The only thing about this game that could even be remotely considered "next-gen" is the travelling skills. This game is NOT class-less. If you really believe you are going to be effective at all near end game without delving deep into one specific skill tree you are fooling yourself. This game is amateur. I'm sure all the folks who like easy-mode, instant gratification junk (like WoW) will like this one too. This is a very shallow game, and it doesnt surprise me to see a bunch of shallow fanbois praising it.
P.S. I sure hope this game doesnt have any indication of the depth on Star Trek, or it will suck too.
"Man will occasionally stumble over the truth, but most of the time he will pick himself up and continue on." - Winston Churchill
The only thing about this game that could even be remotely considered "next-gen" is the travelling skills. This game is NOT class-less. If you really believe you are going to be effective at all near end game without delving deep into one specific skill tree you are fooling yourself. This game is amateur. I'm sure all the folks who like easy-mode, instant gratification junk (like WoW) will like this one too. This is a very shallow game, and it doesnt surprise me to see a bunch of shallow fanbois praising it. P.S. I sure hope this game doesnt have any indication of the depth on Star Trek, or it will suck too.
Nice 1 post troll Barf attempt. I can see the jealousy written all over your argument. You are mad that CO will take away your cannon fodder from Darkfall, Wow Fail, Mortal etc... its over. You will be alone
Just saw the name of this thread on the mmorpg front page...lol, lolol, LOL, rofl, ROFLMAO
Next gen? lololololol, lolol, hahahahaha
But, seriously. I've played CO and its not next gen at all, there's nothing new. Matter of fact, it has ALOT of problems. Graphics, customer service, and download/patching to name a few.
The guy is right. I can't believe this game and Star Trek will be made from the same company.
Last, I just gotta say, the real trolls in this thread are the ones saying its 'next-gen' and will provide ANY competition at all for ANY other online game; even MSN Spades is a more promising mmorpg. CoH is way better than this game. I'm just going to have to wait for Marvel to finish a superhero game cause this one is a FAIL.
The only thing about this game that could even be remotely considered "next-gen" is the travelling skills. This game is NOT class-less. If you really believe you are going to be effective at all near end game without delving deep into one specific skill tree you are fooling yourself. This game is amateur. I'm sure all the folks who like easy-mode, instant gratification junk (like WoW) will like this one too. This is a very shallow game, and it doesnt surprise me to see a bunch of shallow fanbois praising it. P.S. I sure hope this game doesnt have any indication of the depth on Star Trek, or it will suck too.
Nice 1 post troll Barf attempt. I can see the jealousy written all over your argument. You are mad that CO will take away your cannon fodder from Darkfall, Wow Fail, Mortal etc... its over. You will be alone
Really?? After 4-6 months, this game will be lucky to have 300K subs.
The combat makes other mmos weak, nothing can compare to it and AOC shoulda used this method instead of the dumb combo swing crap. IN champions it is more intelligent gameplay and the mechanics speak ZOUNDS! The power combinations and the active ability to participate in combat with blocking, Body Slams the cookie cuter rock paper scissors mmos. If you want out of that crap, champions is the place. Most mmos are stupid. Lets take WoW for example…this class based pile of dung is the old school type mmo where one class = x and y classes you beat and z you lose to. End of discussion. This type of mmo requires no skill, you cant even block attacks! AoC failed because with out the ability to actually time a block and reduce damage you don’t really get to the next level of combat like CO has. Plus this being classless and highly strategic in putting your powers and stats together, you better be able to think because there is no min/maxing here sorry calculator heads you don’t have an I win button. Every attack can be countered if you have the skill. All these people in here talking trash are just scared you will leave their whipping post and go to CO where you will have the most balanced and perfected gameplay every conceived of in the HISTORY of MANKIND!
One word.
BOLLOCKS.
Now for the reason behind the expletive. While you're entitled to your opinion like everyone else, this game is far from exciting, engaging, innovative or compelling.
The game is shallow, bland, non-sensical in places and simply has the feel of Guildwars but without engendering a reason for playing. Character creation is really poorly structured, options that should be grouped are separated and hidden from view.
Missions are the same a,b,c linear and undynamic. There is nothing to hook you. In 3 days of short 2-3 hours gaming sessions, I find myself wondering what the fuss is about. CoH was and is still a better, deeper and more accessible MMO. Oh and the instancing? MMO with 40 people? WTF?
Like I said, this is a case of the New Emporer's Clothes. Game standard MMO in Leggings and Laser Eye beams. Cryptic seem to be the Mr. Hyde to CoH's Dr. Jeckyll.
