Please Turbine, now when you have at least 300-400k subscribers from all your current games it would be possible to re-lunch Asheron's Call 2 servers. I realize it's probably not very-business wise at this stage, but there were still around 10k players at its termination and it would highly increase the company popularity by reopening one of the best MMO's ever made - AC2!
I don't think why they would care about 10k players, where most probably have moved on, enough to open a server for a dead game. It won't make them much money (having a team to service 10k players is not business-wise as you have pointed out) and the added "popularity" will probably not matter.
If they really want to do something for the community, the best option is to give a limited license to run their server software (for non-commercial purpose, of course) to the fans.
I realy dont see whats problem to give fans ac2 back as free game me and many bought expansion and 2 months later they announce they stop with ac2.
Im almost positive if ac2 would be relaunched as a free shards it would be succefull!
Games played:AC1-Darktide'99-2000-AC2-Darktide/dawnsong2003-2005,Lineage2-2005-2006 and now Darkfall-2009..... In between WoW few months AoC few months and some f2p also all very short few weeks.
God, I was so dissapointed in AC2. All I was hoping for was AC1 with updated graphics and deeper gameplay.Instead they (Turbine) went the other way and gave us nice graphics with gameplay designed for the joystick/fire button crowd.
AC2 was actually the best game I have ever played, and it was killed off to make room for DDO and lotro. Anyway, rumour is that AC2 is being ressurected outside the office of Turbine.
I know a lot of people from AC1 hates/hated AC2 but I wasn't one of them. I think people had unrealistic hopes and demands for AC2. They really just wanted a new AC1. :P
I don't believe for one second that an upgraded AC1 with new graphics, new UI etc. would ever be successful. Not today. I loved AC1 just like the rest of you but by todays standards, the game offers nothing. Most mmorpg players are now used to the ridiculously easy games. 'Challenging' is now almost considered a negative thing in mmorpgs. lol People want meaningless PvP, insane items, mounts, big flashing questionmarks over quest givers, identical characters all over the place etc. etc.
Unfortunately I think that a game like AC1 would be considered boring and hard by todays standards. The average age of mmorpg gamers is a lot lower today than it used to be and it seems like an easy win is more satisfying for most people than a challenging quest.
"What?! I have to think for myself?! I thought gaming was about having fun!! LAME!!" - I think that's how a lot of people see gaming today.
AC2 was actually the best game I have ever played, and it was killed off to make room for DDO and lotro. Anyway, rumour is that AC2 is being ressurected outside the office of Turbine.
Unfortunately Turbine brought their lawers to bear on the site that was making the AC2 free shard. So that's dead for the time being, but I certainly wouldn't count them out since they have put years into it and was almost to the point of bringing it online.
As for the topic at hand, I think orginal AC players were expecting ACv2.0, but AC2 was one of the first of the 2nd generation of MMOs where companies began going for the casual market. Everything AC2 was doing, you saw WoW doing the same thing only a year or two later. Uo, EQ1, AC, DAoC... all the gen 1 MMOs use some pretty outdated mechanics compared to MMOs these days, and as much as people would like to believe death penalties, and grinding, and skill growth was what made games fun, the 2nd generation MMOs proved that the majority want instant gratification NOW. Unfortunately, that same mindset also effects games when they aren't ready NOW, and players leave in droves. Players want to get into game, be 'uber' from lvl 1, and once they are bored they leave.
AC2's biggest problem was Microsoft's involvement for so long. Once Turbine was free of them, they were able to make the game into something respectable, but it was to late by then. Microsoft not knowing what they wanted, and not letting Turbine do what they wanted to more or less doomed the game from the gate. Now if the game came out 6 months later(with no MS involvement), it would have been in much better shape and running to this day. It did have a good amount of content near the end, and the races were fairly original which made it stand out from the crowd, combat/PvP, once the servers got fixed up, was smooth and fast paced, and the community was one of the best in game and out.
AC2 was actually the best game I have ever played, and it was killed off to make room for DDO and lotro. Anyway, rumour is that AC2 is being ressurected outside the office of Turbine.
