No, Aion won't be the next big thing. It doesn't really do anything new. It's got a few gimmicks which make it interesting, but at its heart it's just another level-based quest grinder. It follows the same formula as a hundred other generic fantasy MMORPGs.
Why have people gotten this idea that a game has to do something new in order to be a great game? I just came from the Chinese Beta also and I am yet to hear one person say that they did not like Aion. I dont know what next big thing is but Aion will be the 2nd biggest MMO next to World Of Warcraft.
I never said Aion wasn't a great game, nor did I say that a game had to break new ground in order to be a great game.
I said Aion won't be the next big MMO, and I said the next big MMO will have to do something new. There's no doubt that Aion will be a successful game. It just won't be the next big MMO, which is what the original post was asking.
Besides DF, MO, and soon to be released Terra. Don't expect to see "something new" in regards to control and interaction with future games. There is only so much Dev's can do with keyboards, mouse, controllers now day's. Quest will always be the same in one form or another and your interaction will be also....at least until the day when new types of controls are made for computers and how you view them also.
Velika: City of Wheels: Among the mortal races, the humans were the only one that never built cities or great empires; a curse laid upon them by their creator, Gidd, forced them to wander as nomads for twenty centuries...
Nope, I'm tipping SW:TOR as the next big thing. Aion is looking good, but TOR has the advantage of a killer IP and one of the best development houses in the business. I'm not enamoured of NCSoft. Auto Assault and Tabula Rasa don't instill much confidence.
Star Wars is not a killer IP.
For younger players Star Wars is geek and nerdy.
For older players Star Wars is childish.
The IP is not expressive today even in movie business, Lord of The Rings and Matrix trilogy outshined the newer SW trilogy showing SW is not popular as it used to be.
CD projekt showed even newer companies can outshine Bioware using the same engine Bioware uses for its games with The Witcher.
I think games and MMOS need new, unique and exclusive IPs and not recycled IPs from pop and mass culure like Star Wars.
I agree but on the other hand, nothing is ever certain. Still, I thin CCPs "World of darkness online" have a bigger chanse of becoming the next big one just because that reason, no one has done it before and to be honest have we too many fantasy games around, a modern gothic horror game will be a nice change of pace.
A good World of Darkness MMO could be fantastic.
But I dont belive CCP can create a real World of Darkness MMO and capture the original Lore/RPG, not today...I hope I am wrong.
Besides DF, MO, and soon to be released Terra. Don't expect to see "something new" in regards to control and interaction with future games. There is only so much Dev's can do with keyboards, mouse, controllers now day's. Quest will always be the same in one form or another and your interaction will be also....at least until the day when new types of controls are made for computers and how you view them also.
In other words, apart from the games that do something new, there won't be any games that do something new? If it's possible for a game to do something new, it's possible for a game to do something new. So I don't think it's at all unreasonable to expect to see something new.
No it won't. It's too esoteric for the average person. The next "big" mmo will be something that has appeal across many lines of people. My guess is the new Star Wars game.
So you think everybody is into Star Wars? Thats the one reason that I wont be playing it because I am just not that into Star Wars to play a MMO based on it. If thats the case then the new Star Trek MMO could be the next big thing.
I do belive most people, children and adults are not into Star Wars...
As I said, we had Star Wars new trilogy, Lord of the Rings and Matrix trilogy, Lotr and Matrix were much, much more expressive than Star Wars (and I am not talking about quality).
Some Star Wars fans still belive Star Wars is huge, deep, fantastic and not just one more recycled pop culture product with a couple of good ideas, but...
A lot of people enjoy KOTOR because it is a good game not because it is Star Wars.
I am pretty sure most younger and older gamers would prefer Sword and Sorcery, Vampires and Werewolfs, Angels and Demons (not exacly talking about Aion as Asmodians are NOT demons), Post Apocalyptic, Bladerunner like, Mystical, Ancient History , Lovecraft based games than one more Star Wars product. I can say I do.
About Aion, well it will be big, it has the good aspect of Everquest 2, Warhammer, Guild Wars, Lineage 2 and WoW, it is polished and has some new and good ideas.
Yeah exactl Xibz. I played Chinese Open Beta as well and it's nothing like WoW. The graphics destroy WoW for one thing. I think Aion might have one of the best if not THE best graphics on the market now. The game uses the Cry Engine used in teh far cry games, so the environments and everything look amazing.
As far as game play and stuff it's nothing like wow. It has a few similarities , such as the 2 races that are enimies, and..... well no that's about it. Everything else is it's own. I like the worlds. the mobs, and the systems alot. BUT i don't think anything can prey the wow fan boys away from WoW. I think it will be along time before anything becomes as big as WoW. As i heard someone say on these forums once, so many kids have "poped thier MMO cherries" on this game that it'll take something big to push WoW out of the picture.
Besides DF, MO, and soon to be released Terra. Don't expect to see "something new" in regards to control and interaction with future games. There is only so much Dev's can do with keyboards, mouse, controllers now day's. Quest will always be the same in one form or another and your interaction will be also....at least until the day when new types of controls are made for computers and how you view them also.
In other words, apart from the games that do something new, there won't be any games that do something new? If it's possible for a game to do something new, it's possible for a game to do something new. So I don't think it's at all unreasonable to expect to see something new.
First person view, point & click, Hybred targeting system<<<That is it bro, don't expect nothing new. Not until you have controllers that do direct input form your actions or thought process.
