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Limited character creation for new players?

Archived PostArchived Post Posts: 1,156,071 Arc User
edited October 2014 in Controls and Interface
Ok, this came from a new (or returning) player on F2P forums.
meowmeowmeow wrote:
Hello there. Can anyone explain me what happened to the character creation of Champions Online?
There used to be so many options and, yes, I'm aware that you had to pay for most options, but that's not the point.
What I'm saying is that I can't even find most of the hairs. I have like 7 hair options only. Couldn't I just put on any hair and any helmet however I wanted? What's with the "Full Helmets", "Heads and Hairs" stuff now?

I am completely lost at how to create the loving character that I had. Can anyone tell me if I'm doing something wrong?

P.S I used 'Randomize' a few times and I got the hair I wanted, but it's not even on the list, most good hairs appear only when I'm randomizing, what's happening?

Thank you for your time. meow~!

And this:
meowmeowmeow wrote:
I'm sorry, but finishing the tutorial doesn't do anything at all. I still have all the same hairs that I had before.
So can anyone answer meow where did all the free hair options go? Or any costume options at that matter? It seems that no one even complains about this at all.
I would like to be able to customize my character to some extent.
So, do I need to pay money and be silver or gold or whatever there is? Thank you for your time.

http://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/523009_347780225270646_100001160141821_856081_752411116_n.jpg

So, what's up?
Is full access to the character creation now limited for the new players, or it requires even more additional playtime?
I don't have such problems with my account but what about new players?

I hope this is bug, beacuse limiting single true advantage which CO has is suicidal move.
Without its character creation this is very average MMO.
Post edited by Archived Post on

Comments

  • Archived PostArchived Post Posts: 1,156,071 Arc User
    edited April 2012
    I heard the options are unlocked once your toon hits lvl 10.
    But I hope someone else will explain it better.
  • Archived PostArchived Post Posts: 1,156,071 Arc User
    edited April 2012
    Yes there are extreme limitations in the character builder to discourage the RP and Costume
    contest crowds from making new accounts every time they have a new RP idea or contest to compete it.

    Well the official reason was 'streamlined character creation'.
  • Archived PostArchived Post Posts: 1,156,071 Arc User
    edited April 2012
    ..Wow... If this really is to limit/hamstring the costumers & roleplayers.... This Cryptic World is a strange new one indeed, with such wonders in it! :rolleyes:
  • Archived PostArchived Post Posts: 1,156,071 Arc User
    edited April 2012
    I think the reasoning given was that they wanted the character creation process to be less overwhelming for newer players (given the sheer volume of options, including things that are purchasable in the C-store showing up by default). They chose to streamline it on those grounds, while adding everything else back in after a cutoff (apparently level 10 - I've no reason to question that).

    Also not sure if it's an account-wide or a per-character unlock, though I'm guessing it's closer towards the former then the latter. I haven't really made that many new characters lately (oddly - normally I'm doing this all the time).

    EDIT: Also why they made it so you can key your costume off the AT image at the start instead of the default blank-slate if you're so inclined.
  • Archived PostArchived Post Posts: 1,156,071 Arc User
    edited April 2012
    Mee_da_CThunist wrote:
    I hope this is bug, beacuse limiting single true advantage which CO has is suicidal move.
    Without its character creation this is very average MMO.

    Yeah, but its Cryptic. Just look at my current signature picture* ;)

    *ingenious moves like the recent changes to retcon costs for stats/specs wasn't the only thing that prompted me to create it, I was also thinking about "streamlined character creation", and other dumb moves, as well

    EDIT:
    YuriFoxfirega wrote:
    Also not sure if it's an account-wide or a per-character unlock, though I'm guessing it's closer towards the former then the latter. I haven't really made that many new characters lately (oddly - normally I'm doing this all the time).

    I'm pretty sure its account-wide. I've made a couple of toons since they made this change and I've had access to all my pieces.
  • Archived PostArchived Post Posts: 1,156,071 Arc User
    edited April 2012
    You know what'd be better?

