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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The fantasy MMORPG Lord of the Rings Online has been on the market for several years and is not exactly known for generating a lot of “buzz.” This term refers to the media hype and attention around a brand. However, instead of creating “buzz,” the violinist Taylor Davis is now playing a different tune.
A YouTube clip of Taylor Davis playing the theme song for the LOTRO expansion Riders of Rohan has now hit over 500,000 clicks! The video has gone viral – the best free advertising that the franchise could wish for. As Lord of the Rings Online is rightly praised for its extraordinary sound design and unique atmosphere, we find this newsworthy.
Music also plays a significant role in the gameplay of this fantasy MMORPG. The characters can play up to nine instruments and get really creative with the number keys. Anyone quick enough with their fingers can play a few tunes in LOTRO. The community has provided “sheet music” ranging from the Chicken Dance to the Imperial March from Star Wars.
But even the most skilled fingers will never achieve what Taylor Davis conjures up in-game.
Enjoy the clip yourself!
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.
In this video, a group of four players introduces us to the first three instantiated dungeons in The Elder Scrolls Online. You can get a good idea of what to expect soon, although the difficulty level is of course not comparable to the dungeons from the endgame – the spectacle seen here is tailored for players between level 12 and 15. Rather a gentle introduction to group content than a challenge.
By the way, members of the famous TESO fansite “Tamriel Foundry” are part of the group, who have received the green light from Bethesda for the release of the gameplay video, as the NDA is still in place. Speaking of members: the group consists of a sorcerer who acts as a healer, a templar, and a nightblade who causes chaos as damage dealers, and last but not least, the dragonknight takes care of tanking to keep the nasty creatures away from his teammates.
Positive Feedback has been received, by the way:
The dungeons are very beautifully designed and invite exploration. Typical for the Elder Scrolls saga, the trip is of course connected with a larger storyline that, according to Tamriel Foundry, has been very well integrated into the gameplay. At level 50, you will be able to re-enter the dungeons, of course with an adjusted difficulty level. It is also worth mentioning that the story will then continue.
In addition to some typical “tank and spank” bosses, players can especially look forward to unique opponents equipped with challenging mechanics that add tactical depth to the combat. Overall, the tester praises the abilities and visual effects of the bosses.
The rewards are substantial: instanced dungeons provide a variety of experience points, gear upgrades, and even skill points!
However, not everything that glitters is gold. There were also negative remarks in the post:
The length of the dungeons did not satisfy the tester – with only 15-20 minutes, the fun is too short in his opinion, at least at this level. He notes that 30-45 minutes would be more appropriate, and the instances could also handle more trash mobs, as there were hardly any – on the other hand, this is clearly a matter of taste. He found the number of bosses to be good.
The bosses currently seem to have far too few hit points. Before the fight could even become interesting, the opponent was already dead.
What do you think of the boss fights? Does the gameplay video make you want more?
In his blog, SOE head John Smedley provides deep insights into the mind of a game designer. The latest blog entry discusses the benefits of a sandbox model where players can express themselves freely and determine what is played.
No Competition with WoW
According to Smedley, the sandbox is an absolute necessity, and in his opinion, the sandbox concept will dominate the MMORPG market in the future.
At the moment, most games are content-based; this is simply unsustainable because players are finishing the content faster than developers can deliver it. Projects like Everquest Next also face the problem of having to compete not only with the content from WoW at launch but also being measured against the developed World of Warcraft content from nine years. This is impossible to achieve.
Everquest Landmark as a Pioneer in the Sandbox
Additionally, Smedley argues that players are slowly tired of the same cycle of designed content. Too many games exist following this pattern, and it is time for something new. He also cites examples of aspects in existing MMORPGs that are solely player-driven, which keeps them popular in the long term. Above all, Eve Online with its evolving alliances and political power dynamics has captivated him, but also the music system in Lord of The Rings Online, the auction house in WoW, or the dynamic battlefields are pleasing.
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.
By placing the player at the center of a sandbox and allowing change and creativity to come from them, Smedley believes it is possible to break the established cycle. He sees Everquest Landmark and Everquest Next at the forefront of this development and hopes for new impulses for the MMORPG market.
You can check out the full blog entry in English here: http://smedsblog.com/2014/02/11/the-sandbox-mmo/.
This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.
In World of Warcraft, the next add-on, Warlords of Draenor, finally brings a housing feature to players who have been requesting it for a long time.
