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Monday, April 29, 2013
Anyone playing Neverwinter?
I'm rather busy this week with family stuff, and won't post much. So maybe some of my readers would like the opportunity to contribute and write something about the freshly released Neverwinter? If you play it, simply leave a comment with your impressions of the game.
- posted by Tobold @ 11:31 AM Permanent Link
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It doesn't actually start until tomorrow. Five pm my time. I'll be playing it then.
I played a few hours of one beta weekend and liked it enough to decide I'd play it but not enough to want to pay money for it, which is how I feel about most MMOs in these wonderful new times in which we live. Perhaps someone who did feel it was worth paying nearly $200 to play a F2P game for five days will pop in and explain their thinking.
I played a few hours of one beta weekend and liked it enough to decide I'd play it but not enough to want to pay money for it, which is how I feel about most MMOs in these wonderful new times in which we live. Perhaps someone who did feel it was worth paying nearly $200 to play a F2P game for five days will pop in and explain their thinking.
> liked it enough to decide I'd play
> it but not enough to want to pay
> money for it
That really gives a good ide of how most of us "feel" about modern MMO's and smartphone/tablet apps. As long as they are free, no problem. Ask me 50 cents and it's bye bye.
Last week I was stuck in Candy Crush, which asks you to pay 80 cents to unlock the next level tier. I was playing for free since level 1 (up to 30) and when I said to my wife "honey I guess I'll pay those 80 cents" she watched me and answered "are you insane? I'd never EVER pay a single cent for a stupid app game on a phone". She's higher level than me (65 so far) and she sent some "friend requests" to skip the direct payment (I don't have FB friends so I can't do that).
We're perfectly fine when we spend our daily dollar for a coffee (which lasts less than a minute) or a nice newspaper. But when it comes to software apps/minigames it suddenly happens the magic: I-must-have-them-for-free.
Human nature.
> it but not enough to want to pay
> money for it
That really gives a good ide of how most of us "feel" about modern MMO's and smartphone/tablet apps. As long as they are free, no problem. Ask me 50 cents and it's bye bye.
Last week I was stuck in Candy Crush, which asks you to pay 80 cents to unlock the next level tier. I was playing for free since level 1 (up to 30) and when I said to my wife "honey I guess I'll pay those 80 cents" she watched me and answered "are you insane? I'd never EVER pay a single cent for a stupid app game on a phone". She's higher level than me (65 so far) and she sent some "friend requests" to skip the direct payment (I don't have FB friends so I can't do that).
We're perfectly fine when we spend our daily dollar for a coffee (which lasts less than a minute) or a nice newspaper. But when it comes to software apps/minigames it suddenly happens the magic: I-must-have-them-for-free.
Human nature.
Ah, I thought there were cheaper pre-order deals also available that gave you access to the head start period.
Yeah, but even the cheaper preorder deal was comparable in price to a new PC game. I played in a couple of the beta weekends and plan to play again after the soft launch - and I'm probably good for a few MTs afterwards - but it's not worth a big pile of money for the extra 2-4 days.
I bought the cheaper pre-order version.
I kind of like it, but like pretty much every kind of MMO these days I doubt I will be playing it for very long.
The more action oriented playstyle feels quite refreshing, at least right now. I will see how it will be in a month or so.
Crafting is nice since you can do it while playing other things, and there's even a web page for handling it while you're offline.
I kind of like it, but like pretty much every kind of MMO these days I doubt I will be playing it for very long.
The more action oriented playstyle feels quite refreshing, at least right now. I will see how it will be in a month or so.
Crafting is nice since you can do it while playing other things, and there's even a web page for handling it while you're offline.
Not being willing to pay a dollar for a game you enjoy is as dumb as being a Farmville whale. Just in a different way.
Thanks for the link, Stabs!
Am I the only one who finds it funny that the currency you need to convert your money to if you want to buy something RIGHT NOW instead of grinding for it is called "AD"? ;)
Am I the only one who finds it funny that the currency you need to convert your money to if you want to buy something RIGHT NOW instead of grinding for it is called "AD"? ;)
I am in and quite impressed.
To make some comparisons:
- The combat system is influenced by Guild Wars 2
- The profession system is a bit like The Old Republic.
- The quests are way more like in old Bioware games than modern MMOs
At the moment I have a blast playing a trickster rogue.
No mayor issues so far. The Ingame Store seems to be fair. No pay to win.
To make some comparisons:
- The combat system is influenced by Guild Wars 2
- The profession system is a bit like The Old Republic.
