Hi All.  The cabal has been disbanded.  

Please remove this thread, thanks. 

I have to say that the Halloween content for TSW was good.  However, there were a few things I would have changed:

Make the dungeon repeatable, with different difficulties, normal, elite and NM: rewards retrospectively, green, blue, purple.

Have items of clothing drop on an rng basis so people have the need to run it once a day for 2-3 weeks.   Having done all the quests in a day, I was left with only hallowed mobs to farm for the neat stuff.  

Dont have the investigations quests as a pre-requisite for the dungeon quest.  For the first time, due to little info, I looked up the answers expecting a to need to repeat the dungeon quest. I was dissapointed to find we could only go in there ONCE..

Considering it was meant to be the TSW christmas everywhere else felt spartan.  A few pumpkin heads in Agartha and the cities wouldnt go a miss.  And this btw really makes me think that the players in charge of these events aren't thinking creatively.

As for the competition which one faction won, the Templars, I feel it was absolute amateur time.  GUYS, its not cool to have ONE faction win and not give the other factions a controlable way to direct the outcome.  Its not OUR fault if people don't log in etc..  And it is this nonesense that has me extremely concerned, yet again we are seeing a freaking novice way to run an event that seems to have been thrown together at the last minute.  

It is a sad situation but for what ever reason Funcom is unable to deliver consistently. 

Its hard to disagree with the author on the pricing and I too find myself paying the same amount being in the UK.  TSW has been an awesome game experience but due to the dwindling playerbase and having gone through all the content I am finding it more and more difficult to justify the expense.

Nor am I greatly impressed by the news that Funcom is putting resources into other projects, at the expense of TSW.  Its perhaps a sound business move but it doesn't seem so great from a players perspective. 

If TSW is hard to understand we are lost as a species.  It might have been new and different but hard to understand, no.  Not unless the human race is 95% retards, oh wait. 

The problem with the gaming industry in general is that companies like to play it safe and produce games that aren't original.  The MMO genre has been completely stagnated by lacklustre milked to death, flogging a dead horse, implementations of the fantasy MMO genre for over a decade and the moment a company produces something 'different' all the simpletons that seem to make up the gaming community start crying, 'Its too hard'..

Its not too hard, you've just gotten used to being fucking spoon fed and given games that are equivilant to a paint by numbers colouring pad with cute little pop ups. 

You can also access the 3 day trial, 5 days if you get enough done in game.  No cash required for that either.  Simple answer to your question is yes its worth checking out. 

Originally posted by aesperus

Originally posted by Duranu

Ok, so the title is a tad outrageous...

My serious question is, provided you're not PVPing 24/7 for tokens, what is the highest achievable stat (we'll go with AR, attack rating, in this case) that you can achieve through drops from just normal dungeons?  From elite dungeons?

Reason why I'm curious is beacuse I've seen some pretty interesting requests in "LFG" chat.  I understand people wanting to have an easy or quick run through a dungeon, but I've seen people turned down because "OMG, only 2.5k AR?  Not high enough for elite."

I myself have been turned down for NMs because I didn't have 4k AR.  Like I said, I can understand wanting a quick and easy run for bullion at the least, but it seems to be a growing trend. 

 

*edited for some spelling.

And this is why i hate it when MMOs have things like DPS meters & gear ratings.

What you are describing is one of the reasons I left the game a few months back. Sorry to see that hasn't changed. Basically, what people are requesting are ratings that can only be achieved by either someone putting all of their gear into that rating (and as such having no health), or someone who has already completed the dungeon enough to already have the gear rewards you get from running them.

The biggest joke, is that these ratings aren't essential to completing elites or NM mode dungeons. Furthermore, some of the least successful groups I've had when running these dungeons have come from people who put all their gear into meeting that arbitrary ratings number to the neglect of all their other stats. Especially when it comes to NM dungeons.

To have smooth (and quick) runs for the dungeons in TSW you don't actually need AR anywhere near that high. Last I played, I was able to do elites just fine w/ only 1.8-2.3k AR, and NMs with 2.8-3k AR. I may not do as much DPS as the people w/ 4k AR, but i could at least take some hits before dying. It's really dissapointing that requirements are still so skewed towards the upper end of the spectrum.

You might have better luck trying to find a decent cabal who doesn't rely on inflated requirements as a crutch for their own lack of ability.

I'm not defending elitism here but when you are pugging what other stats can you use to evaluate if a player is going to be able to contribute successfully to the run?  I can ask if they have completed all the encounters before, yet people blatantly lie about that and end up wasting other peoples time.

Its not that hard to start up a group of your own and you can specifiy whatever criteria you want.  I often get the impression that many people playing the game want to take absolutely no responsiblity in it but complain when everthing isn't handed to them on a silver platter.  I agree though, players should find a cabal and stop expecting instant gratification. 

It is true you see some people asking for extremely high stats on occasion.  We see this in many games.  If they are running a group they have every right to ask for what they desire.. It is quite possible that they have long gone through the pain of learning all the bosses and simply wish a quick painless run.  I wouldn't expect someone who is 10.4 gear to be happy wiping on bosses whilst others are still learning it.

