On the trial, must be missing something

Scaris · July 2004

Last friday I downloaded the 14 day trial for SWG. Its an impressive game in many ways although I was really dissapointed in the level of "star warish" they made it. I started in Mos Eisley and honestly it seemed dead and like a ghost town, with just some NPC's scattered around. No one really doing anything considering it is the most bustling space port on the planet. I started out as a scout which was the advice of the game, initially I wanted to start as a medic (AO combat medics came to mind while I was debating on what to be and it sounded appealing to try here) but then changed my mind and went with a scout. The start up tutorials were fine and all, they helped abit, I did find character creation FANTASTIC. I have never seen a game with such a level of detail to each character. I especially loved that you didnt have to have an adonis type body and you could be fat or underdeveloped.

Anyways, I got in, I messed around abit, flailed awhile, got myself up to 200 fatigue points before I even knew what a fatigue point was (sorry to that kind dancer that probably will never be able to dance again after getting me back to zero) and quite honestly I feel like I am not enjoying myself in it. I found blaster combat abit silly as well, you could sit there point blank just like in AO and keep shooting someone that is melee'ing with you, even with a longarm.

Ya, I could just uninstall it and say bye bye to it, but I really (and maybe foolishly) wanted to be able to enjoy yet another star wars game. I am a huge fan of the universe, I am also a casual player which always makes long term high level goals in online games rather difficult. At the moment however I seem to be failing in fights against the lowliest of mobs, runt womp rats seem to be able to tap dance all over my face. I can't seem to go out and fight for any extended time without expecting to come back to town and be down in a cantina for an eternity getting my fatigue off and then spending time in a medical center. I took medic training as well thinking it might be a cool multi class, so I got the joy of trying to nab wounded people before the other people did in the medical center to get experience. Experience I don't know what to do with yet.

I find the missions abit annoying, its basically, go somewhere, get/kill something, come back. I do enjoy the in town experience stuff, I made a musician and kinda like working him in the cantina's. I don't know how long that will hold its luster however. I still have a facination for a medic but honestly it seems extremely complex like most of the game, to complex to make it really enjoyable ( I do enjoy a well done mix of detail and playability ). Or perhaps its just that I am new and barking up the wrong tree til I actually know something about the game.

Visually I enjoy the game, its one of the better ones out the graphically. The interface to me is rather difficult, it seems it was made far to complex for what you get out of it. I hear there are alot of issues for balance and class problems but I am not even to that point yet, I know far to little about the game to form an opinion on that or even worry about it atm. I just basically want to hear from some people that have played for any duration of time on their takes of it and if I should stick it out and try for jedi-dom or something else or is the game not for me? I was even considering going as a dark jedi if I ever made it that far, I figured they were actually in lesser quantity and thought it might be fun to support the imperial efforts.

Aside from the issues with lies and promises broken etc, which I fully come to expect from SOE (5 year evequest player, since release), I would like some advice, any at all. And before anyone tries to flame with it, NO I do not expect to be a jedi easy or over night, I just want to know if with the new patch coming it should be tried of if as a casual player I should even humor the idea.

- Fadeus Hawkwood

Cthulhuvong · July 2004

I'll try and do my best to help you Mmkay?

