Finally, the day has come: millions of players eagerly awaiting the launch will dive into the servers of The Elder Scrolls Online today. The question remains whether the so-called mega-server can truly withstand the influx with its overflow technique.
Of course, we hope that diving into the atmospheric world of Tamriel will not be ruined by immersion killers (aka server problems *cough*). But if things go otherwise, we would like to provide you with a first contact point here.
It would also be great if you participate and comment regularly. This way we can help each other! Just like reporting annoying speed traps on the highway to your trusted radio station!
The majority of MMORPG players among us have probably already gathered experiences with early starts and releases of larger titles. From smooth starts to six-digit queues to weeks-long disruptions, yes, exactly “weeks long,” it has all happened. You can read more about early access, 5 days before the actual release, here.
+++The mein-mmo.de Live-Ticker for TESO+++
11:30 AM: Welcome to today’s Live-Ticker show for Elder Scrolls Online. Did you find yourself mentally sitting in an inn in Tamriel during your elaborate breakfast this morning? Then you’re in the right place! There are only 1.5 hours left until the launch. The anticipation is huge, the red carpet is already being rolled out, but not in Los Angeles at an Oscar ceremony, but for the head start of TESO!
12:00 PM: The calm before the storm. Only one hour left until the long-awaited inauguration. Zenimax is still holding back – when will the first information appear? Some have reported that their access code has not arrived. It might be worth taking a look in the spam folder.
12:05 PM: Steal Vainly: There seem to be issues with verifying the IP address. This confirmation email is not being sent to some.
12:08 PM:The servers are online! It starts now, about 50 minutes ahead of schedule!
12:25 PM: My newly created Khajiit is just taking its first steps (a bit annoying that the zoom feature during character creation didn’t work). So far, everything is running smoothly. If someone still wants to join, they can still do so by purchasing the Imperial Edition.
12:31 PM: Haven’t found a name yet? We recommend this name generator: http://fantasynamegenerators.com/ (Navigation: Fantasy Names -> Elder Scrolls Races)
1:00 PM: Everything is running smoothly so far. It will get exciting when the Americans gradually start joining. We wish you continued fun!
1:05 PM: No, this is not a beta, but early access (early access!). Haven’t found a suitable race yet? Look here.
1:30 PM: Some players are now receiving error messages. This is mainly due to early access: Today, those who can play 5 days before the actual release are starting (Imperial Edition or digital standard version from the Zenimax shop). Other pre-order customers will only gain access in 2 days. Overall, it is still running quite well.
2:45 PM: Workaround for the issue with the missing zoom during character creation: Simply create a character like that – log out, and then create a second character properly, for which the zoom will then work.
4:15 PM: Be careful: Do not delete the character on which you received the bonus content. If it happens, report it to support (they generally respond very quickly).
6:45 PM: Hats off to Zenimax, it looks like a nearly smooth start, as there have been almost no complaints. The server levees could withstand the first flood of players without any problems. It is almost to be expected that the next phases will also go well.
8:15 PM: Our reader “Der Blobb” confirms this impression. He has been playing without problems since this afternoon, everything is fantastic, he says. He is also impressed by the very high number of players.
01.04.2014
1:10 AM: Only 12 hours left until the next pre-order wave! Early access of 3 days starts at 1 PM.
12:14 PM: Off to Tamriel, the servers are open for you (@3 days early access)!
7:10 PM: Maintenance: “At this time, we expect that it will be available again later in the evening and will inform you as soon as this is the case.”
04.04.2014
1:00 AM:The Elder Scrolls Online is now officially released. Due to the somewhat cut down early access phase and the problems with access codes, the German community wrote the following in the forum: “Anyone who has early access to the game now has until Sunday, April 6th, to activate their account to live by entering the code. The 30 free days will only begin once you activate your account and not already on April 4th. Anyone who purchased the game digitally will automatically receive this time, as you do not need to enter codes.”.
On Sunday afternoon, the fantasy MMORPG The Elder Scrolls Online opens its doors for the pre-order customers of the Imperial Edition. Developer Zenimax expects a rush and is well prepared for it.
High Expectations for the The Elder Scrolls Brand
5 million players have taken advantage of the opportunity to look inside the bag where the TESO cat resides during the various phases of the beta. Expectations were high: after all, The Elder Scrolls Online stands in a glorious single-player tradition. The brand has been a household name in the gaming world since Morrowind. Zenimax, the parent company of Skyrim developer Bethesda, had high expectations to meet.
Thus, the beta did not exactly bring waves of enthusiasm, but instead sparked heated controversies. Some saw their vision of another The Elder Scrolls installment jeopardized by too many MMO elements, while others were annoyed by the single-player elements in the MMORPG mix.
Hardly any other game has caused such debates in recent years as The Elder Scrolls Online.
Chief developer Matt Frior is certainly optimistic about the future of his baby. And he can be. Experts estimate that of the 5 million players in the beta, at least 20%, or nearly a million, will be present at launch. More optimistic estimates suggest 40%, which would be two million. To ensure a smooth launch, the EU mega server is still in the USA. This allows technicians direct access in case something goes wrong. The rush at launch will also be cushioned with overflow servers.
With a trust bonus of one to two million players at launch, golden times are ahead.
After all, Zenimax employs a large team of developers who are already working on designing content to keep players engaged once the starting content is exhausted.
But that will take a while anyway. There are three different factions in The Elder Scrolls Online. Once a player has completed the quests of their own realm and reached the maximum level of 50, they can tackle the quests of the other two realms. These are adjusted to their level, providing a challenge even for experienced heroes.
Frior and Zenimax are taking an unusual approach in the player versus player combat. There will be a large massive zone where the three realms will fight over every farm, every hamlet, and every castle.
The odd number of three factions should prevent a single realm from becoming too dominant. If that happens, the other two alliances will band together and attack the prevailing realm.
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In recent months, we have reported extensively and frequently about The Elder Scrolls Online. We can hardly wait for it to finally start – after all, it seems that the Groinkh has completely disappeared! The official release is set for April 4th at 1 AM.
Anyone who orders the Imperial Edition now can set off on Sunday at 1 PM (daylight saving time already accounted for). Also, holders of the Standard Digital Edition directly from Zenimax can enjoy this luxury.
Additionally, Zenimax is offering some special features: The most important is that every player who gets the Imperial Edition gains access to the exclusive Race of the Imperials. This class is not only stylish but also ideal for tank tasks. You should not look a gift horse in the mouth – and the one included with the Imperial Edition is a mount that should widen the lead over other players.
A often overlooked advantage that hits hard upon closer examination: With the explorer package that pre-order customers receive, every race can be played for every realm. Without this pre-order bonus, the player is limited to only three races per faction. According to developer Zenimax, there are no plans to grant this privilege later. It will remain restricted to pre-orders.
And of course, the delightful head start of five days also plays a role: Who wants to troll on Facebook for five days, read gaming sites, and wait for Friday when everyone else is already gaming… It’s a bit like Christmas coming only on December 29th at 1 AM.
We at mein-mmo.de would be very happy if you purchased the Imperial Edition or any other game or hardware through our site on Amazon.
