Time To Switch Games Guys

[Imp]

The trend is for people coming back. I know because one person posted that they came back. If you jump on, Imp, you might be in time to make some real money off your characters now. We all know you didn't really sell that account.

lol. Do you now?

Be careful, you might lose sleep if you found out otherwise.

There were legitimate offers on the account. To say otherwise would be false. I went with the best offer out there, which is no sin in my book. The owner of the account from what I now know liquidated all the assets, and was last seen passing them out in both Icemule Trace and The Landing. To my knowledge the characters are still in existence, but the account is no longer activated.

[Imp]

It's for these reasons that I won't play this game, the bold ones being the biggest offenses to me. The instances are what turned me off from Guild Wars. Not being able to run into players while out questing/hunting is LE BORING and huge LE SUCK. What's the point of a roleplaying game if you're only able to do that in town?

The ads would "instantly" get on my nerves too.

Are you implying that you can't hunt side by side with another player in real life in DDO? And that you can't do a quest with more than one real person besides yourself in DDO? And that the only place you can visit with other real players is in town in DDO?

Or were you referring to Guild Wars?

[Imp]

In MMORPGs, an instance location is a special area, typically a dungeon, that generates a new copy, or instance, of the dungeon map for each group, or for certain amount of players, that enters the area. This saves server work and ensures that there will never be competition (kill stealing, spawn camping) over resources such as mobs within the instance. Because the player characters in the instance do not need to be updated of the information going on outside the instance, and vice versa for the characters outside the instance, there is an overall decrease in demands on the network, with the net result being less lag for the players. This technique also tends to spread out populations of players, instead of concentrating them. This increases individual player's gaming performance by placing less graphical processing demand on their computers, reducing graphics-based lag and making the game itself more available to people with less powerful computers.

This also preserves the gaming experience, since some gaming scenarios do not work if the player is continually surrounded by other players, as in a multiplayer setting. Instance dungeons may contain stronger than usual mobs and rare, sought-after equipment. They also may include level restrictions and/or restrict the number of players allowed in each instance to balance gameplay.

Instances were first proposed by Richard Garriott in the late 1990s as a way to solve a set of related problems which had become obvious in Ultima Online. The problem can be stated as follows: everyone wants to be "The Hero" and slay "The Monster", rescue "The Princess" and obtain "The Magic Sword". When there are 2,000 and more players all playing the same game, clearly not everyone can be the hero. The problem of everyone wanting to kill the same monster and gain the best treasure became obvious in the game EverQuest, where several groups of players would compete and sometimes harass each other in the same dungeon, in order to get to the monsters dropping valuable items. The creation of instances largely solves this set of problems, leaving only travelling to and from the dungeon as a potential risk in player versus player environments. There are few examples of boss camping and kill stealing in World of Warcraft - because a copy of the dungeon (instance) is always created on demand each player or party.

[Imp]

Instancing seems like a great idea to me.

[Showal]

Are you implying that you can't hunt side by side with another player in real life in DDO? And that you can't do a quest with more than one real person besides yourself in DDO? And that the only place you can visit with other real players is in town in DDO?

Or were you referring to Guild Wars?

Since when you hunt, you're in an instance and only with the people in your group, she's right, you can not run into other people while you hunt. You can't meet anyone. You're right, you can hunt side by side with people already currently in your group, but unlike one of my characters in GS last night, you can not meet someone new and random in the middle of a hunt, start a conversation, and begin hunting together. I'm sure that's what she had at the heart of her complaint.

Instances, as you copied and pasted another wall of text again from some stupid source that no one cares about (because most people are quite clear on what an instance is), may be a good idea to you, but in most circumstances, they limit the gameplay and roleplaying environment for many.

[Some Rogue]

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a64/lrenzo2/1248582307944.jpg

[Cephalopod]

I didn't play last night at home, because I had local flooding and sewage backup. I'm not going to say that dealing with sewage was better than playing DDO, but...

[Some Rogue]

I didn't play last night at home, because I had local flooding and sewage backup. I'm not going to say that dealing with sewage was better than playing DDO, but...

Imp is disappoint.

[Alarke]

Insert Wikipedia quote on Instancing

All I read here is:

I want everything for myself, and I want to get the best stuff and not worry about meeting people, interacting or roleplaying. I don't like competition because other people are better than me at the games I play, and I don't think it's fair.

[Asha]

That.

[CrystalTears]

Since when you hunt, you're in an instance and only with the people in your group, she's right, you can not run into other people while you hunt. You can't meet anyone. You're right, you can hunt side by side with people already currently in your group, but unlike one of my characters in GS last night, you can not meet someone new and random in the middle of a hunt, start a conversation, and begin hunting together. I'm sure that's what she had at the heart of her complaint.

Instances, as you copied and pasted another wall of text again from some stupid source that no one cares about (because most people are quite clear on what an instance is), may be a good idea to you, but in most circumstances, they limit the gameplay and roleplaying environment for many.
Thank you. That's exactly my problem with constant instances.

[Showal]

You're welcome. I had to spell it out as clear as possible or else Imp would copy and paste something from Wikipedia about hunting or running.

[CrystalTears]

Instancing seems like a great idea to me.
What do you mean "seems"? Are you currently playing this game? Wouldn't you already know that you're being instanced when you hunt? Now I'm wondering if you play the stupid thing and you're here just to argue for argument sake. You won't even post screenshots.

[Showal]

What do you mean "seems"? Are you currently playing this game? Wouldn't you already know that you're being instanced when you hunt? Now I'm wondering if you play the stupid thing and you're here just to argue for argument sake. You won't even post screenshots.

He'll post screen shots when you agree to buy his account. Otherwise, you might steal his awesome training plan.

