MMORPG.com Columnist Jamie Skelton writes this look at some of the discontent that has been flowing around the Champions Online forums surrounding the game.

Then the C-Store updated its item listing on October 19, and there appeared what was in the hopes of some, and the fears of many. They made a full character retcon available for $12.50. It isn't that the community was opposed to a full retcon at this point - its tone toward that has changed some in the past two months - but rather, that the cost seems outrageous, comparable by only a few dollars to the monthly subscription fee itself. Although the fact remains that players can retcon their way back with in-game money, and Cryptic has said that they plan on offering a full respec at some point (likely to level 40s), the anger is directed instead at the cost. The community (and those outside of it), had been concerned about the double/triple-dipping scheme of a box charge, plus a subscription fee, plus micro-transaction. Their concerns were now being realized. Although the heat has died a little on this discussion, there is still a great worry about a $12.50 charge for something that's reported to be somewhat easy to obtain in-game.

Read it all here.

I actually tried to cancel my preorder when I heard rumors of what might be the method for retcons in the furture.  Sadly fileplanet did not feel they owed me one so I played at launch.  So so many problems in this game.  This article covers some, but wow,  lack of content, WORST PVP BALANCE to ever grace any mmo, and broken powers that as of now have had no response from cryptic other than we are looking in to it.

I actually lol when I first saw the prices of the retcon in the item shop.  I had already canceled so to me it was sorta a well thats the straw that broke the camels back for the customers.  To me, the game is in a dire position, the last day I logged in there was literally less than a thousand people across all areas in all instances.  

The writing is on the wall Champions is simply funding for Star Trek online.  The lack of content, speed at which thinks are addressed and the ehem PRICING SCHEME scream quick lick to fund the projects they care about, no thanks.

There are two problems with the game. One is that Cryptic doesn't seem to know what they really want it to be. The second is the extreme shallowness of the game itself and the minimal content it contains.

It does feel like it was made because Cryptic needed to milk some money out of the work they had already done with their Marvel game that was stopped. 

Game felt like a superhero game initially but the content had not been made for the kind of blowthrough stuff you expect from playing a superhero and there were so little of it that Cryptic felt they had to extend the longivity of the little content they had by making the game less and less heroic. The end product is a game without a soul, vision or any real reason for its existence except for making money for Cryptic.

Not hard to tell which side of the fence you are on.

But then it's an editorial, not news I suppose. ;D

Very good article, and not only an accurate explanation of the retcon situation--which is ever so slowly dying down--but an accurate description of the history of the relationship between the developers and the players and how things get done. There was one line in specific which more or less sums it up:

There is a strong expectation that Cryptic will listen to and address the feedback put out by the community, and when they do not, or take longer than the community expects, the community expresses a kind of "I told you so" indignation.

Cryptic has a habit of letting things get to an almost catastrophic point before addressing them. Case in point: the Powerhouse. For a long time, ever since Closed Beta, people were complaining about certain aspects of the Powerhouse (the history behind how the Powerhouse itself came to be is yet another example, but another story for another day). Anyway, people were upset about the dueling in the lobby, and the lack of a "Danger Room-esque" feature, where we could have real battle simulation. When it started, power testing was nothing more than shooting stationary dummies just to see what your power looked like--no real testing.

It stayed this way for months, even through all of the complaining and begging for change. After launch, that begging escalated exponentially. It became one of the biggest issues in the playerbase. We'd made up our minds that the Powerhouse *needed* to be changed, period.

When the time finally did come that changes were announced, there was yet another issue that arose from that. The game was--and still is--in its infancy and people were looking at the bigger picture. There were arguably more important things to worry about than people getting upset about dueling in the powerhouse and not being able to properly test powers. Things needed to be looked at on a fundamental level. So after that discussion/argument/flamefest got under way, we were given a response by the dev team.

