I'm just going to be blunt, the gameplay is boring and uninspired. It's typical theme park gameplay with kill x quests or fetch y quests(overly common phrase on these forums but true). The game runs off a heavily modified CryEngine 1 which looks good and performs miles better than Lineage 2. It looks good but thats not saying much really. Please, save your money.
Ouch.. thats a bit harsh. Although I totally agree that if you are going to judge the game by how it looks, you are going to miss out on what makes it good. For the sake of argument, I totally agree they could have done character customization better. Say for instance, sliders for character skin, hair, and eye color rather then the dart board palette.
But seriously, if you havent tried the gameplay it'd be a bit pre-mature to cancel.
The graphics you see at pre-selection arn't maxed in the option... Just change them tomorow when the head-launch start!
True.
I guess I can check them out tomorrow.
Can anyone give more info on that? I noticed my video settings were set back at pre-selection, although i've had them on max in the beta. Moved all sliders to the right again and that's about it graphics wise.
I'm just going to be blunt, the gameplay is boring and uninspired. It's typical theme park gameplay with kill x quests or fetch y quests(overly common phrase on these forums but true). The game runs off a heavily modified CryEngine 1 which looks good and performs miles better than Lineage 2. It looks good but thats not saying much really. Please, save your money.
Thanks. I'll try it tomorrow and see.
I'm like you though, I'm so tired of the uninspired game play from games lately. I hope the games on the horizon are better for us all. We deserve it.
Ouch.. thats a bit harsh. Although I totally agree that if you are going to judge the game by how it looks, you are going to miss out on what makes it good. For the sake of argument, I totally agree they could have done character customization better. Say for instance, sliders for character skin, hair, and eye color rather then the dart board palette.
But seriously, if you havent tried the gameplay it'd be a bit pre-mature to cancel.
Honestly, there aren't many character customizations that are more robust than this game's. Sure, the presets are a bit limited (and the voices especially), however there are sliders for almost everything, with the exception of the hair, and decals (scars, tats, & piercings). You can also mix & match the presets with the sliders to get a very elaborate amount of customization. Just takes a bit of tinkering in the 'advanced' tab for both the face & body.
As for the graphics, there also aren't many MMOs that have better graphics atm. This is a fact. However, if one doesn't like the 'style' of the game, it may be too much for them to be able to truly enjoy the content.
The game is solid, but if the style bothers you that much, I'd say don't waste your money. You will have a much harder time opening up to the game than even the skeptics.
I preordered 2 copies and after doing the betas I have canceled them. The game was just more of the same that has came out for the last few years. The graphics werent as "l33t" like alot of these people say (1920x1200). The gameplay I wasnt a huge fan of. Its just the new thing out right now so everyone and their mamma thinks its the end all be all game. I just took a number and waiting for the next thing out to try my luck. Im stuck with Warhammer till then.
I have played MMO's for a while. And I'm quite aware of the fact that almost every MMO out there that has recently come out is pretty much the same. So, I've decided that for the most part the biggest deciding factor in the new batch of MMO's (until someone decides to develop a game that is different from the rest [and please no EVE posts]) is to just play the one with the best graphics and sound. That's all that seems to distinguish them from each other for me anymore. That being said, I have pre-ordered Aion and I do still intend to go through with my purchase. But I'm a little worried. From my character creation I did tonight is seems that the graphics are just Lineage II on meth. And not that much better really. Did anyone else notice the same thing? It seems to me like there is this NC Soft engine that just keeps getting tweaked here and there whenever a new game comes out. I did like the sound though on the character creation. The cool explosion sound rang awesomely when I clicked on my new character. I hope the other in game sounds are just as good. But I do hope I didn't just buy a repackaged version of Lineage II with updated graphics engine.
It does not play like lineage 2. However, the art design beng "lineage 2 on meth" for me is a good thing as I loved the art in that game.
Otherwise, this has very similar gameplay as many other games though mixed slightly differently.
