TESO vs. WildStar: Das Duell um die Krone

Schuhmann Schuhmann Reading time 6 minutes

The king is dead, long live the king – this is traditionally sung during the crown’s transition in monarchies. Admittedly, WoW is far from over. However, more players have now stopped playing WoW than are still actively playing. For many gamers, it’s simply time for something new. These people are out there looking for a new virtual home. Perhaps you are among them.

The battle for the player base has long begun. 2014 sees two challengers step into the ring!

The Challengers

On one side is The Elder Scrolls Online, short TESO or also ESO. The game from Zenimax boasts a glorious lineage of single-player MMOs. The release is scheduled for April 4. Fans are so eager that one can feel it all across Tamriel. ESO is expected to attract many fans who have never played an MMORPG, but come from strong single-player titles. The game impresses among others with its strong graphics and a sophisticated PvP system.

The Elder Scrolls Online

We have already introduced the challenger extensively and covered it with numerous articles.

WildStar on the other hand lacks a grand lineage, but the game has gained many fans and impresses with polished game design, timeless comic graphics, and a fresh setting in a wild science fiction world. WildStar is clearly aimed at MMORPG players and incorporates many ideas from the reigning champion World of Warcraft.

WildStar MMORPG

We have also introduced and accompanied WildStar with articles.

The challengers couldn’t be more different.

There’s the big name, and here’s the refined concept. In one corner, a photorealistic graphic that will push even modern PCs to their limits, here’s a colorful comic-strip design. With ESO, it gets serious; stories remind one of classic sword and sorcery fantasy with an epic touch, while WildStar leans more toward a narrative style reminiscent of Borderlands or Futurama. In a library, both of these works might not even be in the same section.

The question now is: Can there be only one?

And if so, who loses their head and remains severely beaten? And who can rise the steps to the throne and be crowned by the fans as the new king of MMORPGs?

The Duel

Since the NDA on The Elder Scrolls Online has lifted, more reviews of the game are appearing all over the internet. Even the English gaming site mmorpg.com has taken the lifting of the NDA as an opportunity to let two enthusiastic fans of the MMORPG contenders go at each other vocally.

The ESO fan is Chris Coke, who firmly believes in the success of the Zenimax hit. Opposing him is Gareth Harmer, a true supporter of Wildstar.

Uppercut against the combat system of ESO

Gareth immediately launches the duel with a frontal attack on one of the supposed weaknesses of The Elder Scrolls Online: The combat system feels clunky and uninspired. This is not only the case at the beginning, when few abilities are available, but even later on. The characters look unnatural and have ridiculous combat poses. They seem unreal and make it impossible to identify with the characters.

WildStar, however, Gareth argues, clearly excels with its fluid and purposeful combats. The attacks of the opponents are clearly recognizable by red markings on the ground, practically “telegraphed.” This provides for a great combat experience in his eyes. Especially the double jumps and dodges guarantee a fantastic feel of the game.

Recommended editorial content

At this point you will find external content that complements the article.

I consent to external content being displayed to me. Personal data can be transmitted to third party platforms. Read more about our privacy policy.
Link to the external content

Overall, WildStar is just a lot of fun. He has left every instance and adventure with a big grin on his face. One cannot exactly say that about ESO.

WildStar blocks criticism and gets ready for a swing

Chris, of course, cannot let Gareth’s criticism of ESO slide. While it may be nice at the beginning in WildStar to jump and dodge a little, how long can it take before it begins to annoy and feel like a chore?

The combat system in WildStar appears like a somewhat more colorful, even more dodge-focused version of Guild Wars 2 – and everyone knows how that worked out…
The dodge mechanic has been on the market for some time and has not exactly taken the world by storm.

The combat system in ESO, on the other hand, without a global cooldown and in a first-person perspective allows for a much more immersive experience with the game character. Moreover, this has been proven in many games, established, and loved. “When you’re in the thick of it, you’re really in it,” says Chris Coke.

Recommended editorial content

At this point you will find external content that complements the article.

I consent to external content being displayed to me. Personal data can be transmitted to third party platforms. Read more about our privacy policy.
Link to the external content

Strong left-right combination against Eso endgame

Gareth immediately attacks the endgame of ESO in the next round. Once at the level cap, ESO simply offers too little to do. Only mass PvP in Cyrodiil, veteran dungeons, quests in enemy territory, and mysterious PvE adventure zones are options here. But no raids, no battlegrounds, and no arenas.

In WildStar, however, there’s plenty to do: With massive 40-man raids taking place in flexible instances, providing endless new opportunities to earn loot.
An Elo system ensures that the ambition keeps bubbling, as one constantly competes against other players on leaderboards. Also, it’s already a lot of fun because the combat system doesn’t feel like typing on a typewriter!

ESO blocks combination: Endgame doesn’t need raids

This can only make Chris shrug his shoulders. In his opinion, ESO fans don’t want large raids in the endgame. After all, the fan base of The Elder Scrolls Online also consists of single-player players. It’s clever of Zenimax to wait and see if players really desire raids.

teso-screenshot-eso

There are plenty of arguments for ESO: The existing dungeons have been brilliantly done and are a decoration of the tank, healer, and damage dealer system. Furthermore, the game’s strength is clearly in PvP. After all, ESO delivers a better three-faction bloodbath than Guild Wars 2, which says quite a lot.

In WildStar, on the other hand, there is hardly anything but raids. And compared to the deep and complex endgame PvP, these would get boring quite quickly.

Low blow against voice actor in ESO

Gareth now resorts to a particularly insidious tactic and lets himself fall into the ropes. He admits that ESO truly has great quests, especially ones that are fully voiced. But that was just a nasty trick, now he prepares for a low blow. With a sly smile, he explains that this complete voice acting will surely cause bottlenecks in content creation. After all, the voice actors can’t always be available.

WildStar

A graphic style like that of ESO also ages quickly. The cartoon style of WildStar, on the other hand, remains a timeless classic. After all, even World of Warcraft still looks great today.

Jab against tweet-quest texts in WildStar

Chris coldly counters Gareth’s attack. He thinks it’s okay to wait a bit longer for great quests. The quest texts in WildStar, which often reminded him of Twitter messages, can surely be written in two weeks; quality just takes a bit longer.

Moreover, many players want beautiful graphics at the upper limit of technology to fully immerse themselves in the world. WildStar, however, only caters to an already saturated audience with more of the same.

The final round

In the last round, both challengers are looking a bit battered. Each has delivered the other some bruises, and the ring girls are not looking as tidy and fresh as they did in the earlier rounds.

The final gesture seems to be somewhat conciliatory as both will, of course, also play each other’s games.

TESO vs WildStar

Chris makes one last attempt: Many developers from other MMORPGs seem to have come together for WildStar to explore paths they couldn’t take before. It is a clear evolution of the genre, but perhaps this also results in a lack of a single grand vision, while the components are already perfect. The development studio has not set out to create ONE game or to implement a vision, but has assembled countless great features into a game that is far more than the sum of its parts. For ESO, however, he still finds that quite questionable.

Now it’s Gareth’s turn, to say something nice about WildStar. Wait – Gareth seems to look up briefly: What did he just say about ESO? Not more than the sum of its parts?

And the fight has ignited anew!

Mein-mmo.de asks:

[intense_testimonies]
[intense_testimony]
[intense_testimony_text]

What do you think? WildStar or ESO? Can there only be one or will you look at both? Which game are you putting your hopes in? Which game are you most looking forward to? Will it come down to a duel, or can perhaps WoW maintain its position? Will another game come back? Or will an underdog ascend the throne?

Surprise us. Disagree with us. Share your thoughts with us. Or just share this post if you liked it!

[/intense_testimony_text]
[intense_testimony_author image=”https://images.mein-mmo.de/magazin/medien/2014/02/mein-mmo-logo-mmorpg-150×50.jpg”][/intense_testimony_author]
[/intense_testimony]
[/intense_testimonies]

We will definitely stay on the ball.

This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.

ArcheAge: Start of beta in March?

Dawid Hallmann Dawid Hallmann Reading time 2 minutes

We reported a few weeks ago that the release of ArcheAge in the West, after a long wait, is gradually approaching. The English version is already almost fully localized and a beta for selected individuals is currently in progress. Obviously, this is no joke, as Trion Worlds, the publisher that will handle the game’s operations in America and Europe*, has revealed further information in a blog post!

Trion Worlds reports in this from a visit to the developer XL Games. For a week in Korea, many promising conversations were held, in which it became clear how important the sandbox elements of ArcheAge are for the Western version, and that one should continue to focus on these. Only by doing so can one give the whole thing a unique touch. Recently, there have been some not-so-positive reports from Asia regarding this, indicating that the game is increasingly drifting towards a theme park MMO due to the latest updates.

Logically, they didn’t just want to talk about game content. High priority was also given to discussions about the upcoming release and how to best approach the launch:

As we are now accelerating the endeavor, the meeting with the press in March, during the Game Developer’s Conference in San Francisco, will mark the start of enlightening information, with which we will officially promote – regarding the beta and more.

So, they are now officially promoting, which can only mean that concrete dates for the beta and perhaps even for the release will be announced in March. We will keep you updated! What do you think about ArcheAge? Have they kept us waiting too long for the beta, or can it still become a success?

*Russia is of course also part of Europe, but that is a different story. For those interested: The game officially launched there yesterday, under the Russian publisher Mail.Ru.