Originally posted by Fadeus

Last friday I downloaded the 14 day trial for SWG. Its an impressive game in many ways although I was really dissapointed in the level of "star warish" they made it. I started in Mos Eisley and honestly it seemed dead and like a ghost town, with just some NPC's scattered around. No one really doing anything considering it is the most bustling space port on the planet. I started out as a scout which was the advice of the game, initially I wanted to start as a medic (AO combat medics came to mind while I was debating on what to be and it sounded appealing to try here) but then changed my mind and went with a scout. The start up tutorials were fine and all, they helped abit, I did find character creation FANTASTIC. I have never seen a game with such a level of detail to each character. I especially loved that you didnt have to have an adonis type body and you could be fat or underdeveloped.
Anyways, I got in, I messed around abit, flailed awhile, got myself up to 200 fatigue points before I even knew what a fatigue point was (sorry to that kind dancer that probably will never be able to dance again after getting me back to zero) and quite honestly I feel like I am not enjoying myself in it. I found blaster combat abit silly as well, you could sit there point blank just like in AO and keep shooting someone that is melee'ing with you, even with a longarm.
One thing about the blaster combat: yes you can shoot at close range, but you will have a very hard time hitting anything. Especially with the rifles. Pistols do well at close, carbines at medium, and rifles at long range.
Ya, I could just uninstall it and say bye bye to it, but I really (and maybe foolishly) wanted to be able to enjoy yet another star wars game. I am a huge fan of the universe, I am also a casual player which always makes long term high level goals in online games rather difficult. At the moment however I seem to be failing in fights against the lowliest of mobs, runt womp rats seem to be able to tap dance all over my face. I can't seem to go out and fight for any extended time without expecting to come back to town and be down in a cantina for an eternity getting my fatigue off and then spending time in a medical center. I took medic training as well thinking it might be a cool multi class, so I got the joy of trying to nab wounded people before the other people did in the medical center to get experience. Experience I don't know what to do with yet.
One thing you may want to do is try and find groups to hunt with. This game was made so that you would have to depend on other players to survive. Try and find some other newbies and go hunting together. That way you guys can protect eachother and gain alot of experiance in the process.
I find the missions abit annoying, its basically, go somewhere, get/kill something, come back. I do enjoy the in town experience stuff, I made a musician and kinda like working him in the cantina's. I don't know how long that will hold its luster however. I still have a facination for a medic but honestly it seems extremely complex like most of the game, to complex to make it really enjoyable ( I do enjoy a well done mix of detail and playability ). Or perhaps its just that I am new and barking up the wrong tree til I actually know something about the game.
Medic isn't as hard as it seems. You need stimpaks to heal people's damage, and specific heal packs to heal their wounds (the black stuff on their bars). You can either buy these (what I recomend for a new player) or you can try to make them. If you are going to buy them, either look on the bazaars, the red terminals in the bank, or try and look for some vendors on the world map (ctrl v).
Visually I enjoy the game, its one of the better ones out the graphically. The interface to me is rather difficult, it seems it was made far to complex for what you get out of it. I hear there are alot of issues for balance and class problems but I am not even to that point yet, I know far to little about the game to form an opinion on that or even worry about it atm. I just basically want to hear from some people that have played for any duration of time on their takes of it and if I should stick it out and try for jedi-dom or something else or is the game not for me? I was even considering going as a dark jedi if I ever made it that far, I figured they were actually in lesser quantity and thought it might be fun to support the imperial efforts.
The interface is simple once you get used to it. First you'll want to familiarize yourself with the menus (down in the lower right). Learn to be able to bring them up by their key bindings (ctrl i for inventory, and others like that). Set up your toolbar how you would like to. Expand it so that you can put twice as many there (click and drag the bottom of the toolbar down until a second set of boxes appears). Well, if you are shooting for Jedi, you're gonna have a long way to go. Its not going to be easy, and since we don't know what the new way to get one yet its gonna be even harder. As for the Imperials, yes there are less on most servers (I think Imps are out numbered on all but 2 servers). That doesn't mean they are weaker. They usually draw the strongest and smartest fighters. Most combat is pretty even, though the Rebels do have an advantage.
Aside from the issues with lies and promises broken etc, which I fully come to expect from SOE (5 year evequest player, since release), I would like some advice, any at all. And before anyone tries to flame with it, NO I do not expect to be a jedi easy or over night, I just want to know if with the new patch coming it should be tried of if as a casual player I should even humor the idea.
As a casual player, I don't think it will be possible for you to do it any time soon. Maybe if you tried for a year, you may be able to.
- Fadeus Hawkwood

And for the game not being "Star Warsy" try looking on the RP forums for good RP servers. If you contact those people, they should be able to help you and bring you to a place where everything is made to be true to Star Wars.