All questing will always be the same.
Velika: City of Wheels: Among the mortal races, the humans were the only one that never built cities or great empires; a curse laid upon them by their creator, Gidd, forced them to wander as nomads for twenty centuries...
Besides DF, MO, and soon to be released Terra. Don't expect to see "something new" in regards to control and interaction with future games. There is only so much Dev's can do with keyboards, mouse, controllers now day's. Quest will always be the same in one form or another and your interaction will be also....at least until the day when new types of controls are made for computers and how you view them also.
In other words, apart from the games that do something new, there won't be any games that do something new? If it's possible for a game to do something new, it's possible for a game to do something new. So I don't think it's at all unreasonable to expect to see something new.
First person view, point & click, Hybred targeting system<<<That is it bro, don't expect nothing new. Not until you have controllers that do direct input form your actions or thought process.
All questing will always be the same.
Is that so? And when did we lose the ability to innovate? Last week? Last month? Last year? Which game came up with the last possible new idea?
Nope, I'm tipping SW:TOR as the next big thing. Aion is looking good, but TOR has the advantage of a killer IP and one of the best development houses in the business. I'm not enamoured of NCSoft. Auto Assault and Tabula Rasa don't instill much confidence.
Star Wars is not a killer IP.
For younger players Star Wars is geek and nerdy.
For older players Star Wars is childish.
The IP is not expressive today even in movie business, Lord of The Rings and Matrix trilogy outshined the newer SW trilogy showing SW is not popular as it used to be.
CD projekt showed even newer companies can outshine Bioware using the same engine Bioware uses for its games with The Witcher.
I think games and MMOS need new, unique and exclusive IPs and not recycled IPs from pop and mass culure like Star Wars.
...
Define "Outshined". If you mean quality then it's all personal preference. If you mean gross income from the seperate trilogies then you are a bit off. SW grossed more than the Matrix. Less than LOTR by about a half million, but they both cracked the 2 billion mark easily. I'm also not counting things other than the movies, which would take LOTRO into account, which is a succesful mmo. It would also require me to take KOTOR 1 and 2 which were both very succesful. As well as SW:TCW which did alright.
I'm not a star wars fan at all, that's not the point of my post. I'm just trying to show you that Star Wars is still popular and profitiable.
Nope, I'm tipping SW:TOR as the next big thing. Aion is looking good, but TOR has the advantage of a killer IP and one of the best development houses in the business. I'm not enamoured of NCSoft. Auto Assault and Tabula Rasa don't instill much confidence.
Star Wars is not a killer IP.
For younger players Star Wars is geek and nerdy.
For older players Star Wars is childish.
The IP is not expressive today even in movie business, Lord of The Rings and Matrix trilogy outshined the newer SW trilogy showing SW is not popular as it used to be.
CD projekt showed even newer companies can outshine Bioware using the same engine Bioware uses for its games with The Witcher.
I think games and MMOS need new, unique and exclusive IPs and not recycled IPs from pop and mass culure like Star Wars.
...
Define "Outshined". If you mean quality then it's all personal preference. If you mean gross income from the seperate trilogies then you are a bit off. SW grossed more than the Matrix. Less than LOTR by about a half million, but they both cracked the 2 billion mark easily. I'm also not counting things other than the movies, which would take LOTRO into account, which is a succesful mmo. It would also require me to take KOTOR 1 and 2 which were both very succesful. As well as SW:TCW which did alright.
I'm not a star wars fan at all, that's not the point of my post. I'm just trying to show you that Star Wars is still popular and profitiable.
Not talking about quality, as all 3 trilogies are quality productions...
If you forget about the books (most people didnt know Tolkien´s work) and the fact Lord of The Rings and Matrix were new and Star Wars already had a huge amount of fans, I can say for sure, Lord of the Rings and Matrix outshined Star Wars in popularity and cinematography impact.
About KOTOR, a lot of people who are not SW fans enjoyed the game, when we talk about KOTOR, I do belive the "Star Wars" part was just a bonus...
Yes, Star Wars is popular, but for many reasons I really dont belive it is a huge IP among gamers anymore.
People are used to mediocre Star Wars games and goofy Star Wars merchandise, because of that I really dont belive Star Wars IP can create a big impact outside the SW fans niche.
...Edit... I know it is popular, Iam sure it will be popular, but not huge, not impressive, not unique.
Besides DF, MO, and soon to be released Terra. Don't expect to see "something new" in regards to control and interaction with future games. There is only so much Dev's can do with keyboards, mouse, controllers now day's. Quest will always be the same in one form or another and your interaction will be also....at least until the day when new types of controls are made for computers and how you view them also.
In other words, apart from the games that do something new, there won't be any games that do something new? If it's possible for a game to do something new, it's possible for a game to do something new. So I don't think it's at all unreasonable to expect to see something new.
First person view, point & click, Hybred targeting system<<<That is it bro, don't expect nothing new. Not until you have controllers that do direct input form your actions or thought process.
All questing will always be the same.
Is that so? And when did we lose the ability to innovate? Last week? Last month? Last year? Which game came up with the last possible new idea?
Innovation means improving on what's already there. Most games, mmos, have been innovative in some way or another. They are all innovative, the question is, is it an innovation you care about.
Questing and basic controls are actually part of what makes an mmo what it is, changing how this works you may create another type of online game, or something that is not an mmoRPG.