This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.

World of Warcraft: Female Dwarves and Orcs on the Operating Table!

Dawid Hallmann Dawid Hallmann Reading time 3 minutes

World of Warcraft: Both the strong female Orcs and the noble Dwarven women have a problem: The muscle-bound Orc men and the hairy Dwarven men have preferred to indulge in other crowns of creation rather than their own!

In the evening pub talks among men, you keep hearing the same excuses for their infidelities: they are “too expressionless and poorly made up” or they lack a “feminine touch“.

But what is the reason for this? Has the supposedly strong sex, who knows why, become weak? Rumor has it that black holes to parallel worlds are increasingly opening in the world of Azeroth. Until now, only men were allowed to investigate this mystery. Those who dared to venture through and took a closer look at the other world are unrecognizable.

A returning man suddenly began to speak of the Apocalypse: “Hear, hear! They will soon shut us down, save yourselves if you can! I saw terrifying figures making their way to destroy us! They are referred to as the so-called WoW killers in the other worlds!“.

Such people usually only cause laughter and are considered unrealistic.

Much worse are, for example, the human boys who supposedly return from a fantasy world named Arborea and speak of incredibly “hot” looking Castanic women; these guys filled the entire village with their devilishly attractive beings! Even though the female “Eves” are not immediate competition, since they are supposedly 7 million years apart, the reports left marks that scratched the ego.

The lack of attention due to the stories drove them simply mad. They could not understand that for years they had built something up and now, out of nowhere, they were chasing after younger flirts… One person’s misery is another person’s joy, because for this reason, designer doctors have once again been in high demand for a long time.

ALL human women will soon undergo surgery after the first test models make a promising impression. The men are now even talking about a soon return, but also unprecedented adventures have recently been increasingly sighted: “I always wanted to join your society, but your bodies were simply too dull for me so far!” This has, of course, not gone unnoticed by the female Orcs and Dwarves.

The first Orc and Dwarf test subjects will be examined more closely because they now also contribute to open jaws. Let’s start with the ‘redesign’ of the female Dwarves:

World of Warcraft: Female Dwarf
I’m quite a hotty now, aren’t I?

As we know, doctors express themselves slightly differently about such things, more technically. Nevertheless, it is interesting to know what they say about the redesign:

[intense_testimonies]
[intense_testimony]
[intense_testimony_text]It was a challenge for our character designers to find a balance between the classic model of the female Dwarf and the expressiveness of the new fluid animations.[/intense_testimony_text]
[intense_testimony_author company=”World of Warcraft Character Designer”][/intense_testimony_author]
[/intense_testimony]
[/intense_testimonies]

Last but not least, let’s also take a look at the hot female Orcs!

World of Warcraft: Female Orcs
Woe betide anyone who says I’m expressionless now!

In this endeavor, even two of the leading doctors wanted to inform us about the impressions they gained from the first test surgeries:

[intense_testimonies]
[intense_testimony]
[intense_testimony_text]The original facial expression of the female Orc is basically just a vacant stare that unfortunately conveys hardly any life or personality. We wanted to give her a bit more sharpness so that she radiates a confident “Don’t mess with me!” attitude (…)[/intense_testimony_text]
[intense_testimony_author company=”Lead Animator Steve Aguilar”][/intense_testimony_author]
[/intense_testimony]
[/intense_testimonies]

[intense_testimonies]
[intense_testimony]
[intense_testimony_text](…)The goal was a new model with significantly higher accuracy but classic appearance. We want a strong female counterpart to the male Orc – equally battle-ready in presence, yet still feminine.[/intense_testimony_text]
[intense_testimony_author company=”Character Artist Dusty Nolting”][/intense_testimony_author]
[/intense_testimony]
[/intense_testimonies]

I hope it has become clear here that the little introductory story was a little joke on my part 😉 The new character textures that will be introduced with the Warlords of Draenor addon are no joke, to make that clear once again.

Now your opinion is required: Are the new character textures almost reason enough for you to return to World of Warcraft or even start anew?

This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.
Source(s):
  1. Warlords of Draenor

The Secret World: The best single-player MMO that you have never played

Schuhmann Schuhmann Reading time 8 minutes

The Secret World has kept our tester Schuhmann busy for the last few nights. In this test, he tells you whether a detour into the world of zombies, vampires, and dark conspiracies is worth it.

The first thing that immediately stands out in TSW is that it is simply different. There is no race selection and no class selection during character creation. You play as a human, as strange as that thought may be. The guy I choose as my avatar is running around as a pretty unkempt hipster.

He wakes up from a nasty dream, suddenly has superpowers, and a guy explains to him: “Congratulations, you are now one of the Illuminati. If you survive the first week, it will surely be cool.”

Until then, I admit, I wasn’t particularly impressed. A week earlier, I had checked out DC Universe Online and there, the intro shows half the Earth being destroyed in breathtaking quality by superheroes and supervillains.

However, I look up for the first time when I meet a quest NPC. He runs a laundry in New York. He claims his girlfriend is okay; at least he knows she was replaced by the Illuminati with a robot. When I ask him what this is all about, he explains to me:

“Psst! They are everywhere!”

The interlude is so excellently synchronized and written that I lean a little closer to the monitor and start to take the game seriously.

I admit, I haven’t heard much about The Secret World. And yet, the game has been on the market for a year and a half. Is it really possible that a game was released into the world that is truly great but simply did not generate any buzz, that was not hyped enough?

It’s not quite like that, but let’s proceed step by step.

Welcome to Zombieland

The Secret World: Kingsmouth

After a visit to the Illuminati (wonderfully insane, designed and very amusing), I complete a tutorial in a subway station in Tokyo. Apparently, a zombie plague has broken out. I silently wonder what the hell zombies have to do with the Illuminati, and find myself, after a brief detour into a kind of fantasy-steampunk hollow world, in a little village. It looks like it came straight out of a Stephen King novel.

Kingsmouth is the name of the place. The “ahead” under the name sign has been replaced with a “dead”. I take a deep breath, take two steps, and suddenly I’m in an episode of The Walking Dead. Zombies are congregating in clusters on the street, cars are abandoned, and I get the feeling of playing State of Decay again.

A few hours later in the game, I am deeply engaged in a wild survival war against the zombies. I hadn’t paid much attention to the skill system until then, and my character only carries two pistols because I apparently have always wanted to be like Neo in The Matrix deep down.

Kingsmouth, it turns out, is plagued by a veritable zombie horde. The villagers are a trigger-happy and grumpy bunch, pragmatically talking with a redneck accent about flattening everything again. The missions at the beginning are rustic. Primarily, it’s about killing zombies, reinforcing barricades, then killing even more zombies, searching for survivors, and while we’re at it, killing even more zombies.

I wonder: Why the hell wasn’t the game a hit?

I recently played State of Decay, a real hit game, and that wasn’t much better. And I have friends who sit in front of the LED TV during The Walking Dead and keep track of how many zombies they shot and how many they decapitated with a samurai sword! Yes, they discuss for hours where and with which weapons and friends they would barricade themselves when the inevitable zombies knock on the door!

Unique Quest System

Quickly I realize that I have done the quest system an injustice. Questing is not nearly as simple as in many other MMORPGs I know so far. Because the quests are modular. No one forces you to complete a specific quest. I can pick and choose – well, except for the story mission, which is mandatory.

The Secret World

A story quest serves as the red thread, leading from zone to zone. In addition, there are numerous individual quest givers who assign main quests. Usually, these quests have several steps and take surprisingly long. Only one of these quests can be advanced at a time. So, mass-accepting and mass-turning in tasks during a brisk trip from quest hub A to quest hub B until the zone is done is not possible.

One advantage of TSW: When the quest is completed, you don’t have to return to the NPC, but can conveniently handle it by phone. After all, TSW takes place in our time. Additionally, you can also complete three side quests simultaneously, but that’s not too wild.

What is interesting are the different types of missions. The normal combat quests are the familiar “go there and take out something” stories. However, there are also sabotage quests that give the game a completely different flavor. Now, it’s about sneaking through solo instances, sneaking past laser barriers, outsmarting motion detectors and control schemes, and doing everything to avoid getting blown up. The missions may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but they are known from solo games and certainly provide a change of pace in gameplay.

Like in a Dan Brown Novel

However, the missions marked with a green computer are really different (different!). They are serious.

The Secret World Rätsel

Now, puzzles or little riddles aren’t anything special in MMORPGs. They are usually designed so that everyone can solve them. So, even completely clueless lemmings on Red Bull who haven’t slept for three days and whose attention span lies somewhere between a hummingbird and a desert gerbil. In The Secret World, it’s a bit different.

The puzzles have a quality like the stuff that Tom Hanks solves in the Dan Brown adaptations. So something like: “Hmm, this must be a reference to a Bible passage! But the Bible only has 5 books at that point, not 4! So it must be a reference to the Middle English verse epic Paradise Lost by Milton. Let me think if I can recite the passage from memory!” – Now some may think that I am exaggerating… No, I’m actually understating.

The only puzzles I could solve in-game without the use of a guide were the relatively simple mysteries of the main quests. I would have bitten my teeth on the puzzles of the specialist quests without Googling. I could have even gotten third and fourth teeth, and they would have also broken on the incredibly hard puzzles. Even when I read the solutions in the guide, I thought: How the hell did anyone ever come up with that? What alien intelligence thought this up? Were any Russian prodigies welded together into a think tank like in Minority Report, and did they come up with these crazy ideas?