If I wanted "Console" style combat, I'd play my console. Leave my PC games the hell alone, thanks.
My thoughts also, its very shallow and feels just like your average console game. CO is the first "MMO" I ever found thats easier to play with a gamepad. Not sure it's going to hold a "long-term" subscriber base.
No one has defined what next gen is, and if a game does come that is next gen, no one would really know . With that said, the character costumization from looks to skills to stats is pretty robust and I would consider that a push forward to letting gamers have almost complete control of what character will achieve. Special efx have been raised with game, partical efx ect, all are of what I would call "now gen" which means most mmo devs won't use single player efxs because of frame rates, but in a fps it runs fine, it is "now gen" tech that is being pushed intot he game. Next gen , I think would be to soon for mmo's.
What eve is doing is next gen, with the fps inside the space mmo having one persistent world, even though I'm not going to play it, it will be deemed the corner stone of future gaming.
This is easy: Next Generation is defined as the generation which follows the current generation. 1st generation would be UO, EQ, AC, etc. 2nd generation would be EQ2, WoW, CoH, etc. 3rd generation would be VG, AoC, WAR, etc. CO, Aion are the next generation. Simply put, the term 'next generation' simply is a location on a timeline of events.
Sadly from that model I see the side effects of inbreeding kicking in by the 3rd generation.
Interesting coming from a person who can't distinguish between two posts from two posters with different opinions and somehow thinking they were one and the same.
However, since you seem to highlight my words, I highly recommend you read the body of my text where I explain my opinion.
However, if it makes you feel better to insult me, I encourage it; it is quite entertaining.
Well the only insult was deleting your text which I had read but didn't think needed repeating, for space issues not a critique. If you re-read my pithy and snide comment you'll realise I wasn't attacking you but the next gen of games. I've found AoC, War and Co pretty dissappointing but don't know what VG is.
If I wanted "Console" style combat, I'd play my console. Leave my PC games the hell alone, thanks.
My thoughts also, its very shallow and feels just like your average console game. CO is the first "MMO" I ever found thats easier to play with a gamepad. Not sure it's going to hold a "long-term" subscriber base.
Actually as a console game I think I'd be quite happy with it. Makes me wonder if DCU will be the same? Plug and play and drop for several weeks then plug and play.
Otherwise yes linmited compared to most of my PC game experiences.
I personally see nothing next gen about champions online. I will be playing it because i bought the lifetime. I bought it for other reasons and plan to use it as my fall back game. But really whats so next gen about pressing 1 or you auto attack and pressing 2 on occasion when you have enough power.
If I wanted "Console" style combat, I'd play my console. Leave my PC games the hell alone, thanks.
My thoughts also, its very shallow and feels just like your average console game. CO is the first "MMO" I ever found thats easier to play with a gamepad. Not sure it's going to hold a "long-term" subscriber base.
Actually as a console game I think I'd be quite happy with it. Makes me wonder if DCU will be the same? Plug and play and drop for several weeks then plug and play.
Otherwise yes linmited compared to most of my PC game experiences.
As far as MMOs go, the only thing supremely revolutionary about CO would be the fact they've done the gamepad so well, and it works almost flawlessly with the game. I would love to see this added in more MMOs, even if CO would easily get stale for me in a few months, the use of the controller makes me happy.
Genetically speaking, each generation is virtually identical to the last one, with only minor (usually cosmetic) differences. Since this is Yet Another WoW Clone, sure it can be the next generation.
Actually if people think a game where steps: (1) Crowd Control (2) Auto attack on (3) Sword to the throat Repeat (3) until dead Optionally skipping step 1 for easier fights
is an entertaining way to spend months of playtime, then it absolutely should go to the console for a more comfortable interface. The only reason to favor a mouse/keyboard is when you need the flexibilty of a hundred buttons on a moment's notice.
I however will continue to hope for genetic divergence.
I actually think the OP is right, CO has a good chance of opening up a new MMORPG market for console players. The key is in what somebody said above: if they are the first developers to have nailed decent MMO control with a gamepad, then this is actually quite a big leap.
Another point: what many detractors are missing is the "character development" side, i.e. the RPG side. The ideal player of CO is I think a casual player who has a soft spot for superheros and who wants to make their own ideal superhero. I should think there's quite a substantial untapped market amongst console players who would like to be able to do this. In terms of character development (which includes the entire gestalt of one's character - look, feel, and abilities), CO is definitely next-gen.
Having said all that, I do agree with some here that there's a certain cost to this, and that cost is a some loss of the kind of complexity that PC-based MMO gameplay affords. CO looks like it's a bit "less fun" in this sense than even CoX.
