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DC Universe Online: Staff Impressions

24

Comments

  • MithsMiths Member Posts: 12

    Not selling better? I might be mistaken but I'm almost certain I've seen articles on various sites claiming fairly impressive sales numbers for both PS3 and PC versions?

    At least on the PS3 side they've had to add additional servers in both Europe and the US.

    How well it's going to perform after the first month is going to be interesting though, particularly with the PS3 version as there appears to be an alarmingly large number of console players (with no previous MMO experience) who seemingly can't wrap their heads around the concept of a monthly subscription fee.

  • DragimDragim Member UncommonPosts: 867

    I have been enjoying the game myself, but I do agree with the impressions posted.

    Everyone keeps hammering home the point too as far as the company holding onto their promise of monthly content releases, and hopefully it is some decent content, not just 1 more type of pvp map to play on.

    And of course, the horrible chat system needs to be redone.

    Of course other things here and there need to be tweaked and modified, but I am enjoying the game on a casual level.

    I am entitled to my opinions, misspellings, and grammatical errors.

  • PelagatoPelagato Member UncommonPosts: 673

    Only a newbie will find the targetting system problematic.... and I mean it... ONLY NOOBS will complain about the targetting system....

  • TUX426TUX426 Member Posts: 1,907

    Originally posted by Miths



    Not selling better? I might be mistaken but I'm almost certain I've seen articles on various sites claiming fairly impressive sales numbers for both PS3 and PC versions?

    At least on the PS3 side they've had to add additional servers in both Europe and the US.

    How well it's going to perform after the first month is going to be interesting though, particularly with the PS3 version as there appears to be an alarmingly large number of console players (with no previous MMO experience) who seemingly can't wrap their heads around the concept of a monthly subscription fee.


     

    My facts come from herehere and here.

    It's an honest question, - If there is so much to enjoy (despite the many complaints), why isn't it selling better?

    I have my own theories, but I would prefer the experts (staff here) take on it. Everyone seems to "enjoy" it - so whats the deal?

  • jonnyfragjonnyfrag Member Posts: 110

    Originally posted by Pelu



    Only a newbie will find the targetting system problematic.... and I mean it... ONLY NOOBS will complain about the targetting system....


     

    Well, I am far from being a noob and the targetting system for PC controls (mouse and keyboard) sucks. Yes, I've adjusted to it and understand how to use it...it just doesn't work well. It's far too easy to end up not targetting what you are trying to and ending up smacking a car or something while MOBs beat on you.

    Played: Asheron's Call(still the best fantasy MMO!), EQ1, EQ2, Vanguard, DAoC, Horizons, City of Heroes/Villians, WoW (crap), LOTORO, D&D Online, Eve, Anarchy Online, and still playing SWG daily.

  • travamarstravamars Member CommonPosts: 417

    Strange reviews. I dont know if i've ever heard a review where they talk about so much bad stuff in the game and then say "i love it".  Cant wait til a year goes by so i can hear what people really think of it.

  • GlitchorGlitchor Member UncommonPosts: 16

    If they make the UI more PC freindlly on the PC game side, and change out rhe Chat system to make it more RP frendlly, Open up the chat for local atleast to be crosschat ( again rp freindlly), I see this game as being a number one money maker, and ofcorse keeping the promis of monthy updates and content that is more than a t-shirt that says" i'm with stupid" and the arrow pointing up, then this is gonan be a best seller and probally redeem the SOE name brand in the eyes of so manyt hat were let down over the years

    SWG, and many other games that seemd to be marked for death  from this company name

    nothing worth saying =-)

  • MykellMykell Member UncommonPosts: 780

    The chat UI sucks but i don't really have much problem with targeting. I've learnt to lock on to targets when there are loads of things around and especially in pvp.

    Open world pvp is a blast even when i do get ganked. So many gankers just don't understand the mechanics properly and i have been able to defend myself at low levels against lvl20+. I've even given 3 lvl18's a fright at lvl6. For some reason being ganked isn't as frustrating in DCUO as i find it in other games. Must be because i feel i have a chance to win (and sometimes do) against the gankers.

  • unclemounclemo Member UncommonPosts: 462

    DCUO has a long way to go before it will justify a $15/month sub from me.  I foresee a F2P model being introduced before the year is out.