I admit: I’m not used to having to really solve puzzles myself. Many years with MMORPGs fine-tuned for much younger games have softened me – at least that’s what I tell myself.

This feeling of being like Robert Langdon in a Dan Brown novel and waiting in vain for the director to tell me the genius solution text for the tricky problem was quite fascinating. However, it did scratch a bit at my ego.

The Skill System

The skill system in TSW is completely free. There are nine different weapon types into which points can be invested (3 melee weapons, 3 ranged weapons, and 3 spells), and there are also 3 different “armor” skills that run under talismans, which also occasionally need points so that you can wear armor pieces appropriate for your level.

The Secret World

The game really takes innovative paths here and sometimes leaves the player quite bewildered because they have no idea what to skill to become stronger. TSW does, however, provide some templates. They serve as suggestions for how to shape your character. If you cover all skills of a template, the game will also provide you with the appropriate outfit for it.

Oh, and while we’re on tips: Most modern MMORPGs use the “loot all” button as “V”; TSW uses “F” for that.

So why wasn’t the game a hit?

Yes, I’ve asked myself the same thing. I believe the game is definitely worth the one-time price, just to enjoy the missions and the atmosphere. However, the content does significantly decline at the endgame. Over time, everything becomes a bit slower and grindier. The fascination of the starting area wears off. Additionally, there’s not the motivation to always collect more items or compete as in other games.

Since the game is extremely story-based and takes new paths, it surprisingly doesn’t have the addictive potential of typical MMORPGs that primarily target the players’ hunting and collecting behavior. It often feels more like a really good novel that you don’t reread from the beginning in the end.

The game deserves significantly more success than it has received. Because Funcom, the operator, messed up the release pretty badly. The game launched with little fanfare against Diablo 3 and Guild Wars 2 – you don’t need to be a marketing genius to realize that this was not a brilliant idea.

The Secret World

Who should definitely check out this game?

  • Friends of Vampire – The Masquerade, for example. They will be greatly attracted by the unusual ambiance with the mix of the craziest conspiracy theories, our world, and the supernatural. If you enjoyed a movie like Fletcher’s Visions or count Lovecraft and Stephen King among your favorite authors, you are in the right place. A pinch of Constantine is also included.
  • Friends of really tricky puzzles and brain games. If someone has always wanted to show that they have what it takes to be Robert Langdon or Sherlock Holmes, this game is the right one. The puzzles are incredibly tricky, promoting extraordinary out-of-the-box thinking and a humanistic education, especially regarding crazy conspiracy theories. Fortunately, the puzzles are optional. Just engaging with them can make your IQ shoot up by at least 10 points.
  • Friends of survival and zombie series. The long first chapter in the game could also serve as a backdrop for Day of the Dead, The Walking Dead, or one of the many other dead scenarios that fans of the genre enjoy (scenarios, if you know what I mean). However, with a hefty dose of tentacle Lovecraft. Atmospherically and especially in terms of voice acting, the game is far ahead.
  • Friends of good single-player RPGs. For just under 25 euros, the game offers a great, long story with numerous quests and surprises. That’s perhaps 120, 150, or 200 hours of gameplay fun for 25 euros, which won’t run away from you. Well, you have to accept the typical grinding elements of MMORPG quests, which single-player games like to avoid.
Recommended editorial content

At this point you will find external content that complements the article.

I consent to external content being displayed to me. Personal data can be transmitted to third party platforms. Read more about our privacy policy.
Link to the external content
Oops, unfortunately this affiliate widget is no longer available.

The Secret World is the ideal game for gamers who think all MMORPGs are the same. Unfortunately, it’s not exactly the ideal game for MMORPG players.

My recommendation: There are still a few weeks until TESO comes out, and a few months until it starts with Wildstar or other games. There’s an incredible amount of game for little money waiting for any gamer who wants to pass the time until then.

This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.

The Elder Scrolls Online: Our daily dose of news give us today

Schuhmann Schuhmann Reading time 2 minutes

We from mein-mmo.de have of course noticed how much the fans of the game are craving news about the Fantasy MMORPG The Elder Scrolls Online, which will go live on April 4.

The publisher has now clarified a few details regarding the Imperial Edition. The features of this Collector’s Edition Box will only be unlocked on the release day. However, the Imperial Edition does allow early access to the game. The key point for many players was that they wanted to play an Imperial (a premium race available as a bonus in the Imperial Edition). They naturally wanted to play it a few days early thanks to the Imperial Edition head start bonus. But how would that work if the bonuses are only unlocked with the normal release?

The developer now gives the all-clear: It will be possible to create an Imperial during the head start with the Imperial Edition. The game developer Zenimax addresses further questions about the Imperial Edition in its FAQ.

Since the NDA on the game has been lifted, several more news about The Elder Scrolls Online have emerged. The magazine VG 247 speculated that it would take up to 150 hours to reach max level. This apparently assumes a leisurely pace of play.

Other sources state that it can be done in up to 80 hours if you skip the quest text and approach the game from a powergaming perspective. Some speculate that the value could even be driven down further.

The Elder Scrolls Online

We ask you: How do you want to approach the first days in The Elder Scrolls Online?

Will you take advantage of your head start with the Imperial Edition and aim for max level as quickly as possible? Or do you want to take your time, soak in the world, and take a more relaxed approach? Do you want to enjoy TESO like a single-player game as fully as possible, or do you want to quickly get into the endgame like an MMORPG to secure your place in the server hierarchy?

In the comments section or on our Facebook page, there is plenty of room for you to tell us how you envision your first steps in Tamriel.

We look forward to every comment.

This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.

Final Fantasy XIV – the most successful rebirth in history.

Dawid Hallmann Dawid Hallmann Reading time 7 minutes

The servers bloomed endlessly…

A few months ago we speculated whether Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn would continue to be so successful, after the hype around the game had calmed down a bit. The positive reports just kept coming in at first – reports were constantly flooding in that yet again a milestone in terms of player numbers had been reached and the capacities would need to be increased to cope with the mass influx.

On the one hand, this was certainly due to the fact that the release date in summer 2013 could not have been more favorable. Apart from Neverwinter and maybe Dragon’s Prophet, there were hardly any noteworthy releases in the previous year in the online RPGs. On the other hand, Square Enix also did everything right with the renewed release.

Without regard to financial losses, they completely withdrew the first version (Final Fantasy XIV) from the market, shut down the servers, and improved it for almost 2 years in every respect. They did not want to experience such a fiasco again and put everything on one card – now or never – it was necessary to meet the expectations of the critical community with such a upheaval.

Survived the difficult time after the hype?

More than half a year after the second release, it is now time to draw a preliminary conclusion. Was it despite the initial euphoria just a long drawn-out “one-hit wonder” or did the reincarnation actually lead to the Final Fantasy MMO now being able to take a place in the upper segment of the fiercely competitive market for a longer period of time.

The skepticism is not unfounded. After all, the first version of the game was withdrawn due to many shortcomings, and it should not have gone unnoticed that many other highly praised MMORPGs, after a spectacular start, suffered heavy losses – especially those that have chosen pay-to-play as a business model.

Final Fantasy XIV

But we don’t want to beat around the bush:

Final Fantasy: A Realm Reborn has reached Olympus.

Maybe not as Zeus, because that is WoW, but Apollo, the god of healing, comes very close – Final Fantasy has completely recovered from its first setback, and the severe wounds were able to heal. With this success, it even surpasses Jesus Christ, because the holy son of God disappeared just 3 days after his resurrection. And unfortunately never returned.

In our article about the best MMORPGs in 2013, we didn’t name FF XIV:ARR for nothing the “surprise of the year”. Surely, the brave step of essentially starting from scratch played a significant role that we wanted to pay respect to. Admittedly, it doesn’t always hit the modern MMO spirit of today in gameplay, and in the West, the unusual Asian style sometimes causes headaches, which is nothing new, but one fact should not be overlooked here: It is just totally coherent in terms of overall concept and apparently gives a lot of players fun. That’s the most important thing, right?

Of course, some blockbusters are coming our way this year, and one simply cannot assess what impact these titles will have, which is why one should mention it as a footnote “under reservation”. However, we think that a loyal fanbase has been formed here and that players especially appreciate the proven features. Furthermore, we are talking about one of the most well-known gaming brands in the world.

1.8 Million Players and PS4 Version

Mogry FF XIV

The statement from the sympathetic producer Yoshida, that Final Fantasy XIV: ARR currently has 1.8 million active players, confirms the ongoing upward trend – it is still going up! That is already a very remarkable number that probably few analysts would have predicted. Of course – this MMO is available on multiple platforms, so the numbers need to be looked at a bit differently, yet a higher popularity cannot be denied.

For some time now, Square Enix has also been working on a polished console version – and this does not mean an improved PS3 version, no no, but the debut on the PS4 – with a specially adapted next-gen edition. Apart from DC Universe Online, there is no real MMORPG alternative on the Playstation 4. Another boost is therefore already programmed. It will take several months before the next-gen console versions of The Elder Scrolls Online are released.

The following video briefly summarizes the special features of the PlayStation 4 version:

Recommended editorial content

At this point you will find external content that complements the article.