    A choice. Between getting right into the game or fiddling around with an awesome character creator.
  • Archived PostArchived Post Posts: 1,156,071 Arc User
    edited April 2012
    I for one became interested in this game due to the sheer amount of costume options right at the start (which really set it apart from other MMOs). While some "new players" might actually end up confused upon seeing a fully-detailed character creator, I believe there are also those who would be disappointed upon seeing the current "streamlined" version (which they would assume represents the full customizability of the game). Well, not unless they are informed that a ton of other options would become available upon reaching a certain level.
  • Archived PostArchived Post Posts: 1,156,071 Arc User
    edited April 2012
    I'm in full agreement that they should probably communicate it better for affected accounts and/or characters then they actually do. It'd prevent some of the initial confusion, and at least make people aware that there's more stuff available for free players then is initially available after a certain cutoff.
  • Archived PostArchived Post Posts: 1,156,071 Arc User
    edited May 2012
    You no I use to spend hours in the character creator. it was so much fun so many options. You did a dumb move to lessen what we can do. Most new players don't even use the in game tailor till there high lvl or someone tells them there's one. Making your character is a very important step to enjoying a game. If I spend hours making a character going through all the options unlocking new costume sets or what ever its going to allow me to enjoy the game more. COH character creator is pretty big with alot of options. That's another game where you can spend hours just creating your character. I love it. When I play games like these i expect the character creator to constantly be upgraded with new options and costume. There's no limit to what you can do with a costume creator... Making a character is one of the most enjoying parts of making a Super hero. I remember when my SG members use to go make a new character and the SG leader would give everyone 1hr to 2hrs to complete there costume. Once there done we would hold a costume contest. We did this alot. it was so much...

    You know sometimes I want to know who made this dumb decisions to do this? Also the people around this person didn't even tell him/her to not do that..
  • Archived PostArchived Post Posts: 1,156,071 Arc User
    edited May 2012
    Also what new player do you know that will feel disappointing on how vast a character creator is, lol.... You guys make me laugh sometimes... We want more options. What game to player that the players don't ask for more options, more items, more costumes, etc......lol lol
  • Archived PostArchived Post Posts: 1,156,071 Arc User
    edited May 2012
    My guess is the lvl 10 thing comes from PWI.
  • Archived PostArchived Post Posts: 1,156,071 Arc User
    edited June 2012
    And in those games, at start you don't have any choices what to wear at beginning anyway beside the default generic class armor. And at the end, everyone looks the same in their epic armor of silliness.
    ...
  • Archived PostArchived Post Posts: 1,156,071 Arc User
    edited June 2012
    FlyingFinn wrote:
    And in those games, at start you don't have any choices what to wear at beginning anyway beside the default generic class armor. And at the end, everyone looks the same in their epic armor of silliness.
    ...

    Are you still talking about PWI or WOW?? :D
  • Archived PostArchived Post Posts: 1,156,071 Arc User
    edited June 2012
    WOW has character customing.
    ... (or hair atleast, so i've heard)
  • Archived PostArchived Post Posts: 1,156,071 Arc User
    edited June 2012
    FlyingFinn wrote:
    WOW has character customing.
    ... (or hair atleast, so i've heard)

    Really? They do? It's been a looooong time.

    *crawls back under her bridge*
  • Archived PostArchived Post Posts: 1,156,071 Arc User
    edited June 2012
    FlyingFinn wrote:
    And in those games, at start you don't have any choices what to wear at beginning anyway beside the default generic class armor. And at the end, everyone looks the same in their epic armor of silliness.
    ...
    Well, In PWI it's more about schoolgirl skirts : all high lvl female chars must have a schoolgirl skirt. :rolleyes:
  • Archived PostArchived Post Posts: 1,156,071 Arc User
    edited June 2012
    Holloweaver wrote:
    Well, In PWI it's more about schoolgirl skirts : all high lvl female chars must have a schoolgirl skirt. :rolleyes:

    I want a hulk-like girl in a skirt :3
  • Archived PostArchived Post Posts: 1,156,071 Arc User
    edited June 2012
    Klitty wrote:
    I want a hulk-like girl in a skirt :3

    True. Or a plaid workshirt, hard hat with five o'clock shadow, and huge knockers.
    Don't make Hey Baby angry, you wouldn't like her when she's angry.

