Elder Scrolls Online Beta Invites

[citizen1080]

Yes, that's right. Not one, but TWO invites.

And sorry, 2nd one is for wife =D

[MrSparkle001]

I got one for this round. It's not a long one though, just two days.

[Tenlaar]

I'll be rocking it out this weekend as well. Already told the GF to expect to be ignored!

[citizen1080]

From what ive read you have a pretty good chance at a reinvite providing you give good feedback during the test and are active.

Thankfully we got invited for an actual beta test instead of a stress test. I guess the lag was so bad for that round of invites most people didn't make it past lvl 4.

[Swish]

Wish I had a PC that could play it. Tried a WoW free trial about 6 weeks ago but it said my laptop was too shitty.

I cried. The humiliation :(

Definitely getting a new desktop for ESO if its good.

[MrSparkle001]

WoW? Wow.

[Piff]

got my invite as well. however i'm coincidentally meeting with a guy this weekend who plans to purchase my gaming rig. all i've left now is my thinkpad x220.

time to move on.
enjoy the gaems fellas.

[Tewaz]

I just got the invite also. Anyone know how to download a mac version? Is there even a mac version of the beta?

[Zadrian]

I got one for this weekend =D

[Josa]

Got one too.

[citizen1080]

I just got the invite also. Anyone know how to download a mac version? Is there even a mac version of the beta?

There is no current mac version. Only way to make it work, and many others have done this apparently, is install bootcamp on you mac and run ESO that way.

[Autotune]

Pretty much everyone got an invite for this weekend.

[lecompte]

I'll be trying it this weekend also. Honest feedback incoming to devs.

[Vampiro]

I did not get an invite? I still want one :(.

PM me :(

[Erasong]

ill be on this weekend

[Soandso]

I got one that I won't be using. WTS.

[burkemi5]

HI got one for this round. It's not a long one though, just two days.

Not long? How long have others been?

[citizen1080]

All of them are weekend invites so far

[Lune]

Invite has finally reached beta rejects like me.

Think I'll most definitely try it

[Lune]

I got one that I won't be using. WTS.

My brother would like one~

[Efwan]

I won't be using mine if someone has some starter gear on red (Druid/monk) or blue (pally) lol.

[chtulu]

RMT! BAN!

[Lune]

is it tho? :P

[HeallunRumblebelly]

is it tho? :P

Tis. I remember finding out it wasn't okay to buy D2 CD keys for plats after a ladder reset. Lesson learned :3

[Visual]

Yes, that's right. Not one, but TWO invites.


DOUBLE THE BOREDOM

[Swish]

90% basing my involvement in ESO on whether you guys love it or hate it... be honest :D

[MrSparkle001]

It's months away from release and probably still very incomplete.

[Efwan]

Tis. I remember finding out it wasn't okay to buy D2 CD keys for plats after a ladder reset. Lesson learned :3

Lol that's buying a video game, this is just a beta weekend, I'd say it's not the same :p.

[citizen1080]

According to staff it is the same. Trading in game pixel for ANYTHING that is not from p99 red/blue is considered RMT.

Can't say I really agree with this but it is what it is. Disregard at your own risk.

[Gadwen]

Downloading the game now, this should provide me with at least 20 minutes of entertainment tonight.

[Efwan]

Bah, 'twas a joke anyway.

[Lune]

Well, I won't give you plat, but if anyone has a beta key they aren't going to use, I'd really like one for my brother so we can play together!

[HeallunRumblebelly]

3hrs 20 mins til beta. Body is ready. Been playing through skyrim to get the feel :P

[Lune]

2 hours, 55 minutes to go. My body is ready but my client is only at 28% :(

[citizen1080]

29 minutes to go and My body is ready. Clients are up to date and tested up to server select. Might wanna do that btw. I had some black screen issues and a .dll missing that I had to resolve. Finding that out now and fixing it will be better than finding out when u can play.

[Vandy]

Haven't decided if I want to go Dark Elf or High Elf.

[citizen1080]

Yea...no idea myself on race..not even gonna try to log on till 330 tho..im sure their login server is melting atm

[Vandy]

yup it's on fire

[Nune]

Bob's wife - the other Cpu and monitor sitting on his desk

[HeallunRumblebelly]

SOOOOOO I can't get out of cold harbor, char is bugged, lol.

[Erasong]

havent tried yet. soon tho!

[Junkman]

even with fast connection the patcher taking forever

[citizen1080]

Very impressed so far...its skyrim online.

[MrSparkle001]

Sort of Skyrim online with a reason to explore. I'm not even out of the tutorial and I'm finding chests with weapons and armor.

[Lune]

Very impressed so far...its skyrim online.

I had low expectations going in, and I haven't even seen close to enough of it yet to make a judgment.

But first impressions considering limited observation.... yea, I'm impressed too. I like the looks of the class system.

[Auvdar]

Game doesn't even load...

[Auvdar]

So far this game is barely ok...

Combat is terrible, servers are crap and graphics are meh. Definitly needs a ton of polish to be anything more than vaporware after a month of release.

You can scream that it's only beta all you want, but the release isn't far away. And if this is the state it's in,.. might has well just go play a TES game instead. It does have a pretty cool atmosphere, and the VA's are great like always. I'm really hoping they give it a good polish before release, but knowing how MMO's are nowadays I doubt that will happen.

[runlvlzero]

ESO is going to be a console game... amiright...

I hope its an MMO that works on consoles tbh, they need a good MMO.

But catering to console and PC.... eeeehhhh

[citizen1080]

So far this game is barely ok...

Combat is terrible, servers are crap and graphics are meh. Definitly needs a ton of polish to be anything more than vaporware after a month of release.