However, Blizzard doesn’t do things halfway here and gifts players a whole garrison that is meant to grow over time. While in Mists of Pandaria players became small farmers on a farm reminiscent of Harvest Moon thanks to phasing, in Warlords of Draenor, you’ll be the lord of the castle right away. A steep career.
The Home away from home
Now, the design chief Craig Robinson at Blizzard introduced the Alliance players’ garrison and gave some designers and graphics artists the opportunity to talk about the creation process of the garrison. A highlight was, of course, numerous screenshots intended to fuel the imagination and anticipation of WoW fans.
The graphic artists emphasize the importance of capturing the soul of Alliance buildings to maintain a sort of classic Warcraft architecture. They want to give players a piece of Stormwind to take to Draenor. However, they aim to move with the times and create a world where players can find something surprising and fascinating in every corner.
Even within their own four walls, players should be able to experience an epic adventure. The garrison is meant to be the starting point for every player to conquer the new and threatening world of Draenor. The designers place particular value on ensuring that the individual buildings grow and become more impressive over time to reflect the progress of the players in Draenor.
This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.
Orc, Breton, Argonian, or what? Learn more about the provisional race skills!
Admittedly, the TESO information is not entirely official yet, but more and more is leaking through here and there due to the imposed confidentiality guidelines of the beta of The Elder Scrolls Online. Enough reason for us to conduct a little research and present to you the currently known race skills more closely. Because one thing is clear, the release date is approaching relentlessly and as a true MMORPG player, it is about time to think about race, class, appearance, and character names.
By the way, an important note on the name of your future character: In case you didn’t know, at The Elder Scrolls Online you can create character names with spaces. In other words: Last names and exotic combinations like a typical Argonian name such as “The-long-shadow-casts” are no problem. That’s a lovely thing, especially for the role-players among us.
]An updated article with the current race bonuses can now be found here:
But now to the race skills. Unlike many other MMORPGs, race choice seems to matter quite a bit in TESO. While one race has greater advantages in the magical field, the next one brims with health, and yet another is incredibly enduring. Just small differences that will hardly matter in the game? We’ll have to see, especially in the endgame. In other games, for example, a bonus of 10% to mana or magicka reserves would make a significant difference. However, and this is indeed a peculiar feature of TESO, the three main attributes – Magicka, Health, and Stamina – are required for each class or role. So the question is rather, how important is a high magicka reserve for a spellcaster and how much does my tank need every little health bonus for the adventures ahead? All this will still have to be shown. Here for you first the currently more or less known race bonuses that are trickling through the relevant TESO forums and channels (so far without guarantee).
Update: The “Active” talents seem to be currently (permanently?) removed from the game according to the German TESO community. For clarity, we will initially keep them in our little skill collection, but this should at least be noted. 🙂
[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/3″]
Altmer (High Elves)
Active:
Born to Greatness: Increases Magicka regeneration by 100 for 15 seconds
Passive:
15% experience bonus on the talent “Destruction Staff”
Increased Magicka regeneration in combat by 7
Increased Magicka reserves by 10%
Increased damage from Frost, Fire, and Shock effects by 3%
[/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″]
Khajiit
Active:
Eye of Fear: A target flees for 5 seconds and takes 5% more damage during that time
Passive:
15% experience bonus on the armor talent “Medium Armor”
Increased health regeneration in combat by 7
Increased stealth radius by 3 meters
Increased critical melee hit chance by 35 and a 10% increased critical damage
[/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″]
Bosmer (Wood Elves)
Active:
Bear Summoning: Summons a bear for 15 seconds that attacks nearby enemies
Passive:
15% experience bonus on the weapon skill “Bow”
Increased stamina regeneration in combat by 7
Increased stamina reserves by 3% and the disease and poison resistance by 50
Well, since it has not been known for long that you can also play as Imperials (with Imperial Edition), hardly anyone has likely thought about the race bonuses. And even in beta (so much can be said), the people from Cyrodiil cannot currently be played and tested. It seems we will just have to wait for official announcements on this matter.
Subject to changes!
Those of you who have already played the beta may have noticed that some of the values have been changed. However, since we are currently not allowed to provide exact data from the ongoing beta phase, we have compiled outdated data from various websites as much as possible and evaluated them. Overall, the information gives a very interesting and usable impression of the differences among the various races.
