I have to echo a lot of the sentiment that has been expressed on this particular topic.  I've beta tested a CRAP load of games.  The majority of them have very little in the way of tools for beta testers to offer up their experiences in game.  Some of them have a quick little multiple choice survey that you can cancel your way though.  A few might require some sort of response.  After awhile you realize that many of the people playing simply do not care.  I'm a huge fan of helping develop a game, but: a) Give me the tools to do the job and b) Make Beta Test Reporting MANDATORY.  You want to play?  Then tell us what needs fixing.  Beta Test != Free Trial.  But if you're going to give me the tools and make me stop every five minutes to give you feed back then damn well listen to what I have to say.  FAR too many games are being released broken.  No wonder the players do not trust developers anymore, we've all been ripped off time and time again *cough* Warhammer *cough* Online Collectors *cough* Edition *cough*.... Do yourself a favor <insert MMO Game Company Here> LISTEN to your players.  If the person is spouting like an a$$hat about how Necros should be "teh uB3r", then I can understand disregarding that person.  Take their beta account away and give it to someone who does the job properly.  But if the person is sending you what seems to be valid complaints and suggestions, make a beta event out of it.  Get the players together (you guys run the servers, you make the rules) and discuss it.  Get a concensus about the issue.  It might be Bulls$#t, or it could be a game breaker.  Doing so just might get you the return on your investment.  Not doing so might have you hitting the unemployment line.

I'd play the game again if they'd stop charging top of the line MMO subscription fees for a game that hasn't had anything done with it in a few years.

I don't think TOR will fail.  I don't think it will COMPLETELY change the industry either.  It has too much money involved, so it can't afford to.

That being said, it will probably introduce SOME new things while working with what makes WoW so successful.  Bioware are doing to Blizzard what Blizzard did to SOE (EQ).  They're looking at what people like, asking what they don't like and what they'd like changed.  They implement what they like (if it isn't broken, don't fix it) and then make the wanted changes accordingly (it is broken and they will fix it, even though the current company refuses to do so).  It cost SOE over one million subs in less than six months.  I'm not saying that TOR will evicerate WoW, but it could.  I mean, we certainly didn't predict the huge success WoW became.  And couple TOR with the fact that it plays like WoW (easy to pick up) AND supports a Star Wars license (which allows even the non-fantasy gamer geeks to appreciate the game) and you could potentially get even MORE people into MMO's.

Say what you want about WoW (I personally can't stand the game anymore) but one thing it did do and that's get more money flowing into the genre.  We've had a lot of bad games come out over the years, but lessons were learned.  We've also had some good games come out.  We are certainly a FAR cry from the days of EQ, DAOC, Anarchy Online and Ultime Online being your few MMO choices.  I still remember the devs at SOE telling players "If you don't like how this game runs, feel free to play something else." And they did, as WoW took off into the stratosphere.  We've not seen a huge boom in the genre since, but it's bound to happen soon and TOR stands a good chance of being the game that does it.

Got my pre-order paid for, have you? ;)

So the whole point of this thread is:

OP wants to be leet and hardcore at soloing in all forms of ship combat (from frigates right on up to Titans), but doesn't want to dedicate the time.

I do believe you can get characters transferred to your account for ISK on the EvE Forums. 

You can also sell PLEX for ISK, so money and ships won't be a problem either.

Get lots of both after you buy your character, go to 6VDT and see how long you last.

This game isn't WoW.  Yes, there are skill points.  Yes there are leet ships that require certain skills to get into.  But being in a big bad battlecruisers won't do shit when a bunch of guys in Drams come and have their way with you.  You need to KNOW how to play this game.  Heck, I'm still learning, but I know enough that bigger and more expensive is definately NOT always better.  I've got the kill mails to prove it.

Your smarts and social skills will win over any leet moron out there witha gajillion skill points.  It might not be insta kill, but you'd be amazed at what a fleet of assault frigates (something that doesn't take too long to get into btw) can do.

LOL, I'm by no means an uber leet player.  The one thing I learned about EvE is that it forces you to fight smart, not hard.

Yes, there are uber people out there with uber ships and uber fits that, if they catch you by yourself and can get a lock on you, it's game over.

