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Thinking of Playing This Game? Some Notes
ztempest
Member, Neverwinter Beta Users, Neverwinter Guardian Users Posts: 9 Arc User
Credentials: I played in closed Beta, and purchased the Guardian Pack, which allowed me to enter the game early – although titled an “open beta” I think that the proper term should actually be “headstart” for the players that purchased the packs, but that is a different story.
First, negatives – and really there is only one at this point, and that is what is on fire in the forums – queues. This never happened in either the closed Beta or the headstart – so a bit of angst is understandable from the players that have already been playing for 5+ days…however, I think there is a bright side to this issue, and that is the idea that the game is obviously popular – probably far more popular than Cryptic expected at this stage. That is actually a good thing – games like this rely on the player base/population in order to have sustainability. The indications are good – at least initially – that this game will have legs. I know that some people have claimed that the queues are artificial, and that the company is using them as leverage for the free player base to purchase one of the founder packs…but I don’t think that this is the case. Look at the philosophy the devs have shown time and time again – this is NOT a “pay to win” type of game – if that were the case, then it would be possible to pay money to gain advantages (special weapons, etc) within the game. That simply does not exist. It is theoretically possible to play this entire game without spending a single dollar….
On to the meat of the issue – is this game worth playing, and more importantly investing in? The short and simple answer to that question is simply “yes.” Here is why:
1. The Foundry. The Foundry is simply amazing, and it provides the player base with a creative outlet to express themselves and contribute the game. It provides a platform that fleshes out the world, and helps create an ever-changing landscape of mini-quests that will keep players engaged. Indirectly, the Foundry also contributes to endgame activities – and learning how to use it can be a goal for any player. In a way, there is a potential path to recognition there that anyone can pursue outside of actual gameplay.
2. The potential for this game is astounding. Unlike “Star Trek Online”, “City of Heroes/Villains” or “Star Wars the Old Republic” there really is only one faction in this game, so the concept of devs having to split their effort between multiple player bases simply does not exist – what that means from a mechanics perspective is that dev time will be committed 100% to improvements to gameplay for the entire playerbase – and they do this without taking away from PvP.
3. The game is engaging, and considering that it is only about a week old, VERY polished for a newborn MMO.
Getting into class mechanics would make this already long post even longer – I will avoid that, or save it for another day, after all, most of us are still learning the various classes – I will say that the system of advancement in this game is deceptively easy…but there are undercurrent and synergies built into the system that allow you to create a unique character experience.
Lastly, a few tips…
1. Yes, you can power level in this game – experienced players in any MMO can reach very high levels somewhat quickly…all you need is the will, a BIG pot of coffee, and the ability to not go to the bathroom for very long periods of time…my advice is to take your time. This is a free to play game, and there are nooks and crannies – not to mention the Foundry – waiting for you to explore.
2. Do not be put off by the idea that the game is free to play vs. subscription. If you notice the trend lately…nearly EVERY MMO worth playing is free to play; even those that started out as subscription-based have morphed into free to play models. The idea that a free to play game is substandard in comparison to subscription-based games is rapidly becoming a thing of the past. About the only game that might be able to buck that trend might be The Elder Scrolls Online…but for all we know, TESO may also adopt a free to play model.
3. Don’t look for cookie-cutter min-max builds. Don’t approach the game with the concept of playing the “best” class. Play what you want to play, how you want to play it. The truth is that I don’t’ think that there is a “best” class in this game – each class has its drawbacks and its positives. I have heard that Great Weapon Fighter (GWF) is not as good as some other classes…I have started one, and may get back with you on that if you value my opinion…but looking at the mechanics of other classes…I don’t think that any class is “gimped” – including GWF.
Thanks for your time.
First, negatives – and really there is only one at this point, and that is what is on fire in the forums – queues. This never happened in either the closed Beta or the headstart – so a bit of angst is understandable from the players that have already been playing for 5+ days…however, I think there is a bright side to this issue, and that is the idea that the game is obviously popular – probably far more popular than Cryptic expected at this stage. That is actually a good thing – games like this rely on the player base/population in order to have sustainability. The indications are good – at least initially – that this game will have legs. I know that some people have claimed that the queues are artificial, and that the company is using them as leverage for the free player base to purchase one of the founder packs…but I don’t think that this is the case. Look at the philosophy the devs have shown time and time again – this is NOT a “pay to win” type of game – if that were the case, then it would be possible to pay money to gain advantages (special weapons, etc) within the game. That simply does not exist. It is theoretically possible to play this entire game without spending a single dollar….
On to the meat of the issue – is this game worth playing, and more importantly investing in? The short and simple answer to that question is simply “yes.” Here is why:
1. The Foundry. The Foundry is simply amazing, and it provides the player base with a creative outlet to express themselves and contribute the game. It provides a platform that fleshes out the world, and helps create an ever-changing landscape of mini-quests that will keep players engaged. Indirectly, the Foundry also contributes to endgame activities – and learning how to use it can be a goal for any player. In a way, there is a potential path to recognition there that anyone can pursue outside of actual gameplay.
2. The potential for this game is astounding. Unlike “Star Trek Online”, “City of Heroes/Villains” or “Star Wars the Old Republic” there really is only one faction in this game, so the concept of devs having to split their effort between multiple player bases simply does not exist – what that means from a mechanics perspective is that dev time will be committed 100% to improvements to gameplay for the entire playerbase – and they do this without taking away from PvP.
3. The game is engaging, and considering that it is only about a week old, VERY polished for a newborn MMO.
Getting into class mechanics would make this already long post even longer – I will avoid that, or save it for another day, after all, most of us are still learning the various classes – I will say that the system of advancement in this game is deceptively easy…but there are undercurrent and synergies built into the system that allow you to create a unique character experience.
