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Black Prophecy Previews: GDC 2010 Preview
MMORPG.com Managing Editor Jon Wood sat down with Gamigo's Patrick Streppel to talk about Black Prophecy at this year's Game Developers Conference.
By Jon Wood on March 10, 2010
Black Prophecy is a new sci-fi MMO coming from Reakktor Media and now being brought to the Western Market by the good people at Gamigo. Here at the 2010 Game Developer’s Conference I had the opportunity to sit down with Gamigo’s Patrick Streppel to talk about the upcoming game.
For those who might not know, Black Prophecy is an action-oriented space based sci-fi F2P MMORPG, with players flying and battling ships in various sectors of space, in both PvE and PvP and in instances and a larger persistent world.
Visually, Black Prophecy will take some potential players by surprise, offering up graphics that rival those of AAA subscription based games. This could have something to do with the fact that the game was originally intended to be a console action game for the 360, was re-purposed as a subscription based MMO, and then finally moved into the F2P MMO space. Speaking specifically to the aesthetic quality the game, we are told, will have full voice action throughout in all NPC dialogue and will feature impressive cinematic cut-scenes.
Controls
Black Prophecy will feature an in-cockpit view from your ship (you can choose third person as well if that floats your boat), offering responsive controls that can be accessed via virtually any device be it keyboard, mouse, or joystick. The game is real time action with twitch combat, so your choice of input device could mean the difference between life and death.
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Missions
Actual play happens in both instanced and persistent spaces, with missions that include: solo, group, and clan missions that will take the form of both PvE and PvP in one of two categories either as story missions, which advance the game’s primary plot, or generated quests. We were told that the game’s systems are capable of generating any number of different quest types that could see players doing anything from the more mundane task of helping to repair a space station’s communications system, to the more exciting prospect of coming upon a band of pirates set on destroying that same station. According to Streppel, the system is capable of creating and changing a number of details to provide players with a unique mission experience.
In terms of grouping, which is strongly encouraged, high and low level characters can play together in the game, with missions scaling in order to provide an entertaining challenge to all involved.
Skills
Characters in Black Prophecy will be progressing through the advancement of skills. Unlike other, more traditional MMORPGs, the skill system in BP won’t improve player powers or influence your ship. The reason is simple, combat is meant to be able player skill and not about dice rolls and modifiers so instead, having a higher level of skill allows players access to more powerful gear.
Free to Play
In discussing any F2P title, it is important to ask the developers about their plans for the game’s item mall. The development philosophy where this is concerned for Black Prophecy players to be able to earn in-game almost everything that is available in the items shop with the exception being aesthetic items.
Similarities to EVE Online
At first glance, Black Prophecy looks similar to another sci-fi MMORPG, EVE Online. Both games are reflections of the dark and gritty “reality” of space, both games use ships only, with avatars to distinguish one player from another, but without the ability to leave their ship (though we are told that the BP people have plans to change that after launch), both games use docking at space stations as their trading and equipping hubs, and a number of other very surface level similarities.
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In the end though, the similarities between the two games end on the surface as the cores of each game’s design couldn’t be more different. Where EVE Online is a slower more strategic gaming experience, Black Prophecy is designed to keep players in the fast paced action. Where EVE Online’s game is based on the political machinations of players looking to make as much profit as possible in the game’s economy, Black Prophecy is about hard combat. Where EVE Online’s combat is based on dice rolls, Black Prophecy’s is based on twitch skill.
Development
Next month, the game’s developers are looking to start a very limited, 100 to 200 person closed beta test. Their goal currently is to have a launched product by Q4 of this year, but that was something I was told with a bit of a caveat: The game has already been delayed so that Reakktor and Gamigo can make sure that it looks and works the way that they want it to and if the testing phase shows that more work is needed, they’ll continue to delay the game until they can launch a complete final product.
Since this is going to be an item shop funded MMO, that immediately kills any chance of decent pvp. I just don't see this being more than a small niche MMO for that reason.
Wow, I had no idea it would be F2P. I don't think that really impacts my decision to play or not. I'm really looking forward to this game, if for no other reason than twitch based controls and a chance to dust off my joystick.
Prax
This. Those who can afford to play (50 bucks a month? More?) will dominate, and everyone else will just return to Eve.
And 6 years later, Jumpgate: Evoluton will come out.
The development philosophy where this is concerned for Black Prophecy players to be able to earn in-game almost everything that is available in the items shop with the exception being aesthetic items.
