Perhaps so. Perhaps PWE is to blame for all our troubles. But as Executive Producer, Mr Stahl certainly is able to voice his own opinions, if he feels the game is headed in the wrong direction. Clearly, he agrees with PWE, which makes him just as much a part of the problem.
- I blame Atari, they let the game falter until Cryptic was virtually bankrupt
- I blame Stephen D'Angelo, who started the whole lockbox scheme (Jem Hadar Winter event?!?)
- I blame Free-to-play, which allowed the game to degenerate into a cash-grabbing pay-to-win cesspool.
- I blame Perfect World, for trying to plunder our wallets, cash-grabbing and pushing us as far as they can, until they can't push any further.
- I blame Daniel Stahl, who willingly/reluctantly agrees with all of the above incidents.
Suffice it to say, the blame can be shared among many factors. But STO under it's current leadership (Daniel Stahl), is certainly not improving. Season 6 has been full of negative feedback, from the get go. Broken Foundry since launch, broken Exchange, broken Mailing system, overpriced EV suits, overpriced Fleet Ship Modules, punishing long-time players (Vice Admiral token invalid, Emblem ships invalid for discounts)
Need I go on?
On Dstahl being able to voice his opinion, you're missing one small part... his voice needs to agree with the upper management, because he's representing them, and they're giving his paycheck.
If he truly agreed with what they were doing, he'd be saying so right now. But he's been silent... so I'm thinking, he doesn't agree, but thanks to what I just described, can't voice them without getting in big trouble.
I could be wrong. But that's what I think is going on. PWE is taking over, completely, and the devs don't exactly like it... and while they're not saying anything bad about PWE, they haven't said anything good directly about them. That to me says they don't like the way things are, but can't say anything about it.
As for the rest of your post, you're entitled to your opinion. But I disagree with 'blaming Dstahl for relucantly agreeing for the above incidents' (assuming it is relucantly). People being forced to do their job isn't something to blame them for, imho.
Was named Trek17.
Been playing STO since Open Beta, and have never regarded anything as worse than 'meh', if only due to personal standards.
Furthermore, for those who are screaming about a lack of content. Let me give you all a harsh reality check: The DOFF system, the Starbase system, the FE series that was released all within the last two years, not to mention the conversion of lower tiered ships into Tier 5's (YES, even if they have the same skins and feel like a ripoff to some), the inclusion of the Tholians as a race ALL qualify as CONTENT.
"Content" is a pretty vague term. I'm not disputing that Pvp needs serious love or that there aren't glaring bugs that need to be addressed. But for crying out loud people, let's whine a little more. It's more accurate to say you haven't gotten the content you wanted, but things are gradually moving the right direction.
We finally got the beginnings of a Starbase system, UN-timegated invasions, better rewards for those who choose to use lockboxes, and I will beat this horse some more: AT no time do you ever have to use real money to acquire ZEN, C-points or what ever the devil we're using for currency these days. Season 7 is promising to expand on the storylines many were worrying about, and supposedly the Foundry got some MUCH needed attention this time around.
I'll admit freely, not everyone got what they wanted with this latest update. But stop saying that nothing is getting done and all the devs are nothing but money grabbing Ferengi. Knowing how management works, I'm betting Trek 21 is spot on with his/her(?) analysis.
Waiting for the content you desire soooo much sucks, I know. According to the patch notes, they fixed the death penalty (which prevented players from accumulating injuries), they made it so my redshirts are actually worth a damn and I now have more ship options at endgame than I ever had before. Admittedly it was a long and frustrating wait; but they addressed it, eventually. Pvp WILL get its day in the sun. I still have faith in the devs to ultimately make this into the game we all preyed for ever since we first played Star Trek: 25th anniversary on the Pentium.
It will happen. But in the meantime, can we at least try not to post like stubborn six year olds who didn't get their favorite colored gum ball?! Seems like everything we hear from the devs, regardless of topic, is met in the forums with the same ridicule everytime. You didn't fix this, the game sucks so I'm quitting.
Frankly, I'm just happy to HAVE a Star Trek MMORPG. Things could be better, but I'm willing to wait out the drought.
::Grabs the fire retardant, dawns a fire blanket and curls into the fetal position.::
The former Tom_Riker01.
Foundry missions: "Salvaged" and "Preemption (Federation)" brought to you by the former "Tom_Riker01".
"An artist's growth depends upon accurate feedback." ~Data
I'm betting capthayden wasn't around for the "Year of Drought" that was 2011. If he/she was, they would know how bad things were during the past year. Many of us (such as myself), stuck it out despite the drought. After Free-to-play, how have the long-time veterans of the game been rewarded? Answer: They haven't. Instead we get screwed over time and time again. Doesn't matter that they made more ships available at max tier. In my opinion, the tier system is a flawed concept from the start. ALL ships should be playable at max level, and your bridge officers RANK and DEPARTMENT should control the stations, not the station itself.
And by being screwed over, i'm talking about the "new and shiny" Fleet ships, and the LACK of any form of discount for the veteran players who ALREADY have the original ships.