[Imp]

What do you mean "seems"? Are you currently playing this game? Wouldn't you already know that you're being instanced when you hunt? Now I'm wondering if you play the stupid thing and you're here just to argue for argument sake. You won't even post screenshots.

lol. Have no fear my friends. I am REALLY playing the game. I just wanted to make sure that the said poster wasn't attempting to try and steer you guys away from the game by making a false claim that all you can do in the game is hunt by yourself. That wouldn't be true at all, if it was, it wouldn't be an MMORPG.

Also, the said poster said that it wasn't his intention to do so, and so now it is clear for people to understand.

[Asha]

You know when you read or say the same word over and over until it just sounds like a noise and you forget what it means?
Yeah you just did that to me in that last post.

[CrystalTears]

lol. Have no fear my friends. I am REALLY playing the game. I just wanted to make sure that the said poster wasn't attempting to try and steer you guys away from the game by making a false claim that all you can do in the game is hunt by yourself. That wouldn't be true at all, if it was, it wouldn't be an MMORPG.

Also, the said poster said that it wasn't his intention to do so, and so now it is clear for people to understand.
What's the false claim? Are there not in fact instances for hunting, so essentially you never run into any other players except for those you are grouped with?

[Xanator]

What's the false claim? Are there not in fact instances for hunting, so essentially you never run into any other players except for those you are grouped with?

Yeah, but he thought someone was trying to say that you couldn't even hunt with a group. We think it's bad enough that you can only hunt with the group that you started with, but he's perfectly ok with that. In fact, it seems like a great idea to him.

So the original comment about instancing was clear enough to everyone but him. He muddied the waters, but have no fear. After thoroughly confusing things, he's assured us "it is clear for people to understand" now.

By the way, anyone know if there's any sort of referral reward system for DDO? The OP has stated that all he hoped to derive from Gemstone was financial gain. I can't imagine why he's spending his time quoting Wikipedia articles and defending DDO like a project lead unless there's something in it for him. Besides the camaraderie (but only in town) of a group of people who probably don't like him very much after this thread.

[Cephalopod]

what directly the fuck

.

[Warriorbird]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monsters_of_Spelljammer#Giant_space_hamster

[Showal]

lol. Have no fear my friends. I am REALLY playing the game. I just wanted to make sure that the said poster wasn't attempting to try and steer you guys away from the game by making a false claim that all you can do in the game is hunt by yourself. That wouldn't be true at all, if it was, it wouldn't be an MMORPG.

Also, the said poster said that it wasn't his intention to do so, and so now it is clear for people to understand.

lol. Heaven forbid that someone try and steer us away from DDO.

Guys, it's time to switch games.

[Salueha]

lol. Heaven forbid that someone try and steer us away from DDO.

Guys, it's time to switch games.

Hah! I love GSIV and don't plan on leaving again, but is there another MMO on the market besides WoW and DDO that you all would recommend? I'm mainly looking for something to play in addition to GSIV when I'm in the mood for graphics instead of text.

I played WoW for a long while and did ICC10 with my old guild. It started to feel like a second job though. I wasn't pleased with the awkward feel of DDO and the huge push to buy things off of their website.

Is Guildwars or Everquest 2 worth it? I tried the trial for Age of Conan and liked the combat style in that game. It's just hard to beat the immersive feel of GSIV.

[Showal]

It's just hard to beat the immersive feel of GSIV.


My past post was a joke. Your quoted post is why I've come back to GSIV and never stayed with WoW or DDO.

[Fallen]

I always thought Lord of the Rings Online looked fun.

[Showal]

I always thought Lord of the Rings Online looked fun.

The Lord of the Rings Online: Shadows of Angmar (commonly abbreviated to LOTRO, LotRO) is a massively multiplayer online role-playing game (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Massively_multiplayer_online_role-playing_game) (MMORPG (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Massively_multiplayer_online_role-playing_game)) for Microsoft Windows (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microsoft_Windows) set in a fantasy (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fantasy) universe based upon J. R. R. Tolkien (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/J._R._R._Tolkien)'s Middle-earth (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Middle-earth) writings (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tolkien%27s_legendarium). It takes place during the time period of The Lord of the Rings (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Lord_of_the_Rings).
The Lord of the Rings Online: Shadows of Angmar was developed by Turbine (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turbine,_Inc.), is subscription-based, and requires Internet access (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Internet_access). It launched in North America (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_America), Australia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australia), Japan (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japan) and Europe (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Europe) on April 24, 2007. In China (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/China), beta testing (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Software_release_life_cycle#Beta) started in July 2007, and the game is expected to be released by the end of Q3 2009. The first expansion pack, Mines of Moria (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Lord_of_the_Rings_Online:_Mines_of_Moria), was released on November 17, 2008.[2] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Lord_of_the_Rings_Online:_Shadows_of_Angmar#ci te_note-1) The second expansion pack Siege of Mirkwood, was announced by Turbine on September 4, 2009, [3] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Lord_of_the_Rings_Online:_Shadows_of_Angmar#ci te_note-2) and was released on December 1, 2009. [4] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Lord_of_the_Rings_Online:_Shadows_of_Angmar#ci te_note-3)


You mean that Lord of the Rings Online?

[Salueha]

My past post was a joke. Your quoted post is why I've come back to GSIV and never stayed with WoW or DDO.

It really is hard to beat GSIV. The gameplay feels very fluid and it has one of the richest storylines I've seen in a videogame. I just wish there was a graphical game as well that was on par with it. I have days that I don't feel like reading after work and would love to have something else so I can switch back and forth.


I always thought Lord of the Rings Online looked fun.

I thought so as well. I just haven't heard anything about the game one way or the other. Anyone have any opinions about this game?