If you don't like the Asian style of game art then I don't really think you'll be able to stomach this. However, having said that, this game is quite a bit above your regular ol' asian free to play.
I highly suggest you get past 20 to try out the pvp part of the game. Otherwise I don't really see you enjoying it. Just my two cents.
Though I will add that I'm always for people trying things out themselves as opposed to taking other's word for it.
Like Skyrim? Need more content? Try my Skyrim mod "Godfred's Tomb."
If you don't like the Asian style of game art then I don't really think you'll be able to stomach this.
I don't know. I don't like the art direction in this game but I still really enjoy it. I guess it depends on what is most important to you in a game.
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.
I don't think the character creation is a good representation of the graphics this game has. Don't use the character creation as a measure of what to expect ingame. It is an artistically made, graphicially beautiful game.
I agree, graphics - or graphic style - is very, very important. As are ambiance, theme and art style.
MMO's are all really quite similar. Beside a few technical aspects here and there, the biggest thing to set them apart is the look and feeling of the setting.
At launch of AoC vs. WAR, I had a lot more fun playing AoC for the first 20 levels than WAR, however I felt that WAR was a better game and appealed to me more. The difference was that I had already spent lots of time in the Tolkien-inspired fantasy settings of Warcraft and Warhammer.
EDIT: I should add my opinion on the whether or not to play! I agree with the OP the art style is not that groovy, and brings me back to L2. However I am playing Aion anyway. I probably wont stick with it long (I never seem to do that anymore, I guess I just dont have time to get too involved) but for $50 I will definitely get my enjoyment in the first couple weeks when everything is new and fresh. Any fun I have with the game after that is just a bonus.
I have played MMO's for a while. And I'm quite aware of the fact that almost every MMO out there that has recently come out is pretty much the same. So, I've decided that for the most part the biggest deciding factor in the new batch of MMO's (until someone decides to develop a game that is different from the rest [and please no EVE posts]) is to just play the one with the best graphics and sound. That's all that seems to distinguish them from each other for me anymore.
Really? ....wait, really?
First, every MMO that has come out recently has not been the same. Is Darkfall like, AoC? Is Pirates of the Carribean Online like Tabula Rasa?
2nd, your biggest deciding factor to play a game is graphics and sound? What if it has really crappy gameplay? What if its completely shallow and lacking features and content? What if its boring as hell? Oh but that doesn't matter right? Because the graphics and sound rock!
I really hope you never review or rate a game and share it with others.
If you don't like the Asian style of game art then I don't really think you'll be able to stomach this.
I don't know. I don't like the art direction in this game but I still really enjoy it. I guess it depends on what is most important to you in a game.
That may be the case but my sense for him is that it was an issue. It also depends upon how one derives inspriation. For instance, there have been many people who have likened some of the game play of Aion to WoW. Of course it's not really the same but they do share the "kill x and bring y" quests among other things.
Now, WoW is a fine game in its own right for what it does and tries to do. If anything it is very well put together if nothign else. However, the world, the sort of gestalt of the whole thing was never enough to keep me playing it.
For me, and possibly because I am a very creative and visual person, the design of Aion is enough to bring me over the edge and allows me to buy into the whole thing. Kill "x" quests aside.
For a person who might be more logical or practical, barring any preference with art design, it might just not be an issue.
To add to that, if Aion had the same art design as wow... same themes of Elyos vs Asmo, etc but the actual look... sort of like if you took the WoW art stick and whacked aion with it for a while, I just couldn't play it.
Like Skyrim? Need more content? Try my Skyrim mod "Godfred's Tomb."
I have played MMO's for a while. And I'm quite aware of the fact that almost every MMO out there that has recently come out is pretty much the same. So, I've decided that for the most part the biggest deciding factor in the new batch of MMO's (until someone decides to develop a game that is different from the rest [and please no EVE posts]) is to just play the one with the best graphics and sound. That's all that seems to distinguish them from each other for me anymore.
Really? ....wait, really?