Also, the one major thing that might mitigate against what I've been saying is this: from the beta reports it looks as if CO is less of a social game than CoX was - grouping seems to be less easy, certainly not as easy as PUG-forming was in CoX. Now this could be just because they were focussing on getting the solo experience right first. After all, for a good few weeks most players will be getting to grips with their characters, and won't be aiming to group up much. It could be that Cryptic have min-maxed their own development so that they'll improve the grouping side of things soon after the game goes live.
However, a more gloomy assessment is possible. It may be that, try as they might, they simply haven't found a way to integrate ease of PUG-forming, ease of social chatting, etc., etc., into the console format. If this is true, that will heavily count against the possibility of the the social side of the MMO idea ever being transferred onto console. But the sad thing is, it will also mean that the social side of CO will never be up to scratch.
I agree, CO is next gen, its just not a next gen MMORPG. Its more like a next gen of Diablo with battle.net. Pure action with char creation and development with random groups of online players each time I log on.
I think its a great game, great MOG, but it doesn't suit my preferences for an MMORPG.
The combat makes other mmos weak, nothing can compare to it and AOC shoulda used this method instead of the dumb combo swing crap. IN champions it is more intelligent gameplay and the mechanics speak ZOUNDS! The power combinations and the active ability to participate in combat with blocking, Body Slams the cookie cuter rock paper scissors mmos. If you want out of that crap, champions is the place. Most mmos are stupid. Lets take WoW for example…this class based pile of dung is the old school type mmo where one class = x and y classes you beat and z you lose to. End of discussion. This type of mmo requires no skill, you cant even block attacks! AoC failed because with out the ability to actually time a block and reduce damage you don’t really get to the next level of combat like CO has. Plus this being classless and highly strategic in putting your powers and stats together, you better be able to think because there is no min/maxing here sorry calculator heads you don’t have an I win button. Every attack can be countered if you have the skill. All these people in here talking trash are just scared you will leave their whipping post and go to CO where you will have the most balanced and perfected gameplay every conceived of in the HISTORY of MANKIND!
Champions is an X-box game that happened to release on the PC first.
It's like a prolonged paided beta so they can work out the bugs before releasing it on its intended platform.
Any fool can criticize, condemn and complain and most fools do. Benjamin Franklin
Well that’s really a subjective perception because you are in control of the powers you pick and put tog ether. Now granted if you pick powers from different power sets that spread out the primary stats for them it will make it more of a challenge for you. The idea is to choose powers from sets that overlap a little. Power Armor and Sorcery is going to make it a challenge for you but with the ability to work on your Skill based blocking you can overcome the deficit.
Two comments on this paragraph:
My character is a technomancer(actually, I named her Technomancer), she's drawing from power armor, gadgets, supernatural, and sorcery, with a couple of lighting powers just because I like the animation.
The GUI is broken in certain aspects that make blocking very difficult for me. Specifically, I mapped block and jump to my 4 and 5 mouse buttons. When my mouse pointer is over a GUI element, these buttons do not function. This means that if I am mousing over an attack button, I cannot block.
Any fool can criticize, condemn and complain and most fools do. Benjamin Franklin
I personally see nothing next gen about champions online. I will be playing it because i bought the lifetime. I bought it for other reasons and plan to use it as my fall back game. But really whats so next gen about pressing 1 or you auto attack and pressing 2 on occasion when you have enough power.
If I were to buy it it would be for that reason, mindless but fast paced fun eye-candy. A dipper not a main.
I personally see nothing next gen about champions online. I will be playing it because i bought the lifetime. I bought it for other reasons and plan to use it as my fall back game. But really whats so next gen about pressing 1 or you auto attack and pressing 2 on occasion when you have enough power.
You didnt get past level 6 then, cause if you had then youd know that pressing 1 and then 2 only works till you get more powers....On my Force/Gadgeteer char i had like 6 keys i was pressing and thats not including my travel and block keys, he only got to lvl 14 tho.
My sons char at level 40, he likes to pvp, used all the slots except 3 and the 2 travel forms depeding on the situation.
I will probly get a 360 controler for the game, since I keep reading it does make it easier to block and attack. If this makes it a Xbox 360 game, its a pretty good one!
I really think the disagreement lies in taste rather than the game itself. What this game offers is:
1. Character control - creation and skills. With that, it doesn't go too overboard with skill control which is nice.
2. Solo friendly - At this point, it can sometimes be too solo friendly, but I really do think they'll do what they can to fix this. What I mean by fix though, is that they'll put a little bit more group stuff in at the beginning. Not that they'll revamp the game so that it's only group friendly.
