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Impression of AoC after 500 hours from previous AoC ignorant.
Thillian
Member UncommonPosts: 3,156
I do tend to avoid certain games at first because of their hype, weird advs and launch video interviews with overuse of words "cool, awesome, incredible, gamebreaking". I do tend to think that games targetted on mass market segment usually bring no innovation whatsoever and will probably fade away once the hype goes away. This would all be true about AoC, and probably is, yet the game is so charming that it kept me hooked for over 500 hours now (3 months real time).
I am a player that usually like open worlds with no barriers whatsoever (Ryzom, Vanguard, AC1) but at the same time I don't like FFA PvP, ganking, banding, corpse camping. From this description it might seem I should avoid AoC at all costs. But I didn't and here's why I picked the game 3 months ago:
- Funcom managed to create one of the best adventure games (Longest Journey)
- Conan world setting is brilliant.
- Soundtrack which I happened to hear was really touching. Last time I hear such a wonderful video game music was I think in Icewind Dale 1 made by Jeremy Soule.
Graphics A+
There is no doubt that Age of Conan offers wonderful graphics for a mmorpg. There are two modes dx9 and dx10. On my 2 years old computer with a new GPU (Vista 64, GTX 275, overclocked E6400 CPU, 4GB ram) the game works like charm in both modes in high settings. Dx9 gives me 60+ FPS in regular zones and 30-50 in full towns. Dx10 gives me 40 FPS in zones and 15-25 in full towns. The game engine behaves much better and smoother than any other game I played before which is a little miracle in combination with the beatiful graphics and quite high view distance.
Age of Conan has the uncomparably best mood and atmosphere among all the MMORPG's currently on the market. Soundtrack together with the graphics makes the most immersive and atmospheric gameworld I could ever imagine. It's not rare that I just stop anytime anywhere, look around, make screenshots and just enjoy the fluid camera movement in this beatiful landscape.
Game World B
There was a lot of criticism about the instances and zoning. As I already mentioned I am a fan mostly of open worlds with no instances whatsoever. On, one hand I like realism in games and open space, on the other hand I hate the unbelievable scaled down representations of a gameworld. I absolutely can not understand people who say that running 5 minutes from one town to another, which are supposed to be 100 miles far away from each other is more immersive, than a loading screen.
I believe every game which tries to follow certain lore - Conan, Middle Earth should use instances with loading screens unless they want to use the ridiculous scaled down representation. I can not imagine running 10 minutes from Khemi to old Tarantia (or even 20 minutes in that matter). That would break my immersion more than anything else.
Additionally, people have to realize that the dreamed way is usually the impossible way (technically). You couldn't have an open world with huge view and draw distance with such a beatiful graphics and maintain 40-50 FPS. Funcom decided to go the way they went and there's nothing wrong about it.
Classes & Customization & Combat B
Age of Conan offers 12 classes separated into 4 archetypes. While the classes start pretty slowly first 10 levels, most of them usually shares the abilities with other classes of the same archetype, the things get more interesting later on. All classes are pretty much special and unique and making alts is a lot of fun if you can stand running tortage first 20 levels for 8th time. Combat is a a selling point, I can't say anything wrong about it. I enjoy all melee combat, ranged combat and spells as well. Further class customization is made with talent trees - diablo and warcraft comes probably first on my mind that undoubtedly inspired this. I am not a fan of talent trees, which is reflected in the B rating and that's the only thing I could criticise in this category. Talent trees are usually there not really to give you more options gameplay-wise, but rather limits you from certain content (you need certain builds in order to do raids for instance), which to some extent is true for Age of Conan.
Population & Company Dedication B+
Sure, there was probably a lot of mess first months of AoC release, I have no idea. I didnt really follow the game much during release. Population now is average. There are some dead servers, and there are some well populated ones. Populated means, there's always at least 15-20 players of any level range (let's say you're level 40, your level range is 37-43) even during the EU early mornings - Crom PvE server. If you'll need to find group you pretty much are dependant on asking them specifically if they are interested or not.