I consent to external content being displayed to me. Personal data can be transmitted to third party platforms. Read more about our privacy policy.
Link to the external content

Compared to the PS3 version, especially the numerous technical improvements stand out:

  • Experience the graphics even more beautifully, in a sharp full HD (1080p) look.
  • Improved performance: No frame rate drops are to be expected.
  • Remote play possible via PlayStation®Vita – collecting or crafting on the go? No problem!
  • Share features – share screenshots with friends or stream your game online.
  • Mouse & keyboard are compatible – ideal for gamers who prefer to play an MMORPG with these input devices.

Players with a PS3 version can presumably switch to the PS4 version for free on April 11, 2014, but there is no going back with the transferred account. Since yesterday, on February 19, the Open Beta has already started, where everyone can participate to get a personal impression. The official launch of the PS4 version is scheduled for April 14.

Buy game on Amazon

The PS4 standard version of Final Fantasy XIV is already available for a cheap 35€. For the collector’s edition, you’ll have to pay around 70€ to enjoy the additional content (both versions are available to buy at ).

We will take a closer look at the contents of the collector’s edition. The infographic shown here illustrates well what to expect when purchasing this special version:

Collectors Edition Final Fantasy XIV PS4

New game content is secured

With an aggressive update policy, they want to ensure that players remain in the world of Eorzea and thus in Final Fantasy 14: A Realm Reborn. Patch 2.1 – “Eorzea’s Awakening” – has already shown quite well what course the developer is willing to take. The game improvements were almost like an expansion. However, good things take time, and it always takes about 3-4 months before a change comes.

2.2 – “Through the Maelstrom”– continues where 2.1 left off and will likely be released at the end of March. With plenty of new content. You can expect new dungeons, crafting recipes, quests for the state corporations, fishing challenges, and aesthetic hairstyles as well as a brand new storyline and much more.

Is Final Fantasy XIV worth it for me?

If you can answer most points of this checklist with a “yes,” then there’s really nothing standing in the way of a visit:

I am a crafting enthusiast: FF XIV offers true paradise in this regard. Each profession is essentially its own class that you can level up and continually improve with new equipment items and skills. The crafted products are of higher value and not so unimportant for the gameplay.

I like variety in classes: The flexible class and job system is one of the hallmarks of Final Fantasy and allows for many individual play styles. You can even learn and level all base and associated job classes (a further specialization that arises from combining two base classes) on one character without having to create a twink.

I prefer tactical battles and a semi-turn-based combat system: In combat, tactical depth takes center stage. If you prefer an action-packed real-time fight, like in Tera, then you won’t be happy here – because this combat system is considered old-fashioned in comparison.

I am a fan of the Final Fantasy series or at least don’t mind: If you’ve played games in this universe before, you’ll feel at home immediately and meet familiar characters. Those who know FF know that the story can be a bit peculiar and quirky. You should be able to handle that.

Asian influences in the setting are fine by me: You should be aware that this is a Japanese game. While there won’t be overly exaggerated weapons, you will often encounter cute mythical creatures, face exaggerated visual effects, and occasionally wear outfits linked to Asian preferences.

Final Fantasy Mount

I can play calmly on an international server: Final Fantasy 14 is completely playable in German, but there is no German server. However, the European server “Shiva” is recommended, where most German players have settled. In the group finder, you can also filter by languages when looking for players.

I place high value on good graphics and appropriate atmosphere: The game offers beautiful scenery and is graphically at a very high level. The environments, characters, and even the boss designs definitely show well. Additionally, the MMORPG offers many possibilities for role-playing.

I feel at home in group-oriented online RPGs: To continue the storyline at certain points, completing group tasks is necessary. Are you not a team player in online games or don’t you like interacting with other players? Then Final Fantasy is only partially for you.

I like challenging dungeons and raids as well as fixed roles: The structure of class roles is defined in instances and directed towards the Holy Trinity of tanks, damage dealers, and healers, which are important pillars in combat. The boss fights are spectacularly staged and, depending on the mode, relatively demanding.

PvP is not that important to me: In comparison to some other MMORPGs, the PvP share, with just one arena, is quite low. In the future, according to Yoshida, players can expect something very “big”, but until then, PvP players don’t have much to do.

I don’t need great innovations in quests: Overall, most tasks are rather simple and conventional. While there are dynamic events and several different group contents, essentially it boils down to delivery quests and “kill this and collect that” quests. However, the main story is very exciting to follow.

Cross-platform? Yay! Whether console players or PC gamers: In Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn, everyone plays together. This has its advantages and disadvantages, which everyone can imagine.

Final Fantasy XIV

Perhaps this list has helped you in your decision for or against the game. Otherwise, it is also a commendable change to pass the time until the release of TESO or WildStar! A little note for the start: I found it a bit boring. BUT it is worth sticking with it because it gets significantly better from level 15! At least that was my experience.

P.S.: Those who do not yet own a PC version can find out about a purchase here on Amazon:

Oops, unfortunately this affiliate widget is no longer available.
This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.

Neverwinter: Orc Alarm? Orknado? Attack of the mutated giant orcs?

Schuhmann Schuhmann Reading time < 1 minutes

No, this message is not about the latest trash movie that Tele 5 presents in its series about the worst movies of all time. The tower district in Neverwinter is of course not being attacked by orc-shark mutants, but merely by bloodthirsty, pillaging, and quite ordinary murderously inclined … ORCS!

If you are reading this, the event “Orc Attack” is already in full swing. From February 20 at 7 PM to February 24 at 7 PM, the multiple arrow orcs will ravage the tower district in the online game Neverwinter.

Recommended editorial content

At this point you will find external content that complements the article.

I consent to external content being displayed to me. Personal data can be transmitted to third party platforms. Read more about our privacy policy.
Link to the external content

The Dungeons & Dragons MMORPG Neverwinter is free to play (free-to-play) and still relatively new to the market. During the event, for which we also present a trailer, it will be possible for brave heroes (that means you) to loot fantastic items.

So if you didn’t get a key for the WildStar Beta or are just in the mood to give the old black pelts a good beating again, the weekend starts with a hearty brawl in Neverwinter!

This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.

WoW: 9 Clauses of the Terms of Use Declared Invalid!

Björn Hallmann Björn Hallmann Reading time 2 minutes

Interesting Verdict Against Blizzard Announced

artwork-uther-the-lightbringer1-large

Recently, we all learned that World of Warcraft – the MMO giant among online games – still has quite a respectable number of players and this year, given the new expansion “Warlords of Draenor” and despite a high-profile competition, there might be even more players joining. The development should definitely remain exciting. But did you know what has been stated in the terms of use so far? No? Don’t worry! Who reads the fine print anyway, we just want to play!

Well, the fact that reading such conditions can occasionally be useful is demonstrated by a recent ruling against Blizzard Entertainment S. A. S. (France), which was just announced by the Berlin Regional Court. The lawsuit was filed by the Federal Association of Consumer Organizations (vzbv). For your convenience, we will summarize three highlights from the legalese briefly:

  • Failed credit card charges must not lead to the suspension of access to an online game without prior notice.
    thrall2-large
    [Blizzard could have even deleted your account according to the terms of use.]
  • The legal right of termination must not be circumvented. [You could only terminate (within the ongoing payment month) in case of a total failure if the service was down for more than 72 hours without prior notice.]
  • Online computer games with monthly fees must not change their prices arbitrarily. [The now-amended terms of use even stipulated that the terms of use, services, and prices could be changed at any time and almost arbitrarily.]

Small Conclusion:

Well, everything has been brought back into the right light thanks to the Federal Association of Consumer Organizations and Blizzard promptly amended the terms of use. Nevertheless, there remains a bitter aftertaste, which once again shows how advisable it can be to read through what one usually swallows so obediently to finally be able to play. 🙁

thrall-large

If you are somewhat familiar with judgments and want to read more about the little legal slap on the wrist for Blizzard, you can read the ruling here directly as a PDF. It might also be quite interesting to see how such a ruling is announced in the name of the people, if you have never seen it before. One would almost say it is rather unspectacular. 😀

If you enjoyed the little excursion into the world of jurisprudence, please feel free to share our post. We appreciate it and say thank you!

This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.
Source(s):
  1. vzbv

TESO: The Blacksmithing in the Developer Video and More!

Björn Hallmann Björn Hallmann Reading time 3 minutes

One of the trendiest professions in Tamriel: Blacksmithing

“There are countless development opportunities for enthusiastic craftsmen in ESO.”

Indeed, this is how the latest post begins at The Elder Scrolls Online. Admittedly, this is a bit presumptuous, but nevertheless crafting in TESO actually seems interesting and since there will likely be no regular auction house as we know it from other online games for the foreseeable future, I am curious how sought-after items can be sold profitably (Keyword: Trade Guilds?). Also – and this has thankfully been adopted from the series – every character should be able to perform any profession (at least this was the case in the beta). You can farm all materials and skill every profession. Whether this can be maximized to the absolute limit and whether it makes sense within a guild, that remains to be seen. Based on the current experience, one can probably manage quite well alone as a “hardcore player.” For those with less time who don’t want to constantly stuff their pockets with materials that they can only process tediously, it might be more advisable to join some kind of trade association. 😉

Blacksmithing TESO

Of trained eyes, special workshops, and craft experts

Be that as it may, in the likely first detailed video about the crafting skills, the creators of The Elder Scrolls Online introduce us to the forging of weapons and armor made of metal. You will learn a bit more about the individual skill options like “Trained Eye” and get a brief explanation of what a “Workshop” is – there you should be able to craft special Set Items. By the way, such places are a reason why it’s worth traveling off the quest paths in Tamriel and taking a look in every corner. Little anecdote: Actually, I stumbled upon such a “Workshop” in the beta without the knowledge that special items could be crafted here. Well, learned something new! 😀

And off we go: If you destroy items with special properties, such as (probably) also things that you have crafted in one of these workshops, you can learn to craft armor or weapons with these special skills. In this way, you can become true experts in specific fields. Imagine being one of the “few” who can craft almost every type of sword. With that, you could become sought-after virtual craftsmen all over Tamriel. Well, let’s see how things develop over time.