Lastly, a few tips…
1. Yes, you can power level in this game – experienced players in any MMO can reach very high levels somewhat quickly…all you need is the will, a BIG pot of coffee, and the ability to not go to the bathroom for very long periods of time…my advice is to take your time. This is a free to play game, and there are nooks and crannies – not to mention the Foundry – waiting for you to explore.
2. Do not be put off by the idea that the game is free to play vs. subscription. If you notice the trend lately…nearly EVERY MMO worth playing is free to play; even those that started out as subscription-based have morphed into free to play models. The idea that a free to play game is substandard in comparison to subscription-based games is rapidly becoming a thing of the past. About the only game that might be able to buck that trend might be The Elder Scrolls Online…but for all we know, TESO may also adopt a free to play model.
3. Don’t look for cookie-cutter min-max builds. Don’t approach the game with the concept of playing the “best” class. Play what you want to play, how you want to play it. The truth is that I don’t’ think that there is a “best” class in this game – each class has its drawbacks and its positives. I have heard that Great Weapon Fighter (GWF) is not as good as some other classes…I have started one, and may get back with you on that if you value my opinion…but looking at the mechanics of other classes…I don’t think that any class is “gimped” – including GWF.
Thanks for your time.
Post edited by ztempest on
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Comments
Lottie
Cash shop includes only cosmetics and small advantages at the beginning and then after a year or two it turns into a pay to win with scam boxes and high quality equipment / mount / crafting upgrades being sold for real money. I wouldn't be suprised to learn that the queue times are artifical and were made to convince people to buy the premium packs.
Games that started out as pay-to-play and then got converted into free-to-play ended up in that predicament because they were not good enough to pay money for. If they would have been fantastic games they would have retained a healthy amount of player base even with a pay to play model.
I wanted to give this game a go because I heard that the company started to change for the better. I have been in queue for an hour and then got disconnected. Tried to queue again and I'm again standing in it for 20 minutes by now with no logging in sight. Seems like nothing changed. Heading back to my usual p2p MMO. Might look back once this mess has been sorted. Don't have much hope for that though.
They are ingame since day 1 of openbeta
Overall: I like the game so far (what I've seen in the last few days until the start of f2p open beta, since when I couldn't spend any minute inside the game) but regret to have paid money for this. Well, lesson learned.
Combat is pretty fun, gathering dropped money never felt better (:D), foundry content so far is 90% <font color="orange">HAMSTER</font>, 10% good. Hope you find the good stuff easier. (Currently the rating system is not really giving a hint about the quality.. 30min tunnel slaying 4,5/5 stars? what)
Graphic wise it could use some polishing and really lacks at some points. E.g. the beach with the "boats" and the empty "tents" was so ugly - I find no words. Instanced content looks pretty good though.
Haha! I still haven't been able to log in so I haven't been able to see the cash shop but if that's true then this game has failed on Day 1.
The amount of time available to you to grind for AD is entirely up to you.
You see, without AD you can't do jack ****.
The rate at which you acquire AD is limited. Skirmish events dont pop up often enough in the hour they're on. Invoking your deity nets you around 1,300 unrefined AD's.
AH, respecs, items, mounts, BAGS, bank slots are all purchased with AD or Zen.
Respeccing should be the most fun aspect of discovering your character not a means with which to empty your wallet each time you feel like experimenting.
Lockbox keys can only be purchased with Zen. Oh and how many lockboxes you will find...
You can exchange AD for Zen at a very unreasonable exchange rate.
Lasting appeal of this game is zero. loot drops are all Bind on Equip which in itself destroys the feeling of feeling uniqueness or achievement ater you've completed an epic dungeon when any Joe Blow can just jump on the AH and buy it with little effort.
Heed my words. This game is p2w and marketed around obsessive compulsive disorder gamers. Nothing more.
PS this is like the fourth thread in a row someone does an ocd reference. Why is it so popular ?
haven't read the other threads so I dunno what theyre referring to.
I use OCD because it's obvious by what is on offer in the cashshop (companions, mounts, xp boosters, character slots, appearance change etc) and the restrictions applied to game mechanics which then lead back to the cash shop (respeccing, bags, bank slots, posting or buying on the Auction house)
They know those OCD'ers out there are going to cave in and buy useless random <font color="orange">HAMSTER</font> even if they dont need it and wont be playing this game longer than a month max.
Bind on Equip end game loot all on the AH. Think about that for a while and what lasting appeal Neverwinter will have if this isn't changed.
First of all the queue is not real. It's a problem with the log-in server they are patching today. Whether it was artificial or not is unknown. However I would like to point out that Founder's packs were supposed to go off sale on the 30th, yet they are still available conveniently enough for... PWE.
Second of all, your definition of Power leveling is wrong. Grinding fast yourself /= power leveling, best not to confuse new players.
Lastly, I too have played more than a few PWE games since PWI and there is always a cash shop advantage for players willing to pay into it. They make the most money off of lottery boxes which are ridiculous. Lottery boxes are the equivalent to the old casinos people used to run in World of Warcraft. It's higher profit due to the over all result of the chances they set on the boxes. They are guaranteed to make more money for the mounts/whatever they should just be making available to players with a flat fee, if they are instead in a lottery box which deceptively has a very small fee in comparison.
Honestly no one should ever consider PWE to have anything but their own profit in mind. I'm not saying that is wrong, just don't expect anything they release to be simply for making players happy, and not for their money.
OP +1