Lost Ark

[Shaps]

Any others playing it?

[Winter]

Visually it's stunning but I don't find it particularly innovative it feels like every other ARPG I've played but with much better graphics. I gave it a spin and thought meh, I've done this all before and got bored pretty quickly. One game I am looking forward to playing though is Elden Ring, the gameplay I've seen knocked my socks off.

[Shaps]

Ya I suck at games with combat systems like Elden Ring - though it does look amazing.

How far did you get in Lost Ark? I was sort of ho-hum... until I got through the "tutorial"... which is like level 28-29 and you make it to the Capitol city. So if you stopped at 10-15 level range... recommend at least going all way through to that point at least.

[Methais]

I downloaded it the other day. It's good, but I wouldn't say it's spectacular or anything. End game is supposedly where it gets really good, but I have nothing to base that off of other than just hearing some other people say it.

[Shaps]

Again.. I was so so with it.. till got to the culminating event of the "tutorial". Was level 28? I think before that even happened. There's so much shit going on now, I have no idea what to do LOL.

[Bryce]

I joined Regulus with some other Gemstone players. My opinion is roughly the same: amazing graphics, good storyline, and fast progression. You can also play with a ps4/5 or a Xbox controller. It is like all other MMORPG’s and nothing sets it apart other than the sheer number of different things to do. Most content can be soloed as well. I am hoping it keeps me occupied until they remove the lootcap or the diminishing returns.

[Hightower]

I was thinking of giving it a go, but P2W Korean grinders aren't usually my thing and that top-down Diablo look is a bit of a turnoff. I'm waiting to hear more from others who are playing it.

Elden Ring looks a lot more appealing. My current MMO of choice GW2 also has an expansion dropping at the end of the month. It's a 2012 game so it doesn't look anywhere near as flashy as Elden Ring, but the combat is pretty legit. Dodging around at close range against enemies that could 1-shot you feels pretty nice! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RwSi1UO641Q

[Shaps]

Ya, depending on your playstyle or preference I can see GW2 or Elden Ring for many. I played GW2 for 3+ years myself and had a blast, just got tired of it. Elden Ring I suck at that style of gaming.

I'm now level 46, and I've gotten used to the top-down playstyle.. but I can see how some won't like it, like I don't like Elden Ring.

Honestly I don't feel it's P2W. You can get everything in game without using the shop. The shop does let you fast track some systems, but isn't necessary at all.

It definitely is a grinder though LOL. I personally like it, because there is so much to do I don't feel pressure to do anything... if that makes sense. Will give another update in a few weeks.

I didn't like it the first few days... yesterday... I played 10 hours straight... something I haven't done in a game in over 2+ years. It sucked me in that much.

[Hightower]

Ya, depending on your playstyle or preference I can see GW2 or Elden Ring for many. I played GW2 for 3+ years myself and had a blast, just got tired of it. Elden Ring I suck at that style of gaming.

I'm now level 46, and I've gotten used to the top-down playstyle.. but I can see how some won't like it, like I don't like Elden Ring.

Honestly I don't feel it's P2W. You can get everything in game without using the shop. The shop does let you fast track some systems, but isn't necessary at all.

It definitely is a grinder though LOL. I personally like it, because there is so much to do I don't feel pressure to do anything... if that makes sense. Will give another update in a few weeks.

I didn't like it the first few days... yesterday... I played 10 hours straight... something I haven't done in a game in over 2+ years. It sucked me in that much.

Cool. I may end up trying it anyway because I have some friends interested in it. As long as it has good combat with responsive dodging, blocking, etc. I am usually entertained. It just becomes a matter of depth whether I am just playing for a few days or get really into it. We'll see!

[Methais]

I was thinking of giving it a go, but P2W Korean grinders aren't usually my thing and that top-down Diablo look is a bit of a turnoff. I'm waiting to hear more from others who are playing it.

Elden Ring looks a lot more appealing. My current MMO of choice GW2 also has an expansion dropping at the end of the month. It's a 2012 game so it doesn't look anywhere near as flashy as Elden Ring, but the combat is pretty legit. Dodging around at close range against enemies that could 1-shot you feels pretty nice! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RwSi1UO641Q

Pretty sure all the paid content is cosmetic.

[Suppressed Poet]

A friend of mine wants me to get into this. I really enjoy the Diablo games and it looks appealing. I can’t decide between this and Elden Ring (fan Souls games as well). Don’t really have time to play both.

