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[WonkyPanda]

I was about to buy today. I decided to drop in this thread first.... glad I did.

Those quotes in the OP. Damnnn.



Thank you based GAF for helping me dodge a bullet.

That's really unfortunate because the impressions from the gaming world and MMO vets have been very, very positive:

The Elder Scrolls Online is easily the most anticipated and biggest MMO launch since Star Wars: The Old Republic. Indeed, many people probably wrote ESO off as another SWTOR in terms of hype and let down, but so far... I believe those people are mistaken…I’m having a lot of fun, and the rabbit hole keeps going deeper.  I don't want to stop playing, but for some reason I'm told I should eat and drink, maybe shower and stretch a bit. Whatever…

—MMORPG.com

Ultimately, I'm having much more fun in ESO than I expected. A couple of years ago I personally wrote the game off as yet another themepark made by yet another single-player game developer attempting to cash a big fat recurring revenue check courtesy of an IP with a massive built-in fanbase. ESO is very much a themepark, but it's one that places a premium on exploration and out-of-the-box progression. It's also one that's been built with a high level of craftsmanship, which makes it worth playing for a while. I still have some long-term questions, but right now I'm happy to be eating a bit of crow and exploring Tamriel's latest iteration.

—Massively

But despite its presentation never quite matching that of Oblivion or Skyrim, ESO makes up for it through the sheer joys of exploration. Surprises hide in every home and tavern, and the best ones have little to nothing to do with the goal of reaching the next level. Songs of tavern minstrels hint at zones and NPCs you have yet to see…Right now, the best thing I can say about Elder Scrolls Online is that I want to get back to playing. Its deft implementation of Elder Scrolls elements in a somewhat-traditional MMO template scratches an itch I haven't felt in a long time, and I'm excited to learn what new potions I can make with the new solvents I picked up last night while mucking through ponds and lakes.
—IGN

At this time, I can safely recommend The Elder Scrolls Online to people who are both fans of traditional MMOs and Elder Scrolls in general -- everyone else should probably pick it up on a sale or wait and see how the subscription fee system fares.
—Destructoid

It's funny now how I realize how much people, me included, shit on this game during the beta. Some of it justified, much of it not. There really is a unique blend of game here that many just couldn't grasp, party because of Zenimax's beta preview system.

 

[demonkaze]

Yeah, I put them in the OP for laughs, and left them there because I figured people would read the thread and see the game had its merits. Probably going to edit the OP in the near future.

Might be a good idea to put quotes from this thread, people only seem to be looking at the admittedly hilarious OP.

I think an informative OP might help the game a bit more too?

 

[hlhbk]

Other than the optional first persion view, the gameplay feels a bit more like a jankier version of Guild Wars 2, except skills are dependent on resources (mana / stamina) rather than cooldowns. Other than three skill lines specific to each class, character building has the openness of the earlier games of the series.

The quests range from decent to fantastic, but as a whole they're head and shoulders above most other MMOs, though that's not a high bar to be honest. I've done very little of the main story, but it seems pretty good so far. Whether the game is faithful to the lore, I'll leave for someone else to answer.

And yes, you can play easily play the game as if it was singleplayer, though you'll find yourself butting heads with other players in the public dungeons from time to time.



Shit is always poppin' during the first month of an MMO. Market opportunities, new guilds, taking advantage of mechanics before they get nerfed, etc.



All my specs are worse than this, and the game works great for me. I'd check to see if the issue is an Nvidia specific problem, though.

Bought the imperial edition from GMG. Hope it lives up to the hype!

 

[XANDER CAGE]

Yeah, I put them in the OP for laughs, and left them there because I figured people would read the thread and see the game had its merits. Probably going to edit the OP in the near future.

Feel free to put my story about hating the game at a preview event and enjoying the release in the OP, I suspect the turnaround a lot of people are having will be welcome news to some folks.

 

[Karak]

Ya put mine in there too. I was down on it and it has some issues but it is nothing like it was. Very fun.

 

[Plasmid]

This game seems pretty hard as a High Elf.