And what is your impression? Do you believe the race choice will have a significant influence on certain roles (Holy Trinity – Healer, DD, Tank), or is the selection a merely cosmetic role-playing decision? Share it in the comments, share our little contribution, and look forward to the launch of The Elder Scrolls Online with us! Oh, and remember, only those who pre-order can also (initially?) bypass the race faction restriction! 😀
Oops, unfortunately this affiliate widget is no longer available.
This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.
Today, an update with version number 8.11 was released for the MMO tactical shooter World of Tanks, enriching the iconic tank game with numerous new content. But what lies behind the three magic words in the title, is it not just hot air?
With the Confrontation, players now have another game mode available, which is applicable during random battles. The peculiarity is that nation battles are now possible; when forming teams, it is taken into account which nation each player represents.
The Windstorm is a new playable map. WoT fans can expect mostly urban terrain in a frozen Europe here. The size of 1000x1000m suggests a broad battlefield, but beware – this is misleading – “spacious” landscapes are mostly found at the edges, while the urban area is characterized primarily by its narrow streets.
But that’s not all, as new group functions enable more effective planning of the crews.
Reskill crew – With this option, you can retrain all crew members to a specific vehicle at once. Please note that this action only affects those tank drivers who occupy their respective positions in the vehicle themselves.
Reassign crew to vehicle – With this command, you can reassign all selected crew members of the vehicle with a single click. This is especially useful when using premium vehicles to train your crews.
Send crew to barracks – With this option, you send each individual crew member to the barracks, provided you have enough free beds.
This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.
On February 18, Guild Wars 2 continues the living story surrounding the machinations of Scarlet Briar in the next round. We are approaching the finale with great strides, and in this penultimate episode of this story, the focal point in Tyria, the city of Lion’s Arch, seems to be on the brink of a massive siege. Sounds exciting!
This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.
It won’t be long! On April 4th, The Elder Scrolls Online, or TESO, will open its gates. We have compiled the most important press opinions to give you an impression of what to expect in less than two months!
Quick Basics: TESO brings together an explosive mix.
The Elder Scrolls is perhaps the most popular single-player RPG series ever. On the other hand, MMORPG players have been craving fresh food in the fantasy sector for years. So it’s no wonder that just the announcement of TESO has caused a stir. Surely, April 4th is the most important date in the MMORPG sector for the first half of 2014. It will be THE highlight of 2014, until in the second half Wildstar and the next WoW expansion Warlords of Draenor come into play. But until then, little else will happen besides TESO.
Thus, it’s clear that the gaming press has dived into the beta like a French goblin onto the thighs of a giant frog… or like a mage in WoW onto the loot – we all know how keen these guys are on loot, let’s not kid ourselves!
We look at what the gaming press has brought back from their excursion and give you a brief overview:
High Expectations from Single-Player Experiences
Onlinewelten.com: At Onlinewelten, the testers mainly complain about not being able to get rid of the Skyrim feeling. While in a single-player game, it is possible for decisions to have far-reaching consequences on the game world, this is typically not the case in an MMORPG. So, the tester is still used to having five different solutions to a problem from Skyrim, whereas TESO only offers one.
Aside from that, the graphics and combat system are praised, although Anja sees room for improvement in melee combat (the lack of collision detection is noticeable). Onlinewelten.com also sees weaknesses in the gameplay, phase technology, and the lack of player convenience. In the tester’s opinion, some additional functions need to be implemented, which are already standard in other games, especially in terms of autoloot or quicker handling of quest texts.
I approached ESO with low expectations and was nevertheless consistently entertained. Graphically, ESO doesn’t reach the level of The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim, but for an online RPG, the visuals are adequate, detailed, and atmospheric (…). The atmosphere is certainly enhanced by the music, the day-night cycle, weather effects, and fully voiced NPCs. Most NPCs are active and don’t just stand around mute and still in one spot. Instead, craftsmen go about their work, residents gather to chat, and players rummage through their pockets when they have their inventory open. But why can I steal everything from the noses of NPCs without punishment?
Playmassive.de: At Playmassive, the initial euphoria accompanying the great tradition of Elder Scrolls seems to have quickly diminished. The tester speaks of a certain standard fare in the quests and suggests that many Tamriel fans would probably prefer if the developers of the series had included a multiplayer function, rather than creating their MMORPG.
However, it is positively noted that the world feels dynamic and alive, and it is fun to explore, to venture into hidden corners and niches, and to let the dynamic world impress you.
