My only worry about the game

Imo visual progression is a big thing in MMOs, especially in a game as big as AoC. Considering it will take a long time to hit max level, the feeling of visual progression should be slow and satisfying.
With that said, there should be big difference in looks of players who play the game for a long time and a new player.
Also a player should not be able to look "amazing" until they reached max level, even then it should take them some time to get that badass gear/costume.
I can understand selling cosmetics (as part of test access packs) to some extent even though im not the fan of it.
With that said, i would like visual progression to be present in AoC and here is my way of making that possible:

Make cosmetic store cosmetics obtainable only through cosmetic store, also make ingame cosmetics obtainable only through playing the game.
Let's make ranks for cosmetic's looks for easier explanation(1-10 -->> 10 being only legendary items).
Cosmetic shop should include cosmetics up to look "7"( the prelaunch ones could go to "8"), and ingame ones obviously to "10".

*Also apply a common/uncommon/rare/epic/exotic/legendary status to all cosmetics, also apply item level to them. Then cosmetics can only be placed on items corresponding to their appropriate rarity and item level.
For costumes, I would make prelaunch ones usable only on max level and for postlaunch ones i would do the same thing as said above(*).

It feels very sad seeing all the people in game looking good with no effort. It demotivates me to grind for that cool looking armor i want because it's on par with theirs, so i only "caught up" with them and for that i had to do a lot while all they did was put some money in.
Also there is nothing worse than seeing some lvl 1's looking better than some max lvls, it kills that "starter" feel as well as that excitement when you finally start looking decent.

This is my only worry about this game and i hope to see it resolved. All feedback is welcome and i'd like to discuss more about it.

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Comments

Chunka

Well that's good enough i guess. I just want that in-game cosmetics have their own exclusivity same as store ones.

Tarkl

that was the possible problem they might have and try to describe above, as long as everyone has their exclusivity and looks like something cool and unique no matter the source of it, if the legendary costumes look as fucking legendary as their name suggests and no store suit gets that look it will look great for those who have it, and have worked so hard to get it

Arkethos

I definitely appreciate a simple visual approach in the beginning, with gradual improvements, but still grounded in a more... realistic visualization. The hyper-modified, magical wings and flaming shoulders really detract from the character, imo.

bloodprophet

In SWTOR some of the gear had slots and you could put what stats you wanted in the slots. My inquisitor is still wearing the black robes from the very first dungeon. I have changed the stats a lot of times but still have the same appearance from back when the game launched. Never found any gear that I thought looked better.
I also prefer more subdued looks but that is personal preference. Some people like looking like court jesters. Was a thread about this couple days ago.

BigPapa1

Arkethos wrote: »

I definitely appreciate a simple visual approach in the beginning, with gradual improvements, but still grounded in a more... realistic visualization. The hyper-modified, magical wings and flaming shoulders really detract from the character, imo.

When a game has a cash shop, it almost inevitably steers toward the direction you are mentioning here. Of course it can also happen and has happened in games without cash shops, too, but it takes longer to reach the point of complete saturation. The reason being that whatever new content comes out (in the cash shop, or in the actual game content) is usually designed to be flashier than the last, as to incentivize people to keep playing (and paying). However, unlike regular content which requires time investment and skill, cash shop items can be purchased outright at a moment's notice, so there always needs to be a fresh supply of new, shiny cosmetics available.

Cypher

I know some goofballs won’t like this but I wouldn’t mind seeing a level requirement before equipping certain cosmetics. Like you can’t put an armor skin on until idk level 25 or something. I’m sure there’s a more clever way to do it. But yes, I can’t stand seeing ridiculous costumes all over the starting areas. Then again, if the story is that we’re coming into this world already experienced with adventuring, perhaps some people have extravagant gear with them when they come through, idk lol.

Morek

I see how some could argue about day one gear skins, but they are litterally just that. Skins... I have played plenty of games where skins/costumes are available day one and I can tell you there isn't going to be a shortage of "normal" players. If anything, you might see a few costume touting players less the more you get into the world and out of the starting areas.

You have to remember, that the way you play and imagine something should be is completely subjective and demonstrates your insecurities. Shouldn't you be more worried about your own character's progression and gear acquisition than Betty over there with the big bewbs and her silky dress. "Rogues shouldn't be allowed to wear dresses because..." This is pretty much the same argument. This is a fantasy world... common logic doesn't always exist because you believe it so.

My character is going to be a Vek rogue most likely. I bought all of the December cosmetics because I like snow and ice. Now, I don't think rogues wear ice armor, but you bet your ass I am going to wear it still. I will be a Vek from an alternate dimension, where everything on Sanctus was post-apocalyptic and brought the thousand years of winter. Ice was common and therefore the best building resource around. With just the right amount of chemicals and preservatives, we were able to stabilize the ice in a permanent form, no longer affected by temperature. Now, with the portals of Verra opening back up, I was able to escape my death world of ice and depression, but something inside of me never wants to forget about where I came from. My Ice armor cosmetic is how I will identify with my character, how I will be towards other players, and most importantly because I bought the freaking item in the cash shop.

If you do not like it, maybe you need to reevaluate what real problems the game currently has than whether or not what your friends and freehold neighbors are putting on in the morning to go adventure in.

Jeez, some of you people really make me worried that I have to play with you possibly in the future.

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