Dedication of the team behind and Funcom to improve AoC is in my opinion pretty high. They keep promoting the game with advs, they are developing full paid expansion, they plan to launch in Korea. Funcom seems much more dedicated to improve and support AoC that most of the other games currently on market (War, Vanguard, Lotro, SW:G...). AoC is unique in more aspects and there's always gonna be a certain drag for players to try AoC - combat, graphics, lore. Additionally, Funcom is a company situated in Norway. Norway has a strong socialist government, which make a lot of interfereces to the economy. In fact, it wouldn't surprise me if Funcom would start getting grands and additional government funding if things go bad for them financially.
Overall A-
I was pleasantly surprised by the game. I didn't expect a whole lot, and it managed to keep my attention for 3 months now already. I'm gonna keep it playing along with Fallen Earth and Vanguard. There's a lot to like in here (combat, classes, lore) and things even to love (graphics & music and overall mood)
edit: corrected a few typos
REALITY CHECK
Comments
I have to say that this is a great review IMO. This is almost exactly how I felt after returning to the game a weeks ago.
If you give this game an "-A"
What do you give games that really do deserve this mark?
Like:
Aion
FE?
WoW?
LOTRO
or EvE
Hard to take this review seriously.
I agree with most everything you said. The game is going uphill, now is the right version 1.6 that all the waiting and of course expansion. XD
hmm
errm Aion?...sry cant agree there but each to there own. An absolutely horrid game, i wish i never bought it tbh.
Regarding AoC ppl are still sore after the horrible launch which will always be remembered, think to yourself if this was just released what would be your thoughts now?
I didnt get too far in AoC when it was released like most was too buggy and lagged like hell. Im back giving it another try now though ;-)
If i am to look at the post history of the OP , the posts looks like they're about alot of different topics and alot of different games. His views even seems to be balanced and well thought through.
If i instead were to look at your posts, most of them goes(excuse me for the little simplefication) something like this: AoC, nag-nag-nag-nag, Funcom, nag-nag-nag-nag, AoC-nag-nag-nag.
Now who am I supposed to take seriously?
Here's a guy who bothers to post a review about a game he has been playing the last few months. I mean, how dare he? And even worse, how dare he like something you dont like?! What a bastard....
I dont play AoC atm myself because i feel there's not enough to do at level 80, atleast not on my server. So Im waiting to see if the pvp towers or the expansion will bring me back. In the meantime im once again playing WoW with the misses, just because it's much easier to drop by and do some group content whenever you want and get some character progression.
I see many flaws in AoC, but that does not make me think I am better than the next guy and that im entitled to talk down on him for liking a game wich i may not.
Maybe he finds stuff in Aoc appealing that you don't? It his opinion. You don't share his views so your opinion that those games really deserve "A" doesn't hold water.
IE I rate AoC more than Aion but it is my opinion. You obviously don't but it is still an opinion so where do you get off on stating it's hard to take a review seriously?
Aion ? are you kidding me ? that korean grinding crap ? sorry, I can't agree with you....
A pretty well thought out review. I reall agree with the graphics and music rating. I am a big fan of AoC's music and graphics. AoC stays fairly close to the lore being a dark gritty place to be.
On the downside, I do think that classes need to be better balanced vs each other in pvp. Still, I also find AoC a very fun casual MMO to play.
If i am to look at the post history of the OP , the posts looks like they're about alot of different topics and alot of different games. His views even seems to be balanced and well thought through.
If i instead were to look at your posts, most of them goes(excuse me for the little simplefication) something like this: AoC, nag-nag-nag-nag, Funcom, nag-nag-nag-nag, AoC-nag-nag-nag.
Now who am I supposed to take seriously?
Here's a guy who bothers to post a review about a game he has been playing the last few months. I mean, how dare he? And even worse, how dare he like something you dont like?! What a bastard....
I dont play AoC atm myself because i feel there's not enough to do at level 80, atleast not on my server. So Im waiting to see if the pvp towers or the expansion will bring me back. In the meantime im once again playing WoW with the misses, just because it's much easier to drop by and do some group content whenever you want and get some character progression.
I see many flaws in AoC, but that does not make me think I am better than the next guy and that im entitled to talk down on him for liking a game wich i may not.
This is a Viral marketing cesspool...me being around may be the only indicator you may actually get a "real" opinion around here.
I know the score ($)On a Friday too. Who would want to promote AoC on a Friday?????
please dude.