Unfortunately Turbine brought their lawers to bear on the site that was making the AC2 free shard. So that's dead for the time being, but I certainly wouldn't count them out since they have put years into it and was almost to the point of bringing it online.
I would bet my last Pyreal that they are not closing down
AC3 might be a good idea or to uppgrade the original game but AC2 was never a good game. If you want it I see only one solution: Buy it. Enough players together could maybe buy it out, can't be too expensive. There was a reason the killed it off, few people wanted it.
I usually don't disagree with your posts, but at least in my opinion, you are extremely off with this one.
Asheron's Call 2 failed because it had a horrible release and almost no advertising at all right before the launch. They filled the original Asheron's Call subscribers heads with promises making them believe it would be the spiritual successor to the original, which it wasn't.
The game, especially towards the end, the last two years or so, the game was improved 1000x what it was when it launched. Even back when I played on Darktide and we had a population of 95-150 on peak hours, the game offered way more than it did at launch.
People weren't ready for a game like it. If it would of originally launched within the last three or four years I doubt it would of turned out the same. It was ahead of it's time then, it just wasn't ironed out until it closed. But when it closed, the game was a great game, it just suffered from population.
And Turbine has no plans on selling the title, they still have part of the franchise running. The AC2 emu was doing great, you could log in and run around, then Turbine shut it down. Sad, really, I was looking forward to it. I'd go back to AC2 over anything out right now, on Darktide, at least.
i think they should start it back up maybe as an added subscription to ac1, or something to that extent . no updates unless it generates that kinda money flow, they could always add different subscricption plans.
AC2 was awesome, way ahead of its time. The fact that its engine churned out DDO and LotRO kind of points to the fact that AC2 launched today would be as successful but at that time, the engine was still a work in progress. The ideas were great, the graphics were great, the gameplay was great... the network engine/launcher just weren't there yet.
After playing AC2, even playing EQ post engine upgrade, AC was a non starter. Resserect AC2, just make it free to download because I tossed my box
The fact that all the AC2 wanters miss is that the best way to make something like that happen is to join AC. If AC numbers started to climb significantly it would be more likely for them to put money into other options for AC. Sitting on the side lines and asking for it doesn't accomplish anything.
The only innovative game mechanic AC2 brought to the table that AC didn't have was the ability for players to play musical instruments either solo or as a band and they did a very good job of implementing it. Unfortunately, LOTRO has it and so it's no longer new and exciting.
Eh, I don't agree, but whatever.
And Turbine shut AC2 Emu down a while back for those that didn't see it.
Originally posted by AllNewMMOSuk
The fact that all the AC2 wanters miss is that the best way to make something like that happen is to join AC. If AC numbers started to climb significantly it would be more likely for them to put money into other options for AC. Sitting on the side lines and asking for it doesn't accomplish anything.
That and AC is fun to play so it is a win win.
Asheron's Call was a blast, the only MMO I never got bored of and quit for non-game related reasons. With that said, none of the people I playe with are there anymore, so to me, it's just a shell of what it once was. All the things I loved are there, they just aren't happening. I really miss the old school days of this game.
Plus, since I moved I just can't manage to get onto the servers or I'd probably be subscribed now.
The only innovative game mechanic AC2 brought to the table that AC didn't have was the ability for players to play musical instruments either solo or as a band and they did a very good job of implementing it. Unfortunately, LOTRO has it and so it's no longer new and exciting.
So? Just because it won't be new doesn't mean it won't be appreciated or enjoyed by those who liked it then and now. Also, since it's still Turbine that polished it in Lotro, it won't be stealing by any means and no reason why it can't be used in another of their games. In case you haven't noticed, alot of the features in Lotro are copies of AC2 anyhow. For example the goblin meshes are the same as the drudges and alot of the building textures are the same as AC2 also.
I still have two unopened copies of the AC2 expansion because they announced the impending closure while they were being sent to me.
I was in the beta... they had a seperate forum for Microsoft employees to suggest AWFUL ideas. The game was released too early but the world had a ton of potential. It was gorgeous/original/fresh/new. The post-apocalyptic setting mimiced the feeling of a new bunch of players entering a new MMO.
