› ›

Howdy, Stranger!

It looks like you're new here. If you want to get involved, click one of these buttons!

Sign In Register

Quick Links

First impressions for those who care

LhexLhex Member UncommonPosts: 262
in Anarchy Online

I am a veteran of almost every MMO out there. Yet I have never tried AO. To my astonishement the learning curve for a new player is actually a steep one. Coming from experience I figured this would be an easy game to get the hang of but I was wrong.

FIRST: The interface is old 2nd gen interface that feels like 1st gen interface which it maybe actually since AO is relatively an old game.

SECOND: The basic layout of the controls is counter intuitive. To simply change camera views and be able to look up and down using my Kboard was a process.

THIRD: AO has something called Nano technology and implants and the like which is impossible to learn unless you stop from your gameplay and type /help. The help menu directs you to an area within the help index that will teach you how to make implants. I went there and there was nothing. Perhaps if I spent another 30 min searching the help database perhaps I could have found it. First impressions are everything and as a new player I want to play the first time I enter a game not spend an hour figuring out the controls that best suit my play style and other game mechanics.

AO does not differ at all from any other basic level grind MMO. The training area is typical rodent killing which I died about 5 times in the process of learning the area and how to fight. As far as community a player MSGd me and offered any help which is a great thing to see in any MMO. There was one or two other new people in the training area and I wondered if the population was low.

The level cap is up in the 200's in AO. And I assume for awhile a new player will have to solo to catch up with the existing vet players. Similar to DAOC and other veteran 1st and 2nd gen games the population are vet which creates a steep learning curve that a late arrival newbie will have to cross alone unlike when the game was first released all players were in the same boat.

image

Comments

  • thecandidethecandide Member Posts: 101

    First of all yes the interface could be setup a little better, but if you take the time to learn it and set up your shortcut bar it should become second nature. Secondly I found an easy way to control you character and view is too uses the "W" "A" "S" and "D" buttons for movement and hold down your right mouse button to change direction as well as look up and down quickly. A few more things include your "F8" key should switch to third person, to change the type of third person view go to your actions button, and while in third person you can change the zoom with the "+" and "-" keys. Thirdly nanos are kind of like spells and abilities in other games and you want to keep them up to date. A complete list can be found here http://www.aodb.info/nanolist.aspx. These list will also give you a good idea of what each profession is capable of. Nanos can be purchased at Professional buildings. The easiest one I know how to get to is found to the right and up a ramp after you enter Jobe Harbor. Implants are there to boost you characters stats and can be obtained through either finding human body parts and right clicking them to extract the implant or by making them yourself. At lower levels I suggest just finding them because making them can become expensive and will require a decent nano programming skill. But I you are feeling ambitious this program should help out allot http://www.timezulu.com.au/NanoNanny/. Also what server are you playing on? I'm a noob with a 21 Crat and a 17 Martial Artist playing on Atlantean and I've had no trouble finding people around and below my level. OH yes, forgot to mention that I'm playing in Jobe in the Shadowlands, this is the best place to start now days. As far as soloing goes my Crat is having no trouble by himself so I don't see why any other profession should. Finally I think the learning curve is the best thing about this game. I don't know about you but I love something to challenge me! And AO challenges my mind more than my time (Ahem.... FFXI!) and that's what I like about it and that's what keeps me hooked. If this game was indeed a level grind as you say then it shouldn't be any trouble for two veteran MMORPGers to smash through the noobie zone! But believe me I had just as much trouble adjusting to this game as you, but I persevered and it was worth it! AO is a place where you can lose yourself.... yesterday I started exploring Rubi-Ka's cities and got lost for two hours! However during that time I met many cool people, witnessed PvP in action, and the cities themselves.... well... wow! Ok I'm losing my point now so I'll just close with saying, don't give up because something is difficult or different that doesn't mean I will not be rewarding in the end! Oh yea and this web site contains every guide you will ever need... ever http://aovault.ign.com/thegame/guides/ ... enjoy and good luck.