[Salueha]

The Lord of the Rings Online: Shadows of Angmar (commonly abbreviated to LOTRO, LotRO) is a massively multiplayer online role-playing game (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Massively_multiplayer_online_role-playing_game) (MMORPG (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Massively_multiplayer_online_role-playing_game)) for Microsoft Windows (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microsoft_Windows) set in a fantasy (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fantasy) universe based upon J. R. R. Tolkien (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/J._R._R._Tolkien)'s Middle-earth (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Middle-earth) writings (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tolkien%27s_legendarium). It takes place during the time period of The Lord of the Rings (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Lord_of_the_Rings).
The Lord of the Rings Online: Shadows of Angmar was developed by Turbine (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turbine,_Inc.), is subscription-based, and requires Internet access (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Internet_access). It launched in North America (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_America), Australia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australia), Japan (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japan) and Europe (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Europe) on April 24, 2007. In China (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/China), beta testing (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Software_release_life_cycle#Beta) started in July 2007, and the game is expected to be released by the end of Q3 2009. The first expansion pack, Mines of Moria (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Lord_of_the_Rings_Online:_Mines_of_Moria), was released on November 17, 2008.[2] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Lord_of_the_Rings_Online:_Shadows_of_Angmar#ci te_note-1) The second expansion pack Siege of Mirkwood, was announced by Turbine on September 4, 2009, [3] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Lord_of_the_Rings_Online:_Shadows_of_Angmar#ci te_note-2) and was released on December 1, 2009. [4] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Lord_of_the_Rings_Online:_Shadows_of_Angmar#ci te_note-3)


You mean that Lord of the Rings Online?

That's the one! It always looked interesting, and they're either going to DX10 (maybe 11?) or are in the process of working on upgrading their graphics engine.

[Stanley Burrell]

The Lord of the Rings Online: Shadows of Angmar (commonly abbreviated to LOTRO, LotRO) is a massively multiplayer online role-playing game (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Massively_multiplayer_online_role-playing_game) (MMORPG (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Massively_multiplayer_online_role-playing_game)) for Microsoft Windows (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microsoft_Windows) set in a fantasy (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fantasy) universe based upon J. R. R. Tolkien (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/J._R._R._Tolkien)'s Middle-earth (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Middle-earth) writings (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tolkien%27s_legendarium). It takes place during the time period of The Lord of the Rings (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Lord_of_the_Rings).
The Lord of the Rings Online: Shadows of Angmar was developed by Turbine (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turbine,_Inc.), is subscription-based, and requires Internet access (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Internet_access). It launched in North America (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_America), Australia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australia), Japan (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japan) and Europe (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Europe) on April 24, 2007. In China (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/China), beta testing (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Software_release_life_cycle#Beta) started in July 2007, and the game is expected to be released by the end of Q3 2009. The first expansion pack, Mines of Moria (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Lord_of_the_Rings_Online:_Mines_of_Moria), was released on November 17, 2008.[2] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Lord_of_the_Rings_Online:_Shadows_of_Angmar#ci te_note-1) The second expansion pack Siege of Mirkwood, was announced by Turbine on September 4, 2009, [3] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Lord_of_the_Rings_Online:_Shadows_of_Angmar#ci te_note-2) and was released on December 1, 2009. [4] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Lord_of_the_Rings_Online:_Shadows_of_Angmar#ci te_note-3)


You mean that Lord of the Rings Online?

Showal, your avatar makes me know that if I ever put on my expensive clothing, all the good that was child within me is now lost, and I could never occupy a sandbox wearing my $2000 suit, sit down in said sandbox, and pray that there would actually be some good left in the universe that would allow me to thrash around in my once-preserved innocence.

I hate you. Showal = Hitler.

[Xanator]

I'm waiting for a HeroEngine game so we can all see what might have beeeeeeen. Got my sights set on the Star Wars MMO, since KOTOR is so rockin'. I probably won't actually play, since what little time I have to game I mostly spend on GS, but. Anyway, people will tell me how good it is.

[Salueha]

I'm waiting for a HeroEngine game so we can all see what might have beeeeeeen. Got my sights set on the Star Wars MMO, since KOTOR is so rockin'. I probably won't actually play, since what little time I have to game I mostly spend on GS, but. Anyway, people will tell me how good it is.

I'm definitely going to play TOR when it comes out. :) I'm not really a Star Wars fan (I neither dislike it or like it), but the gameplay looks like it will be a lot of fun. I really enjoyed KOTOR, especially the impact each of your actions made. Right now, it doesn't look like it's going to be released until Spring 2011.

[Xanator]

I'm definitely going to play TOR when it comes out. :) I'm not really a Star Wars fan (I neither dislike it or like it), but the gameplay looks like it will be a lot of fun. I really enjoyed KOTOR, especially the impact each of your actions made. Right now, it doesn't look like it's going to be released until Spring 2011.

KOTOR is great, but the morality system gets really predictable sometimes. I guess there's no way around that, but I thought the character-affecting decisions in the Fable games tended to be a little more subtle than a speech choice of "Yes, you can live," or "No, I kill you, ARRRR."

Anyway, I most likely won't shell out for a copy of the game or for a subscription. But I'm sure it's going to be great, and I hope another KOTOR game follows.

Oh, and before I forget.

