What do YOU think... Aion or TCoS?

freakomar

Well, just a kinda poll. I personally think TCoS is more ... saaay unique but somehow it just doesnt appeal to me as much as Aion does.(TCoS means The Chronicles of Spellborn, just incase )

 

Also How many of you are willing to buy Aion blind folded? I can say YES to that  Dunno why but Im just in LOVE with Aion 

mlbslugger

Aion seems like a really cool game with some interesting new concepts!  I only play EQ1 and EQ2 (Blizzard is forever on my hit list sorry). However, the flying was the biggest attention getter for me, but found out a couple of things that made me a little wary... however I will still play this at launch (hopefully beta - I'm signed up for it).  Flying only lasts a certain amount of time, after which you will float to the ground. Also, flying will only be possible along set flight paths, not free flight - that's a real downer. But the game seems to be worth a try and it's a definite for me!

freakomar

Well flying isnt what caught my attention, really.

But its sad to hear its not free flight - where did you get this information that you can only fly on set fly paths?

Cynthe

Originally posted by mlbslugger

however I will still play this at launch (hopefully beta - I'm signed up for it).  Flying only lasts a certain amount of time, after which you will float to the ground. Also, flying will only be possible along set flight paths, not free flight

That is some seriously outdated info right there. It is actually free flight, what is restricted is the amount of time you will be able to fly, there is a timer so you will have to be clever about choosing wether or not to fly. You will also have special fighting moves you can use while in flight, interesting for the PvP inclined.

Also is you are signed up for the beta, are you korean? Otherwise there's no way you can be signed up for the western version, unless you have connections with the devs I guess, and if you do you would probably know about the free flying... ^_^;

As for the question of the OP, I prefer Aion personally based on the art style. The gameplay and story is somewhat similar to me, in that area it's really a toss up and I'd have to wait until I play both to really know.

mlbslugger

Hey there... let me see if I can find that info for you; check back in 15 mins or so. Yah it was kind of a downer for me too... may have even have been an article on here!  The lack of free flight was in a dev interview. Now mind you, he did say they were looking into possibly making it free flight later, but it wasnt slated for the initial release - unless that's changed.  I can't stake my life on this one but will check.

mlbslugger

This is the article I read it in; it is on mmorpg.com

 

http://www.mmorpg.com/gamelist.cfm/gameId/253/setView/features/loadFeature/661

 

I would love for this to be old info - I'm all ready there anyway, but this would be great. Personally, I don't see how it can't be free flight if you can battle in the air; you have to be able to move wherever you want to; which is sorta free flight...? ALso the article mentions as of the build that was current as of that article.  Also, I agree with Cynthe as far as the art style, but I'm more of the armor set in this.... I like the styles the korean devs come up with... ala FFXI. The Opaline sets there for the females are hot and a fave (no, I'm not an mmo perv)....

freakomar

Thanks for the link mlbslugger, though im sure thats old news - and you're right because for flight combat FREE FLIGHT is necessary :P

 

Originally posted by Cynthe

Originally posted by mlbslugger


however I will still play this at launch (hopefully beta - I'm signed up for it).  Flying only lasts a certain amount of time, after which you will float to the ground. Also, flying will only be possible along set flight paths, not free flight

That is some seriously outdated info right there. It is actually free flight, what is restricted is the amount of time you will be able to fly, there is a timer so you will have to be clever about choosing wether or not to fly. You will also have special fighting moves you can use while in flight, interesting for the PvP inclined.

Also is you are signed up for the beta, are you korean? Otherwise there's no way you can be signed up for the western version, unless you have connections with the devs I guess, and if you do you would probably know about the free flying... ^_^;

As for the question of the OP, I prefer Aion personally based on the art style. The gameplay and story is somewhat similar to me, in that area it's really a toss up and I'd have to wait until I play both to really know.

Yeah Cynthe - TCoS has some GREAT concepts but looking at the game again (NOT talking about graphics) but he characters and all look wierd :P

Cynthe

It's free flight in the sense that you can move however you want wherever you want. It was supposed to be a set flight path used only for transportation like EQII gryphon rides. But the people wanted unrestricted flight in the air and aerial combat. So the devs actually listened (like zomg!), and made it so, but they don't want the flying to be taken for granted either I imagine so they stuck the timer on it. But of course I don't think this is written in stone just yet.