Or just jump on the Valcyn server and contact me (Ibra Olasi)
I should be able to help

__________________________________
Star Wars: Galaxies - Ibra Olasi (Valcyn Server)

Games Tried:
Everquest (not a power gamer)
Earth and Beyond (kinda fun, kinda boring)
Planetside (rather play Counter-Strike)
Lineage 2 (see Everquest above, plus too many PKers and Bots)
Guild Wars [E3 trial] (Not too bad from what I saw, nothing very new though)
Eve Online (somewhat fun, somewhat repetetive)

Scaris · July 2004

I appreciate the tips. I decided to try a fresh start last night after learning what I had about the game and rolled a Brawler that I also trained marksman in after I got in. Been using the carbine I got to pull and then beating the hell out of them once they get there, finished one of the newbie profession quests and I am feeling alot better with my experience.

I do have an issue though, within my first 10 minutes of the game I was being attacked by a spice fiend while by the bazaar terminals on tatooine? She won obviously, I have no idea what that was about or what a spice fiend is, I found that abit off for being brand new in the game, I shouldn't be able to piss any mob off in the game that quickly yet.

I have however decided that if Lucas does not support the players SCREAM for the combat balance before they try selling an expansion I will not continue the game after my trial. That would be like walking across a picket line to me and I simply won't do it. So even though I am not a current player as of yet, a paying one anyways, I will not become one unless SOE changes their statement and plans for development. IF and I am very hopeful they do, IF, they do listen to the player outcry however then I may just look you up on the server. I will tinker with the guy I have abit more for the moment before wasting anyone's time helping me.

- Fadeus Hawkwood

Fade · July 2004

i would suggest getting all the novice skills and then dropping the ones you dont like. it only costs 500 creds to do it, what server do you play on?

Playing: Star Wars Galaxies, Tibia
Beta/retired: lineage 2, darkages Saga of Ryzom, conquer, runescape, raganarok, knight online
hope to play: face of mankind, everquest 2

Scaris · July 2004

At the moment I am on bloodfin with my brawler.

- Fadeus Hawkwood

oestreich · July 2004

First of all.

This is very complex game that takes more than 14 days to understand. Much like learning the Guitar in 14 days.

That trial is erroneous. It is an obvious TRAP for your money.

SOE should be ashamed.

But if you only had 14 days to accomplish something in this game I have some suggestions.

1. Only concentrate on unarmed combat and artisan. the reason. unarmed combat allows you to defend yourself effectively and artisan allows you to build things you need.

2. learn to Survey. Collect/sample as much Copper as you can. this is a common metal and you will need it. if you have metal you can build most of the stuff in the game. This also gives you Artisan points in the long run. How... you will need a mineral tool. If you dont have one when you join, you are a warrior. Proceed to number 3.

3. Get certifications. You will need NOVICE in all these groups. Artisan/Brawler/Medic/Scout.

Medic will allow you to heal yourself(slowly) and Scout will allow you to harvest Meat/Hide/Bone from your kills. Scout harvests allow you to build stuff as an artisan. And brawlers kill and kill and kill.

4. (see 5)Find you mission terms. Major cities have mission terminals that you can get COMBAT missions.

5. Do not use mission terms until you have some basic skills. You must go to a major city and "stab roaches" (this is a phrase from NEOCRON). Find a major city and follow the yellow dots. These are easy rodent kills you can practice on.

These are only TIPS. I do not have the capasity to build a tutorial. I hope this helps.

jimcgilbert · July 2004

Just be thankful you didn't spend alot of money

GrimReapez · July 2004

200 fatigue, lol i had 900 at one stage. and i find that the game is real empty for a MMOPRG.

Vordoen · July 2004

If you think its going to get any better, look elsewhere. I came into SWG from the trial and bought it... It doesn't get any better. It just gets worse, the game for the most part is rediculous. For example you could get off a speeder and teleport 100+ meters away from it for no apparent reason. Every time there is a publish(patch) the problem it addresses is very rarely actually fixed and then causes more problems..To top all that off, it doesn't even feel like Star Wars.

Cthulhuvong · July 2004

First off, to stop yourself from warping when getting off a speeder, this is what you do: Don't move while getting on your speeder. This fixes the problem.

As for the other problems, they get fixed all the time. This game is alot better than the beginning. Many bugs have been fixed. Many bugs require them to search through millions of lines of code to fix the problem. If you konw anything about programming you'll know that its not easy to fix even the most simple of problems.

And as for the Star Wars feel, have you ever tried roleplaying? If you don't know what that means (many don't), its playing your character as if he/she was a real being. Find a roleplay community on your server. These people are dedicated to make the game feel more and more like Star Wars.