Basically, what this says is that while you can grind PvE instances for hours on end to get that single laser you need to upgrade your ship, you could just BUY 6 of them to fully outfit your ship all at once for a low low price of $5.99. Of course, these are destroyed when your ship is, and there is no insurance... (just a guess on my part).
Was keeping an eye on this game but now that I know its f2p I wont even bother.
I'm still scratching my head as to how this one ended up F2P. It was one of the MMOs I was most looking forward to playing this year, and I was quite willing to go the monthly sub route. I've never tried a F2P game before so I guess this will be my first. Maybe it won't be as bad as everyone is predicting.
This is primarily a result of the publishing industry. If you want to go P2P, and do in store boxes, you basically have to sell your game to a big publisher, and then do what they tell you. If you want to go F2P, and do free downloads, and direct sales, you get to call the shots yourself, and you basically pay a publisher to do the front end work for you. The third option is to self publish, which takes a lot of cash, and usually results in lower results, so you have to cut corners just to survive the first few years.
It does make sense here, as much of the 'content' for this game is created by player interaction, and more players means greater interaction... and success.
I'm not familier w/ Gamigo. Are they rapists like gPotato? It'd be a shame to see all that work go down the crapper b/c of greed. Like we're seeing with people's disinterest in Allods. After glowing early reviews, and even after the dmg control change to the shop. People just don't trust them, no matter how polished the game is.
Free to Play
In discussing any F2P title, it is important to ask the developers about their plans for the game’s item mall. The development philosophy where this is concerned for Black Prophecy players to be able to earn in-game almost everything that is available in the items shop with the exception being aesthetic items.
If this is truly the case, then maybe it won't destroy PvP. We'll see I guess.
I'm not sure I understand this paragraph
"In discussing any F2P title, it is important to ask the developers about their plans for the game’s item mall. The development philosophy where this is concerned for Black Prophecy players to be able to earn in-game almost everything that is available in the items shop with the exception being aesthetic items."
So, did you ask this or not? What is the answer? Did they actually say all store items would be available in game, or are you just stating this is important to the players?
Did Jumpage Evolution Die? What the crud is this?
Blarg. I was hoping they'd go pure Freemium based on DDO's reported subscription numbers (double what they had during their sub model time). I wouldn't think you'd need an item shop if you could have 2x as many subbed players using a F2P model.
Meh, if griefers gear up in the item shop and camp the areas where you need to earn those items, guess what? The item shop profits both ways :\
Good journalism Jon. What I came away with was some simple math.
(EVE + FPS) x (F2P + MMO) = BP
Am I in the right neck of the "woods" here?
With my multiple eve online accounts there is no way I would fork over more cash to a subscription for either jumpgate or bp. With this going f2p I can easily juggle both games and just play bp in spurts. Still always nerve wracking watching a game you have alot of interest in and just waiting to see how the item shop affects it all. Can't wait to get in his game at the end of year though.
I'll look forward to trying this. Item shops when done poorly, result in a cheap experience, but if there isnt anything that is stat-enhancing or skill-enhancing, it could be interesting.
I was following BP for a while until mid summer as of last year, now I find out it is a F2P.
-sigh-
I just pray it isn't a gpotatoe "rape" model similar to allods online.
DDO reminded me how F2P CAN work as a business model, so I still have hope for BP, it just isn't as strong as before. What ever happened to Jumpgate Evo? Im dying for a space mmo more action packed than Eve Online. Albeit I do enjoy Eve Online for many years, I just want something more fast-paced and twitch combat.
I wish the Item Shop part of the industry would just realize that it doesn't need any fancy powerful must have stuff to convince people to buy stuff...
just look at DDO and SoEs marketplace...
DDO sells aesthetic items, vanity stuff, exp potions and thus certs for higher lvl that you can also get for doing the questlines.
The Marketplace offers house items, aesthetic clothing and pet-a-morph wands, character transfers, race change etc and some EXP potions for leveling and crafting...
nothing game breaking and nothing you absolutely HAVE to buy (perfume in Allods anyone?). Just some fun stuff and a few things to "ease" the game for casual players...
and guess what? people buy the stuff.... even EQ // EQ2 players who already pay for a subscription spend EXTRA money on the item shop because they want the fun stuff...
If Reakktor understands that - they'll have a successful title on their hands, with lots of happy customers who will gladly spend their money in the CS... if they don't they'll probably end up in the same place as Astrum Nival with Allods...