 

[bananafactory]

At work so I don't have time to sift through all the posts in here - seems like there's been a massive 180 on impressions the past week. I only played the first beta (back in early January) and didn't try any of the last few. Can someone give me the quick version of what's improved or changed their opinion on it? I was gonna hold off but I'm seriously considering purchasing tonight.

 

[dubq]

Might be a good idea to put quotes from this thread, people only seem to be looking at the admittedly hilarious OP.

I think an informative OP might help the game a bit more too?

That is what OP's are supposed to be.. should've been edited a long time ago, IMO.

 

[docbon]

Yeah, I'll do it right now.

 

[WonkyPanda]

This game seems pretty hard as a High Elf.

How so?

At work so I don't have time to sift through all the posts in here - seems like there's been a massive 180 on impressions the past week. I only played the first beta (back in early January) and didn't try any of the last few. Can someone give me the quick version of what's improved or changed their opinion on it? I was gonna hold off but I'm seriously considering purchasing tonight.

To give you the quick and dirty, the biggest change for me was the collision detection that they implemented towards the end of beta. Combat before this change felt very 'floaty' and without actual feedback. The detection system now gives weight behind your blows and even though it's far from perfect, it gives the combat a very responsive feel that is close to GW2's fantastic action feel.

Beyond that, the truth is that:

a) the game is a slow burner, initially. Not sure why this was done, but the game does take maybe a good 2-3 hours before things start falling into place.

b) people have different expectations going in and weren't able to adapt to what the game was presenting. Truthfully, the game is a pure blend of MMO and ESO. Obviously, some sacrifices have to be made in both areas to get a blend that works. This is honestly one of the more different feeling MMOs i've played and it really took me a bit to shake off my expectations and notions for tropes that have existed in the MMO realm for years.

I'll give a better writeup once I put more hours in, but I hope that answers your questions. Obviously, this is only with about ~17 hours of playtime, and I have no experience with PvP yet.


Some quick things I love that old school people should love:

+ No auction house. You want to sell? Time to do things the old-fashioned way. Luckily, people are already forming trading guilds that allow people within those guilds to trade within the guilds market. It's pretty awesome and reminds me a little bit of SWG.

+No quest hubs. Want to find quests? Go out and look for them! Sure, cities usually have quests, but a majority of quests are found by just stumbling on them, like ESO games.

+The game is HARD. I can't remember the last time i've died so much in an MMO.

+Yes, there are "hidden" dungeons in the map that you can stumble onto.

+Exploration is not only great, but encourage. From EXP to hidden shards, this isn't a simple linear path. Honestly, a game hasn't felt this great exploring since EQ for me.

+Crafting is amazing.

 

[bananafactory]

How so?



To give you the quick and dirty, the biggest change for me was the collision detection that they implemented towards the end of beta. Combat before this change felt very 'floaty' and without actual feedback. The detection system now gives weight behind your blows and even though it's far from perfect, it gives the combat a very responsive feel that is close to GW2's fantastic action feel.

Beyond that, the truth is that:

a) the game is a slow burner, initially. Not sure why this was done, but the game does take maybe a good 2-3 hours before things start falling into place.

b) people have different expectations going in and weren't able to adapt to what the game was presenting. Truthfully, the game is a pure blend of MMO and ESO. Obviously, some sacrifices have to be made in both areas to get a blend that works. This is honestly one of the more different feeling MMOs i've played and it really took me a bit to shake off my expectations and notions for tropes that have existed in the MMO realm for years.

I'll give a better writeup once I put more hours in, but I hope that answers your questions. Obviously, this is only with about ~17 hours of playtime, and I have no experience with PvP yet.

That's great, thanks! My main issue before was the combat collision - if I recall correctly there wasn't even really sound effects half the time when hitting an enemy. I understand the compromises they made in transitioning it to an MMO and I do really appreciate all the unique things they are trying. Will likely give this a go.

 

[Karak]

At work so I don't have time to sift through all the posts in here - seems like there's been a massive 180 on impressions the past week. I only played the first beta (back in early January) and didn't try any of the last few. Can someone give me the quick version of what's improved or changed their opinion on it? I was gonna hold off but I'm seriously considering purchasing tonight.