Hype with a Forecast of Quest Downpour
Golem.de: Also at golem.de, the quest system seems to have a somewhat disillusioning effect on the tester. It is indeed much more MMORPG than one might have expected. Although TESO avoids the well-known “Go there and kill 50 creatures” quests, this MMORPG presents numerous tasks that require players to run errands. Very positively, golem.de highlights character generation. Here, there are many options to distinguish one’s character from others. The well-known ability from Skyrim to transcend clear class boundaries and play hybrid characters is also very well received.
Gamestar.de: At gamestar.de, they strive to temper player expectations. After the hype surrounding the first press releases, the tester makes it clear that TESO might not meet the high expectations. It is simply too conventional and lengthy, especially at the start. However, Gamestar praises that players feel like heroes from the outset, as the quests have an epic character right away.
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.
At Gamestar.de, they also miss the convenience that one is now accustomed to from mature and polished MMORPGs. There are difficulties with quest tracking and with marking targets in dungeons. However, Gamestar encourages fans, saying that according to their information, the developers are already feverishly working on these issues; otherwise, fan add-ons will have to help.
Great Game World, Great Graphics – but …
Gamona.de: Before the tester from Gamona.de also undergoes the transition from high expectations to a sober view, he praises especially the excellent graphics of TESO. No other MMORPG can compete here. Every blade of grass looks hand-drawn. However, the animation of NPCs when they complained to the player and asked for help leaves much to be desired. Here, even WoW is ahead, not to mention Star Wars Online, which the tester sees far ahead in this category.
Particularly bitter for the tester is that some announced features in crafting or world exploration have now likely become compromised, which have relativized a promised initial freedom. Although enthusiasm has been replaced by considerable skepticism, the tester from Gamona praises the role-playing and single-player aspects of the title.
Much role-playing, little MMO? The Elder Scrolls Online looks great, but so far offers no convincing arguments for monthly fees.
Mmorpg.com: The tester from mmorpg.com portrays a much friendlier picture of TESO than the German gaming press. It took about ten hours, then the game had him hooked, according to the tester. Because TESO allows players to truly become part of the world and fully immerse themselves in the gaming experience. Although mmorpg.com also misses some of the conveniences of mature MMORPGs, the fascinating and vibrant world, rewarding crafting system, and freedom in character design ultimately tipped the scales in a positive direction for the tester.
Massively.joystiq.com: In another extreme, the tester from this English-language website falls. Even before playing, he never had much to do with the Elder Scrolls series, and the MMORPG only confirmed his impressions. While some parts of the game give the impression that it may still be worth it and fun later on, he questions why one should read a book until page 300 when it is already boring on page 30.
Capturing the Soul of Elder Scrolls Well
Buffed.de: The tester that buffed.de unleashed on TESO claims to have been an absolute Elder Scrolls single-player purist who intended to ignore TESO until he was converted during testing. What convinced him was the “epic” gaming feel. He also believes that TESO captures the soul of the Elder Scrolls series well, allowing for a deep immersion into the game world. However, the buffed tester also mentions that he would have pre-ordered the game if it had been released without any multiplayer content and designed strictly as a single-player title.
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.
Pcgames.de: At PC Games, they provide a broad introduction to the game without getting too much into evaluation. The extremely long playtime and the size of the continents seem to have impressed the tester. In a look ahead to PvP, he compares it to the current system in Guild Wars 2. Overall, a positive impression remains.
I had a lot of fun with The Elder Scrolls Online so far. This is due to the flair of the game world, the familiar elements from previous Elder Scrolls games, and the good implementation of many MMO features. The free skill system, the numerous hidden corners of Tamriel waiting to be explored, and the successful crafting system motivate me enough to want to see more. Of course, TESO still has to prove whether it can maintain these qualities in the end game. What I am definitely missing so far is a unique selling point. Just about every element in The Elder Scrolls Online is available in one form or another in other MMOs. Given my experiences, I see no reason why players of other online role-playing games would switch – aside from the universe itself. It will be interesting to see if the brand alone is enough to stand out from the mass of good MMOs. I can’t wait to dive back into the world of Tamriel and experience more exciting adventures. My enjoyment of The Elder Scrolls Online is welcome to last a long time.