Like you I avoided the launch time and instead I tried and then subscribed to AoC a couple of months ago. I am still far from reaching the "end game" so I have no opinion on that, but my experience on the rest of the game is pretty much similar to yours. I plan on building other other classes from scratch once I get to the max level with my dual welding barbarian, they seem different enough that I feel compelled to play the game again in a different location (right now I am pretty much centered in Cimmeria, purposedly avoiding the other locations till I create a different race character).
Games are meant to be fun, AoC is fun (for me and some thousands others) so I like it. As simple as that.
Other gamers have different tastes and prefer games like Aion. To each its own. I have no problem with that.
Worst kind are the gamers that do not play any more a particular game but enjoy ranting their petty grudges and old frustrations in the forums, unable to let go. They remind me of my daughter when she throws a tantrum
*sigh*
Played: UO, SWG, TR, WoW, AoC, EvE
Playing:
Interested in: JGE, LotR, TSW
"Population & Company Dedication B+"
I seriously disagree on that part. I mean you even say yourself that there's around 15-20 people in your level range at that time... how can you, with a straight face, say that its okay? This is a MMORPG after all.. Also I'd like to add that FunCom's QA and addition of new content are both well below an acceptable value.
Otherwise it's not a bad review.
A-?
Perhaps if you like shallow super casual games with glowing markers telling you exactly what to do, without any danger or penalty if you fail, and no actual changing game world.
Darkfall Travelogues!
I give the company a B+ as of now but the population would get around a c-
What mmo has an actual changing game world?
Thanks for a good read! Nice to see some fresh views on AoC.
--
Sometimes truth is stranger than fiction.
What mmo has an actual changing game world?
Dark Age of Camelot, Darkfall, Asheron's Call...
When the things you do in PvP turn out to not even change anything, and everything is wrapped up in a nice tiny little instance.... that does not spell MMO to me.
Darkfall Travelogues!
What mmo has an actual changing game world?
Dark Age of Camelot, Darkfall, Asheron's Call...
When the things you do in PvP turn out to not even change anything, and everything is wrapped up in a nice tiny little instance.... that does not spell MMO to me.
Well lets see the OP did clearly state: " but at the same time I don't like FFA PvP, ganking, banding, corpse camping"
Many people at level 80 are awaiting 1.06 with proper guild renown and PvP towers in a meaning ful landscape for this area.
I would say I think lotro is equally as good as supported, on the flip side like the OP I think AoC has had better updates than WAR and VG in a similar timeline on developement.
If you go in to the game not expecting everything and taking it just as another MMO I think it leaves a clear cut decent impression after a short while.
I know when I go play another game, I do NOT have as decent combat experience as I get in AoC. On the flip side I crave for a decent crafting update for Conan. It needs it bad as the current set up (although improved) is not at the level it should be.
Your biased view of those games i can see because i rate them very low...
Aion 6/10
FE 6/10
WOW 7/10
Lotro -never played
EVE 4/10...most over rated game probably on the market,the whole scale of the game is done like an amateur developer.
Never forget 3 mile Island and never trust a government official or company spokesman.
Are you serious? A "real" opinion, is what everyone presents. An opinion can be different than your own and be "real". Maybe you do not see as many opinions like yours about AOC, because the game has improved. At launch just like any game there is bound to be outcry. Because a game is not what a person thought, or was lead to believe it was. You do not have that problem anymore with AOC as people (lots of people) have played it.
People have a clear picture of what to expect, in that case there is bound to be less disappointment. Which leads to less rage quitting, which leaves less negative chatter. It is a clear cut trickle down effect.
I also find a poster with a history such as yours, bringing up viral marketing to be hilarious. The O.P. has a clear non biased posting history, in regard to the purpose of this website (discussing the MMO genre). As do many posters who post in this section, and here you are with a clear agenda (one only needs to glance at your history to see that) making accusations toward others. Just remember everytime you point a finger there are three pointing right back at you.
For every minute you are angry , you lose 60 seconds of happiness."-Emerson
15-20 players around your level +-3 is from my experience a lot. I also specified that this is during the morning. For me the population on the server I play - Crom equal is higher than to what I'm used to.
REALITY CHECK
Are you serious? A "real" opinion, is what everyone presents. An opinion can be different than your own and be "real". Maybe you do not see as many opinions like yours about AOC, because the game has improved. At launch just like any game there is bound to be outcry. Because a game is not what a person thought, or was lead to believe it was. You do not have that problem anymore with AOC as people (lots of people) have played it.