First, every MMO that has come out recently has not been the same. Is Darkfall like, AoC? Is Pirates of the Carribean Online like Tabula Rasa?
2nd, your biggest deciding factor to play a game is graphics and sound? What if it has really crappy gameplay? What if its completely shallow and lacking features and content? What if its boring as hell? Oh but that doesn't matter right? Because the graphics and sound rock!
I really hope you never review or rate a game and share it with others.
What is it about the graphics you don’t like? I know it’s not for everyone and all but it was pretty obvious what the game looked like from the many screenshots and videos around.
Ouch.. thats a bit harsh. Although I totally agree that if you are going to judge the game by how it looks, you are going to miss out on what makes it good. For the sake of argument, I totally agree they could have done character customization better. Say for instance, sliders for character skin, hair, and eye color rather then the dart board palette.
But seriously, if you havent tried the gameplay it'd be a bit pre-mature to cancel.
What server are you playing on btw?
Triniel. I'll be playing 'Friarjay" (templar) and 'Friarpaul' (spiritmaster).
Just a sidenote: I dont think Aion is revolutionary or anything of the sort. I'm pretty bored with whats been on the market for the last year or so (and my ol'reliable standby 'Shadowbane' -R.I.P) leaves me wanting that something new feeling. There's something about Aion that just pulled me in and I'm glad I gave OB a shot because I do not do 'anime'. Aion is very mellow on the asian art imo. (L2 OB turned me away from it). Albeit there is always something pleasantly pleasing in Anime. (am I a dirty ol'man or what?)
What is it about the graphics you don’t like? I know it’s not for everyone and all but it was pretty obvious what the game looked like from the many screenshots and videos around.
I was thinking the same thing, so I went back and looked at some of the screenshots I saw a few weeks ago when I pre-ordered. I did notice a lot more color in the screen shots than what is in the character creation screen.
Other than that, it was hard to tell much from the screenshots I saw. I just remember reading something about it being "visually-stunning" or something along those lines. Those kinds of things catch my eye. hehe
But the character creation screen just looked like the textures were really flat and bland.
I'm hoping it's different in game like the others said. And I did read the post where the guy said that the character creation settings seemed lowered.
Ouch.. thats a bit harsh. Although I totally agree that if you are going to judge the game by how it looks, you are going to miss out on what makes it good. For the sake of argument, I totally agree they could have done character customization better. Say for instance, sliders for character skin, hair, and eye color rather then the dart board palette.
But seriously, if you havent tried the gameplay it'd be a bit pre-mature to cancel.
What server are you playing on btw?
Triniel. I'll be playing 'Friarjay" (templar) and 'Friarpaul' (spiritmaster).
Just a sidenote: I dont think Aion is revolutionary or anything of the sort. I'm pretty bored with whats been on the market for the last year or so (and my ol'reliable standby 'Shadowbane' -R.I.P) leaves me wanting that something new feeling. There's something about Aion that just pulled me in and I'm glad I gave OB a shot because I do not do 'anime'. Aion is very mellow on the asian art imo. (L2 OB turned me away from it). Albeit there is always something pleasantly pleasing in Anime. (am I a dirty ol'man or what?)
What is it about the graphics you don’t like? I know it’s not for everyone and all but it was pretty obvious what the game looked like from the many screenshots and videos around.
I was thinking the same thing, so I went back and looked at some of the screenshots I saw a few weeks ago when I pre-ordered. I did notice a lot more color in the screen shots than what is in the character creation screen.
Other than that, it was hard to tell much from the screenshots I saw. I just remember reading something about it being "visually-stunning" or something along those lines. Those kinds of things catch my eye. hehe
But the character creation screen just looked like the textures were really flat and bland.
I'm hoping it's different in game like the others said. And I did read the post where the guy said that the character creation settings seemed lowered.
We'll see. I'm open minded enough.
Yes, the game world is very beautify made (well it is imo), but I still don’t see what you mean about the character customization...maybe it something to do with lighting and shadow lol have you checked you graphics setting by any chance?