Not talking about quality, as all 3 trilogies are quality productions... If you forget about the books (most people didnt know Tolkien´s work) and the fact Lord of The Rings and Matrix were new and Star Wars already had a huge amount of fans, I can say for sure, Lord of the Rings and Matrix outshined Star Wars in popularity and cinematography impact. About KOTOR, a lot of people who are not SW fans enjoyed the game, when we talk about KOTOR, I do belive the "Star Wars" part was just a bonus... Yes, Star Wars is popular, but for many reasons I really dont belive it is a huge IP among gamers anymore. People are used to mediocre Star Wars games and goofy Star Wars merchandise, because of that I really dont belive Star Wars IP can create a big impact outside the SW fans niche.
...Edit... I know it is popular, Iam sure it will be popular, but not huge, not impressive, not unique.
I actually do agree with some of your opinions. Then again I passionately hate Lucas and hope he fails in almost all business endeavors. All I’m really getting at is that there is still a very large market for Star Wars. More than I think you give credit for. Adding to that the people, whom you reference, that played KOTOR because it was a quality game, and I think you have the making of a very large fan base.
If I remember correctly this thread was about Aion and I haven’t touched the topic yet. I played the COB for Aion and loved it. Thought it handled well and had very few areas that could see improvement. To everyone who uses WoW as a mile stone I’ll just get this out here now: Aion will not kill World of Warcraft. WoW will die when multiple game developers make quality games. When a game comes out that has smoother pvp with better balance but is as easily accessible as WoW, then the pvp players will start to leave. When a pve game comes along that does pve a little better some more people will leave. As the level cap in WoW goes up more people will leave at different points. When the level cap was 60 and your class got nerfed or changed to the point where you didn’t want to play it anymore, rerolling was an easy option. It isn’t so much now, and will be even less in the future.
Rome was destroyed through infighting and civil unrest. WoW is Rome. Rome will fall. Just not anytime soon.
I played a fair amount of the Chinese beta for Aion, and I definitely liked it a lot. It's going to do well, in all markets. It could very well end up being the second-biggest MMO in the West. But it's not going to supplant WoW, or probably even come anywhere close to WoW's subscriber numbers. It's a well-crafted and beautiful game, but it just doesn't have the kind of world-shaking innovation that would be needed to push WoW off its throne.
I do think it's a lot like WoW, though. Sure, there are many differences, as other posters have stated. It's MUCH prettier than WoW. Like, no contest, no comparison. For pure visuals (especially character creation and models), it makes WoW and just about every other MMO look cheap and dull. The flight thing is really cool, and fun, and the world design is pretty awesome, too.
But basic gameplay mechanics? It feels like you're playing WoW, for the most part. I think that people are so used to that sort of gameplay that they don't even notice the similarity, because it's just second nature. It's invisible. You hop right in and start playing, exactly the same way you play WoW or the other similar games. You move the same, you fight the same, you get and do quests the same, you interact with the world and the UI the same. So of course it's like WoW. But that's not an insult, and it also doesn't negate the coolness of the specific content, themes, and style differences which Aion has.
It's going to be a popular game. No WoW-killer, not by a long shot, but it's definitely not going to be a flop. The game is just far too well-crafted, polished, and gorgeous to truly fail.
Originally posted by Wighty
It's like the latest batch of MMO's are like a f'n Kevin Costner movie... <think Waterworld, the Postman, etc> they cost a FORTUNE, they sound like they may be good but then you just realized you sat around for 3 hours of WTF...
Yeah exactl Xibz. I played Chinese Open Beta as well and it's nothing like WoW. The graphics destroy WoW for one thing. I think Aion might have one of the best if not THE best graphics on the market now. The game uses the Cry Engine used in teh far cry games, so the environments and everything look amazing.
As far as game play and stuff it's nothing like wow. It has a few similarities , such as the 2 races that are enimies, and..... well no that's about it. Everything else is it's own. I like the worlds. the mobs, and the systems alot. BUT i don't think anything can prey the wow fan boys away from WoW. I think it will be along time before anything becomes as big as WoW. As i heard someone say on these forums once, so many kids have "poped thier MMO cherries" on this game that it'll take something big to push WoW out of the picture.
Either i played another game or i didn't see those graphics...if you mix WoW and L2 the result is Aion graphics. AoC is by far the mmorpg with better graphics, Aion ones didn't shock me, no matter if the engine is the same as the one in Far Cry series. It has good graphics and animations, however they are not that awsome as you pointed out. In fact, to be a Q4 2009 release graphics are pretty much common...hell...i was playing with 100+ fps in most of the areas with max settings...and 40-60+ on the city with an average gaming computer...
In my opinion, people is mainly attracted by Aion just because of the wings, face it or not...but it's the true.
About Star Wars, Star Trek and these games...why does everyone always compare them with the movies? I'm not a fan of Star Trek or Star Wars....in fact i don't like them but if the game seems good to me i'll play them if they have nice gameplay and features...not because they made them like in the movies.
Yeah exactl Xibz. I played Chinese Open Beta as well and it's nothing like WoW. The graphics destroy WoW for one thing. I think Aion might have one of the best if not THE best graphics on the market now. The game uses the Cry Engine used in teh far cry games, so the environments and everything look amazing.