Yes, to some, the DOFF system, Fleet Starbases etc are all considered "content". I myself consider them to be game FEATURES, and not so much content in it's own right. Most define content, as something you can EXPERIENCE for your self. Sending off your Redshirts to do the work for you, doesn't give you that experience. STORY content on the other hand, does. In 2012, we've had a grand total of SEVEN story missions; 5 Feature Episodes, Alphas (Klingon-exclusive) and the Friday the 13th episode (which ONLY is playable around Friday the 13th). In 2011, we had a grand total of FIVE story missions; the Feature Episode series. To release ONLY 12 new missions in 1.5 year, is not acceptable by any definition. Especially when you consider that the Foundry authors (when Foundry isn't broken, half the time), can manage to create dozens of missions of their own, with a much more limited toolset, in much shorter time.
Bottomline is, Cryptic doesn't have any intention of producing any new original story content of their own anytime soon. They instead plan to rely on Foundry authors to do the work for them. We've been promised an entire season of new story content (Season 7), but that has yet to be seen, WHAT it will have. Not to mention, we've been promised so many things in the past 2.5 years (since launch), most of which never came through. Cryptics promises are wearing thin.
In closing... capthayden may see my above post as nothing more than the ramblings of a "stubborn six year old". That is ofcourse his opinion, and he is fully entitled to disagree with if he so chooses. These forums are meant for ALL forms of discussion around STO, both positive and negative. I refuse to be a "brown nose", and suck up to Cryptic, after all the **** they've done the past 2.5 years.
I'm very happy to have a Star Trek game like this. I have nothing but fun and enjoyment out of the game. Its the closest to being on a Trek show or movie as I can get and running around on it. They released new content with the Tholians. Which is a throwback to the TOS. You never heard of them in the later shows. I think the company is doing good with the game. And they said they are opening a whole new sector on the next season. What awaits there is more new stuff. Then you have the Foundry. How many games allow fans/player to actually create story lines and missions? To me that is an awesome thing to do. I see never ending stories and stuff to do just from that. You don't see many other great games doing that even consul types.
There is some things that can be changed or "fixed". Like Klingon options on stuff since Feds have more, and a few other things. Still overall I just enjoy the game for what's it worth.
As the F2P goes that is a good thing as well. I use that feature to play. However I do spend money on the store. For stuff I want in there. What if a kid with no money wants to play. Not many parents are willing to give sign up for a person to play each month. Specially if the kid might play for a few months and give up. Like I see many do with a new toy. Or what is money is tight, which I'm sure it is more many right now. Plus I don't spend many hours on the game as due to work and having a life outside the game. To me this is a great way to keep me playing. And they still get my money as I spend in the store on items. Also I don't feel like I lost money for lack of playing hours for the month. For a player like me this is a great feature.
I take the game for what we have and worth. Enjoy it and play.
USS Casinghead NCC 92047 launched 2350
Fleet Admiral Stowe - Dominion War Vet.
I'm betting capthayden wasn't around for the "Year of Drought" that was 2011. If he/she was, they would know how bad things were during the past year. Many of us (such as myself), stuck it out despite the drought. After Free-to-play, how have the long-time veterans of the game been rewarded? Answer: They haven't. Instead we get screwed over time and time again. Doesn't matter that they made more ships available at max tier. In my opinion, the tier system is a flawed concept from the start. ALL ships should be playable at max level, and your bridge officers RANK and DEPARTMENT should control the stations, not the station itself.
And by being screwed over, i'm talking about the "new and shiny" Fleet ships, and the LACK of any form of discount for the veteran players who ALREADY have the original ships.
Yes, to some, the DOFF system, Fleet Starbases etc are all considered "content". I myself consider them to be game FEATURES, and not so much content in it's own right. Most define content, as something you can EXPERIENCE for your self. Sending off your Redshirts to do the work for you, doesn't give you that experience. STORY content on the other hand, does. In 2012, we've had a grand total of SEVEN story missions; 5 Feature Episodes, Alphas (Klingon-exclusive) and the Friday the 13th episode (which ONLY is playable around Friday the 13th). In 2011, we had a grand total of FIVE story missions; the Feature Episode series. To release ONLY 12 new missions in 1.5 year, is not acceptable by any definition. Especially when you consider that the Foundry authors (when Foundry isn't broken, half the time), can manage to create dozens of missions of their own, with a much more limited toolset, in much shorter time.
Bottomline is, Cryptic doesn't have any intention of producing any new original story content of their own anytime soon. They instead plan to rely on Foundry authors to do the work for them. We've been promised an entire season of new story content (Season 7), but that has yet to be seen, WHAT it will have. Not to mention, we've been promised so many things in the past 2.5 years (since launch), most of which never came through. Cryptics promises are wearing thin.
In closing... capthayden may see my above post as nothing more than the ramblings of a "stubborn six year old". That is ofcourse his opinion, and he is fully entitled to disagree with if he so chooses. These forums are meant for ALL forms of discussion around STO, both positive and negative. I refuse to be a "brown nose", and suck up to Cryptic, after all the **** they've done the past 2.5 years.
And that's exactly why they're letting the Foundry fulfill all content needs, because then the devs can focus on other things, while occasionally giving out their own to add.
It's pretty smart, because they know many missions are quite good. And it's an acceptable practice, considering it's mission content made by creative minds.
And about the Tier system... Cryptic had to make the game from the ground-up, with a forced launch date, and other such issues. They didn't have time to create anything as complex as what you're describing (and it also explains the blandness of their missions/exploration missions).
