Okay, I'm sure most of you couldn't care less about my opinion on the game, and that's fine. But like myself several years ago, there might be some players checking out the game or who played the trial and dismissed it due to perceived flaws, and maybe this can help them look past those things to see the great things about EVE.

To start, the first time I played the game was about 5 years ago. I was 15 at the time and had just had a major foot reconstruction, and consequently, was bedridden for several months. With absolutely nothing to do but my computer beside my bed, I was eventually lead to EVE. Now, normally I would have played for 5 minutes and quit because at the time, I suppose I didn't have the patience or maturity to get passed my desire to directly control ships to shoot others and get instant gratification.

However, like I said, I was bed ridden with nothing else to do. So I played the entire trial. And, unfortunately, my opinion of the game did not change. It was complicated, overwhelming, slow, and boring. Some of that can be chalked up to my age, some to not having anyone to play with (not that I do now, since no one I know plays the game and refuses to - for the same reasons I did), some to the long complex tutorial and general game mechanics. But mostly, it's because I was missing the point.

I didn't buy the game that time, but for some reason, it stuck in my head. As much as I hated that game, I found myself often thinking of it in an almost nostalgic manner, despite not really having any good memories. 

This lead me to try the game a year or two later. Unfortunately, it was the same thing. I still hated it. 

But then about 3 weeks ago, the same thing happened. I found myelf thinking about, and part of that was due to CCP's seemingly random massive ad onslaught (when I say random, I mean their ads just popped up EVERYWHERE, I know they recently released an expansion so I guess that's why, but still, I never remember seeing them before, at least nowhere near as much as now). Then 8 days ago, my friend told me about the BOB thing. 

It sealed the deal. That combined with me being bored of almost every game, even new. It's just all predictable now. I feel like a retiree from games.. I've seen it all, done it all, I can predict games and levels and it's just boring. I feel like a master who wants a challenge. Not to be patting myself on the bat or anything, claiming I'm gods gift to games, because I'm not. Above average perhaps but what I mean is, I've done it all, seen it all, and so there's no challenge because in every situation, I know what I'm supposed to do.

I thought of EVE once again. The one game I just never grasped. And the BOB story, something that could never happen in most other games.

I decided, hell or high water, I would get this game and I would understand it, get past it's complexities, and master it as well.. more or less.

So I got it. The tutorial is much better than I remembered, and I enjoyed the game so much that after 2 days I bought another account to be my dedicated miner. 

EVE is great not inspite of it's complexities, but because of them. It always feels like there's another hill to climb, and unluck MMOs, that hill isn't comprised of getting better gear to kill the next boss to get better gear to kill the next boss.

That hill is other players. Be it corporations, pirates, whatever. Hell, some guy robbed me as I was mining and held my ore hostage, and we had a battle of wits in private chat, each one of us trying to get the upper hand. 

I didn't view my loss of work as a loss, because I enjoyed the hell out of that even if it was me getting ripped of. Then I pirated another miner myself, and it was amazing fun. No other game that I know of allows this, allows so much player control.

Other than my one attempt at piracy (a life not really for me, but I wanted to try it), I haven't even embarked on the meat of the game - corporation PVP. I don't even know if I ever will, because I've never really been the type to get into guilds. Not because I actively avoid them, I guess I'm just not social enough. But in this game, I'm going to try, because I really want to fight in battles that matter (at least more than other MMOs) for corporation space. [by the way, I'm not making this thread to try and get into a corporation, but if anyone is recruiting and could use a dedicated miner and a hardcore player who is not the type to ask for money or generally be obnoxious, I'm your man, Pinworm4545 in game (Darangen be my miner)]


Anyway, I guess my point to anyone who actually read this far, is that EVE is a great game. Even if you find it boring, give it a chance.. and if you still can't get into it, at least respect EVE for it is so other games can copy the atmosphere, rules, and so on of EVE, though perhaps with more active and engaging combat that people seem to prefer. I have no problem with people stealing ideas from EVE, because we need more games like this.
 

I am glad you are enjoying Eve. I think it is a great game even if it is not for me.