As far as game play and stuff it's nothing like wow. It has a few similarities , such as the 2 races that are enimies, and..... well no that's about it. Everything else is it's own. I like the worlds. the mobs, and the systems alot. BUT i don't think anything can prey the wow fan boys away from WoW. I think it will be along time before anything becomes as big as WoW. As i heard someone say on these forums once, so many kids have "poped thier MMO cherries" on this game that it'll take something big to push WoW out of the picture.
Either i played another game or i didn't see those graphics...if you mix WoW and L2 the result is Aion graphics. AoC is by far the mmorpg with better graphics, Aion ones didn't shock me, no matter if the engine is the same as the one in Far Cry series. It has good graphics and animations, however they are not that awsome as you pointed out. In fact, to be a Q4 2009 release graphics are pretty much common...hell...i was playing with 100+ fps in most of the areas with max settings...and 40-60+ on the city with an average gaming computer...
In my opinion, people is mainly attracted by Aion just because of the wings, face it or not...but it's the true.
About Star Wars, Star Trek and these games...why does everyone always compare them with the movies? I'm not a fan of Star Trek or Star Wars....in fact i don't like them but if the game seems good to me i'll play them if they have nice gameplay and features...not because they made them like in the movies.
I dont think he was referring to the graphics themselves, but rather, how they are shaped. You can have a graphic engine as powerful as AoC's but still have characters that look like neanderthals-like AoC. Aion may not have the sheer graphic power that AoC does, but it has the art direction and aesthetics lacking in the majority of games out right now. And yes, I know "I dont want my toon looking like some 'twink' asian boy" . Well... Aion's character system allows for a VERY diverse selection of character appearences from your typical pretty anime boy, to your Englishman, or even devil.
It's almost 2010, and I am just not wiling to tolerate clunky graphics while being told that "gameplay is more important than graphics". That excuse won't wash with me any more. I expect my games to have both good graphics and good gameplay. -Quote Isoke(VN boards)
I don't know if it's going to be the next big thing on our side of the pond or not, but it could be. What it will do is surprise a whole lot of people, even the ones in denial, and that's going to be very satisfiying to watch.
I don't get this. This game is being hyped beyond reason by players everywhere from everything I've seen so how would it be a surprise to anyone? At least some of those in this thread at least played the game so if it made them go gaga then good for them but I've ran across a lot that are just going off of he said-she said crap.
Nothing really stands out about it to me one way or the other so I'll probably just bide my time and see how things fare after the game launches state side. Far as how popular it will be...no clue. Seems like at least initially it will get quite a few on board but who can tell whether they'll keep those initially interested.
Seems to be a growing problem with newer mmos is keeping customers around. Although truthfully that might be more partly due to a growing lack of customer service and shoddy development on the game companies and a disconcerting amount of newer mmo players not having any type of patience or sense of community.
1. For god's sake mmo gamers, enough with the analogies. They're unnecessary and your comparisons are terrible, dissimilar, and illogical.
2. To posters feeling the need to state how f2p really isn't f2p: Players understand the concept. You aren't privy to some secret the rest are missing. You're embarrassing yourself.
3. Yes, Cpt. Obvious, we're not industry experts. Now run along and let the big people use the forums for their purpose.
Like Lineage 2 Aion will do quite well in Asian countries but only find moderate success in the US and Europe.
It doesnt have broad appeal that will draw in casuals.
Aion is a grind-a-thon. The first 20 levels are designed to be quick to fool you. Starting at level 25 they become exponentially more grindy. The first level 45 Korean player said it took him 18 hours to get the last level and he did it while dual boxing a pocket healer.
The total lack of PvE end game is no help either. Yeah, PvPing for keeps in the Abyss may be great fun at first but its definitely not going to hold my attention for months on end.
No it won't. It's too esoteric for the average person. The next "big" mmo will be something that has appeal across many lines of people. My guess is the new Star Wars game.
I dont see star wars getting big in China and Korea, those markets have proven over and over to dislike sci fi mmos.
On topic, Aion might be the first game to ever damage wow, at least in Asia, aion is already taking wow out of the top over there.
And Xiaoki, 18 hours to get to the last level doesn't sound like L2 at all, you should check out the new patches instead of checking elliot's outdated blog
Aion addictive factor for me = 10 out of 10. I have a hard time logging out. I find it more interesting than Warhammer, AoC, Lotro and other games that came after WoW. Additionally, it doesnt have the bugs of some of the games mentioned above. Anyone else playing on Nezakam? Let me know which server people are on. Its a pain not being able to speak Chinese.
I've been looking around for new upcoming MMO's, and it seems that alot of people really think Aion will be the next big MMO. I decided to research abit more about Aion and it's the first game I've seen in a long time to have good, smooth gameplay, like WoW. I'm not saying that WoW is the best MMO out at the moment, though it does have the most subsribers, but I think part of the reason it is so popular is the gameplay, movements, smoothness of combat, etc. Aion looks very promising, but I also notice it is by the company, playNC, which has a number of different MMO's which have not been very successful (Lineage 1 & 2, Guildwars, City of Heroes/Villains). So, do YOU think Aion will be the next big MMO?
Of course not. It's WoW-like, and "you can't out-WoW, WoW". So there you go.
It's WoW-like? Are you serious? Have you played the game?
I've just got done playing the Chinese open beta of Aion, and I can tell you right now it's nothing like WoW.
I am actually quite stunned at your comment, and cannot fathom on how/where you have postulated that idea.