You can scream that it's only beta all you want, but the release isn't far away. And if this is the state it's in,.. might has well just go play a TES game instead. It does have a pretty cool atmosphere, and the VA's are great like always. I'm really hoping they give it a good polish before release, but knowing how MMO's are nowadays I doubt that will happen.

Combat is terrible compared what what?

Its a stress test...so yea ill let them pull the beta card for login issues.

What MMO has better graphics currently? Maybe you need a new computer...looks fantastic on Ultra

Also...did you even play yet? VA= Voice actors I assume...and 1/10 NPC's actually have their final voice's. The majority of them are text to speech robots...


I will agree it needs polish, but I have beta tested most the MMO's that have launched since EQ and this is one of the best looking and playing betas ive been in.

[MrSparkle001]

They're saying spring 2014 so it's not too close.

Combat takes some getting used to. It's much like Skyrim but simpler. In a way I find it refreshing compared to every other MMORPG that uses dice rolls, but on the other hand it's so simple it makes Skyrim's combat look tactical.

There doesn't seem to be a lot of class skills. Combined with weapon and armor skills there winds up quite a few to choose from but I'd prefer more class skills to add to variety.

I think the graphics are good. They're not Skyrim quality but the game looks better than every other MMORPG I've played. Beats the crap out of WoW and EQNext and even beats Rift.

My favorite aspect so far is exploring off the beaten path and finding chests with magical loot.

Best feature: 1st person view.

Worst feature: that wonky off-the-shoulder 3rd person view. Hate it in Skyrim and hate it here. What's wrong with the traditional 3rd person view like every other game uses?

[justin2090]

5/10 thus far but it is beta.

Graphics don't make the game btw. We play on P99 afterall. ESO feels too much like every other MMO on the market. Linear quest progression is what kills MMO's for me. WoW beat that nail to death and then some. The combat is moderate. Nothing really jumps out and tells me that the combat system is good or bad. The skills need balancing but it is beta after all.

I liked GW2 because it offered something different than WoW as far single player questing goes. ESO is the next Rift. Don't expect the PC version to last very long.

I will purchase the console version but only because its a console MMO.

DISCLAIMER: These are my first impressions after 2 hours of game play. Maybe they'll change by the time beta is over.

[Auvdar]

Combat is terrible compared what what?

Its a stress test...so yea ill let them pull the beta card for login issues.

What MMO has better graphics currently? Maybe you need a new computer...looks fantastic on Ultra

Also...did you even play yet? VA= Voice actors I assume...and 1/10 NPC's actually have their final voice's. The majority of them are text to speech robots...


I will agree it needs polish, but I have beta tested most the MMO's that have launched since EQ and this is one of the best looking and playing betas ive been in.

Dude, it's a stress test for a game that is going to be released in about 4 months or so. Server issues should NOT be a problem. This is the first beta I've done with completely terrible infrastructer. And I beta tested FFXIV...

Yes VA = voice actors.. good job.

And you want a MMO with better graphics? Play FFXIV AAR on max. It's night and day.

Combat.. yeah no. To even feel like combat is effective I have to play in 1'st person, which is fine except the end game is supposed to be PvP centric. Try playing PvP in 1'st person. Doing it in 3'rd person, I felt like I was just 'bumping chests' with enemies.

This game has hope, but there is a ton they have to do to make this game even "ok" by MMO standards. I played for about 5 hours or so, logged off, loaded up Oblivion in Steam and had a much better time. NPCs and PC warping around, random freezes, bad combat, and a sense of "WTF am I even doing here?" turned me off.

[Mandalore93]

Just started downloading, wasn't aware of how late this beta was. Didn't think it would be a 20 GB download :P

[Swish]

ESO feels too much like every other MMO on the market...

The words I was dreading :(

http://24.media.tumblr.com/a2af0d449f824e20119b5f487098ae2b/tumblr_mgn403FYo41rd0upvo1_400.gif

...hopefully it improves/evolves out of that feeling.

[Junkman]

yea i couldnt even play it kept getting a black screen imo fuck it was a sign to not play it

[Millburn]

Just another fly by night cash grab MMO. Sub model WITH cash shop should have been your first glaring red flag.

[Swish]

WITH cash shop...

http://gifsforum.com/images/gif/rage/grand/wrestler_angry_gif.gif

[Lune]

Already bored of the beta.

The world pvp/RvR mechanics look very interesting, as does the class system. Otherwise it seems to play like a multiplayer Oblivion... and hardly an MMO. More a socially-augmented single player, where interaction is possible but by no means necessary. Combat is arcadey, likely to accommodate console kiddies, and did not feel compelling or immersive.

I was happy to find that the menu navigation did not fall victim to console accommodation like Skyrim did at release. UI and menus were quick and easy to navigate, without weird scrolling, terrible keybinds, or undue latency. Did not feel like a console port.

Hopefully they bring the rest of the game up to par.

[MrSparkle001]

This game has hope, but there is a ton they have to do to make this game even "ok" by MMO standards. I played for about 5 hours or so, logged off, loaded up Oblivion in Steam and had a much better time. NPCs and PC warping around, random freezes, bad combat, and a sense of "WTF am I even doing here?" turned me off.

I haven't experienced any of that. Game runs smooth, very high framerates even on ultra settings, never experienced anything warping nor any freezes. Combat is definitely too simple though. In single player Elder Scrolls you can swing different depending on how you move the mouse, but here there's none of that, at least for now.

There's no instancing so far. A lot of people are complaining about that on the forum, but I think it's great. Like EQ there can be traffic jams in certain dungeons, but unlike EQ there's no camping. I had a quest to kill a goblin king and retrieve his crown. I got to where he spawns, two others were there waiting, and when he spawned we just wailed on him and all of us got our loot. We didn't even have to group for it. That said, when it comes to killing for XP and not quests there can be an issue of not enough mobs, and of course it makes difficulty trivial (which is another complaint from everyone being in the same areas). Everything seemed sort of confused and random when I was running around a dungeon, with people attacking everything in sight and the mob that spawned that you're charging at suddenly running away from you and toward someone that just shot his bow at it.