  • SandboxGamerSandboxGamer Member Posts: 13

    5 years, $50 million dollars, and all the Dev "talent" SOE has thrown at it later, and DCUO is a game lacking in content (only 30 levels that people blow through in days), lacking in "standard" MMO systems (such as an auction house or player housing) that has a UI that even MMORPG writers acknowledge as bad (hint: it's the SAME UI the NGE had in it's original form) and chat that is broken beyond use.

    How can that be anything but a failure?  Name me any MMO that has been released in recent years that had THAT much time and THAT much money that released without even the basics working right?  Even "Dark and Light", one of the more infamous launch failures had the basics working.

    Given that more time, money, and senior management attention was showered on DCUO by SOE, I can come to only one, logical conclusion:  This game represents the absolute BEST that this company is capable of producing.  That is quite some statement.

    I understand how Mr. Wood and his staff might take offense to having their integrity questioned, however, you guys have not explained exactly WHY you find this game so compelling even though each one of you admits to there being major, no, GLARING flaws in it (such as the UI, auction house, and chat problems) that should be considered UNACCEPTABLE to anyone paying real money for this game.  Especially given that SOE has been producing MMOs for over 10 years now and should be EXPECTED to have such basic things working at launch. 

    There isn't any excuse.  Shouldn't you be advising your readers to hold off risking an investment in this thing until SOE proves their promises to fix this and add content  to be something other than vapor, especially given their extensive history of lying to their customers and breaking promises?

    In my mind, the only way we are going to GET quality MMORPGs again is if the publishers are taught a lesson, that being that launches of games in this sort of condition will not be rewarded with success (and hence dollars) but will be punished with FAILURE (lack of dollars).

    And if this is the best that SOE is capable of producing, isn't it time for the company to consider wholesale management changes, starting at the top?  Square Enix had the courage to do this when the new Final Fantasy MMO launched in arguably better condition than DCUO.  At least chat works in it.

     

     

  • IllyssiaIllyssia Member UncommonPosts: 1,507

    Originally posted by unclemo

    DCUO has a long way to go before it will justify a $15/month sub from me.  I foresee a F2P model being introduced before the year is out.

    Well, you get a 30 day free pass with the game, I am PS3 player, so I think great deal from SoE for new players. After the 30 days...up to you, if there is enough you may well stay and pay a sub, but , and heck, play the game itself before writing nonsense.

  • SamhaelSamhael Member RarePosts: 1,534

    Hmmm. I'm usually liking Bill Murphy's stuff but the way this article comes across... well, it just feels like he's dragging along some co-workers to give their pros and cons (but mostly pros) on a game that he get crap about when he gushed on and on.

    Oh well, to each their own.  Jon's 2nd and 3rd paragraph as well as the lack of content and the quick-to-cap nicely sum up why I won't give SOE a dime for this.  Maybe in 6-12 months, the game will be polished enough for a re-launch.

    edit: Bill - it's ok for folks to disagree with a game-like. Sometimes it gets a bit vocal. That's ok.  I'd just recommend letting it go and moving on with your life.  To continue to beat the horse just ties more of your name to a defensive position.  I like your stuff but I'm to the point where I'll just skip anything you write about DCUO and hope you get to your better received work.

  • MikeBMikeB Community ManagerAdministrator RarePosts: 6,555

    Let's stay on topic and keep it civil guys. :)

  • ArcAngel3ArcAngel3 Member Posts: 2,931

    Originally posted by jonnyfrag

    Smedley has said that the prime focus for DCUO is to convince PS3 players that they should get used to the subscription paid model of MMOs from the PC world. Go look thru interviews with him to see him state exactly that.

    I would imagine that most improvements are going to be forthcoming for the PS3 version with the PC version getting just enough to get by. In other words, don't look for the PC controls or chat system to get major fixes anytime soon. The focus for SOE right now is to retain and grow this for PS3 players.

    Everything said here is more or less true, the game can be fun and the PC controls and interface are nothing short of irritating. Some powersets are broken and others probably over powered compared to others (although they are super powers...they need to power up the low ones, not nerf the powerful ones) and the travel powers are wonky. It's all designed for flyers and speedsters or acrobats are just trying to get where they are going. Lack of documentation for travel powers (and really everything in the game) stands out.