Oops, unfortunately this affiliate widget is no longer available.
Because that way we get a small piece of the pie – and not from your piece, but from the industry’s. We are currently working without any partners, without commercial support, and without a safety net. Therefore, we welcome every kind word, every critical comment, and every nod in our direction. This way you ensure that you continue to receive independent, up-to-date, fresh, and somehow different information about The Elder Scrolls Online and other current MMOs.
This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.
Some have certainly already heard: Recently, Perfect World, the publisher of Neverwinter and Star Trek Online, announced a new title called “Swordsman”. What makes this Asian spin-off special is that it is a Martial Arts MMORPG based on the famous novels by Louis Cha – which have sold over 100 million copies worldwide. Not bad, right?
One can almost expect an exciting story, as long as the developer studio does not mess up the implementation. This is also the central theme of the video: We are given insight into the elaborate story of the upcoming free-to-play MMORPG Swordsman. You also get a good impression of the game’s graphics and atmosphere.
It definitely reminds me of Age of Wulin, especially since there is talk of unique fighting styles, schools, and battles for guild territories. I am still a bit unsure whether such a specialized title can be successful here. The times when Jackie Chan, Bruce Lee, and especially Chuck Norris filled the cinemas are quite a while ago.
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This podcast is about the question of which class to play in The Elder Scrolls Online. To this end, Dom and I (Darion) have looked at all the classes and discuss their playstyles, which weapons are well-suited, and what kind of armor to choose.
In addition, we have strayed a bit off-topic and also discussed the tutorial, healing/tanking, and a few other Elder Scrolls Online-related things. Lastly, we also answer your questions about the game.
Housing is slowly but surely becoming a minimum standard of an MMO. Even online role-playing games like Star Wars: The Old Republic is gradually catching up. But the developers of Rift are taking it a step further: Create your own PVP Arena!
Since yesterday, you can buy suitable items in the in-game shop and get started right away. It is important beforehand to think about whether you want to build for 2 or 3 teams and then purchase the appropriate items. Of course, you can also buy all items for your own battlefield, but with 7160 credits on offer, the package is not that cheap. Each bundle includes a dimension version of the Black Garden battlefield, where you can immediately start implementing your ideas for a perfect arena.
In addition to the faction banners, where your visitors can ally with the factions Dawn, Oath, or Dominion, you need to place starting points to select the appropriate entry point for your arena. Now you’re probably wondering what you can use to annoy the players in your instance, right? You have the following items available for designing the arena:
In the starter packs, victory and damage zones are included, providing the chosen ones with even more action. As if enemy attacks weren’t enough, you can place sneaky traps and objects that deal additional damage – and even bring death!
For the fallen heroes, you can also determine the respawn points and select suitable graveyards.
With invisible tiles and spheres, you can complete the arsenal of annoying traps!
In the leaderboards, you can then record who likes to let themselves be taken down or counts among the winners.
Once you’ve crafted a private battlefield, be sure to send us a screenshot!
This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.
Breaking News: A party is happening on the Nexus this weekend! I just read on the official forum of WildStar that from Friday to Sunday, the servers will be open for all Exiles and Dominions! By all, I mean those who possess a valid beta key. Subject to change!
Small update: Only pre-orderers and beta testers who reached at least level 32 during the winter phase will be granted access to the server on these days.
But why the hell can we hack and slash again this weekend, even though the next beta test was actually scheduled for April 4?The explanation from the WildStar team is clearer than ever: Don’t you think it’s incredibly dumb to have to wait until the next weekend to play WildStar?
Additionally, they want to thank the loyal testers for their support because they really appreciate them. Of course, it benefits both sides, as the developer team Carbine can gather even more feedback, and on the other hand, the players get more time to enjoy WildStar until the release! Double awesome!
Furthermore, the level cap will be raised by 3 levels, from 17 to 20. This, of course, does not apply to the Ultras, who have already reached 32 and can play until 37, 38, 42, 47, or even 50. Don’t get confused.
And what times can I exactly play WildStar?
From Friday at 3 PM until early Monday morning at 9 AM.
Please forgive me for any errors in the time conversion.
Important: If you want to be rewarded with plenty of mystery boxes at launch, you should log in at least once a day during the beta days!
[intense_testimonies] [intense_testimony] [intense_testimony_text]For every day you log in between today and the launch (this applies to the pre-order weekends as well as the open beta), you will receive 3 mystery boxes at game launch. These boxes contain random bonus items, such as experience bonuses, unique runes, weapons, housing items, unique costume pieces, mounts, and more![/intense_testimony_text] [intense_testimony_author image=”https://images.mein-mmo.de/magazin/medien/2014/01/Wildstar_Logo.png”][/intense_testimony_author] [/intense_testimony] [/intense_testimonies]
It’s worth participating in the beta: Rare items, such as this vehicle, can also be obtained from the mystery boxes.
One of the interesting new aspects for the announced WoW expansion Warlords of Draenor is the followers, NPCs in the service of the player, who take up residence in their base, the Garrison. We summarize what is already known about them – and draw parallels to other MMORPGs.
The idea is reminiscent at first glance of Star Wars: The Old Republic: Recruitable NPCs who unlock missions, go on crafting missions, and generally belong to the player’s entourage. Upon closer inspection, the companions seem more like the crew from Star Trek Online. Haven’t played either MMORPG? No problem, that’s what we’re here for.
Slaves Companions for all!
In November last year, Blizzard first announced the system.
Upon arriving in Draenor, the player is appointed the commander of their own fortress, which gradually grows and thrives. It serves as the base for the campaign to retake Draenor. In this Garrison, the player would be quite lonely and lost on their own. So, Blizzard provides the hero or heroine with companions.
It has already been confirmed that these companions will come in four quality levels (in ascending order): white, green, blue, and purple. A player can become the “master” of a follower in various ways: some can be obtained through quests, others can simply be bought using a mercenary contract for cold hard cash.
The followers level up from level 90 to 100 and can be further enhanced with specific items, with one weapon slot and one armor slot available. Equipment will particularly play a role when they reach the maximum level.
The followers level up through their own Garrison missions. These resemble a browser game (or the crew missions from Star Trek Online): There’s some problem at hand, in this case, ogres have taken up residence in an oasis, and the player can now select the right man, elf, or panda from their pool of companions. They assemble a team to tackle this task.
The followers set out, take on the individual sub-tasks of the mission, and either return home victorious or not. The result has to wait in real-time for a few hours, during which the computer can be off.
Oprah Windfury and Umad Brew
As can be seen from the screen above, Blizzard has come up with some interesting names. The good Oprah Windfury seems to be based on US talk show legend Oprah Winfrey. Leeroy Jenkins is likely an even more familiar name to WoW fans. “Umad Brew,” on the other hand, is a play on the internet slang expression:
“You Mad, Bro?”
Especially interesting are the individual skills and classes of the followers; they apparently possess traits that make them predestined for specific tasks.
This gentleman, for example, is only a “green” warrior, but seems to be particularly specialized in fighting dragons and could prove to be a valuable companion when it comes to dealing with the scaly brood.