    Sorry if I rambled there for a sec!

     

  • LhexLhex Member UncommonPosts: 262

    You made some good points Candid.  I guess I get fed up too quickly about some games and I just want an easy get to know interface as for I have been trying several MMO's lately and my patience as become thin.  There is just one thing I hate is not being able to find the answers to my questions.  Before I play any game I try to do a little research. 

    You listed some guides there which I may check out. 

    image

  • crockcrock Member Posts: 556

    challenge in AO? lol

    u move like in FPS its simple
    those implants must be camped if u wonna buy some ...challenge is here to camp QL u need
    fighting is simple too Q for attack and hotbar with ur special attacks and nanos 123456789 just push it
    if ur lvl up..rise all combat green skills first (read the AO forum for ur proffession)
    u dont have much diversity u can rise anythithing in skills but u will gimp ur char if u do so
    all not gimped chars are almost thesame

    AO is easy game here is no challenge xept camping for items and grind
    to rise tradeskills u need whack monsters too

    dont try pvp if u dont have high lvl main
    all low lvl chars in PvP are twinks ( u have 0 chance against)


  • thecandidethecandide Member Posts: 101


    Originally posted by crock

    challenge in AO? lol
    u move like in FPS its simple
    those implants must be camped if u wonna buy some ...challenge is here to camp QL u need
    fighting is simple too Q for attack and hotbar with ur special attacks and nanos 123456789 just push it
    if ur lvl up..rise all combat green skills first (read the AO forum for ur proffession)
    u dont have much diversity u can rise anythithing in skills but u will gimp ur char if u do so
    all not gimped chars are almost thesame
    AO is easy game here is no challenge xept camping for items and grind
    to rise tradeskills u need whack monsters too
    dont try pvp if u dont have high lvl main
    all low lvl chars in PvP are twinks ( u have 0 chance against)



    Thank you Crock for that message because it just caused me to have an epiphany! I know what's wrong with all the MMORPGs! Why are MMORPGs, which are created by (admit it) talented and creative people, always getting hammered with criticism (like Crock's post here) unlike there much hailed offline counter parts? I tell you why, human competitive nature!!! That's right unlike offline rpgs, people playing MMORPGs know they are playing with other humans and so strive to be better than everyone else! That is not an inherent problem in itself but with everyone striving to be a higher level YOU ALL HAVE TOTALLY FORGOT YOU ARE PLAYING A ROLE PLAYING GAME!!!! People on MMORPGs today have become so competitive and wrapped up in being better than other people that GETTING TO A HIGHER LEVEL AND MAKING MORE MONEY HAS ACTUALLY BEEN BROKEN DOWN TO A SCIENCE!!! Don't believe me... look at all the online guides and stuff for sale! People everywhere are paying top dollar for characters that are max level! They don't even care they have missed the entire game... they just want the most uber l33t character on the server! The whole "Its a total level grind man!!" statement is total bs! Not all of the MMORPGs out there "has" to be a level grind, and the worse part is YOU ALL KNOW IT! Even in FFXI I used to enjoy taking a few buddies off the beaten path and go exploring, hunt in untouched areas, or hell even just sit around and chat while fishing. I even read a EQ guide that teaches you to play the game without killing anything! Finally Morrowind, Chrono Trigger, FF, and all the other classic RPGs were just as easy! It was the same leveling and fighting system that exists on MMOPRGs today, but no one complaining about it. Why, because there was no one to compete against, it was just you and you character. No one else was running around with 10x the stuff you had making you feel jealous. So that only left you with unabated role playing enjoyment! You see that's the point ROLE PLAYING! YOU DON'T HAVE TO GRIND AND CAMP!!!!! With that said, MMORPGs are mainly defined by the community, you'll notice that some MMORPGs get dogged or praised based on the community. So you know what.... the current state of MMORPGs is ALL OUR FAULT! That's right I said it! It had to be said! We have fostered this current state of mind towards leveling and obtaining wealth, and we have neglected the role playing aspect and a whole community! All I'm trying to say is that you have all become so concentrated on the end of the journey (max level) that you have forgotten to enjoy they they journey itself, and then complaining about it like its the devs fault your obsessed with maxing you character! That's enough ranting and raving for one night, I could go on forever, thank you for hearing me out.....