I think the graphics are awesome, and I love to watch the large scale pvp battles on Youtube. I tried the trial a few times. and never really found it difficult to learn, although I am sure there would be more for me to learn and adjust to if I subscribed. How ever I just could not get passed the point and click to move, or setting orbits for combat or mining. I like a little more freedom in controlling my ship. Also since I can't leave my ship to explore was also a turn off for me.

So I wish you luck and much fun playing. You will never see me bash this game at all.

nice to see that you enjoy eve hehe, it seams to me that the new tutorial have something to do whit this heheh

OP, I'm glad you're getting into the game.

I found myself in the same boat a few years ago. I tried the old, like old OLD, tutorial and had to log off in the middle of it because it was soooooo loooong. When I came back I was completely lost. I quit.

I tried it again when the Premium Graphics content came out, and haven't looked back. I'm actually kicking myself for not sticking with it before.

You have a ridiculous amount of freedom in this game. Try a little of everything and find what you like. As far as Corps go, you'll likely end up in a few duds before you get a good one, but it really does enhance the game. Not necessary by any means, I've been Corpless for about a year, but a good Corp really helps to drive your experience.

Hope to see you ingame. (But not like flashy red. That sucks for me)

 Im on my 5th trial of EVE atm and I decieded, like the OP, to force myself to like it (Hell I did it with Vegemite, I might as well with this), cant wait to try the new tutorial, and hopefully start to fully understand EVE and the complexiteys that make it so great.

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Originally posted by Pinworm45
That hill is other players. Be it corporations, pirates, whatever. Hell, some guy robbed me as I was mining and held my ore hostage, and we had a battle of wits in private chat, each one of us trying to get the upper hand. 

I didn't view my loss of work as a loss, because I enjoyed the hell out of that even if it was me getting ripped of. Then I pirated another miner myself, and it was amazing fun. No other game that I know of allows this, allows so much player control.

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to me this is the reason why play EVE. There is a world set up, single server and persistent. Where what the players do is what makes the enjoyment, has a future and yields memories and a history.

Originally posted by nurgles

 

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Originally posted by Pinworm45
That hill is other players. Be it corporations, pirates, whatever. Hell, some guy robbed me as I was mining and held my ore hostage, and we had a battle of wits in private chat, each one of us trying to get the upper hand. 

 

I didn't view my loss of work as a loss, because I enjoyed the hell out of that even if it was me getting ripped of. Then I pirated another miner myself, and it was amazing fun. No other game that I know of allows this, allows so much player control.

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to me this is the reason why play EVE. There is a world set up, single server and persistent. Where what the players do is what makes the enjoyment, has a future and yields memories and a history.

I think that maybe this appeals more to people who prefer RP more than I do.  What I see as a total lack of content, some others see as total freedom.  I saw people say the same thing about Ryzom and I didn't get it with that game either.  I don't think a lack of content is what makes a game a sandbox, but apparently some people do. 

It's like it's more a toy than a game.  I don't want to have to build up some kind of elaborate fiction in my head and then live it out in the game... But I can understand the appeal to other people.. I pretty much feel the same way about role playing in games in general.  If you are going to make it all up in your own head, do you really even need the game?

I totally agree.  The learning curve for Eve is hell.  But once past that the real beauty of the game comes to face.  All I have to say to anyone who is interesting in trying this game...or has and quit because they got bored or lost is this.

As soooon as you can, find yourself a decent corporation with people willing to help you.  If you find some nice people, the learning and moving forward toward your goal becomes a lot more fun, and a lot more easy.

Corporations make the game...

Originally posted by Salvatoris

Originally posted by nurgles

 

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Originally posted by Pinworm45
That hill is other players. Be it corporations, pirates, whatever. Hell, some guy robbed me as I was mining and held my ore hostage, and we had a battle of wits in private chat, each one of us trying to get the upper hand. 

 

I didn't view my loss of work as a loss, because I enjoyed the hell out of that even if it was me getting ripped of. Then I pirated another miner myself, and it was amazing fun. No other game that I know of allows this, allows so much player control.

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to me this is the reason why play EVE. There is a world set up, single server and persistent. Where what the players do is what makes the enjoyment, has a future and yields memories and a history.

 

I think that maybe this appeals more to people who prefer RP more than I do.  What I see as a total lack of content, some others see as total freedom.  I saw people say the same thing about Ryzom and I didn't get it with that game either.  I don't think a lack of content is what makes a game a sandbox, but apparently some people do. 

