So, last week, I subbed for the 7-day free trial... and I was just left stunned by the intro mission and, more importantly, what happens at the end. 

You create your character, which - while it had some customization options - was nothing ridiculously out of the norm. Still, it was enough that I didn't feel it to be a weakness. I chose Warrior. I liked the idea of a dual-wielding durable fighter. Then, you're dumped into a trial. 

The first thing I noticed was I was level 20 and have about 10 abilities on my bar. I blink, then say... "wow, that's pretty cool... I guess." I spend a minute or so reading them, seeing what they do. Then, I start doing standard MMO-style breadcrumb and fighting quests. Coming from a WoW-style background, it's safe to say the combat system was very unwieldy. I knew there was no-autotargeting, but I was shocked by how tricky it was to execute attacks with the Warrior, whose range was pretty poor. Besides, if I got more than 3 or so hitting on me, I was usually killed.  

My first issue was I haven't had a chance to learn the game yet (keep in mind, I've just stepped into this game for the first time). Isn't the idea of a trial to ease a player in and make them feel comfortable, rather than slap them with 10 abilities and expect them to be able to strategically use them in a non-target system with all of 10 minutes experience?

Then, I arrive at the Big Bad Evil Boss. This monster thing that I engaged with a lot of help. I admit, at first, I was pleasently surprised - it was a legit raid-boss style fight. At least until I started getting hit. This thing was just RAPING me. One hit would rock me for 1/3rd my life. So, I tried to strategically dodge, but there's just not enough of an indicator when he's going to attack me. For a newbie, this is just not doable. So I die. And die again. And die a third time.

But then, I get the hang of it. I start using my abilities more strategically. I remember my heal potions. This game is teaching me how to be a better player. And finally, I down him. 

Feeling somewhat pleased with myself, I complete the tutorial. Ready to take on the world. Ready to continuing master my class. Wondering what new abilities I'll start to unlock. Hoping my skills will keep getting better...

... only to find that I've been dumped in a completely different place, all my abilities gone except for two mindless button smash abilities.

I stared at the screen, in disbelief. Then, I saw I'd gone from level 20 to level 1. I honestly kept staring in disbelief. Then, I finally thought: "Did I just play an MMO for 1 hour, beat a boss... mastering the use of 10 different abilities... only to be 'rewarded' with the loss of 19 levels and all of these abilities? Isn't this the opposite way MMOs are supposed to fucking work?"

Who could have possibly thought this would be a good idea? I have not turned a game off faster. This is, by far, the worst way to try and hook a player I've ever encountered. 

TLDR: I was surprised at the difficulty of the introduction, yet was impressed by its ability to educate the player on basic and advanced TERA gameplay in such a short time. Then, I was absolutely shocked and appalled when I lost all the skills the game taught me to use, essentially "rewarding me" by downgrading my character to nothing, making me feel like I've completely wasted my time. WTF was the point of the intro if you're just going to do that. That's like pissing in my mouth and not even offering me a breathmint afterwards.

Did you . . .. seriously believe you start the game from level 20 onwards? Imagine you had logged into newbie island at level 20 and continued progressing level 21 and so on.  What would you have written then? No seriously. 

No one's going to argue the "Prologue" is just poo.  But it has it uses later on. I believe what they were attempting to do was give you a taste of how the bread and butter gameplay would be with some action instead of merely starting in rosie island where nothing is a threat while you learn how to move and so on.  It was a nice thought, but ultimately backfired.

It's not meant as progression to reward you with a level loss, it's meant as a flavor introduction that missed its mark.

Later on you'll realize that "Prologue" can be skipped for any future characters and that it can be completed in 10 - 15 minutes.

I think it's a good indicator that you persisted and adapted.  I think you'll do just fine.  Just lather some more butter on yourself so things just slide without causing you much stress. Seriously . . . level 20 onwards . . .

Originally posted by Reas43

Did you . . .. seriously believe you start the game from level 20 onwards? Imagine you had logged into newbie island at level 20 and continued progressing level 21 and so on.  What would you have written then? No seriously. 

No one's going to argue the "Prologue" is just poo.  But it has it uses later on. I believe what they were attempting to do was give you a taste of how the bread and butter gameplay would be with some action instead of merely starting in rosie island where nothing is a threat while you learn how to move and so on.  It was a nice thought, but ultimately backfired.