3. It's a PVE first game - for those that love pvp, go play some more FPS games...I hate it when PVP'ers cry for balancing only to unbalance PVE combat.
4. It's a Super Hero game - This means that the idea is to make you look and feel like a superhero. I think they've done an outstanding job of doing this, but I don't think that everyone will dig it.
5. It's brand new - this means that its about 200 patches and 3-7 expansions behind WOW and other long tenured games. The fact that you might expect it to have the same unlimited content as these games is unrealistic.
Please read over these and check off what you dont like...if you find that you checked off 2 or more, than I'm willing to be that this game does not suit your taste. Once you find that out, maybe you'll stop talking this game down like it's the next Tabula Rasa or something. It's a great game with just the right elements for my taste but I dont expect it to be for everyone.
This is an Eclipse in MMO gaming. We stand on the threshold of a whole new genre of Action MMO lead by CO. The End of the Holy Trinity? The Fall of Grinding? The end of Gear Centric Gaming? The Death of Grief? The spawn of the next generation of MMOs which focus on character design and the Journey from within. The beginning of real story driven gaming because it is the characters that make any story.
I see it to be true and even though it sounds impossible to most take a look around at how long gamers have been struggling to find something different but the same? Makes no sense and we'll look back and they will say... He was right!
I like the game. The combat can be fast paced..which is good...but other than blocking and the ability to use more than one power at the same time..(if u time it right) ...the combat is not much different than any mmo. Essentially..like most mmos..unless you're botting or can set up routines as in EVE...you are typing specific action keys..Expecting this..I can say that I only consider this after I log off...because while playing I was having fun. Although objects can block line of sight ..also good....in the open attacks will home-in on your target when it moves..which I do not like. They should tweak the targeting a bit..somehow..to avoid the arcing energy blasts. Especially if the character has no auto-target ability. I wish they could make some animations smoother..especially with regards to items u can interact with. e.g...when picking up an item to throw...your toon will strain and do a military press...then the item appears in his hands...or sometimes floating just above his hands....wish they could make it look a little better..But generally I think its a decent game so far...good for quick in and out sessions or longer periods. I really like the art style and most other animations. It runs relatively smooth and the customization...as expected...is fucking phenomenal ...and I'm sure more is to come. The avatars look incredible. I think this is definitely an mmo I will buy and play. Just the kind of game that can fit into my new school schedule.
I really think the disagreement lies in taste rather than the game itself. What this game offers is: 1. Character control - creation and skills. With that, it doesn't go too overboard with skill control which is nice. 2. Solo friendly - At this point, it can sometimes be too solo friendly, but I really do think they'll do what they can to fix this. What I mean by fix though, is that they'll put a little bit more group stuff in at the beginning. Not that they'll revamp the game so that it's only group friendly. 3. It's a PVE first game - for those that love pvp, go play some more FPS games...I hate it when PVP'ers cry for balancing only to unbalance PVE combat. 4. It's a Super Hero game - This means that the idea is to make you look and feel like a superhero. I think they've done an outstanding job of doing this, but I don't think that everyone will dig it. 5. It's brand new - this means that its about 200 patches and 3-7 expansions behind WOW and other long tenured games. The fact that you might expect it to have the same unlimited content as these games is unrealistic. Please read over these and check off what you dont like...if you find that you checked off 2 or more, than I'm willing to be that this game does not suit your taste. Once you find that out, maybe you'll stop talking this game down like it's the next Tabula Rasa or something. It's a great game with just the right elements for my taste but I dont expect it to be for everyone.
It is mostly solo friendly....there were some areas in the 2nd phase of the canada missions..where I died more than a dozen times tho. Whether this was intended to encourage grouping or a little unbalanced... I don't know. Agree with the "Superhuman feel". ...big success in that regard. So although combat is still pushing keys....the character on the screen gave me the sensation that I was a master of ass-kickery.
I feel really sorry for those that do not think this game has nothing new in it over any other MMO.
SAME OL:
This game takes aspects of a lot of MMO predecessors and puts them into a very good package deal. You get one server ala EVE with multiple instances ( same as AoC and COX )
NEXT LEVEL:
however, the instances track your firends, tells you how many are in each instance, and lets you change when you want. Got an area that is overpopulated? Change instances. A friend logging on sees that he has other friends in an instance, go to that instance. Want to talk to someone in another instance? Send them a tell.
SAME OL:
They took from WAR, public Quests, instanced PvP.
NEXT LEVEL:
Left out WAR ( ok, had nothing here )
SAME OL:
Added the choose any skill from EVE, DarkFall, and some other MMO.