[pull_quote_center]This will further enhance the collecting passion.[/pull_quote_center]
(Caution: Contains a high level of speculation) Because in Star Trek Online there are “critical” successes in such missions. They occur when particularly suitable officers are selected for an assignment. Such “critical” successes grant rewards that cannot be obtained otherwise. The most lucrative missions are also not constantly available, but appear rarely and take particularly long.
My own Ogre!
In recent weeks, it has been revealed through Twitter remarks from the designer Jeremy Feasel, who is responsible for the Garrison, that followers belong not only to player races, but that an Arokka or an Ogre might also be included. Furthermore, the followers are “highly interactive”; it is possible that they will unlock their own quest lines for the player!
Maybe this highly intelligent ogre mage will soon follow your command!
After all, they help the player by chopping wood, so they can freely fulfill the dream of the companion and slay a humble dragon or two! Such things did not exist in Star Trek Online. There, you only got your own Borg drone, which horrifically remained silent to remarks like: “Haven’t we raided together before?”…
When the followers are not on a mission, they roam around somewhere in the Garrison and live their normal lives. A blacksmith will mistreat the anvil, while a miner might dig up some ore deposits.
In any case, Blizzard seems to have come up with an interesting approach with the followers, which goes in a similar direction as the pet battling in Mists of Pandaria.
[pull_quote_center]The more we dealt with it, the more we saw parallels to the Duty Officers in Star Trek Online, the ship crew.
They can also be sent on journeys in mini-games and crafting missions. They also come with various specialties, rank levels, and as members of different races – and they also do not play a role outside the mini-game.
Now, Star Trek Online is not exactly a smash hit, but we found the Duty Officer system to be innovative in our review and wished for more of it.
Collect them all!
With Blizzard’s existing system, it will be a joy for fans to assemble the best team of specialists to tackle even the toughest missions.
Perhaps bosses in raid missions will then drop a particularly coveted follower, or they could even be a reward for a hearty achievement!
There will certainly be no way around the companion system in WoW for fans of the Garrison, as upgrading the Garrison will require a special resource. And guess where that comes from.
It will be interesting to find out whether the followers are numerically limited in any way or if, like pets, you can just collect them all.
Also still exciting:
Will followers be able to trade among themselves or not?
How many missions can one take on at the same time?
What additional rewards will the followers bring in, and will they also play a role outside of the fortress?
And will there be special achievements for this again? (Just kidding … OF COURSE there will be special achievements for this, after all, it’s Blizzard!)
[intense_testimonies]
[intense_testimony]
[intense_testimony_text]As soon as we have answers to the other questions, you will find out at mein-mmo.de.[/intense_testimony_text][intense_testimony_author image=”https://images.mein-mmo.de/magazin/medien/2014/01/Logo-022.png”][/intense_testimony_author][/intense_testimony]
This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.
The endgame in an MMO is always a very sensitive topic. Most are criticized for having too little content for players who have already reached the maximum level with their characters.
The Elder Scrolls Online seems to not want to be accused of this and offers players a whole range of various options.
After reaching level 50, you can unlock veteran ranks. There are a total of 10 of them, and they improve the hero’s attributes with each level-up. To level up, you continue questing normally – this time, however, in the areas of the other two alliances.
In addition, there are a few other PvE attractions: veteran dungeons, adventure zones, and trials. But PvP players also have plenty to do, as they can engage in epic battles for castles or the titular Scrolls of the Ancients in small or large groups in Cyrodiil.
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P.S.:Because here at mein-mmo.de we delve particularly deep into things and appreciate the quirky humor of the WildStar creators, I have researched what is shown on the so-called “Vanity” cards in the DEV-Speak PvP video.
These cards only appear for a fraction of a second and are small Easter eggs. Chuck Lorre has used such vanity cards for his sitcoms “Two and a Half Men” and “The Big Bang Theory” and made them popular.
In the WildStar videos, they appear in the form of extremely … bizarre disclaimers that are full of pop culture references and jokes.
DISCLAIMER
The video you are about to see does not show the final version of WildStar. In these videos, you will see content that is still being worked on – some of it more, some less.
All player abilities will likely undergo changes before launch. This video is our attempt to provide a detailed explanation of WildStar’s core gameplay. We will leave discovering the content after the game’s release to you. Enjoy.
The disclaimers that you should really be reading now were removed by my superiors just minutes after the original text was posted online. And now I have to quickly conjure up a hasty apology for what you may or may not have read…
I deeply regret any offense caused by suggesting that [FACTION] is better in every aspect than [OTHER FACTION]. This was merely a personal opinion, but it could easily be misinterpreted as favoritism from the developers’ side towards [FACTION], which in turn implies that hostility could be incited towards [OTHER FACTION]. I therefore deeply regret my actions and hope that the [STUPID BANNED PLAYERS] understand.
I also regret my implication that the game has been finished for two years and that we’ve spent the time since then playing board games, trolling beta players by adding long-since fixed bugs, and founding a guild that, thanks to its head start, could successfully complete every encounter first … though I would like to point out that I have indeed mentioned how bad we are, and that our chances of success are near zero.
The meaning of the paragraph that has previously appeared at this point in the video was unfortunately completely reversed due to a critical spelling error. The third line mentions “lawbreaking,” when it should actually say the, at least very similar word “dog.” You surely understand how embarrassing this – I can only call it – sloppiness is for me.
Furthermore, my new role as a “gossip columnist” has brought me rave reviews, but I must correct myself: Stephan Frost is not a secret agent, our studio is not located directly above a hellhole, and despite repeated assurances on my part, the motto “The lead wolf gets the first share of the loot” is not part of our company policy regarding lunch delivery.
And finally, it’s worth mentioning that the anecdote I wrote about the incident of how Gaffney won the release date of Half-Life 3 from Gabe Newell during a game of Blind Man’s Bluff is entirely true.
No, it’s not. (and yes, it is). OKAY! OKAY, FINE! NOT THEN (…they played Blind Man’s Bluff.)
Arena matches are limited to 30 minutes, there will be a voice-over (i.e., an announcer). Additionally, Carbine is working on a leaderboard and a spectator mode.
P.S.:Because here at mein-mmo.de we delve particularly deep into things and appreciate the quirky humor of the WildStar creators, I have researched what is shown on the so-called “Vanity” cards in the DEV-Speak PvP video.
These cards only appear for a fraction of a second and are small Easter eggs. Chuck Lorre has used such vanity cards for his sitcoms “Two and a Half Men” and “The Big Bang Theory” and made them popular.
In the WildStar videos, they appear in the form of extremely … bizarre disclaimers that are full of pop culture references and jokes.
DISCLAIMER
The video you are about to see does not show the final version of WildStar. In these videos, you will see content that is still being worked on – some of it more, some less.
All player abilities will likely undergo changes before launch. This video is our attempt to provide a detailed explanation of WildStar’s core gameplay. We will leave discovering the content after the game’s release to you. Enjoy.