Wait, WoW has people and Aion has people. Oh Gawd it's WoW-like...
Way to overreact... I would actually love you to prove me different - I haven't played it myself, and I don't hold much for WoW. But Aion seems a lot like it - solo-oriented quest-heavy content. That's the core of WoW.
thats the core of every mmo since the genre has been around. stop being so stupid.
The game certainly has the potential to challenge the World Of Warcraft in the Asian markets, but I'm doubtful that it'll have the same mass appeal in the US, EU and Oceanic markets.
I can't see it having any affect on the WoW gold farming accounts in the Asian markets though, there's always going to be a market for easy in-game money over here in the EU and US sadly..
Way to overreact... I would actually love you to prove me different - I haven't played it myself, and I don't hold much for WoW. But Aion seems a lot like it - solo-oriented quest-heavy content. That's the core of WoW.
thats the core of every mmo since the genre has been around. stop being so stupid.
Acrtually, not until WOW did MMOs have any sort of real solo element or quest heavy content. From the videos, Aion looks like its quite solid in the combat and graphics area. People have mentioned loads of quests and plenty of room to solo or group up. Since no one has mentioned any sort of nasty bugs and its US release is months away, saying its WOW-like doesn't seem so off base.
Honestly, whats the problem with being WOW-like anyway? Thats basically a good thing if the game is well designed. Better to be WOW-like than TRYING to be like WOW. WAR and AOC tried to be like WOW and didn't cut it. Hopefully Aion takes the good things.
No it won't. It's too esoteric for the average person. The next "big" mmo will be something that has appeal across many lines of people. My guess is the new Star Wars game.
I dont see star wars getting big in China and Korea, those markets have proven over and over to dislike sci fi mmos.
On topic, Aion might be the first game to ever damage wow, at least in Asia, aion is already taking wow out of the top over there.
And Xiaoki, 18 hours to get to the last level doesn't sound like L2 at all, you should check out the new patches instead of checking elliot's outdated blog
I'm not really talking about China and Korea. I think of those being separate markets because they are.
the "next big thing" will have to reach out to gamers and non-gamers alike. It must be something that is easy to get into, where you don't have to kill yourself playing hours on end and it's subject matter must be somewhat innocous or non-threatening.
It also needs to have few glitches.
Every non-gamer that I know who plays some games (non-gamer meaning they don't hang around forums or spend 20 hours a week playing games) knows of WoW and in some cases plays it.
Most of the time they are playing with real life family and friends.
Aion might damage WoW in the east but it's themes are just too out there for the average common man in the west. But we'll see. My thought is that it will be successful but not "next big thing" successful.
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Comments
Why have people gotten this idea that a game has to do something new in order to be a great game? I just came from the Chinese Beta also and I am yet to hear one person say that they did not like Aion. I dont know what next big thing is but Aion will be the 2nd biggest MMO next to World Of Warcraft.
I never said Aion wasn't a great game, nor did I say that a game had to break new ground in order to be a great game.
I said Aion won't be the next big MMO, and I said the next big MMO will have to do something new. There's no doubt that Aion will be a successful game. It just won't be the next big MMO, which is what the original post was asking.
Besides DF, MO, and soon to be released Terra. Don't expect to see "something new" in regards to control and interaction with future games. There is only so much Dev's can do with keyboards, mouse, controllers now day's. Quest will always be the same in one form or another and your interaction will be also....at least until the day when new types of controls are made for computers and how you view them also.
Velika: City of Wheels: Among the mortal races, the humans were the only one that never built cities or great empires; a curse laid upon them by their creator, Gidd, forced them to wander as nomads for twenty centuries...
Star Wars is not a killer IP.
For younger players Star Wars is geek and nerdy.
For older players Star Wars is childish.
The IP is not expressive today even in movie business, Lord of The Rings and Matrix trilogy outshined the newer SW trilogy showing SW is not popular as it used to be.
CD projekt showed even newer companies can outshine Bioware using the same engine Bioware uses for its games with The Witcher.
I think games and MMOS need new, unique and exclusive IPs and not recycled IPs from pop and mass culure like Star Wars.
...
I don't know if it's going to be the next big thing on our side of the pond or not, but it could be.
What it will do is surprise a whole lot of people, even the ones in denial, and that's going to be very satisfiying to watch.
(,,,)=^__^=(,,,)
A good World of Darkness MMO could be fantastic.
But I dont belive CCP can create a real World of Darkness MMO and capture the original Lore/RPG, not today...I hope I am wrong.
...
In other words, apart from the games that do something new, there won't be any games that do something new? If it's possible for a game to do something new, it's possible for a game to do something new. So I don't think it's at all unreasonable to expect to see something new.
So you think everybody is into Star Wars? Thats the one reason that I wont be playing it because I am just not that into Star Wars to play a MMO based on it. If thats the case then the new Star Trek MMO could be the next big thing.
I do belive most people, children and adults are not into Star Wars...
As I said, we had Star Wars new trilogy, Lord of the Rings and Matrix trilogy, Lotr and Matrix were much, much more expressive than Star Wars (and I am not talking about quality).
Some Star Wars fans still belive Star Wars is huge, deep, fantastic and not just one more recycled pop culture product with a couple of good ideas, but...
A lot of people enjoy KOTOR because it is a good game not because it is Star Wars.