    Sorry. I was in agreement and then the thought traiin rolled.
    tchoo tchoo.
  • Archived PostArchived Post Posts: 1,156,071 Arc User
    edited June 2012
    Klitty wrote:
    I want a hulk-like girl in a skirt :3

    Something like this?
  • Archived PostArchived Post Posts: 1,156,071 Arc User
    edited June 2012
    I just came back to the game and wanted to add a costume to my level 36 character. I have 3 unused costume slots so I figured I'd use one of them.

    I'm having the same problem with hair. I can't even select any of the hair my character already has due to previous costumes. I'm limited to 7.

    I'm obviously well beyond level 10. What's going on?
  • Archived PostArchived Post Posts: 1,156,071 Arc User
    edited June 2012
    xvii13 wrote:
    I for one became interested in this game due to the sheer amount of costume options right at the start (which really set it apart from other MMOs). While some "new players" might actually end up confused upon seeing a fully-detailed character creator, I believe there are also those who would be disappointed upon seeing the current "streamlined" version (which they would assume represents the full customizability of the game). Well, not unless they are informed that a ton of other options would become available upon reaching a certain level.

    Simple solution - for a new player, have a dialogue box pop up upon entering the Creation page, saying "full Character Customization unlocked after your first Level 10 character." or somesuch.
  • Archived PostArchived Post Posts: 1,156,071 Arc User
    edited June 2012
    Caelrie wrote:
    I just came back to the game and wanted to add a costume to my level 36 character. I have 3 unused costume slots so I figured I'd use one of them.

    I'm having the same problem with hair. I can't even select any of the hair my character already has due to previous costumes. I'm limited to 7.

    I'm obviously well beyond level 10. What's going on?

    Have you finished the new tutorial with a new toon, and raised that character beyond level 10??
  • Archived PostArchived Post Posts: 1,156,071 Arc User
    edited June 2012
    ChaosWolf82 wrote:
    Simple solution - for a new player, have a dialogue box pop up upon entering the Creation page, saying "full Character Customization unlocked after your first Level 10 character." or somesuch.

    That's like asking Cryptic to teach new people how to Block in Tutorial.
    .....
  • Archived PostArchived Post Posts: 1,156,071 Arc User
    edited June 2012
    FlyingFinn wrote:
    That's like asking Cryptic to teach new people how to Block in Tutorial.
    .....

    awww....
    lol.
  • Archived PostArchived Post Posts: 1,156,071 Arc User
    edited June 2012
    Klitty wrote:
    Have you finished the new tutorial with a new toon, and raised that character beyond level 10??

    No. I guess I'll have to do that.
  • Archived PostArchived Post Posts: 1,156,071 Arc User
    edited June 2012
    Klitty wrote:
    Have you finished the new tutorial with a new toon, and raised that character beyond level 10??

    Every new character I have made was not limited in options. I havent touched the tutorial in forever. Maybe because I bought lifetime before the major changes, left for awhile and when I came back nothing on my account was changed because it stayed active. Could be very different for a hold who let their sub lapse before these changes.
  • Archived PostArchived Post Posts: 1,156,071 Arc User
    edited June 2012
    Holloweaver wrote:
    Something like this?