The disclaimers that you should really be reading now were removed by my superiors just minutes after the original text was posted online. And now I have to quickly conjure up a hasty apology for what you may or may not have read…
I deeply regret any offense caused by suggesting that [FACTION] is better in every aspect than [OTHER FACTION]. This was merely a personal opinion, but it could easily be misinterpreted as favoritism from the developers’ side towards [FACTION], which in turn implies that hostility could be incited towards [OTHER FACTION]. I therefore deeply regret my actions and hope that the [STUPID BANNED PLAYERS] understand.
I also regret my implication that the game has been finished for two years and that we’ve spent the time since then playing board games, trolling beta players by adding long-since fixed bugs, and founding a guild that, thanks to its head start, could successfully complete every encounter first … though I would like to point out that I have indeed mentioned how bad we are, and that our chances of success are near zero.
The meaning of the paragraph that has previously appeared at this point in the video was unfortunately completely reversed due to a critical spelling error. The third line mentions “lawbreaking,” when it should actually say the, at least very similar word “dog.” You surely understand how embarrassing this – I can only call it – sloppiness is for me.
Furthermore, my new role as a “gossip columnist” has brought me rave reviews, but I must correct myself: Stephan Frost is not a secret agent, our studio is not located directly above a hellhole, and despite repeated assurances on my part, the motto “The lead wolf gets the first share of the loot” is not part of our company policy regarding lunch delivery.
And finally, it’s worth mentioning that the anecdote I wrote about the incident of how Gaffney won the release date of Half-Life 3 from Gabe Newell during a game of Blind Man’s Bluff is entirely true.
No, it’s not. (and yes, it is). OKAY! OKAY, FINE! NOT THEN (…they played Blind Man’s Bluff.)
The science fiction MMORPG WildStar has just kicked off the PvP weeks and gives dedicated slashers, butchers, three-pronged scoundrels, and anyone who wants to become one a glimpse into the possibilities of really tearing each other apart.
Today it was the arenas. The official website mentioned the basic facts. Since we felt that was a bit too thin, we did a bit more research to keep you as updated as possible.
Arenas like in WoW … with a twist
First of all: The arena system in WoW was not only an inspiration for WildStar, but also a godmother, cousin, distant relative, and mother-in-law. But with the telegraph combat system and the significantly increased adrenaline rush thanks to constant activity, this should be balanced out.
Additionally, WildStar relies on its typical anarcho strengths: The presented arena is inspired by the Thunderdome from Mad Max.
The main difference from the arena system as players know it from World of Warcraft lies in the bonus life system. Each arena team (by the way, like in WoW, there are 2-, 3-, and 5-member teams) starts a match with a shared pool of lives – rumor has it up to six bonus lives depending on team size. If a team member dies, a heart disappears until no one can stand up anymore.
This opens up some strategies, as squishy targets will likely remain focus targets. The action-heavy gameplay of WildStar would surely result in ultra-short fights without this form of bonus life, where one side quickly finds itself outnumbered and is soon wiped out.
According to reports from the beta, an arena fight lasts on average between 5 and 6 minutes. The devs are very satisfied with this.
Items and Builds
Interesting for all PvP fans: There will also be special PvP builds and items in WildStar. As for the items, again they are oriented towards WoW: A special PvP vendor stands in the capitals and waits to be paid in “Prestige” before parting with the items designed for PvP. PvP items use half of their “point budget” for PvP-only values, making them quite unsuitable for PvE. Conversely, PvE items lack both the necessary punch in PvP and the cushion.
The items have specific rating requirements, meaning players must qualify to wear them. This seems to be taken from World of Warcraft. This way, the game plays it safe and guarantees that players actually “earn” the strong gear instead of just “farming” it.
It will not be enough to play the same battlegrounds unsuccessfully, but abundantly.
Active Skills
The possibilities for specializing your character through the investment of skill points are divided into three parts in WildStar. On one hand, a player can pull up to 8 abilities to the quickbar. These skills can then also be increased separately (similar to how it was intended with glyphs in WoW). With each invested point, one of the abilities on a hotkey becomes stronger. However, to increase one of the abilities to level 5, not just one point is necessary, but rather 5 points. For this investment, the ability not only becomes a bit stronger but gains a bonus effect. The highest skill tier requires yet another such investment at the end.
This will force a player to decide whether to have a few strong abilities with special tricks in the repertoire or have every button contribute roughly the same punch.
Fun Fact: As a reward for special heroic deeds, Carbine reserves the right to grant players additional skill points at max level. So level 50+.
Passive Skills
In a parallel system, a player can invest points in so-called “AMPs”, which are passive abilities, although there are exceptions here as well.
The AMPs are arranged in a skill wheel, where the player can then specifically invest points in typical PvP skills – such as more PvP defense, more PvP attack power, or depending on the class, unlock certain utility or escape skills.
Apart from PvP, the player can also decide whether to play the character as a tank, healer, or DPS – if that is intended for the class.
Additionally, there are special abilities in this skill wheel that must be unlocked separately through a drop before they can be activated.
It is definitely to be expected that WildStar will have a clear separation between PvE and PvP gear and builds.
The Matchmaking
The various players will carry an Elo ranking that reflects their strength. It is intended to ensure that cute bunnies do not meet mutated giant werewolves, but only unmutated ones. The ranking system will also allow teams of the same faction to face each other.
WildStar creatively solves some typical problems of an arena system: For instance, it will not be possible for a rogue to drag out a lost match indefinitely and bore everyone by hiding for hours. Because the bloodthirsty audience will quickly become restless and pelt such a coward with beer cans after two minutes. This reveals the coward and prevents them from going stealth again for 15 seconds.
Arena matches are limited to 30 minutes, there will be a voice-over (i.e., an announcer). Additionally, Carbine is working on a leaderboard and a spectator mode.
P.S.:Because here at mein-mmo.de we delve particularly deep into things and appreciate the quirky humor of the WildStar creators, I have researched what is shown on the so-called “Vanity” cards in the DEV-Speak PvP video.
These cards only appear for a fraction of a second and are small Easter eggs. Chuck Lorre has used such vanity cards for his sitcoms “Two and a Half Men” and “The Big Bang Theory” and made them popular.
In the WildStar videos, they appear in the form of extremely … bizarre disclaimers that are full of pop culture references and jokes.
DISCLAIMER
The video you are about to see does not show the final version of WildStar. In these videos, you will see content that is still being worked on – some of it more, some less.
All player abilities will likely undergo changes before launch. This video is our attempt to provide a detailed explanation of WildStar’s core gameplay. We will leave discovering the content after the game’s release to you. Enjoy.
The disclaimers that you should really be reading now were removed by my superiors just minutes after the original text was posted online. And now I have to quickly conjure up a hasty apology for what you may or may not have read…
I deeply regret any offense caused by suggesting that [FACTION] is better in every aspect than [OTHER FACTION]. This was merely a personal opinion, but it could easily be misinterpreted as favoritism from the developers’ side towards [FACTION], which in turn implies that hostility could be incited towards [OTHER FACTION]. I therefore deeply regret my actions and hope that the [STUPID BANNED PLAYERS] understand.
I also regret my implication that the game has been finished for two years and that we’ve spent the time since then playing board games, trolling beta players by adding long-since fixed bugs, and founding a guild that, thanks to its head start, could successfully complete every encounter first … though I would like to point out that I have indeed mentioned how bad we are, and that our chances of success are near zero.
