Originally posted by Bullwraith

It looks very interesting Ashen, I just may have to give it a try. I do hope though that if you learned one lesson from Shadowbane, it would be that bug fixing trumps new content.

I'll have to admit, I learned many things from Shadowbane. That was a lesson I want to say I learned prior to then but sometimes you have to go with the direction you're given and not the one you want to go. That said, the crew here is very much about making a solid and fun foundation and aggressively tackling any issues that arise via testing.

- Sean

It's been a long time since I played DAOC (was on the Merlin server back when it first launched). Is there a particular aspect you're referring to? Overall, yes, Faxion Online is about faction-based conflict between the forces of Heaven and Hell. If there is something particular you're looking for, could you elaborate on the question?

The basic mechanics work like most MMOs; you target an enemy and perform actions. More akin to something like DAOC than DCUO or AO. We do also take some aspects of FPSs in visual displays for information instead of just being info in a chat window. For example, when a character is "blinded", their game screen goes black (minus the UI) for a few moments. When a character is "confused", they aren't rooted in place but instead their movement controls are temporarily scrambled.

And while we don't want combat to be too short (no one likes to be one or two shot killed), we strive to have our combat more akin to fast-paced skirmish gameplay.

- Sean

Originally posted by Spiritof55

meh......yet another glorified deathmatch game based on gank fest pvp....no thanks

pvp = lazy development

Why create create original fun and refreshing content when we can have everyone run around and gank each other while giggling like a horny school girl?  So lets have the mindless lemmings create their own "content".

 

I'll have to say to each their own. If you do not enjoy PvP, then I'd wager that Faxion Online is not the game for you. But for some people, they do prefer PvP. For example, while I liked the BFBC2 single-player storyline, it was the multiplayer aspect that kept me playing the game for hours and hours (and hours).

Personally, I find fighting a (human) opponent much more challenging and rewarding than one driven by Artificial Behavior. Not to say the latter isn't fun and I do that, too. But, at the end of the day, my favorite battles have always involved players, not NPCs.

- Sean

Originally posted by Hellfyre420

Looks like a nice pvp game to play on the side.. I'am just wondering if the Cash Shop is gonna consist of gamebreaking items that'll make this pay to win or is it cosmetic items only? If someone can clear that up for me i'd have no problem going in and giving it a try..

We have a rule that you cannot "buy a win" that goes into our itemization of the TrueCoins shop. What you will find is basically a time vs. money kind of attitude. Most of the items that are for sale via TrueCoins can be found in the game world by adventuring (or at least a version with the same stats but maybe a different look). The things that are outside of this are vanity items which are generally going to be in the TrueCoins shop only. There are also some other limitations (for example, you only get so many free slots in your bank to but extra bags but you can purchase additional slots for a one-time fee).

We even go one step further and there are items in the game world that can only be accessed via adventuring that are more powerful than things purchased on the TrueCoins shop... but even then, the majority of a character's power will be based on their character's statistics and not the items themselves.

Overall, the TrueCoins shop is more about convenience. Anyone looking to use it to make their character "uber" will be sorely disappointed.

Hope that helps answer your question.

- Sean

Originally posted by Piasek

PS: Is it just me, or the website is'nt work at this moment?

It's down for a website update/upgrade. Should be back up soon!

Sorry for the inconvenience.

- Sean

I'd be totally remiss if I didn't point out the fact that we're currently accepting sign-ups for Closed Testing, btw:

You can find more information about it here on MMORPG.com on the Faxion forums:

http://www.mmorpg.com/gamelist.cfm/game/559/view/forums/post/4026035#4026035

- Sean

Originally posted by TomBlaze

I just signed up for the beta but I was wondering if there will be Mac support and what the system requirements will be (optimal ones) for either platform.

Hey Noct! Hate to be the one to tell you but currently it is PC-only. We haven't released min specs yet but I will say you won't need a powerhouse to run it. We should have more news (about min specs and whatnot) soon, though.

- Sean

Originally posted by zymurgeist

From listening to the interviews this game isn't going to be like Shadowbane at all. It's interesting though.