NEXT LEVEL:
Balanced them by making stats mean something. Want the UBAH skills from ICe and add them to Sorc. Guess what? GIMP. The stats they use conflict. You may be decent at both bot not better than omsone with complimentary skillsets.
SAME OL:
Added customization from CoX on costumes.
NEXT LEVEL:
Took customization beyond this by adding power customiztions on color as well as emulation point. Can add items to slots that change your look as well as performance, or just the performance and not look.
SAME OL:
Blocking in AoC and Darkfall
NEXT LEVEL:
If playing in a defencive role blocking actually BUILDS endurance and does not deplete it. Also, special powers can be bought and modified to add other affects to blocking.
SAME OL:
TANK, DPS, CC, HEALER = CLASS RESTRICTIONS
NEXT LEVEL:
ROLES. Allow you to customize a set of powers to participate in any of the roles. Some power sets are better than others in varioous roles but, it can be done.
SAME OL:
Running around to various NPC's to get quests, drops with quests attached
NEXT LEVEL:
NPC's run up to you and tell you banks are bing robbed right now!! Still some quest givers standing around as well. Also, get quests from Police Cars and stray cats.
SAME OL:
Mobs stand around waiting to be hit.
NEXT LEVEL:
Outside of the starting zones mobs are more likely to run for help or run away from you if you take out friends. Mobs will back off for ranged attacks, flanking manuevers, and try to attack from behind. Some mobs will go get friends and come back to attack you with more.
So yes, there are a lot of things that are in here that have been done before. However, I think they are working to IMPROVE those "done befores" in the same manner that EQ tried to do better than UO, DAoC did over EQ, and WOW did over DAoC. What you can do with a character is not very evident in the first few levels of the game.
There are so many things that can change the aspect of your character it is rediculous. I have NEVER played a game that has this level of customization in developing a character. You really just do not know where you can take it.
I think that is what burns people most about the game. They are not given a clear cut path that their character will follow as a TANK. Therefore they do not think there is any reason to play the game because they do not SEE the path or CARROT they need to make them log on.
The game is easy to pick up and play. At first it feels TOO easy and very THEMEPARKISH, However look under the hood and you will find that there is a whole othr world on what is avaialbe here. Possibilities to play out various paths and builds. Lots of potential to play a SANDBOX CLASS in a THEMEPARK game.
Say hello, To the things you've left behind. They are more a part of your life now that you can't touch them.
If CO is next gen then the distinction between generations is truely negligible.
Someone mentioned games being Character focussed or world focussed and there's some truth in that....although its nothing new at all, CO is definitely character focussed, but for no good reason this is totally at the expense of any progress in world mechanics.
To realise the potential of the character customisation the world has to provide greater depth and variety, the mmo as a whole has to see some innovation or evolution and that just isn't evidenced in CO. It refines aspects of character creation, it offers greater customisation but it then fails to deliver any effect or consequence or variety to realise that customisation......
All dressed up but with nowhere to go, gloss without substance its a game that anthologises or defines the previous generation of mmo's rather than attempt anything new or original in its own right.
Comments
The only thing about this game that could even be remotely considered "next-gen" is the travelling skills. This game is NOT class-less. If you really believe you are going to be effective at all near end game without delving deep into one specific skill tree you are fooling yourself. This game is amateur. I'm sure all the folks who like easy-mode, instant gratification junk (like WoW) will like this one too. This is a very shallow game, and it doesnt surprise me to see a bunch of shallow fanbois praising it.
P.S. I sure hope this game doesnt have any indication of the depth on Star Trek, or it will suck too.
"Man will occasionally stumble over the truth, but most of the time he will pick himself up and continue on." - Winston Churchill
NextGen baby step not NetGen rewrite like total VR immersion with an aware AI Zillion dollar Positronic network.
Nice 1 post troll Barf attempt. I can see the jealousy written all over your argument. You are mad that CO will take away your cannon fodder from Darkfall, Wow Fail, Mortal etc... its over. You will be alone
Just saw the name of this thread on the mmorpg front page...lol, lolol, LOL, rofl, ROFLMAO
Next gen? lololololol, lolol, hahahahaha
But, seriously. I've played CO and its not next gen at all, there's nothing new. Matter of fact, it has ALOT of problems. Graphics, customer service, and download/patching to name a few.
The guy is right. I can't believe this game and Star Trek will be made from the same company.
Last, I just gotta say, the real trolls in this thread are the ones saying its 'next-gen' and will provide ANY competition at all for ANY other online game; even MSN Spades is a more promising mmorpg. CoH is way better than this game. I'm just going to have to wait for Marvel to finish a superhero game cause this one is a FAIL.