Their idea for towns slowly growing sounded good on paper but didn't work in reality.
I think they could maintain the game nowadays. Back then it was too expensive... I'm sure the costs went down since graphics engines have moved on.
Nice to hear some love going AC2's way. I thought I was one of the few. I agree with a few poster it was way ahead of it's time. At that time the graphics were untouchable, awesome content updates nearly every two months, and some wicked pvp faction battles.
"Hey, I'll tell you what. You can get a good look at a butcher's azz by sticking your head up there. But, wouldn't you rather to take his word for it?" - Tommy Boy
Most of the AC2 EMUs got shut down due to legal action by Turbine, if there are any left running they can probably expect the same as soon as Turbine does catch wind of it.
I don't think AC2 is the way to go because now it would be just like all the other MMOs out there. A graphic update/skill update and new skill additions would be the way to go.
AC2 was the biggest blunder that Turbine ever made. No, wait DDO was...? Hmm seems as though AC1 was the only thing Turbine ever did right.
Regardless, AC2 took AC and dumbed it down and oversimplified the interface and skill structure and essentially killed itself. IF Turbine had half a brian collectively they would have re-created AC1 in all its success and glory in the AC2 Engine. But instead they created arguably the worst 2nd gen MMO ever.
Honestly, how many of you out there that played AC1 from the beginning would have rather seen AC2 be a revamp of AC1 in a newer and more modern game engine? Hell, even EQ figured that out when they made EQ2. UO will allways be my first and most treasured MMO love, but AC was the game that made me an MMO fan and I played that game every single day until AC2 came out. At which point Turbine broke my heart and I moved on to DAoC and Shadowbane.
AC2 had some great design concepts. Some of the classes (feral intendend, the hive keeper and the wall/turret guy) were awesome. What sadly killed that game was lack of high level content. Also leveling XP was a bit fast that usual. Finally, changes to classes were too dramatic and too often. It felt mismanaged sadly and frustrated a lot fo people. But I had a blast playing it.
AC2 had some great design concepts. Some of the classes (feral intendend, the hive keeper and the wall/turret guy) were awesome. What sadly killed that game was lack of high level content. Also leveling XP was a bit fast that usual. Finally, changes to classes were too dramatic and too often. It felt mismanaged sadly and frustrated a lot fo people. But I had a blast playing it.
Actually, what killed AC2....before it even released, was Microsoft's mismanagement of the game development. The chat server issues, where we couldn't even communicate in game for extended periods of time, was the final nail. However, the game drastically improved after Turbine took over outright.
Citan, the former lead designer of the AC2 live team, was very frank about many of the AC2 issues in his own blog.
There was also another entry about how they had to redesign all of the classes due to the fact that they had no idea what the original intention of each skill was. Basically Microsoft gave them about a month to get all of the class skills in game, I can't seem to find the entry though.
Aside from all of that, AC2 brought tremendous innovations to the mmorpg scene. Don't believe me?
AC2 was the first mmorpg, that I am aware of, that used quests to level a character without the need for grinding. Granted you could only obtain the first 20 or so levels via an extremely linear quest series, but it was there none the less. The Osteth quest line is what ushered in an era of using quests and not grinding as a means of leveling. AC2 also had quests there were repeatable at various intervals, mostly daily or weekly. After level 20 leveling was a mix of grinding and quests, which worked well given the state of the genre.
AC2 also allowed for respecing. Typically in other mmorpgs of the time, a mistake in your character's development meant rerolling or being gimp. Respecing wasn't the easiest thing in the game to do, but it was there and could be easy if you had a good core of friends to help.
AC2 used skill trees, which was a mmorpg first, although the system felt like it was ripped from Diablo 2 to an extent.
AC2 had revolutionary graphics at the time. The combat system was fast paced, blending in auto attack with special abilities that were on cooldowns. Something that was used in other mmorpgs, to an extent, but AC2 really had a nice and fluid approach to combat.