The quests are hands down better than almost any other mmo out there with very few typical MMO style bits you would expect.
Exploration
Tons of secrets
Love the leveling
Seems to run rock solid
Fun because it is fucking difficult as hell.

Honestly I dinged combat collision in my review. I wasn't too happy with it still.
I also dinged what you just mentioned which is sounds not aligning. It does happen a bit actually.
But dat exploration baby. And I am loving how much it requires me to think.

 

[WonkyPanda]

The quests are hands down better than almost any other mmo out there with very few typical MMO style bits you would expect.
Exploration
Tons of secrets
Love the leveling
Seems to run rock solid
Fun because it is fucking difficult as hell.

Honestly I dinged combat collision in my review. I wasn't too happy with it still.
I also dinged what you just mentioned which is sounds not aligning. It does happen a bit actually.
But dat exploration baby. And I am loving how much it requires me to think.

I do agree there is room for improvement on the collision end. Although, the way I see it, it feels better to me than Skyrim, which, obviously, isn't saying too much.

 

[Karak]

I do agree there is room for improvement on the collision end. Although, the way I see it, it feels better to me than Skyrim, which, obviously, isn't saying too much.

Hahaha. Ya I mean...hmmm ya. I don't have much to say to that. Pretty raw but real.

 

[docbon]

Okay, put the impressions in the OP. I can add one or two more, if anyone wants me to add theirs. Also put Kem0sabe's add-on recommendation list in the useful link section.

edit: also give me some nice screenies to add. those would be good.

 

[Shrennin]

Okay, I really think I want this for consoles now but I'm still wondering if this is considered canonical with the Elder Scrolls main games or is it in its own separate continuity?

 

[docbon]

Okay, I really think I want this for consoles now but I'm still wondering if this is considered canonical with the Elder Scrolls main games or is it in its own separate continuity?

Yes, it's canon.

 

[Shrennin]

Yes, it's canon.

That's pretty cool. I thought Todd Howard said that it wouldn't necessarily be canon, but I guess I probably read that wrong.

Either way, this game looks pretty awesome, despite its subscription model.

 

[WonkyPanda]

Okay, put the impressions in the OP. I can add one or two more, if anyone wants me to add theirs. Also put Kem0sabe's add-on recommendation list in the useful link section.

edit: also give me some nice screenies to add. those would be good.

docbon, you can put up the quick impressions I wrote.


Also, these are from the reddit ESO community. Pick your faves!

http://imgur.com/a/4xTXl#18

http://imgur.com/a/rLAjS?gallery (these are really nice)

 

[Yopis]

How so?



To give you the quick and dirty, the biggest change for me was the collision detection that they implemented towards the end of beta. Combat before this change felt very 'floaty' and without actual feedback. The detection system now gives weight behind your blows and even though it's far from perfect, it gives the combat a very responsive feel that is close to GW2's fantastic action feel.

Beyond that, the truth is that:

a) the game is a slow burner, initially. Not sure why this was done, but the game does take maybe a good 2-3 hours before things start falling into place.

b) people have different expectations going in and weren't able to adapt to what the game was presenting. Truthfully, the game is a pure blend of MMO and ESO. Obviously, some sacrifices have to be made in both areas to get a blend that works. This is honestly one of the more different feeling MMOs i've played and it really took me a bit to shake off my expectations and notions for tropes that have existed in the MMO realm for years.

I'll give a better writeup once I put more hours in, but I hope that answers your questions. Obviously, this is only with about ~17 hours of playtime, and I have no experience with PvP yet.


Some quick things I love that old school people should love:

+ No auction house. You want to sell? Time to do things the old-fashioned way. Luckily, people are already forming trading guilds that allow people within those guilds to trade within the guilds market. It's pretty awesome and reminds me a little bit of SWG.

+No quest hubs. Want to find quests? Go out and look for them! Sure, cities usually have quests, but a majority of quests are found by just stumbling on them, like ESO games.