Definition

Meteorologists generally define four seasons in many climatic areas, winter, spring, summer and autumn (or fall). These are demarcated by the values of their average temperatures on a monthly basis, with each season lasting three months. The three warmest months are by definition summer, the three coldest months are winter, and the intervening gaps are spring and autumn. Spring, when defined in this manner, can start on different dates in different regions. In most of Northern Hemisphere locations, spring occurs during the months of March, April and May[1]. (Summer is June, July, August; Autumn is September, October, November; Winter is December, January, February.) The vast majority of Southern Hemisphere locations will have opposing seasons with spring in September, October and November.[2]

Astronomically, the vernal equinox (usually 20 March in the Northern Hemisphere, and 22 September in the Southern Hemisphere), should be the middle of spring (based on the angle of the sun and insolation) and the summer solstice (usually 21 June in the Northern Hemisphere and 21 December in the Southern Hemisphere) should be mid-summer (because the sun is at its highest) but daytime temperatures lag behind insolation by several weeks because the earth and sea have thermal latency and take time to warm up. Some cultures, such as those who devised the Celtic and East Asian calendars, call the spring equinox mid-spring, but others (especially in the USA and sometimes in England) regard it as the "first day of spring". For most temperate regions, signs of spring appear long before the middle of March, but the folklore of 21 March being the "first day of spring" persists, and 21 June as the "first day of summer" is common in the USA. In South Africa, Australia and New Zealand, spring begins on 1 September, and has no relation to the vernal equinox.[3]

In East Asian Solar term, spring begins on 4 February and ends on 5 May. Similarly, according to the Celtic tradition, which is based solely on daylight and the strength of the noon sun, spring begins in early February (near Imbolc or Candlemas) and continues until early May (Beltane).

The phenological definition of spring relates to indicators, the blossoming of a range of plant species, and the activities of animals, or the special smell of soil that has reached the temperature for micro flora to flourish. It therefore varies according to the climate and according to the specific weather of a particular year.

You mean that Spring?

[Salueha]

I didn't expect you to Wiki spring, and that would be the one!

[Stanley Burrell]

These morality systems are played out. It's either one side of the spectrum or the other.

Fable II tried combining the element of "purity," but there was some serious eh going on still.

Which brings me back to my original question: Is there any video game where you can develop like, maybe 9 or 15 psyche elements and have them rub off on your character in unique ways, both graphical and story-wise?

[Xanator]

These morality systems are played out. It's either one side of the spectrum or the other.

Fable II tried combining the element of "purity," but there was some serious eh going on still.

Which brings me back to my original question: Is there any video game where you can develop like, maybe 9 or 15 psyche elements and have them rub off on your character in unique ways, both graphical and story-wise?

Well, in Gemstone IV, you can be whoever you want to be, and your actions determine the reactions of others. In real time! If you're a douche, the story implications are obvious. The graphical changes are a bit more subtle. Your name gradually turns red. It's no horns and glowy eyes, but there are a lot of clothes out there with skulls and runes on.

[Cephalopod]

Which brings me back to my original question: Is there any video game where you can develop like, maybe 9 or 15 psyche elements and have them rub off on your character in unique ways, both graphical and story-wise?

http://slog.thestranger.com/files/2008/01/game-of-life-tattoo-1.jpg

[Fallen]

Which brings me back to my original question: Is there any video game where you can develop like, maybe 9 or 15 psyche elements and have them rub off on your character in unique ways, both graphical and story-wise?

There was a game coming out where your character is addicted to this drug. He is a detective, and the drug allows him to sense the thoughts and feelings of those with whom he interacts. Their impressions of him, and his actions also influence their attitude towards him subconsciously. That is the closest I have heard to anything like that.

[Stanley Burrell]

Alright. Let's make it happen.

[Xanator]

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/BenLahnger/Outside_-_TheNewMMORPG.jpg

[Stanley Burrell]

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/BenLahnger/Outside_-_TheNewMMORPG.jpg

I used to play that game until I switched over to The Internet.

Might be worth a replay for nostalgia.

[Imp]

It really is hard to beat GSIV. The gameplay feels very fluid and it has one of the richest storylines I've seen in a videogame. I just wish there was a graphical game as well that was on par with it. I have days that I don't feel like reading after work and would love to have something else so I can switch back and forth.


Well, how bout DDO?

[Imp]

Well, in Gemstone IV, you can be whoever you want to be, and your actions determine the reactions of others. In real time! If you're a douche, the story implications are obvious. The graphical changes are a bit more subtle. Your name gradually turns red. It's no horns and glowy eyes, but there are a lot of clothes out there with skulls and runes on.

Yeah, but it's $14 a shot though pop.

[Cephalopod]

Yeah, but it's $14 a shot though pop.

Out of curiosity, how long did you play GS?

[Xanator]

Yeah, but it's $39.95 a shot though pop.

Fixed. How much do you spend on that sticky icky every month?

[Imp]

Out of curiosity, how long did you play GS?

From 1995-1997ish. Then, for a little bit in 2001, and then for about a year in 2008-2009.

[Warriorbird]

From 1995-1997ish. Then, for a little bit in 2001, and then for about a year in 2008-2009.

Insert Soulpieced post here.

[Imp]

Speaking of Command and Conquer, it looks like the trailor for Command & Conquer 4 has just been released:

http://www.commandandconquer.com/news/watch-launch-trailer

[Warriorbird]

Speaking of Command and Conquer, it looks like the trailor for Command & Conquer 4 has just been released:

http://www.commandandconquer.com/news/watch-launch-trailer

http://movies.nnov.ru/Covers/And%20Now%20for%20Something%20Completely%20Differe nt.jpeg

[New2TheGame]

i think part of the problem is that people think that ddo would be too hard to play. i havent been playing GS for that long but this game doesnt look that hard to me. i think i could probably give it a try and beat it in a day or two because when i was 2 years old i had already beaten games like tetris and the entire mario series. i beat paperboy when i was 3.

also, me, my brother and my father ran across 3 continents last year and it wasnt easy but after 3 days and some hard work we accomplished it. ddo isn't the hardest game out there either.

[Stanley Burrell]

also, me, my brother and my father ran across 3 continents last year and it wasnt easy but after 3 days and some hard work we accomplished it.

Going on vacation isn't easy, but I can accomplish it:

http://img704.imageshack.us/img704/7100/fijiu.png

[Showal]

Well, how bout DDO?