Workshop

So, that’s enough. If you haven’t watched the video yet, take a look and otherwise let’s wait together for the next crafting video, which we will of course draw your attention to again on Mein MMO.

A little tip: If you’re not great with English, you can click on the letter-like symbol in the bottom right of the video. That stands for subtitles, in case they aren’t already displayed. 🙂

Oh, you know what? Since I am being so generous with foreign video material, have a look at this daring thesis: “The Elder Scrolls Online will destroy World of Warcraft!” One might almost say: WoW! Here are the staggering 21 reasons why this might be the case, as “EE-Gaming” claims:

[intense_video video_type=”youtube” video_url=”http://youtu.be/foP3CnK2MI8″ video_size=”auto” /]

Guys, if you need something to discuss on Facebook and Co. and feel like a bit of provocation, then share our post! We are – even though the claims are somewhat older – curious to see what will come of it. 😀

This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.

WildStar – The Adventures Draw Near!

Cortyn Cortyn Reading time < 1 minutes

After last week’s trailer for the adventures in WildStar was released, Carbine goes into more detail and publishes a new “DevSpeak” video as well as a completely new page on this topic.

According to this information, there will be 6 different adventures at the launch of the game, all of which will have both a normal and an advanced mode – thus, one will still have fun with this content even at maximum level. As a reward, titles, equipment items, and of course the adventure itself await, which is never supposed to be played the same way.

Furthermore, over 40,000 beta keys have been distributed to lucky winners this upcoming weekend, who will get to soar to Nexus for three days – a sure sign that the NDA will be lifted soon and more detailed reporting will be possible.

Recommended editorial content

At this point you will find external content that complements the article.

I consent to external content being displayed to me. Personal data can be transmitted to third party platforms. Read more about our privacy policy.
Link to the external content

Additionally, today on the official site, an article titled “What are WildStar adventures” has been published, which reveals further information.

This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.

WoW – Level Up at Cash Register 3, please.

Cortyn Cortyn Reading time < 1 minutes

After today’s maintenance work, some players experienced a display error and were consequently able to see the announced payment service in the in-game shop of World of Warcraft: the boost to level 90. If nothing changes, the price for the immediate rise to level 90 is a hefty $60, which is approximately €45.

With the announcement of “Warlords of Draenor“, this service was discussed. Every player receives a character at level 90 for free with the purchase of the expansion, allowing them to dive right into the action.

It remains to be seen whether this price is final, as it is significantly higher than the cost of the actual expansion, which typically only amounts to €30-40 – thus, it would be cheaper to simply buy additional versions of “Warlords of Draenor” – a price reduction of the service is therefore likely.

Recommended editorial content

At this point you will find external content that complements the article.

I consent to external content being displayed to me. Personal data can be transmitted to third party platforms. Read more about our privacy policy.
Link to the external content
This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.

Everquest Next Landmark: In eight weeks one will finally be able to die!

Schuhmann Schuhmann Reading time 2 minutes

The alpha of Everquest Next Landmark has been running for a while now. The Chief Developer of Sony Online Entertainment, Dave Gregson, has now presented the roadmap for the coming months in the official forum of Everquest Next.

In Phase One, which will cover the next four weeks, the focus will primarily be on improving gameplay comfort. The developers want to make it easier for players to build and communicate with each other through chat channels. Additionally, the world is expected to grow and expand further.

SOE particularly values the “togetherness” at Everquest Next Landmark. Many of the features are designed to ensure that players can realize larger projects together and do not feel like they are in constant competition for space and resources with other players.

The predictions for the second and third phases are still quite vague. In the second phase, the combat system is to be further developed. Players will finally be able to die (Yay!). But don’t worry, the resurrection system will naturally be introduced as well (hopefully at the same time). Additionally, during this phase, significant adjustments will be made to the crafting system, the world will continue to grow, and new gameplay mechanics will be introduced.

For example, in the second phase, there will also be loot for expanding caves. The second phase will be rolled out all at once in about eight weeks.
Everything beyond this second phase is presently summarized by SOE in the rather nebulous block “third phase”.

Important for players: Depending on when a phase is completed, it may well be possible that SOE will transition from alpha to a closed beta. Although the information on this is not exactly water-tight, with a bit of goodwill and imagination, one can read between the lines something like:  “If everything goes well, we can start the closed beta in 2-3 months.”

Recommended editorial content

At this point you will find external content that complements the article.

I consent to external content being displayed to me. Personal data can be transmitted to third party platforms. Read more about our privacy policy.
Link to the external content
This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.
Source(s):
  1. EQNL Roadmap

Camelot Unchained: Defeat four enemies, grow two centimeters!

Schuhmann Schuhmann Reading time 2 minutes

The fantasy MMORPG Camelot Unchained is considered one of the hottest projects for the coming years. It was made possible through the crowdfunding platform Kickstarter. There, the project, which sees itself in the tradition of Dark Age of Camelot, raised over 2.2 million US dollars. At the moment, chief developer Mark Jacobs is giving genre fans excitement with regular previews and blogs. In the latest blog, he revives one of the most fascinating ideas from Warhammer Online.

In the current developer diary Piercing the Veil #6, Jacobs addresses an idea that was on the back burner for a long time in Warhammer Online but was never realized. Wouldn’t it be great if the characters experienced model changes as they succeed and age in the game? In Warhammer, it was once planned that Orcs – as in the source material – would continue to grow as long as they defeated more enemies. A great idea that unfortunately was never realized for technical reasons.

Mark Jacobs was thus astonished when his idea was met with open ears during a brainstorming session with the technicians. Apparently, they just nodded and said it could be done. However, not all classes are supposed to be affected by the aging and growth processes. Mark Jacobs mentioned that certain races like the Dvegr would petrify as they gain power or that the tails of the Hamadryads would continue to grow.

What is Camelot Unchained

The fantasy MMORPG Camelot Unchained will surely remain in the development pipeline for a while. At the moment, everything points to it developing into a niche PvP game. Jacobs is not in favor of planning another theme park sandbox MMORPG (as they are currently in development with Wildstar and Everquest Next), but wants to provide a home for a fan community that comes from Dark Age of Camelot and Warhammer Online. His goal is to create challenging and strategically exciting PvP.

Among the most interesting announcements of the game at the moment are the possibility to level solely through PvP; a complex housing and crafting system that allows players to create houses, mines, and other items themselves, and a pure crafter class.

We will certainly keep you updated on how the exciting MMORPG Camelot Unchained develops from our perspective in the future, even though it is still in its infancy at the moment.

This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.
Source(s):
  1. Camelotunchained.com: Piercing the Veil™ #6

Defiance – Comprehensive Introduction to the MMOTPS!

Björn Hallmann Björn Hallmann Reading time 4 minutes

The teaser is a small taste of the “things” that will come even thicker in Defiance. 😉

Five Let’s Plays introduce you to the essential components of the online game

We have already introduced Defiance in a few posts and also pointed out the further development of the MMOTPS. Next week, the third DLC for the first season will already start, which we are looking forward to and are curious about how the new features of the 7th Legion will play out. Changes will occur, as we reported, for those who do not want to buy the new DLC (e.g. improved chat system), as well as for those who are eagerly awaiting it. However, aside from that, this post aims to provide a more comprehensive introduction to the game itself. With five Let’s Plays, we want to introduce you to Defiance in more detail and highlight some aspects. This should be particularly interesting for anyone looking for a new MMO shooter for casual play and who enjoys a post-apocalyptic scenario.

Before we dive into the four new Let’s Plays, here’s our first video about the MMOTPS that seamlessly connects to the others. As a reminder: In the first part, you will learn everything about getting started in the game, the complete character creation, and much more. We also go through the starting area with you. If you already know the video, you can just skip to the second part of our video introduction. 🙂

Recommended editorial content

At this point you will find external content from YouTube that complements the article.

I consent to external content being displayed to me. Personal data can be transmitted to third party platforms. Read more about our privacy policy.
Link to the YouTube content

The second video introduction: DLC equipment, perks, nano effects, and much more.

In the second part of our video introduction, we introduce you to the current DLC equipment (1st + 2nd DLC) as well as some alternative outfits from the shop. Is it worth buying from the Defiance shop? You will know more shortly. The weapons from the DLCs immediately allow for triggering nano effects from the start. We will explain what it’s all about. It’s also time to assign the first perk we unlocked in the starting area. What are perks and what should you consider when allocating them? Yes, yes, you’ll know shortly. 😀

In Defiance, equipment can be “disassembled” or “split“, meaning you destroy the respective item permanently and receive the so-called ark rating in return. WARNING: The “disassembly” should be approached with caution! Mark important items as favorites to avoid accidentally disassembling them.