+The game is HARD. I can't remember the last time i've died so much in an MMO.

+Yes, there are "hidden" dungeons in the map that you can stumble onto.

+Exploration is not only great, but encourage. From EXP to hidden shards, this isn't a simple linear path. Honestly, a game hasn't felt this great exploring since EQ for me.

+Crafting is amazing.

Everything sounds great....hope console versions turn out okay.

 

[Karak]

If this turns out as good on the consoles it will be a huge victory because I don't think I can recall an MMO that was super successful on the consoles and not one this big that is for sure.

 

[Unknown Soldier]

If this turns out as good on the consoles it will be a huge victory because I don't think I can recall an MMO that was super successful on the consoles and not one this big that is for sure.

Final Fantasy XI and XIV say hi

 

[Karak]

Final Fantasy XI and XIV say hi

I thought of those but since I was always hearing such bad stuff about them and didn't see huge stories on them I never assumed they were that big.
But hearing bad stuff probably goes with the territory of Final Fantasy. Even fans of the series don't agree most of the time.

Any server information, totals, and numbers for those?
EDIT scratch that I see the old numbers for Final Fantasy XI, ya did very well. Good stuff!

 

[KePoW]

Serious question --

Are addons "necessary" for this game? Nowdays I really don't want to mess around with constantly installing and updating addons every week. I used to do that in WoW when I was hardcore, but I'm a much more casual MMO player these days.

If the game's own UI is not adequate, then I don't really want to play. Would you consider ESO's fine like SWTOR and GW2? Or is it more like WoW where you basically need to have addons?

 

[Karak]

Serious question --

Are addons "necessary" for this game? Nowdays I really don't want to mess around with constantly installing and updating addons every week. I used to do that in WoW when I was hardcore, but I'm a much more casual MMO player these days.

If the game's own UI is not adequate, then I don't really want to play. Would you consider ESO's fine like SWTOR and GW2? Or is it more like WoW where you basically need to have addons?

I played up until last night without addons because I didn't feel that the review would make sense with them.
Addons make some stuff easier thats all. There is no hidden information you won't have if you don't have them.

 

[lem0n]

First time in a while where an impulse buy has paid off. Really enjoying this game so far. Thanks for whoever invited me to the guild, by the way!

 

[Nista]

I enjoy the view all active quests addon, but since I updated it's vanished from my screen. not sure how to reset it cause reload addons doesn't help.

I'd like to join the NA Gaf guild sometime, if the leaders will be on this weekend.

 

[Shrennin]

It kinda sucks that the consoles won't be on the PC servers. I kinda expected it, so not really surprised, but it would have been nice.

 

[Karak]

Oh ya would also love to join the guild.
Malanthrax

 

[Google]

Had a $50 AMEX card lying around so picked up the standard version on GMG for $48.

See in you 20.5GB time on the US server I guess...

 

[TriniTrin]

I'd love an invite to the guild if possible!

@TriniTrin

Installing now!

 

[Dega]

I enjoy the view all active quests addon, but since I updated it's vanished from my screen. not sure how to reset it cause reload addons doesn't help.

I'd like to join the NA Gaf guild sometime, if the leaders will be on this weekend.

Yeah, will be. Anyone in the guild can invite though but I think I've been the only one to do it so far. I'm on now too if you are.

@ Karak: Sent you an invite too. Was that your character name or the @ID?

Sent invite to you too Trin

 

[Heartfyre]

I defended ESO during the beta phase pretty virulently. I'm glad that it turned out as I expected it would, judging by all the positive feedback in this thread. I have my physical Imperial Edition sitting next to me, but I'm going to wait until I finish my final exams before starting my sub. Really looking forward to it, and reading the Emperor's Improved Guide to Tamriel is only fueling that. It's a beautiful, beautiful book, that's not only stuffed with art, but also a well-written in-universe account of every province of Tamriel that's as amusing to read as it is informative of the lore. It's a gem of tome to have. So delighted I went with it.

Save a seat in the EU guild for me. Judging by the paintings in the Guide, the Summerset Isles is a place I'll want to visit.