Character style at first looks kind of similar to L2, but at the same time in game it's a little hard to say the 2 are similar. Like others are saying it looks a lot better once your actually in game. The environment graphics look nothing like L2 which had me surprised a little at first.
Why preorder? Wouldn't it make more sense to just wait a month or two after release? Why the desperation? As you said, you aren't expecting anything greatly new or exciting. May as well just let them get through launch and the first few rounds of bug mashing. Are you afraid everyone will be too far ahead of you when you finally get to try it or what?
Vault-Tec analysts have concluded that the odds of worldwide nuclear armaggeddon this decade are 17,143,762... to 1.
The graphics aren't like Lineage 2 and it doesn't use the same engine either.
Lineage 2 is made with the Unreal 2 engine, Aion runs on the Far Cry engine.
Don't be fooled by what you see at first glance: the game looks very different from Lineage 2 in it's art design.
While the character designs may seem like improved Lineage 2 models at first glance, the game world is completely different.
Lineage 2 is traditional high fantasy medieval European landscape. It looks like you would expect a medieval fantasy world to look like.
Aion on the other hand looks nothing like that and there really isn't anything that looks like it. While it is a fantasy game, it uses a completely different aesthetic. The world is very dream like with many unique creatures and locations. Don't go in expecting the traditional EQ/WoW/Lotro/L2 fantasy world.
I can assure you there will definately be moments where you will just stop and look around at the beauty around you.
Aion looks pretty decent from a technical perspective, but few games even come close to its aesthetic look.
There is a ton of detail as well. Your character will respond differently based on the situation. If it's starting to rain he might shrug or take out a giant leaf and use it as an umbrella. If he is bored he might move around a tiny bit, when he is hurt he will actually look hurt. Birds will fly over your head, squirrels (among other critters) will walk past your feet, fairies will fly past your ear.
A lot of attention went to the graphics in this game.
Comments
I'm just going to be blunt, the gameplay is boring and uninspired. It's typical theme park gameplay with kill x quests or fetch y quests(overly common phrase on these forums but true). The game runs off a heavily modified CryEngine 1 which looks good and performs miles better than Lineage 2. It looks good but thats not saying much really. Please, save your money.
What server are you playing on btw?
===============================
True.
I guess I can check them out tomorrow.
Can anyone give more info on that? I noticed my video settings were set back at pre-selection, although i've had them on max in the beta. Moved all sliders to the right again and that's about it graphics wise.
What else is about to change then?
Thanks. I'll try it tomorrow and see.
I'm like you though, I'm so tired of the uninspired game play from games lately. I hope the games on the horizon are better for us all. We deserve it.
===============================
Honestly, there aren't many character customizations that are more robust than this game's. Sure, the presets are a bit limited (and the voices especially), however there are sliders for almost everything, with the exception of the hair, and decals (scars, tats, & piercings). You can also mix & match the presets with the sliders to get a very elaborate amount of customization. Just takes a bit of tinkering in the 'advanced' tab for both the face & body.
As for the graphics, there also aren't many MMOs that have better graphics atm. This is a fact. However, if one doesn't like the 'style' of the game, it may be too much for them to be able to truly enjoy the content.
The game is solid, but if the style bothers you that much, I'd say don't waste your money. You will have a much harder time opening up to the game than even the skeptics.
I preordered 2 copies and after doing the betas I have canceled them. The game was just more of the same that has came out for the last few years. The graphics werent as "l33t" like alot of these people say (1920x1200). The gameplay I wasnt a huge fan of. Its just the new thing out right now so everyone and their mamma thinks its the end all be all game. I just took a number and waiting for the next thing out to try my luck. Im stuck with Warhammer till then.
It does not play like lineage 2. However, the art design beng "lineage 2 on meth" for me is a good thing as I loved the art in that game.
Otherwise, this has very similar gameplay as many other games though mixed slightly differently.
If you don't like the Asian style of game art then I don't really think you'll be able to stomach this. However, having said that, this game is quite a bit above your regular ol' asian free to play.