Basic Rule of Selling: Happy Customers spend more!
This game looked pretty good until I saw "F2P".
Not interested anymore. I dont like item malls.
Ditto !!!!
F2P on its own doesn't bother me. DDOU showed that F2P when done right is just fine.
Also, Jumpgate isn't dead, they just posted this on their official forum:
OK, in the spirit of some form of information here is at least a few of the things we are working on/thinking about now. All subject to change, insert standard disclaimer here.
-"Battlespace" returning to more of its simulator roots from Classic, really a place to practice not advance. I know this will make some of you happy in that advancing will only happen in "real" space not instant action type playing. I still hope to have some achievements/leader board materials form here but not likely to have any equipment or pilot advancing type effects.
-Lots of work on missions. With the new design team map layouts, mission stories, the types of things you do in missions, etc is all MUCH more interesting and varied than ever before. The kinds of things we can now do is very advanced.
-Better faction definition. The stories in the game really tell all about your faction and why you are at war with the others. The story is also darker than before with many of the missions you fly feeling more gray than the typical black and white always doing the good thing type story.
-PvP. Lots and lots of work on systems for PvP, new maps, new game play, new forms of advancement, player built battle stations, capturing sectors, etc. The scope and feel of the massive space battles you will be taking part in against other players will be, IMHO, what really sets us apart.
-AI functionality. Tons of work on making the AI both the right difficulty (it was way to easy before) and also varied in behavior.
Once we have more solid information we'll share it.
-----------------------
I'm looking forward to both BP and JGE. It's almost a matter of whichever game comes out first at this point.
I discovered from this article that they changed the payment system.
It originally would be subscription based, and now... F2P with cash shop.
They gave no details, werent open to discussion and a trying to control the players reaction to it saying that, only cosmethical items wont be available in-game for free players...
but this means that, everything else that IS NOT COSMETHICAL, YES THEY WILL EXIST, wich is implicit, will be available in-game, but this doesnt mean shit.
What if an item that cost $10 bucks, requires a crap load of time to acquire? This still sucks and counts as abusive cash shop.
Majority of items in the mall will be only for visual effects. Any other items than the visual effects are obtainable in-game. Just think Maplestory in space. Want red paint on your ship...buy it in the mall, that's basically it.
I can't wait to play it, I hope my Saitek Pro Flight Yoke can be used :) just FYI it's the best flight sim controller ever, I love it :)
http://www.amazon.com/Saitek-Flight-Three-Lever-Throttle-PZ44/dp/B000TCD1UK/ref=sr_1_3/175-7002699-2941726?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1268269776&sr=8-3
....I was looking forward to this game so much!!!
GG cash shop and crappy F2P models.
This will be a fun one to screw around on. Honestly, the F2P model doesn't bother me with this game.
There are WAY too many people knocking on free to play games with no quantifiable reasons. They've not even announced specifics and they bitch and moan.
I don't like the idea of it being f2p . I still may try it anyway since p2p games are starting to have item shops also.
I guess i should wait to see what happens, but my experience with F2P = crappy
I generally don't like item malls. Anyone who knows me will likely be aware of this. I make an exception with Gamigo. They don't do RMT like anyone else I've seen.
If I choose to buy an item, I'm purchasing the licence to use it for a specific amount of time. If during that time period, the item doesn't work, or gets altered in any way, I can get a refund on the time that is left on my licence.
Most RMT MMOs tell me that I'm paying for an item, but this doesn't give me any any rights to it. If it doesn't work, gets nerfed or even deleted outright, that's just tough luck for me. Gamigo is different. I know exactly what I'm getting, and for how long. If I'm not satisfied, I get my money back. That's the way all RMT shops should be run imo.
Also, this is not subscription plus RMT, it's RMT only, and that's the way it should be. Multiple layers of fees in an MMO are a non-starter for me. If I pay a subscription fee, then all the best features should be included. I shouldn't have to pay extra for the newest gear (e.g. StarWars Galaxies TCG loot items), and I shouldn't have to pay extra for starting races with unique stats (e.g. StarTrek online). I also shouldn't have to pay extra for respecs (Champions online).
I beta tested Gamigo's Pirate Galaxies because of the way they do business. I liked it. I'm still playing it now. I had one glitch in the game and got excellent customer service. I sent a ticket, and the next time I logged in, the issue was resolved and I had an email explaining the nature of the problem and solution. The only thing I would say about it is that I think it would run better on a newer machine.