It has some similarities but no, it's not the remake or spiritual successor of Shadowbane. It is a fun PvP-game with territorial control elements with a robust character development system.

- Sean

Originally posted by terroni

So the Faxion forums are meh...

The people making Faxion were somehow involved in Shadowbane?

 

Let me in! (never played shadowbane though)

Some of the people on the team were at Wolfpack when it was aquired by Ubisoft but were working on another project until then. I think I'm the only one on the team that was part of the pre-launch crew for Shadowbane.

- Sean

Today we have opened up the registration for Closed Beta Testing for Faxion Online! Closed Testing is scheduled to begin in the first quarter of 2011. Those selected to test will gain access to the game and be able to provide valuable feedback so we can make adjustments and have a highly effective service and entertaining experience when Faxion Online launches.

If you haven't registered on the site already, it's not too late! Simply create an account and you will be considered a potential candidate for Closed Beta!

For more info, see:

http://www.faxiononline.com/en/news/registration-faxion-online-closed-beta-testing-opens

- Sean

Originally posted by Nephaerius

The site says: "If you haven't registered on the site already, it's not too late! Simply create an account and you will be considered a potential candidate for Closed Beta!"

Source: http://www.faxiononline.com/en/news/registration-faxion-online-closed-beta-testing-opens

 

Just like he said, if you register on the site, you will be considered as a potential candidate for our game testing program.

- Sean

Originally posted by RockyRockets - Will there be any skills apart from fighting like Fishing or Woodcutting or Smithing?

We will not be launching with a crafting system but we will have one coming in after launch. This question came up on a podcast Faxion was featured on recently and Mike Madden, the Creative Director, gave more details there about it. You can find it on the GuildLife Podcast [GuildLaunch].

Originally posted by zymurgeist
So what is it with you and wings? 

haha, that is true. But it won't be Templar Wings this time... the real question is, will they be angelic wings, or devilish ones ;)

Originally posted by zymurgeist
Are they going to let you speak on behalf of Faxion as well as participate in making it?

Luckily, there is a great marketing and community team here so they will be doing most of the talking. That said, I'm sure I'll chime in here and there. 

- Sean

There is some great info on the official website but there are also some interviews that give some additional information:

• Life in Limbo [MMORPG.com]
• GuildLife Podcast [GuildLaunch]
• Faxion Online Interview [MMOHut]
• Interview With Faxion Online's Mike Madden [MPOGD] 

• The official website
• Faxion Online on Facebook
• Faxion Online on Twitter

So many people I've had to warn against this and now I'm doing it... although, that was first post and not first thread. Totally different, isn't it?

Anyways, if you're interested in learning more about Faxion Online, you can chat here or read up on the official website. Here's the blurb we've been using to discuss the game (note, it is still in development):

Faxion Online is s free-to-play MMORPG with a competitive edge. From character creation and customization to multiplayer coordination, Faxion Online offers achievement and glory through combat and adventure.

The Theme
With an impish sense of humor, Faxion Online brings you into the timeless war between the armies of Heaven and Hell as a key agent in the effort to tilt the scales once and for all.

The Gameplay
Battling over control of the unique realms and denizens of the Seven Deadly Sins, players will determine the fate of the material worlds. With an emphasis on territory control, Faxion Online offers a tactical and strategic group and guild driven conquest experience like no other. Test your skills against either the Heavenly Host or Hell’s Horde in a game where individual battles impact the world at large.

The Focus
Faxion Online removes the burdens found in most modern MMOs by taking the focus off of leveling, encouraging fast-paced skirmish gameplay, and offering varied progression options from mutli-classing to offline advancement. Compete for minutes or hours on equal footing with players of your skill level. Master the game - not the grind - and send your enemies back to wherever the Hell they came from.

Originally posted by Hokie

How is it pronounced?  \fa-shin\  \on-line\

Doest look very fashionable. But its still early I guess.

It's pronounced like the word "faction": [fak-shuhn]

@EricDanie  - I was actually doing game design before working at BioWare... I got back into Community Management for the opportunity of my last project. Still, quite a change but didn't want you thinking I went straight from CMing to Sr Design with no experience ;)

@Slineer - Yes, definitely a few familiar faces around here both from my last project and my time working on Shadowbane.

