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News Discussion  » Seed: Hands-On Preview

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30 posts found
Dana

MMORPG.COM Staff

Joined: 1/07/04
Posts: 2341

 
4/20/06 7:33:46 PM#1

SEED: The Human Condition is due for online release on May 2nd, 2006. Recently, Staff Writer Garrett Fuller spent a lot of time in their world and filed this hands-on preview of the game. Check back after launch for a complete review.

“Seed: The Human Condition” is set for release in May. I was lucky enough to get a preview of the game and spend some time running around in Da Vinci to get a feel for the environment. Seed is a very different MMO indeed. There is no hack and slash speed style like Warcraft. There is no long level grinding like Everquest. Seed is a science fiction game that allows players to work together, hold elections, explore, engineer, and most of all solve the problems of living in a very rough environment. The game functions on many different intellectual levels. The most striking feature of Seed is the game makes you think and work towards a better community.

The game is set in an off world colony. A ship has crash landed into a hostile planet and sustained some damages. The ship’s computer Tau has woken up the crew to make repairs and maintain the stable environment. Players who are part of the Da Vinci colony need to begin their journey by boosting skill sets to help repair and maintain parts of the tower (or ship). Not only do players have the chance to simply fix things, they also have the ability to develop blue prints, build new systems, and begin exploring the planet for the possibility to terra form the surface making it livable for colony members. The story of the colony and the efforts made to keep Da Vinci stable will be the central part of the game. Developers have stated that the game content will be player driven. If you want to build a better life support system, work out the blue prints and begin the process.

To read the full preview, click here.

Fraya9

Apprentice Member

Joined: 4/20/06
Posts: 112

4/20/06 7:47:57 PM#2
One of the main complaints I hear about MMORPGs in general is the lack of depth and content.

Then those same people turn around and look at Seed and say "No combat? How boring".

But what they dont understand is that a game like this is drawn in a fundamentally different direction than your hack and slash games.

Hack and slash is only concerned with making the combat more action packed and adding more superficial content (new mobs to kill, new loot, etc) that centers around that combat system.

Games like Seed have only one way to grow: in depth and unique content.
Vyava

Apprentice Member

Joined: 3/23/05
Posts: 830

4/20/06 8:32:33 PM#3

Originally posted by Fraya9
One of the main complaints I hear about MMORPGs in general is the lack of depth and content.

Then those same people turn around and look at Seed and say "No combat? How boring".

But what they dont understand is that a game like this is drawn in a fundamentally different direction than your hack and slash games.

Hack and slash is only concerned with making the combat more action packed and adding more superficial content (new mobs to kill, new loot, etc) that centers around that combat system.

Games like Seed have only one way to grow: in depth and unique content.

I have high hopes for SEED, regiustered for the beta next week and all. Assuming it is well executed then it definately offers something no current MMO offers.
Size-Twelve

Apprentice Member

Joined: 7/10/05
Posts: 302

See you in Washington

4/20/06 9:47:12 PM#4

I appreciate this write-up, as I was considering applying for the beta, but didn't do any homework. After reading Garrett's review though, I just don't see the appeal. This sounds like an MMO version of the Sims, City Life, or even Spore, and admittedly, I don't see the appeal of those games either.

So kudos MMORPG, as now my beta spot won't be wasted, and can go to someone who would actually enjoy it.

zeedaam

Novice Member

Joined: 2/24/05
Posts: 143

Democracy is 4 wolves and a sheep voting on what`s for dinner.

4/20/06 9:56:30 PM#5

I'm excited about this game however. I've always hated those kill x of y quests that plague other MMOs. I do like raids and exploring new places though. But mostly I liked social interaction, crafting, housing or other pastimes because they had a potential for more depth.

The combat in MMOs is usually the same throughout the game, just different mobs and additional skills as you progress. So I was kinda looking forward to Vanguard, but Seed will absolutely be on my computer! Open beta april 24th too!

Gunblade

Novice Member

Joined: 2/03/03
Posts: 2910

4/21/06 2:22:27 AM#6

The problem with reading this preview is that it sounds good, and like I would want to subscribe.

But you really do have to play it for yourself. So I really hope to during the beta event.

Thanks for the preview further confirms my interest.

britoca

Apprentice Member

Joined: 11/06/04
Posts: 1486

Time U enjoyed wasting was not wasted

4/21/06 3:02:24 AM#7
Well, I am certainly going to try this game.
The whole political aspect sounds great. In most games that have processes akin to voting and electing of representatives or leaders, it's usually just for positions such as guild leaders or town mayors (as in SWG), or to progress along a specific skill tree (like in A Tale in the Desert 2). So the power you gain in those games is fairly minimal and somewhat insignificant in the grand picture of the game. In other words, if u win the election, maybe u can set the new guild fees, or setup player events, coordinate meetings  etc, but u don't literally trace a new path for the game itself.