But!  If you team up with the right people (the corps/alliances/coalitions in this game are not nearly as pretentious as people make them out to be) and it easily offsets what one person can do, even if they were the very first person to play this game.

The only time where having played the longest comes into play is when you start looking at the REALLY big ships, and even then,  if you're flying a nice frigate, they can't hit you anyways.  You're simply too small.

Again, I've cancelled my subs, but it doesn't mean I hate this game.  And believe me, if there was a way I could trade isk or even real cash for SP, I'd do it!  There's so much fun stuff that I want to get my hands on LOL.  But in reality, when you're looking at good old fashioned fast paced fights, anything under a battleship is the order of the day.  And with that said you can get into some pretty nice ships relatively quickly.

All expansions in EvE are free.

Thing that chills my piss is how they're messing with Null Sec.  One jump bridge per system?

Unless they plan on allowing one bridge to go to multiple locations, this is simply wrong.  It punishes those that worked hard to make Null Sec work and rewards gate campers.  You want to fix something? Fix Low Sec!

I don't expect CCP to change their plans for me or any of the others upset by this.  Hated to do so, but spoke the only way I know how: cancelled all my accounts.  No point in paying for something I'm unhappy with.

Originally posted by gainesvilleg

Originally posted by Binny45

Originally posted by gainesvilleg

My view is it is a very simple situation:

1) Veterans will never give up their skill point advantage.  They know how important it is and it makes the game funner for THEM to have this advantage.  It is always more fun to be superior in a competetive PVP game.

2) Veterans will continue to argue (via many subtle diversions which I outlined in post #126) how it is actually not an advantage to have more skillpoints.  They hate the notion of "pay 2 win" but that is exactly what EVE is (by paying more months or buying a veteran character), and they can never admit it to themselves.  Pointing out to a vet that they have paid to win shatters the foundations of their self worth

3) Veterans call the shots with CCP, so this situation will probably never change.  The hilarious example of how they gave all vets free skillpoints to compensate them for a game mechancs change is all you need to know to prove this.  CCP can still be profitable since veterans add more and more alt accounts, funded by the PLEX that noobs purchase in order to get a leg up in the game, often by buying veteran characters which is really the only viable option for a noob

 

Just remember, EVE is truly a game of and for the vets.  That is the fundamental essence of the game...

ANY MMO where you have a Veteran player vs. a new player is always weighted against the newbie.  Suck it up, why should the veteran player be punished for their loyalty and hardwork?

Infact EvE smooths out the playing field more than most games.  It's not a simple matter of skill points, but what ship (size, fitting, resists) and who you're flying with.

Stop thinking in terms of WoW PvP where leet gear + high levels = winner.  It's no where NEAR that simple.  EvE forces you to think, something some people these days seem to hate.  Intelligence and common sense > Skill points ANY day.  So what that guy has more skill points, get yourselr into an assault ship (relatively low SP) and get some friends together.  Trust me when I say it's VERY satisfying watching a veteran player lose a 6 billion isk ship due to overconfidence and planning on our part. 

Quite simply and without malice: Learn to play the game.  Forget what other MMO's have taught you because this game is completely different.  Empty your glass grasshopper, class is in session if you're up for it.

 LOL.  Funny you say that EVE is not WoW PvP with "high levels" + "leet gear" + "good guild" = winner, but then you also say that EVE PvP is "skill points" + "ship size/fitting/resists" + "good corp" = winner

Pretty funny LOL.

But that is just more diversions by a vet cluching onto their skill point advantage.  You can never get a vet to give up their skill point advantage (think levels in WoW, if you could actually never get to equal level as the long-timers).

Actually if you'd read the whole post instead of sniffing your toes, you'd see that I said the complete OPPOSITE of what you're saying.  EvE isn't about one on one.  It happens, but rule #1 of EvE: There is no such thing as a fair fight.  And that rule can go both ways.

I don't care how many skill points you have or ship type, numbers owns all.  Learn to read....then learn to play.  Or better yet, don't cause I don't want to hear anymore whining.

Originally posted by gainesvilleg

My view is it is a very simple situation:

1) Veterans will never give up their skill point advantage.  They know how important it is and it makes the game funner for THEM to have this advantage.  It is always more fun to be superior in a competetive PVP game.

