The game has changed since the leaks, heres a update from the official site...

Forums had been down due to several DDOS attacks. Since it became an issue, we took the forums down and have taken all appropriate measures to make a recurrence less likely. The game servers have not been affected.

The trial faced some issues during the initial stress test when the volume of the invitees taxed the patching and the login system. This was to be expected and it's the nature of a stress test. Testers experienced periodic low download speeds and various minor errors and hiccups which were soon dealt with. We increased our patching capacity and corrected small errors, until everything was running smoothly. For launch we will have in place a peer to peer system which should greatly improve download speeds and make the downloading and patching run smoothly. There have been a couple of server crashes since we’re still running in debug mode. The issues causing the crashes have been addressed and we have issued a few new patches in this time. Servers are currently down for scheduled maintenance for a few hours tonight, during which we are also running an internal stress test. Servers will be up again right after this.

So far there have been three waves of invites sent out and these proved to be a very good stress test for the download, patching and login systems. We would like to thank the testers for their persistence during this initial stress test and their patience while we corrected the issues that came up. Most players entered the game, and have been playing since yesterday.

Now that things have stabilized, we’ll start sending out more invites. We will keep sending invites out, every day when possible, and until we hit our capacity.

The NDA is still in effect, because this remains a testing period. Even though this is the release candidate client, previews based on this experience may not be indicative of the release quality of the game, especially not while you're consciously trying to break the game during stress testing. The game is still in debug mode so that we can deal with any issues that arise. Other than that, we are trying to simulate the launch, in order to better prepare for it. The testers in-game so far have been sending us very positive reports on their gameplay experience, even so, the NDA will be in effect while there's still testing going on. As soon as we're out of debug, the stress test is over, we'll lift the NDA.

If you haven’t received an invite yet please don’t take it personally. You very well might receive one soon. Please respect the invite process; it was made to be as fair as possible, while also being the most helpful for the game. We appreciate everything the community has done for the game and while we regret that we can’t make everyone happy, it’s impossible when considering the large volume of the applications. Even so, there will be a great number of players allowed to playtest. We really understand the impatience, and we’re doing our best to get as many into the game as possible.

Please do not try to bypass the invitation process by emailing or PMing us. We’re afraid that it’s not possible to do so. This is an automated procedure, and we could not possibly manually process all the messages we’re getting at this stage.

As far as the latest major patch goes, these are just some of the updates included:

* The interface has been completely reworked and re-skinned.
* Camera modes have been updated. You can now use the mouse wheel to zoom in and out.
* Warhulk movement has been enhanced. You can cycle camera modes using F12
* Mount controls have been tweaked
* Rivers will now carry you downstream.
* All character attributes have been enabled and they display signals when they increase.
* NPC animations have been updated
* Rune Stones (recall stones) have been enabled.
* You can buy more slots for starter weapons at a vendor.
* Directional attacks for all melee weapons have been added. You can slice vertically or horizontally.
* Player Journal and Clan Window have been updated.
* High score quests have been enabled.
* Time limit high score quests are enabled
* Massive AI update: Many more monsters have been added.
* AI behavior has received a significant update.
* Wildlife has been enabled. Tigers, bears, lions etc. can be found in nature.
* Underwater monsters are now enabled.
* Dungeon monsters are now enabled.
* Monsters will now visibly taunt you
* Roaming monster packs are enabled.
* Some monsters will send you personal taunts.
* Environment system is fully enabled. Ambience and weather will now change over time and as you travel. One Darkfall day is now approximately 5 hours long.
* In-game help has been enabled.
* Updates to armor graphics.
* Character creator has been updated.
* More player skills have been added.
* Clan cities that belong to your clan have been updated to display on your world and mini map.
 

Welcome to two weeks ago buddy.

Heh... you forgot to include the link:

forums.darkfallonline.com/showthread.php

Tasos - 1-25-09  

(As in 15 days ago).  

Just an FYI... there are quite a few leaks around from AFTER that post by Tasos. 