It's definitely not like any other MMORPG I've played. Some of the traditional MMORPG elements are there because they're not reinventing the wheel, but it's the combat and the Elder Scrolls feel that sets it apart. If you aren't a fan of the Elder Scrolls games, especially Skyrim, you might not like this game. If you prefer traditional dice roll games like Everquest and pretty much every other MMORPG that's ever been made you might not like this.

I might not have enough time this weekend to really delve into some of the intricacies of this game like PvP or crafting.

[citizen1080]

I think most of you went into this looking for something different than myself. All I really wanted was Elder Scrolls Online (see what I did thar?). Skyrim online really. And honestly I think they are very close to Skyrim online currently, yes some things are missing but some of that is due to the MMORPG elements that needed to be meshed in.

It's not perfect by any means, but it is already better than anything else on the market.

[Nips]

Really dislike this game and think it'll be a major flop. Seems they had to really dumb down skyrim to make this work as an online game but what are the benefits of it actually being an online game? I have never had to group with anyone and infact the people in game are just an annoyance if anything. Anyways, I'm glad some like it so perhaps ES won't go bankrupt and they can hopefully learn from their mistakes and go back to what they do well.

[Autotune]

I can't even get the world server list to load, unless it's supposed to take more than 2 minutes, but i'm not waiting that long.

So I waited longer than a minute and it loaded the world server/character creation page, made a character, got in the game and decided to change some of the graphics and mess around... Bam, let's look at this fucking loading screen bar for 10mins so you can wonder if it's doing anything or not.

This game sucks right now.

[MrSparkle001]

I think most of you went into this looking for something different than myself. All I really wanted was Elder Scrolls Online (see what I did thar?). Skyrim online really. And honestly I think they are very close to Skyrim online currently, yes some things are missing but some of that is due to the MMORPG elements that needed to be meshed in.

It's not perfect by any means, but it is already better than anything else on the market.

Totally agree. I personally would like a few more interface options to help distinguish players from NPCs, and I would like a colored /consider type feature but I'm really enjoying this so far. I have a clannfear pet now after morphing my familiar, and I could have chosen exploding familiars instead. I didn't even know that sort of feature existed. Very pleasant surprise.

[Autotune]

I want a better lock on for targeting enemies, nothing worse than swinging right on top of an enemy and not even hitting them because you've managed to target an enemy 65 yards away.

[Mandalore93]

Thought the game looked and felt pretty good...but combat seems to be very simple.

[Sirken]

Really dislike this game and think it'll be a major flop. Seems they had to really dumb down skyrim to make this work as an online game but what are the benefits of it actually being an online game? I have never had to group with anyone and infact the people in game are just an annoyance if anything. Anyways, I'm glad some like it so perhaps ES won't go bankrupt and they can hopefully learn from their mistakes and go back to what they do well.
it did feel dumbed down, realistically this is the first giant beta test, and this will lead to the build that will be revealed at the next PAX and will be the build they use for their first actual "open beta" (which Zenimax confirmed this last wave of invites is not open beta, as the gag order is not in place, and you've all violated it by talking about ESO beta here, btw), and removal of the gag order, which would also be the first build people are allowed to make youtube vids or live streams on.
http://bloomradio.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/the_more_you_know.jpeg

[Sirken]

for people QQing about interface, go into options, you can toggle a bunch of things on and off

[Autotune]

it did feel dumbed down, realistically this is the first giant beta test, and this will lead to the build that will be revealed at the next PAX and will be the build they use for their first actual "open beta" (which Zenimax confirmed this last wave of invites is not open beta, as the gag order is not in place, and you've all violated it by talking about ESO beta here, btw), and removal of the gag order, which would also be the first build people are allowed to make youtube vids or live streams on.
http://bloomradio.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/the_more_you_know.jpeg

Oh, you mean I'm not supposed to stream or youtube or talk about it? I was wondering why my email address was plastered all over the damn screen while I was playing...

[Sirken]

Oh, you mean I'm not supposed to stream or youtube or talk about it? I was wondering why my email address was plastered all over the damn screen while I was playing...

not sure if srs

but thats correct :p

[Autotune]

not sure if srs

but thats correct :p

Was just messin with ya lol

[Sirken]

Was just messin with ya lol

being trolled by you leaves me feeling dirty and cheap.
http://i1.ytimg.com/vi/fFX04tOPv8s/hqdefault.jpg

[Auvdar]

derp beta build, probably did mass beta invites to everyone that applied so they have a better build at the upcoming PAX. but you're not very familiar with a games beta process if you think this build is almost done. you're surely gonna go crazy when we release velious beta.

No one thinks this build is almost done. But the core mechanics of the game are, if not close to, done. And if what we have been shown during this beta (hey, it's a step up from the last beta they did at least...) is any sign of how it will be come Spring.. it's going to flop hard. And yes I've very familiar with how Betas work... I've done a ton of them. And I have yet to see a beta build that was this bad.

Don't be a rabid fanboi and open your eyes. I'm not the only one who thinks it's terrible. Most people on various mediums thinks it's terrible. Uninstalled, and moving on. Games not worth the space it takes up on my hard drive.

[Autotune]

being trolled by you leaves me feeling dirty and cheap.
http://i1.ytimg.com/vi/fFX04tOPv8s/hqdefault.jpg

Ah man, you know I love you in a non-homoerotic way.

[MrSparkle001]

No one thinks this build is almost done. But the core mechanics of the game are, if not close to, done. And if what we have been shown during this beta (hey, it's a step up from the last beta they did at least...) is any sign of how it will be come Spring.. it's going to flop hard. And yes I've very familiar with how Betas work... I've done a ton of them. And I have yet to see a beta build that was this bad.