I am pretty sure most younger and older gamers would prefer Sword and Sorcery, Vampires and Werewolfs, Angels and Demons (not exacly talking about Aion as Asmodians are NOT demons), Post Apocalyptic, Bladerunner like, Mystical, Ancient History , Lovecraft based games than one more Star Wars product. I can say I do.
About Aion, well it will be big, it has the good aspect of Everquest 2, Warhammer, Guild Wars, Lineage 2 and WoW, it is polished and has some new and good ideas.
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Yeah exactl Xibz. I played Chinese Open Beta as well and it's nothing like WoW. The graphics destroy WoW for one thing. I think Aion might have one of the best if not THE best graphics on the market now. The game uses the Cry Engine used in teh far cry games, so the environments and everything look amazing.
As far as game play and stuff it's nothing like wow. It has a few similarities , such as the 2 races that are enimies, and..... well no that's about it. Everything else is it's own. I like the worlds. the mobs, and the systems alot. BUT i don't think anything can prey the wow fan boys away from WoW. I think it will be along time before anything becomes as big as WoW. As i heard someone say on these forums once, so many kids have "poped thier MMO cherries" on this game that it'll take something big to push WoW out of the picture.
In other words, apart from the games that do something new, there won't be any games that do something new? If it's possible for a game to do something new, it's possible for a game to do something new. So I don't think it's at all unreasonable to expect to see something new.
First person view, point & click, Hybred targeting system<<<That is it bro, don't expect nothing new. Not until you have controllers that do direct input form your actions or thought process.
All questing will always be the same.
Velika: City of Wheels: Among the mortal races, the humans were the only one that never built cities or great empires; a curse laid upon them by their creator, Gidd, forced them to wander as nomads for twenty centuries...
In other words, apart from the games that do something new, there won't be any games that do something new? If it's possible for a game to do something new, it's possible for a game to do something new. So I don't think it's at all unreasonable to expect to see something new.
First person view, point & click, Hybred targeting system<<<That is it bro, don't expect nothing new. Not until you have controllers that do direct input form your actions or thought process.
All questing will always be the same.
Is that so? And when did we lose the ability to innovate? Last week? Last month? Last year? Which game came up with the last possible new idea?
Star Wars is not a killer IP.
For younger players Star Wars is geek and nerdy.
For older players Star Wars is childish.
The IP is not expressive today even in movie business, Lord of The Rings and Matrix trilogy outshined the newer SW trilogy showing SW is not popular as it used to be.
CD projekt showed even newer companies can outshine Bioware using the same engine Bioware uses for its games with The Witcher.
I think games and MMOS need new, unique and exclusive IPs and not recycled IPs from pop and mass culure like Star Wars.
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Define "Outshined". If you mean quality then it's all personal preference. If you mean gross income from the seperate trilogies then you are a bit off. SW grossed more than the Matrix. Less than LOTR by about a half million, but they both cracked the 2 billion mark easily. I'm also not counting things other than the movies, which would take LOTRO into account, which is a succesful mmo. It would also require me to take KOTOR 1 and 2 which were both very succesful. As well as SW:TCW which did alright.
I'm not a star wars fan at all, that's not the point of my post. I'm just trying to show you that Star Wars is still popular and profitiable.
Star Wars is not a killer IP.
For younger players Star Wars is geek and nerdy.
For older players Star Wars is childish.
The IP is not expressive today even in movie business, Lord of The Rings and Matrix trilogy outshined the newer SW trilogy showing SW is not popular as it used to be.
CD projekt showed even newer companies can outshine Bioware using the same engine Bioware uses for its games with The Witcher.
I think games and MMOS need new, unique and exclusive IPs and not recycled IPs from pop and mass culure like Star Wars.
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Define "Outshined". If you mean quality then it's all personal preference. If you mean gross income from the seperate trilogies then you are a bit off. SW grossed more than the Matrix. Less than LOTR by about a half million, but they both cracked the 2 billion mark easily. I'm also not counting things other than the movies, which would take LOTRO into account, which is a succesful mmo. It would also require me to take KOTOR 1 and 2 which were both very succesful. As well as SW:TCW which did alright.
I'm not a star wars fan at all, that's not the point of my post. I'm just trying to show you that Star Wars is still popular and profitiable.
Not talking about quality, as all 3 trilogies are quality productions...
If you forget about the books (most people didnt know Tolkien´s work) and the fact Lord of The Rings and Matrix were new and Star Wars already had a huge amount of fans, I can say for sure, Lord of the Rings and Matrix outshined Star Wars in popularity and cinematography impact.
About KOTOR, a lot of people who are not SW fans enjoyed the game, when we talk about KOTOR, I do belive the "Star Wars" part was just a bonus...
Yes, Star Wars is popular, but for many reasons I really dont belive it is a huge IP among gamers anymore.
People are used to mediocre Star Wars games and goofy Star Wars merchandise, because of that I really dont belive Star Wars IP can create a big impact outside the SW fans niche.
...Edit... I know it is popular, Iam sure it will be popular, but not huge, not impressive, not unique.
In other words, apart from the games that do something new, there won't be any games that do something new? If it's possible for a game to do something new, it's possible for a game to do something new. So I don't think it's at all unreasonable to expect to see something new.
First person view, point & click, Hybred targeting system<<<That is it bro, don't expect nothing new. Not until you have controllers that do direct input form your actions or thought process.