Rockpapershotgun: The tester of the English site Rockpapershotgun is also somewhat cured of the initial euphoria. The tester notes that the vast world of Tamriel is only inadequately and unevenly filled. While there are some outstanding quests, unfortunately, there are also many placeholders and standard missions. The use of the voice of ex-Monty Python John Cleese did not enthuse him too much either. The tester sees the main problem in the fact that, aside from the great ideas, much empty space is filled with typical fantasy clichés.
[intense_hr type=”dotted” size=”large” /]
For every MMORPG veteran who is already at the starting blocks and eagerly awaiting April 4th, these reports should not come as too great a surprise. An MMORPG always struggles with some teething problems in the first months; TESO will be no exception.
The testers agree relatively on the fact that TESO adheres to many conventions in the quest system and gameplay and offers little game comfort; however, they also speak unanimously of a lovingly designed world and a great class system.
Our Conclusion: One should approach no game in the world with excessive enthusiasm. Experience from recent years has shown this time and again. However, no one should let themselves be spoiled by the (certainly rightly) warning voices.
[quote_left]We’ll see you in Tamriel![/quote_left]
This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.
Good day everyone! After taking a writing break over the past weeks and dedicating myself entirely to research … – well, let’s be honest: I’ve been gaming like there’s no tomorrow, just as one should during semester break.
Today I want to talk to you about a topic that has come up repeatedly over the last few years: World of Warcraft has been sitting on the MMO throne for years and no other game can compete.
Even though voices often arise claiming that WoW is “dead” or has become “too casual,” one cannot deny that the game is still extremely successful today with its 7-8 million subscribers, and every other MMO must bow to it.
It seems completely irrelevant how good a new game is, how beautiful the graphics are, or how innovative the gameplay is; after a few weeks, most players return to Azeroth.
But are all these games really unsuccessful?
In my opinion, they are not, as hardly any game developer tries to climb the throne anymore; instead, they focus on specific aspects and aim to excel in those. The goal is to excite as many players as possible at launch, and then one usually concentrates on a very specific target group: this marks the birth of a so-called “niche game”; tailored for an exclusive group of people who yearn for a very specific type of content.
As an example, I take TERA, which tried to engage players with extremely good graphics and a significantly more action-oriented combat system. A “Guild Wars 2” tried something similar by abandoning the familiar “quests” system and replacing it with dynamic events, while also providing a very fair PvP where all players have the same equipment level. “Star Wars: The Old Republic” impressed with fully voiced quests and a captivating story. Other games like “Scarlet Blade” use more superficial methods and try to attract players through the obvious use of sexual appeal.
[pull_quote_center]Each of these games was quickly declared “dead.” But are they?
In my eyes, they are successful! All of these MMOs have managed to maintain a (admittedly smaller) core group of players and keep them engaged long-term. From a financial perspective, an MMO with a constant 100,000 subscribers is very successful. And as long as developers continue to offer patches and content expansions, there’s really no other conclusion to draw – because hardly any company would continue to support a failed product (except for FFXIV).
In the coming months, the battle for the niches will continue. “WildStar” and “The Elder Scrolls Online” are prime examples of this. Neither game will reinvent the MMO genre, as that likely isn’t possible. Yet, each will find a group of players who have been waiting specifically for the core features of these two hopefuls – presumably I am among them. I am waiting for a game that meets the niche requirements of “housing, fresh role-playing world, and lots of endgame” – and that niche will be served by WildStar.
What do you think about this? What niches do you think still need to be filled? When do you consider a game to be “dead”?
Let me know in the comments, as well as any topic requests. Anyone who visits the page and does not comment will get Aurin bunny ears stuck on them. With superglue. You have been warned.
So, who wants to get bunny ears?
This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.
Just as it is natural for the heroes we control in MMORPGs to regularly exchange their old equipment for new and better models, it is also natural for players to regularly look for new hardware.
And since mein-mmo.de is committed to the complete gaming experience, we will now regularly present hardware as well. Because what is a fantastically equipped hero worth if the guy controlling him from the home PC is currently suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome!
First, our test focuses on the most important control element of every MMORPG gamer: We take a look at the 5 most popular gaming keyboardsaccording to Amazon sales rankings (as of February 5, 2014)!
1. Sharkoon Skiller Gaming Keyboard
The Sharkoon is a typical entry-level model; it can be purchased for the price of a schnitzel with fries at a mediocre restaurant. The WSAD keys are rubberized, the rest of the equipment is okay, but nothing special. The Sharkoon is certainly fine for casual gamers, but those who want to spend a lot of time in virtual universes might want to look for a somewhat more expensive model.