Don't be a rabid fanboi and open your eyes. I'm not the only one who thinks it's terrible. Most people on various mediums thinks it's terrible. Uninstalled, and moving on. Games not worth the space it takes up on my hard drive.

Not only am I enjoying it (even without being able to test crafting), but I've only found two bugs so far neither of which are game-breaking. The game runs sooth as silk, looks great on ultra settings and there's no latency. I've played live games worse than this beta.

On top of that, I'm hearing that the PvP is great. I'm not high enough to test it, but maybe tomorrow I can grind enough to see.

PvP on the other hand is in a league of it's own. My first impression was one of pure elation. The map was bigger than I could have ever imagined. The environment is beautifully sculpted and perfect for large or small scale battles.

The combat feels fluid and brutal on an epic scale.

This IS what World Vs. World should be. Well done I cannot wait to play more.

*If you're like me and debated quitting before hitting level 10 because the PvE was so horrendous.. stick it out. It's so worth it.

When I was grinding lvls 1-10, I was very meh and almost felt betrayed.

But when I finally got into PvP today....wow...just....wow. I havent tasted PvP this good since I played DAOC for 2 years. This is mindblowingly good. This will become THE definitive PvP MMORPG game out there I think. And this is EXCELLENT end game material too. the PvE world still needs soem SERIOUS polishing up but the PvP is the best I think I may have ever played...period.

You have to see it to believe it.

and I don't think the PvE is all that bad. It needs some polishing and embellishing but it's not bad. Maybe the low level PvE for the other two factions is worse than for Daggerfall Covenant, or maybe it's just that the low levels are dull due to lack of item variety and skills.

For a DAOC player to say that they think ESO's PvP might be the best he's ever played, it has to be good. DAOC had the best PvP of any MMORPG.

[citizen1080]

3 hours so far of PVP. It is insane, you are in for a treat tomorrow Mr Sparkle. 150+ people on screen at once...mounted cav groups flanking...siege weapons going nuts...its pretty amazing lol

[justin2090]

Too many Skyrim fanboys in this thread. You people have tunnel vision.

[citizen1080]

Too many Skyrim fanboys in this thread. You people have tunnel vision.

Thank you for this informative and helpful post sir. With those 2 hours of playing under your belt your opinion is one I will take to heart.

[Gadwen]

The game is entertaining, definitely one of the better if not the best MMO i have tried in the past few years. Hoping to be able to try out some PvP today. I really haven't followed it, does anyone know if they are going to just do the traditional subscription or are they implementing some wonderful F2P cash shops?

[MrSparkle001]

Too many Skyrim fanboys in this thread. You people have tunnel vision.

Let me say this because it's important: ESO will appeal to those who like Skyrim. If you don't like Skyrim you probably won't like ESO. The game plays similar to a multiplayer version of Skyrim, and I really mean that. It doesn't play like your traditional MMORPG.

Since I love Skyrim, Morrowind and Daggerfall (never played Oblivion) and always wanted a multiplayer version of them, this is great for me. I'm having a blast.

[HappyTr33z]

anyone who dares say this linear, swtor clone of a piece of shit is anything like a TES game is a liar and not a gentleman.

the hideousness of this game will haunt my dreams forever.

[citizen1080]

The game is entertaining, definitely one of the better if not the best MMO i have tried in the past few years. Hoping to be able to try out some PvP today. I really haven't followed it, does anyone know if they are going to just do the traditional subscription or are they implementing some wonderful F2P cash shops?


It will be sub based till its not. It will launch with a cash shop but it is fluff items only. Nothing that will impact gameplay. So you can buy the pretty pink dress you have always wanted sir.

[burkemi5]

I've been playing all weekend. First of all, don't listen to the posts about the connection problems. Basically every new game experiences them at first. If you're not going to play because you couldn't get on for the first 30 minutes.. you're an idiot. I had to download the patch and couldn't get on until Saturday around 11AM, and I have experienced 0 connection problems since.

As far as the game play, I have no problem w/ the combat. It's a breath of fresh air as compared to most stuff you'll see nowadays. Questing is unique and is more like story telling than mindless grinding. I tried to do PVP, but there was so much lag it was basically unplayable. Once it gets fixed, I'm sure it will be sweet. The map is literally 10x the size of AV from WoW.

Edit: Also, leveling is slow as shit. All you EQ purists will love it.

[Auvdar]

Two big problems with the combat for me were the horrible unresponsiveness. I would literally swing, in 1'st person right on the mob, and nothing would register. I would swing and swing and swing, literaly standing right on them, and nothing. Then the game would hiccup, and actually register the swings.. With zero lag going on.. and this is a very common complaint among testers. This stuff is not ok for a game that's been in development for what? 6 years or so now?

Then the lock on for abilities.. One of the best parts of a TES game was walking into a dungeon, pulling out your bow and just shooting. RPG met FPS.. instead they go with the usual lock on targeting system. So whoever said the combat feels like playing Morrowind or Skyrim or any other TES game needs to go back and actually play a TES game.. because it feels nothing like it.

Charector models are pretty good, on par with Skyrim if not maybe better. The environments didn't pop out at me like the other games do, but graphics aren't everything I suppose.

If you like Skyrim.. you should just play Skyrim IMO. I know I will never sway anyone right now with rose colored glasses on, and that's fine. But don't be shocked when this game tanks a few months after release and everyone turns around and says "told you".

I'll leave it with that. Not much point in saying much more. It's FFXIV 1.0 all over again... maybe in a year they will fess up and revamp it.. or maybe they will pull a miracle pre-release and make this a game. I know I wont waste any more time on it.

[MrSparkle001]

I didn't have hiccups or latency, and I never experienced lock on. I would hit whoever I swung at. I would frequently let my pet take one target while I switched to another without doing anything more than swinging at them instead. I didn't even know there was such a thing as lock on. My targets switched depending on which I was looking/aiming at.