The article you refer too is a year old, there's a new E3 article up..Also Mister OP I just seen a lot of your answers on flying were already given on the other thread..

jmmcglo

(cracks nuckles)... Let me bring this topic a bit more up to speed. Flight in Aion... during the demo at E3 '06... "free" flight was along a "fixed" path as the demo was for illustration purposes only. Now... between E3 '06 and E3 '07 the Devs have brought us a semi-final concept of "free" flight with restrictions. The devs NEVER had any intention on having free flight restricted to set paths on the ground. The debate for the Devs was whether or not they should allow free flight in ALL land areas or restrict free flight in land areas in some way, shape, or form. The devs finally decided that in order to keep flying "special" and to promote free flight as "strategic decision", they would place a time restriction on free flight while on land, and restrict free flight from some areas all together. Currently the timer is set at 60s. However, the Devs have stated that this timer is not final... other than that, nothing else is known at this time as to exactly how everything else is working. It is known, as stated by the devs, that free flight in the Abyss at this time is not and will not be bound by the same limitations as the ground based flight.

To answer the poll... Aion all the way. Spellboard won't hold a candle to many of the DX10 compliant games that are coming up in the next year. 

freakomar

Originally posted by jmmcglo


(cracks nuckles)... Let me bring this topic a bit more up to speed. Flight in Aion... during the demo at E3 '06... "free" flight was along a "fixed" path as the demo was for illustration purposes only. Now... between E3 '06 and E3 '07 the Devs have brought us a semi-final concept of "free" flight with restrictions. The devs NEVER had any intention on having free flight restricted to set paths on the ground. The debate for the Devs was whether or not they should allow free flight in ALL land areas or restrict free flight in land areas in some way, shape, or form. The devs finally decided that in order to keep flying "special" and to promote free flight as "strategic decision", they would place a time restriction on free flight while on land, and restrict free flight from some areas all together. Currently the timer is set at 60s. However, the Devs have stated that this timer is not final... other than that, nothing else is known at this time as to exactly how everything else is working. It is known, as stated by the devs, that free flight in the Abyss at this time is not and will not be bound by the same limitations as the ground based flight.
To answer the poll... Aion all the way. Spellboard won't hold a candle to many of the DX10 compliant games that are coming up in the next year. 

Totally agreed. TCoS looks like a bunch of people with aids fighting (no offence meant to TCoS fans )

And the people look like deformed ants :P

METALDRAG0N

The world of AION is to begine wi th truly stunning. Also the flight idea is a novel gimick which may make a good game feature.

So i might do AION it really depends on how it turns out.

freakomar

Yeah thats for sure, but the story-line and lore mean nothing to me.

Also im not THAT interested about the flight system, its a plus point - but not something i will consider when purchasing or trying the game.

I like the entire class and pvp and combat systems, they may not be unique but are very well done.

Also if you look at the clothing, OH BOY! 

METALDRAG0N

When i look for a game onething i look for is the Art style. For example EvE has some interesting art as the ships there are not the traditional design and weach race ahs a look to it as well. In AIOn i find the scenery to be good as well as the buildings and clothing.

Aseenus

aion > all new games coming out imo

Zarraa

It wouldn't suprise me at all if both AION and TCOS end up being better than the two big guns on the horizon. AOC & WAR.

Godchild

I agree. I think both games could end up being quite successful even more so than the 2 most hyped upcoming games.They both have many nice features and wonderful art, not to mention originality..

alGarroth

I think we're forgetting another thing Aion has, the AI dragon race. If that doesn't spark people's intrest I don't know what does. I can just imagine battling in the abyss, and suddenly a flock of dragons come and start killing your enemies, and then possibly turning around and killing you as well... 

neoMesis

Ha i just want to fly. Whether its included in the base characters from the get go or if you have to level into it, i will have flight asap!!! Might even grind it out for 24 hours just so i can fly around and have my ava screaming "WEEEEEEE!!!"

Skyless

Aion looks pretty awesome. Now granted that most asian MMO's do tend to focus on their graphics engine, presenting us with some of the best looking MMO's in the business. That said, asian MMO's are also known for their terrible, terrible grinds. Most of the time you spend 90% of your time killing the same mobs for 3 or 4 levels with perhaps 1 or 2 quests, really of no consequence, thrown into the mix.

In addition most asian MMO's also lack a really strong lore and it ends up just being secondary to what's going on. Now that could just be me, as an English only speaker, suffering from bad translation. But I've played the majority of the big hitters on the market and I think this holds true for all of them.

I'll give it a try. Wings and a pet class? Sign me up. But if it's just one big grind, I'll head to Warhammer Online.

Niirnaeth

Well Skyless perhaps you should dig a little and find out whether or not it is a grind rather then assuming it might be because its "asian"... The dev's have already stated that both the leveling and end game content will not be your typical "asian" grind as you like to put it. Expect more then one way to level and get gear throughout so everything else aside if that is what is holding you back I wouldn't worry.

Skyless

 

Originally posted by Niirnaeth


Well Skyless perhaps you should dig a little and find out whether or not it is a grind rather then assuming it might be because its "asian"... The dev's have already stated that both the leveling and end game content will not be your typical "asian" grind as you like to put it. Expect more then one way to level and get gear throughout so everything else aside if that is what is holding you back I wouldn't worry.