Even though AC2 wasn't anything near a success, the effects of the game are felt in current mmorpgs. I've always said that WoW felt like a spiritual successor to AC2, moving from AC2 to WoW was more or less a change of scenery for me, WoW played very much like AC2...but with a hell of a lot more polish. LotRO which has been successful for Turbine has obvious influences from AC2 as well.
If Microsoft had been interested in investing in the mmorpg market, AC2 could have been an extremely successful game. It literally needed about two more years of development though.
I miss AC2, and I'm angry that the game never even stood a chance to begin with. Mostly, I miss throwing lightning from a drum
Comments
I don't think why they would care about 10k players, where most probably have moved on, enough to open a server for a dead game. It won't make them much money (having a team to service 10k players is not business-wise as you have pointed out) and the added "popularity" will probably not matter.
If they really want to do something for the community, the best option is to give a limited license to run their server software (for non-commercial purpose, of course) to the fans.
I realy dont see whats problem to give fans ac2 back as free game me and many bought expansion and 2 months later they announce they stop with ac2.
Im almost positive if ac2 would be relaunched as a free shards it would be succefull!
Games played:AC1-Darktide'99-2000-AC2-Darktide/dawnsong2003-2005,Lineage2-2005-2006 and now Darkfall-2009.....
In between WoW few months AoC few months and some f2p also all very short few weeks.
God, I was so dissapointed in AC2. All I was hoping for was AC1 with updated graphics and deeper gameplay.Instead they (Turbine) went the other way and gave us nice graphics with gameplay designed for the joystick/fire button crowd.
Just imagine AC with AoC's graphics.*sigh*
Throw in even greater character customization through more attributes and skills on top of this idea...
/signed for me.
AC3 might be a good idea or to uppgrade the original game but AC2 was never a good game.
If you want it I see only one solution: Buy it. Enough players together could maybe buy it out, can't be too expensive.
There was a reason the killed it off, few people wanted it.
AC2 was actually the best game I have ever played, and it was killed off to make room for DDO and lotro. Anyway, rumour is that AC2 is being ressurected outside the office of Turbine.
거북이는 목을 내밀 때 안 움직입니다
I would love to see them re-open AC2.
I know a lot of people from AC1 hates/hated AC2 but I wasn't one of them. I think people had unrealistic hopes and demands for AC2. They really just wanted a new AC1. :P
I don't believe for one second that an upgraded AC1 with new graphics, new UI etc. would ever be successful. Not today. I loved AC1 just like the rest of you but by todays standards, the game offers nothing. Most mmorpg players are now used to the ridiculously easy games. 'Challenging' is now almost considered a negative thing in mmorpgs. lol People want meaningless PvP, insane items, mounts, big flashing questionmarks over quest givers, identical characters all over the place etc. etc.
Unfortunately I think that a game like AC1 would be considered boring and hard by todays standards. The average age of mmorpg gamers is a lot lower today than it used to be and it seems like an easy win is more satisfying for most people than a challenging quest.
"What?! I have to think for myself?! I thought gaming was about having fun!! LAME!!" - I think that's how a lot of people see gaming today.
Unfortunately Turbine brought their lawers to bear on the site that was making the AC2 free shard. So that's dead for the time being, but I certainly wouldn't count them out since they have put years into it and was almost to the point of bringing it online.
As for the topic at hand, I think orginal AC players were expecting ACv2.0, but AC2 was one of the first of the 2nd generation of MMOs where companies began going for the casual market. Everything AC2 was doing, you saw WoW doing the same thing only a year or two later. Uo, EQ1, AC, DAoC... all the gen 1 MMOs use some pretty outdated mechanics compared to MMOs these days, and as much as people would like to believe death penalties, and grinding, and skill growth was what made games fun, the 2nd generation MMOs proved that the majority want instant gratification NOW. Unfortunately, that same mindset also effects games when they aren't ready NOW, and players leave in droves. Players want to get into game, be 'uber' from lvl 1, and once they are bored they leave.