    DO WANT!!! :eek:
  • ryewindryewind Posts: 1 Arc User
    edited January 2014
    (delete please)
  • mightylinkistmightylinkist Posts: 2 Arc User
    edited January 2014
    Hey guys I'm new to this game but I'm having a problem, I just spent an hour customizing my character in the creation screen with a mix of bone armor and arcane pieces but when I got in game my character was naked with nothing but a cape, where did all my char customization options go and why did they dissapear after I logged in?
  • morigosamorigosa Posts: 709 Arc User
    edited January 2014
    mightylinkist wrote: »
    Hey guys I'm new to this game but I'm having a problem, I just spent an hour customizing my character in the creation screen with a mix of bone armor and arcane pieces but when I got in game my character was naked with nothing but a cape, where did all my char customization options go and why did they dissapear after I logged in?

    That's a bug: the bone armor (among many others) are purchased sets - and, when you first log in from the launcher, the game will pretend you have access to most of the purchased sets even when you don't.

    If you log out and then back in from the game's front screen, or log into an existing character and then go back to the character select screen, then you should get the costume creator properly showing which parts you do or do not own.

    (Also, if new to the game: run a character through the tutorial once; there's another bug that'll hide most of the costume options until you've done that.)
  • mightylinkistmightylinkist Posts: 2 Arc User
    edited January 2014
    morigosa wrote: »
    That's a bug: the bone armor (among many others) are purchased sets - and, when you first log in from the launcher, the game will pretend you have access to most of the purchased sets even when you don't.

    If you log out and then back in from the game's front screen, or log into an existing character and then go back to the character select screen, then you should get the costume creator properly showing which parts you do or do not own.

    (Also, if new to the game: run a character through the tutorial once; there's another bug that'll hide most of the costume options until you've done that.)
    Oh that was bullcrap, do they do that to you on purpose just to make you buy it... I think I'll go try dc universe instead, thanks for helping though.
  • klittyklitty Posts: 1,540 Arc User
    edited January 2014
    mightylinkist wrote: »
    Oh that was bullcrap, do they do that to you on purpose just to make you buy it... I think I'll go try dc universe instead, thanks for helping though.

    We wish they were so clever to pull that trick on us :3

    =^ _ ^= Kitty Lives!
  • whosawhatsiswhosawhatsis Posts: 1 Arc User
    edited January 2014
    mightylinkist wrote: »
    I'll go try dc universe instead

    You'll be back once you see their character creator. :biggrin:
  • gemini2099gemini2099 Posts: 118 Arc User
    edited May 2014
    whosawhatsis wrote: »
    You'll be back once you see their character creator. :biggrin:

    Haha true. :biggrin:
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    Epsilon - Lvl 2x - Blade
    Asterius - Lvl 1x - Electric/Void Hybrid

  • chaelkchaelk Posts: 7,746 Arc User
    edited May 2014
    when you do the character costume, before you name it, reverse back through every part to adjust it, otherwise it doesn't actually let you adjust much first.
    Stuffing up Freeform builds since Mid 2011
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  • novaninja555novaninja555 Posts: 839 Arc User
    edited May 2014
    Wow, i never knew this. When i joined, (2years back or so) I had no trouble at all! I created mostly PA behemoths though.

    But I do have a problem:
    Textures Jumpsuit02 and 01 no longer show out in the open. Only in tailor and log-in screen
    "Good can be found in heights, even in the deepest pits of evil" but "The valleys of evil always exist in the mountains of good."

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  • flyingfinnflyingfinn Posts: 8,408 Arc User
    edited May 2014
    Might want to check your graphics settings.
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  • chalupaoffurychalupaoffury Posts: 2,559 Arc User
    edited May 2014
    I'm curious how many players this specific topic has cost us. I have a pre-prepared speech for friends about it, letting em know that the tailor *is* the deepest you'll find in an MMO, but there's a silly artificial restriction on it for no apparent reason.

    I've said it before, I'll say it again: This artificial restriction is the worst idea to ever happen to this game. I've met *40s* who still have the default costumes because they didn't know they had more options. That's just silly.