The meaning of the paragraph that has previously appeared at this point in the video was unfortunately completely reversed due to a critical spelling error. The third line mentions “lawbreaking,” when it should actually say the, at least very similar word “dog.” You surely understand how embarrassing this – I can only call it – sloppiness is for me.
Furthermore, my new role as a “gossip columnist” has brought me rave reviews, but I must correct myself: Stephan Frost is not a secret agent, our studio is not located directly above a hellhole, and despite repeated assurances on my part, the motto “The lead wolf gets the first share of the loot” is not part of our company policy regarding lunch delivery.
And finally, it’s worth mentioning that the anecdote I wrote about the incident of how Gaffney won the release date of Half-Life 3 from Gabe Newell during a game of Blind Man’s Bluff is entirely true.
No, it’s not. (and yes, it is). OKAY! OKAY, FINE! NOT THEN (…they played Blind Man’s Bluff.)
This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.
Last week, the next expansion for DC Universe Online was unexpectedly announced. The new DLC is titled “Amazon Fury” – and you can believe us, there are Amazons in it! There will be a fierce catfight between Wonder Woman, her mother Hippolyta, and Circe… and a large-scale attack on Gotham City.
Now the developers of the addon are revealing the backstory of “Amazon Fury”: The conflict has its roots in the mistaken belief of Queen Hippolyta, who is convinced that Gotham City and its inhabitants are responsible for the chaos in her realm. She plans a large-scale attack on the peaceful little town, signaling the start of a time of war and death. As if that weren’t already bad enough, the people of the Amazons are divided over this dispute and are fighting each other. Surely countless questions are swirling in your minds, such as:
Will the attack succeed in the new phasing zone “The Siege of Gotham”?
Will Wonder Woman be able to stop her mother?
How can we help the good and save Gotham City?
And last but not least: Why on earth would you combine a blue thong with white dots to a red top??
If you prefer something more tearful after all that action, you should be looking forward to Parts 2 and 3, the Creative Director promises:
I can tell you one thing: It will be incredibly exciting and unbelievably shocking at the same time. … I can’t wait to show you in the upcoming livestreams what a fantastic job the team has done – so keep your eyes peeled. What you will see will blow your mind.
Now that sounds promising, doesn’t it? We are certainly very curious to see if you soon faint in droves in front of the screens. 😉
This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.
For all fans of the cuddly mysterious Elin, the realization finally comes: According to Gameforge, the “Reaper,” a new class in TERA, will enchant players with its dark magic only in early summer. Note that this is only on the European servers.
Alongside the new Elin class, we can also expect new skills, a new starting area, as well as equipment and costumes with the update.
The “Reaper” Elin in June then?
According to a response from the community manager anemsalok in the official TERA Forum, this update is expected in mid or late June.
Shortly before, the American publisher EnMasse announced that the new class will already be playable in May. This sparked heated discussions in the German forums again. While it is known that EnMasse is the subsidiary of the developer Bluehole and that more translations are needed for Europe, things have been different in the past.
We have already speculated a few times about the Elin class Reaper. My forecast that one might be able to wreak havoc in Arborea with a Kusarigama-like chain scythe as early as March turned out to be wrong. Unfortunately, the discrepancy between Korea and the West seems to be widening, contrary to the promises made last year. Originally, the client was supposed to be unified worldwide as much as possible to prevent such temporal differences.
For those who see nothing but question marks at the word “Reaper,” here is a brief summary:
Reaper is an Elin-only class, a physical damage dealer that operates at close and medium range.
The Reaper wears leather armor and the aforementioned chain scythe, which is newly integrated into the game.
The class can only be created by players who already have a character at level 40 or above.
The community is still given the chance to find a German name for the class until March 27.
UPDATE: The German name has now been announced: The Blade Dancer.
The class is really stylish; however, I find it regrettable that only the Elin race gets to enjoy the Reaper. My race sadly does not.
The first gameplay videos from Korea make it clear that the developers have done a great job with the animations – they look extremely smooth and spectacular. Will the other classes not overshadow the Reaper too much? In addition, the abilities had to be slightly toned down in Korea since the class was too overpowering at first (as often happens when new classes are introduced). Therefore, it can be assumed that we will be playing the adjusted version.
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Since the Reaper will be unleashed on the American servers of EnMasse on May 13, many pieces of information about the new Tera class are currently being released there, including this spectacular trailer:
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My opinion remains that TERA offers the best action combat system in the genre to date available. The graphics are still a feast for the eyes, albeit a bit too static for my taste. As for the dungeons, I would like to say that the bosses and their mechanics are extremely well adapted to the active combat system.
The feeling of having defeated the tough Queen in hard mode for the first time was simply overwhelming. Never before has a boss in an MMORPG given me so much fun and headache at the same time. Unfortunately, they gradually declined with the dungeons afterward, at least in terms of challenge.
The classes play quite well, but after a while, I missed variety within the class. Actually, only the warrior is capable of taking on a different role or play style.
I didn’t really like that the updates come much later compared to Korea, but that seems to be something you have to live with in Asian MMORPGs.
Otherwise, I can recommend everyone to take a look. For newcomers, it’s certainly exciting if you can deal with many kill quests.
There are two pieces of news today about the fantasy MMORPG The Elder Scrolls Online that is nearing release. On one hand, Zenimax has revealed the final subscription prices for the pay-to-play MMORPG, and on the other hand, a small but vocal part of the community is rebelling against changes that came with the last patch.
Discount for multi-month subscriptions
For just 11 euros per month, subscribers will be able to enjoy The Elder Scrolls Online if they sign up for half a year. Those who only want to commit for three months will pay around 12 euros. For month-to-month players in Tamriel, it costs 13 euros. The prices apply for 30 days each.
Amazingly: The British pay only 7 pounds per month for a half-year subscription, which is just 8.37 euros. Otherwise, Zenimax follows Blizzard’s MMORPG World of Warcraft in terms of pricing.
According to the official website, they accept the following payment methods:
American Express
Giropay
iDeal
MasterCard
PayPal
paysafecard
game time cards
Visa
WebMoney
For more important information about the launch of TESO, you can find it in this article on the official site: FAQ – Release and Early Access.
For most of us, it was just a small clause in one of the last patch notes, but for ambitious modders, it was the death knell of their planned TESO career: Due to changes in the code, it is no longer possible for add-ons to provide information about damage numbers, spell types, buffs, and similar things that are particularly important for raids and min-maxers since the last patch.
It will thus be impossible to change the user interface in TESO to continuously provide “hard” information like in World of Warcraft or other games.
How will the add-on “Foundry Tactical Combat” by Atropos look at launch?
The decision caused an uproar, as modders and some MMORPG players perceived it as a step in the wrong direction, away from the informed gamer who wants to shape their game as they see fit.
Zenimax aims with this decision to ensure that immersion in the world remains intact and is not clouded by too much information. A constant bombardment of numbers creates competitive pressure that they apparently wanted to avoid. Additionally, Zenimax fears that such add-ons could give players a decisive advantage and information edge in PvP. Consequently, all players might feel compelled to use such add-ons as well, lest they become liabilities for their factions.