Recommended editorial content

At this point you will find external content from YouTube that complements the article.

I consent to external content being displayed to me. Personal data can be transmitted to third party platforms. Read more about our privacy policy.
Link to the YouTube content

The third video introduction: Vehicles, data recorders, quest objectives, and more about game atmosphere

In the third part of our Let’s Play video introduction – shortly LPVE, ha ha, small joke 😀 – we first introduce you to the first vehicle we received from the first DLC. With the four-seater (yes, you can drive around with four people), we head directly to the first data recorder. What is a data recorder and why is it useful to find them? We will explain it to you! The benefits are: You can unlock additional equipment AND learn more about the story backgrounds. Save yourself expensive purchases in the Defiance shop and collect achievements instead – it’s fun, and the game remains free aside from the DLC expansions.

What can you actually buy with the Scrips, the in-game currency? For instance, find out where you can buy the matching headgear for the starting gear. We will also explain what Scrips are, what can be done with the ark rating, and what you need keycodes for. Check it out! 🙂

http://youtu.be/W9kFgCbCjtc

The fourth video introduction: Weapon and vehicle skills and the first main mission

In the fourth LPVE (muahaahaa), so video introduction, we show you the statistics display of the MMOTPS. Here you can see your weapon and vehicle skills. These can be increased by directly using a certain type of weapon or vehicle. Deal more damage with your favorite weapon or accelerate faster with your favorite vehicle (Roller, Runner, Cerberus).

Next, we’re off to the first real main mission. As an ark hunter, unfortunately, your client has gone missing. You need to find him again, but unfortunately, the guys from the “Earth Republic” will only cooperate if we help them master some missions. So let’s go! Let’s take out some snipers. Our attractive ark hunter receives help directly from other players, thus shortening the actual quest. Check it out!

“Shivani” will actually receive the first official vehicle, a Roller, which you can already drive without a DLC. Towards the end of the video, we’ll say a few words about the shields in the game.

http://youtu.be/Mt6xLqgtkB8

The fifth video introduction: Side missions, roller, map, and the first small archenfall

To conclude our rather extensive introduction, we show you in the fifth Let’s Play the first two side missions and the advantages of the roller that our pretty ark hunter just received. Also – what a coincidence – we directly get into a first very small archenfall, where we need to eliminate some Hellbugs.

Lastly, we introduce you to the map. Where are the merchants, what are main and side missions on the map, what’s up with the repeatable quests, and where can you find archenfalls as well as faction missions? We will show you, dive in!

Recommended editorial content

At this point you will find external content that complements the article.

I consent to external content being displayed to me. Personal data can be transmitted to third party platforms. Read more about our privacy policy.
Link to the external content

So, I hope you enjoyed this little beginner’s introduction. If you feel like playing Defiance, just click the button on the right and off you go! For my part, I can particularly recommend the game as an alternative shooter for casual play. The graphics are nice, the atmosphere fits, the costs are low, the story interesting, and the game itself is fun. Also exciting is the combination of online game and TV series, which also exists to match the game and lets fans dive deeper into the post-apocalyptic scenario of Earth. Oh, you know what, here’s just a little bonus, the season recap of the first TV season:

Recommended editorial content

At this point you will find external content that complements the article.

I consent to external content being displayed to me. Personal data can be transmitted to third party platforms. Read more about our privacy policy.
Link to the external content

If you enjoyed the post, we’d be happy if you recommend it to your friends – you know, sharing is sexy! 🙂

This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.

TESO Press Review II: Epic PvP Fuels Hype!

Schuhmann Schuhmann Reading time 3 minutes

Last week, we extensively reported on the first impressions of the German and international gaming press on the highly anticipated MMORPG hope The Elder Scrolls Online. Today, we want to dedicate ourselves to this task again. This time, we focus on PvP, which is certainly a knockout criterion for many gamers.

No other topic currently drives the MMORPG world as much as the planned release of The Elder Scrolls Online on April 4. The Facebook group around TESO is going crazy, fans are clamoring for another round of beta, teasers and first gameplay videos are achieving record clicks. In response to initial cautious criticism, the fans are not exactly composed. For many, it is clear: The Elder Scrolls Online will be the new top game, will be the next virtual home, it simply has to be!

The hype around TESO is enormous

It was to be expected that TESO would cause an incredible hype because the single-player franchise has garnered a loyal and almost fanatical following. However, the dimensions that the hype has now taken on are still surprising.

MMORPG hype

With all this hype, it’s no wonder that the gaming press is diving into TESO and eagerly absorbing every new piece of information. Otherwise, there is the calm before the storm that many experts expect from the release of Wildstar and other titles starting in 2014.

PvP is a sensitive topic for developer Zenimax and The Elder Scrolls Online because it was not intended in the single-player version. Players appreciated the stories, the role-play aspects, and the feeling of being part of a dynamic world that needs to be explored and gradually uncovered.

Let’s take a look at the impressions from the gaming press:

First storm the castle, then slaughter the defenders!

The Elder Scrolls Online: Castle Battles

Onlinewelten.com: The tester from Onlinewelten describes in detail the mechanics of the PvP battle. Currently, he still lacks an in-game announcement for having reached level 10 and thus earned access to the PvP areas. However, he expects that the feature will be added later.

In the actual PvP, as can be gathered from the test, it takes a bit longer until there is finally a direct conflict between the attackers and the defenders of a castle. It probably takes a while to storm the castle first. According to the tester, this while does not seem to be filled with nail-biting action. The long running distances and downtime between skirmishes particularly bothered the tester, and he sadly misses collision detection.

For him, the PvP in Cyrodiil strongly resembles the strategic castle battles from Dark Age of Camelot or Guild Wars 2’s WvW. For players who prefer roaming in large groups and rushing from hotspot to hotspot, the system is definitely suitable. However, those looking for skirmishes and fast action may be disappointed with the PvP. However, the tester points out that on the server where he tested PvP, not much was happening and that it would surely be different at launch.

The tester’s overall impression is neither particularly negative nor overwhelmingly positive.

Gamestar.de: The Gamestar editor Petra Schmitz misses the feeling of a group-oriented online RPG in ESO’s PvE and describes it as an “I run around alone and only get annoyed with other players” experience. However, surprisingly, the PvP looks quite different.

[intense_testimonies]
[intense_testimony]
[intense_testimony_text]It is all the more astonishing that the part where you have to rely most on teammates comes across so promising: the PvP. It already makes an excellent impression and will probably captivate me as intensely as the battles in Dark Age of Camelot once did. Well, the PvP modes are indeed remarkably similar. I won’t claim that I would prefer to only play the castle battles, because I like ESO’s quests too much, but I already know that I will tend to roam more on the battlefields of Cyrodiil than in Skyrim.

The accompanying video is also worth watching, where the whole spectacle in Cyrodiil is made short and sweet:

Recommended editorial content

At this point you will find external content that complements the article.

I consent to external content being displayed to me. Personal data can be transmitted to third party platforms. Read more about our privacy policy.
Link to the external content

MMORPG.com once again enthusiastic

Mmorpg.com: The tester from Mmorpg was extremely optimistic about the release of TESO in the first preview last week. Also in PvP, which is evident early on in the test report, TESO hits the full taste of the English tester. Other than Guild Wars 2, there were no other current games focusing on the great and epic battle for castles. That’s why he is looking forward to the title so much. For mmorpg.com, TESO succeeds or fails with the PvP system. And as one quickly realizes: It stands!

The tester especially appreciates that, unlike Guild Wars 2, there is only one queue, which means he is always on the map where the action is. And the map is indeed gigantic. According to mmorpg.com, the battlefield of TESO spans the same size as the entire game Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion.

The huge map is intelligently designed and gives players the opportunity to use the terrain to their advantage. Exciting ambushes and flanking attacks become possible. The long travel distances that other testers complain about do not bother mmorpg.com. On the contrary! This allows for victories and lasting advantages because opponents aren’t immediately at the door again.

Additionally, players are not dependent on running with the largest group of allies, the so-called blob or zerg. The tester has also achieved great successes in small groups using backdoor tactics. Moreover, the tester praised the excellent performance of PvP in TESO.

The overall impression of the tester was extraordinarily positive and should give everyone a better feeling, especially those who may have had doubts in the past weeks.

Elder Scrolls Online PvP Cyrodiil

Clear parallels to Guild Wars 2 and Dark Age of Camelot

Buffed.de: The Buffed tester took a quick look at PvP. The concept strongly reminds him of Guild Wars 2. However, he was somewhat irritated by the strict barrack tone on the server. Especially since only English is spoken on the battlefields, a German server is not planned for TESO.

Gamona.de: The tester from gamona has not had much experience with PvP in the past. So he likes the PvP in TESO much better now. Due to the automatic elevation to max level 50, there is no great barrier to overcome. The PvP seems fair and exciting to him, both in the epic large battles and during the smaller skirmishes. The combat system, which primarily rewards the individual player’s abilities, pleased the tester greatly. He also found praise for the smooth performance even during heavy traffic on the server.

[pull_quote_center]PvP – And it went BOOM![/pull_quote_center]

-Thomas Hinsberger, Gamona

In the end, a distinctly positive impression remains.

The hand on the crown for the emperor title!