Good suggestion. I wish there was a Wiki entry somewhere that I could read up on whatever DDO is.

[Showal]

Does DDO use the one and only incredible "link cable"?

[Alarke]

I agree with Showal, I am extremely interested in this game DDO, and really wish there was someone that could just explain it in great detail and walk us all through what is expected of us.

I think that would help.

[Carblin]

Well, I decided to download the game and see if Imp was just full of BS or not. After about 30 min of play, this is my current impressions :

Graphics : Meh, decent. Not amazing, not horrible.

Voice overs : HORRIBLE voice acting.

Controls : The game is pretty fluid on controls. The only beef I have with this is the "range" system. You attack when you left click, no matter what. So I find myself trying to break barrels or attack mobs and I'm AN INCH OUT OF RANGE AND SWINGING AT NOTHING. Frustrating.

Player interaction : Wait...this is an MMO? Really?! Where are the other people!?

Quests : I sure hope they get harder. Cause...this is a joke.

[Latrinsorm]

Imp is foolish.

DDO is alright. The difference between quest-based experience and kill-based experience interests me from an abstract perspective, and you really can't go too far wrong with a DnD system.

[Cephalopod]

Imp is foolish.

DDO is alright. The difference between quest-based experience and kill-based experience interests me from an abstract perspective, and you really can't go too far wrong with a DnD system.

As a newbie to the game, the quest-based experience was odd at first (probably because I'm so used to kill-based), but not necessarily bad. It was disappointing killing stuff left and right and not seeing my experience bar advance, but I got over it. I was pretty indifferent after a few quests, since the instancing aspect was much more 'in your face' than the way experience progressed.

[Latrinsorm]

How you can express indifference to saving peoples' lives is beyond me. Good day, sir. When I first heard that line it was in a high school musical and I was 12. I was very impressed then, but it's overdone now.

[Latrinsorm]

Feb-tober, Goddamnit.

[Taernath]

I had a subscription to DDO for a few months (before free to play was introduced), but quit because it's just not... fun. The graphics aren't ugly, but they're not exactly pretty either, and the game had an overall feeling of mediocrity. Seriously. There was/is nothing I can think of that stood out about it, except that it maybe had a slightly above-average tutorial.

From an immersion perspective, the setting is pretty meh to me as well. I've played a few campaigns in Eberron (a buddy/GM really, really liked it for some reason) but I never liked the whole 'hey we have PC robots oh and drow aren't evil' vibe.

The free to play model is, like someone said earlier, a life support system for a failing MMO. I haven't actively played GS for over 7 years, but I'm still far more likely to go back to GS than I am DDO.

[Showal]

The free to play model is, like someone said earlier, a life support system for a failing MMO. I haven't actively played GS for over 7 years, but I'm still far more likely to go back to GS than I am DDO.

Fucking liar

[Taernath]

Fucking liar

It's true... I'm waiting on the account activation email as I type this.

dun dun dunnnnn

[Showal]

It's true... I'm waiting on the account activation email as I type this.

dun dun dunnnnn

Name ONE thing you like about DDO. You know you have at least one thing or else you're a liar.

[Imp]

The graphics I like. The people I like. The training system I like. The DDO store I like. The monsters I like. The weapons I like. The special abilities I like. I like the gold in the boxes, I like the paths I can travel down. I like lookin at the moon and or the ocean in the game, I like the fact that each race has it's own look and height and weight etc, and that each profession can be so different from the other depending on how you train, I like the fact that it's free, I like the different Worlds you can explore, I like the customer service that you can get if you run into any trouble, I like the website layout, I like the fact that it takes awhile to reach a level up for your character, I like the fact that you can run and gun in the game when you get into a situation that is too much for you to handle, I like the music, I like the colors of the game, I like the history that the game details for you, I like the fact that it reminds me of some of my older favorite games such as Kings Field for the original playstation, although this game is like that game on steroids. I like the fact that it saves wherever you are in the game and how much exp you have accumulated etc. when you leave so you don't have to worry about losing anything. I like the fact that it continues to grow, I like the game overall in general.

[Imp]

I also like the fact that you can minimize the login screen so that you can continue to do other things until you're officially ready to play.

[Elgrim]

I like that these boards have an ignore user feature :)

[Taernath]

Name ONE thing you like about DDO. You know you have at least one thing or else you're a liar.

I like that I never got addicted to it.

[Carblin]

The graphics I like. The people I like. The training system I like. The DDO store I like. The monsters I like. The weapons I like. The special abilities I like. I like the gold in the boxes, I like the paths I can travel down. I like lookin at the moon and or the ocean in the game, I like the fact that each race has it's own look and height and weight etc, and that each profession can be so different from the other depending on how you train, I like the fact that it's free, I like the different Worlds you can explore, I like the customer service that you can get if you run into any trouble, I like the website layout, I like the fact that it takes awhile to reach a level up for your character, I like the fact that you can run and gun in the game when you get into a situation that is too much for you to handle, I like the music, I like the colors of the game, I like the history that the game details for you, I like the fact that it reminds me of some of my older favorite games such as Kings Field for the original playstation, although this game is like that game on steroids. I like the fact that it saves wherever you are in the game and how much exp you have accumulated etc. when you leave so you don't have to worry about losing anything. I like the fact that it continues to grow, I like the game overall in general.


Let us know when you're done beatin' off with the box it came in. Also, please dispose of said box once your done. That's nasty.

[Guister]

People who leave Gemstone do tend to come back over the years.

[Showal]

I also like the fact that you can minimize the login screen so that you can continue to do other things until you're officially ready to play.

This is the biggest selling point for me. I tend to log in a start games well before I'm officially ready to play. I would love to have a game that lets me minimize the login screen to prevent this.

[Sean of the Thread]

Gah Showal is a DDO fanboi too?