[burkemi5]

As far at the hiccuping goes, I never experienced that while questing, but I also don't really like playing in first person. However, while doing PvP, that was pretty much the norm. PvP was far too laggy to really experience it at all.

I can't really argue against the "lock on" thing. I too felt that way and I have to agree. A huge part of TES franchise was the "FPS" feel to it. I guess the only thing I can say is that it seems that it would be a huge advantage to the melee classes if you didn't need to lock on. Otherwise, you'd just be trying your best to time up your projectiles while the melee classes can just get on top of you and slash you down. I didn't have a problem with it because a) I played melee and b) changing targets was very easy. But I'm not gonna downplay that complaint because I agree with it.

[burkemi5]

My targets switched depending on which I was looking/aiming at.



This is what he means by "lock on." You can't aimlessly shoot arrows or fireballs and, when you're locked on, every shot you take will connect.

[citizen1080]

This is what he means by "lock on." You can't aimlessly shoot arrows or fireballs and, when you're locked on, every shot you take will connect.

In this beta bows seemed very under powered, but with a small tweak could bring them in line with abilities and make aiming that bow actually mean something again. Id be fine with keeping bow dmg low if they enabled head shots for 2x dmg or something.

[Autotune]

This is what he means by "lock on." You can't aimlessly shoot arrows or fireballs and, when you're locked on, every shot you take will connect.

I'm not looking for something 100%, but definitely an increased sticky for targets much closer to you. There were just to many times I was trying to play skyrim melee to only end up having to stand face to face with an NPC all dummy like. I really did not like the melee combat because far too often i'd be right in front of an enemy with my axes/daggers going through the model, but I'd managed to have my target aura on an enemy several yards away.

[FoxxHound]

Someone should give me a key!

[Cookiefist]

I did not like the beta thus far. In skyrim it was meaningful to enter a cave even if there was no quest leading you to enter it whether it be finding loot in said cave or just the exploring thrill. I did not experience a thrill running around in the newbie area. I did not find and loot in the stupid chests or urns or whatever. The exploring never happened also because it didnt feel meaningful to me in any way. All it is, is how fast can you get quest a done then head to quest b.

Although this is the newbie area I might be able to give the game the benefit of the doubt and perhaps once out of said area it gets better...

[Fattytroll]

I've been beta testing this game for a LONG time and had several long term tests and I love the game, each test gets better and better.

Also there are a TON of explorable caves that don't have quests involved. They have bosses at the end and sometimes throughout that drop loot that reminds me of skyrim/oblivion etc.

The only issue I see it having is some people think its not MMO enough and others think its not ES enough.

Two days is really not enough time to judge it, especially if you chose something other than ebonheart because the other two have had very little testing. I did altmeri this time just to test it and it felt a lot less complete.


and swtor? really? I couldn't play that horrible game for more than three days and I was more OMG fanboy about that.. this game has me sucked in.

[MrSparkle001]

In this beta bows seemed very under powered, but with a small tweak could bring them in line with abilities and make aiming that bow actually mean something again. Id be fine with keeping bow dmg low if they enabled head shots for 2x dmg or something.

I started a feedback thread where I said I think archery should use a FPS style aiming system (no lock on) with greatly increased range, arrows that are visible after shooting them so we can track them and adjust our aim, and significant arrow so that we have to aim well above our targets at longer ranges, to a point where we are nearly aiming into the sky to reach near max range with our target maybe even off the screen because we are aiming so high.

Archery didn't feel worth it at all. I was standing on one of the ships in Daggerfall harbor trying to shoot mobs on the next ship and couldn't. I think it was because of range limitations. I was aiming everywhere you could think of with no success.

Archery would be overpowered if range was increased but FPS style aiming was not incorporated. With the current lock on style aiming archery has to remain short range and low damage. It sucks. I really hope they work on it. Destruction staves beat bows in every imaginable way.

I did not like the beta thus far. In skyrim it was meaningful to enter a cave even if there was no quest leading you to enter it whether it be finding loot in said cave or just the exploring thrill. I did not experience a thrill running around in the newbie area. I did not find and loot in the stupid chests or urns or whatever. The exploring never happened also because it didnt feel meaningful to me in any way. All it is, is how fast can you get quest a done then head to quest b.

Although this is the newbie area I might be able to give the game the benefit of the doubt and perhaps once out of said area it gets better...

Hmm before I left the prison (which is the tutorial area) I already had some magic armor and a flaming greatsword. I ran around finding chests to lockpick. I found even more chests outside the tutorial area. All my best gear was found inside chests. I even found a blue treasure map that showed a crude picture scene from the map I was in with a big X showing where to dig.

In ESO it actually pays to explore. No most of the urns and whatnot are not lootable, but if you explore off the beaten path you might find some good loot, if you're good at the lockpick minigame.

[Fattytroll]

yeah you get some amazing stuff in those chests, and if you raid peoples homes you get lock picks and crafting materials

sometimes when you are going through homes you find books that give you skill ups for weapon/armor skills just like elder scrolls.

Really not sure how it could be any more rewarding without giving you a fungi tunic for P1999 in every single drawer

[citizen1080]

I've been beta testing this game for a LONG time and had several long term tests and I love the game, each test gets better and better.

Also there are a TON of explorable caves that don't have quests involved. They have bosses at the end and sometimes throughout that drop loot that reminds me of skyrim/oblivion etc.

The only issue I see it having is some people think its not MMO enough and others think its not ES enough.

Two days is really not enough time to judge it, especially if you chose something other than ebonheart because the other two have had very little testing. I did altmeri this time just to test it and it felt a lot less complete.


and swtor? really? I couldn't play that horrible game for more than three days and I was more OMG fanboy about that.. this game has me sucked in.


