All Posts by penandpaper

  Well, it's finally happened - The three friends I grew up with playing table top D&D (quite extensively) have finally decided to try an MMO.  One is extremely experienced (Couple of 60th lvls on EQII), and the other two are true newbies.  I've palyed DDO, but only solo, and do not have a character above 3rd level. 

So my question is this: What four classes do you think would be good, taking into consideration the experience levels between us?  Remember, they're aware of the ruleset, fantasy lore, etc.  But not actually playing a game as in depth as an MMO.  The most in depth game they've played has probably been Ultima I, II, and III.  (I know, we're old!) 

Looking forward to your input.  We start this coming Thursday.  Can't wait!

PS - My wife asked why DDO and not EQII or Vanguard.  Well, one of our friends has a phobia now that he'll become addicted like the atypical WOW player, and is ademant that he spends no more than two nights a week playing (2-4 hours).  Which is what I play anyway, so it works out for me.  So I think this is the perfect game.  I've enjoyed it thoroughly so far. 

Well said Openedge1.  I miss this game, and can't wait to revisit it in a year or two.  Right now I'm back in DDO.  It's a nice change.  Very fast compared to Vanguard.  Kind of like a button masher in comparison to tell you the truth.  But, boy do I miss my quick footed bard and all his songs.  That song book was set up so well.  Just another reason to give this game another chance!

Uncus,

Thanks for the advice, I will take it and try to it out.  I'm looking forward to it.  Right now, I just tried out the Catacombs with my 3rd level barbarian, and I failed twice.  I'm on part 2: She Went Below.  There are some nasty skelletons in there that are CR 4.  (3-4 at once.)  Any suggestions?  I tried drinking my mage armor and protection from evil potions as well as going into rage mode.  Any other suggestions, or should I just wait till 4th level to tackle this one.  (It says it's level 2, but a group oriented adventure.)  Again, thanks.   

 Mindspat, Uncuss, and Thellian,

I apologize greatly if I offended.  I did not mean to.  I will take your advice on soloing and put it to use.  And yes, I suppose the ommision of truth is a misstatement of facts, so sorry about that.  But, please understand I wasn't trying to bash the game, (as I said in both posts about soling I like this game a lot), nor was I trying to turn people off from the game by a misrepresenting the facts.  I was just simply stating that the initial reason i left was lack of solo content, and it appeared to me that there was not a lot of dungeons that had added the solo box.  It still made you check: easy, moderate, hard, elite, etc.

As for character customization, in another post I stated that I really liked the game mechanics, ruleset, and character development.  I've always liked it, both with changes and without.  I truly enjoy the ruleset for 3.5.  Perhaps, my tone did not come across as it should have, and for that I'm sorry.   

The only thing I still object to is being called a BS'er.  I am not.  I played a little over a year ago and left at third level due to solo content.  I play now (and enjoy it I may add), but find solo content still lacking.  That was all I meant.  I did notice notice the outside area Cerrion (Spelling) Hills, the waterwork revamp, and the two guards in the Harbor that say they have nothing to bet over now that adventurers don't have to go through the sewers to get to the first real area with trainers.  (Near Philosopher's Row.)  So it's true my experience has been minimal, but I don't lie.

Thanks for advice.  I look forward to trying it out.    

Thanks for the info everyone.  I can't wait to see this game.  :)

 I remember reading you played solo up to level 20.  But my question is: is the content soloable after that?  I am, of course speaking outside of being attacked by players looking for easy blood.  I am strictly talking npc content.  Either way I'm playing, but I was just curious.

Can't wait!  

It's odd.  I think this game is great, but I can understand all the complaints about it as well.  The framerates are incredibly annoying, the limitation and grind in their diplomacy system, etc.  It is all valid, and it is why I left the game.  But I have to say, this is one of the only games that I felt created a nice lush world with a history and newness.  Too bad about the problems though.  It's a shame to see a game with potential like this slowly die.   

I replied to this on another thread, and I feel that I need to reply here just so other people who used to play and quit won't infer the same thing that I did from these forums.