__________________________________
Star Wars: Galaxies - Ibra Olasi (Valcyn Server)

Games Tried:
Everquest (not a power gamer)
Earth and Beyond (kinda fun, kinda boring)
Planetside (rather play Counter-Strike)
Lineage 2 (see Everquest above, plus too many PKers and Bots)
Guild Wars [E3 trial] (Not too bad from what I saw, nothing very new though)
Eve Online (somewhat fun, somewhat repetetive)

panache · July 2004

Originally posted by Cthulhuvong
As for the other problems, they get fixed all the time. This game is alot better than the beginning. Many bugs have been fixed. Many bugs require them to search through millions of lines of code to fix the problem. If you konw anything about programming you'll know that its not easy to fix even the most simple of problems.

Almost everything SOE put into SWG is borked! They include speeders, mounts, add features such as wp's to group members in group window and they do not work! Surely to god they test these features, realise they don't work but still implement them. Why????

If they aren't working during testing, they should be left out until they do. What is the point of adding bug upon bug into an allready bug ridden game??

Pan

Cthulhuvong · July 2004

um, I had a speeder and mount the day they came out (several speeders acctually), and was in a group when the changes to the group system came out. I can't remember any problems with my mount (still have her and use her every once in a while), and speeders only had problems with warping (which has since been brought down to almost non-existant) and an issue involving maintenance and storing (which has also been fixed).

As for the groups, the only problem i have is that sometimes a few people disappear while traveling and this problem is usually fixed by having them get on/off a mount or speeder, or going into/out of a house. Otherwise, the group stuff always worked. It really helped for when I went to Eisley to help out new players. If they got lost, I could go and find them without having to ask them to tell me what their coordinates are.

As for content, you don't like how they changed around the Imp and Rebel Theme parks as well as the Jabba and Valarian theme parks so that they acctually gave you some money that was worth the work, and some cool items too (and they did this without any bugs). I am finding other quests just like this. There are atleast 2 in Bestine, and probably the same amount (or more) in Corellia.

The reason they don't make sure that something is completely bug free before going in is two-fold: One, they can't foresee every bug, but they can try to get as many as possible. They sometimes rush through this process so that they can get stuff out because of reason number 2: people who whine for stuff to be implimented so that they have something to do. Most of these people are powergamers who grind to the top of their chosen template and then go through everything quickly. The Devs try to please everyone at once, and they fail miserably.

__________________________________
Star Wars: Galaxies - Ibra Olasi (Valcyn Server)

Games Tried:
Everquest (not a power gamer)
Earth and Beyond (kinda fun, kinda boring)
Planetside (rather play Counter-Strike)
Lineage 2 (see Everquest above, plus too many PKers and Bots)
Guild Wars [E3 trial] (Not too bad from what I saw, nothing very new though)
Eve Online (somewhat fun, somewhat repetetive)

Fade · July 2004

swg isnt all bugged dumbass and most of you're problems are from you're computer and/or connection sucking. ive been playing swg and i like it. if you're going to bash the game do it else where this guy just wants some help and he doesnt need blind, biased people such as yourself

Playing: Star Wars Galaxies, Tibia
Beta/retired: lineage 2, darkages Saga of Ryzom, conquer, runescape, raganarok, knight online
hope to play: face of mankind, everquest 2

animal8822 · July 2004

The developers dropped the ball in this game... They can have approached the jedi profession differently and could have did so much more with the star wars universe the possibilites are endless instead they made it a boring grind

panache · July 2004

Fade

I suggest you are the one who is biased mate and can see no wrong with this game

Problems with bikes, autostoring, do not store when ordered to and the old repair bike, recall it and it's still damaged....oh and not to forget the one that lets you leave bike out, jump on shuttle, store and recall bike and it's automatically repaired! (but they fixxed this one)

What a nut to say that SWG isn't bugged that much and it's all our computers and connections fault. Lets see how many people aggree with you!

