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.
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.
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.
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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]