All questing will always be the same.
Is that so? And when did we lose the ability to innovate? Last week? Last month? Last year? Which game came up with the last possible new idea?
Innovation means improving on what's already there. Most games, mmos, have been innovative in some way or another. They are all innovative, the question is, is it an innovation you care about.
Questing and basic controls are actually part of what makes an mmo what it is, changing how this works you may create another type of online game, or something that is not an mmoRPG.
(,,,)=^__^=(,,,)
I actually do agree with some of your opinions. Then again I passionately hate Lucas and hope he fails in almost all business endeavors. All I’m really getting at is that there is still a very large market for Star Wars. More than I think you give credit for. Adding to that the people, whom you reference, that played KOTOR because it was a quality game, and I think you have the making of a very large fan base.
If I remember correctly this thread was about Aion and I haven’t touched the topic yet. I played the COB for Aion and loved it. Thought it handled well and had very few areas that could see improvement. To everyone who uses WoW as a mile stone I’ll just get this out here now: Aion will not kill World of Warcraft. WoW will die when multiple game developers make quality games. When a game comes out that has smoother pvp with better balance but is as easily accessible as WoW, then the pvp players will start to leave. When a pve game comes along that does pve a little better some more people will leave. As the level cap in WoW goes up more people will leave at different points. When the level cap was 60 and your class got nerfed or changed to the point where you didn’t want to play it anymore, rerolling was an easy option. It isn’t so much now, and will be even less in the future.
Rome was destroyed through infighting and civil unrest. WoW is Rome. Rome will fall. Just not anytime soon.
I played a fair amount of the Chinese beta for Aion, and I definitely liked it a lot. It's going to do well, in all markets. It could very well end up being the second-biggest MMO in the West. But it's not going to supplant WoW, or probably even come anywhere close to WoW's subscriber numbers. It's a well-crafted and beautiful game, but it just doesn't have the kind of world-shaking innovation that would be needed to push WoW off its throne.
I do think it's a lot like WoW, though. Sure, there are many differences, as other posters have stated. It's MUCH prettier than WoW. Like, no contest, no comparison. For pure visuals (especially character creation and models), it makes WoW and just about every other MMO look cheap and dull. The flight thing is really cool, and fun, and the world design is pretty awesome, too.
But basic gameplay mechanics? It feels like you're playing WoW, for the most part. I think that people are so used to that sort of gameplay that they don't even notice the similarity, because it's just second nature. It's invisible. You hop right in and start playing, exactly the same way you play WoW or the other similar games. You move the same, you fight the same, you get and do quests the same, you interact with the world and the UI the same. So of course it's like WoW. But that's not an insult, and it also doesn't negate the coolness of the specific content, themes, and style differences which Aion has.
It's going to be a popular game. No WoW-killer, not by a long shot, but it's definitely not going to be a flop. The game is just far too well-crafted, polished, and gorgeous to truly fail.
Originally posted by Wighty
It's like the latest batch of MMO's are like a f'n Kevin Costner movie... <think Waterworld, the Postman, etc> they cost a FORTUNE, they sound like they may be good but then you just realized you sat around for 3 hours of WTF...
Either i played another game or i didn't see those graphics...if you mix WoW and L2 the result is Aion graphics. AoC is by far the mmorpg with better graphics, Aion ones didn't shock me, no matter if the engine is the same as the one in Far Cry series. It has good graphics and animations, however they are not that awsome as you pointed out. In fact, to be a Q4 2009 release graphics are pretty much common...hell...i was playing with 100+ fps in most of the areas with max settings...and 40-60+ on the city with an average gaming computer...
In my opinion, people is mainly attracted by Aion just because of the wings, face it or not...but it's the true.
About Star Wars, Star Trek and these games...why does everyone always compare them with the movies? I'm not a fan of Star Trek or Star Wars....in fact i don't like them but if the game seems good to me i'll play them if they have nice gameplay and features...not because they made them like in the movies.
Either i played another game or i didn't see those graphics...if you mix WoW and L2 the result is Aion graphics. AoC is by far the mmorpg with better graphics, Aion ones didn't shock me, no matter if the engine is the same as the one in Far Cry series. It has good graphics and animations, however they are not that awsome as you pointed out. In fact, to be a Q4 2009 release graphics are pretty much common...hell...i was playing with 100+ fps in most of the areas with max settings...and 40-60+ on the city with an average gaming computer...
In my opinion, people is mainly attracted by Aion just because of the wings, face it or not...but it's the true.
About Star Wars, Star Trek and these games...why does everyone always compare them with the movies? I'm not a fan of Star Trek or Star Wars....in fact i don't like them but if the game seems good to me i'll play them if they have nice gameplay and features...not because they made them like in the movies.
I dont think he was referring to the graphics themselves, but rather, how they are shaped. You can have a graphic engine as powerful as AoC's but still have characters that look like neanderthals-like AoC. Aion may not have the sheer graphic power that AoC does, but it has the art direction and aesthetics lacking in the majority of games out right now. And yes, I know "I dont want my toon looking like some 'twink' asian boy" . Well... Aion's character system allows for a VERY diverse selection of character appearences from your typical pretty anime boy, to your Englishman, or even devil.
It's almost 2010, and I am just not wiling to tolerate clunky graphics while being told that "gameplay is more important than graphics". That excuse won't wash with me any more. I expect my games to have both good graphics and good gameplay.