But this, from what it says, once elected, your ring will decide and alter the course of the entire game.  I can only imagine what it must be like to be a ring in power, and to consider what is best for the whole game community with every decision, while risking to get voted out at the end of the week. It's a bold new game concept, and I sure hope it'll work.

-virtual tourist
want your game back?

Xenduli

Novice Member

Joined: 3/25/06
Posts: 660

4/21/06 4:22:42 AM#8

Runestone need to make more of a deal that SEED will be free to download (and to try for 14 days). AFAIK there is no boxed version. So it is kind of like the Guild Wars model in reverse, the game will be free but you pay monthly fees.

No annoying animated GIF here!

GFulls

Novice Member

Joined: 7/29/04
Posts: 476

4/21/06 9:23:07 AM#9

Hi All,

Glad you are enjoying the preview. I will say this, the game certainly appeals to a type of video game player. If you are an action oriented player who likes to run around and hack mobs apart or blow stuff up, this is not the game for you. If you really want to put effort into solving problems and creating an intense political environment then SEED may just be what you are looking for. There is definitely a huge technical side to this game for all the sci-fi techies out there.

Any questions feel free to ask

Garrett "Shags" Fuller

MetalPuppet

Novice Member

Joined: 3/02/04
Posts: 3

4/21/06 3:18:19 PM#10

They are planning to charge $15 US (13 EU) per month after the free trial.

OPEN BETA STARTS SOON

www.seedthegame.com

Rabiator

Apprentice Member

Joined: 10/22/05
Posts: 302

4/22/06 7:06:10 PM#11
I'm planning to check it out. Seed is an interesting change from the usual hack and slay.
While I'm a fan of action packed shooters (just installed Day Of Defeat: Source ), a game of building and development might also suit me. I've enjoyed games like Railroad Tycoon or Civilisation as single player, now I'm looking forward to try a cooperative building game.

Omikron99

Novice Member

Joined: 1/03/06
Posts: 3

4/26/06 7:10:59 AM#12
the problem for me is that the preview realy sounds good. but when you check the forums on the gamesite nearly every beta tester is complaining about massive lag, lack of content and instabilities. that said 5 days before launch is realy bad. the setting and story realy are interesting, but when it goes public like the beta version its gonna be a stillbirth.
Gunblade

Novice Member

Joined: 2/03/03
Posts: 2910

4/26/06 10:29:16 AM#13


Originally posted by Omikron99
the problem for me is that the preview realy sounds good. but when you check the forums on the gamesite nearly every beta tester is complaining about massive lag, lack of content and instabilities. that said 5 days before launch is realy bad.
the setting and story realy are interesting, but when it goes public like the beta version its gonna be a stillbirth.

Jee welcome to beta? lol

Omikron99

Novice Member

Joined: 1/03/06
Posts: 3

4/26/06 8:17:31 PM#14
problems in beta are ok, thats what its meant for. but a game in this condition 5 days prior to launch is devastating.
Dartillus

Novice Member

Joined: 4/11/06
Posts: 23

4/27/06 5:34:52 AM#15
rumor has it their gonna extend beta to more then a week
dodsfall

Hard Core Member

Joined: 10/28/04
Posts: 137

4/27/06 5:57:02 AM#16
I was looking forward to trying this game. I signed up for the beta test, downloaded the client, received the activation code, but it seems the account creation on their website has been broken for a couple days now. I wonder if they have noticed..... It gives me pause when they can't even get website programming right.
Flatfingers

Novice Member

Joined: 2/06/06
Posts: 113

Designer of Systems

4/27/06 8:11:36 PM#17

I like the fact that Seed is trying something other than yet another conventional fantasy combat game. For that reason alone (I have others) I want it to succeed. But there are a couple of points that potential players should consider.

First, although Seed doesn't feature combat, that does not mean it isn't going to be a very competitive game.

The description of "rings" (which are basically guilds), and the fact that rings will control access to limited community resources that players will require in order to accomplish goals, means that the political wheeling and dealing in Seed is likely to be severe. If you're not both socially outgoing and intensely competitive, you may find that Seed pretty exhausting.

Second, the last time I checked the Seed website, the decision had been made not to implement the research minigame at launch. So although it's scheduled to be a part of the game, technically-minded gamers hoping for a game that lets them research new technologies will not find that capability in Seed. There are other technology-oriented features; just not research -- at least, not yet.

That said, Seed sounds like it has a lot going for it. I hope the beta goes well.