I highly suggest you get past 20 to try out the pvp part of the game. Otherwise I don't really see you enjoying it. Just my two cents.
Though I will add that I'm always for people trying things out themselves as opposed to taking other's word for it.
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
I don't know. I don't like the art direction in this game but I still really enjoy it. I guess it depends on what is most important to you in a game.
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.
I don't think the character creation is a good representation of the graphics this game has. Don't use the character creation as a measure of what to expect ingame. It is an artistically made, graphicially beautiful game.
I agree, graphics - or graphic style - is very, very important. As are ambiance, theme and art style.
MMO's are all really quite similar. Beside a few technical aspects here and there, the biggest thing to set them apart is the look and feeling of the setting.
At launch of AoC vs. WAR, I had a lot more fun playing AoC for the first 20 levels than WAR, however I felt that WAR was a better game and appealed to me more. The difference was that I had already spent lots of time in the Tolkien-inspired fantasy settings of Warcraft and Warhammer.
EDIT: I should add my opinion on the whether or not to play! I agree with the OP the art style is not that groovy, and brings me back to L2. However I am playing Aion anyway. I probably wont stick with it long (I never seem to do that anymore, I guess I just dont have time to get too involved) but for $50 I will definitely get my enjoyment in the first couple weeks when everything is new and fresh. Any fun I have with the game after that is just a bonus.
Really? ....wait, really?
First, every MMO that has come out recently has not been the same. Is Darkfall like, AoC? Is Pirates of the Carribean Online like Tabula Rasa?
2nd, your biggest deciding factor to play a game is graphics and sound? What if it has really crappy gameplay? What if its completely shallow and lacking features and content? What if its boring as hell? Oh but that doesn't matter right? Because the graphics and sound rock!
I really hope you never review or rate a game and share it with others.
I don't know. I don't like the art direction in this game but I still really enjoy it. I guess it depends on what is most important to you in a game.
That may be the case but my sense for him is that it was an issue. It also depends upon how one derives inspriation. For instance, there have been many people who have likened some of the game play of Aion to WoW. Of course it's not really the same but they do share the "kill x and bring y" quests among other things.
Now, WoW is a fine game in its own right for what it does and tries to do. If anything it is very well put together if nothign else. However, the world, the sort of gestalt of the whole thing was never enough to keep me playing it.
For me, and possibly because I am a very creative and visual person, the design of Aion is enough to bring me over the edge and allows me to buy into the whole thing. Kill "x" quests aside.
For a person who might be more logical or practical, barring any preference with art design, it might just not be an issue.
To add to that, if Aion had the same art design as wow... same themes of Elyos vs Asmo, etc but the actual look... sort of like if you took the WoW art stick and whacked aion with it for a while, I just couldn't play it.
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
Really? ....wait, really?
First, every MMO that has come out recently has not been the same. Is Darkfall like, AoC? Is Pirates of the Carribean Online like Tabula Rasa?
2nd, your biggest deciding factor to play a game is graphics and sound? What if it has really crappy gameplay? What if its completely shallow and lacking features and content? What if its boring as hell? Oh but that doesn't matter right? Because the graphics and sound rock!
I really hope you never review or rate a game and share it with others.
You really took what I said to an extreme.
===============================
What is it about the graphics you don’t like? I know it’s not for everyone and all but it was pretty obvious what the game looked like from the many screenshots and videos around.
March on! - Lets Invade Pekopon
What server are you playing on btw?
Triniel. I'll be playing 'Friarjay" (templar) and 'Friarpaul' (spiritmaster).
Just a sidenote: I dont think Aion is revolutionary or anything of the sort. I'm pretty bored with whats been on the market for the last year or so (and my ol'reliable standby 'Shadowbane' -R.I.P) leaves me wanting that something new feeling. There's something about Aion that just pulled me in and I'm glad I gave OB a shot because I do not do 'anime'. Aion is very mellow on the asian art imo. (L2 OB turned me away from it). Albeit there is always something pleasantly pleasing in Anime. (am I a dirty ol'man or what?)