[Xanator]

Gah Showal is a DDO fanboi too?

Yes. Let me tell you why.

Dungeons & Dragons Online: Eberron Unlimited (abbreviated as "DDO") is a massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) developed by Turbine, Inc. and originally marketed as Dungeons & Dragons Online: Stormreach. Turbine developed DDO as an online adaptation of Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) based loosely on the D&D 3.5 Rule-set. It is set in the Eberron campaign setting. Internet access is required to play.

DDO is a fantasy action role-playing game. Progression is defined by completing quests and leveling up. After creating an avatar on the character selection screen, players are required to go through a tutorial, which may be skipped after completing once. Players receive quests from non-player characters. After accumulating enough experience points through quests, the character is entitled to gain a level, which grants access to more feats, spells and skills.[1] There are currently twenty levels in the game. Each module has added new quests and areas to explore.

...

Setting

DDO is set on the fictional continent of Xen'drik, in the world of Eberron, a D&D campaign setting. Players can create their characters following the revised edition of D&D 3.5 rule-set fashion, and play them in both indoor and outdoor environments, including a large variety of dungeons.

Although the game is based in large part on the D&D 3.5 rule-set, it contains numerous changes from the tabletop game, most of which were introduced due to differences in the dynamics between the media of computer game combat and tabletop gaming. For example, Turbine wanted DDO to use a real time combat engine, where tabletop D&D uses a turn-based system. This brought considerable amount of changes in combat, character skills and feats; situations where Turbine felt the turn-based combat system and real-time combat did not mesh well. Most noticeable differences are greatly increased amount of hit possibilities in round/same amount of time (as much as twelve times more), greatly increased spell-casting resources over rest periods, and spell point system instead of spell slots. Magic items are greatly under-priced (average of 1/8 the D&D prices), magic weapons and armors have a maximum of only two abilities, characters have considerably higher stats, and offensive effects created by characters do not harm their allies. A near-complete list of other differences between DDO and D&D has been listed on the DDO Wiki.[2]

The core of the game is set in the city of Stormreach, a giant-scaled city built ages ago, and recently settled by humans. There are a number of areas within Stormreach: The Harbor, Marketplace, and four Dragonmarked Houses (House Deneith, Jorasco, Kundarak and Phiarlan). In addition, there are a number of adventures that are taken beyond the city walls, into other areas across the continent, each home to quests of their own.

Generally, the issues of the game revolve around the following dark plots:

* Giants attempting to regain mastery over the city of Stormreach and the continent of Xen'drik
* The gate to Xoriat attempting to be reopened
* The Black Abbot and his minions of Khyber (Eberron) and other undead attempting to gain power over Xen'drik
* Devils from Shavarath attempting to invade and conquer Eberron

[Sean of the Thread]

w t f

[Xanator]

w t f

The City of Dollard-des-Ormeaux became an official entity in 1924 and obtained a new charter in 1960.

Dollard-des-Ormeaux was originally a bedroom community in the early 1960s. One of its original main axes, Anselme-Lavigne Street in the Westpark neighbourhood, is named for a farmer who sold his land to the Belcourt Construction Company. Many of the streets in the Sunnydale neighbourhood, including "Sunshine" and "Hyman", are named for members in the Zunenshine family, which owned Belcourt.[6] Although mainly residential, Dollard-des-Ormeaux has many commercial zones. Sources and St-Jean Boulevards are its main commercial arteries.

During Canada's centennial anniversary in 1967, the town decided to create a "Centennial Park", featuring a man-made lake and hills. However the project ran into problems and became a local scandal and a major drain on resources. It was finally completed in the 1970s, overdue and over-budget.

Prior to the 1980 Quebec referendum on sovereignty, Dollard-des-Ormeaux became the only municipality in the province to pass a motion declaring that it would join the province of Ontario in the event of a "yes" victory.

Dollard-des-Ormeaux is home to many family oriented facilities such as sports complexes, recreational parks and the Dollard Civic Centre, where people gather for sporting events, social events, etc.

[Carblin]

lolz DDOrolled.

[Imp]

Just so you guys know, DDO's newest update (update 4) is just around the corner, and it is going to include Zombie Pirates as well as an Epic Difficulty mode for high level characters.

[Imp]

DDO'S 2012 GOALS LIST:

DDO Unlimited – State of the Game 2010
March 16, 2010

Hi Everyone-

I hope you all had a fun February and that you enjoyed the events and celebrations we had in DDO! A few weeks back, I had promised that after we got done and fully recovered from all our partying (as in festivities, not just grouping for quests), I would return to talk a little about what is coming up for our favorite MMO. Thanks to those of you who submitted questions as requested. I will do my best to address as many as I can here.

Please bear in mind that development is not always predictable, so what we discuss today will represent our best understanding of what we will be able to accomplish this year within our current plans. Some things may have to slip, but you will surely see other additions over the course of the year as well!

So without further ado, let me dive in to some of the details you’re looking for:

Content and Adventure Packs

Creating new stories, places and adventures is one of the things we love to do! So it won’t be any surprise to you that releasing a steady stream of new content is one of the foundations of our plans for DDO in 2010. This year we have committed to releasing 6 content updates to the game. One down, five more to go!

Next up is Update 4. This new adventure pack, “Sentinels” (which a few industrious players already found in our Compendium, and is now available for preview on Lamannia), is slated for April and follows a story line that involves House Deneith, Searing Heights, a new kind of undead and a nefarious band of pirates led by the infamous Captain Tew (usually seen with his beloved pet, Ratty). The adventures start at CR7, and Sentinels will be our first adventure pack to support Epic mode for level 20 characters starting right from the day of its launch!