The folks at Gamigo seem to know what they're doing, and that's refreshing.
I started to laugh at this, then the reality of it set in.
"The development philosophy where this is concerned for Black Prophecy players to be able to earn in-game almost everything that is available in the items shop with the exception being aesthetic items."
It starts out like this in every F2P game, they dont start with fairness breaking items in the cash shop. But give it one or two years and that will change. You could of course play it until they do make the cash shop unfair, but by then you have a lot of time invested in the game, which is why MMO companies don't launch with gameplay altering items.
Gamigo was AO publisher for german speaking market. I never heard any bad things about them.
Reakktor - game developer is very small company for some reason able to create unique games of great quality (Neocron!!!!).
Im going to play or at least try out this game when it comes out.
Omg just becouse it will be F2P dousent mean it will have a itam mall where you can buy bonus weapons and equipment look at Pirate Galaxy thay got a item mall but to buy equipment you got to use in game money and not purches,
only time you use real money is when you want to pay for premium acounts and xp boosters.
So, this will be a game like the X-series, but with other players? An action combat and not like EVE -> is what I really need! I hope, the economic system would be build interesting!
Good luck with this game, we'll be watching!
lol someone bothered to give DDO as good example of shops?
what the hell... without buying you have no access to 90% of content.
anyway the best shop out there for me is definitely league of legends.
in that shop you can buy for two kinds of points:
'riot points' ( $ gold)
and 'influence points' (you get them buy playing the game).
for riot points you can:
buy champions and champion skins for rather high prices.
for influence points you can:
buy champions, buy runes
works REALLY well since it has absolutely no impact on the balance of the game.. ofcourse i dont know the details about how much money they actually make, but players are never making any shop related whine threads which is quite an achievement.
Every time I see "omg f2p keeel it with fire" elitist, I both begin to laugh and loose any hope for humanity.
Hey at least if all the snobs will stick to their hi-price p2p games, maybe the actual quality games will be cleaner? :)
As for game. It looks great, can't wait to try it out.
Just wondering, what F2P game have u played that is actually worth a damn?
I have one question for you people:
You're fine with spending a set amount of cash each month, but you are NOT fine with spending a one-time fee/most likely smaller monthly fee on an "F2P" game?
I don't get it: The game is good, and no matter which model you choose YOU STILL HAVE TO PAY.
Besides, I have never liked any P2P game as well as I like F2P games. I don't like having commitment for my games. Commitment, which I get by paying a subscription. You've invested too much money from before to stop now - anyone know the feeling?
And finally - Any company that even TRIES to treat it's customers like P2P game companies, will be royally screwed. They rely upon the good nature of the gamers to be able to keep the game running. Blizzard and SoE don't have that problem, as long as they have gamers, the game earns money.
Perhaps you guys should get rid of your prejudice and actually look at the game, the shops, and play the game, before you go "Nah, it sucks." I always hated people saying BS like that. You don't know, you didn't try it!
most F2P = Crappy and most P2P are called crap? So whats the difference really?
I agree. There are some that just dont get it. Its not about the "item shop" model per-se. Its about the 'item-shop' selling stat-enhancing potions, experience gains, stat-improved weapons & gear that players can use to purchase their way to development and achievement rather than through game-play.
DDO is perhaps a model example of a reasonably correct means. So we have to wait and see what BP has to offer before we rally with pitch-forks.
In the F2P games i have tired this is also on surface true but in reality not so much.
Typically you can earn items/levels but grinding for them for free can take huge chunks of time. The higher your level the longer the grind....
I will still give it a shot... might be a fun time killer game
Same. I think they reasoned that F2P will give them access to a younger target audience than the one which EVE is addressing. Might be a sound business decision but it rules me out.
Funnily enough I had a friend leave eve for wow as he tried the pvp in wow he said.. man its exactly like eve but i dont have to mine for a month to get my ship back!
Recognition that eve is also a 'my ship (toon) and gear (armor) and buttons pushing is better than you's is, so I wins because it don't matter how good your skills actually are' The major difference about eve is the community generally do a much more intelligent job of insulting you when on the end of a loss.
This game and quite frankly getting a bit tired of the suggestion of EvE to compare it too.. perhaps freelancer, elite MMO or X3:TC are good examples of what this game will play like. X3:TC in my humble opinion is probably the closest type of game to Black Prophecy there is.