The keyboard’s extremely low price and its sleek look in black piano lacquer are positive, but the processing is commensurate with the price.
Conclusion:Suitable for beginners or as a cheap replacement keyboard if the “big” one fails. But not a lifelong commitment.
Oops, unfortunately this affiliate widget is no longer available.
2. Mad Catz V.7 Gaming Keyboard
The Mad Catz had a successful previous life as a Cyborg from Saitek, but since the brand change, the gaming keyboard is probably no longer the first choice in the mid-range segment. Many customers are satisfied with the original model, but there are some issues with the current keyboards’ manufacturing. Especially, the keys give up too quickly, and the material feels cheap and flimsy with constant use. Generally, the Mad Catz is a real eye-catcher with its numerous backlit keys and particularly suitable for FPS and MOBA players. However, it should also perform well in PVP in action-packed games like Tera or Guild Wars 2.
The keyboard’s look and key design are positives, but the keyboard unfortunately has a tendency to be “Monday models” that relatively early cease functioning.
Conclusion:An eye-catcher at any LAN party and especially a real highlight in the dark; unfortunately, only conditionally suitable for hardcore gamers.
Oops, unfortunately this affiliate widget is no longer available.
3. Roccat Isku Illuminated Gaming Keyboard
The Roccat is a visual highlight and impresses with its futuristic and elegant design. Moreover, the quality of the workmanship is high, the price is in the upper mid-range, and the model is generally described as pleasantly ergonomic and practical. However, as with many keyboards, the feel of the keys and the pressure point are a matter of personal preference. The Roccat is mainly criticized for the poorly designed lighting of the keys.
The fantastic design, the pressure point of the keys, and the generally high-quality workmanship are advantages for the keyboard, while the poorly chosen lighting is the only real downside.
Conclusion:The Roccat is an excellent choice for more demanding players in the mid-price segment and can become a loyal companion for any dark dungeon or slimy space dive. If you don’t want to venture into the world of mechanical keyboards, you can safely buy this one.
Oops, unfortunately this affiliate widget is no longer available.
4. Razer BlackWidow Ultimate 2013
Razer itself is considered the biggest brand name in keyboard design, and the BlackWidow is its flagship model. The keyboard is priced significantly above that of its competitors. It belongs to the mechanical keyboards, which means that many players initially face an adjustment period. Because mechanical keys not only click noticeably, but also feel very different when pressed. The resistance is palpable. Otherwise, there is little to say about the Razer BlackWidow: it is simply flawless. What one can expect for the price, however, also has its advantages: when other players, who have a bit of knowledge about the subject, see the Razer, the owner is sure to receive an appreciative whistle or continual envy from others.
For the keyboard, the high-quality workmanship, lightning-fast response times, legendary durability, the sound of the brand name, and a great design speak in its favor. The only drawbacks are the price and the adjustment phase to a mechanical keyboard, which many players find unusual. The fingers, ears, and subconscious need to get used to a mechanical keyboard.
Conclusion: The Razer BlackWidow is the Mercedes of keyboards. Anyone who spends a lot of time at a keyboard should consider this investment.
Oops, unfortunately this affiliate widget is no longer available.
5. SteelSeries 6Gv2 Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
The SteelSeries is also a mechanical keyboard with all the advantages and perceived disadvantages of these models. The SteelSeries is a cost-effective alternative to gaming keyboards with more frills, but is just under 80 euros. The keyboard is well suited for “serious” hardcore gamers who appreciate high-quality workmanship and a minimalist design, and can do without a lot of bling-bling.
The quality of the manufacturing, the clear design, and the relatively low price for a mechanical keyboard are advantages. The only drawback is the adjustment to a mechanical keyboard that many players find necessary.
Conclusion: The SteelSeries is an excellent keyboard for gamers who spend a lot of time on their PCs and want to do something good for their fingers and characters.
Oops, unfortunately this affiliate widget is no longer available.
Tip from mein-mmo.de: No matter how expensive such a keyboard is and how sparkling it shines in the light of the LEDs, it is not invulnerable. Even the Superman of gaming keyboards has a Kryptonite: It reacts to coffee, beer, or Red Bull in the keys like a goblin reacting to a mother-in-law’s visit: quite allergic.