As for promises, businesses change their minds all the time; it's nothing new. Better to view them (promises) as might-happen instead of supposed-to-happen, for much less disappointment. That's not the way it's supposed to be, true, but life isn't always fair.
Just my opinion
Was named Trek17.
Been playing STO since Open Beta, and have never regarded anything as worse than 'meh', if only due to personal standards.
Not true. STO is quite clearly based originally on the foundation made from Champions Online. At launch, to a large degree, STO was "CO with a Trek skin slapped onto it". Not saying that's the case anymore, but it certainly was at launch.
As for content, Foundry is suppose to be an -augment- to story content from the developers. Not a replacement. And it's shameful for anyone to suggest that replacing dev-created story content with Foundry content, is a GOOD thing. If this were a subscription-based game still, I doubt you'd be as willing to let the devs let go of their obligation to make new content.
Then you have the Foundry. How many games allow fans/player to actually create story lines and missions? To me that is an awesome thing to do. I see never ending stories and stuff to do just from that. You don't see many other great games doing that even consul types.
Well, City of Heroes sort-of pioneered the whole "user generated content" aspect of MMOs. Cryptic's Foundry is not revolutionary in that regard. Also, you have "Sandbox MMOs" such as EVE Online, which allows players to make their own story based on their very actions in the game. It's a wide open world/universe, where the sky is the limit, and anything can happen. Very unlike what you might experience in STO (which is instanced, after instance, with repetitive events as "content")
How about adding a entire open PvP system without resettimes like Kerrat and without a certain population cap and accessable from, say, lvl 20? Imagine nice faction battles with 40 or more players!
At the moment Kerrat is the only 'open' pvp system without a qeueu like system (wich is more spontanious), but it's limited by a population cap.
And if you are getting sick & tired to kill or gettin killed, just warp out. STO can use that kind of gameplay!
Not true. STO is quite clearly based originally on the foundation made from Champions Online. At launch, to a large degree, STO was "CO with a Trek skin slapped onto it". Not saying that's the case anymore, but it certainly was at launch.
As for content, Foundry is suppose to be an -augment- to story content from the developers. Not a replacement. And it's shameful for anyone to suggest that replacing dev-created story content with Foundry content, is a GOOD thing. If this were a subscription-based game still, I doubt you'd be as willing to let the devs let go of their obligation to make new content.
Well, City of Heroes sort-of pioneered the whole "user generated content" aspect of MMOs. Cryptic's Foundry is not revolutionary in that regard. Also, you have "Sandbox MMOs" such as EVE Online, which allows players to make their own story based on their very actions in the game. It's a wide open world/universe, where the sky is the limit, and anything can happen. Very unlike what you might experience in STO (which is instanced, after instance, with repetitive events as "content")
Not really, I'd be okay with it was still subscription-based and all story content was what we currently have and the Foundry I'm serious here
After all, some of the player missions are beyond what the devs have done.
Was named Trek17.
Been playing STO since Open Beta, and have never regarded anything as worse than 'meh', if only due to personal standards.
to me , this game feels like one of those Chinese games that we all avoid more and more each day
when i started playing, after buying somthing, i felt good about it. i was proud of my digital item. i felt good showing it off to my friends.
now when i buy somthing, and then log off..... i get that feeling i used to get on the car ride home from the casino.... you know that "i cant believe i lost that much money" depressing feeling , with a side of shame and self loathing..................
it just feels like the "house'' always wins...............
i know there are good thing still , wich is why im still here, but those good things are getting few and far between.
I have to say that I was hoping season 6 would give me a reason to keep playing STO. Unfortunately season 6 brought nothing to the game that I consider worth investing time or money in. The entire starbase system seems designed to get us to invest huge amounts of resources (dilithium, Doff's, and replicatable items) to get a starbase that is marginally better than what already exists inthe Sol system (or any other starbase for that matter). Then the fleet marks require you to run the same four missions repeatedly in a boring grind. Then I ask myself, once I get the starbase and the fleet ship that is 10% better than my current ship, what do I do with it? Run the same few STF's that exist over and over again as well.
All I can say is this, when I sit down to my computer and have the myriad of choices of games to spend my time on, STO is now the very last on the list to get my time and money. It was fun at first, but the limited content, too fast leveling, and general lack of depth to the game has made this a fun 2 month game that will now wait until I need space on my system for an inglorious uninstall.
i hate to say it, this being my first post, but ive been playing since beta, and this game is really tumbling out of control, i have cancelled my p2p sub, and am just running free 2 play now, if this game picks back up then ill happily re-sub. but ive lost a lot of friends on here to the general asshattery and bold faced lies by the devs, i used to defend this game tooth and nail, now i dont, im sick of hearing the devs say "our players are happy" that is a lie. if u only listen to the 10yr old yes men, then this games life span is even shorter than it could be.
its pretty bad when die hard trek fans are bailling left and right, im begining to wonder if the rumblings about the cryptic/PW not get re'd by cbs is the reason for the new set of blatent cash grabs by these companies. i may be wrong and i hope i am, because this game has alot of possible ave. that could go really far.
And lol @ the "It's a great time to start playing" that me laugh so hard because we all know that really means, "Yes, please start playing, but most immportantly paying for every little bit of 'content' we give in the C-store! We are losing subs and we need new wallets to bleed. Join now!!"
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC] EXPLORE.