- The quests are way more like in old Bioware games than modern MMOs
At the moment I have a blast playing a trickster rogue.
No mayor issues so far. The Ingame Store seems to be fair. No pay to win.
it is called "AD"? ;)
I'm note entirely sure what you're getting at here to be honest. :)
I tried this list but didn't get any wiser.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AD_%28disambiguation%29
Might be one of those listed under medicine.
I'm note entirely sure what you're getting at here to be honest. :)
I tried this list but didn't get any wiser.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AD_%28disambiguation%29
Might be one of those listed under medicine.
I haven't read alot about NW, but can a DM potentially run a D&D campaign with a static group of players using their characters only in Foundry quest design by the DM player ?
With the Foundry, can one build any kind of NPC interaction or reaction, or is it only combat hack N slash quests?
With the Foundry, can one build any kind of NPC interaction or reaction, or is it only combat hack N slash quests?
I received a press pass and have been playing it. So far it's been enjoyable, but not maybe in a "this is new and innovative" way but rather "this is a pretty polished update on what has come before" sort of way. I think it will hold its own against other contenders out there, and the Foundry has great potential.
As always my main metric for a game's success depends on whether my wife and her RP-heavy guildmates migrate over, and they've all done so it seems. Several even bought that crazy $200 package, which is sheer madness (imo) but whatever floats their boat.
As always my main metric for a game's success depends on whether my wife and her RP-heavy guildmates migrate over, and they've all done so it seems. Several even bought that crazy $200 package, which is sheer madness (imo) but whatever floats their boat.
The game looked interesting. However I was watching a video online of a dungeon run and saw the dreaded "Need or Greed" window pop up when some loot dropped.
That for me (assuming that system is still in place) is a backwards step given that other games have moved away from that easily abused grief prone system.
I really have no desire to put myself through all that again especially as I tend to play the less popular, high up front investment roles such as tanking or healing.
To question a previous comment someone made....from what I saw on Youtube it looked as though the combat was more like Tera than GW2? A good thing IMO as Tera's skill based combat was so much more fun.
I am sure, although it is hard to tell from watching vids, that the mouse was moving the entire screen rather than a pointer? Much like a 3rd person action game?
That for me (assuming that system is still in place) is a backwards step given that other games have moved away from that easily abused grief prone system.
I really have no desire to put myself through all that again especially as I tend to play the less popular, high up front investment roles such as tanking or healing.
To question a previous comment someone made....from what I saw on Youtube it looked as though the combat was more like Tera than GW2? A good thing IMO as Tera's skill based combat was so much more fun.
I am sure, although it is hard to tell from watching vids, that the mouse was moving the entire screen rather than a pointer? Much like a 3rd person action game?
Okay, blogged a bit about my early weekend exploration of NWO here:
http://realmsofchirak.blogspot.com/2013/04/neverwinter-online-first-impressions.html
http://realmsofchirak.blogspot.com/2013/04/neverwinter-online-first-impressions.html
Lord Tericanthus,
As far as I recall from previous betas (and don't forget, this is theoretically _not_ the game's release, just an open beta where they don't wipe characters and gladly take your money), the Foundry is not designed for parties. They're solo adventures only, and they scale to the character's level.
You can place the "entry portal" for your quest in any zone, though, so if you want only high-level characters to run the quest, you put the portal in a high-level zone.
I thought the game was fine for the cost of "free." The hugest weakness I saw was that there's virtually no armor or weapon customization. At least up through mid-levels, the stuff looks virtually identical- apart from armor dyes which (what a surprise) you buy in the cash shop. Each dye pot is one-time use, and there are up to three "dye zones" on each piece of (identical) armor.
As far as I recall from previous betas (and don't forget, this is theoretically _not_ the game's release, just an open beta where they don't wipe characters and gladly take your money), the Foundry is not designed for parties. They're solo adventures only, and they scale to the character's level.
You can place the "entry portal" for your quest in any zone, though, so if you want only high-level characters to run the quest, you put the portal in a high-level zone.
I thought the game was fine for the cost of "free." The hugest weakness I saw was that there's virtually no armor or weapon customization. At least up through mid-levels, the stuff looks virtually identical- apart from armor dyes which (what a surprise) you buy in the cash shop. Each dye pot is one-time use, and there are up to three "dye zones" on each piece of (identical) armor.
Tottal, I don't believe Foundry content is solo only at all. I've seen numerous descriptions from authors that describe solo vs group difficulty. I have not personally done Foundry content in a group, however.