It's like it's more a toy than a game.  I don't want to have to build up some kind of elaborate fiction in my head and then live it out in the game... But I can understand the appeal to other people.. I pretty much feel the same way about role playing in games in general.  If you are going to make it all up in your own head, do you really even need the game?

What the hell are you even talking about?

Lack of content? Yes we all know it doesn't have assloads of PVE content like WoW. What it does have is assloads of PVP related player-centric content.

What I gather is you played EVE, ran a few L1 missions and quit. Maybe if you left the starter corp and actually did something worthwhile you wouldn't have such a jaded view of EVEs sandbox content. You think the conflict between BoB and Goons is just some elaborate fiction The Mittani plays out in his head each night?

Sorry but your post just reeks of /fail

took me 4 trials...but am absolutely hooked.....

I don't jump in on many threads, but this one hit a little close to home. I can certainly relate to the OP. I played the trial a while ago and even ended up paying for a month. I didn't really 'get it' though and ended up moving on. Now, having played numerous other games and accomplished all I wanted to accomplish in them, I've come back to EvE with the mindset that there are still mountains to climb.

Since coming back, I have left the start corp for a small player corp. Like the OP eludes to, the social side of things just isn't my strength. I thought I would be heading down the path of being a Miner (given the previous training I had done), but have found a lot of fun in the Science and Invention areas. While talking to the other players in the corp, a long time player piped in with the following comment that, i believe, captures the reason I enjoy this game:

"that's what I love about this game. Even after all this time, you can still learn something new." (quoted as close as I recall).

While that appeals to me, I can see how many others might not enjoy the game and I wish them luck in finding a game that does suit them. For me though, I think I'll be stuck in EvE for some time to come. Seriously, stuck...could someone show me where the exit to this wormhole is? (j/k)

...and that is the most I have ever sounded like a fanboy i think...(hangs head in shame)

First time posting.

I just started EVE up again for the what might be at least the fifth time.  I think the new tutorial is what finally enlightened me to exactly how strong this game is.  When I start up a new trial account, I'm always overwhelemed with my eagerness to sink my teeth in the 1000 megaton pound steak called "Eve".  Albeit, I always get burnt out, or end up moving on to something else.

Not this time,  I have a circle of friends that has collectively agreed to delve into this monster.  To shorten this post up:  A strong corporaration is critical for me because the social aspect is key part to the mmo formula and my satisfaction.

Originally posted by Salvatoris

I think that maybe this appeals more to people who prefer RP more than I do.  What I see as a total lack of content, some others see as total freedom.  I saw people say the same thing about Ryzom and I didn't get it with that game either.  I don't think a lack of content is what makes a game a sandbox, but apparently some people do. 

There is a lack of the content that you are looking for, not lack of content. You are looking for a guided experience. Others are looking for tools that allow them to manipulate and manage the game world around them.

You are correct, though, that lack of content isn't what makes a game a sandbox. The presence of a sizable collection of shovels and pails does.

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Originally posted by Salvatoris
I think that maybe this appeals more to people who prefer RP more than I do.  What I see as a total lack of content, some others see as total freedom.  I saw people say the same thing about Ryzom and I didn't get it with that game either.  I don't think a lack of content is what makes a game a sandbox, but apparently some people do. 

It's like it's more a toy than a game.  I don't want to have to build up some kind of elaborate fiction in my head and then live it out in the game... But I can understand the appeal to other people.. I pretty much feel the same way about role playing in games in general.  If you are going to make it all up in your own head, do you really even need the game?

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I have been a roleplayer since the D&D basic red box (about 25 years) for me to be able to play a game for long time requires an strong story aspect. EVE is the only MMORPG that i have been able to play, and that's been for over 3yrs now. Hell, that's the longest i have ever been able to play any computer game. Yes, I am in one of the roleplaying corps/alliances.

The opportunity of a roleplaying game is to collectively tell a story, the key part that make it a game is the collectively. You interact with others in order to play the game, you can't just do it alone in your head.

