Visual Effects and a Rant

I watched the recent AoC stream and just had my hopes sink after hearing the most recent AMA which rekindled my hopes for MMOs.

That being said, any one else disappointed at the over-exaggerated spell effects? When you have a whole slew of people on your screen, these spell/ability effects will get to the point where I wont be able to see what the heck is going on. Or the fact that one swing of the sword hits as many enemies as you want as long as they are bunched up? Like come on. Can we get a game where I feel like an adventurer and not a Captain America where his shield takes out 5 guys in one swing? It's NOT a superhero game. Im NOT the chosen one. It's fantasy, medieval to small degree. At least make it somewhat realistic/believable. The world should be dangerous, I shouldnt be taking on 4-15 enemies at once.

I'll give them that their mini-map is vague, which is good. However, I would argue for no mini-map or map at all. Does no one understand how to make games anymore??? Please, someone reassure me im not the only one who feels this way.

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Rhaelah

Alright, you guys have quelled my disappointment for the moment. It's just that sometimes it feels like they're making 2 different games and I can never tell which one will come out on top. Is an action game or tab target? Is it first person or third? Is it flashy or more realistic? Is it difficult or am I another hero?

They seem to think that they can create an experience where any player can play how they want. However, that creates a disadvantage to those who will want to play tab target, be in first person, have toned down spell effects, or not use a map/minimap. When I listen to what they say and watch their videos I cant help but see it flip flop every so often. It reminds me about the discussion of damage meters, but for some reason people think damage meters are more important than these key features.

BobzUrUncle

Please note that this is a very early iteration on animation and effects. This will get better over time. Or, if not, we will get used to it...

Sangramoire

@Kneczhevo

Kneczhevo wrote: »

There is a fog of war. You only see where you've been, on the big map. This encourages exploring, and possibly cartography.

That's something I didn't know and I think that's an awesome feature as I like that feeling of exploration and discovering new things and possibly having knowledge that others don't simply because they haven't explored as much.

Damokles

"I'll give them that their mini-map is vague, which is good. However, I would argue for no mini-map or map at all. Does no one understand how to make games anymore??? Please, someone reassure me im not the only one who feels this way."

I would bet that YOU dont know how to make games either...
The minimap is still in works and will be more like a standard minimap i believe.

I also stand behind the idea that maps should be something to equip. A Scribe (One of the professions in game) would be able to produce consumable map upgrades for the territory thats surrounding the node, while also making special upgrades that show where certain mineral deposits spawn etc.

A player would start out with a very roughly scetched map of their surroundings (rivers, mountains etc) and could then use these upgradepacks to improve their map.

Rhaelah

Damokles wrote: »

I would bet that YOU dont know how to make games either...

This.. lol. This is such a horrible argument. I'd be willing to bet that both of us have played games/mmos enough to understand them enough to give critical thinking on them. It's not rocket science.

Damokles wrote: »

The minimap is still in works and will be more like a standard minimap i believe.

I hope to god it doesnt become a standard minimap. Those give away WAY too much free information to the player in-game all the time. It's a crutch that was forced upon us.

Damokles wrote: »

I also stand behind the idea that maps should be something to equip. A Scribe (One of the professions in game) would be able to produce consumable map upgrades for the territory thats surrounding the node, while also making special upgrades that show where certain mineral deposits spawn etc.

A player would start out with a very roughly scetched map of their surroundings (rivers, mountains etc) and could then use these upgradepacks to improve their map.

I agree with most of this, the only thing I disagree with is being able to upgrade. More free information to the player is more detrimental to the player.

Damokles

Rhaelah wrote: »

I agree with most of this, the only thing I disagree with is being able to upgrade. More free information to the player is more detrimental to the player.

its not free information. A player had to create it first and then sells it to you. The upgraded map will also not show everything, only the most important roads, level range of adds in a region, and already opened dungeon entrances etc.

Merek

I dislike the exaggerated effects, not only the visuals but the sounds were lacking. But I'm optimistically waiting for their updates to these.

Rhaelah

Damokles wrote: »

its not free information. A player had to create it first and then sells it to you. The upgraded map will also not show everything, only the most important roads, level range of adds in a region, and already opened dungeon entrances etc.

Not free as in it took no work to map the map, but free as in when I have the map I can always look at it and get information for free and quickly. I would argue the only thing a map/minimap should should are major roads/landmarks. Everything else should be memorized or I would compromise with upgrades to maps for only dungeon entraces or something else maybe. Knowing the level range of mobs is not a great idea at all, imo. I want a stylish map thats not covered in icons and colored areas, that goes for the minimap too.

In fact, if I could have it my way I would only have a direction compass. I might make a post on this.

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