  • ZazalaZazala Member Posts: 24

    Hi, wouldn't let me quote the last post. Just wanted to give you a thumbs up.::::28::


  • crockcrock Member Posts: 556

    ROLE PLAYING Well, that does depend on your definition of it

    in AO is kinda conflict OMNI vs clans (wich is almost non existend)
    for me ROLE PLAYING in AO was kicking azz of my foes
    if u wonna chat dance and make friends play The Sims Online

    What is ROLE PLAYING for u...ur definition plz

  • thecandidethecandide Member Posts: 101

    Role playing as I define it is an alternative life. I don't change my speech or personality just the place in which I exist, my appearance, and the abilities that I have. I don't know about you but I experience enough of the "grind" in my real life. So I want to keep my alternative life devoid of it as much as possible. Yes, AO can be a level grind if you make it that way, but it doesn't have to be. Between Rubi-Ki and the Shadowlands there are many different ways to entertain yourself. Just last night I went from solo leveling in the SL, to group leveling, then group missions (I love the missions), returned to Jobe and worked on my Implants, joined the Omni clan, went back to solo leveling, and then started soloing missions back in Rome. Yes... Yes... Yes.. I know that this does appear to be grinding. But its not... notice how in the span of a few hours I changed my activity and location continually. This is how I keep that grind feeling from setting in. Yes I did gain exp the fastest with the group in SL but we didn't stay there, we moved on to something new. Would I have gained more levels if I had stayed in the same spot of the SL the entire night? Yes! But what's the point of that. Oh and btw I play a crat and unlike many other professions for me to solo (or even some group play) does require a disciplined strategy! Yes the game is easy if you play a MA, however have you ever attempted a crat. You do have to use you head or you will die. As far as my profession goes, yes there may be a way to set my stat points perfectly, but you know what I don't care. I've herd crats are supposed to keep up with their pistol. I only use offensive nano programs and my pets and bots. That's the way I want to play my character and I like it. To sum up before I start ranting: 1. Role Playing is an alternative life were your surroundings, appearance, and abilities change. You are to say in a different role that is not "real". 2. Grinding is the best way to level but you don't have to do it. Even if you want to AO provides many different ways and locations to level you character, so it won't feel like your grinding. 3. There is lots to do in AO, so switch what you are doing (leveling, getting credits, crafting, ect..) so you can avoid "the grind" all together. 4. Crock said "for me ROLE PLAYING in AO was kicking azz of my foes" and that is what he decided to do with his character. Mine is a group oriented buffer of others. You just have to decide what you want do with you character and what you like to do. 5. Alien Invasion should bring even AO's haters back... I mean you get to build your own city... then defend it from alien attacks!! Sweet!!!

  • crockcrock Member Posts: 556

    "Just last night I went from solo leveling in the SL, to group leveling, then group missions (I love the missions), returned to Jobe and worked on my Implants, joined the Omni clan, went back to solo leveling, and then started soloing missions back in Rome. Yes... Yes... Yes.. I know that this does appear to be grinding. But its not."

    ok this is smart grinding..but still..::::01::
    working on implants helps u grinding quicker

    crat isnt hard to play and u can solo anytime if u r bored typing LFG in chat over 1 hour
    sharm 2 hecklers and /pet attack
    every team love crats coz exp boost nano)

    pet classes in SL are the easiest way

    " Mine is a group oriented buffer of others. You just have to decide what you want do with you character and what you like to do"

    so..u r kinda helper by azz kicking?
    whats the real difference?

  • Kaynos1972Kaynos1972 Member Posts: 2,316

    If you guys want real advices from peoples who really play that game and not  so call "expert" who played 5 minutes and knows everything about the game, go visit  :

    http://vnboards.ign.com/AO:_General_Discussion/b5216/

    There you can ask questions about the games and get real answers to your questions.