Dec '07 Account I EARNED 1000 days...I didn't BUY it! New LTS=Death to Vet.System: 10/10/12 Never Forget Something should be done for those who cared enough to have a 1000+ day sub.
Fairly certain Daniel Stahl is the mastermind behind these gouge boxes and other gouge style methods of gameplay.
Respectfully, I don't know if I'd agree with this statement.
I'd say Dan is behind the "improvements" to the recent lock boxes that make them more tolerable.
Examples:
1. They don't drop with the crazy frequency the Ferengi ones did.
2. The inclusion of some really neat consolation prizes, (the doffs, the mirror universe ships)
3. The opportunity to to save lobi for the Recluse carrier.
To me, it's clear "someone" is trying to make these lockboxes (a necessary evil), FUN for us.
To me, that effort has Cryptic's and Dan's name all over it.
I really appreciate the efforts, I REALLY DO and I have to say that I have enjoyed this latest lockbox event far more than the previous ones.
But again, the actual cash requirement to get the Recluse carrier speaks volumes to me.
It shows me that if you want to get any of the Tholian ships be prepared to spend at least 100 plus (up to x 3) dollars PLUS unless you are REALLY lucky, or grind yourself silly.
This has Perfect World's finger prints all over it in my opinion.
The changes to the Zen store with this latest offering of the environmental suits, that smells of Perfect World to me too.
I'd say Cryptic is on our side, and has taken our feedback back to Perfect World and has gotten Perfect World to allow spoon fulls of sugar, that Cryptic has provided.
I'm starting to wonder now if Perfect World isn't directing them with every ingame project.
I always assumed that Cryptic had total control here. But it's most likely that Perfect World has given them a bottom line as to how much revenue they expect from the game, and someone has to look at where the majority of the players are, then prioritize revenue generating projects at those players, whilest trying to keep things fun.
I'd say this has taken top priority, and makes demands on their STILL limited available resources and that is why bugs persist, factions remain incomplete, and Romulans may NEVER make it into the game unless they pop from a box.
I think Cryptic is trying to keep things fun, trying to clean things up and advance thegame.
I won't say that this effort's been completely unsuccessful. But I would repeat that the monetary requirements to partake in some of this fun, is getting out of hand, and is starting to alienate a growing portion of the playerbase, who doesn't have the budget to keep throwing lots of money (hundreds of dollars ?!) every month into the game.
I lay this sad state right at Perfect World's feet.
..... The entire starbase system seems designed to get us to invest huge amounts of resources (dilithium, Doff's, and replicatable items) to get a starbase that is marginally better than what already exists inthe Sol system (or any other starbase for that matter). Then the fleet marks require you to run the same four missions repeatedly in a boring grind. Then I ask myself, once I get the starbase and the fleet ship that is 10% better than my current ship, what do I do with it? Run the same few STF's that exist over and over again as well....
This...the sad reality of STO...nothing else to do but the same TRIBBLE over and over and over and over...
They say Developing new mission content isn't "cost effective" because players will only play them once..what BS...
I think by now most of us are really tired of running the same handful of missions, be them STFs or Fleet missions. I don't care what kind of shiney ships or skimpy bikini outfits we're in, we need more mission content. If the lock boxes are such a success, hire one guy, just one Developer to work on actual missions.
If an average Joe can whip out a Foundry mission in a month, then what's the excuse for a proffesional designer not being able to make a 2-3 missions a year.
Lord Krueg
KBF CO We are the Dead
join date Aug 2008
I must admit, I have only played the game for like three weeks, but by now I'm through with the five old episodes and I really don't see anything, that would keep me playing with my first character. I rather start a new one and try something different (with the knowledge I have about the game by now).
I have played some other more "classic" MMOs before (mainly ****, WoW, SWTOR) all of them had the problem of repitiontion. In **** I didn't even reached the level cap, because even so I had one of the best groups of the server, the last ten levels consisted of farming the same two or three mob groups over and over again. SWTOR got old pretty quickly as well. Only WoW was able to release new content on a regular level to capture my interest for almost two years.
STO seems to have nothing to offer, to keep you playing it. The STFs seem to be hardly more than the equivalent of the normal 5-member group instances of WOW (even with the same normal mode/elite mode variation). But were are the big contest for fleets? You really would need some big missions or mission chains with good battles for which you need a very good group to beat them. Something that needs time to beat and keeps you interested (something like the better raids in WOW).
Just to make it clear, I don't want STO to became a Star Trek WOW, what I mean are just the basic mechanics, that a MMO need, so people keep playing it.
I have to agree with most of what's been said. My issue with STO is not that it is a grind MMO's are a grind I get that, even TOR which I am enjoying right now will be a grind once I get all 8 classes to 50.
I have even come to accept that I will never be able to truly experience the Star Trek Universe from the perspective of the Klingon Empire, Romulan Star Empire, or Cardassian Union. At least as far as an enjoyable Storyline is concerned. I understand the reason for that being the way it is, I'm not happy about it but I understand.
My issue is that there is all this stuff to grind to get, and I don't mind grinding I did it to get the STF gear. My issue is that what you get for the effort you put in just does not seem worth it. From the Mk XII STF gear to the Fleet ships, you grind your butt off for something that is only a little bit better that what you already have.
And then once you have the new shiny, what is there to do with it?
The STFs seem to be hardly more than the equivalent of the normal 5-member group instances of WOW (even with the same normal mode/elite mode variation).