No matter how you look at it: Part of the player base is imposing their personal play style on another.
Some very active players in the beta have turned away from the game after these developments. How large this group is cannot be determined. Since they are mainly players who were active and well-connected in the forums and communities, it certainly makes quite a stir.
This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.
After our report last week about the missing news about World of Tanks Blitz, there is new information today about the Closed Beta of the Mobile App. Vitalij Borodowski, the technical director of the mobile devices division at Wargaming, reports in a new developer vlog about the next stroke of genius from Wargaming. But beware, contrary to some confusion among fans: World of Tanks Blitz is a standalone game – with its own vehicle classes and data, game economy, in-game purchases, etc.!
As in the PC version, there will be ten vehicle tiers, but at the release of the app, only three nations will be available: USA, Germany, and USSR. This means you will have over 100 vehicles in total! The progression of your tanks will resemble the PC version, but it will be somewhat faster. Of course, the game physics will not be reinvented – both games are based on the same engines. World of Tanks is doing well, so why reinvent the wheel?
And what will be different?
With so many similarities, there must be a difference?! For Vitalij, it is the crew mechanics, as crew management and skill development have been completely overhauled and simplified. (I can already hear the boos ^^). Also, there will be no self-propelled guns or high-tier tanks in World of Tanks Blitz, as the maps you will be playing on are simply too small for that, resulting in fewer hiding spots. However, you will have access to tank destroyers, medium, and heavy tanks.
Due to the significantly smaller maps, the average battle duration is 4-5 minutes – perfect for a quick game in between. You can engage in battle for a maximum of 7 minutes, after which it’s over. The control of the app is eagerly anticipated – the developers at least promise that it will be significantly better than in the current shooter MMOs.
What do you think, can this work??
The app is being developed in parallel for iOS and Android, which is not so easy – despite hundreds of different phones, the tank MMO needs to run smoothly on all of them. For this reason, the Closed Beta and release for Android are delayed a bit, so that the app runs reliably when it is released. The speed of your mobile connection will not be that decisive compared to the stable reception.
Learn more about World of Tanks Blitz in this video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=93QTiGyX-So
This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.
In line with the launch of the exceptional MMORPG The Elder Scrolls Online, mein-mmo.de presents you with an in-depth look at the graphics, quests, and PvP of TESO.
As this would be a bit much for a single tester, two newly recruited gamers will also take a look.
The Graphics of The Elder Scrolls Online
From the first images of the concept art, it was clear that Zenimax would be orienting itself towards the graphics of The Elder Scrolls series. Compared to the comic style prevalent in many MMORPGs, this is a significant change. Typically, MMORPGs prefer straightforward graphics that can run on older PCs and guarantee players clarity and high frame rates. After all, MMORPG players are not necessarily known for having high-end computers. Those are more common among gamers who prefer shooter or adventure games.
Designed for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One
TESO, on the other hand, will be the first major MMORPG developed for the next-gen consoles PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. Console owners want to see their hardware put to good use. Fans of the single-player series also expect The Elder Scrolls Online to deliver the typical Skyrim aesthetic.
The graphics of The Elder Scrolls Online look fantastic. Although there are still inconsistencies in the details, overall the world feels atmospheric, dense, and invites the eye to linger. A monumental leap compared to WildStar or World of Warcraft.
Resource-Hungry or Eye Candy?
D4rkh4xx0r93: On my rig, I have to set all details to low and even then it still stutters. As soon as I go to medium, the frame rates drop. How am I supposed to raid or do PvP like this? 800 Euros for a new PC? That’s just not an option! And I can’t stand the UI either. No mini-map, no HP display, nothing. Hopefully, there will be addons soon!
Gilreon Birkblatt: *smiles* I haven’t been able to notice any frame drops on my PC, and it’s already a year old. Admittedly, it wasn’t cheap back then. I enjoy getting close to my counterpart in taverns or out in nature to see their face. Sometimes I just look up to admire the sky over Tamriel.
Graphics Will Endure
Minimum System Requirements:
Operating System: Windows XP 32-bit. Processor: Dual-core processor 2.0 GHz or comparable. Memory: 2 GB RAM. Disk Space: 60 GB of free space. Graphics Card: at least 512 MB RAM and support for DirectX 9.0 (NVIDIA GeForce 8800, ATI Radeon 2600 or better).
Schuhmann: Players with a high-end PC will get the full experience, but even on a mid-range computer, The Elder Scrolls Online is a real treat for the eyes.
Some pessimists argue that a comic style remains timeless, while a realistic style quickly becomes outdated … but that seems rather far-fetched for the graphics of TESO.
Such objections might have been justified with pixel graphics ten years ago, but considering how much better The Elder Scrolls Online looks now, it is unlikely to improve much in the future. (When we are all clad in VR gear wandering through an augmented reality jungle in ten years, I will regret saying that!)
The Quests and Tasks: Not Skyrim, but MMORPG Reality
In terms of quests, TESO differs significantly from Skyrim and other current single-player RPGs. The impact of player decisions does not have overwhelming significance in the world of Tamriel.
Quest trajectories are isolated, and the moral ambiguity currently found in single-player titles is conspicuously absent. Many quests represent a compromise to the well-known “go here and kill twenty X” or “bring me a Y” tasks from MMORPGs.
An audience coming from single-player titles may be disappointed by the depth of the quests. Here, the MMORPG is in charge.
Currently, there are problems primarily with group quests and phasing. When one player has already completed a quest, they see the world differently than their group members. This makes it difficult to quest together.
Gilreon Birkblatt says: I can easily dispel the concerns that some have about the quests in the game. What has yet to be mentioned is that all tasks are fully voiced and excellently written. This way, I can lean back at regular intervals and experience how a great story unfolds before my eyes, allowing me to forget my stressful workday *smiles*.
D4rkh4xx0r93: I’ve seen better elsewhere. Ten people are standing around a spawn point waiting for a mob to spawn? In 2014 still? Really? TESO is just one or two generations behind. And when I’m 50, am I just supposed to do the quests of the other factions? Sounds totally like 2008, man!
Quests are the Baggage of Many MMORPGs
Schuhmann: Quests are simply part of an MMORPG, even if they seem increasingly like a relic from the past that needs to be shaken off each year. Especially the somewhat sluggish start of the game could prove to be a mood killer. After level 15, the tasks gradually pick up pace, and the world opens up more and more.
I’m afraid that later there will be content problems. I can’t see how Zenimax will regularly provide content once the initial tasks have been exhausted. Since players will have to do the quests of the other factions in the endgame, the replay value with a twink from the other faction will drastically diminish.
Since the discontinuation of Warhammer Online, a significant gap has emerged concerning PvP of this magnitude.
King Ding-a-ling
Gilreon Birkblatt: I’ve kept away from player-versus-player zones in other games. In Tamriel, I will try my luck this time. However, I don’t expect too much from it. Although it would be nice to be an emperor once *smirks*.
D4rkh4xx0r93 (murmurs to himself): King D4rkh4xx0r93, terror of all noobs! I like the sound of that!