Dread73, I posted this early in The Old Republic community:

http://www.swtor.com/community/showthread.php?p=2693460#post2693460

I know many of you have heard this before but I'll go ahead and reiterate it for those of you who may be new:

Star Wars: The Old Republic is currently being developed for the personal computer (PC) using the Microsoft® Windows® operating system. While we recognize that there are other operating systems and platforms available for games today, our development is specific to the personal computer using the Windows operating system at this time.

As to why The Old Republic is on that list, we have no idea but to allay any confusion, we should not be on there.

I've been trying to put a list of the most common playstyles there are for MMO gamers and this is what I have come up with so far.

• Collector - This is the person who tries to collect all of something; whether it is all the "rare" pets in a game, rare suits of armor, etc. If it can be put on a checklist, they want it.
• Completionist - This is the person that has to do it all even if it doesn't really benefit them anymore; such as finishing "green” quests or doing a dungeon crawl just because they have never visited that area even if it won’t obtain them any tangible benefits.
• Crafter - This is the person who wants to create things more than anything else.
• Explorer - This is the person who wants to see the world; every little nook and cranny.
• Ganker - Not a PvPer but someone who likes to kill other players when there is almost no chance for the ganker to lose.
• Helper – This is the person who is always online helping others finish their quests, getting them gear, even if it doesn't benefit them at all.
• Hunter – This is the person who lives for the hunt; looking for a worthy target that can give them a challenge. Unlike the PvPer, a Hunter will hunt down and purse their opponent, waiting for the right moment to ambush or strike.
• Leader – This is the person who is always organizing others; whether it is groups, raids, or entire guilds.
• Loremaster - Unlike a roleplayer, a loremaster does not "get into character" often in game; instead they just love to learn the lore and backstory of the game.
• Master Looter – This is the person who desires virtual items and will run a dungeon crawl hundreds of times just to get that one particular item.
• Powergamer - This is the person who has to "win" the game in the fastest time possible. To them, fun is in winning and the path is just a means to an end.
• PvPer - PvPers live to compete; they continually want to test their skills against other living, breathing and most importantly, skilled opponents.
• Raider - This is the person who loves to do dungeon crawls.
• Reroller – This is the person that tries out a variety of different character types and has a hard time sticking to just one character.
• Roleplayer - This is the person who creates a persona within the game and truly tries to live like that individual while in the confines of the game.
• Socializer - This is the person who, more than anything, just wants to hang out with their friends and make new ones.
• Theorycraft – Tries to determine the “best” way to build a character.

Granted, some people would fit into multiple categories. If one appears to be missing, please let me know. Or if there is a better name (or terminology) for an existing one, let me know that too.

Best link for info regarding this:

http://chronicle.ubi.com/newspost.php?id=15088

The game has had its issues over the years but what MMO hasn't? They are quite complex beasts to create and maintain and there are some amazingly inventive and resourceful players out there... now if only their power could be harnessed for good!

With that said, whenever we (Stray Bullet Games) has learned about these issues and can repro the steps that cause the issue, we implement a fix as quickly as possible. People who have not been playing the game recently think this was all a new issue but this was primarily an issue dealt with over six months ago. Much of the released information was already known and gathered during our investigation. The findings of that resulted in the fixing of various bugs and exploits in subsequent patches. (LINK)

SBG Employees did not give out any special items. With this upcoming patch, we have also removed the ability to create unique items. The only way items will be introduced to these new worlds will be either through adventuring and minion crafting. Any and all unique items will now go through the patch process.

Now, is Shadowbane the game for you? That's not for me to decide. Some people love it, some hate it. Does it have cutting edge graphics? No. Is it a technological terror that has no issues whatsoever? No. But if you love Player vs Player combat, in-depth character building, and playing with groups of people, then you may very well find it to be the game for you.

In fact, read this and if you like how the game sounds, try it out. Its a free game and the only thing you have to "lose" is some harddrive space.