Interestingly, the STF's used to have more too them. There was an actual story and it took a bit of time to get through them.
Interestingly, the STF's used to have more too them. There was an actual story and it took a bit of time to get through them.
Yeah, I've read about that. But honestly I'm happy about the fact, that I don't have to play the ground missions, because the ground missions in STO are...not very good. Honestly I think they are by far the biggest weak point of the game and it is a shame, that they take up like 70% of the playing time, while the interesting space combat only seems to take up like 10% (the rest of the time is traveling).
And to have the STFs as relatively short missions is IMHO not wrong, there just should be something else, that takes longer and a good group.
I know it said it was a "State of the Game" post for Star Trek Online. but I just couldn't shake the feeling that he goofed and was talking about something else.
I mean, for example, he used "QA" and "working diligently" in the same sentence.
I know it said it was a "State of the Game" post for Star Trek Online. but I just couldn't shake the feeling that he goofed and was talking about something else.
I mean, for example, he used "QA" and "working diligently" in the same sentence.
Well, bugs are part of every MMO I'm afraid. I remember that the biggest boss in SWTOR (at least at the beginning of the game) was horribly bugged for months. I honestly quit playing, before he was ever really fixed, even so they claimed they fixed him in like every second minor patch.
Well, bugs are part of every MMO I'm afraid. I remember that the biggest boss in SWTOR (at least at the beginning of the game) was horribly bugged for months. I honestly quit playing, before he was ever really fixed, even so they claimed they fixed him in like every second minor patch.
Like when they say they fixed the exchange? But nothing was actually fixed...
Like when they say they fixed the exchange? But nothing was actually fixed...
That is also something that happens a lot in a lot of games.
Let's face it, STO isn't a great MMO by any standards. The space combat is nice and enjoyable, but apart from that and the ST license, it has very little to offer.
The ground combat isn't very good compared to...well nearly every bigger MMO really. It is slow, unresponsive and very repetitive. The quality of the quests is all over the place. Most of the good quests are the ones, that step out of the ordinary. Like the "horror mission" and the time travel around the Devidians or the missions around "Second Wave" (sadly the quest itself is still bugged) or the missions at the end of the Klingon episode. But a lot of the missions are very boring and predictive and there seems to be hardly anything other than fighting.
They hardly have any voiceovers at all, so there is plenty of room for diplomatic missions with different outcomes, but they hardly use it. I would really like to play some of the more complex and better foundry missions, that seem to explore those things more, but of course, they have been down for most of the time, I've played the game.
Bottom line for me: STO has its nice moments here and there, specially when it doesn't rely on combat, but it doesn't offer enough to keep me interested for more than perhaps two months and I can't help myself, but to wish, STO would be a good Star Trek single player RPG, instead of a MMO.
I have bought an Odyssey Cruiser, because I like the Design, and after like 150h of playtime, they deserve, that I pay at least a bit, but I doubt I will buy much more.
Take this for what it is: The two cents of a STO newbie with quiet a bit of MMO experience.
In addition to new Foundry features, we will also be diving into the Foundry Spotlight feature. We expect this feature to go live, along with the ability to add standard rewards to Foundry Spotlight missions, in the near future, well before Season 7 launches. Expect more information on this feature by the next State of the Game.
This, I feel, will be a HUGE boon to the game.
If we can establish a reward system that makes sense for Foundry Play (and a reward system for Foundary Authors too!!!), then we can finally nip the "No Content in this Game" gripe once and for all.
The Foundry is chuck full of great missions- missions nobody plays because of the poor rewards for them. Fix that and you open up a wealth of content for everyone, Feds and Klingons alike.
I dare say that, if you take away the rewards and strip them down to bare bone content, Foundry missions are above-and-beyond, far better than any FE.
But I ask, I implore- a great mission deserves a great reward- for the guy who made it.
These folks work hard on their missions, mostly as a labor of love, without thought of reward, only to tell a good story.
And, I don't say this because I am one. Hell, I don't even know how to use the Foundry Program. So, I have a monolithic amount of respect for those that do take the time, effort and risk to self-esteem to put their storys and their work out for the rest of us to enjoy. These guys deserve a lot- they deserve to be compensated for their hard work.
Comments
If he truly agreed with what they were doing, he'd be saying so right now. But he's been silent... so I'm thinking, he doesn't agree, but thanks to what I just described, can't voice them without getting in big trouble.
I could be wrong. But that's what I think is going on. PWE is taking over, completely, and the devs don't exactly like it... and while they're not saying anything bad about PWE, they haven't said anything good directly about them. That to me says they don't like the way things are, but can't say anything about it.
As for the rest of your post, you're entitled to your opinion. But I disagree with 'blaming Dstahl for relucantly agreeing for the above incidents' (assuming it is relucantly). People being forced to do their job isn't something to blame them for, imho.
Been playing STO since Open Beta, and have never regarded anything as worse than 'meh', if only due to personal standards.
Furthermore, for those who are screaming about a lack of content. Let me give you all a harsh reality check: The DOFF system, the Starbase system, the FE series that was released all within the last two years, not to mention the conversion of lower tiered ships into Tier 5's (YES, even if they have the same skins and feel like a ripoff to some), the inclusion of the Tholians as a race ALL qualify as CONTENT.