Pan

Fade · July 2004

oh no there is wrong in the game especially with pvp combat but i hate how ppl say the ENTIRE game is ruined as it really isnt. everyone ive encountered in the are enjoying themselves. never have or seen ppl having the trouble with not being able to store or recall unless i was lagging then it would happen in a way. as for auto storing only had that happen if i left teh vehicle or pet our for a long time which makes sense anyways. i suggest you give the game another chance before ruining the experience for someone else.

yes there are bugs (the most annoying ones have been or in the process of being fixed) the jedi issue is sad as i believe the devs had a relatively good idea for making ppl try many proffs b4 unlocking jedi but i believe players missed the point and just powergrind there way through. if you powergame swg you will not enjoy it but if you take it easy and maybe a little casually the game is very fun. only real problem i have with it is that its run by SOE

Playing: Star Wars Galaxies, Tibia
Beta/retired: lineage 2, darkages Saga of Ryzom, conquer, runescape, raganarok, knight online
hope to play: face of mankind, everquest 2

panache · July 2004

I just think it shows the inaptitude of SOE whenever they add a fix or new feature they are borked at launch. Look at what happened to creature handlers when the nerf bat hit them. They almost instantly destroyed a proff overnight and a few weeks after mounts were released bikes became available destroying the CH's only saving grace of capturing and taming mounts. As i have always said SWG is probably is the easiest mmorpg to pick up and play and with learning the ropes of going TKA or swordsman and doing the "solo mission" debacle can soon be master with half a mill in creds in the bank.

For a game someone can pick and play for just a few hours a day SWG is fine. I would recommend it to anyone looking for their first mmorpg instead of loot fest games like EQ and Daoc. But having played other mmorpgs really shows up how SOE have got it wrong so many ways and continue to pile bad idea onto another bad idea....and not even work as they shold.

Yesterday i mastered swordsman.....with no fanfare, sense of achievement or anything like hitting 50 in daoc or mates coming to help get your epic finished and finally wear your epic armour.

Just the thought of what to do now

Pan

Scaris · July 2004

Originally posted by GrimReapez
200 fatigue, lol i had 900 at one stage. and i find that the game is real empty for a MMOPRG.

in regard to that I found Mos Eisley really dissapointing. I don't get the feel of it being that at all, it feels more like some little settlement or town then Mos Eisley (which was huge and VERY bustling). I can already feel the game is "unfinished" and incomplete. Its a very good game just nothing like what I read it would be in the forums before it was released.

- Fadeus Hawkwood

Scaris · July 2004

Originally posted by Cthulhuvong
And as for the Star Wars feel, have you ever tried roleplaying? If you don't know what that means (many don't), its playing your character as if he/she was a real being. Find a roleplay community on your server. These people are dedicated to make the game feel more and more like Star Wars.__________________________________
Star Wars: Galaxies - Ibra Olasi (Valcyn Server)Games Tried:
Everquest (not a power gamer)
Earth and Beyond (kinda fun, kinda boring)
Planetside (rather play Counter-Strike)
Lineage 2 (see Everquest above, plus too many PKers and Bots)
Guild Wars [E3 trial] (Not too bad from what I saw, nothing very new though)
Eve Online (somewhat fun, somewhat repetetive)

Not yet, I get tired of basically dealing with non roleplayers when I try to roleplay, so I will get to knwo the game first and then know who I can roleplay with and can't and when I really want to roleplay, go be with the right people.

- Fadeus Hawkwood

Fade · July 2004

im a CH and so are my friends and CH is not ruined except in PVP battles where it should be anyways.

Playing: Star Wars Galaxies,
Beta/retired: Tibia, lineage 2, darkages, Saga of Ryzom, conquer, runescape, raganarok, knight online, Eternal lands
hope to play: face of mankind, everquest 2

Cthulhuvong · July 2004

I have been ruied by my server, because the roleplayers have been diffused throughout the whole server and so you can roleplay most everywhere. There is a post in the roleplaying forum about where to find roelplaying on your server.

http://forums.station.sony.com/swg/board/message?board.id=role_playing&message.id=22920

Most of the towns are in the top post, though a few haven't been added yet.