Schuhmann: It’s a strange concept to outfit TESO with a realm-versus-realm zone reminiscent of Dark Age of Camelot. Will players coming from single-player games embrace such a concept?
Such a zone and such a form of PvP target team-oriented, MMORPG-experienced, and mature players. However, power gamers also prefer a constant stream of challenges. How exactly this PvP fits with the PvE is also a mystery to me. The Elder Scrolls Online remains an exciting mix.
Conclusion
First, let’s wait and see
D4rkh4xx0r93: (still murmuring contemplatively) King D4rkh4xx0r93… I just don’t know. The monthly costs put me off, and the preliminary reports weren’t that great either. None of my friends play it; they’re all playing the new Diablo expansion. Maybe I’ll wait half a year to see if it’s already free-to-play. I’ll wait for the reviews. But then again… a nightblade with a bow…
The Future Lies in PvP
Schuhmann: Hand on heart, I have no idea whether the game will be successful or not. The name “The Elder Scrolls Online” will ensure full servers at the beginning. I think opening up to console players has been a coup for the game.
A lot will depend on whether the PvP is as exciting and balanced as it has been in the endgame of other games. Experience shows that balancing PvP is extremely difficult and ridding it of frustrating bugs. If the PvP is fun, ignites the players’ ambition, and triggers a craving effect, then TESO will be a resounding success.
I see a bleak long-term future for the PvE in The Elder Scrolls Online. That’s not a popular opinion. But simply the idea of making players go through the content of the other factions after reaching max level feels strangely improvised to me. When the next single-player title from The Elder Scrolls is released, it will be interesting to see how the game evolves.
Although even a skeptic must say:60 Euros for 2 months of fun – until you reach max level and have seen most of it… I don’t think I’ll regret the investment.
Gilreon Birkblatt: Only seven days left *hum* and I will make my way to Tamriel. During the past beta weekends, I’ve increasingly fallen in love with the game and my imperial dragon knight. I have already found like-minded individuals in a guild, and we will tackle the game together.
I think my anticipation will not be disappointed *smiles*.
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D4rkh4xx0r93 is 22 years old and a passionate gamer.
Currently, he is attending vocational school, but only until his Let’s Play channel finally gets the attention it deserves.
Please no jokes about his name. There’s a story behind that, and if you knew it, you would understand!
Gilreon Birkblatt is 43 human years old and has collector’s editions of every game he’s ever played in his earthly three-room apartment.
Professionally, he is a police sergeant and has virtually married four times, adopted twelve children, and been divorced three times. Rumor has it that things are not going well between him and his fourth virtual partner! She wants to play Aldmeri, while he feels committed to the Daggerfall Covenant.
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This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.
The Elder Scrolls series is known for allowing players to transform their heroes into werewolves, and thus it must also be present in The Elder Scrolls Online.
When a player becomes a werewolf, they gain a unique skill line with two active and four passive abilities, an Ultimate, and even the ability to turn other players into werewolves once a week.
However, it is not easy to become a lycanthrope. First, you must find a rare wolf pack in the world and get infected by them. Only then will you receive all the features that truly make a werewolf.
Some of you will yawn at the thought: Twinking! No matter how captivating and fascinating an online role-playing game is – after the umpteenth character, it just gets annoying when you want to quickly reach the maximum level to support friends in a raid. Phrases like “Enjoy the atmosphere in the game” or “Just read the quest texts properly!” don’t help much. Okay, I admit – I personally wouldn’t spend 60 euros for the maximum level, like it’s possible in World of Warcraft with the next expansion…
But the twink sprint event in Dragon’s Prophet should happen more often. Until April 3, 2014, you can grab great rewards, including pets, for many level ups! Okay, maybe that sounds a bit greedy – but hey – motivation is the magic word! To participate in the leveling event, all you have to do is create a new character and get started. Whoever reaches level 94 first can even adorn themselves with the title “Trailblazer” from then on.
So, curious about what else there is? Aaaaalso:
For levels 5, 10, and 15, there are free Enclosure-, Nest- and Chamber Extensions.
At level 20, you can look forward to a Attribute Reset Powder – very useful!
If you reach level 25 within the time limit, there is a Secret Apartment Ticket. Since you can only buy the key to the home that quickly in the shop, it’s really a treat.
All pet lovers can get the new pet “Brony” at level 35.
For levels 45 and 60, there are first 1,000 and then 1,500 Dragon Insignias.
Whoever toughs it out to level 80 can henceforth call an Ancient Zephyr House their own.
And those of you who really reach level 94 in two weeks get an Egg of Soul’s Twin!
Wow, awesome, right? So, I have to go now – leveling…. See you in the game?
P.S.: Of course, you’ll get the rewards even if you start completely new – so don’t be shy! 🙂
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With version 9.0, significant changes are coming to World of Tanks, so massive that the developers refer to it as an update that is among the largest in the history of the tactical online shooter. Especially visual improvements that are immediately noticeable should significantly enhance the battlefield experience.
However, WoT is not only getting a facelift, but it is also receiving new game content. With the historical battles, players will soon have a game mode available that allows for the reproduction of real battles as closely as possible. For example, in the Battle of Kursk, which took place from July 5 to July 16, 1943, only those vehicles that were actually present in this tank battle will be available for selection. This map, along with two others, marks the beginning.
Speaking of visual improvements. With the new PBS (physically based shading) shader technology, surfaces such as metal, rocks, paint, or wood are represented much more beautifully. Additionally, the tank models are receiving a facelift that comes with a significant increase in detail, making the combat vehicles look much more realistic. Like newly polished, but not washed with Perwoll, rather enriched with polygons.
It will soon also be more fun to shred other tanks, as in the event of an ammunition storage explosion, the turret will be launched into the air with version 9.0. Fans of World of Tanks have been longing for an expanded damage model for quite some time. Now, this has finally been addressed.
That the chassis, i.e., the individual tracks, now adapt independently to the terrain may sound initially unremarkable. However, when you look at these supposed details closely in the video, you quickly realize that such detail changes in movement are immediately noticeable, making them appear much more realistic.
In addition, besides the graphical advancement and the new game mode, you can expect various sound improvements, balance changes on several maps (Cost, Pearl River, Malinovka, and Sewerogorsk), and much more.
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You missed the last Twitch livestream from Trion Worlds for ArcheAge on Friday? No problem, you can watch the show again at your leisure on YouTube. You can expect interesting insights into the westernized version of ArcheAge, a free-to-play online role-playing game that is especially appreciated for its sandbox elements. The gameplay material consists of approximately 45 minutes.
Is AA still on your MMORPG radar or has the westernization taken too long for you? So far it is clear, that it will be released this year, many would have preferred an earlier date. On the other hand, there are few new releases in the free-to-play market this year, so in the end, 2014 could turn out to be a good choice.
If someone is wondering who or what Trion Worlds actually is: They are the publisher for the western market of ArcheAge (for Europe and America). The American company became known for the MMORPG Rift. Recently, they also attracted attention with the online shooter Defiance . In the case of the in-house titles mentioned here, they act not only as a publisher but also as a developer.
http://youtu.be/2cvcTL8S4e4
This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.