It's not meant as progression to reward you with a level loss, it's meant as a flavor introduction that missed its mark.

Later on you'll realize that "Prologue" can be skipped for any future characters and that it can be completed in 10 - 15 minutes.

I think it's a good indicator that you persisted and adapted.  I think you'll do just fine.  Just lather some more butter on yourself so things just slide without causing you much stress. Seriously . . . level 20 onwards . . .

I admit it was strange... but to reverse the question: "Did I honestly expect to play an MMO for 1 hour and then *lose* 19 levels?" Every other MMO seems to get the right idea: fast rewards in the beginning. That's why levels 1-10 can be done in a single gaming session for most MMOs.

The idea that a game decides to make your character ridiculously LESS powerful at the end of a gaming session just blows my mind. What's even more stupid is it teaches you how to use about 10 skills strategically, then takes them all away! What kind of stupidity is that? What the hell is the point of making me go through a surprisingly hard tutorial, only to take the skills away that you've shown me how to use? I just felt like this whole thing was DESIGNED specifically to waste my time in an almost mocking manner. 

After that disastorous trial, I can't see myself buying this game. When it goes F2P. I might give it another shot, but seriously... never had a game turn me off faster. 

Its a prologue, what did you expect?

Originally posted by umcorian

Who could have possibly thought this would be a good idea? I have not turned a game off faster. This is, by far, the worst way to try and hook a player I've ever encountered.

Psh, you have obviously never played the God of War sequels then.

[mod edit] First off, it's to give you an idea of what a class plays like at level 20, so you can decide if you like it or not, without having to put that much effort in. Secondly, you can avoid the whole thing and go directly to the noob isle on subsequent runs.

[mod edit]

Originally posted by GTwander

Originally posted by umcorian

Who could have possibly thought this would be a good idea? I have not turned a game off faster. This is, by far, the worst way to try and hook a player I've ever encountered.

Psh, you have obviously never played the God of War sequels then.

[mod edit] First off, it's to give you an idea of what a class plays like at level 20, so you can decide if you like it or not, without having to put that much effort in. Secondly, you can avoid the whole thing and go directly to the noob isle on subsequent runs.

[mod edit]

"The first hour of the game failed to hook me and felt completely unrewarding, so I stopped playing and here's why."

I don't really see what's blowing shit out of proportion here.  

Originally posted by GTwander

Originally posted by umcorian

"The first hour of the game failed to hook me and felt completely unrewarding, so I stopped playing and here's why."

I don't really see what's blowing shit out of proportion here.  

[mod edit]

Tirade? lol 

Clearly you haven't read too many negative reviews before. I gave props where they were due. Had the thing *not* basically wasted an hour of my time, I'd even go as far to say it was a pretty good intro. I don't need things easy. I need them rewarding and relevant.

Never have I seen a more unrewarding, irrelevant opening to a game. And riddle me this: why, exactly, should I have to think of a reason to keep playing something that I didn't find fun? I didn't have to think of a reason to keep playing Aion for about a year. Rift and WAR for a few months.  WoW for 5 years. The fact I'd have to within an hour of picking up TERA... probably says something about TERA, not me. 

And it's very crappy, freefalling numbers after only couple of months in... seem to fall on the side that there's something wrong with the game as well. My guess that shitacular prologue is a reason why the 7 day trials aren't exactly doing much. 

Originally posted by umcorian

Originally posted by Reas43

Did you . . .. seriously believe you start the game from level 20 onwards? Imagine you had logged into newbie island at level 20 and continued progressing level 21 and so on.  What would you have written then? No seriously. 

No one's going to argue the "Prologue" is just poo.  But it has it uses later on. I believe what they were attempting to do was give you a taste of how the bread and butter gameplay would be with some action instead of merely starting in rosie island where nothing is a threat while you learn how to move and so on.  It was a nice thought, but ultimately backfired.

It's not meant as progression to reward you with a level loss, it's meant as a flavor introduction that missed its mark.

Later on you'll realize that "Prologue" can be skipped for any future characters and that it can be completed in 10 - 15 minutes.

I think it's a good indicator that you persisted and adapted.  I think you'll do just fine.  Just lather some more butter on yourself so things just slide without causing you much stress. Seriously . . . level 20 onwards . . .

I admit it was strange... but to reverse the question: "Did I honestly expect to play an MMO for 1 hour and then *lose* 19 levels?" Every other MMO seems to get the right idea: fast rewards in the beginning. That's why levels 1-10 can be done in a single gaming session for most MMOs.