We were told that the team was going to work on things based on *our* priorities, and what the community decided needed to be done, even if there are bigger things to worry about. Yes, we were told that whatever we whined about was more important than any outstanding core issues with the game. I'm not sure whether or not they realized it then, but they effectively handed the forum community the answer to the test: Whine the loudest and you'll have your way.

It's not only that that's the issue, but the fact that certain things, like redesigning the powerhouse (relatively small compared to other things in the game), are left alone until they blow up. Why couldn't they have addressed those issues with the PH during Closed Beta when they first came up? Why let it sit for months if they were going to end up "fixing" it anyway? And, more importantly, why let the small things sit so long that they begin to take priority over key issues that need to be looked at?

Originally posted by TsukieU

Not hard to tell which side of the fence you are on.

 

But then it's an editorial, not news I suppose. ;D

Tbh honest I can't see how you can slant this any other way.  There are so many issues with the game even if you like it you want it to improve and its not, simple as that.

I bought the 6-month subscription and now completely wish I hadn't. I figured CO could at the least provide some entertainment, however I never log in anymore even with this new lack of content expansion.

I rather beta test Alganon and what an awlful game that is, rather then play this "finished" product.

I can only hope STO beta invite happens soon so I can play that for a bit and see how bad cryptic will blow it.

 I have read quite a bit about their view on retconn, and in fact I think the Dev's want it to be rare, so people are not changing their powersets every two weeks to the flavor of the month. This is a by product of allowing players choose any powers they want and not confining them to "classes". 

I think the player base expectation here is unwarranted, and I think the trolls like to create the perceived panic. I have played from the start, and I have received a total of 4 total respecs free, I have spent no money at all and have been able to adjust any one of my heroes.

As far as  the content of the game, it has exactly the same amount or more content all of the other MMO's I have played at launch. Planetside, WoW, PotBS, LotrO, EQ2, DaoC, Warhammer Online, Coh/Cov, ok maybe not Eve.

I think this game is on par with anything else out there of the same age, and they have shown they will add content in a steady fashion.

I think Cryptic should not sweat the forum mongers.

 I am so glad I did not buy this game after beta. I was hoping that it would get better over the next few months but now I think I just pass on it for good.

Originally posted by Ragemore

 I have read quite a bit about their view on retconn, and in fact I think the Dev's want it to be rare, so people are not changing their powersets every two weeks to the flavor of the month. This is a by product of allowing players choose any powers they want and not confining them to "classes". 

I think the player base expectation here is unwarranted, and I think the trolls like to create the perceived panic. I have played from the start, and I have received a total of 4 total respecs free, I have spent no money at all and have been able to adjust any one of my heroes.

As far as  the content of the game, it has exactly the same amount or more content all of the other MMO's I have played at launch. Planetside, WoW, PotBS, LotrO, EQ2, DaoC, Warhammer Online, Coh/Cov, ok maybe not Eve.

I think this game is on par with anything else out there of the same age, and they have shown they will add content in a steady fashion.

 

I think Cryptic should not sweat the forum mongers.

that's what i keep saying in the forums "theirs 3 frigging ways to retcon! ingame resources, the free dev retcon they said they would still give out and the c-store...and their working on a retcon mission as well. Good lord people take a valum!"

Still the game is disapointing. Expecially the new event

take wolf vs hunter pvp, and zombie pvp. You need to get 100 kills of the other side BY YOURSELF (team kills dont count you have to 'tag' the opponent) PER character (despite claims they are account wide)

if you do the math that's 300 pvp kills for a event perk, per character, durring a time limited event.

please somebody shoot me.

i got this game 10 days ago, 9 out of 10 of thoes days the game was unplayeable for some reason or other during most of the day.

not to mention the complete lack of team oriented content, is more like a middle class singleplayer game with MP battles then a MMO

Microtransactions and monthly subscriptions is the new level of greed in the MMORPG genre. Before the game was released the devs told us that the microtransactions would only be used for superificial stuff like new costume pieces. But now instead they are offering something that is quite important amongs the rampant nerfing/buffing of powers that is going on.