I do see quite a number of people advertising 'beginner' runs on NM..

However, I havent found it hard to get groups ever in the game.  I often create my own, I also tank a fair bit which (along with healing) can offer a pathway to well geared groups.. and you can then have access to many dps drops etc.  There is another alternative too: join a cabal!  I see many people playing the game without a cabal and thats a matter of personal choice but its not exactly playing smart.

Originally posted by CasualMaker

Originally posted by ironhelix

The total lack of any world PvP in a game that is practically CRYING out for it just leaves me scratching my head. They write all this lore about these opposing factions and whatnot, and then do nothing with it. I tried it anyway, and it does have it's good points, but in the end, it's just boring. No challenge, no sense of adventure, and NO sense of inhabiting a living world. It's not even an MMO.

News flash! There actually are reasons why hardly anyone plays the Mordred server in DAoC (FFA PvP). EQ and EQ2 are both down to just one PvP server each. I've never played on Zek, but I have had a character or two on Nagafen; I got fed up really quick getting ganked by all the twinks (who then go whine on forums about how nobody want to play with them).

I've never quite understood those who role on a PvP server and complain about world pvp especially when there is usually a choice of a PvE server.  Having experienced my fair share of ganking I understand pvp servers aren't for everyone but why spoil other peoples fun? 

In my MMO gaming history I have taken part in many spontaneous pvp battles (world pvp) and it was some of the best fun I have had PvPing.  True it can become upsetting getting owned from time to time but it does spice things up.  WIthout world PvP a game seems to miss that edge.  

Originally posted by 7star

...that the server I'm on is almost empty. I have to be honest. But I'm still having fun.

 

I know that sounds counter-intuitive, but think about how many records Justin Bieber sells, or how many meals McDs sells and you will understand. There just aren't so many people playing mmorpgs now that can appreciate a game with quotes from James Joyce and Friedrich Nietzsche in the storyline. It's amazing and difficult and substantial. 

 

If this game goes down, I'm going down with it. I love TSW. I have a lifetime sub, and I'm glad.  I'm not saying this game is "perfect."  But people have been asking for something different and if you like pve and instances, this game is very good -- with it's differences. If you are tired of cliche, then this game is has created something that's never been seen before in the mmorpg space. If you have some friends to play with, I think it would be a lot of fun. I'm still having fun solo. I just miss the days right after launch when there were a lot of people running around.

 

My biggest complaints about TSW center around pvp. But I believe FC will do their best to address this. There is a lot of potential for pvp with 3 factions and an amazing world and lore. It needs to be taken care of.

 

If this game is profitable for FC, I'm really glad. If you look at my post history, you will see that I'm not a fanboi of any game. I basically enjoy a lot of games. But I think what FC did with TSW is really special. If you haven't tried it out, then there is a 3-day trial. I think it's worth checking out.

 

 

And don't forget Karl Marx too. 

It is a genuine curiosity that the game hasn't been more successful and as we move forward to raiding I am struggling to recruit players to the cabal to make sure we have a solid core team moving forward (plug plug).  TSW isn't perfect but it does offer a very original game and a story and character immersion that is second to none.  I have had my run-ins with bugs and some frustrations but it really captured my imagination.  It does ask you to think which might make some people uncomfortable, and I dont say that to troll.

Where the game is weak is PvP and there is so little else to constructively criticise I feel that Funcom might have underestimated the importance of getting that right.  Fusang suffered performance problems at the start and queues for Stonehenge and Eldorado were buggy making it somewhat painful.  And whilst I continue to play Fusang I have completely lost faith in queuing and playing the other PvP areas.  That isn't good.  I remember listening to a dev podcast before they had their employee cull and I think it was Joel Bylos who commented not to get upset about loosing in PvP.  This from my view is a mistaken idea to have because there are many players who want to PvP and dont like loosing to someone else because of unfairness or a balance issue.   

I was dissapointed when I learned that there would be no world PvP and whilst I have continued to enjoy the game in its absence I think this is yet another area that could have negatively impacted on the game.  For a start it gives players a way to engage in spontaneous play not scripted via quests and it would have prolonged the time required for players to get through the content.  At present factions seem pointless and I think that this area of the game does need development.

The MMO community seems to be fickle and move on to the next best thing at the drop of a hat or at any perceived 'fail'. I'd ask all those people who pooh pooh this game to consider if they are going to be happy playing endless rehashes of the fantasy MMO genre?  

-- Templars --

Welcome.

We are recruiting mature, active and enthusiastic gamers to join our ranks.  We are presently accepting all applications for players of varying roles, Healing, Tanks, and DPS. ( Healers presently  in high demand)

Phenomena is a meritocracy and can offer you a friendly, supportive and fun community who love gaming.  Our goal in The Secret World is to enjoy all the content and build a positive gaming culture whilst maintaining solid progression and a playstyle that offers a healthy real life balance.

We enjoy both PvE and PvP with the main focus being on PvE.  We are now engaged in gearing up from nightmare modes and preparing to tackle raid content when it is released.  And I seek to further develop a core team of great players.