I am intrigued by your "more a toy than a game" comment, it would seem to me that a toy is something you use to amuse yourself and a game is something you play with others to amuse the group. So a liner fps would be more of a toy and a MMO is more of a game. So solo content in a MMORPG is the toy like aspect but grouping and PvP gets the game on.

EVE with single server forces everyone to be in the game, even solo players are part of the economy and are affected by other players.

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Originally posted by LynxJSA
You are correct, though, that lack of content isn't what makes a game a sandbox. The presence of a sizable collection of shovels and pails does.

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very well put.

Originally posted by LynxJSA

Originally posted by Salvatoris

I think that maybe this appeals more to people who prefer RP more than I do.  What I see as a total lack of content, some others see as total freedom.  I saw people say the same thing about Ryzom and I didn't get it with that game either.  I don't think a lack of content is what makes a game a sandbox, but apparently some people do. 

 

There is a lack of the content that you are looking for, not lack of content. You are looking for a guided experience. Others are looking for tools that allow them to manipulate and manage the game world around them.

You are correct, though, that lack of content isn't what makes a game a sandbox. The presence of a sizable collection of shovels and pails does.

What I meant was a lack of PvE content.  I thought it was clear, but rereading my post I can see that it wasn't.  My point was, I don't think a game has to forgo PvE content to be a great sandbox game.  Pre-CU SWG is really the only MMO that I ever really loved, and it had story driven PvE content inside an open sandbox world.  I guess this is still what I am looking for in a game.

You're right though.  It just doesn't have the kind of content I am looking for.  I went ahead an canceled my account last night.  I still have almost a full month left, but I find I am just logging in to set my training queue and then logging back out anyway.  At the advice of other players, I have tried to set goals for myself, since the game doesn't really steer you toward any on it's own... but I just can't find any avenues toward those goals that are any fun for me.  Apparently this just isn't the game for me.... but that doesn't mean I don't still have things about it I would like to discus.

Originally posted by nurgles

 

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Originally posted by Salvatoris
I think that maybe this appeals more to people who prefer RP more than I do.  What I see as a total lack of content, some others see as total freedom.  I saw people say the same thing about Ryzom and I didn't get it with that game either.  I don't think a lack of content is what makes a game a sandbox, but apparently some people do. 

 

It's like it's more a toy than a game.  I don't want to have to build up some kind of elaborate fiction in my head and then live it out in the game... But I can understand the appeal to other people.. I pretty much feel the same way about role playing in games in general.  If you are going to make it all up in your own head, do you really even need the game?

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I have been a roleplayer since the D&D basic red box (about 25 years) for me to be able to play a game for long time requires an strong story aspect. EVE is the only MMORPG that i have been able to play, and that's been for over 3yrs now. Hell, that's the longest i have ever been able to play any computer game. Yes, I am in one of the roleplaying corps/alliances.

The opportunity of a roleplaying game is to collectively tell a story, the key part that make it a game is the collectively. You interact with others in order to play the game, you can't just do it alone in your head.

I am intrigued by your "more a toy than a game" comment, it would seem to me that a toy is something you use to amuse yourself and a game is something you play with others to amuse the group. So a liner fps would be more of a toy and a MMO is more of a game. So solo content in a MMORPG is the toy like aspect but grouping and PvP gets the game on.

EVE with single server forces everyone to be in the game, even solo players are part of the economy and are affected by other players.

 

Games have structure, rules, clearly defined goals and objectives... Toys can be played with however you see fit, your imagination is the only limiting factor.  There are, of course, single-player games and toys that are played with by a group... so I wasn't getting at anything about solo content, and I wasn't trying to insult Eve.  Just a little observation I made that you may or may not agree with. :)

I actually found a link to a little article that attempts to explain it better than me. 

http://www.cs.northwestern.edu/~etm453/Game%20V%20Toy.htm

i am not offended, and i didn't think you were trying to insult eve, as i said i was curious about what you meant.

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Again, a toy is something that can be given an objective while a game already has one.

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to you EVE is a toy and you don't find yourself able to make a game of it, that i can understand. For me it clearly is also a toy but it is also a game as I have a number of objectives which I actively pursue.

I basically agree with your comments about roleplaying being a ready source of determining objectives. I know i couldn't play the game without the goal of freeing slaves from their shackles. that simple statement gives me an endless game to play.