This is great to hear man..thanks for chiming in...I am already a big fan after one weekend...tho like I mentioned I think bows need some work and would like more gear rewards/drops...but I only made it to 10..so that's to be expected I suppose.

[Fattytroll]

Bows get a lot stronger later on. On special tests i've been given 50 templates and they were way OP

they were actually nerfed considerably and I think it ruined it for low levels (these things happen though)

gold and drops were also nerfed quite a bit due to player feedback but I think they took it too far, they improved the loot from chests and "boss" mobs in open dungeons to get people to explore. I think a lot of people don't understand the markers - a torch means its an open dungeon and usually contains sky shards, bosses, and chests like elder scrolls. THESE ARE NOT ON THE MAP you have to actually roam the zone and find them and there are normally several in each zone.

The game has instances dungeons but the VAST majority are open which reminds me of classic everquest. Even has rare names with placeholders and all that - though you can only get loot off of it once a day.

Another thing to keep in mind is that under normal circumstances you will NOT see that many people - this was a stress test as well. Normally you will be instanced with people "of like mind" meaning - if you are a hard core role player you will only see hard core role players. It also pairs off of age groups and things of that nature so 12 year olds will see other 12 year olds etc.

You of course will be able to group with anyone but this phasing is due to the mega server - obviously there will be far too many people to have in each zone so they phase it like that. Its important to keep in mind they were testing the limitations of each phase this time and some of the lag and etc was caused from that.


There has also been talk that people that are frequently reported/grief/troll will be phased with each other (by talk I mean the community nothing official)

When you get to 50 every explorable cave turns into a level 50 version and the other alliances territory becomes open to you making the exploration truly massive.


Every test has seen some serious changes due to community feedback. I would encourage that any issues/suggestions you post on it because they DO listen.

For whatever its worth its the first mmo sense everquest that I have legitimately enjoyed and I went in expecting to hate it with a passion, at first I didn't like it but when I set aside my expectations and treated it like it was something brand new I found myself completely immersed in it.

I know it sounds like i'm a fanboy or something but to be completely honest while I enjoy elder scrolls its never been a "huge" thing for me. Something I play through once and never look back.

[Psionide]

This was my third beta test for this game and I can say it has come a long way. I didn't have any connection problems this time but I know that is different from person to person. I enjoy the game and the pvp was amazing. A lot of hate is coming from people expecting some groundbreaking new defining MMO on the market and that's not what this was supposed to be. The graphics look fantastic and I can't believe people have knocked them considering this is easily the best looking MMO currently.

I went the caster route trying to make a disabling type and it feels fun being able to customize your class with the class skills and weapons skills race skills etc. It's nice that each time has progessivelly gotten better. I really want to be able to be a werewolf already.

[Tenlaar]

I wish I had known that Ebonheart was the most developed. I played as a healer, which was probably a mistake, but I enjoyed it. I think the skill development system has a lot of potential for varied builds, assuming they can keep them fairly balanced.

When it's live I want to try and make a character with the best combo of healing and disabling I can.

[Cookiefist]

I started a feedback thread where I said I think archery should use a FPS style aiming system (no lock on) with greatly increased range, arrows that are visible after shooting them so we can track them and adjust our aim, and significant arrow so that we have to aim well above our targets at longer ranges, to a point where we are nearly aiming into the sky to reach near max range with our target maybe even off the screen because we are aiming so high.

Archery didn't feel worth it at all. I was standing on one of the ships in Daggerfall harbor trying to shoot mobs on the next ship and couldn't. I think it was because of range limitations. I was aiming everywhere you could think of with no success.

Archery would be overpowered if range was increased but FPS style aiming was not incorporated. With the current lock on style aiming archery has to remain short range and low damage. It sucks. I really hope they work on it. Destruction staves beat bows in every imaginable way.



Hmm before I left the prison (which is the tutorial area) I already had some magic armor and a flaming greatsword. I ran around finding chests to lockpick. I found even more chests outside the tutorial area. All my best gear was found inside chests. I even found a blue treasure map that showed a crude picture scene from the map I was in with a big X showing where to dig.

In ESO it actually pays to explore. No most of the urns and whatnot are not lootable, but if you explore off the beaten path you might find some good loot, if you're good at the lockpick minigame.

There was so many people every where that everything was already looted. As far as off the beaten path i found nothing really in this newbie area off skyrim i think it was. I reckon its just unfinished and it may pay to explore later on.

[Cookiefist]

This was my third beta test for this game and I can say it has come a long way. I didn't have any connection problems this time but I know that is different from person to person. I enjoy the game and the pvp was amazing. A lot of hate is coming from people expecting some groundbreaking new defining MMO on the market and that's not what this was supposed to be. The graphics look fantastic and I can't believe people have knocked them considering this is easily the best looking MMO currently.

I went the caster route trying to make a disabling type and it feels fun being able to customize your class with the class skills and weapons skills race skills etc. It's nice that each time has progessivelly gotten better. I really want to be able to be a werewolf already.

Graphics fantastic? Really? Seemed average to me. Definitely did not look as good as Skyrim on max settings. Although, i did not see any video options when i was testing lol...

[burkemi5]

Another thing to keep in mind is that under normal circumstances you will NOT see that many people - this was a stress test as well. Normally you will be instanced with people "of like mind" meaning - if you are a hard core role player you will only see hard core role players. It also pairs off of age groups and things of that nature so 12 year olds will see other 12 year olds etc.


What? I haven't heard anything about this. How would this even be possible? I see how they could phase you out with people depending on what stage of a quest you're on, but how could they phase you based on hardcoreness or age?

[MrSparkle001]

There was so many people every where that everything was already looted. As far as off the beaten path i found nothing really in this newbie area off skyrim i think it was. I reckon its just unfinished and it may pay to explore later on.