Attention, we have discovered something new on the MMO radar: A few days ago, a notable free-to-play MMORPG called Skyforge was announced, set in a brand new sci-fi fantasy universe where gigantic gods and heroes roam.
This news reached us quite surprisingly, but the Allods Online creators have been working “in silence” on Skyforge together with Obsidian Entertainment (known for Neverwinter Nights 2 and KoToR 2). Well, not that silent after all, as I found Russian sources from 2012 during my research.
They also seem to be far along, as a beta is already being discussed, for which you can register right away on the official site.
What We Already Know
The story takes place in the mythologically infused fantasy world of Aelion, where various advanced technologies provide a futuristic touch. Mythology meets future – sounds like a rather interesting multiverse that could have come from a DC or Marvel comic.
Graphically, Skyforge seems to be a real feast for the eyes, according to the images and videos, being state-of-the-art. Fans of a more realistic graphic style are likely to be satisfied here. Thank the gods! This engine is, by the way, a proprietary development.
Notably, there is a mention of a world that is constantly plagued by invasions. In Aelion, you can expect the currently trendy dynamical events – will they be inspired by Rift or Guild Wars 2? The mention of keywords like “free exploration” suggests an open world that invites exploration. Genre-typical, there will also be content for both solo and group players in Skyforge. So far, the hints about PvP and PvE features are less spectacular and very vague.
The combat system takes the same direction as basically all other new MMORPGs: Skyforge relies on an action combat system, with active attack and defense techniques; similar to what is known from console games. The gameplay scenes come very close to Tera, and the certainty that combo attacks will be possible strengthens this assessment.
It gets more exciting with the class system. This is said to be very diverse and also allows for more exotic play styles. No comfort features are missing, as you can switch through all classes and roles with a single character, which can be switched with just one click. This strongly resembles Final Fantasy: A Realm Reborn. Character development goes from a young immortal to a powerful god. What might that mean? We will see.
Admittedly, the information is still rather sparse, which hopefully will change soon! At the latest, when the first beta testers are granted access to the game.
Skyforge – an AAA MMORPG?
The developers refer to Skyforge as a “AAA MMORPG”, which simply means that this is an elaborate and expensive project. A larger budget can indeed help immensely in creating a high-quality game. In this case, they even expect millions of players, which further underscores the ambitions. Oleg Shpilchevsky, chief developer of the Allods team, makes it clear:
Skyforge is our most ambitious project to date
No wonder, since mail.ru is pulling the strings in the background, the largest gaming publisher in the East. They last made headlines by distributing ArcheAge in Russia. Can the high expectations be met? If this really is a larger caliber, then we are even more excited.
Given that Allods Online features good gameplay and has achieved several above-average ratings, I had also tried it out and was surprised by the good quality. However, it never went beyond a hidden gem in Germany, as it initially resembled World of Warcraft too much, and there was simply no market for it, despite a free-to-play model (which was also heavily criticized, which was very disadvantageous).
If the developers have learned from their experiences in the past and continued to build on their strengths, we might expect a very large MMORPG (in 2015?)
Finally, here is the announcement trailer to enjoy:
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The fantasy MMORPG WildStar will go live on June 3. For a few days now, the barriers that Carbine has put up around the game have broken, and new information about gameplay is continuously leaking.
Today we will take a look at the raids on Nexus and introduce you to the first raid boss, a particularly slimy fellow who is just waiting to spit out your loot!
Two Raids at Release: Both with a One-Week Lockout
The raids in WildStar are robust, challenging, and innovative. This is already clear two months before release. Two full raid instances are planned for launch. The Gen Archives are designed for 20 players and will take between three and five hours to complete without wipes (which will surely be a hopeless endeavor in the first weeks). Players will encounter six bosses, ten mini-bosses, and five events.
Datascape, the second raid in the package, will ideally take between four and six hours and require 40 players. The raid will be populated by six bosses, sixteen mini-bosses, and two events.
[quote_box_right]The endgame of WildStar is not just about raiding, as players have plenty to do even without it. Cortyn, for example, has spent over 100 hours setting up her house.[/quote_box_right]
Both raids have a one-week lockout, just like in World of Warcraft. This means: each boss can only be defeated once per week. And, as you can see, there are plenty of bosses.
It is the return to large, demanding raid instances that ambitious PVE players can sink their teeth into for months.
As a special twist, the raids are designed so that no raid week is the same as another. With variable paths through the instances and altered boss arrangements, the raid experience will remain fresh.
Raid Mechanics: The Interrupt
In gameplay mechanics, there are two fundamental differences compared to World of Warcraft. While in WoW almost all raid bosses are immune to crowd control abilities, this will be different in WildStar. The bosses have a cushion against crowd control that decreases with each absorbed interrupt, but quickly replenishes. When it reaches zero, the boss can be prevented from using an ability.
It will therefore be necessary to coordinate the various abilities and use them within a narrow time window to stun the boss.
[pull_quote_center]No longer is only the tank responsible for the precious interrupt, while the rest of the raid group stares at the damage or heal meter.[/pull_quote_center]
Players can also test this mechanic in 5-man instances or against larger zone bosses – of which there are plenty, of course. There, the bosses have a buffer of around “2”, meaning a 5-man group must stun them three times before they actually stop and refrain from using their apocalypse ability.
Raid Mechanics: The Telegraphed
Another prominent feature of WildStar is the pronounced telegraph system, which could quickly cause chaos. Fortunately, in the raid, you only see your own telegraphs and those of the boss. This keeps the fights manageable.
As can be seen in the video below, this is indeed not a problem, but provides a structured component to the fight. It will not be possible, as in raids of other games, to suddenly drop dead because one was just hit by an invisible ability. The radius of the boss’s abilities is always clear.
The First Boss in Action: Experiment X-89
To give you a front-row view of what a boss fight ultimately looks like, we will attach a clip from the beta at the end of the post. Here, you will fight the first boss of the 20-man raid, Experiment X-89.
The boss fight takes place on a mesh of platforms. Colleague “Too-Many-Space-Gnarghs-for-Breakfast” regularly bestows two debuffs to selected players that must be responded to immediately.
With the “small bomb”, a player runs to an outer platform, drops it there, and continues to participate in the fight. The bomb detonates after a while, blowing up the platform and reducing the available area. If the player forgets to drop the bomb, or even overlooks the debuff, they will surely drag some comrades into the ground and create an ugly island formation on the platforms.
The second debuff, the “large bomb”, pulls down five platforms into the abyss when it detonates uncontrollably. The player must bravely jump off the platforms with this debuff! The bomb then ignites on the way down and catapults the bungee jumper back up. In the air, the player must use a movement ability or double jump to avoid a hard landing.
[pull_quote_center]Experiment X-89 is therefore a classic attention check for all participants.[/pull_quote_center]
What is also positively noteworthy: At the beginning of the YouTube video, it is stated that the raid is “legit” and massive – the raids of WildStar are not a mere token event, but a raid experience that stands up to the discerning eye. The trash packs present every group with an appropriate challenge and the bosses are variably designed.
And what is most important: The raids are really fun!
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