2) Veterans will continue to argue (via many subtle diversions which I outlined in post #126) how it is actually not an advantage to have more skillpoints.  They hate the notion of "pay 2 win" but that is exactly what EVE is (by paying more months or buying a veteran character), and they can never admit it to themselves.  Pointing out to a vet that they have paid to win shatters the foundations of their self worth

3) Veterans call the shots with CCP, so this situation will probably never change.  The hilarious example of how they gave all vets free skillpoints to compensate them for a game mechancs change is all you need to know to prove this.  CCP can still be profitable since veterans add more and more alt accounts, funded by the PLEX that noobs purchase in order to get a leg up in the game, often by buying veteran characters which is really the only viable option for a noob

 

Just remember, EVE is truly a game of and for the vets.  That is the fundamental essence of the game...

ANY MMO where you have a Veteran player vs. a new player is always weighted against the newbie.  Suck it up, why should the veteran player be punished for their loyalty and hardwork?

Infact EvE smooths out the playing field more than most games.  It's not a simple matter of skill points, but what ship (size, fitting, resists) and who you're flying with.

Stop thinking in terms of WoW PvP where leet gear + high levels = winner.  It's no where NEAR that simple.  EvE forces you to think, something some people these days seem to hate.  Intelligence and common sense > Skill points ANY day.  So what that guy has more skill points, get yourselr into an assault ship (relatively low SP) and get some friends together.  Trust me when I say it's VERY satisfying watching a veteran player lose a 6 billion isk ship due to overconfidence and planning on our part. 

Quite simply and without malice: Learn to play the game.  Forget what other MMO's have taught you because this game is completely different.  Empty your glass grasshopper, class is in session if you're up for it.

Hmm, why would you introduce this on PC when you already have your cashflow coming from there?

Also, PS3 hardware specs are indeed better, and the Bluray discs simply means less discs needed to run the game.

It's purely logistical.

I think this game is going to do many things well.  My fear though, given that there are only two factions, is that there'll be rampant imbalance on the servers.  Great for the overpopulated guys, crappy for those that are getting trounced in world PvP.

It's closed beta, this is exactly why they're doing this.

Originally posted by Redemp

@Binny45 --  Really, you dare compare " the Realm Online "  to anything related to Everquest? You think the graphics and UI is better in the " The Realm Online"  than Eq ?  REALLY?

 

 

--- You mean  "Realms Online"  ,  not " The Realm Online". Huge diffrence between the two and the cause of my intial horror.

Carry on .

HAHAHA! Yes, you are correct LOL.  That "The" is a sneaky one.  I do mean Realms Online.

Please pardon my misplacement of the "The", it will be summarily executed at one! /cocks rifle

If they got rid of the box price and kept the subscription they might get some subs.

Fact is, unless you're putting major cash and effort into your game: IE: WoW, SWTOR, etc, you don't really deserve to ask such a steep price.

Look at The Realms Online.  The game is free to play.  It has an item shop, though I have to admit, other than wanting a permanent mount (a one time purchase with unlimited use), I have not felt the need nor obligation to spend any real money.  I'm enjoying the game immensely and the GM's are constantly online, ready to lend a hand.  Is it of the same caliber as WoW polish wise? Nope, but it's not far off either.  It feels to me almost like the old EQ days but with better UI and quest system as well as better graphics.

I'd love to try Earthrise, but not for $30 plus a subscription, it's simply not worth it.  Charge me $10 for a month and you might get me to look at it.  Give me a 15 day free try (and a FULL free try, now this island crap) and I'll definately give you a look.

Took me three tries before it "clicked"...

And believe me, when it clicks, you'll know it ;)

Big thing is, get into a start corp right away.  Community is KEY to enjoying EvE.  You don't have to be always active ala WoW, but having more experienced people to ask questions and show you things really, REALLY helps.  You can play this game alone, and with the right build /cough Caldari.../cough, you can enjoy a good chunk of the PVE content.  If you want to PvP, especially as a newbie, get into a decent corp/alliance/coalition and get thee to Null Sec.  It can be crazy, but it's heart pounding fun just making the trip there.  Just remember these rules:

1) There is NO such thing as a fair fight in EvE.