  • crockcrock Member Posts: 556

    dont waste ur time on those noobish IGN boards moderated by brainless fanboys

    best u can do its original AO boards
    http://forums.anarchy-online.com/index.php?s=bd1b923aa7ca12665194765efe25924c

    they are moderated too...but much less than useless IGN boards

    this thread is good about last patch testing on live server ...priceless

    http://forums.anarchy-online.com/showthread.php?s=bd1b923aa7ca12665194765efe25924c&threadid=311452


  • gelaningelanin Member Posts: 6


    Originally posted by crock

    ROLE PLAYING Well, that does depend on your definition of it
    in AO is kinda conflict OMNI vs clans (wich is almost non existend)
    for me ROLE PLAYING in AO was kicking azz of my foes
    if u wonna chat dance and make friends play The Sims Online
    What is ROLE PLAYING for u...ur definition plz


    Guess you havent been paying alot of attention lately then.....

    If you check the "Tower Messages Chat", you will see that there are daily attacks made by either clans or Omni.... And like last evening (euro time) there was like 10-15 high lvl clans inside Omni-Trade, trying to kill as many omnis as possible (those pvp flagged)..... So there is alot of the conflict ongoing every day if you look for it.  But ofcourse if you dont try to look for it you wont find it.

  • Rob101Rob101 Member Posts: 42


    Originally posted by Lhex

    I am a veteran of almost every MMO out there. Yet I have never tried AO. To my astonishement the learning curve for a new player is actually a steep one. Coming from experience I figured this would be an easy game to get the hang of but I was wrong.
    FIRST: The interface is old 2nd gen interface that feels like 1st gen interface which it maybe actually since AO is relatively an old game.
    SECOND: The basic layout of the controls is counter intuitive. To simply change camera views and be able to look up and down using my Kboard was a process.
    THIRD: AO has something called Nano technology and implants and the like which is impossible to learn unless you stop from your gameplay and type /help. The help menu directs you to an area within the help index that will teach you how to make implants. I went there and there was nothing. Perhaps if I spent another 30 min searching the help database perhaps I could have found it. First impressions are everything and as a new player I want to play the first time I enter a game not spend an hour figuring out the controls that best suit my play style and other game mechanics.
    AO does not differ at all from any other basic level grind MMO. The training area is typical rodent killing which I died about 5 times in the process of learning the area and how to fight. As far as community a player MSGd me and offered any help which is a great thing to see in any MMO. There was one or two other new people in the training area and I wondered if the population was low.
    The level cap is up in the 200's in AO. And I assume for awhile a new player will have to solo to catch up with the existing vet players. Similar to DAOC and other veteran 1st and 2nd gen games the population are vet which creates a steep learning curve that a late arrival newbie will have to cross alone unlike when the game was first released all players were in the same boat.


    I hear you Bro......Dittoimage

  • ZazalaZazala Member Posts: 24

    Originally posted by gelanin
    Guess you havent been paying alot of attention lately then.....
    If you check the "Tower Messages Chat", you will see that there are daily attacks made by either clans or Omni.... And like last evening (euro time) there was like 10-15 high lvl clans inside Omni-Trade, trying to kill as many omnis as possible (those pvp flagged)..... So there is alot of the conflict ongoing every day if you look for it.  But ofcourse if you dont try to look for it you wont find it.


    We've been having tower battles for the last three days. Kind of cool hearing the reports. Now everyone has decided to make more towers and fill in the gaps that have been noticed. I like the idea that we have an area of land we control.

  • Rob101Rob101 Member Posts: 42
    WARNING! ZAZALA IS A MAN!  HIS NAME IS JOE FOSTER.image

  • Rob101Rob101 Member Posts: 42
    Poll

  • crockcrock Member Posts: 556

    Rob is braindead
    Diagnose: spermotoxicosis::::32::::::32::::::32::

Sign In or Register to comment.