--Flatfingers

ac_decoy

Novice Member

Joined: 4/29/06
Posts: 3

4/29/06 11:11:46 AM#18
Just because SEED doesn't have a combat system from day one doesn't mean they can't or won't add it later. After all, it is an unexplored planet.
Vexin

Apprentice Member

Joined: 3/01/06
Posts: 297

Bad brownies are better than no brownies at all.

4/29/06 11:33:45 AM#19

Originally posted by Dartillus
rumor has it their gonna extend beta to more then a week
Glad somebody came to their senses.  A single week of Beta testing for something that has been 2.5 years in the making is just ridiculous.  Runestone is making the same mistake other games (like SWG) have made in the past, pushing out an incomplete product because they "must pay our bills" (quoted from  Lars Kroll Kristensen's  forum post about going live regardless of tester feedback about how it isn't ready).

I was going to try the game, because I'm tired (once again) of World of Warcraft, and Galaxies will never again return to its past glory.  However, considering SEED is admittedly incomplete when it goes live, I'm having second thoughts now.  It might be better to let others deal with the "beta" state of the live game, and then check it out after it's had a couple of patches.

--------------------------------------------------------------------
As ye SOE, so shall ye weep.

neuronomad

Novice Member

Joined: 4/29/06
Posts: 1187

My Aggro brings all the mobs to the yard.

4/29/06 11:55:39 PM#20
Kroll's comments sure didn't make me feel any better about the game.  Even with the 2 months for the price of one, doesn't change that.    In two months they may actually have a game ready to beta test, but not ready to go live.   Pretty much they are going to let the fanboys pay to be open beta testers if you ask me.

--------------------------------
Currently Playing EQ2

Can't wait for: WAR and Stargate Worlds.

Quit: AoC, V:SoH, POTBS, TR, COH/COV, LOTRO, WOW, GW, DDO,AL, EQ, Eve, L2, AA, Mx0, SWG, SoR, AO, RFO, DAoC, and others.

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Omikron99

Novice Member

Joined: 1/03/06
Posts: 3

4/30/06 5:04:54 AM#21
but  at least they are honest.
Redhobbit

Novice Member

Joined: 1/22/06
Posts: 43

4/30/06 4:47:41 PM#22
They've been very consistent and adamant that the beta will not be extended and that the game will go live May 2.  The Open Beta is only a week (was originally supposed to be 2 weeks) but it has been in closed beta for a while.  They are aware the game isn't nearly as done as they'd like.

I think they are basically to the point where they either have to release or start thinking about closing up shop.  I don't expect the game to feel finished by the time is goes live based on my experience in open beta.  However, there is no box to buy, they offer a 14 day free trial, and are offering first 2 months for the price of 1.  So the price also reflects the level of completion of the product.  The first 75 days of play will cost $15 and you don't have to decide if you want to pay until 14 days into that time frame.

The open beta has had a ridiculous number of crashes and other problems.  However, they have made significant progress.  The open beta is basically functioning as a stress test.  The other features of the game are not getting exercised that much in open beta due to the server and client instability.  The main question is whether they can make enough progress to have a functioning if incomplete game at launch or within the 14 day free trial period.  I'm hoping they can, but only time will tell.
CasaFranky

Apprentice Member

Joined: 3/11/06
Posts: 368

5/01/06 4:22:16 PM#23
Ive played the Beta from the beginning,and i can say this game is no fun at all.

Just walking around and klich the Use Wrench/screwdriver button.

Its like Working,not playing.
Shoal

Apprentice Member

Joined: 9/30/04
Posts: 1163

5/03/06 5:15:20 PM#24
Garrett Fuller, you are a tool.  And a broken one at that.  This game is one of the worst releases in terms of quality since AO.  I don't see how on Earth you could give this game any sort of positive spin.  For heavens sake, you could not really even find anyone to actually play with!   I just don't know what else to say.  Anyone that buys this game based on your 'Preview/Review' is going to be mighty pissed off at you.  Don your +10 vs. Flame shorts now.  Prepare for a toasting.
Dana

MMORPG.COM Staff

Joined: 1/07/04
Posts: 2341

 
5/03/06 5:48:05 PM#25

Originally posted by Shoal
Garrett Fuller, you are a tool.  And a broken one at that.  This game is one of the worst releases in terms of quality since AO.  I don't see how on Earth you could give this game any sort of positive spin.  For heavens sake, you could not really even find anyone to actually play with!   I just don't know what else to say.  Anyone that buys this game based on your 'Preview/Review' is going to be mighty pissed off at you.  Don your +10 vs. Flame shorts now.  Prepare for a toasting.
Please refrain from personal attacks.

However, I want to note, this was a preview and in a preview a month before launch, a game sometimes gets the benefit of the doubt as far as incompleteness goes. They get no such benefit of the doubt in a review. I have no idea how it will be scored in the end, but the preview looks largely at potential.
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