"Content" is a pretty vague term. I'm not disputing that Pvp needs serious love or that there aren't glaring bugs that need to be addressed. But for crying out loud people, let's whine a little more. It's more accurate to say you haven't gotten the content you wanted, but things are gradually moving the right direction.
We finally got the beginnings of a Starbase system, UN-timegated invasions, better rewards for those who choose to use lockboxes, and I will beat this horse some more: AT no time do you ever have to use real money to acquire ZEN, C-points or what ever the devil we're using for currency these days. Season 7 is promising to expand on the storylines many were worrying about, and supposedly the Foundry got some MUCH needed attention this time around.
I'll admit freely, not everyone got what they wanted with this latest update. But stop saying that nothing is getting done and all the devs are nothing but money grabbing Ferengi. Knowing how management works, I'm betting Trek 21 is spot on with his/her(?) analysis.
Waiting for the content you desire soooo much sucks, I know. According to the patch notes, they fixed the death penalty (which prevented players from accumulating injuries), they made it so my redshirts are actually worth a damn and I now have more ship options at endgame than I ever had before. Admittedly it was a long and frustrating wait; but they addressed it, eventually. Pvp WILL get its day in the sun. I still have faith in the devs to ultimately make this into the game we all preyed for ever since we first played Star Trek: 25th anniversary on the Pentium.
It will happen. But in the meantime, can we at least try not to post like stubborn six year olds who didn't get their favorite colored gum ball?! Seems like everything we hear from the devs, regardless of topic, is met in the forums with the same ridicule everytime. You didn't fix this, the game sucks so I'm quitting.
Frankly, I'm just happy to HAVE a Star Trek MMORPG. Things could be better, but I'm willing to wait out the drought.
::Grabs the fire retardant, dawns a fire blanket and curls into the fetal position.::
The former Tom_Riker01.
"An artist's growth depends upon accurate feedback." ~Data
And by being screwed over, i'm talking about the "new and shiny" Fleet ships, and the LACK of any form of discount for the veteran players who ALREADY have the original ships.
Yes, to some, the DOFF system, Fleet Starbases etc are all considered "content". I myself consider them to be game FEATURES, and not so much content in it's own right. Most define content, as something you can EXPERIENCE for your self. Sending off your Redshirts to do the work for you, doesn't give you that experience. STORY content on the other hand, does. In 2012, we've had a grand total of SEVEN story missions; 5 Feature Episodes, Alphas (Klingon-exclusive) and the Friday the 13th episode (which ONLY is playable around Friday the 13th). In 2011, we had a grand total of FIVE story missions; the Feature Episode series. To release ONLY 12 new missions in 1.5 year, is not acceptable by any definition. Especially when you consider that the Foundry authors (when Foundry isn't broken, half the time), can manage to create dozens of missions of their own, with a much more limited toolset, in much shorter time.
Bottomline is, Cryptic doesn't have any intention of producing any new original story content of their own anytime soon. They instead plan to rely on Foundry authors to do the work for them. We've been promised an entire season of new story content (Season 7), but that has yet to be seen, WHAT it will have. Not to mention, we've been promised so many things in the past 2.5 years (since launch), most of which never came through. Cryptics promises are wearing thin.
In closing... capthayden may see my above post as nothing more than the ramblings of a "stubborn six year old". That is ofcourse his opinion, and he is fully entitled to disagree with if he so chooses. These forums are meant for ALL forms of discussion around STO, both positive and negative. I refuse to be a "brown nose", and suck up to Cryptic, after all the **** they've done the past 2.5 years.
There is some things that can be changed or "fixed". Like Klingon options on stuff since Feds have more, and a few other things. Still overall I just enjoy the game for what's it worth.
As the F2P goes that is a good thing as well. I use that feature to play. However I do spend money on the store. For stuff I want in there. What if a kid with no money wants to play. Not many parents are willing to give sign up for a person to play each month. Specially if the kid might play for a few months and give up. Like I see many do with a new toy. Or what is money is tight, which I'm sure it is more many right now. Plus I don't spend many hours on the game as due to work and having a life outside the game. To me this is a great way to keep me playing. And they still get my money as I spend in the store on items. Also I don't feel like I lost money for lack of playing hours for the month. For a player like me this is a great feature.
I take the game for what we have and worth. Enjoy it and play.
USS Casinghead NCC 92047 launched 2350
Fleet Admiral Stowe - Dominion War Vet.
It's pretty smart, because they know many missions are quite good. And it's an acceptable practice, considering it's mission content made by creative minds.
And about the Tier system... Cryptic had to make the game from the ground-up, with a forced launch date, and other such issues. They didn't have time to create anything as complex as what you're describing (and it also explains the blandness of their missions/exploration missions).
As for promises, businesses change their minds all the time; it's nothing new. Better to view them (promises) as might-happen instead of supposed-to-happen, for much less disappointment. That's not the way it's supposed to be, true, but life isn't always fair.
Just my opinion
Been playing STO since Open Beta, and have never regarded anything as worse than 'meh', if only due to personal standards.
Not true. STO is quite clearly based originally on the foundation made from Champions Online. At launch, to a large degree, STO was "CO with a Trek skin slapped onto it". Not saying that's the case anymore, but it certainly was at launch.
As for content, Foundry is suppose to be an -augment- to story content from the developers. Not a replacement. And it's shameful for anyone to suggest that replacing dev-created story content with Foundry content, is a GOOD thing. If this were a subscription-based game still, I doubt you'd be as willing to let the devs let go of their obligation to make new content.