    I mean, hell. We already *have* default costumes. If people wanna just jump in, they can. Why limit everyone for the convenience of a few?
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  • roughbearmattachroughbearmattach Posts: 4,785 Arc User
    edited May 2014
    I have a similar issue when I recruit a new CO player. I have to carefully explain the tailor issue, and then remind the newbie a little later that they can do more customization.

    It's just foolish.
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  • xydaxydaxydaxyda Posts: 800 Arc User
    edited May 2014
    I explain it like this...

    Check the box in the tailor that says Hide Unowned Costume Parts, and don't worry.. you'll unlock new costume options by level 10.


    It is a lame restriction though and it doesn't make a whole lot of sense

    ...maybe it was done as an extra intentive to level or something..
  • corgicoptercorgicopter Posts: 1 Arc User
    edited May 2014
    Sorry, guys! You're just not allowed to enjoy the full range of character customization if you're new or recently returning.

    Don't worry, though, the next costume set that we gate behind a random chance box you pay to open will be pretty cool!
  • ensagaensaga Posts: 1 Arc User
    edited September 2014
    I thought something was fishy. I used to spend hours upon hours just creating characters in CO but this time around I wondered if my client was bugged because I was missing a ton of costume parts I used way back and when I had finished my very first character it said "Character Creation failed!" and kicked me back to the login screen, removing all the customization I had done. This happened last time (a few years ago) as well, luckily this time I saved my progress just before naming my character, so I didn't have to start all over again. I logged back in and THIS TIME I had a pop-up window telling me that "Oh, you can't use some of the costume parts in this STARTER EDITOR, just letting you know, you know... after we deleted everything you had done and lied about what stuff that was availible", pretty much.

    TL;DR: Is it true what's been said in this thread? That you unlock the full customization after completing the tutorial and reach lvl 10? If it IS true, I can live with that (even though I think it's really, really stupid). I'm really on the fence of bailing because of this.
  • xydaxydaxydaxyda Posts: 800 Arc User
    edited September 2014
    ensaga wrote: »
    TL;DR: Is it true what's been said in this thread? That you unlock the full customization after completing the tutorial and reach lvl 10? If it IS true, I can live with that (even though I think it's really, really stupid). I'm really on the fence of bailing because of this.

    It is true.
  • morigosamorigosa Posts: 709 Arc User
    edited September 2014
    Ensaga: In addition to the absurdity of parts of the creator being initially locked (pretty sure you just need to complete the tutorial, not get to level 10, but I haven't gone and tested that myself), there's a long-standing bug you'll want to be aware of:

    When you first sign in from the launcher, many z-store costume sets will show up as being things you own... even though you don't. If you don't realize this, and use any part from such a set, then you'll get exactly that "character creation failed" and forced-logout message.

    It's a pretty horrible set of bugs to hit new players with, and you're not the first who's showed up on the forums complaining about it. I shudder to imagine how many new players just get turned away entirely by the combination of hidden parts you ought to have, and non-hidden parts you don't actually have.
  • flyingfinnflyingfinn Posts: 8,408 Arc User
    edited September 2014
    And the horror is, it's not limited character creation.....it's STREAMLINED character creation!!!!!
    Point was, that new players can jump into the game fast, without need of stumbling thru the Most Awesome Character Creator In Any MMO!
    No, i'm not being sarcastic. For once. Ok, maybe just a lil' bit. A tiny itsy bitsy bit.
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  • meedacthunistmeedacthunist Posts: 2,967 Arc User1
    edited September 2014
    morigosa wrote: »
    Ensaga: In addition to the absurdity of parts of the creator being initially locked (pretty sure you just need to complete the tutorial, not get to level 10, but I haven't gone and tested that myself),

    Level 10 on your first character. Tutorial alone is not enough.

    On the bright side, unlocking character creator is accountwide.