__________________________________
Star Wars: Galaxies - Ibra Olasi (Valcyn Server)

Games Tried:
Everquest (not a power gamer)
Earth and Beyond (kinda fun, kinda boring)
Planetside (rather play Counter-Strike)
Lineage 2 (see Everquest above, plus too many PKers and Bots)
Guild Wars [E3 trial] (Not too bad from what I saw, nothing very new though)
Eve Online (somewhat fun, somewhat repetetive)

Vordoen · July 2004

Cthulhuvong, I shouldn't have to stop moving before I get on my speeder. That should have been a problem fixed a loooong time ago that wasn't, they even said they've fixed it. Oh and remember the meditation bug? In case you don't, when you tried to meditate it gave you an error that said that you can't meditate while running... How did SOE fix that? They simply went in and did what every other player was doing, instead of actually fixing it... They treated it like a macro! Wtf? I meany really? Galaxies by far is the worst maintained RPG so far, REGARDLESS over what you say. You shouldn't even defend it! It's just crap from SOE thats just looked upon as a minor side dish until EQ2 was ready...

Oh, and I know what roleplaying is, I'm a hardcore gamer. I just find it hard to roleplay in a game thats crap. Even if you roleplay, the game is still crap. And I don't know about you, but, I couldn't force myself to like a game that isn't worth spitting on anymore.

Cthulhuvong · July 2004

First of all, please seperate opinion and fact. You believe that this is the worst game ever and shouldn't be defended. You don't care what I think or say, your belief won't change.

I am having fun in this game, as are many others. Sure there are those who are holding out for certain things. However, many of them have left after the the Combat Balance was pushed back. Those that stay enjoy the game, or hope to enjoy it after an update or the expansion. Those I play with only stay because they like to play the game. Those that don't, I tell them to take a month or two off and take a break. Then come back and see how it is. Most of them have fun again once they come back, some don't.

And I find it very easy to roleplay in this game. The game system doesn't interfere with roleplaying (unless you're doing combat).

This is one of the BEST RPGs so far. It allows more freedom with your character than any game I've found. You can have so many different moods that help out know how others feel without tons of OOC talk. Tons of emotes that let you do so much. The roleplaying part of this game is the best the game could be. The only problems are with the professions and how they work together.

If you have an opinion, thats fine, but don't tell me your opinion is fact, and don't tell me what to do. I will defend this game against all arguments that are, IN MY OPINION, bad arguments.

__________________________________
Star Wars: Galaxies - Ibra Olasi (Valcyn Server)

Games Tried:
Everquest (not a power gamer)
Earth and Beyond (kinda fun, kinda boring)
Planetside (rather play Counter-Strike)
Lineage 2 (see Everquest above, plus too many PKers and Bots)
Guild Wars [E3 trial] (Not too bad from what I saw, nothing very new though)
Eve Online (somewhat fun, somewhat repetetive)

Scaris · July 2004

Originally posted by Cthulhuvong
I have been ruied by my server, because the roleplayers have been diffused throughout the whole server and so you can roleplay most everywhere. There is a post in the roleplaying forum about where to find roelplaying on your server.http://forums.station.sony.com/swg/board/message?board.id=role_playing&message.id=22920Most of the towns are in the top post, though a few haven't been added yet.

If for some reason I see a glint of reason from and hope SOE when my trial ends and I sign up for the full boat, I would like to hook up with you on Valcyn. I can remake my character there, I have nothing huge yet, my biggest item I have atm is my landspeeder.

- Fadeus Hawkwood

Cthulhuvong · July 2004

Heh, well if you do decide to come, we'd be glad to have you. Just contact me in game and I'll help you with whatever you need. Hell, if you need help now, just tell me what server you're on and I'll make a character there.

__________________________________
Star Wars: Galaxies - Ibra Olasi (Valcyn Server)

Games Tried:
Everquest (not a power gamer)
Earth and Beyond (kinda fun, kinda boring)
Planetside (rather play Counter-Strike)
Lineage 2 (see Everquest above, plus too many PKers and Bots)
Guild Wars [E3 trial] (Not too bad from what I saw, nothing very new though)
Eve Online (somewhat fun, somewhat repetetive)

Scaris · July 2004

I am doing pretty good atm as far as figuring things out. the checklist is slowly filling in with resolve to my puzzlement but if I need any help before hand I will let ya know.

- Fadeus Hawkwood

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