I went back to DDO last month after a year and a half layoff.  I still like the game a lot, (Actually the system and mechanics are great!) but I'm going to quit for the same reason I quit last time - lack of solo play.  I'm not sure what those of you that mention the expansion of solo play means, but without a tweaked character, it's extremely difficult.  And to be quite frank, there are only a handfull of dungeons after level 2 that are soloable.  Most don't even give you the option.  It's still "boxed" out.  The difficulties are as they have always been: easy, moderate, difficult, elite, etc.  I don't even know them because I prefer solo play in the dungeons and roleplay outside of them.  I mean, Waterworks and the Catacombs don't even allow you to check solo yet!

If I am missing something, please feel free to correct me.  I would actually be greatly appreciative, because I want to continue playing this game.  I like it.  But, the lack of solo play is annoying.  And it's even more annoying to hear people speak about it as if it exists everywhere.  In my experience, it is extremely limited when compared to most other mmorpg's.   

What is the deal with everyone saying the game is going solo, or it's slowly being ruined by them bowing to solo players?  To be quite honest, I went back last month to DDO because of everyone saying how much better and nicer it was for solo players.  Maybe I'm missing something, but the game hasn't changed since the last time I played.  (A year and a hlaf ago!)  Where is all this solo content people speak of?  Yes, you can solo up to level 2, then all the dungeons I've encountered require either a super tweeked character (Something I do not have) or a party.  They don't even give you the option of solo yet in the Waterworks or in the Catacombs?

The sad thing is this game would be great if they had more content.  I feel, as do my friends, a character should not have to replay a module over and over just for experience.  That is exactly what you are forced to do.  I don't want to turn people off from this game, because it has such great potential.  But, this grand touting of how much it's improved because of more content and better solo play is a little too much.   

I have to say the ability to play solo is of great interest.  With my friends and I all living in different time zones now, and only being able to get together 1 time every other week, it's nice to know we can continue to quest and not have to wait around.  We have parted in so many games due to the fact that one person will completely out level everyone else because they got tired of waiting.  Then the quests we want to do are of no use to the higher level player.  This game seems to solve that problem on many levels. 

Also, the fact that there are story lines (hopefully ones that will feel fluid, not choppy and forced like so many other MMO's) is second on my list of reasons why I look forward to this game.

I have to say I agree that this is blown way out proportion.  Escpecially when you look at the violence compared to the nudity.  However, one thing I haven't seen brought up is Funcom's commitment to the world of Conan.  If Middle Earth had been ripe with naked fairies and the artists said they needed to be in to stay true to Tolkien's vision - not as many people would have argued with that.  All Funcom's doing is trying to stay true to the world's vision.  Death, gore, violence, nudity, prostitution and yes, even antiquated notions such as slavery are present in this world.  If you don't like it, then avoid the game and especially the books.

As for the parents who won't buy the game because they have little ones running around, thank you for doing your part.  I wouldn't expect you to bring your child to an "R" rated movie either.  It's a sacrifice those with kids have to make, and it is greatly appreciated by most of us.  Please keep up the good work.   

Vanguard brings originality and a sense of purpose.  This much I know, when I compare it to the other MMORPG's I've played.  (WoW not being one of them.)  EQ1 & 2, DDO, GW, and AC2.  When I compare the beta of Vanguard to these others, it is unique.  However, I agree with one poster who stated, "It's not for everbody."  It is harder.  There's not as much cottling (spelling?), and the information is sparse concerning maps and quests.  Yet, at the same time, you have innovative ideas like ship building, flying mounts, diplomacy, and a plethora of races, most with their own starting area.  That's a lot. 

Concerning those that complain about bugs, it may be my naivete, but it's still beta - shouldn't there be bugs?  This is my first beta, so I'm unsure of "how many" is "too many."  But, if it is buggy at launch, that's a shame.  That's the reason I put NWN2 on the shelf never even to play it longer than a couple of hours.  I can say the Vanguard has run smoothly on my machine, which may just be luck.  At any rate, I hope people give this game a chance.  I hope it develops a good community and a fun atmosphere.  I believe I want the same thing out of it that the devs want...an enjoyable game you can play with friends.

PS - I should note that I didn't avoid WoW on purpose.  I just followed my two friends' lead and bought the games they were playing.  We're in different parts of the country, and these games have been an enjoyable experience and a way to stay in touch with one another.  After all, we grew up playing Ultima 2 and 3 at each other's houses.