The sad thing is that they think the interface was completely redone and reskinned, and it still looks like total ass.

not so "feature complete" and/or "ready to release today"!

/facepalm

updated weeks ago you mean, the game is still trash. If one were to compare it to performing mechanical work on a vintage car, it would take a complete frame-up resto to save this steaming pile.

Game is perfect and for hardcore we will have a great launch and lots fun:)

Originally posted by troyboy123

* AI behavior has received a significant update.

WHY wont any fanboy answer me this. Now bear in mind I am HIGHLY anticipating DF when I ask this.

IF the game is ready, over a year ago tasos said that the ai was hella tough. in fact it was SO GOOD it was testing the game for them! How tested can it be if its so good that right at the end of development they SIGNIFICANTLY improved it?

Why wont any trol.err fan of the game respond to this? DARKFALL FANS I AM LOOKING AT YOU

Originally posted by Evasia

Game is perfect and for hardcore we will have a great launch and lots fun:)

Haha!

Do you even grasp what is going on, Evasia?  Really, do you understand anything you read?  I read this information two weeks ago on a betaleak site.  Unless ALL of the beta leaks I've seen were from three weeks ago, wildlife and all mobs have not been enabled.

Have you watched any of the videos?  Aren't you saying to yourself, "God...There's absolutely nothing in this game, sure the grass looks alright, but there's NOTHING AROUND"

Actually, I think you are saying the above, but it looks something more like this..."Tasos, if you're listening up there, can you please send me a sign that what you say is true?"  Then you probably read this shit, and say to yourself, "Thank you God Tasos, thank you for the gift that is Darkfall in its feature-completeness"

I wouldn't be so upset by the OP's posted information, if Aventurine weren't basking in the information that's included, which is so obviously not on the beta server.  Whatever though, looks as if Evasia, downtoearth, and egg will eat this up like it's gospel. Even though it's two-weeks old.

Have fun on the 25th, you three...Because it'll only be you guys still playing a week later.

Originally posted by CaesarsGhost

not so "feature complete" and/or "ready to release today"!

Wern't you one of the developers working on The Chronicle?

Bit of an ironic quote coming from you.

Seriously this game reminds me of the AoC crap and Warhammer not far behind. I would wait until after release for anyone thinking of pre-ordering.

Actually this Mortal online may do what Darkfall is trying to do, they are still in early beta phase. It does look good so far with some interesting ideas.

Originally posted by warty

Originally posted by troyboy123

* AI behavior has received a significant update.

 

WHY wont any fanboy answer me this. Now bear in mind I am HIGHLY anticipating DF when I ask this.

 

IF the game is ready, over a year ago tasos said that the ai was hella tough. in fact it was SO GOOD it was testing the game for them! How tested can it be if its so good that right at the end of development they SIGNIFICANTLY improved it?

Why wont any trol.err fan of the game respond to this? DARKFALL FANS I AM LOOKING AT YOU

I don't see why it's a problem that they are making final adjustments to their game. Are you questioning them because they've changed the AI behavior?  Let's just say you're a WoW fan or were a WoW fan... I do recall them making instance bosses harder/easier depending on what people were experiencing.... hell they even removed some of the moves certain mobs did to make it more player friendly.  With that being said.. why can't Darkfall do it?

Also you've seem to have forgotten this game is now in a full fledged closed beta.. with at least 2,000 people now opposed to the 50-100 they had... of coruse they're going to have to adjust some settings.  Anyway.. don't even know why I bothered to answer your post.. I'm looking forward to Darkfall and will be playing.  See you in game.

Hah there seems to be a time warp created by this game. Its like a black hole collapsing in on itself every time someone thinks they discovered new updated info.

Originally posted by zippy123

Seriously this game reminds me of the AoC crap and Warhammer not far behind. I would wait until after release for anyone thinking of pre-ordering.

Actually this Mortal online may do what Darkfall is trying to do, they are still in early beta phase. It does look good so far with some interesting ideas.

 

how can you pre-order AFTER release? 