AC2's biggest problem was Microsoft's involvement for so long. Once Turbine was free of them, they were able to make the game into something respectable, but it was to late by then. Microsoft not knowing what they wanted, and not letting Turbine do what they wanted to more or less doomed the game from the gate. Now if the game came out 6 months later(with no MS involvement), it would have been in much better shape and running to this day. It did have a good amount of content near the end, and the races were fairly original which made it stand out from the crowd, combat/PvP, once the servers got fixed up, was smooth and fast paced, and the community was one of the best in game and out.
Unfortunately Turbine brought their lawers to bear on the site that was making the AC2 free shard. So that's dead for the time being, but I certainly wouldn't count them out since they have put years into it and was almost to the point of bringing it online.
I would bet my last Pyreal that they are not closing down
I usually don't disagree with your posts, but at least in my opinion, you are extremely off with this one.
Asheron's Call 2 failed because it had a horrible release and almost no advertising at all right before the launch. They filled the original Asheron's Call subscribers heads with promises making them believe it would be the spiritual successor to the original, which it wasn't.
The game, especially towards the end, the last two years or so, the game was improved 1000x what it was when it launched. Even back when I played on Darktide and we had a population of 95-150 on peak hours, the game offered way more than it did at launch.
People weren't ready for a game like it. If it would of originally launched within the last three or four years I doubt it would of turned out the same. It was ahead of it's time then, it just wasn't ironed out until it closed. But when it closed, the game was a great game, it just suffered from population.
And Turbine has no plans on selling the title, they still have part of the franchise running. The AC2 emu was doing great, you could log in and run around, then Turbine shut it down. Sad, really, I was looking forward to it. I'd go back to AC2 over anything out right now, on Darktide, at least.
i think they should start it back up maybe as an added subscription to ac1, or something to that extent . no updates unless it generates that kinda money flow, they could always add different subscricption plans.
AC2 EMU. That's your only option and it's not great.
AC2 was awesome, way ahead of its time. The fact that its engine churned out DDO and LotRO kind of points to the fact that AC2 launched today would be as successful but at that time, the engine was still a work in progress. The ideas were great, the graphics were great, the gameplay was great... the network engine/launcher just weren't there yet.
After playing AC2, even playing EQ post engine upgrade, AC was a non starter. Resserect AC2, just make it free to download because I tossed my box
What?...
The fact that all the AC2 wanters miss is that the best way to make something like that happen is to join AC. If AC numbers started to climb significantly it would be more likely for them to put money into other options for AC. Sitting on the side lines and asking for it doesn't accomplish anything.
That and AC is fun to play so it is a win win.
Eh, I don't agree, but whatever.
And Turbine shut AC2 Emu down a while back for those that didn't see it.
Asheron's Call was a blast, the only MMO I never got bored of and quit for non-game related reasons. With that said, none of the people I playe with are there anymore, so to me, it's just a shell of what it once was. All the things I loved are there, they just aren't happening. I really miss the old school days of this game.
Plus, since I moved I just can't manage to get onto the servers or I'd probably be subscribed now.
So? Just because it won't be new doesn't mean it won't be appreciated or enjoyed by those who liked it then and now. Also, since it's still Turbine that polished it in Lotro, it won't be stealing by any means and no reason why it can't be used in another of their games. In case you haven't noticed, alot of the features in Lotro are copies of AC2 anyhow. For example the goblin meshes are the same as the drudges and alot of the building textures are the same as AC2 also.
I still have two unopened copies of the AC2 expansion because they announced the impending closure while they were being sent to me.
I was in the beta... they had a seperate forum for Microsoft employees to suggest AWFUL ideas. The game was released too early but the world had a ton of potential. It was gorgeous/original/fresh/new. The post-apocalyptic setting mimiced the feeling of a new bunch of players entering a new MMO.
Their idea for towns slowly growing sounded good on paper but didn't work in reality.
I think they could maintain the game nowadays. Back then it was too expensive... I'm sure the costs went down since graphics engines have moved on.
Nice to hear some love going AC2's way. I thought I was one of the few. I agree with a few poster it was way ahead of it's time. At that time the graphics were untouchable, awesome content updates nearly every two months, and some wicked pvp faction battles.