I'm enjoying it a lot. Just the added physicality of combat (you can move your character to dodge some attacks) makes it lightyears better than WoW, in my opinion. The professions system is top notch.(manageable via a web interface outside the game as well!) Anything can be purchased with AD (Astral Diamonds, is what they are) since you can convert between AD and Zen via an in-game exchange. So those players who don't want to grind out AD can buy Zen and sell it in game to other players who don't want to buy Zen and prefer to earn AD for everything.
Disclaimer, I played for a couple of the beta weekends, then went in for the $200 package. I'm very interested in Foundry content (consuming and producing) and I think that's where the long term viability of this game is going to be. Someone's already ported B2: The Keep on the Borderlands to it, and there hasn't been an issue so far. Some top notch story telling is going on, (BTW, you can tip content creators Astral Diamonds when you complete Foundry content) and since it's F2P, you can get your feet wet without any commitment.
I'm enjoying it a lot. Just the added physicality of combat (you can move your character to dodge some attacks) makes it lightyears better than WoW, in my opinion. The professions system is top notch.(manageable via a web interface outside the game as well!) Anything can be purchased with AD (Astral Diamonds, is what they are) since you can convert between AD and Zen via an in-game exchange. So those players who don't want to grind out AD can buy Zen and sell it in game to other players who don't want to buy Zen and prefer to earn AD for everything.
Disclaimer, I played for a couple of the beta weekends, then went in for the $200 package. I'm very interested in Foundry content (consuming and producing) and I think that's where the long term viability of this game is going to be. Someone's already ported B2: The Keep on the Borderlands to it, and there hasn't been an issue so far. Some top notch story telling is going on, (BTW, you can tip content creators Astral Diamonds when you complete Foundry content) and since it's F2P, you can get your feet wet without any commitment.
@Rugus (re: Candy Crush) - just make some FB friends to get by for free? By that I mean literally. You only really need 2, as your wife should be able to provide the 3rd ticket. :P
I played a few hours over the weekend as I purchased the $60 Founder pack, which by the way, gives you more than just a 3 day headstart. You get a bunch of cosmetic and practical items, a mount to use as soon as you hit level 20, and a bunch of Zen/AD. It is definitely worth far more than spending $60 in the cash shop.
I have quite enjoyed the game. Combat is active and meaty, even with the casters. By level 7 I've already done about 4 solo dungeons which were all excellent, and varied.
Too early to tell if I will be playing this game in the long-term, but I am very much looking forward to playing more and experiencing the professions and group-play.
I have quite enjoyed the game. Combat is active and meaty, even with the casters. By level 7 I've already done about 4 solo dungeons which were all excellent, and varied.
Too early to tell if I will be playing this game in the long-term, but I am very much looking forward to playing more and experiencing the professions and group-play.
@ Joseph
Heh you're right, my wife gave one indeed and I managed to grab 2 more with some random people added via Gamersunite. It's just I hate with all my heart this "spam your friends" or "find random fake friends" method. Anyway, let me try to finish level 63 now... damnit!
Heh you're right, my wife gave one indeed and I managed to grab 2 more with some random people added via Gamersunite. It's just I hate with all my heart this "spam your friends" or "find random fake friends" method. Anyway, let me try to finish level 63 now... damnit!
"Need or Greed" is only dreaded when you are in pug with some random people you will never see again. That is what is broken.
This one caught my attention :-(
----
It's not literally pay2win by the common definition -- there's nothing you can buy for RL cash that can't technically be obtained via gameplay. It's just that they've gone way overboard with a) the amount of things that must be bought with Zen and b) the prices, which make it not only very expensive to get what should be normal parts of the game (bags, companions, enough character slots to at least have one of each class, etc.) but also practically impossible to obtain the alternate/free way.
It's deliberately made to be unrealistically prohibitive to get a proper game out of it without shelling out money, and while I wouldn't necessarily mind doing that - I gladly bought $50 worth of stash tabs in PoE - these cash shop prices are just ridiculous and would necessitate my spending hundreds of dollars to get what an MMORPG used to offer at $15/month. When it costs $15 for gameplay necessities like bags and $5 for a respec, that's just greed.
Like most of Perfect World's games, Neverwinter is a thinly veiled cash grab. It's very obvious that the entire game was carefully calibrated to specifically lure you in and then, when you feel a little committed, present you with two options: pay or quit. Playing for free probably won't be a satisfying experience - it's deliberately designed not to be - and their cash shop prices are frankly offensive. They charge for things that should have been part of the basic game, and they charge way more than can possibly be justified.