People have a clear picture of what to expect, in that case there is bound to be less disappointment. Which leads to less rage quitting, which leaves less negative chatter. It is a clear cut trickle down effect.
I also find a poster with a history such as yours, bringing up viral marketing to be hilarious. The O.P. has a clear non biased posting history, in regard to the purpose of this website (discussing the MMO genre). As do many posters who post in this section, and here you are with a clear agenda (one only needs to glance at your history to see that) making accusations toward others. Just remember everytime you point a finger there are three pointing right back at you.
A spade is a spade.
AoC sucks....you can go on about improvements all you want. (FC should get a medal because the game doesn't crash every 5 minutes?--yeah it a real Masterpiece). Yes AoC is the worst MMO on the market---your're right...that is my stand. Because it's the truth. Not hard to carry that bias.
This game is built around a 1999 game engine-and the client can't handle al that pretty artwork. The game has de evolved in the last year, and Craig Morrison should be fired with extreme prejudice. Anything good this game has to offer is pretty broken.Defend this pos all you like, but at least the population has spoken...and keeps speaking by leaving. You won't fool many people with this BS about AoC being worth anyone's time.
If you like this game (which most gamers don't), then perhaps your taste in gaming should receive a reality check. Giving this title an -A is the equivalent of saying the movie. "Gigli," Should have been nominated for an Academy Award.
it's just that lame.
Blackwell you never cease to amaze me how long essays you can write without saying anything in it. You should try and write a novel- within this nihilistic world your emptyness will be a top 10 selling book
Are you serious? A "real" opinion, is what everyone presents. An opinion can be different than your own and be "real". Maybe you do not see as many opinions like yours about AOC, because the game has improved. At launch just like any game there is bound to be outcry. Because a game is not what a person thought, or was lead to believe it was. You do not have that problem anymore with AOC as people (lots of people) have played it.
People have a clear picture of what to expect, in that case there is bound to be less disappointment. Which leads to less rage quitting, which leaves less negative chatter. It is a clear cut trickle down effect.
I also find a poster with a history such as yours, bringing up viral marketing to be hilarious. The O.P. has a clear non biased posting history, in regard to the purpose of this website (discussing the MMO genre). As do many posters who post in this section, and here you are with a clear agenda (one only needs to glance at your history to see that) making accusations toward others. Just remember everytime you point a finger there are three pointing right back at you.
A spade is a spade.
AoC sucks....you can go on about improvements all you want. (FC should get a medal because the game doesn't crash every 5 minutes?--yeah it a real Masterpiece). Yes AoC is the worst MMO on the market---your're right...that is my stand. Because it's the truth. Not hard to carry that bias.
This game is built around a 1999 game engine-and the client can't handle al that pretty artwork. The game has de evolved in the last year, and Craig Morrison should be fired with extreme prejudice. Anything good this game has to offer is pretty broken.Defend this pos all you like, but at least the population has spoken...and keeps speaking by leaving. You won't fool many people with this BS about AoC being worth anyone's time.
If you like this game (which most gamers don't), then perhaps your taste in gaming should receive a reality check. Giving this title an -A is the equivalent of saying the movie. "Gigli," Should have been nominated for an Academy Award.
it's just that lame.
All that matters is if it's for the O.P. or not. What most gamers like or you or I like is in no way relative to that. Would I give AOC an A-, no I wouldn't. I wouldn't give a single game on the market an A-. The o.p. feels differently and I see no problem with that. Why you do is beyond me, and I am sure most others. Opinions are supposed to be subjective, and the presenter should know that.
Maybe you misunderstand the fact I don't play AOC, and yet still don't feel it's as bad as you and some others represent it is. Say AOc sucks all you want it doesn't make it so for others.
For every minute you are angry , you lose 60 seconds of happiness."-Emerson
Do you even know how a review works?
the grades and percentages don't compare from game to game. WoW might get 90% and WAR gets 90% That doesn't mean there both of the same quality.
That just means that the game is good at what it does and its everything it says it is.
A- imo is a good score. Although I still wouldn't return to it since theres nothing to do other than combat and more combat.
You clearly don't understand what an Opinion is.