[(T+G=W)=Gr*Nf]-S=FoF
T=Time G=Gear W=Win Gr=Grind Nf=NoFun S=Skill FoF=FullofFail
"Hey, I'll tell you what. You can get a good look at a butcher's azz by sticking your head up there. But, wouldn't you rather to take his word for it?" - Tommy Boy
Most of the AC2 EMUs got shut down due to legal action by Turbine, if there are any left running they can probably expect the same as soon as Turbine does catch wind of it.
I don't think AC2 is the way to go because now it would be just like all the other MMOs out there. A graphic update/skill update and new skill additions would be the way to go.
AC2 was the biggest blunder that Turbine ever made. No, wait DDO was...? Hmm seems as though AC1 was the only thing Turbine ever did right.
Regardless, AC2 took AC and dumbed it down and oversimplified the interface and skill structure and essentially killed itself. IF Turbine had half a brian collectively they would have re-created AC1 in all its success and glory in the AC2 Engine. But instead they created arguably the worst 2nd gen MMO ever.
Honestly, how many of you out there that played AC1 from the beginning would have rather seen AC2 be a revamp of AC1 in a newer and more modern game engine? Hell, even EQ figured that out when they made EQ2. UO will allways be my first and most treasured MMO love, but AC was the game that made me an MMO fan and I played that game every single day until AC2 came out. At which point Turbine broke my heart and I moved on to DAoC and Shadowbane.
AC2 had some great design concepts. Some of the classes (feral intendend, the hive keeper and the wall/turret guy) were awesome. What sadly killed that game was lack of high level content. Also leveling XP was a bit fast that usual. Finally, changes to classes were too dramatic and too often. It felt mismanaged sadly and frustrated a lot fo people. But I had a blast playing it.
We Want AC2!!! or AC 1.5!!!! RAWR!! lets go!
Actually, what killed AC2....before it even released, was Microsoft's mismanagement of the game development. The chat server issues, where we couldn't even communicate in game for extended periods of time, was the final nail. However, the game drastically improved after Turbine took over outright.
Citan, the former lead designer of the AC2 live team, was very frank about many of the AC2 issues in his own blog.
http://www.eldergame.com/2009/02/16/whats-a-qa-team-without-a-spec/
There was also another entry about how they had to redesign all of the classes due to the fact that they had no idea what the original intention of each skill was. Basically Microsoft gave them about a month to get all of the class skills in game, I can't seem to find the entry though.
Aside from all of that, AC2 brought tremendous innovations to the mmorpg scene. Don't believe me?
AC2 was the first mmorpg, that I am aware of, that used quests to level a character without the need for grinding. Granted you could only obtain the first 20 or so levels via an extremely linear quest series, but it was there none the less. The Osteth quest line is what ushered in an era of using quests and not grinding as a means of leveling. AC2 also had quests there were repeatable at various intervals, mostly daily or weekly. After level 20 leveling was a mix of grinding and quests, which worked well given the state of the genre.
AC2 also allowed for respecing. Typically in other mmorpgs of the time, a mistake in your character's development meant rerolling or being gimp. Respecing wasn't the easiest thing in the game to do, but it was there and could be easy if you had a good core of friends to help.
AC2 used skill trees, which was a mmorpg first, although the system felt like it was ripped from Diablo 2 to an extent.
AC2 had revolutionary graphics at the time. The combat system was fast paced, blending in auto attack with special abilities that were on cooldowns. Something that was used in other mmorpgs, to an extent, but AC2 really had a nice and fluid approach to combat.
Even though AC2 wasn't anything near a success, the effects of the game are felt in current mmorpgs. I've always said that WoW felt like a spiritual successor to AC2, moving from AC2 to WoW was more or less a change of scenery for me, WoW played very much like AC2...but with a hell of a lot more polish. LotRO which has been successful for Turbine has obvious influences from AC2 as well.
If Microsoft had been interested in investing in the mmorpg market, AC2 could have been an extremely successful game. It literally needed about two more years of development though.
I miss AC2, and I'm angry that the game never even stood a chance to begin with. Mostly, I miss throwing lightning from a drum