Free to play games are fine as long as they are not selling items that give you an edge in PvP or you cannot access end game content with buying some random unlock item.
Eve is To Space as WoW is to fantasy
Black Prophecy is to Space MMO as X3:TC is to Space single player
o/
Neocron was the best game they created :D
now we're waiting for Earthrise
F2P with item mall? lol, this game is dead even before releasing.
Thanks God JGE is there to save the day...
**** ********* !*(&!$#&!*@@!
these things seriously urge me to leave this forsaken website,
all the people whining, seriously.
YOU HAVEN'T EVEN TRIED/PLAYED IT AND JUST COS THERE IS AN ITEM SHOP YOU WON'T TRY IT?
B U L L S H I T
The way I see it now is that its not going to be the deep immersive game like Neocron was but a casual space shooter. You could even play this along with EVE if you wanted more action.
"Skills
Characters in Black Prophecy will be progressing through the advancement of skills. Unlike other, more traditional MMORPGs, the skill system in BP won’t improve player powers or influence your ship. The reason is simple, combat is meant to be able player skill and not about dice rolls and modifiers so instead, having a higher level of skill allows players access to more powerful gear."
From this it sounds like skill advancement unlocks the ability to use more powerful upgrades so its going to be like eXteel where it takes months of play to afford the best weapons without buying them with real cash except skills are in place to slow it down even more.
I'll still give it a try but BP won't be as thrilling as I hoped.
No, it will destroy PVP, because if your read the quote again you will see that the item mall will sell everything. Just because you 'can' earn the same items in-game doesn't mean that someone who wants to dominate PVP will. If they like they can trot off to the item mall and buy the best of everything leaving the folks with less money to grind for months to aquire the same gear.
This is the worst possible implementation of an item mall. You can't get any worse..
As a result I sure as hell won't be playing this game and giving the devs any kind of support whatsoever.
We need to make a stand NOW! against this type of item mall implementation!!!!
I would only consider playing a game with an item mall if it ONLY! sold aesthetic items or furniture etc nothing that would impact gameplay in any way.
Ohh about £50 a month... (item malls suck you dry) (not in a good way either :) )
The game I'll be glad to look at. The sub I'll be glad to pay to support the developers. The item shop I'll be glad to torch, bulldoze and run over a few times to make sure it's dead.
Sounds interesting, apart from the Pay2Win part. I mean there are games out there with that businessmodel and which seem fair (League of Legends, BattleForge), but up to now I saw no MMORPG of that type where the game would be that incredible, that I'd play it despite the shop.
Well, let's wait until we see the shop of this game, what you get there for what prices and how you can otherwise obtain it.
I intended to pay a monthly subscription for this, but with the deceiving letters "f2p" I'll stay away.
ditto, I've been waiting patiently for Jumpgate and BP. Skill based twitch action mmo, awsome, f2p item mall, never mind then.
No, I dont believe they will be able to sustain the game only on aesthetic items sold in the item mall. I dont buy it. Sorry.
That means either they will be selling stuff that affects gameplay, or they will be going to a P2P model, or they will have to downgrade to the craptastic level of quality and/or support we all know from current F2P games. There isnt any way to avoid one of those three options. The money for the game has to come from somewhere.
You get what you pay for. I'm not going to invest time in a game I think will only go downhill. Which is a shame, because this game did look pretty cool.
I agree 100%. Which is why we need to let them know, I am not playing a game with an item mall. I was really excited for this game and I am just not going to play it if they do not make it standard P2P. Why are they deviating from the standard business model.
WOW
LOTRO
EVE
CONAN
FFXI
the biggest mmo's all have standard P2P models and get by on game quality, the fact that they are going F2P only makes it look like their confidence in the quality is pretty low. We need to let the company know how big of a mistake this is, it's really depressing to think that a possibly awsome game is going to be ruined by something so stupid.
scratches game off list....... I was also waiting for this game. I dont do F2P ....
Oh, I may download it and "play" it just to see if a miracle has occured and the item mall is truly not necessary, but I don't expect it to happen.
Why?
Simple economics.