Emperor Armor TESO

Pcgames.de: At PC Games, you have to look quite a bit to find out what the testers really think of the game. Not in the test, but only at the end of an attached video do you learn more specific opinions about the PvP. The tester Matthias, inexperienced in PvP, finds the epic character of PvP in Cyrodiil fantastic. The tester Maria, who is experienced in PvP, sees great similarities to Guild Wars 2 and the old Dark Age of Camelot. According to her, there are still some problems with the interface and chat functions; she hasn’t really gotten the hang of it. However, both noticed that it seems almost impossible for solo players to make an impact in Cyrodiil.

A positive conclusion remains.

Sottonic.de: The tester from Softtonic starts off on the wrong foot with PvP. Since the tutorial has not yet been implemented, he overlooked the opportunity to teleport directly to the instanced PvP area. Instead, the tester tried to get there on foot. The path led him through some high-level zones, where he was repeatedly ganked by mobs. He started the PvP quite frustrated.

As an enthusiastic role-player, the PvP is not really his home. Moreover, he finds the battles chaotic, monotonous, and poorly balanced. However, the tester praises that for the first time, a “we” feeling emerged during the battles. He particularly asks Zenimax to ensure that role-players are not disturbed by the PvP.

Recommended Articles:

Mein MMO - MMORPG and more!

We at mein-mmo.de think: The PvP mix of TESO sounds like an exciting blend of Dark Age of Camelot and Guild Wars 2. Especially the prospect of becoming emperor and finally showing everyone who has the hand on the crown makes us dream of glory and honor!

This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.

The Elder Scrolls Online: NDA aufgehoben!

Dawid Hallmann Dawid Hallmann Reading time < 1 minutes

From now on, players can share their impressions from the TESO Beta with others – it will be interesting to see how the MMORPG has been received from the players’ perspective. Until recently, this privilege was granted only to a selected press. Admittedly, many probably expected it, especially since other game developers increasingly rely on almost absolute transparency. So, the lifting of the NDA about 1.5 months before release seems a bit unusual.

Moreover, almost randomly millions of players were invited to the tests, some of whom did not adhere to it anyway (which is not really a surprise). Be that as it may, we can now officially discuss the upcoming MMORPG highlight The Elder Scrolls Online without any gag order. By the way, we only have to sleep 47 more times until we can roam Tamriel, yay! I am most looking forward to the PvP, how about you?

[intense_testimonies]
[intense_testimony]
[intense_testimony_text]Many of our testers have long wanted to make their impressions of The Elder Scrolls Online public, and we will now unleash these on the world. From today, the non-disclosure agreement (NDA) is lifted, so you can share your opinions with others! (…) You can now stream gameplay, take screenshots, or discuss the game wherever you want during future tests.[/intense_testimony_text]
[intense_testimony_author image=”https://images.mein-mmo.de/magazin/medien/2013/12/teso-logo-200×88.png”][/intense_testimony_author]
[/intense_testimony]
[/intense_testimonies]

This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.
Source(s):
  1. elderscrollsonline.com/de

Ein neuer WildStar Flick – Abenteuer für jeden!

Cortyn Cortyn Reading time < 1 minutes

In the latest video from Carbine, the developer studio behind “WildStar“, a bit more is explained about a form of group content, namely “Adventures”.

It appears to be instanced areas that require a group of 5 people and start with the “Guardian” – an artificial intelligence left behind by the Eldan, which was used to observe life on Nexus. In Adventures, it is not only about the combat performance of the group, but other dangers must also be mastered, presumably in the form of small mini-games or short quest episodes. Unlike dungeons or raids, Adventures are only simulations, so the scenarios played have no impact on the main story – and can be repeated endlessly.

The most outstanding feature is the variety of choices that players can make within the different simulations, so an adventure can take a different course depending on the decisions made. Whether these decisions are made democratically within the group, alternately, or according to the “first come, first served” principle is still unknown.

Anyone who has not yet watched this quite amusing video can catch up on it here and get their own impression of what the characters of WildStar will experience in the near future:

Recommended editorial content

At this point you will find external content that complements the article.

I consent to external content being displayed to me. Personal data can be transmitted to third party platforms. Read more about our privacy policy.
Link to the external content

We hope that it plays as amusingly as it currently appears in the trailer.

P.S.: A developer video about the adventures has now been released.

This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.

The 5 most popular gaming mice

Schuhmann Schuhmann Reading time 5 minutes

After the keyboards were recently reviewed, today we will look at the most popular gaming mice according to Amazon sales rankings (as of February 12, 2014).

According to a statistic I just made up, 28.3% of all game characters die each year from mouse slips, misclicks or faulty micro-management caused by the use of inadequate mice! Moreover, gamers using a poor mouse suffer from a dreaded condition: the so-called claw hand! And unfortunately, it’s not a cool Wolverine claw, but more of an “Oh my God, my hand hurts so much, I hope this cramp stops soon” claw.

1. Sharkoon Drakonia Gaming Laser Mouse

Sharkoon also holds the top position among mice, just like with keyboards. This is because the Drakonia gaming mouse offers a strong compromise between price and performance. Plus, it looks damn cool, taking its name seriously and actually wrapping itself in a dragon scale appearance (okay, it’s not really dragon skin… caught, but it looks really good!).
The Drakonia has 11 buttons and LEDs, it fits ergonomically in the hand, and many gamers praise its comfortable grip. Furthermore, the Drakonia also features a weight-tuning system. So there are weights attached to the mouse that can be removed or added, depending on whether a player prefers a heavy or light mouse.

  • The mouse is favored for its price/performance ratio, grip and stylish appearance, while the only downside is that it is not as well made as mice in the high-end price range, resulting in a shorter lifespan.
Sharkoon Drakonia Gaming Laser Mouse

Conclusion: The Drakonia looks great, offers numerous features, and is a great entry-level mouse if you’re looking for something more than a plain office mouse, while keeping the price reasonable. However, it only holds up to the highest demands and intensive use to a limited extent. It is the ideal choice for casual gamers or those lucky enough among us to be particularly gentle and sensitive with their mice.

Oops, unfortunately this affiliate widget is no longer available.

2. Anker® 8200 DPI High Precision Laser Gaming Mouse

The Anker is also positioned in the mid-price range and offers complete comfort. The Anker is flexible to adjust, can shine in various colors, and adapt its weight to the needs of the gamer. It is particularly suitable for players who prefer to grip their mouse lightly and enjoy a relaxed grip.

  • For the mouse, like with the Drakonia, the price/performance ratio, the configurable appearance, and the grip quality speak for it. The only downside is that it cannot meet the highest demands.
Anker® 8200 DPI High Precision Laser Gaming Mouse

Conclusion: The Anker is a good choice for gamers who value a sleek design and love to watch their mouse sparkle and glow.

Oops, unfortunately this affiliate widget is no longer available.

3. Sharkoon Drakonia Black Gaming

The Drakonia Black is the big brother of the most popular mouse in our test. It is slightly more expensive than its green counterpart but features 8200 DPI, compared to the 5000 of the green Drakonia. While the DPI count is not as crucial for MMORPG players, it holds more importance for players of strategy games or MOBAs, where micro-management skills are more important.

  • For the mouse, a pleasant grip, a variety of adjustment options, and the higher DPI count are favorable, especially for extreme gaming demands. The higher price compared to the Drakonia Green is a downside. This mouse cannot guarantee a long lifespan either.
Sharkoon Drakonia Black Gaming Laser Mouse

Conclusion: The Drakonia Black is especially suitable for players who prefer high precision and speed, and are willing to pay a bit more for it.

Oops, unfortunately this affiliate widget is no longer available.

4. Roccat Kone XTD Max Customization

Roccat currently ranks fourth among Amazon gaming mice and is positioned in a significantly higher price segment, typically reserved for mice from SteelSeries, Mad Catz, or Razer.

Normally, mice in this price range are not necessarily aimed at MMORPG players. With an Easy-Switch button, the 11 buttons of the Roccat can be assigned a second function, which may be important for demanding PvP in fast-paced games. Since MMORPG players, unlike MOBA or e-Sports gamers, do not require peak performance, but rather consistent performance, this aspect of the Roccat may not be as crucial. However, the Roccat certainly meets the highest demands of MMORPG players. It features precise tracking, a great grip, and also looks stylish with its four changing LEDs.

  • For the mouse, nearly everything speaks in its favor; it is rightly considered one of the market leaders in the high-price segment. The only downside is the price, which is still significantly below the price of the best keyboards, and in comparison to the price of a new graphics card, it’s just peanuts.
Roccat Kone XTD Max Customization Gaming Mouse

Conclusion: The Roccat is an absolute luxury device. MMORPG players should ask themselves if they can truly utilize this mouse to its full potential. Those who do not need to worry about the price and are looking for a hand-friendly mouse for their next life chapter can purchase this with confidence. But don’t make your girlfriend jealous…

Oops, unfortunately this affiliate widget is no longer available.

5. Sharkoon FireGlider

And we have a hat trick: Sharkoon is represented on our list for a third time! If the Drakonia Black is the big brother of the Drakonia Green, then the FireGlider is more like the small, slightly nerdy cousin. Instead of 11 or 9 buttons, it has 7. However, the FireGlider also features the weight system and LED selection for which Sharkoon mice are known. In terms of price, it is just slightly over 20 euros. Over its lifetime, the FireGlider has earned a solid reputation as a stable and practical companion for gamers.