From what I gathered from this test chests are instanced to you only. I had lots of people standing either nearby or almost directly on chests that never bothered opening them, and I can only assume it's because they had their own chests and I was seeing mine.

What? I haven't heard anything about this. How would this even be possible? I see how they could phase you out with people depending on what stage of a quest you're on, but how could they phase you based on hardcoreness or age?

I'm not sure they're still doing this? In the test there was instancing even though it may have seen like everyone was crammed into the same map. I know this because in some our quest bug testing we were relogging to get less crowded instances, and I did read about some people in groups having issues where they'd be put in different instances after leaving a dungeon and going back to the main world.

I'm hoping that's sort of the direction they're taking now. I hope they aren't bothering with age or hardcoreness phasing anymore.

[Sirken]

I'm hoping that's sort of the direction they're taking now. I hope they aren't bothering with age or hardcoreness phasing anymore.

originally there was going to be a questionnaire, but since they scrapped that idea, i have no clue how they plan to separate people beyond using /p and guild rosters/friends lists.

[Millburn]

Zenimax and NSA collusion, don't tell Spooky he's gonna be piiiiiised.

[Retti_]

Sirken I have a message pending your glorious and majestic approval

I love you thanks

[MrSparkle001]

originally there was going to be a questionnaire, but since they scrapped that idea, i have no clue how they plan to separate people beyond using /p and guild rosters/friends lists.

It will probably be like it was in this test, just a bunch of instances for each map, with I guess a player limit appropriate for the size of the map so that Daggerfall and other main cities would have tons of players but small dungeons considerably fewer. It certainly didn't feel like there was instancing so that's good. Dungeons were still public like classic Everquest dungeons and the outdoor maps were still crowded. It's nothing like the instancing in WoW or other MMORPGs.

[justin2090]

5/10 thus far but it is beta.

Graphics don't make the game btw. We play on P99 afterall. ESO feels too much like every other MMO on the market. Linear quest progression is what kills MMO's for me. WoW beat that nail to death and then some. The combat is moderate. Nothing really jumps out and tells me that the combat system is good or bad. The skills need balancing but it is beta after all.

I liked GW2 because it offered something different than WoW as far single player questing goes. ESO is the next Rift. Don't expect the PC version to last very long.

I will purchase the console version but only because its a console MMO.

DISCLAIMER: These are my first impressions after 2 hours of game play. Maybe they'll change by the time beta is over.

I'm gonna redo my rating since I got more time to test it. A game breaking bug kept me from completing the tutorial. The bug completely erased my quest progression and I had to start all over. I'm gonna try to keep this as short as possible.

Eventually I progressed as far as the main quest would take me. Then, I was thrown out into the world and ESO finally started to become more of an Elder Scrolls game. I had no direction or anything on my quest log. So I just started running toward objectives on the compass at the top of the screen. I found myself a tower of some sorts. When I zoned in there were 2 other player characters present as well. One was a caster, the other sword and board, and I was dual wielding. We had ourselves a nice little trio.

The tank would jump in the middle of a bunch of mobs while the mage roasted them. I would stealth behind and backstab whichever mob the tank was attacking. Backstab does a lot of damage and if it doesn't kill the mob it will send it to its knees (kinda of a mini cc/stun). There was a mini boss, a skill point, and better loot throughout the tower.

I'm gonna rate the beta version 7/10. I'm factoring in bugs and all the other negatives that shouldn't be there once it's live. I think a polished finished version will be really good. I expect it to be a 9/10 or higher from any credible gaming website once its released.

[Fattytroll]

Unless I missed where they said they scrapped it I thought they were still planning to do the questionnaire.

I was actually looking forward to that, some of the asshats on this beta wave made me want to rage.

[Champion_Standing]

Game is pretty dull in my expert opinion. Plays like a sped up, dumbed down version of skyrim, and skyrim isn't exactly complex as far as gameplay goes.

[Auvdar]

Game is pretty dull in my expert opinion. Plays like a sped up, dumbed down version of skyrim, and skyrim isn't exactly complex as far as gameplay goes.

With the bugs worked out (it is beta), this is exactly what I think too.

If you loved Beta, then have fun with it. I just can't see this game making it past a few months before going f2p.

[skorge]

So I just started running toward objectives on the compass at the top of the screen

boooooooo!

ESO = 1-2 month sink at max, mark my words. I don't even have to play the beta...ive been through way too many other games and betas to know this.

[Vandy]

Game is pretty dull in my expert opinion. Plays like a sped up, dumbed down version of skyrim, and skyrim isn't exactly complex as far as gameplay goes.

I agree, game is on rails, no communication needed at all. Get quest, follow quest marker, kill, kill, kill. Rinse, repeat.

[burkemi5]

I agree, game is on rails, no communication needed at all. Get quest, follow quest marker, kill, kill, kill. Rinse, repeat.

Honest question: What MMOs aren't like this? I love the Elder Scroll universe so I don't really mind the typical slaughter, FedEx, or "activate this" quests. Plus I think ESO does a good job with quests so you actually want to hear the back story.

[Fattytroll]

hard to say if no communication is needed before you actually get into a group or do serious pvp. i mean.. i can solo to 10 in everquest without even thinking about it and that's all most people got to.

Easy to die in it where in skyrim even on legendary I can go through the game without dying once. Not sure what you expect.

[Soandso]

I PLAYED 5 MINUTES OF THIS GAME IT SUCKS.........

[HeallunRumblebelly]

I PLAYED 5 MINUTES OF THIS GAME IT SUCKS.........

The game is clunky mechanically. May have good content, but doubtful.

[Auvdar]

Honest question: What MMOs aren't like this? I love the Elder Scroll universe so I don't really mind the typical slaughter, FedEx, or "activate this" quests. Plus I think ESO does a good job with quests so you actually want to hear the back story.