Too bad really, cause this game held some great promise with some innovative features. But Cryptic has shown its true face and this does not bode well for Star Trek Online. Most likely they will try something similar there.

They keep shooting them selfs in the foot. Free weekend says just how the game is going. To have to PAY for something you already PAY for is a slap in the face.

Originally posted by Yamota

Microtransactions and monthly subscriptions is the new level of greed in the MMORPG genre. Before the game was released the devs told us that the microtransactions would only be used for superificial stuff like new costume pieces. But now instead they are offering something that is quite important amongs the rampant nerfing/buffing of powers that is going on.

Too bad really, cause this game held some great promise with some innovative features. But Cryptic has shown its true face and this does not bode well for Star Trek Online. Most likely they will try something similar there.

*raises the pimp hand*

no, get that idea out of you head NOW.

paid-cons are not the only one way to fix a "nerfed build"

the devs will still give out freetcons, you can buy one in game, theirs a mission in the works AND the C-Store

GAWD DAMN PEOPLE.

Originally posted by Raevanhawk

I bought the 6-month subscription and now completely wish I hadn't. I figured CO could at the least provide some entertainment, however I never log in anymore even with this new lack of content expansion.

I rather beta test Alganon and what an awlful game that is, rather then play this "finished" product.

I can only hope STO beta invite happens soon so I can play that for a bit and see how bad cryptic will blow it.

 

Wow, do I pity the lifetimers...

You wonder why people consider MMORPG a bad site.  Pretty much an opinionated person saying there opinion is news.

hahahahhahahahahahahahahahah!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We warned you over and over. We told you they woukd do this. We didn't preach doom and gloom, just cryptic's track record with the MT's and NC-soft's support of the "fleece them for ever penny" model. But the fanboy's railed and ranted. We got drowned out.  Where are you now life-timers? Where are you now. This is just MORE proof that rats in a maze will still seek the cheese.  Strive to be above this. Tell bill roper you will not sit by and watch his greed and lack of management skills destroy another game. Boycott now, force Roper out and get someone who gives a crap about fun and community.

I understand they are in this to make money. But justifying that of a loan shark or a bookie, is no justification at all.  Greed is greed.

(EDIT)

I know this really seems like another "I told you so" post or pure indignation...  It is. I f'in earned it. After the tons and tons of posts over in the CO forums, that were not railing against this company. I was and much of the community was largely ignored. We posted positive constructive critisism, WITH potential solutions. We fufilled our role as testers to a key-note. We were ignored totally.  We have a right at this point to say we warned you. We did. and often.   You as Cryptic and you player base suckered into lifetimes and multi-months need to hold the people responsible for their actions. Cryptic board, roper, and the senior design staff.  Boycott and change what you can. This is a free society, don't just rant about it, do something! It IS in your power! Cancel. demand your money back. Flood the CS lines. MAKE THEM NOTICE YOU. 

"The tree of Liberty must be refreshed from time to time, with the blood of Patriots and Tyrants." Thomas Jefferson

Originally posted by harvest151

hahahahhahahahahahahahahahah!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

 

We warned you over and over. We told you they woukd do this. We didn't preach doom and gloom, just cryptic's track record with the MT's and NC-soft's support of the "fleece them for ever penny" model. But the fanboy's railed and ranted. We got drowned out.  Where are you now life-timers? Where are you now. This is just MORE proof that rats in a maze will still seek the cheese.  Strive to be above this. Tell bill roper you will not sit by and watch his greed and lack of management skills destroy another game. Boycott now, force Roper out and get someone who gives a crap about fun and community.

 

I understand they are in this to make money. But justifying that of a loan shark or a bookie, is no justification at all.  Greed is greed.