 

The idea that a game decides to make your character ridiculously LESS powerful at the end of a gaming session just blows my mind. What's even more stupid is it teaches you how to use about 10 skills strategically, then takes them all away! What kind of stupidity is that? What the hell is the point of making me go through a surprisingly hard tutorial, only to take the skills away that you've shown me how to use? I just felt like this whole thing was DESIGNED specifically to waste my time in an almost mocking manner. 

 

After that disastorous trial, I can't see myself buying this game. When it goes F2P. I might give it another shot, but seriously... never had a game turn me off faster. 

 

You get to try out the class, that's why it is there. It makes you 20 to give you the skills you have at 20 just so you know if it fits your playstyle. Sure it might be lame that it takes a little while, but who cares? It's part of the game.

Sedative anybody? 

srsly tho...warrior is arguably the hardest class in the game. You had a rough go, prologues like that are NOT typical of MMO's. The first time I went through it, I didn't like it. However, it is a good tool for picking a class to play. If you got 7 days free, try taking another class through the prologue. It seemed as tho you were having fun there, if for only a brief moment.

If nothing else, try a ranged class and see how you like it. I personally got burnt out on the combat quickly, but it was good fun for month :p

The Prologue was put in because lot of people complained about how the game was too slow until lvl 20 and that it was bad because new player would quit before they ever reach lvl 20. So it was put in to give people a taste of when the game really pick up (at lvl 20 when you fight you first BAM and dungeon.) and let me tell you if you were dying on the prologue boss you be dying much much more on the BAM until you learn to dodge.

And also Tera is very different its understandable that you had trouble with it as some one who isn't a custom to the game, however its there to show you what the game is. It give you a taste of what the game will be like later on, and if you bother to pay attention to the quest (i know most don't) it links with all the other quest. Also unawarding? Seriously man? you play any game at all? So many of them have you start off as something all powerful than loss all your shit when the game really start. Its been done to death by god knows how many game and your suprised? Do you return games coz what ever you did in the tutoral didn't get moved to the game once it started?

Sorry never played Tera   because of  looks of toons  not cos its grindfest of bad in somethg.

But i easily can see how it can be disappointing.  They wanted to make it better but it "sort of" backfired.   Sure its nice to check your char instantly at "top" level. or to try and teach  player to play  "dodge/active" combat after  "Rotation" fights.  But you can do it  better . 

Again sorry but GW had exactly same thing.  Beginner from level 1 engaged in a huge fight with boss so He/she can see how easy it is to die if not move/dodge/adopt to situation.  and they are doing it right  without  false boosting and overwhelming player with tons of new skills to press. you still noob with 2 attacks unlocked.

And if you feel like you need to see "Endgame"  top lvls  PvP always happy to show.

Small differences is a key to sucess.

Still all the luck for Tera. 

Originally posted by rexzshadow

The Prologue was put in because lot of people complained about how the game was too slow until lvl 20 and that it was bad because new player would quit before they ever reach lvl 20. So it was put in to give people a taste of when the game really pick up (at lvl 20 when you fight you first BAM and dungeon.) and let me tell you if you were dying on the prologue boss you be dying much much more on the BAM until you learn to dodge.

And also Tera is very different its understandable that you had trouble with it as some one who isn't a custom to the game, however its there to show you what the game is. It give you a taste of what the game will be like later on, and if you bother to pay attention to the quest (i know most don't) it links with all the other quest. Also unawarding? Seriously man? you play any game at all? So many of them have you start off as something all powerful than loss all your shit when the game really start. Its been done to death by god knows how many game and your suprised? Do you return games coz what ever you did in the tutoral didn't get moved to the game once it started?

 

Sorry I am new to TERA. .What is bam? I am lvl 13

Originally posted by pwain

Originally posted by rexzshadow

The Prologue was put in because lot of people complained about how the game was too slow until lvl 20 and that it was bad because new player would quit before they ever reach lvl 20. So it was put in to give people a taste of when the game really pick up (at lvl 20 when you fight you first BAM and dungeon.) and let me tell you if you were dying on the prologue boss you be dying much much more on the BAM until you learn to dodge.