Originally posted by warty

 IF the game is ready, over a year ago tasos said that the ai was hella tough. in fact it was SO GOOD it was testing the game for them! How tested can it be if its so good that right at the end of development they SIGNIFICANTLY improved it?

Why wont any trol.err fan of the game respond to this? DARKFALL FANS I AM LOOKING AT YOU

Erm...Tasos lied and you belived him?

The AI can be a pain, and I don`t really like that part. If I could chose I would like to fight a bugged mob that was standing still and didn`t do any damage. Those were my favourit mobs when I played WOW, because it was easy to gain weaponskill from them.

You have to remember most of us don`t really like the PvE part that much, and the only reason we fight them is for skillgain and money.  We like to fight opponents with a brain. 

Originally posted by TheHoweller

Originally posted by Evasia

Game is perfect and for hardcore we will have a great launch and lots fun:)

 

Haha!

Do you even grasp what is going on, Evasia?  Really, do you understand anything you read?  I read this information two weeks ago on a betaleak site.  Unless ALL of the beta leaks I've seen were from three weeks ago, wildlife and all mobs have not been enabled.

Have you watched any of the videos?  Aren't you saying to yourself, "God...There's absolutely nothing in this game, sure the grass looks alright, but there's NOTHING AROUND"

Actually, I think you are saying the above, but it looks something more like this..."Tasos, if you're listening up there, can you please send me a sign that what you say is true?"  Then you probably read this shit, and say to yourself, "Thank you God Tasos, thank you for the gift that is Darkfall in its feature-completeness"

 

I wouldn't be so upset by the OP's posted information, if Aventurine weren't basking in the information that's included, which is so obviously not on the beta server.  Whatever though, looks as if Evasia, downtoearth, and egg will eat this up like it's gospel. Even though it's two-weeks old.

Have fun on the 25th, you three...Because it'll only be you guys still playing a week later.

I just want to ask you this question, are you in the beta?
 

Originally posted by Hotjazz

Originally posted by warty

 IF the game is ready, over a year ago tasos said that the ai was hella tough. in fact it was SO GOOD it was testing the game for them! How tested can it be if its so good that right at the end of development they SIGNIFICANTLY improved it?

Why wont any trol.err fan of the game respond to this? DARKFALL FANS I AM LOOKING AT YOU

 

Erm...Tasos lied and you belived him?

 

The AI can be a pain, and I don`t really like that part. If I could chose I would like to fight a bugged mob that was standing still and didn`t do any damage. Those were my favourit mobs when I played WOW, because it was easy to gain weaponskill from them.

 

You have to remember most of us don`t really like the PvE part that much, and the only reason we fight them is for skillgain and money.  We like to fight opponents with a brain. 

I like how you both avoided my point and instead brought up the classic troll evasion technique. I must be a wow player! go you, must have been hard to think up that. I talk nothing, NOTHING of playing against the AI. Only that the game was 'tested' by it. Dont you remember that part? Where instead of players they had the AMAZING ai? Yeah, that bit? Does that ring a bell at all?

Mm thought so but lets just carry on talking about wow because, well I suppose atleast we all know the realities of that and can have a good discussion. You seem to have (handily) forgotten what I tried to talk to you about!

Whaaaaa

I remain skeptical but hopefull.

Two things on that list made me go HUH though.
River currents will move you downstream- I dont think i have ever seen this in a game before.
Mobs will send you personal taunts- That is crazy and if it is really in the game will be rather funny.

Again we shall see. I dont understand why everyone is getting so excited one way or the other, especially the negative way. It will happen or it wont. We will either get a new and possibly exciting game or we will continue to be stuck with the sad lot that is out there now.

Originally posted by warty

Originally posted by troyboy123

* AI behavior has received a significant update.

 

WHY wont any fanboy answer me this. Now bear in mind I am HIGHLY anticipating DF when I ask this.

 

IF the game is ready, over a year ago tasos said that the ai was hella tough. in fact it was SO GOOD it was testing the game for them! How tested can it be if its so good that right at the end of development they SIGNIFICANTLY improved it?