    The article also didn't address the huge problems SOE and it's partners had on getting any of the pre-order bonuses right (unless you ordered from Gamestop or Amazon, you probably didn't get everything you were supposed to or get it on time for sure.) This is par for the course with SOE who has phone company level of customer service (that is to say nearly non-existant and at times antagonistic.)

    SOE admits this is meant to be a 'snack' game, i.e. not life consuming as some MMOs are designed to be, so we will see how much content and when we get it. I'd be ready to buy a Green Lantern themed expansion to coincide with the release of the GL movie (he's conspicuously absent for the most part in the base version so far) with new mentors and powers etc....

     That's funny, I thought John was trying to tell us PC gamers that the subscription model is dead, so we should get used to all his new cash shops.

    Also, if the game is meant to be a snack, why the current box price, plus subscription?  Sort of like paying for a bucket of chicken and getting four nuggets imo.

    I'm a comic book fan.  Still collect a few titles.  Before playing this though, I'd expect more initial content for the money, a working auction house, more user-friendly chat, and better combat animations tbh.  What I've seen looks very choppy--kind of like one of those fight games from the 80's or 90's.  I also wouldn't hold my breath for content updates that justify the current subscription fee. 

  • n00bitn00bit Member UncommonPosts: 345

    I don't think I have ever seen so many people getting upset about others liking a game. Does the UI need work? Definitely. Is the chat system abysmal? You betcha. Where the hell is the auction house? I wonder that too. Despite those obviously major flaws, the game is fun as hell to play. I see so many on here refusing to even give the game a shot because of said flaws, and yet you're only punishing yourselves by missing out on this game.

     

    Seriously, give it a shot.

  • travamarstravamars Member CommonPosts: 417

    I'd give my CC information to a low budget korean grinder before I gave it SOE. So it really doesnt come down to UI or chat interface. I dont like being billed for months after i cancel a game and have to sit on a phone for hours every month.

  • OzmodanOzmodan Member EpicPosts: 9,726

    Odd, the staff seems mesmerized by this game.  Can't say I have not had fun playing it, but it really has huge issues.

    The chat system looks like it was designed by people completely unfamiliar with what a MMO is.  Inexcuseable if you ask me, how can you call it a MMO when the chat system looks like it was designed by a 10 year old.

    The quest journal is also very poorly designed.  It looks like something they threw in as an afterthought.  

    The controls are abysmal, understood it is designed strictly for a controller, but you can't even remap all the keys.

    The game keeps popping up and telling me to use the square key, now come on SOE , I don't have a square key on my PC!

    All in all, the game looks like it was made by amateurs, SOE has a lot of work to fix all the problems.  It will be interesting to see if SOE keeps it's promises and provides they updates they said they would provide.

    In it's present state, I cannot give it more than a 6 at best.

  • Daffid011Daffid011 Member UncommonPosts: 7,945

    Originally posted by n00bit

    I don't think I have ever seen so many people getting upset about others liking a game. Does the UI need work? Definitely. Is the chat system abysmal? You betcha. Where the hell is the auction house? I wonder that too. Despite those obviously major flaws, the game is fun as hell to play. I see so many on here refusing to even give the game a shot because of said flaws, and yet you're only punishing yourselves by missing out on this game.

     

    Seriously, give it a shot.

    What makes you think people have not given it a shot? 

    I thought the game has a few strong points like combat, but try looking beyond that at what the game does offer and the list is very very small.  Then add on top of that the poor condition of the staple features.

    It played like a single player action console game with some co-op features and didn't really feel worth the price being asked. 

     

    I don't think anyone is mad that people like DCU.  There are qualities to be enjoyed and regardless what condition a game is released in there will always be a loyal following.  I'm sure there are people who love FF14 for example.  More power to them, but that doesn't mean everything is fine over in square enix land.

  • TyrrhonTyrrhon Member Posts: 412

    So, yet another MMO released unfinished with mind boggling shortcomings. Good to see you are not afraid to point it out. At least this one is actually fun and somewhat differrent.... wait what, do not widthhold the good stuff, give us some professional in depth analysis how the combat works and most of all why it is fun. No, really, think about the good, tell about the good some more, give us some meat.

