even wished it success in that regards, and merely wrote to see if others are going through what I'm going through. Is the gaming community evolving, and respectively will future MMO's evole with us? Again, I do release there are mmo players who like the "auto-targetting" of most games, and that's completely understandable, but are there those like myself that also should have a voice and be heard as well?
just like the man said, he gave it credit where he saw credit was due. he didnt like the tab target cycle thing and decided the game wasnt for him anymore. he didnt need to get to level 80 to figure that out. he is well within his right to make that decision. i myself stopped playing this game in september 08 and havent been back.
well, hope you find a game that you enjoy in the near future.
as for the auto-targeting , ya it can be turned off, but thats only curing part of the problem.
the Core problem which so far is yet to be fixed is the targeting itself, having it to target nearest target becomes flaky, not to mention the tendency of the targeting highlighting enemies that you already killed, thus wasting more time, funcom said they have fixed it, but seems they just gonna have to fix it alot more.
while playing AOC, i find myself targeting dead enemies, or enemies that i am not attacking, or even FACING, having to use my imagination to think that if the target that i am hitting is about to die or has alot of health due to its behavior ( if being of pc and not npc).
funcoms hardcoding certain buttons do not help either, so thats something i wish they didnt do that unless there was a reason for it.
Fair enough, I would like the targeting to be more fps like too, but at the same time understand that it can be difficult to implement with ie spells.
Good luck in finding a game that will give you that feel-good:)
"nerf rock, paper is working as intended."
- Scissors.
Head Chop
I have just been informed that this thread is only for people that have quit AoC.
My apologies.
"nerf rock, paper is working as intended."
- Scissors.
Head Chop
Thats the problem with Funcom and most people supporting the game, they dont want constructive feedback. They would rather listen to a wonderful fantasy poem.
You have your reason.I just resubbed myself and i'm still not sure if i like it or not.I don't want to to give them bad publicity or whatever.But anyway.. Maybe i'm nostalgic but i can't find any game that immersed me like old Uo or old daoc.I tried Warhammer .,World Of Warcraft and it's simply not working.
The problem with aoc it's seem to be a lot of *mini game* inside 1 big game.Instance completly ruins the immersion.Something that blizard understood when they created WoW.
I'm happy to know i'm, not alone.It's was the biggest mistake funcom did.I understand the whole don't want to many people stacked in 1 zone , which can cause zone crash etc .. But it's kill the immersion.The world don't seem vast . You're just in another zone following the quest arrow and trying to go through the fastest possible.That how aoc feel for me.
Stopped AOC at lvel 40 . Why? Because was bored by the world and the quests. Too small and unfinished, boring bugged etc.
Had a blast with Tortage, the story and the universe. At the beginning, from level 1 to 20 (i think) AOC is the BEST mmo you can play. The best one. After tortage, it becomes one of the worst. If I could pay a 1week sub only for tortage...
Tortage in AOC is my greatest XP with a MMORPG.