---
Source here:
http://www.reddit.com/r/Neverwinter/comments/1difeg/so_is_neverwinter_pay_2_win/c9qqi0y
----
It's not literally pay2win by the common definition -- there's nothing you can buy for RL cash that can't technically be obtained via gameplay. It's just that they've gone way overboard with a) the amount of things that must be bought with Zen and b) the prices, which make it not only very expensive to get what should be normal parts of the game (bags, companions, enough character slots to at least have one of each class, etc.) but also practically impossible to obtain the alternate/free way.
It's deliberately made to be unrealistically prohibitive to get a proper game out of it without shelling out money, and while I wouldn't necessarily mind doing that - I gladly bought $50 worth of stash tabs in PoE - these cash shop prices are just ridiculous and would necessitate my spending hundreds of dollars to get what an MMORPG used to offer at $15/month. When it costs $15 for gameplay necessities like bags and $5 for a respec, that's just greed.
Like most of Perfect World's games, Neverwinter is a thinly veiled cash grab. It's very obvious that the entire game was carefully calibrated to specifically lure you in and then, when you feel a little committed, present you with two options: pay or quit. Playing for free probably won't be a satisfying experience - it's deliberately designed not to be - and their cash shop prices are frankly offensive. They charge for things that should have been part of the basic game, and they charge way more than can possibly be justified.
---
Source here:
http://www.reddit.com/r/Neverwinter/comments/1difeg/so_is_neverwinter_pay_2_win/c9qqi0y
Purchased a founders account on a whim for $200. Played the starter areas on beta and was kinda charmed.
Now having played to level 20 I'm already fed up and bored of it. With the Astral Diamonds that came with the founders pack I still find everything far too expensive.
For example top flight riding skill costs more than the Diamonds I received after paying $200.
Game play is lacking due to a really lame UI. Once you are over the centre of screen focus, using the alt key to open an overlay to access anything including inventory or social panel pauses the game.
Not even a week in, I have regretted my whim and the purchase based on the content.
Every zone or map is a tunnel, you are guided down narrow paths every step of the way in areas that are far too loaded with hostile NPC's. The world atmosphere is seriously lacking as I felt pushed along every step of the way.
Quite possibly the most linear game I have ever played.
Not sure how long the game will last, but I'm giving my account away to a relative.
Now having played to level 20 I'm already fed up and bored of it. With the Astral Diamonds that came with the founders pack I still find everything far too expensive.
For example top flight riding skill costs more than the Diamonds I received after paying $200.
Game play is lacking due to a really lame UI. Once you are over the centre of screen focus, using the alt key to open an overlay to access anything including inventory or social panel pauses the game.
Not even a week in, I have regretted my whim and the purchase based on the content.
Every zone or map is a tunnel, you are guided down narrow paths every step of the way in areas that are far too loaded with hostile NPC's. The world atmosphere is seriously lacking as I felt pushed along every step of the way.
Quite possibly the most linear game I have ever played.
Not sure how long the game will last, but I'm giving my account away to a relative.
Purchased a founders account on a whim for $200. Played the starter areas on beta and was kinda charmed.
Now having played to level 20 I'm already fed up and bored of it. With the Astral Diamonds that came with the founders pack I still find everything far too expensive.
For example top flight riding skill costs more than the Diamonds I received after paying $200.
Game play is lacking due to a really lame UI. Once you are over the centre of screen focus, using the alt key to open an overlay to access anything including inventory or social panel pauses the game.
Not even a week in, I have regretted my whim and the purchase based on the content.
Every zone or map is a tunnel, you are guided down narrow paths every step of the way in areas that are far too loaded with hostile NPC's. The world atmosphere is seriously lacking as I felt pushed along every step of the way.
Quite possibly the most linear game I have ever played.
Not sure how long the game will last, but I'm giving my account away to a relative.
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Now having played to level 20 I'm already fed up and bored of it. With the Astral Diamonds that came with the founders pack I still find everything far too expensive.
For example top flight riding skill costs more than the Diamonds I received after paying $200.
Game play is lacking due to a really lame UI. Once you are over the centre of screen focus, using the alt key to open an overlay to access anything including inventory or social panel pauses the game.
Not even a week in, I have regretted my whim and the purchase based on the content.
Every zone or map is a tunnel, you are guided down narrow paths every step of the way in areas that are far too loaded with hostile NPC's. The world atmosphere is seriously lacking as I felt pushed along every step of the way.
Quite possibly the most linear game I have ever played.
Not sure how long the game will last, but I'm giving my account away to a relative.
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