Nice 1 post troll Barf attempt. I can see the jealousy written all over your argument. You are mad that CO will take away your cannon fodder from Darkfall, Wow Fail, Mortal etc... its over. You will be alone
Really?? After 4-6 months, this game will be lucky to have 300K subs.
LMAO...as if I would play any of those pieces of junk. You just dont get it dude...and if you never stop and think about, you never will.
P.S. Get your head out of your rectum. You already are alone.
"Man will occasionally stumble over the truth, but most of the time he will pick himself up and continue on." - Winston Churchill
One word.
BOLLOCKS.
Now for the reason behind the expletive. While you're entitled to your opinion like everyone else, this game is far from exciting, engaging, innovative or compelling.
The game is shallow, bland, non-sensical in places and simply has the feel of Guildwars but without engendering a reason for playing. Character creation is really poorly structured, options that should be grouped are separated and hidden from view.
Missions are the same a,b,c linear and undynamic. There is nothing to hook you. In 3 days of short 2-3 hours gaming sessions, I find myself wondering what the fuss is about. CoH was and is still a better, deeper and more accessible MMO. Oh and the instancing? MMO with 40 people? WTF?
Like I said, this is a case of the New Emporer's Clothes. Game standard MMO in Leggings and Laser Eye beams. Cryptic seem to be the Mr. Hyde to CoH's Dr. Jeckyll.
My thoughts also, its very shallow and feels just like your average console game. CO is the first "MMO" I ever found thats easier to play with a gamepad. Not sure it's going to hold a "long-term" subscriber base.
Interesting coming from a person who can't distinguish between two posts from two posters with different opinions and somehow thinking they were one and the same.
However, since you seem to highlight my words, I highly recommend you read the body of my text where I explain my opinion.
However, if it makes you feel better to insult me, I encourage it; it is quite entertaining.
Well the only insult was deleting your text which I had read but didn't think needed repeating, for space issues not a critique. If you re-read my pithy and snide comment you'll realise I wasn't attacking you but the next gen of games. I've found AoC, War and Co pretty dissappointing but don't know what VG is.
Mind you I did bugger up the quoting system.
My thoughts also, its very shallow and feels just like your average console game. CO is the first "MMO" I ever found thats easier to play with a gamepad. Not sure it's going to hold a "long-term" subscriber base.
Actually as a console game I think I'd be quite happy with it. Makes me wonder if DCU will be the same? Plug and play and drop for several weeks then plug and play.
Otherwise yes linmited compared to most of my PC game experiences.
I personally see nothing next gen about champions online. I will be playing it because i bought the lifetime. I bought it for other reasons and plan to use it as my fall back game. But really whats so next gen about pressing 1 or you auto attack and pressing 2 on occasion when you have enough power.
My thoughts also, its very shallow and feels just like your average console game. CO is the first "MMO" I ever found thats easier to play with a gamepad. Not sure it's going to hold a "long-term" subscriber base.
Actually as a console game I think I'd be quite happy with it. Makes me wonder if DCU will be the same? Plug and play and drop for several weeks then plug and play.
Otherwise yes linmited compared to most of my PC game experiences.
As far as MMOs go, the only thing supremely revolutionary about CO would be the fact they've done the gamepad so well, and it works almost flawlessly with the game. I would love to see this added in more MMOs, even if CO would easily get stale for me in a few months, the use of the controller makes me happy.
Genetically speaking, each generation is virtually identical to the last one, with only minor (usually cosmetic) differences. Since this is Yet Another WoW Clone, sure it can be the next generation.
Actually if people think a game where steps:
(1) Crowd Control
(2) Auto attack on
(3) Sword to the throat
Repeat (3) until dead
Optionally skipping step 1 for easier fights
is an entertaining way to spend months of playtime, then it absolutely should go to the console for a more comfortable interface. The only reason to favor a mouse/keyboard is when you need the flexibilty of a hundred buttons on a moment's notice.
I however will continue to hope for genetic divergence.
Currently playing:
DC Universe
Planetside 2
Magic Online
Simunomics, the Massive Multiplayer Economic Simulation Game. Play for free.
*Edges way through mass of waving e-peens"
I actually think the OP is right, CO has a good chance of opening up a new MMORPG market for console players. The key is in what somebody said above: if they are the first developers to have nailed decent MMO control with a gamepad, then this is actually quite a big leap.
Another point: what many detractors are missing is the "character development" side, i.e. the RPG side. The ideal player of CO is I think a casual player who has a soft spot for superheros and who wants to make their own ideal superhero. I should think there's quite a substantial untapped market amongst console players who would like to be able to do this. In terms of character development (which includes the entire gestalt of one's character - look, feel, and abilities), CO is definitely next-gen.