And also Tera is very different its understandable that you had trouble with it as some one who isn't a custom to the game, however its there to show you what the game is. It give you a taste of what the game will be like later on, and if you bother to pay attention to the quest (i know most don't) it links with all the other quest. Also unawarding? Seriously man? you play any game at all? So many of them have you start off as something all powerful than loss all your shit when the game really start. Its been done to death by god knows how many game and your suprised? Do you return games coz what ever you did in the tutoral didn't get moved to the game once it started?

 

Sorry I am new to TERA. .What is bam? I am lvl 13

Ask in-game.  People will happily tell you because its a question everyone had at some point.  And avoid these forums like the black plague.

Originally posted by Reas43

Originally posted by pwain

Originally posted by rexzshadow

The Prologue was put in because lot of people complained about how the game was too slow until lvl 20 and that it was bad because new player would quit before they ever reach lvl 20. So it was put in to give people a taste of when the game really pick up (at lvl 20 when you fight you first BAM and dungeon.) and let me tell you if you were dying on the prologue boss you be dying much much more on the BAM until you learn to dodge.

And also Tera is very different its understandable that you had trouble with it as some one who isn't a custom to the game, however its there to show you what the game is. It give you a taste of what the game will be like later on, and if you bother to pay attention to the quest (i know most don't) it links with all the other quest. Also unawarding? Seriously man? you play any game at all? So many of them have you start off as something all powerful than loss all your shit when the game really start. Its been done to death by god knows how many game and your suprised? Do you return games coz what ever you did in the tutoral didn't get moved to the game once it started?

 

Sorry I am new to TERA. .What is bam? I am lvl 13

Ask in-game.  People will happily tell you because its a question everyone had at some point.  And avoid these forums like the black plague.

... trail account has no chat ..... thx for your helpful answer

Originally posted by pwain

Originally posted by Reas43

Originally posted by pwain

Originally posted by rexzshadow

The Prologue was put in because lot of people complained about how the game was too slow until lvl 20 and that it was bad because new player would quit before they ever reach lvl 20. So it was put in to give people a taste of when the game really pick up (at lvl 20 when you fight you first BAM and dungeon.) and let me tell you if you were dying on the prologue boss you be dying much much more on the BAM until you learn to dodge.

And also Tera is very different its understandable that you had trouble with it as some one who isn't a custom to the game, however its there to show you what the game is. It give you a taste of what the game will be like later on, and if you bother to pay attention to the quest (i know most don't) it links with all the other quest. Also unawarding? Seriously man? you play any game at all? So many of them have you start off as something all powerful than loss all your shit when the game really start. Its been done to death by god knows how many game and your suprised? Do you return games coz what ever you did in the tutoral didn't get moved to the game once it started?

 

Sorry I am new to TERA. .What is bam? I am lvl 13

Ask in-game.  People will happily tell you because its a question everyone had at some point.  And avoid these forums like the black plague.

... trail account has no chat ..... thx for your helpful answer

BAM is abbreviated for Big Ass Monster, these are monsters with a high hp pool and strong attacks that have greater rewards but are tougher to kill, usually people party up but some BAMs could be soloed if you dodge and use your skills right. You will find these monsters on the level 20+ zones and are often part of high exp yielding quests, though usually not worth it solo.

Back to the OP, I could see how the tutorial could cause confusion, I started during CB4 and that didn't exist, so when I hit it for the first time post launch it was only an annoying diversion. (which I've skipped for every character past the 1st)

I think your reaction is a bit over the top however, you should have probably tried to stick with it for at least the period of your trial, you would have likely gotten right back up to level 20 which was where you were playing at.

You do have to admit its unrealistic for a MMORPG to start you off at level 20 and couldn't have been all that surprised when it happened.

I suspect mock outrage in this situation. (or extreme naivety)

Originally posted by pwain

... trail account has no chat

Yeah, that drove me crazy. Pretty much guarantees you're not gonna group up for that stuff unless you sit in front of one and wave your arms at passerbys.

I just fought my first one earlier, but as a sorc, so there wasn't much to it. Just pound on it while someone else draws aggro... and just make sure you don't get caught in any wild attacks. Playing melee or healer would be way more involved, and I'm likely to roll as one in lieu of playing ranged like I am currently.

Originally posted by pwain .

... trail account has no chat ..... thx for your helpful answer

Originally posted by Reas43

Originally posted by pwain .

 

... trail account has no chat ..... thx for your helpful answer

You never specified you were on a trial account. I do what I can. ;)

 Why would he? He was just trying to get help from a Tera forum.