2) There is NO honor in EvE. (ref: Rule 1)

3) Never fly a ship you can't afford to lose.

4) Other than actual hacking or gold farming, everything is fair game in EvE.  The quickest way to make a buck is to lie, cheat and steal.

5) Be careful who you piss off today, they could be the guy warp scrambling your brand new assault frigate tomorrow.   Yes, people can find where you are in this game.

6) UPDATE YOUR CLONE AS SOON AS YOU START PLAYING AND AFTER EACH DEATH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

7) Ship insurance - Go get some!

8) Do the game tutorials.  They take a bite out of the learning curve.

That's all I can think of right now, though there are loads more that will pop up as I stop trying to think of them all. :)

But it's NCSoft.....

I had my account hacked there and suddenly my password was changed, Aion bought and registered.  Lucky for me, the credit card on the account was no longer valid.  I wrote NCSoft about this, and seeing as I hadn't used the account in almost a year, told them to shut it down entirely.  Nope, wouldn't do it.  I asked again, they said no, that they didn't know if I was who I said I was.  So, I contact my lawyer, get the facts then call them back yet again.  After threatening a lawsuit, they finally gave in and shut the account down.  Needless to say, I wasn't impressed.

I've always been curious about GW and GW2, but wihle NCSoft is involved, I'm staying away.

Yeah, I wouldn't be too hard on people getting their accounts hacked.

I can't speak for RIFT, but NCSoft (Aion) was BRUTAL!

I hadn't bought Aion, but I did beta test it.  Didn't like it and simply didn't log in.  Three months later I get a string of emails telling me that my account password has been changed, that I've suddenly bought Aion and that I've subscribed for six months.....ON MY CREDIT CARD INFO!!!! (I had paid and played Tabula Rasa, gotta love those general accounts).

Luckily for me, the arsehole who got into my account, I had since changed credit cards, so their purchases would be no good.  I contacted NCSoft, letting them know that I was not impressed with their security measures and that I wanted the account shut down IMMEDIATELY.

It took a month to do so.  I had to go back and forth many times, and finally ended up threatening to sue them for not protecting my personal information before they finally shut the account down.

I was lucky, I'm sure there are others that are not.  PayPal should be the MMO standard, at least it's a third party that can protect your interests.

As far as account security goes for your characters, I'd give Trion a chance.  I mean ANY game can be hacked.  Sometimes it's a simple glitch, sometimes it's a coordinated heavy handed black hat effort.  The former is easy to keep out, the later really, REALLY takes work.  It would behoove the MMO community to work together to come up with a central resource that could regulate said activity. I'm quite confident that the people that are hacking RIFT accounts are the same ones hacking Aion and other games as well.  I think the industry owes it to the players, their lifeblood, to protect their investment and personal information.

Yeah, playing the beta confirmed that this wasn't the game for me.

Don't get me wrong, Rift does a lot of things right, but like it's been said, replayability is not one of it's strong suits.  If you luck into a soul fit that feels good then you're set.  If not, you have to play the same thing over and over which quickly becomes tedious.

The graphics are great and the story line pretty neat.  Wouldn't kill them to have multiple start areas with different quests adn gear though, even let the player choose to give a feeling of control.

This is a GOOD game, but it's been done before.  I'm looking for something new, not something old repolished and served again.  I would advise Blizzard to take notes though, these guys have some good ideas.

Hehe, you're complaining about this?

Go ahead, post your in game handle, I'm sure other players with "sympathize" with you.

Or you can just try EvE free for 14 days, then pay $20 for 30 days of gameplay plus all expansions.  You can even pay for your subscription with ingame currency!  Turn down the suck, turn up the good and come play EvE!

Woo Hoo! Start saving up all my reprocessed materials.  Cause when this even is over, Tritanium (and others) prices will skyrocket! I LOVE Hulkagedon!!!!

To those that think this is rough, remember you can always fight back.  Or even better hold a hulk hostage and make more money...then shoot him in the face. Or you can hire yourself out as a protector!

Like all PvP games you can be ganked, but unlike most PvP games, Eve allows you to get revenge!