Concerns About Early-Level Costumes in Ashes of Creation: Immersion and Fulfillment Feedback
Greetings, fellow Ashes of Creation enthusiasts,
After closely following Ashes' development for six years and considering others' feedback, there's one recurring concern that I believe deserves our attention: 'Costumes' lacking level restrictions. Before delving into my thoughts, I want to make it clear that I understand the reasoning behind monthly FOMO cosmetics. These cosmetics play a vital role in creating a vibrant in-game world and provide a sensible monetization model. Additionally, the exclusivity of the best-looking gear being attainable only in-game is a feature I wholeheartedly applaud. I'm also aware that Steven and the community have discussed this topic several times now.
However, despite my deep affection for the game and its potential for immersion, the current availability of costumes right from level 1 gives me pause. My primary issue lies in the potential disruption to immersion and progression in the game. It feels somewhat jarring to witness brand-new characters parading around in extravagant outfits from the very beginning. This early introduction of lavish cosmetics could diminish the sense of accomplishment and progression as players level up and strive for more substantial rewards.
While some of these costumes do fit well for us to wear, like NPC allies, what about our enemies? Imagine encountering someone wearing the 'Face of Sorrow' right from the start. It can be a bit perplexing and lore-breaking, giving off the impression that they've already vanquished those sinister and edgy adversaries, and there are a thousand more players like that at the beginning.
With this concern in mind, I'd like to propose one of two suggestions that, in my opinion, could significantly enhance this aspect of the game:
1. Raise the Level Requirement: One potential solution is to consider increasing the level requirement for equipping costumes. By doing so, players would need to invest more time and effort into their characters before gaining access to these flashy cosmetics. This approach prolongs the anticipation and enhances the sense of accomplishment when players eventually unlock these unique looks. While I understand the concern about potential backlash, I believe that open communication from Intrepid Studios about the reasons behind this adjustment would be appreciated by the community. Given that you've already implemented restrictions for Freeholds and Mounts, it's a feasible step.
2. Provide Starting Cosmetic Options: An alternative approach is for Intrepid to offer stylish, lore-friendly starting cosmetics that are accessible to all players right from the beginning. These cosmetics should seamlessly align with the game world's lore, ensuring they make sense within the context of our characters' journey from Sanctus to Verra. This way, players can maintain a sense of personalization without overshadowing the early stages of character progression. It would be helpful if we could compare these starting in-game cosmetics with in-shop costumes for more transparency. So far, I've only seen a few sets of armor above level 10, which aren't exactly starting gear. We need to see more gears that can be achieved early in the game.
I know that balancing personalization and preserving the early-game experience's integrity is pivotal for the success of Ashes of Creation.
I also believe that implementing these adjustments could not only enrich the overall experience but also cater to players who prioritize immersion and progression in the game. While there's always a challenge in finding the right balance, these proposals aim to strike that balance.
What are your thoughts on these ideas? I'm eager to hear your opinions and insights on how we, as a community, can contribute to making Ashes of Creation an even more immersive and enjoyable game for us. Let's engage in this discussion!
Edit: Personally, I think just increasing the level requirement on costumes will do just fine. It's better than having no level restriction at all. Is there any specific reason for it not having any restrictions?