Well, City of Heroes sort-of pioneered the whole "user generated content" aspect of MMOs. Cryptic's Foundry is not revolutionary in that regard. Also, you have "Sandbox MMOs" such as EVE Online, which allows players to make their own story based on their very actions in the game. It's a wide open world/universe, where the sky is the limit, and anything can happen. Very unlike what you might experience in STO (which is instanced, after instance, with repetitive events as "content")
At the moment Kerrat is the only 'open' pvp system without a qeueu like system (wich is more spontanious), but it's limited by a population cap.
And if you are getting sick & tired to kill or gettin killed, just warp out. STO can use that kind of gameplay!
After all, some of the player missions are beyond what the devs have done.
Been playing STO since Open Beta, and have never regarded anything as worse than 'meh', if only due to personal standards.
when i started playing, after buying somthing, i felt good about it. i was proud of my digital item. i felt good showing it off to my friends.
now when i buy somthing, and then log off..... i get that feeling i used to get on the car ride home from the casino.... you know that "i cant believe i lost that much money" depressing feeling , with a side of shame and self loathing..................
it just feels like the "house'' always wins...............
i know there are good thing still , wich is why im still here, but those good things are getting few and far between.
join date: Jan. 2012
Think I'm just going to take a break from STO for now. Man, I feel so stupid for buying an LTS for this game. Definitely never paid off.
Welcome to the club
All I can say is this, when I sit down to my computer and have the myriad of choices of games to spend my time on, STO is now the very last on the list to get my time and money. It was fun at first, but the limited content, too fast leveling, and general lack of depth to the game has made this a fun 2 month game that will now wait until I need space on my system for an inglorious uninstall.
its pretty bad when die hard trek fans are bailling left and right, im begining to wonder if the rumblings about the cryptic/PW not get re'd by cbs is the reason for the new set of blatent cash grabs by these companies. i may be wrong and i hope i am, because this game has alot of possible ave. that could go really far.
http://sto-forum.perfectworld.com/showpost.php?p=5008241&postcount=20
An educated guess based on facts of Daniel Stahl.
| Join Date: January 2009 | Computer | Fleet: Broken Wings |
So it's my educated guess, that he left Zygana because he didn't like it, and he's silent because he doesn't like PWE doing the same.
In other words, it's more likely Dstahl is not behind this. PWE is the next most likely candidate.
Been playing STO since Open Beta, and have never regarded anything as worse than 'meh', if only due to personal standards.
now that isn't an educated guess, as it is based off of no previous information lol.
| Join Date: January 2009 | Computer | Fleet: Broken Wings |
And lol @ the "It's a great time to start playing" that me laugh so hard because we all know that really means, "Yes, please start playing, but most immportantly paying for every little bit of 'content' we give in the C-store! We are losing subs and we need new wallets to bleed. Join now!!"
Dec '07 Account
I EARNED 1000 days...I didn't BUY it! New LTS=Death to Vet.System: 10/10/12 Never Forget
Something should be done for those who cared enough to have a 1000+ day sub.
Respectfully, I don't know if I'd agree with this statement.
I'd say Dan is behind the "improvements" to the recent lock boxes that make them more tolerable.
Examples:
1. They don't drop with the crazy frequency the Ferengi ones did.
2. The inclusion of some really neat consolation prizes, (the doffs, the mirror universe ships)
3. The opportunity to to save lobi for the Recluse carrier.
To me, it's clear "someone" is trying to make these lockboxes (a necessary evil), FUN for us.
To me, that effort has Cryptic's and Dan's name all over it.
I really appreciate the efforts, I REALLY DO and I have to say that I have enjoyed this latest lockbox event far more than the previous ones.
But again, the actual cash requirement to get the Recluse carrier speaks volumes to me.
It shows me that if you want to get any of the Tholian ships be prepared to spend at least 100 plus (up to x 3) dollars PLUS unless you are REALLY lucky, or grind yourself silly.
This has Perfect World's finger prints all over it in my opinion.
The changes to the Zen store with this latest offering of the environmental suits, that smells of Perfect World to me too.
I'd say Cryptic is on our side, and has taken our feedback back to Perfect World and has gotten Perfect World to allow spoon fulls of sugar, that Cryptic has provided.
I'm starting to wonder now if Perfect World isn't directing them with every ingame project.
I always assumed that Cryptic had total control here. But it's most likely that Perfect World has given them a bottom line as to how much revenue they expect from the game, and someone has to look at where the majority of the players are, then prioritize revenue generating projects at those players, whilest trying to keep things fun.
I'd say this has taken top priority, and makes demands on their STILL limited available resources and that is why bugs persist, factions remain incomplete, and Romulans may NEVER make it into the game unless they pop from a box.
I think Cryptic is trying to keep things fun, trying to clean things up and advance thegame.
I won't say that this effort's been completely unsuccessful. But I would repeat that the monetary requirements to partake in some of this fun, is getting out of hand, and is starting to alienate a growing portion of the playerbase, who doesn't have the budget to keep throwing lots of money (hundreds of dollars ?!) every month into the game.
I lay this sad state right at Perfect World's feet.
This...the sad reality of STO...nothing else to do but the same TRIBBLE over and over and over and over...