  • KuinnKuinn Member UncommonPosts: 2,072

    What ever is going on in a game, I stick to one that is fun. It is the baseline. DCUO is loads of fun for me currently and that is all I need to know.

     

    Shortcomings like auctionhouse which btw is not gameplay element but a feature, is something that will be up and running sooner or later, as will the chat be. The gameplay runs smooth (the actual things that you do in a game) and that's most important thing. If this game had perfect chat, perfect auctionhouse and perfect UI, but the actual gameplay would suck, I would have left the game the day I bought it and joined the whine-train. Since I'm having fun playing the game atm because SOE has managed to prioritize what is more important at the launch, they'll have my sub for now.

     

    Also it's one of the few mmorpg launches where I dont have technical issues, everything runs smooth both technically and visually.

     

    I admit some elements of the game are still in open beta that has been pointed out gazillion of times still, but the actual gameplay works, and I'm having blast.

  • travamarstravamars Member CommonPosts: 417

    DCUO is not a complete disaster. I think the problem is how much money they want you to spend.

    No two games are created equal but all (most) games come out for the same price. This is a problem easily seen on the console. Every game is $59. I'm just using an example here so if your opinion isnt like mine thats fine, but Oblivion comes out for $59, then perfect dark zero comes out for $59. PDZ was total trash imo. As long as its a game its worth $59 to these people.

    But with online games we have another problem...monthly fees. I used to feel stupid explaining to my wife why i had to pay monthly $15 for a game i had already bought. I understood why she was asking but I still thought $15 was fair. Not anymore. If you cant do better than this why do you think your games is a worth it?

    DCUO should have been free, with a monthly payment of maybe $10. If they wanted more they should have added more to the game or fixed the problems before launch.

    Not all games are equal so payment methods shouldn't either. Is this game going to be better than GW2 will be at launch? I dont know, i'm not a GW fan but comparing the two and the price its laughable.

    If this game was cheaper people wouldn't be complaining as much, but when you hype it up like it's the next best thing and it's mediocre at best they dont need to be greedy. But thats SOE.

  • sonoggisonoggi Member Posts: 1,119

    Originally posted by travamars



    DCUO is not a complete disaster.


     

     

    lol you have got to be kidding me. ive flat out uninstalled 3 games after getting DCUO, WoW being one of them. as long as updates keep comin, game will keep getting bigger. SOE has to mess up really really bad for this one to go downhill. fortunately it seems they have a good dev team behind the game.

    ive been playing DCUO nonstop since release. ive made only 1 character. there's more than enough content, and this is without rolling alts.

    overall, mmorpg staff got it right: there are multiple issues but they are quite minor when you see how fun the game is. chat? who cares... it works well enough. besides, i hardly get the chance  to talk to anyone while grouping/pvp'ing cuz the game is so fast-paced and fun. talking is for WoW's trade chat. gtfo.

  • TerranahTerranah Member UncommonPosts: 3,575

    I rolled a character on a pvp server and it was a blast.  I spent a lot of time just running around exploring and occasionally sneaking up on people and attacking them.  It was so much fun.   Not a lot of depth to the game though, but not every game has to be deep.  It's just simple fun.

     

    Unfortunately after the last round of playing several days ago my knuckles on the hand that controls my mouse were really sore.  The pain subsided after a few days, but it's not worth the risk of potentially adding more wear and tear on my hands.  I don't want to get arthritis or something.  Or maybe I already have arthritis, and playing this game might make it worse.

     

    It was fun while I played though.

  • CujoSWAoACujoSWAoA Member UncommonPosts: 1,781

    I got an XBox 360 controller for PC.

    DCUO became exponentially more fun there-after.

  • wfSegwfSeg Member Posts: 96

    Based on this article, I should give DCUO a try. I would love to. If only it didn't cost $49+sub. Maybe by summer, they'll have a 75% off sale on Steam, and fix some of the issues mentioned in this article.

    "I am the harbinger of hope. I am the sword of the righteous. And to all who hear my words, I say this: What you give to this Empire, I shall give back unto you."
    -Empress Jamyl Sarum I

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