They have to pay their people. They have to pay for bandwidth. They have to pay to upkeep their servers. They have to pay for many other things. And how in the world is a "free" game going to PAY for all of that stuff? It can't. The only option (since ingame advertising isn't mentioned, and really wouldn't generate enough cash flow anyways) is that the item mall is going to pay for all of that. And since 15 bucks a month barely covers it for most MMO's as it is, its likely they'll want to aim for people to pay MORE than 15 bucks a month in item mall shopping. Some people can't help themselves if they have access to a credit card, they'll spend spend spend, and its those people they are counting on. And its those people who then ruin the game for everyone else because the people who DON'T spend absurdly cannot compete with the ones that do.
Simple.
"Free 2 Spend Tons More than A Subscription Fee To Play" is what this genre of games should be called. There's nothing "free" about it.
A shame this is nothing more than a twitch game. I really enjoyed the first Neocron and was looking forward to seeing something new from Reakktor. Unfortunately, it looks like it's going to be Counter-strike in space. I'm not at all surprised to hear that it had its origin in a console concept.
*Yawn*
At least we still have EVE to give us a space sim with a brain.
A:It most definitely has more depth than counterstrike in space
B:A lot of people are looking for a game like this, that's not F2P item mall
Yep there you have it. Talk about darkest prophecies, just wish someone could have predicted that before I started looking forward to it.
Guess it's back to looking for another twitch based MMO and probably have to wait another 15 years before someone makes something decent. Then again seems like everything is going F2P and costs you an arm and leg to play.
Good luck with your game, now your gonna need it!
f2p=nothanks, i will wait for Jumpgate Evolution.
It appears that all the intellectual responses are from the "I hate F2P item mall games". Most of which, they have had experience with in the F2P market.
As many have said VERY WELL before me, you get WHAT YOU PAY FOR. Does anyone have a forum link to their primary forum with a way in which we could all communicate our utter disdain for this move? Otherwise, I feel yet ANOTHER boycott petition similar to the size of the PC MW2 petition starting again. We all know what happened to the PC sales of MW2 after that (50million console sales worldwide, only roughly 200k PC sales worldwide. With Bad Company 2 soaring past 600k+ it's first week of launch).
I believe that a petition/boycott of Black Prophecy would easily devastate the company as a whole considering they have no other revenue source (console players for instance, like Mw2 had to fall back on).
Well it was their choice to choose F2P, it's my choice not to buy because of that!
Besides, ever tried to get Battlefield Heroes to get a patch, it's impossible!
F2P has the ability to allow you to jump online and try it, if you wanna support the Company/Game then you can choose to purchase some crappy item for your characters vanity.
When it comes to support, their response is, "What do you expect, it's F2P". And yes, that's their seriousness of game support, so ANY game or company that uses F2P, or Ubisoft's approach to so called protection and both LOOSERs when it come to me thinking of buying.
BYE
it say's players to be able to earn in-game almost everything that is available in the items shop with the exception being aesthetic items.
so i don't think there will be a decent pvp but i don't know we will see 10th of april <----- i heard that then the beta starts.
REAKKTOR MEDIA! When are you going back to making a NEOCRON sequal? I'll give this a try, but really Neocron sequal pls!!!!
They already made a neocron sequel. Its called Neocron 2.2. But if you want a real sequel don't expect it for another 5-10 years.
Some of the comments made here are just insanely stupid and speak little of the maturity and intelligence factor here... So many times over in the previous comments I've read that people were willing to pay roughly $15 a month to play the game.... but now whine and complain that you might actually have to buy stuff now to be competitive if you don't want to work for it? Without paying the subscription fee?
On top of that, I think people are seriously overlooking the quoted comment above made in this article. This game was originally slated to be a P2P and the quality is expected to still rival that of the other P2P games. That alone is what usually turns me away from F2P. Most F2P's are so heavily bugged and graphically revolting they're not worth putting money into (though people obviously still do) And the reason most become F2P is like someone said previously, the game turned out to be crap and was the only way it'd ever really see daylight in the gaming community.
Personally, I say, give the game a running chance. Don't toss it to the side as soon as you hear the term F2P. Sure, bad experiences speak worlds, but I still personally have high hopes for this game and will continue to think positively, especially after seeing these videos:
http://www.transyoutube.com/watch?v=q5TS7TJ6Xno
http://www.transyoutube.com/watch?v=eWYBDVsBris
If the lack of being P2P is that much of a concern, I'll just be sure to set the $15 dollars I expected to pay aside from my paycheck, and spend that once a month in the shop. (at least its better than emo rage quitting a game I haven't even played yet because "OMG! It's F2P!!")