-Quote Isoke(VN boards)
I don't get this. This game is being hyped beyond reason by players everywhere from everything I've seen so how would it be a surprise to anyone? At least some of those in this thread at least played the game so if it made them go gaga then good for them but I've ran across a lot that are just going off of he said-she said crap.
Nothing really stands out about it to me one way or the other so I'll probably just bide my time and see how things fare after the game launches state side. Far as how popular it will be...no clue. Seems like at least initially it will get quite a few on board but who can tell whether they'll keep those initially interested.
Seems to be a growing problem with newer mmos is keeping customers around. Although truthfully that might be more partly due to a growing lack of customer service and shoddy development on the game companies and a disconcerting amount of newer mmo players not having any type of patience or sense of community.
1. For god's sake mmo gamers, enough with the analogies. They're unnecessary and your comparisons are terrible, dissimilar, and illogical.
2. To posters feeling the need to state how f2p really isn't f2p: Players understand the concept. You aren't privy to some secret the rest are missing. You're embarrassing yourself.
3. Yes, Cpt. Obvious, we're not industry experts. Now run along and let the big people use the forums for their purpose.
Like Lineage 2 Aion will do quite well in Asian countries but only find moderate success in the US and Europe.
It doesnt have broad appeal that will draw in casuals.
Aion is a grind-a-thon. The first 20 levels are designed to be quick to fool you. Starting at level 25 they become exponentially more grindy. The first level 45 Korean player said it took him 18 hours to get the last level and he did it while dual boxing a pocket healer.
The total lack of PvE end game is no help either. Yeah, PvPing for keeps in the Abyss may be great fun at first but its definitely not going to hold my attention for months on end.
I dont see star wars getting big in China and Korea, those markets have proven over and over to dislike sci fi mmos.
On topic, Aion might be the first game to ever damage wow, at least in Asia, aion is already taking wow out of the top over there.
And Xiaoki, 18 hours to get to the last level doesn't sound like L2 at all, you should check out the new patches instead of checking elliot's outdated blog
Aion addictive factor for me = 10 out of 10. I have a hard time logging out. I find it more interesting than Warhammer, AoC, Lotro and other games that came after WoW. Additionally, it doesnt have the bugs of some of the games mentioned above. Anyone else playing on Nezakam? Let me know which server people are on. Its a pain not being able to speak Chinese.
most are playing on azariel from what I know.
Of course not. It's WoW-like, and "you can't out-WoW, WoW". So there you go.
It's WoW-like? Are you serious? Have you played the game?
I've just got done playing the Chinese open beta of Aion, and I can tell you right now it's nothing like WoW.
I am actually quite stunned at your comment, and cannot fathom on how/where you have postulated that idea.
Wait, WoW has people and Aion has people. Oh Gawd it's WoW-like...
Way to overreact... I would actually love you to prove me different - I haven't played it myself, and I don't hold much for WoW. But Aion seems a lot like it - solo-oriented quest-heavy content. That's the core of WoW.
thats the core of every mmo since the genre has been around. stop being so stupid.
The game certainly has the potential to challenge the World Of Warcraft in the Asian markets, but I'm doubtful that it'll have the same mass appeal in the US, EU and Oceanic markets.
I can't see it having any affect on the WoW gold farming accounts in the Asian markets though, there's always going to be a market for easy in-game money over here in the EU and US sadly..
Way to overreact... I would actually love you to prove me different - I haven't played it myself, and I don't hold much for WoW. But Aion seems a lot like it - solo-oriented quest-heavy content. That's the core of WoW.
thats the core of every mmo since the genre has been around. stop being so stupid.
Acrtually, not until WOW did MMOs have any sort of real solo element or quest heavy content. From the videos, Aion looks like its quite solid in the combat and graphics area. People have mentioned loads of quests and plenty of room to solo or group up. Since no one has mentioned any sort of nasty bugs and its US release is months away, saying its WOW-like doesn't seem so off base.
Honestly, whats the problem with being WOW-like anyway? Thats basically a good thing if the game is well designed. Better to be WOW-like than TRYING to be like WOW. WAR and AOC tried to be like WOW and didn't cut it. Hopefully Aion takes the good things.
I dont see star wars getting big in China and Korea, those markets have proven over and over to dislike sci fi mmos.
On topic, Aion might be the first game to ever damage wow, at least in Asia, aion is already taking wow out of the top over there.
And Xiaoki, 18 hours to get to the last level doesn't sound like L2 at all, you should check out the new patches instead of checking elliot's outdated blog
I'm not really talking about China and Korea. I think of those being separate markets because they are.
the "next big thing" will have to reach out to gamers and non-gamers alike. It must be something that is easy to get into, where you don't have to kill yourself playing hours on end and it's subject matter must be somewhat innocous or non-threatening.
It also needs to have few glitches.
Every non-gamer that I know who plays some games (non-gamer meaning they don't hang around forums or spend 20 hours a week playing games) knows of WoW and in some cases plays it.
Most of the time they are playing with real life family and friends.
Aion might damage WoW in the east but it's themes are just too out there for the average common man in the west. But we'll see. My thought is that it will be successful but not "next big thing" successful.
Godfred's Tomb Trailer: https://youtu.be/-nsXGddj_4w
Original Skyrim: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/109547
Serph toze kindly has started a walk-through. https://youtu.be/UIelCK-lldo