[Methais]

A friend of mine wants me to get into this. I really enjoy the Diablo games and it looks appealing. I can’t decide between this and Elden Ring (fan Souls games as well). Don’t really have time to play both.

Lost Ark is free and Elden Ring isn't out for another week, so you can still check out Lost Ark in the meantime.

[Suppressed Poet]

Lost Ark is free and Elden Ring isn't out for another week, so you can still check out Lost Ark in the meantime.

Excellent point.

Yeah I’m off Monday so I guess I’ll give Lost Ark a try this weekend.

[Hightower]

Pretty sure all the paid content is cosmetic.

Oh, thanks. I haven't looked into it yet so was going on the chatter, which is apparently a bit off!

[Parkbandit]

Pretty sure all the paid content is cosmetic.

I heard it was more than just skins or cosmetic though.. like you can buy some potion or what have you that will make it "less grindy" which would be PTW.

I downloaded the game, but haven't tried it yet.

[Hightower]

I heard it was more than just skins or cosmetic though.. like you can buy some potion or what have you that will make it "less grindy" which would be PTW.

I downloaded the game, but haven't tried it yet.


Well, depends how much time it saves and how important that grind is I guess. It's always a bit of a debate on what truly constitutes P2W vs. Not-P2W. Some people will say any ability to buy anything that saves time or increases power is P2W. I'm not that sensitive to it, but I require a level playing field for any competitive mode and I won't waste my time on heavy-RNG games with cash shop bypass.

[Methais]

Well, depends how much time it saves and how important that grind is I guess. It's always a bit of a debate on what truly constitutes P2W vs. Not-P2W. Some people will say any ability to buy anything that saves time or increases power is P2W. I'm not that sensitive to it, but I require a level playing field for any competitive mode and I won't waste my time on heavy-RNG games with cash shop bypass.

I'm pretty sure you'll still like GW2 better based on your posts. But Lost Ark is free so might as well try it out anyway just to be sure.

One day I'll remember to check out GW2. I liked the first one even though I didn't play it long. I think it was because you couldn't jump. That was kind of a deal breaker after hopping around Azeroth nonstop for however long that was before I tried GW.

[Hightower]

I'm pretty sure you'll still like GW2 better based on your posts. But Lost Ark is free so might as well try it out anyway just to be sure.

One day I'll remember to check out GW2. I liked the first one even though I didn't play it long. I think it was because you couldn't jump. That was kind of a deal breaker after hopping around Azeroth nonstop for however long that was before I tried GW.

I never played GW1, but I heard that about the no jumping thing and it's really funny because they clearly tried to make up for that in GW2. Jumping puzzles are a big part of the game and they even have an annual event that runs for 3 weeks in April and it's retro-style graphics and hardcore platforming called "Super Adventure Box". It's absolutely hilarious! Here's a video of one of the hard mode levels complete with slippery ice levels LoL https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SqMY4US1ges Shit will make you cry! haha

Got a clip of the jumping puzzle from the yearly Christmas festival, too. This one is a lot of fun and you can actually farm it for decent loot if you're good enough at it! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lHgbleLnQv0

[Shaps]

So few things:

1. It's not P2W. Everything you can get in the shop, you can get in game. That is at least how I define P2W. The shop items will let you advance certain systems in the game faster, but is by no means necessary.

2. This game, you really don't have to choose between it and another. There is literally so much to do - it's overwhelming. So long as you are not focused on "max ilvl, zomg, zomg, zomg". Just enjoy it slowly and explore. There is no real rush to "endgame" - least how I'm approaching it.

3. The grind is real. Again, if you play it to just explore/enjoy as you want - instead of "must max everything day 1" mentality. You may enjoy it for an offgame that you log into and bang around on.

4. They use what's called a "roster" system. Essentially your main character and alts achievements/etc. are all synced as you complete them on one character. They make alt'ing extremely nice and not monotonous.

5. Every aspect of the game, can be done Solo or in a Group/Raid (Least from what I understand so far). Now the "Solo Raid Bosses" are insanely difficult solo, as are they if you're in a group... but there is no room for error at all. Some like the solo challenge, others the group challenge. But from what currently understand from operating in game... when you enter a "Dungeon"... you can group up with friends/others... or take on the challenge yourself. Gives it very flexible gameplay options, without restricting anyone from seeing/playing all parts of the game.

Again, not trying to oversell it or anything... just stating I've found something that works for me personally. I love when I log on, but don't feel bad when I log off - if that makes any sense whatsoever. LOL. I always feel like I've explored or accomplished something without feeling pressured. Many people feel the need to rush, I thankfully don't.