Other content packs later in the year will involve a fiendish carnival that will visit house Phiarlan and a new Wilderness adventure area that will contain our first quest with underwater combat. These are currently in the thick of development and they are looking really great with beautiful environments and some exciting new monsters. We can’t wait to share them with you later this year!

New Items

We are also working on some cool new types of game items which will offer new features and functionality to our players. One that’s coming soon is an alignment change item which will let players re-spec their alignment on their characters. We have also recently created technology to support a new kind of cosmetic item that will alter your appearance when you equip it, but will let you keep the stat benefits from the last item you had equipped. We have only had time to play with this tech on a few items, but eventually you’ll see us evolve this into a full offering of cosmetic outfits and hats. You may have already seen the hat we released for President’s Day, and we have two fun, themed cosmetic helms coming in April. Which will be most popular, the cute fluffy bunny hat or the evil dire rabbit helm? I have a bet placed on this one

– I won’t say on which. Don’t let me down, DDO players!

New Features

In addition to new content and items we are also working on some exciting new features for DDO. The team is currently busy working on some great additions to the guild system that will let guild members work together to earn valuable rewards and rival guilds compete for status on each server. One of the biggest rewards players will work towards is access to an all new guild housing system, which we are implementing in a cool and unique way. Suffice it to say, we think you will really want to be part of a guild that has earned access to this feature! I can’t say much more about it now, but look for more details in the coming weeks.

Many of you asked for status on new races and classes and I am pleased to be able to share a major announcement today. We are actively working on adding another race to DDO: The Half-Orc! Development is moving along well and as of today it looks very likely you will see a large influx of Half-Orcs into the world of Eberron towards the end of this year. At long last you will be able to play that appearance-challenged but awesomely strong character that you have longed to be. Plus 2 bonus to strength? Yes, Please! Now I know what I’m going to True Reincarnate into in my next life for my main.

On the topic of classes, we are still continuing work on new prestige enhancement to fill out all of the current classes. Our approach continues to be to focus on just one or two classes each cycle until we fill these out. I know you want these to all be done sooner but the logistics of testing and balancing the impact on a class is large so this is likely to continue. A few folks asked about Cleric Domains. I don’t have anything to announce for 2010, but I will say that when it gets to be the Cleric class’s turn to get a polish pass, that is when we will consider these types of additions to the class.

We are also working on some new classes for hirelings to let players better fill out their parties with them. Look for Favored Souls and Bards to appear first and maybe another class or two later in the year.

Polish and Fixes

Now, I know some of you are saying, “It’s nice you are doing new things but why don’t you work on reducing bugs in releases and improving those things that are already in the game?” OK, maybe you didn’t all say it quite so politely, but we hear what you are saying.

On this topic, first let me say that we are absolutely committed to making DDO the highest quality free-to-play game on the market. If on occasion we fail to live up to this high standard, we take steps to adjust how we work to make things even better. To this end, I am happy to share with you that we have recently expanded our QA team and we are re-working some of our processes around how we manage testing on our private and public test servers.

We also have lots of highly requested small improvements and fixes in the works and we will get them to you as soon as possible. On the sooner side, we are making Mass Heal work on parties of up to 12 players, making some improvements to weapon sets and fixing some bugs in key maps. Some bigger requests which we also hope to get done this year include adding string search to auctions, improvements to avatar animations and doing a polish pass on ranged combat.

International

In 2010 we will be working to maintain our positive momentum from last year and grow our service to more players both in North America and around the world. A few of you asked about our plans for Europe, and though I can’t announce any specifics, I can say that we are working with our partners to get the new content and business model to our European players as soon as possible. We will share details with you as soon as we can.

We are also evaluating how we can bring DDO to players who speak other languages and live in other parts of the world. The localization and rollout work is likely to take some time, but look for some announcements on this later in the year as well.

A Bigger and Better DDO

So there you have it. We have a lot of great things planned for DDO in 2010! And these are just the things I am able to talk about today. I hope I’ve answered the majority of your pressing questions. I’m sure there are and will be many more, especially about new features and content as they are released throughout the year. Be on the lookout for more dev diaries with details on new features and changes to DDO, and as always we encourage you to keep providing your feedback through our community sites.

2009 was a huge year for DDO! The launch of Eberron Unlimited has brought us a bevy of awards and accolades for how we have successfully brought the free-to-play business model to the premium MMO space. Even more importantly, we are extremely proud of how our community has embraced the new DDO and grown to include millions of players who are now part of our game world. From all of us here at Turbine, I wish to express a sincere thank you for your support.

See you in Eberron!

-Fernando.

[Showal]

Gah Showal is a DDO fanboi too?

Yeah. My biggest problem was that I would start Gemstone and it would just be running and I couldn't minimize it and I wouldn't be officially ready to play. I don't know why I started it before I was ready to play, but I would, and I don't have this problem with DDO.

I also want to be a zombie pirate. I want to be a zombie pirate because:

Taking the Zombie Legion (http://arcana.wikidot.com/zombie-legion) one step further, sometimes a Ghost Ship (http://arcana.wikidot.com/ghost-ship) will have an undead (http://arcana.wikidot.com/undead) crew. Pirates (http://arcana.wikidot.com/pirates) are like sailors (http://arcana.wikidot.com/sailors), except more crude, treacherous, dangerous, and vile. By analogy, Zombie Pirates must put other zombies (and other pirates) to shame. This zombie (http://arcana.wikidot.com/zombie) variant is often shown to retain tool and weapon use after death, as well as nautical skills, and sometimes even personality. Some would argue they aren't technically zombies as a result.
Pirates once sailed the same Caribbean (http://arcana.wikidot.com/caribbean) where Voodoo (http://arcana.wikidot.com/voodoo) developed. Therefore, it's not too big a stretch for Voodoo Zombies (http://arcana.wikidot.com/voodoo-zombies) to also be Zombie Pirates or vice-versa.