Why wont any trol.err fan of the game respond to this? DARKFALL FANS I AM LOOKING AT YOU

Maybe the word tweaked is more appropriate. The AI has always been there. My understanding is that they are balancing not re-writing features.

Originally posted by Hotjazz

Originally posted by warty

 IF the game is ready, over a year ago tasos said that the ai was hella tough. in fact it was SO GOOD it was testing the game for them! How tested can it be if its so good that right at the end of development they SIGNIFICANTLY improved it?

Why wont any trol.err fan of the game respond to this? DARKFALL FANS I AM LOOKING AT YOU

 

Erm...Tasos lied and you belived him?

 

The AI can be a pain, and I don`t really like that part. If I could chose I would like to fight a bugged mob that was standing still and didn`t do any damage. Those were my favourit mobs when I played WOW, because it was easy to gain weaponskill from them.

 

You have to remember most of us don`t really like the PvE part that much, and the only reason we fight them is for skillgain and money.  We like to fight opponents with a brain. 

Lum recently commented on the whole "make AI smart" bit and he makes a good point about it. His statements, I think have solid ground.

Snippet (thanks Lum):

It would be ridiculously easy to make mobs smarter. “Hey, I need to always kill the guy healing people. No, really. Screw you, taunt skill. I’M KILLING THIS GUY. Oh, I’m getting some friends to help. In fact we’re going to loop around from behind to take them by surprise. AND WE’RE NOT STOPPING TILL WE WIN.” It would be the equivalent of That Dungeon Master Guy you all hate who takes great, sadistic, and Aspergian glee in making sure “his” players always die horribly.

This is not an experience people will pay for. Game design, in many ways, is convincing players that they won a struggle against imposing odds. It does not mean actually creating imposing odds.

Also, I have seen metrics prove conclusively, time and time and time and time again, that in a game that *does* have monsters with decent AI and that use strategies that require some thought to defeat, that players will avoid them in droves and seek out the ones with the most brain damaged AI possible.

Players dislike challenge. They SAY they like challenge. They lie.
 

Anyway. I do not believe, not one little bit, that these guys at aventurine were testing thier own game with an in-house AI. They may have done some research into scripted encounters between mobs with pre programmed opposing polarity but thats about it. Probably not much more than any other dev team. Making AI fight each other makes for a nice little teaser trailer (which they havent come up with one yet) and pre alpha combat stabilities, but yeah. whoopde-doo.

Tasos is a big fat liar. Plain and simple.

I sincerely hope DF turns out to be a good game. There is still some market for sandbox gameplay. But I swear to God this Tasos character looks like a gawddamm fraud. Has anyone seen the back of mister flamingoblahblah's neck yet? There might be a zipper there. Look close. A John Smedley can take on many different forms.

The fanboys will preorder it.

The haters will bash it till the end of times.

The game will speak for itself once / if it comes out.

Woooot I'm smart

Originally posted by alakram

The fanboys will preorder it.

The haters will bash it till the end of times.

The game will speak for itself once / if it comes out.

Woooot I'm smart

Has it not spoken for itself already?

Its lengthy time in development. The obvious untruths communicated by its spokesperson over the years. The lack of, or the uncertainty of a reputable publisher. Little information on pay structure or billing. System reqs? Regional release dates? A complete website? Bueller...... Bueller..... Bueller......

Im not hating here. Really. Im doing my damndest not to.

First: Darkfall is a MMO for sandbox PvP fans. If you dont like either of that, you will hate it.

Secondly: DF is ready for launch. Dont listen to the trolls and haters. They want people to believe its another WAR or somthing. Its not an emty world and the AI is nothing as we have seen before.

Last: Its no secret that Aventurine is a small developer. Even WoW was broken it release (we played beta in the american servers). So dont expect a small indie developer to launch a perfect MMO...the first months. If you belive that, maybe you should stop caring about MMOs completely.

Beta leaks can be good to read you know.

Originally posted by Hotjazz 

We like to fight opponents with a brain. 

Well, then at least we know Tasos is safe from you.