Then I don't know why you play RPGs, or Elder Scrolls, because that's literally all most of them are, except for the role-playing aspects, which Kingdoms supports and TESO, funnily enough, does not.

 

I obviously can barely remember my experience with KoA, but I know that if I can't make it through a demo I won't enjoy the main game.

I didn't really enjoy Oblivion/Skyrim all that much - Oblivion was kind of okay, but it doesn't really beat Morrowind.

What draws me to sandbox games is the world. KoA played too much like offline WoW than it did an engrossing open world.
What draws me to non-sandbox RPGs are the item/skill mechanics and the characters you can interact with. KoA had neither of this for me.

I can't really mount a proper criticism of the game, because I just couldn't make it through longer than an hour, but I'd played around with a bunch of the starting weapons, explored the menus, saw what I could specialize in and I saw what kinds of items there were to find in the world. None of it looked interesting to me. I should probably try replaying it again, just so I can understand why it repulsed me so-- but I think it was the camera that killed it the most for me. Ranged weapons were extremely awkward, I remember that much. Everything felt floaty and the over the top actiony combat was more a turn-off than a turn-on.

If you're trying to suggest KoA offers the epitome of an RPG experience... I hope you're just waxing hyperbole.

For me, the MMOs that really strike things right are stuff like SWG, EVE or UO. It's where the world doesn't feel static and there are multiple paths of progression - economics, combat, or social play. ESO will likely go F2P within a year, because it just doesn't offer a different enough experience. There's likely not enough to the game to convert many players into veterans. It might succeed as a F2P title however, if it can keep the P2W to a minimum.

 

Don't judge it by the demo. The demo was terrible. And no, it's not "the epitome of an RPG experience." It's just a good RPG. Better than people give it credit for, and deserving of a fate far better than what befell it, which is exceedingly ironic, considering the entire premise of the game.

It's not a must have, but seeing how you can pick it up for peanuts now, I don't see a reason not to at least give it a try. It's at least as good as the first Dragon Age.

 

Yeah I also think KoA is worth playing. While it sometimes really feels like a MMORPG without the MMO part it really has some nice ideas (For example the elves, especially the "bard" questline) and the combat flows really well in my opinion. It manages to create the illusion of being openworlded (since theoretical you can go nearly everywhere from the start) but still guides you through the world.


But enough of that. The title of this thread is ESO and I had question on those who played it quite a bit. Since it seems like the endgame is very PVP focused (which is not my favourite thing but okay I guess others will like it) How is the balancing of it? I have a heard time picturing a balanced class setup when you have all those options/skills etc.

 

KoA's world looks and feels like an offline WoW because that's what it is. The original plan was to release KoA to build hype for the world and then release an MMO which was the primary game. They made KoA from resources made for the MMO.

 

Just got into beta for this weekend starting Friday at 12:00. Was also sent an additional code to let somebody else in so if you want it, just let me know.

 

Eh, I'll take it.

 

Invite and an extra code for a friend for me as well. Hit me up if you're missing an invite.

 

Same. Also PM me if anyone is interested.

 

Got an extra key as well if anyone still wants one.

 

Ditto. Anyone want a key?

 

Is it possible for someone else to use the key that's supposed to be for you? If so I've got two beta keys for anyone that wants 'em.

 

I'd like a key if anyone still got one.

 

PM me your email.

 

I've got a key as well, if anyone still wants one.

 

Also, I don't know how much everyone is keeping up on the news, but people are now free to stream their gameplay from noon Friday going forward. This is for both the weekend beta and people in the PTS beta (aka play whenever beta). The NDA has been removed for EVERYTHING! So if anyone is still curious about the game, check out twitch starting at noon EST Friday. I know Force from Force Strategy Gaming as well as Guild Umbra are going to be streaming quite a bit.

As a side note, I just want to say how excited I am that I have been invited to participate in the PTS beta. So even once the weekend beta is over, I will still be able to play the shit out of this game. I guess I can say goodbye to all my freetime after work going forward, lol. I'm also looking forward to trying out the most recent patch to the beta that has updated the combat system (giving it some more weight), added collision detection, dark fissures (miniature soloable dark anchors), no more starter zones, and increased monster difficulty. Unfortunately, this patch will not be available for the weekend beta version of the game yet.

 

God what an exhausting download. There's like 50 different stages.

 

I would love a key.

 

PM me your email, and I'll forward mine to you.

Edit: Derp. I thought the beta was online, but there's still like 11 hours left. Stupid time zones.

 

I just levelled a high elf sorcerer to level 5, and it's pretty fun. The combat is great, I don't mind the hotkey combat system at all since you can still move around. And I haven't seen any "Kill 10 boars and get 20 boar meat" quests yet.