    You have to cope with this mediocrity only once.
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  • decorumfriendsdecorumfriends Posts: 2,811 Arc User
    edited September 2014
    Yet, it's still the most moronic gate in the game. I still don't get any logic there. One of the premier reasons people come to this game, and let's short sell it (AND not tell anyone) because "we don't want to confuse people". Totally brainless.
    'Dec out

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  • ovrkylovrkyl Posts: 284 Arc User
    edited October 2014
    I was once a gold/subscriber (LOVED freeform) and paid a lot of real money to unlock a multitude of costume options in the C-Store. And, like so many others have stated, the huge variety of options, even without C-Store unlocks, are a major factor that makes CO such a good game.

    Now, as a silver/F2P, I'm told in the character creator that I've unlocked those same options and they're available from the C-Store and showing as selectable, but a good half of the ones I try to select do nothing.

    I don't really give one rat's a$$ what the devs were trying to do to streamline this and pigeonhole that...I PAID REAL MONEY FOR THOSE OPTIONS. Whether I'm currently subscribing or not, those options are paid for, mine, and should be fully available anytime I want to put them on any character, past, present, or future. While I understand my previous freeform toons are locked out due to not being currently subscribed, the costume options should still be fully available for any new character I make as a silver/F2P account.

    I have many previous toons that are still in my list above level 10, though they're all freeform and locked out as a silver. I did play them, however, and have earned whatever "criteria" I'm hearing about unlocking character creation after level 10/tutorial blah blah bull$hit blah. There is no excuse for not having full capability to customize any character's appearance during creation how I choose.

    Let me be honest. It's the options in costuming and creating your character and customizing it throughout the game that drew me to CO, not the gameplay mechanics themselves. In that regard, I'd rather play DCUO.:eek:

    :mad:And here's a hint...you want me to be a gold again? This is NOT how to do it!:mad:
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  • xydaxydaxydaxyda Posts: 800 Arc User
    edited October 2014
    Any costume packs you paid for should be available regardless of gold or silver status, however... by simply going gold you are given several costume packs unlocked that you didn't have to pay anything extra for. Once your gold status expires you lose access to these additional costume packs and must buy them to reacquire them as silver.
  • flyingfinnflyingfinn Posts: 8,408 Arc User
    edited October 2014
    ovrkyl wrote: »
    I was once a gold/subscriber (LOVED freeform) and paid a lot of real money to unlock a multitude of costume options in the C-Store. And, like so many others have stated, the huge variety of options, even without C-Store unlocks, are a major factor that makes CO such a good game.

    Now, as a silver/F2P, I'm told in the character creator that I've unlocked those same options and they're available from the C-Store and showing as selectable, but a good half of the ones I try to select do nothing.

    I don't really give one rat's a$$ what the devs were trying to do to streamline this and pigeonhole that...I PAID REAL MONEY FOR THOSE OPTIONS. Whether I'm currently subscribing or not, those options are paid for, mine, and should be fully available anytime I want to put them on any character, past, present, or future. While I understand my previous freeform toons are locked out due to not being currently subscribed, the costume options should still be fully available for any new character I make as a silver/F2P account.

    I have many previous toons that are still in my list above level 10, though they're all freeform and locked out as a silver. I did play them, however, and have earned whatever "criteria" I'm hearing about unlocking character creation after level 10/tutorial blah blah bull$hit blah. There is no excuse for not having full capability to customize any character's appearance during creation how I choose.

    Let me be honest. It's the options in costuming and creating your character and customizing it throughout the game that drew me to CO, not the gameplay mechanics themselves. In that regard, I'd rather play DCUO.:eek:

    :mad:And here's a hint...you want me to be a gold again? This is NOT how to do it!:mad:

    Nothing has changed. You go back to Gold and you get options that YOU PAY REAL MONEY back again. It's like renting a house. Once you stop paying rent, you DON'T get to keep the house....Quite simple.
    Stuff you BOUGHT from the C-store are available still as a Silver.
    Like one wise person once said: 'Free For All, Not All For Free'.
    Keep on playing, playa.
    And yes, the 'Streamlined Character Creator' sukz bawls.
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