I was thinking the same thing, so I went back and looked at some of the screenshots I saw a few weeks ago when I pre-ordered. I did notice a lot more color in the screen shots than what is in the character creation screen.
Other than that, it was hard to tell much from the screenshots I saw. I just remember reading something about it being "visually-stunning" or something along those lines. Those kinds of things catch my eye. hehe
But the character creation screen just looked like the textures were really flat and bland.
I'm hoping it's different in game like the others said. And I did read the post where the guy said that the character creation settings seemed lowered.
We'll see. I'm open minded enough.
===============================
What server are you playing on btw?
Triniel. I'll be playing 'Friarjay" (templar) and 'Friarpaul' (spiritmaster).
Just a sidenote: I dont think Aion is revolutionary or anything of the sort. I'm pretty bored with whats been on the market for the last year or so (and my ol'reliable standby 'Shadowbane' -R.I.P) leaves me wanting that something new feeling. There's something about Aion that just pulled me in and I'm glad I gave OB a shot because I do not do 'anime'. Aion is very mellow on the asian art imo. (L2 OB turned me away from it). Albeit there is always something pleasantly pleasing in Anime. (am I a dirty ol'man or what?)
Even old men have hormones. lol.
===============================
I was thinking the same thing, so I went back and looked at some of the screenshots I saw a few weeks ago when I pre-ordered. I did notice a lot more color in the screen shots than what is in the character creation screen.
Other than that, it was hard to tell much from the screenshots I saw. I just remember reading something about it being "visually-stunning" or something along those lines. Those kinds of things catch my eye. hehe
But the character creation screen just looked like the textures were really flat and bland.
I'm hoping it's different in game like the others said. And I did read the post where the guy said that the character creation settings seemed lowered.
We'll see. I'm open minded enough.
Yes, the game world is very beautify made (well it is imo), but I still don’t see what you mean about the character customization...maybe it something to do with lighting and shadow lol have you checked you graphics setting by any chance?
March on! - Lets Invade Pekopon
Character style at first looks kind of similar to L2, but at the same time in game it's a little hard to say the 2 are similar. Like others are saying it looks a lot better once your actually in game. The environment graphics look nothing like L2 which had me surprised a little at first.
Why preorder? Wouldn't it make more sense to just wait a month or two after release? Why the desperation? As you said, you aren't expecting anything greatly new or exciting. May as well just let them get through launch and the first few rounds of bug mashing. Are you afraid everyone will be too far ahead of you when you finally get to try it or what?
Vault-Tec analysts have concluded that the odds of worldwide nuclear armaggeddon this decade are 17,143,762... to 1.
The graphics aren't like Lineage 2 and it doesn't use the same engine either.
Lineage 2 is made with the Unreal 2 engine, Aion runs on the Far Cry engine.
Don't be fooled by what you see at first glance: the game looks very different from Lineage 2 in it's art design.
While the character designs may seem like improved Lineage 2 models at first glance, the game world is completely different.
Lineage 2 is traditional high fantasy medieval European landscape. It looks like you would expect a medieval fantasy world to look like.
Aion on the other hand looks nothing like that and there really isn't anything that looks like it. While it is a fantasy game, it uses a completely different aesthetic. The world is very dream like with many unique creatures and locations. Don't go in expecting the traditional EQ/WoW/Lotro/L2 fantasy world.
I can assure you there will definately be moments where you will just stop and look around at the beauty around you.
Aion looks pretty decent from a technical perspective, but few games even come close to its aesthetic look.
There is a ton of detail as well. Your character will respond differently based on the situation. If it's starting to rain he might shrug or take out a giant leaf and use it as an umbrella. If he is bored he might move around a tiny bit, when he is hurt he will actually look hurt. Birds will fly over your head, squirrels (among other critters) will walk past your feet, fairies will fly past your ear.
A lot of attention went to the graphics in this game.
Definately.