[Showal]

w t f

Sorry, took out the picture. Too much too soon.

[AestheticLife]

...woah.

[Taernath]

http://art.penny-arcade.com/photos/247252416_yh9rW-L-2.jpg

[Imp]

Alright, you guys wanted DDO screen shots, so I'm gonna give you DDO screen shots. Enough to make you happy.

You know what they say, a picture is worth a thousand words:

http://i726.photobucket.com/albums/ww270/ddo29/ScreenShot00121-1.jpg

http://i726.photobucket.com/albums/ww270/ddo29/ScreenShot00110-1.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y72/Darkest_Elite/dungeons-dragons-online-20040815-3.jpg

http://ddo.alteregonline.it/img/ss/AE_DDO_04.jpg

[Imp]

http://img.gamemeca.com/news/img_data/200701/ddo-2.jpg

http://netgame.blogosfere.it/images/ottobre2006/ddo.jpg

http://www.gameland.ru/post/30827/img/Ddo.jpg

http://www.digitalbattle.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/ddo.jpg

[Imp]

http://medias.jeuxonline.info/ddo/upload/SSSatine/DDOCMSSB0021024x768.jpg

http://ddo.alteregonline.it/img/ss/AE_DDO_13.jpg

http://ddo.alteregonline.it/img/ss/AE_DDO_09.jpg

http://ddo.alteregonline.it/img/ss/AE_DDO_05.jpg

[Imp]

http://ddo.alteregonline.it/img/ss/AE_DDO_11.jpg

http://www.eyeslikeours.com/images/logos/ddo-logo.jpg

[Taernath]

That beholder looks like he's trying to make himself puke.

[StrayRogue]

Holy rubbish graphics Batman.

[CrystalTears]

Snapshots from YOUR game, dumbass.

[Imp]

Snapshots from YOUR game, dumbass.

Well...one hand washes the other.

All I can say is, I need to get a computer cam huh?

[Sean of the Thread]

Jesus this guy is a fuck face.

[Imp]

To my knowledge, those are all DDO pictures. All of um.

[Sean of the Thread]

To my knowledge, those are all DDO pictures. All of um.

Go fuck a cow.


With your tongue.

[Imp]

Go fuck a cow.


With your tongue.

How bout I cut and paste my balls to your face?

[Sean of the Thread]

Son I will I come stick my balls in your face given the chance. Don't fuck with peoples you can't handle.

Seriously quit with the DDO shit we fucking got the down low on it now. FFS.

[CrystalTears]

Well...one hand washes the other.

All I can say is, I need to get a computer cam huh?
Or learn how to take screenshots with your computer, dumbass.

[Imp]

Or learn how to take screenshots with your computer, dumbass.

If I knew how to do that I'd be a millionaire by now.

[CrystalTears]

If I knew how to do that I'd be a millionaire by now.
:rofl:

[Sean of the Thread]

GTFO plz.

[Showal]

If I knew how to do that I'd be a millionaire by now.

Wait ... really?

[CrystalTears]

Now I know that he's just the ClydeR of the games forum because no one can be that stupid.

[Warriorbird]

You were warned.

[Showal]

1. (http://clyder.urbanup.com/1700847) clyder 8 up (http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=clyder#), 7 down (http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=clyder#)http://static1.urbandictionary.com/images/thumbsup.gif?1268948047 (http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=clyder#)http://static3.urbandictionary.com/images/thumbsdown.gif?1268948047 (http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=clyder#)buy clyder mugs, tshirts and magnets (http://www.urbandictionary.com/products.php?defid=1700847)
A clyder is a term used by males to discribe an overweight female, or fat chick (http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=fat%20chick), clyders often gather together in groups called clydes. A clyder often has a rather nice slim attractive female friend who is known as the fondel (http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=fondel)
Spencer: Shit man this party is filled with clyders.
Luke: watch out that group of clyders dont even have a fondel.

[Amber]

If I knew how to do that I'd be a millionaire by now.

Please tell me you aren't really this clueless.

[Cephalopod]

Now I know that he's just the ClydeR of the games forum because no one can be that stupid.

I think you're right. Deep in my heart, I WANTED him to be real, though.

[Showal]

I had hoped this thread would continue, but at least the OP ended with a fantastic quote.

[Imp]

Just wanted to remind you all that my friends love DDO and we are having a great time playing it. Hope to see you there soon.

[Showal]

Just wanted to remind you all that my friends love DDO and we are having a great time playing it. Hope to see you there soon.

Thanks for the reminder. I hope your friends soon make several million dollars when they learn how to post screen shots.

Soon, I imagine, play.net will lead to DDO, especially since GS has died.

[Taernath]

I heard DDO might be coming out with this next expansion. If so I may have to give it a try.

[CrystalTears]

Just wanted to remind you all that my friends love DDO and we are having a great time playing it. Hope to see you there soon.
Meh, it's pretty much like Guild Wars. Not seeing the big deal here. Decent graphics, but again, you get what you pay for. Had I paid for it, I would be a bit more irritated.

[Showal]

I heard DDO might be coming out with this next expansion. If so I may have to give it a try.

I would come back if this was released.

[Mighty Nikkisaurus]

I played this at PAX. It's decent. The payment system is a little jacked. The graphics are okay. The systems in the game are alright.

It's not great. It's not terrible. It's entertaining.

[CrystalTears]

I'm not really enjoying the fact that experience is only garnered from quests and not from killing creatures. It's ridiculous that less than an hour of play has me more than halfway through level 1. Give me a fucking break.

[AnticorRifling]

I played this at PAX. It's decent. The payment system is a little jacked. The graphics are okay. The systems in the game are alright.

It's not great. It's not terrible. It's entertaining. Pretty sure you described a strip club with bad lighting. Decent graphics and a jacked up payment system.