Having said all that, I do agree with some here that there's a certain cost to this, and that cost is a some loss of the kind of complexity that PC-based MMO gameplay affords. CO looks like it's a bit "less fun" in this sense than even CoX.
Also, the one major thing that might mitigate against what I've been saying is this: from the beta reports it looks as if CO is less of a social game than CoX was - grouping seems to be less easy, certainly not as easy as PUG-forming was in CoX. Now this could be just because they were focussing on getting the solo experience right first. After all, for a good few weeks most players will be getting to grips with their characters, and won't be aiming to group up much. It could be that Cryptic have min-maxed their own development so that they'll improve the grouping side of things soon after the game goes live.
However, a more gloomy assessment is possible. It may be that, try as they might, they simply haven't found a way to integrate ease of PUG-forming, ease of social chatting, etc., etc., into the console format. If this is true, that will heavily count against the possibility of the the social side of the MMO idea ever being transferred onto console. But the sad thing is, it will also mean that the social side of CO will never be up to scratch.
I agree, CO is next gen, its just not a next gen MMORPG. Its more like a next gen of Diablo with battle.net. Pure action with char creation and development with random groups of online players each time I log on.
I think its a great game, great MOG, but it doesn't suit my preferences for an MMORPG.
Champions is an X-box game that happened to release on the PC first.
It's like a prolonged paided beta so they can work out the bugs before releasing it on its intended platform.
Any fool can criticize, condemn and complain and most fools do.
Benjamin Franklin
Two comments on this paragraph:
Any fool can criticize, condemn and complain and most fools do.
Benjamin Franklin
If I were to buy it it would be for that reason, mindless but fast paced fun eye-candy. A dipper not a main.
You didnt get past level 6 then, cause if you had then youd know that pressing 1 and then 2 only works till you get more powers....On my Force/Gadgeteer char i had like 6 keys i was pressing and thats not including my travel and block keys, he only got to lvl 14 tho.
My sons char at level 40, he likes to pvp, used all the slots except 3 and the 2 travel forms depeding on the situation.
I will probly get a 360 controler for the game, since I keep reading it does make it easier to block and attack. If this makes it a Xbox 360 game, its a pretty good one!
Dax.
I really think the disagreement lies in taste rather than the game itself. What this game offers is:
1. Character control - creation and skills. With that, it doesn't go too overboard with skill control which is nice.
2. Solo friendly - At this point, it can sometimes be too solo friendly, but I really do think they'll do what they can to fix this. What I mean by fix though, is that they'll put a little bit more group stuff in at the beginning. Not that they'll revamp the game so that it's only group friendly.
3. It's a PVE first game - for those that love pvp, go play some more FPS games...I hate it when PVP'ers cry for balancing only to unbalance PVE combat.
4. It's a Super Hero game - This means that the idea is to make you look and feel like a superhero. I think they've done an outstanding job of doing this, but I don't think that everyone will dig it.
5. It's brand new - this means that its about 200 patches and 3-7 expansions behind WOW and other long tenured games. The fact that you might expect it to have the same unlimited content as these games is unrealistic.
Please read over these and check off what you dont like...if you find that you checked off 2 or more, than I'm willing to be that this game does not suit your taste. Once you find that out, maybe you'll stop talking this game down like it's the next Tabula Rasa or something. It's a great game with just the right elements for my taste but I dont expect it to be for everyone.
This is an Eclipse in MMO gaming. We stand on the threshold of a whole new genre of Action MMO lead by CO. The End of the Holy Trinity? The Fall of Grinding? The end of Gear Centric Gaming? The Death of Grief? The spawn of the next generation of MMOs which focus on character design and the Journey from within. The beginning of real story driven gaming because it is the characters that make any story.
I see it to be true and even though it sounds impossible to most take a look around at how long gamers have been struggling to find something different but the same? Makes no sense and we'll look back and they will say... He was right!
I like the game. The combat can be fast paced..which is good...but other than blocking and the ability to use more than one power at the same time..(if u time it right) ...the combat is not much different than any mmo. Essentially..like most mmos..unless you're botting or can set up routines as in EVE...you are typing specific action keys..Expecting this..I can say that I only consider this after I log off...because while playing I was having fun. Although objects can block line of sight ..also good....in the open attacks will home-in on your target when it moves..which I do not like. They should tweak the targeting a bit..somehow..to avoid the arcing energy blasts. Especially if the character has no auto-target ability. I wish they could make some animations smoother..especially with regards to items u can interact with. e.g...when picking up an item to throw...your toon will strain and do a military press...then the item appears in his hands...or sometimes floating just above his hands....wish they could make it look a little better..But generally I think its a decent game so far...good for quick in and out sessions or longer periods. I really like the art style and most other animations. It runs relatively smooth and the customization...as expected...is fucking phenomenal ...and I'm sure more is to come. The avatars look incredible. I think this is definitely an mmo I will buy and play. Just the kind of game that can fit into my new school schedule.