Games produced by atari, not NCSoft,  but still yeah, really sucks they're starting to pull this on their fanbase.  Again, you guys don't have to buy this stuff.... but I suppose with little content left, what else do you have to do other then mess around with stuff?  I hope they get you guys some updates soon, this game could've been great!

The saddest thing ? You still get shouted down if you try and point out any of this (or any other part of Cryptics track record) about STO....expect more of the same. You may not be able to fool all the people, all the time; but MMO companies sure are proving you can stay profitable fooling just enough of the people over and over.

I don't mean to derail this thread, but could someone explain something to me, what I have been wondering about for a long time:

What is so technically challenging about resetting skill points, changing char appearance, class, race, sex or any other player customizable parameter?

I don't know who started this, but it seems an obvious money making scheme. As the editor wrote, having free (in terms of real world money) respecs is something players have come to expect from any game that makes use of skill trees. To not include it and then to charge for it through a cash shop is just taking the piss.

In this case, Cryptic charges in the same region as what I would expect to pay for a medium size content upgrade. Does it really take as many man hours to create 50 new quests, a couple of new dungeons, bug fixes and maybe a new game mechanic or two as it takes to build a piece of code that resets the skill points for a character?!

Until someone convinces me of the contrary, I'm calling this BS and a blatant and arrogant rip-off!

PS.: I don't currently play any MMOs, so it does not affect me personally. It's more a matter of general principle.

honestly I think they were hopping that a lot of the CoXs fans converted and would be satisifided with an updated CoH basicly. but who knows exactly thats just the way it seems to me. played a bit of the beta, and it was just too close to CoH for my taste. The RMT were never an issue with me. WoW (yes WoW has RMT imo) is proving with there side/sex/race change options that RMT are going to be the wave of the future.As long as I dont have to pay for every little bit of content of a game is fine by me.

 I love the "hate" posts from people who never even bought the game, Cryptic must have kicked your kitty or something to hold them in such contempt, but never actually buy their product.

And I really love the dis-information spread so quickly, the C-store is an extension to what you can earn in the game, each and every item has an in game attainable avenue, the c-store is more for the casual, or lazy (two very different gamers). I find it refreshing for a company to address so many different ways to get additional content into the game.

C-Store is a second option, if you are going to write something, at least do a little research before putting your foot in your mouth.

Still playing, and still having a great time.

 Am I the only one who applaudes cryptic for charging so much for  something you can get free in game?  Congratulations to them for doing what should be done!  Lazy people deserve to spend and arm and a leg >.>

Originally posted by Ragemore

 I love the "hate" posts from people who never even bought the game, Cryptic must have kicked your kitty or something to hold them in such contempt, but never actually buy their product.

And I really love the dis-information spread so quickly, the C-store is an extension to what you can earn in the game, each and every item has an in game attainable avenue, the c-store is more for the casual, or lazy (two very different gamers). I find it refreshing for a company to address so many different ways to get additional content into the game.

C-Store is a second option, if you are going to write something, at least do a little research before putting your foot in your mouth.

 

Still playing, and still having a great time.

Nope I didn't buy the game.  Check my post history and the pictures in my profile, I played through the game enough in beta that I just couldn't play through the same content one more time.  This is just the beginning of the C-Store, but the C-Store isn't the main problem with CO at this time.  Its lack of content - easily.  I just don't understand why the C-Store would ever be necessary with the content the way it is, I would think the only thing left worth earning would be the items in the C-Store that you can still actually get (minus the items that are C-Store only items... who knows how many of those there are). 

Anyways, glad you're having a great time.  I don't think I'll be buying this game unless they really add some great updates..  Fallen Earth has pretty much taken me away until SWToR comes out, but if they add content for CO I might sub for a month to try it.

Originally posted by Ragemore

 And I really love the dis-information spread so quickly, the C-store is an extension to what you can earn in the game, each and every item has an in game attainable avenue

LOL. Hypocrite.

Can you lay out how I "obtain" the costume pieces & the emblems?

Not every, smart stuff.