 

Hi, I did read. I saw the interview saying that they intend to put it between WoW and Lineage 2 in terms of grinding, but that's a  very wide spectrum. And my analysis of the general asian MMO is accurate. Shall I give examples? The two largest asian MMO's fit my description of heavy grinding very well.

Lineage 2 is the most obviously example, it would be difficult to deny that the entire game is a huge leveling grind with quests being a tiny subsidiary, usually just resulting in some way of making additional cash while grinding mobs in a specific area. Then there is Final Fantasy XI, which is  a large grind as well. In fact, they totally did away with the solo content in that game for all but a few jobs like the beastmaster.

I think it's important to understand there is a general difference in design philosophy between Western and Asian MMO's. They both appeal to their target audience first and international audience second. There are some mechanics that Western gamers value a lot more, such as character customization, than the Asian market does. Just as there are mechanics and game play styles that are more important in the Asian gaming market. I don't see why you would post in such a confrontational manner just because I pointed it out.

Caladon

Originally posted by Skyless


 
Originally posted by Niirnaeth


Well Skyless perhaps you should dig a little and find out whether or not it is a grind rather then assuming it might be because its "asian"... The dev's have already stated that both the leveling and end game content will not be your typical "asian" grind as you like to put it. Expect more then one way to level and get gear throughout so everything else aside if that is what is holding you back I wouldn't worry.

 

Hi, I did read. I saw the interview saying that they intend to put it between WoW and Lineage 2 in terms of grinding, but that's a  very wide spectrum. And my analysis of the general asian MMO is accurate. Shall I give examples? The two largest asian MMO's fit my description of heavy grinding very well.

Lineage 2 is the most obviously example, it would be difficult to deny that the entire game is a huge leveling grind with quests being a tiny subsidiary, usually just resulting in some way of making additional cash while grinding mobs in a specific area. Then there is Final Fantasy XI, which is  a large grind as well. In fact, they totally did away with the solo content in that game for all but a few jobs like the beastmaster.

I think it's important to understand there is a general difference in design philosophy between Western and Asian MMO's. They both appeal to their target audience first and international audience second. There are some mechanics that Western gamers value a lot more, such as character customization, than the Asian market does. Just as there are mechanics and game play styles that are more important in the Asian gaming market. I don't see why you would post in such a confrontational manner just because I pointed it out.

He replied the way he did because Aion has been called "just another grind" undeservingly all too many times. Even though I partly see where you are coming from, this "issue" is one which the developers have been actively processing.

MarkJW

Originally posted by Skyless


In addition most asian MMO's also lack a really strong lore and it ends up just being secondary to what's going on. Now that could just be me, as an English only speaker, suffering from bad translation. But I've played the majority of the big hitters on the market and I think this holds true for all of them.
I'll give it a try. Wings and a pet class? Sign me up. But if it's just one big grind, I'll head to Warhammer Online.

Check the official site (AionOnline.com/Eu.AionOnline.com) for some lore. There's plenty of little tidbits of info to read and read into. There's not some huge tome, no small novel to read to "get" Aion's storyline. Right now there's just a bunch of clues. It might stay that way, since the game itself seems to have a powerful tale to tell through cutscenes and the like. Why have the devs ruin the plot when the game can reveal it for you?

terrant

Well...Aion worries me in that it strikes me as one big grind...Lineage or Silkroad with wings. Yay.

TCoS...well...the combat system is interesting and ambitious and the story seems really cool...but what I've seen of gameplay fell very flat of the promises made, in my opinion. Between the two I'd say TCoS, but they have a LOT of polishing to do.

mlorriman

Well, both games look interesting, but personally I'm more interested in TCoS. Although it may not have the graphical power of Aion, the art style is simply beautiful. It reminds me alot of Morrowind, it's a vast, alien world that almost seems alive. Also, the lore is simply some of the best I've ever seen in a videogame and their focus on staying true to the lore and telling a story that pulls you into the world is admirable to say the least. The gameplay is another factor, as they are experimenting with a unique, action oriented combat system that sounds like it will be alot of fun... if it works. All in all, TCoS just has more of the things that I look for in an MMORPG than Aion does, although I'll probably give Aion a try at some point as well.

Caladon

Originally posted by terrant


Well...Aion worries me in that it strikes me as one big grind...Lineage or Silkroad with wings. Yay.
TCoS...well...the combat system is interesting and ambitious and the story seems really cool...but what I've seen of gameplay fell very flat of the promises made, in my opinion. Between the two I'd say TCoS, but they have a LOT of polishing to do.

Why? Is it the graphics? The thing that is so funny is that if the game had a graphical style more resembling ... say LOTRO or Vanguard, nobody would assume it will be a large grind. What's up with that? The asianesque (so far) graphics are extremely beautiful. Please don't let your bad, past experiences with Asia-produced games affect what you think of this new blank canvas.