  • For the mouse, the low price, durability, and selection of functions are favorable. The only downside is minimal; the appearance may not appeal to everyone, and of course, a 20€ mouse does not play in the same league as the top-tier mice.
Sharkoon FireGlider

Conclusion: The FireGlider is an excellent and solid choice – not only for those on a budget. It meets the needs of most gamers perfectly.

Oops, unfortunately this affiliate widget is no longer available.

With mice, it’s like with gloves or the right place for Doctor Sheldon Cooper: They just have to fit and feel right. Not every mouse is suitable for every player. Gamers usually quickly realize whether the mouse fits or not. Every hand is different. Therefore, players should settle for nothing less than ideal and keep kissing frogs until a prince really comes out… Princess, I mean of course!

More on the topic: PC Mice Guide: What should I consider when buying?

This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.

HearthStone: Heroes of Warcraft Review

Cortyn Cortyn Reading time 6 minutes

For a few weeks now, all players can enjoy the open beta version of “Hearthstone – Heroes of Warcraft”. Since the developers state that no further major features will be added before the final release, it is time to dedicate a thorough test to Blizzard’s card game.

The direct entry is very easy, but we will not delve into it in detail, as it has already been thoroughly described here along with basic questions. It should be said: The tutorial is excellently staged and offers a seamless introduction to the gameplay.

Scope – Size Does Matter

For a card game, the scope is of course one of the core points. At this time, Hearthstone consists of just over 350 different cards, but each player starts their career with around 130 basic cards in double copies. Since each player deck can hold up to 30 cards, with each card appearing a maximum of 2 times, there are already nearly endless combinations possible with just the standard cards.

Additionally, there are 9 different classes, each equipped with its own hero ability and exclusive cards not available to any other class. The mage “Jaina Proudmoore” can, for example, deal one damage with a fire spell, whereas the priest “Anduin Wrynn” can heal two damage from any card.

Of course, this number of cards is very low compared to real-world counterparts like “Magic – The Gathering” or “Yu-Gi-Oh!”, but the developers promise constant replenishment in the form of expansions of 100-200 cards each – only after release.

Hearthstone Deckbuilding
The right deck is crucial – there are a variety of card effects and combinations.

One must also remember that cards must be subjected to extensive balancing tests, whereas in physical card games, overly powerful cards are often excluded from tournaments – something the developers want to avoid at all costs in Hearthstone.

Different Game Modes

Currently, the game features 3 game modes: In “Practice”, you can prove your skills against the “Innkeeper” and choose any of the nine classes as opponents, either on the “Normal” or “Expert” difficulty setting, with the AI in the latter not being smarter, but simply having a better card deck. Disappointingly, the Innkeeper plays exceptionally poorly. Many moves leave even newcomers puzzled, and one often wonders:

[pull_quote_center]Why did he sacrifice all three minions when he only needed to use one?[/pull_quote_center]

To internalize the basic principles of the game, this mode is definitely more helpful, but one should not memorize too many moves – many are simply not a good choice.

In the “Play” mode, you will spend most of your time, here you compete against other human players in either ranked or unranked matches. In both variations, the “Battle.net matchmaking” attempts to assign you opponents who are approximately matched to your own strength – solid, as you would expect from other Blizzard games. Why this can sometimes lead to frustration will be explained further below.

“The Arena” is the last game mode and the entry must be purchased anew for each round, either for 150 gold coins or real money; currently, one round costs €1.79.
Unlike the previously mentioned modes, you get a random selection of three heroes to choose from. Once that is done, you are presented with 30 sets of 3 cards, from which you select one each time until your deck is complete. The conventional limits do not apply here; if the game gives you the same card three, four, or even five times, you can pick it without hesitation – your opponents will surely be surprised.

Hearthstone Arena
So, which hero would you choose for the Arena fight?

After that, you’ll play against other Arena visitors until you either win 12 times or lose 3 times – with good performance, you even get your entry fee back in gold, and with a very good performance (9 wins or more), you even get multiple times that amount; in any case, you will receive at least one pack, even with no wins.

Collectible Card Game?

Unlike “Trading Card Games”, Hearthstone is a “Collectible Card Game”. Ultimately, this difference only means that cards cannot be traded with other players; therefore, only you can expand your collection, and if you receive a rare card for the third time, then unfortunately that’s just bad luck and you have to keep it – or disenchant it.

The decision to bind all cards to the player is certainly also related to the fact that it is a free-to-play game, and if cards were tradeable, then all players would probably quickly have all cards – who would still think to use the shop? Furthermore, the satisfaction factor is much higher when you finally pull the legendary “Sylvanas Windrunner” from a pack than if a good friend simply gave it to you.

Hearthstone Duel
This is what Hearthstone looks like on the game board.

The Ranking System – A Troubling Matter

Blizzard has decided to introduce a ranking system. All players start at rank 25 (“Leper Gnome”) and can work their way up to rank 0 (“Legend”). With each win, you earn a star, and each loss costs one, so a positive win rate must be maintained to rank up. This system currently has more disadvantages than advantages.

Many players achieve a good rank and then decide, out of fear of demotion, not to play for the rest of the season. But speaking of seasons: At the beginning of each month, your performance is reset, and all players start again at rank 25 – completely independent of whether they were previously at “Legend” or never made it past the lowest rank.

Unfortunately, this leads to the situation where, at the beginning of a new month, professionals play against complete beginners, which becomes a frustrating experience for both sides. Newcomers might be completely discouraged at the start of each season since no one likes to keep losing right after they have just been released from the tutorial. Therefore, anyone looking to get into the game should at least wait until the 10th of the month – or have a thick skin.

Pay2Win?

It cannot be denied that as a newcomer, one can gain a massive theoretical advantage by investing a lot of money in card purchases right at the beginning, as one then has a larger card pool and can recreate many familiar decks. At the same time, it is also true that experience and skill make up a large part of winning chances, and players who do not invest any money can open a pack every 1-2 days – with a bit of skill in the Arena, even significantly more.

If you play intensively for two to three weeks, you will catch up to most players and begin to record significant success on your own. We created a new account for this purpose and played; after about nine days, we are at rank 12 and have already acquired 2 legendary cards and opened 17 packs – without spending a cent.

Therefore, it can be said: Especially at the beginning, one can indeed have an advantage by buying cards, but with increasing playtime, that advantage becomes smaller. Moreover, the perceived value of a card is certainly much higher when you worked hard to earn it.

Conclusion – Lots of Fun

Recommended editorial content

At this point you will find external content that complements the article.

I consent to external content being displayed to me. Personal data can be transmitted to third party platforms. Read more about our privacy policy.
Link to the external content

Hearthstone benefits from many different aspects. On one hand, it can be played on tablets and, soon, on some smartphones; on the other hand, a round typically lasts no longer than 15 minutes, so a game can easily be fit into a streetcar ride – or in a boring lecture.

In addition, there is a high long-term motivation due to many unlockable cards and the typical “Warcraft” atmosphere, which can really be found at every corner – even the different game boards are full of gimmicks and funny allusions. We will, of course, report on additional game modes, such as the announced “Adventures”, as soon as new information becomes available.

[pull_quote_center]If you haven’t taken a look yet, you should do so urgently, as there is currently no better pastime, both for short breaks and for long, sleepless nights.

The game can be downloaded for free and played in English here: http://eu.battle.net/hearthstone/en/

This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.

The Secret World: Funcom stutters, content machine buzzes

Schuhmann Schuhmann Reading time 2 minutes

There have been plenty of negative side effects surrounding the MMORPG The Secret World in recent months. The operator Funcom has come under scrutiny from Norwegian authorities. It seems to be about issues with what might be a somewhat creative accounting.

The MMORPG The Secret World has never been under a good star from the beginning. After a failed launch, employees had to be regularly laid off. But even though the company has hit some bumps, the content machine is still humming, and the creative team seems determined not to be impressed by the circumstances. In a regularly published post, head developer Romain Amiel gives insight into what players can expect in The Secret World in the future.

There are plans for content issues #9 and #10. Especially fans of Asia can look forward to this: It’s going to Tokyo. The content patches are set to be released soon and in quick succession: To reduce waiting times, they have been developed in parallel.

The Secret World: New York
Manhattan looked great too! We are looking forward to Tokyo.

Romain Amiel mentioned in the developers’ letter that issue #9 is nearing completion. Players should start brushing up on their Japanese skills. In typical “Secret-World” fashion, he managed to let slip an important hint. The key to solving the issue of -censored- lies clearly in the -censored-. Humor has apparently not abandoned the employees at Funcom despite all the difficulties surrounding the company. The voice actor recordings for #9 are definitely close to being finished, and planning is going well.

In the content patches #9 and #10, it will be about the effects of the Filth on humanity and how it continues to develop. The Filth, the pollution, is that mysterious plague that has affected many inhabitants of the Secret World. In issue #10, further corners of Tokyo will open up. Since The Secret World is currently only rated for adults, interested players will also enjoy a detour to a seedy love hotel.

To bridge the wait for #9, the final phase of The Whispering Tide – The Whispering Flood is currently live. Up to 40 players can take on the Filth Guardian, the polluted guardian … maybe it should be noted here that Funcom would do well not to skimp on localization.

We at mein-mmo.de will be back soon with a comprehensive report on The Secret World to bring you closer to this extraordinary game.

This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.