 

[Karak]

Yeah, will be. Anyone in the guild can invite though but I think I've been the only one to do it so far. I'm on now too if you are.

@ Karak: Sent you an invite too. Was that your character name or the @ID?

Sent invite to you too Trin

Sorry that is both actually.

 

[crazepharmacist]

So if someone is looking at this and Guild Wars 2, why exactly should they choose ESO? What makes the subscription fee worth it? What does it do better than GW2?

 

[Calcium]

UPS just dropped off my Imperial Edition. The damn thing is so big, I almost don't have anywhere to put it. Great package though, the statue is badass and the artbook is beautiful.

 

[DrTeflon]

Yeah, will be. Anyone in the guild can invite though but I think I've been the only one to do it so far. I'm on now too if you are.

@ Karak: Sent you an invite too. Was that your character name or the @ID?

Sent invite to you too Trin

I also added you to join the guild, but I'm on Almeri Dominion

Still, if anyone wants to join me to do some questing or something, my ID is @Dr_Teflon

 

[Karak]

Didn't get the invite. Shoot

 

[Dega]

Didn't get the invite. Shoot

Sent to @Malanthrax again

You get?

 

[Karak]

Sent to @Malanthrax again

You get?

Yes thanks! Just a bit slow I guess.

 

[Rhaknar]

just did Frugal Grotto (or whatever its called) as a healer, was kinda fun, but you cast 3 heals and youre out of mana in this game >_>

also bosses dont drop loot, wtf?

 

[SZips]

just did Frugal Grotto (or whatever its called) as a healer, was kinda fun, but you cast 3 heals and youre out of mana in this game >_>

also bosses dont drop loot, wtf?

There was some random world boss I came across the other day that dropped some loot. I'm guessing that bosses that are perhaps related to story missions don't drop loot as the loot comes from completing the quest? Not 100% sure on that.

 

[Ravijn]

just did Frugal Grotto (or whatever its called) as a healer, was kinda fun, but you cast 3 heals and youre out of mana in this game >_>

also bosses dont drop loot, wtf?

Fungal Grotto.

They drop loot after the 1st time you do it(the quest in there). Then afterwards you can farm them for gear as you need. Honestly, the best place to get loot is the public dungeons in the PvP zone.

The reason why you run out of mana is because people are standing in the fires or not avoiding attacks. Once your other group members realize this it gets much easier to heal.

 

[Karak]

Awesome gonna jump on later tonight with you peeps. Kill us some Betty Natches and shit.

 

[konstantine7]

I am officially so excited and can't wait to be off for the weekend to buy this game. I didn't keep up with it at all. I haven't read anything on it and I just checked into it recently for the release. I grew up playing MMOs and my favorites were AC, anarchy online and pre nge SWG. I played WoW professionally years ago but I haven't touched an MMO in quite some time. I finally have a job where I'll have some free time. I can't wait to get that feeling I got from SWG by playing this game. I'll post some updates from someone going into this game blind later.

 

[Fuz]

They do drop loot.
Not every time, tho.

 

[CoLaN]

Okay, put the impressions in the OP. I can add one or two more, if anyone wants me to add theirs. Also put Kem0sabe's add-on recommendation list in the useful link section.

edit: also give me some nice screenies to add. those would be good.

Not sure if OT worthy, but i will post 4 resized screens anyway

PvE

PvP

 

[Karak]

Not sure if OT worthy, but i will post 4 resized screens anyway

PvE

The first 2 are great!

 

[Calcium]

Damn, that PvP shot looks intense. I haven't touched PvP at all. I was going to wait until I hit level cap, but that does look fun.

 

[docbon]

Added the screenshots to the OP~

Damn, that PvP shot looks intense. I haven't touched PvP at all. I was going to wait until I hit level cap, but that does look fun.

You might still want to wait til cap, to be honest. Every single campaign with the exception of Auriel's Bow has some wacky population distribution at the moment which can suck the fun out of PVP. Hopefully they'll fill out in the next few weeks as people reach level cap.