They say Developing new mission content isn't "cost effective" because players will only play them once..what BS...
I think by now most of us are really tired of running the same handful of missions, be them STFs or Fleet missions. I don't care what kind of shiney ships or skimpy bikini outfits we're in, we need more mission content. If the lock boxes are such a success, hire one guy, just one Developer to work on actual missions.
If an average Joe can whip out a Foundry mission in a month, then what's the excuse for a proffesional designer not being able to make a 2-3 missions a year.
KBF CO
We are the Dead
join date Aug 2008
I have played some other more "classic" MMOs before (mainly ****, WoW, SWTOR) all of them had the problem of repitiontion. In **** I didn't even reached the level cap, because even so I had one of the best groups of the server, the last ten levels consisted of farming the same two or three mob groups over and over again. SWTOR got old pretty quickly as well. Only WoW was able to release new content on a regular level to capture my interest for almost two years.
STO seems to have nothing to offer, to keep you playing it. The STFs seem to be hardly more than the equivalent of the normal 5-member group instances of WOW (even with the same normal mode/elite mode variation). But were are the big contest for fleets? You really would need some big missions or mission chains with good battles for which you need a very good group to beat them. Something that needs time to beat and keeps you interested (something like the better raids in WOW).
Just to make it clear, I don't want STO to became a Star Trek WOW, what I mean are just the basic mechanics, that a MMO need, so people keep playing it.
I have even come to accept that I will never be able to truly experience the Star Trek Universe from the perspective of the Klingon Empire, Romulan Star Empire, or Cardassian Union. At least as far as an enjoyable Storyline is concerned. I understand the reason for that being the way it is, I'm not happy about it but I understand.
My issue is that there is all this stuff to grind to get, and I don't mind grinding I did it to get the STF gear. My issue is that what you get for the effort you put in just does not seem worth it. From the Mk XII STF gear to the Fleet ships, you grind your butt off for something that is only a little bit better that what you already have.
And then once you have the new shiny, what is there to do with it?
Interestingly, the STF's used to have more too them. There was an actual story and it took a bit of time to get through them.
Yeah, I've read about that. But honestly I'm happy about the fact, that I don't have to play the ground missions, because the ground missions in STO are...not very good. Honestly I think they are by far the biggest weak point of the game and it is a shame, that they take up like 70% of the playing time, while the interesting space combat only seems to take up like 10% (the rest of the time is traveling).
And to have the STFs as relatively short missions is IMHO not wrong, there just should be something else, that takes longer and a good group.
I mean, for example, he used "QA" and "working diligently" in the same sentence.
Well, bugs are part of every MMO I'm afraid. I remember that the biggest boss in SWTOR (at least at the beginning of the game) was horribly bugged for months. I honestly quit playing, before he was ever really fixed, even so they claimed they fixed him in like every second minor patch.
And sweeping it all under the carpet isn't helping either.
They're both as bad as each other,dont try and pick sides. :rolleyes:
Like when they say they fixed the exchange? But nothing was actually fixed...
| Join Date: January 2009 | Computer | Fleet: Broken Wings |
That is also something that happens a lot in a lot of games.
Let's face it, STO isn't a great MMO by any standards. The space combat is nice and enjoyable, but apart from that and the ST license, it has very little to offer.
The ground combat isn't very good compared to...well nearly every bigger MMO really. It is slow, unresponsive and very repetitive. The quality of the quests is all over the place. Most of the good quests are the ones, that step out of the ordinary. Like the "horror mission" and the time travel around the Devidians or the missions around "Second Wave" (sadly the quest itself is still bugged) or the missions at the end of the Klingon episode. But a lot of the missions are very boring and predictive and there seems to be hardly anything other than fighting.
They hardly have any voiceovers at all, so there is plenty of room for diplomatic missions with different outcomes, but they hardly use it. I would really like to play some of the more complex and better foundry missions, that seem to explore those things more, but of course, they have been down for most of the time, I've played the game.
Bottom line for me: STO has its nice moments here and there, specially when it doesn't rely on combat, but it doesn't offer enough to keep me interested for more than perhaps two months and I can't help myself, but to wish, STO would be a good Star Trek single player RPG, instead of a MMO.
I have bought an Odyssey Cruiser, because I like the Design, and after like 150h of playtime, they deserve, that I pay at least a bit, but I doubt I will buy much more.
Take this for what it is: The two cents of a STO newbie with quiet a bit of MMO experience.
This, I feel, will be a HUGE boon to the game.
If we can establish a reward system that makes sense for Foundry Play (and a reward system for Foundary Authors too!!!), then we can finally nip the "No Content in this Game" gripe once and for all.
The Foundry is chuck full of great missions- missions nobody plays because of the poor rewards for them. Fix that and you open up a wealth of content for everyone, Feds and Klingons alike.
I dare say that, if you take away the rewards and strip them down to bare bone content, Foundry missions are above-and-beyond, far better than any FE.
But I ask, I implore- a great mission deserves a great reward- for the guy who made it.
These folks work hard on their missions, mostly as a labor of love, without thought of reward, only to tell a good story.
And, I don't say this because I am one. Hell, I don't even know how to use the Foundry Program. So, I have a monolithic amount of respect for those that do take the time, effort and risk to self-esteem to put their storys and their work out for the rest of us to enjoy. These guys deserve a lot- they deserve to be compensated for their hard work.