Located on Cerberus we are an international cabal and seek players from all over the globe provided times suit.  Scheduled events run  (for approx 3 hours) GMT 20:00-00:00 and currently these run 3 times a week.  Additional groups run on an ad-hoc basis.  Raid days TBA- (Expect 2 days during the week and 1 at Weekend).

For further information please contact 'Escada' in-game or visit our website to apply.

http://phenomena.corplaunch.com

 Alternatively, I will happily answer any questions you may have in this thread and thank you for your interest in Phenomena.

Originally posted by Yakamomoto

I somewhat agree with this guys opinion

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LmScXMVUuDM&t=23m35s

He had me laughing my ass off almost straight away.  Thanks for the find :)

Originally posted by Draron

Originally posted by jayfeeler69

Originally posted by Draron

And I have to say, 4 hours in I'm having more fun than any other MMO I could remember. The community (at least on Arcadia) is very alive and helpful, already joined a Cabal (guild).

What I really like about the game above all is that it's going for a horizontal progression, not vertical as most themeparks are going for these days, the limited skills and perks you can pick for builds, the fact you can keep your character appearance however you want and not be gimped in any way, and the focus on story and atmosphere.

Props to Funcom for not launching a repeat of AO and AoC. 

As you said only 4 hours in you will realize its crap at endgame and that it is an AO an AoC repeat

32 hours in (according to Steam) and still playing more than any other MMO in recent years. If endgame is anything like the dungeon Polaris I've ran twice now, I won't mind it one bit. Haters gonna hate.

Wait till you get to do the Hell dungeons.. Been some of my favourite dungeon experiences to date in any MMO.   There is something about bare-breasted wing female demons that I find irrestable.  Turn tesselation on high and be gorged by a visual orgy. 

Oh well thanks for all the info.  I've only recently signed up to these forums; the community seems mature and helpful and friendly.

I might well have a crack at the game :)

What is the realistic situation re the in game shop?  Can you reasonably get by with not splashing out in the shop? A friend of mine said they were mostly convienience items.. what do you think?

Originally posted by stygianapoth

Originally posted by Escada

Im quite interested in ranked PvP.. I still have fun in TSW PvP but it needs a lot more work. 

What are peoples thoughts on the PvP side of the game?

i play mostly pvp (as i did in gw1, for me it was the best part of the game). pvp in gw2 is kinda stale at the moment. there's really nothing to progress towards to (unless you are an rpg fan that likes to upgrade item looks that have nothing to do with pvp).

honestly i think i liked gw1 pvp better, there were tons and tons of builds. gw2 is just kinda bland imo. i wasted 120 bucks (gw2 and diablo3) and i still like world of tanks better (a game i never spent money on and played for over 2 years).

Maybe I am mistaken but I thought I read that there were ranked arena style team games?   I'm not loading a question here either but how is the pvp balance between classes?

Originally posted by MoonBeans

this is one of the things that lately, is killing my desire from loggin in GW2.  i find it very discouraging, and to me a mayor inmersion breaker.  that in every single zone.  no matter wich char i login.  i find this groups of naked rangers with their twisted looking names, killing every single mob over and over and over.  

i keep reporting them every time i see them but doubt anything gets done about it.

a shame to see a decent MMO , getting utterly ruined by bots like this.

One of the things that drove me mad when I was heavily into wow were the flying bot herb farmers.. Regularly, whilst genuinely looking for herbs myself, I would enounter bot after bot.. I could scour certain areas and it was really tough finding un looted node.  I went on a rampage at one point and followed them and reported people.  It didnt do a thing.  Dont get me started about how this effected my selling power and ability to compete in game for BoEs.. 

This kinda stuff can drive you nuts.  My suggestion would be to shrug if off and play your game.  Take note, life is much like the game; human nature being what it is there are lots of people willing to cheat and exploit.  Promulgating that they only cheat themselves achieves little.

Some people are simply lost.  If you want to change the world, who would you start with?  A wise man said start with yourself.  I don't tolerate cheating and exploiting for advantage.  Others might not like it when I say so but they find it hard to disrespect my point. 

Im quite interested in ranked PvP.. I still have fun in TSW PvP but it needs a lot more work. 

What are peoples thoughts on the PvP side of the game?

Hey guys..

I've held off a little in looking in to GW2 for several reasons but I am wondering what peoples views are on how it is now that the novelty (perhaps) has worn off?  I've been playing MMOs for a long time and after quitting wow when Firelands was released I finally found an MMO, years later, that I have really enjoyed; TSW.   However, whilst I am waiting for the raid to be released I was hoping I might get some objective reports on GW2.. Im a bit frazled out on the fantasy genre but am I missing out by not taking a look at the game?

Look forward to your thoughts. :)

I'm slightly concerned about TSW mostly because I want it to continue to offer me great experiences.   I've pretty much done all the quests in the game bar issue 2 and 3.  However, my cabal and I are having fun in NMs and tackling master planners atm..

It won't last forever mind you, the content that is, and dont forget the raid is just around the corner.  Whatever happens, if I stop playing TSW for a number of months because I have played it all etc..  It is a game I will enjoy returning to.

SC2 will no doubt be coming out before year end and I intend to have a good crack at that as well.