It is mostly solo friendly....there were some areas in the 2nd phase of the canada missions..where I died more than a dozen times tho. Whether this was intended to encourage grouping or a little unbalanced... I don't know. Agree with the "Superhuman feel". ...big success in that regard. So although combat is still pushing keys....the character on the screen gave me the sensation that I was a master of ass-kickery.
I feel really sorry for those that do not think this game has nothing new in it over any other MMO.
SAME OL:
This game takes aspects of a lot of MMO predecessors and puts them into a very good package deal. You get one server ala EVE with multiple instances ( same as AoC and COX )
NEXT LEVEL:
however, the instances track your firends, tells you how many are in each instance, and lets you change when you want. Got an area that is overpopulated? Change instances. A friend logging on sees that he has other friends in an instance, go to that instance. Want to talk to someone in another instance? Send them a tell.
SAME OL:
They took from WAR, public Quests, instanced PvP.
NEXT LEVEL:
Left out WAR ( ok, had nothing here )
SAME OL:
Added the choose any skill from EVE, DarkFall, and some other MMO.
NEXT LEVEL:
Balanced them by making stats mean something. Want the UBAH skills from ICe and add them to Sorc. Guess what? GIMP. The stats they use conflict. You may be decent at both bot not better than omsone with complimentary skillsets.
SAME OL:
Added customization from CoX on costumes.
NEXT LEVEL:
Took customization beyond this by adding power customiztions on color as well as emulation point. Can add items to slots that change your look as well as performance, or just the performance and not look.
SAME OL:
Blocking in AoC and Darkfall
NEXT LEVEL:
If playing in a defencive role blocking actually BUILDS endurance and does not deplete it. Also, special powers can be bought and modified to add other affects to blocking.
SAME OL:
TANK, DPS, CC, HEALER = CLASS RESTRICTIONS
NEXT LEVEL:
ROLES. Allow you to customize a set of powers to participate in any of the roles. Some power sets are better than others in varioous roles but, it can be done.
SAME OL:
Running around to various NPC's to get quests, drops with quests attached
NEXT LEVEL:
NPC's run up to you and tell you banks are bing robbed right now!! Still some quest givers standing around as well. Also, get quests from Police Cars and stray cats.
SAME OL:
Mobs stand around waiting to be hit.
NEXT LEVEL:
Outside of the starting zones mobs are more likely to run for help or run away from you if you take out friends. Mobs will back off for ranged attacks, flanking manuevers, and try to attack from behind. Some mobs will go get friends and come back to attack you with more.
So yes, there are a lot of things that are in here that have been done before. However, I think they are working to IMPROVE those "done befores" in the same manner that EQ tried to do better than UO, DAoC did over EQ, and WOW did over DAoC. What you can do with a character is not very evident in the first few levels of the game.
There are so many things that can change the aspect of your character it is rediculous. I have NEVER played a game that has this level of customization in developing a character. You really just do not know where you can take it.
I think that is what burns people most about the game. They are not given a clear cut path that their character will follow as a TANK. Therefore they do not think there is any reason to play the game because they do not SEE the path or CARROT they need to make them log on.
The game is easy to pick up and play. At first it feels TOO easy and very THEMEPARKISH, However look under the hood and you will find that there is a whole othr world on what is avaialbe here. Possibilities to play out various paths and builds. Lots of potential to play a SANDBOX CLASS in a THEMEPARK game.
Say hello, To the things you've left behind. They are more a part of your life now that you can't touch them.
If CO is next gen then the distinction between generations is truely negligible.
Someone mentioned games being Character focussed or world focussed and there's some truth in that....although its nothing new at all, CO is definitely character focussed, but for no good reason this is totally at the expense of any progress in world mechanics.
To realise the potential of the character customisation the world has to provide greater depth and variety, the mmo as a whole has to see some innovation or evolution and that just isn't evidenced in CO. It refines aspects of character creation, it offers greater customisation but it then fails to deliver any effect or consequence or variety to realise that customisation......
All dressed up but with nowhere to go, gloss without substance its a game that anthologises or defines the previous generation of mmo's rather than attempt anything new or original in its own right.