Problem is this game was being marketed as a TES game with a MMO aspect. Same basic style you are used to with a TES game, but with other people.

Except now it's basically just a WoW clone (overused term I know, but you know what I mean) and is almost like every other MMO that comes out. Problem is, it's full of bugs. Bad combat. A storyline that is dull at best. And graphics that are either ok+ or bad. All things that you expect a TES to be good at (except combat. TES has always been just mediocre at combat).

So what you end up with is a copy paste generalized MMO with the Elder Scrolls IP plasted over it to sell box numbers. And they will sell. People will eat it up since it's a Elder Scrolls game. But after a few months, it will just fade into nothing like all other lack luster MMO's do that come out.

I really love TES games. I really wanted this game to be great. I tried hard to find good qualities in it. There are few. And the few that are good won't make this game a good game. The structure is bad, and as much as you want to scream "ITS BETA!" it doesn't change the fact that they really probably can't completely fix them before it gets released next Spring unless they push it out another year.

Sorry fanbois, just go back to playing Skyrim/Oblivion. Hell I think Skyrim has a online mod that you and some friends can do.

[MrSparkle001]

A lot of people are forgetting that this will primarily be a PvP game. I though DAOC had pretty lousy PvE that was very generic and bland, especially coming from EQ, but it didn't matter because PvP was the focus of the game.

The focus of ESO will be the three faction war. Quests and PvE are already more fun than they were in DAOC and it's still bare bones, without even proper itemization yet.

I don't think it's easy for some people to think of an Elder Scrolls game as a PvP game because up until now it's been single player. Luckily I've been hearing that ESO's PvP is some of the best ever in a MMORPG, and it's only in closed beta. I didn't get far enough this past test to test PvP but maybe if I'm invited back I can, and maybe they'll give free levels so we can stress test it.

[burkemi5]

Problem is this game was being marketed as a TES game with a MMO aspect. Same basic style you are used to with a TES game, but with other people.

Except now it's basically just a WoW clone (overused term I know, but you know what I mean) and is almost like every other MMO that comes out. Problem is, it's full of bugs. Bad combat. A storyline that is dull at best. And graphics that are either ok+ or bad. All things that you expect a TES to be good at (except combat. TES has always been just mediocre at combat).

So what you end up with is a copy paste generalized MMO with the Elder Scrolls IP plasted over it to sell box numbers. And they will sell. People will eat it up since it's a Elder Scrolls game. But after a few months, it will just fade into nothing like all other lack luster MMO's do that come out.

I really love TES games. I really wanted this game to be great. I tried hard to find good qualities in it. There are few. And the few that are good won't make this game a good game. The structure is bad, and as much as you want to scream "ITS BETA!" it doesn't change the fact that they really probably can't completely fix them before it gets released next Spring unless they push it out another year.

Sorry fanbois, just go back to playing Skyrim/Oblivion. Hell I think Skyrim has a online mod that you and some friends can do.

Agree to disagree I guess. I just don't see your point of view, especially considering the combat, graphics, and story. I enjoyed all three.

[citizen1080]

Agree to disagree I guess. I just don't see your point of view, especially considering the combat, graphics, and story. I enjoyed all three.

Same...you can call us fanboi's all you want...but your complaints are not even valid. There are issues with the game...but your sore points aren't them. You sure you were playing ESO? =)

[Auvdar]

Same...you can call us fanboi's all you want...but your complaints are not even valid. There are issues with the game...but your sore points aren't them. You sure you were playing ESO? =)

Bob, I like you. But how are my points not valid? Read the beta forums if you want, most people were screaming about a more responsive combat system. Bows suck. Spells suck. Melee is 'ok'.

Graphics in this game can be good at times, but then they look like someone just pasted a MSPaint map over an object. And when I mean good, I mean 2007 good.

If you want to believe that the core mechanics of this game are working, then by all means do so. But all you are doing by buying this crap is letting the industry know that people will buy anything. This is why we can't have a good MMO. Mechanics are bad, yet people will still buy it up because of an IP. Then in 5 months the game tanks... Because it was bad.

[Psionide]

Or we can just let people play video games they enjoy without bitching at them and move on?

[citizen1080]

Bob, I like you. But how are my points not valid? Read the beta forums if you want, most people were screaming about a more responsive combat system. Bows suck. Spells suck. Melee is 'ok'.

Graphics in this game can be good at times, but then they look like someone just pasted a MSPaint map over an object. And when I mean good, I mean 2007 good.

If you want to believe that the core mechanics of this game are working, then by all means do so. But all you are doing by buying this crap is letting the industry know that people will buy anything. This is why we can't have a good MMO. Mechanics are bad, yet people will still buy it up because of an IP. Then in 5 months the game tanks... Because it was bad.

Sorry if what I've said came across as a personal attack. Was not meant to be anything other than a debate. I singled you out because out of the naysayers in this thread you seem to be the only one who went beyond "I played 15minz, and then crashed! Unacceptable...game sucks lulz." Although iirc you only played for a few hours and uninstalled?

Like I have said I agree bows were pretty gimp...no idea on magic...I really enjoyed sword and board. But it felt like elder scrolls combat. And most people I have talked to said...it felt like elder scrolls combat.

I still don't understand the graphics complaint. At all. It looks better than Skyrim if anything and the majority of people agree. Again maybe you need a new machine. Or an eye exam. =p

At this point ill agree to disagree. And maybe we can revisit this thread in a year to see who was right =)

[Nips]

I don't know how anyone could say the combat felt anything like elder scrolls combat, it is so so soooo bad. Worst of all though by far was the skill tree that allows absolutely no creativity whatsoever by the user and the skills you get themselves require no skill/thought at all when used in combat. You just simply hit 1-2-3 and it really doesn't matter what order or when you use them. That kind of sums up the game really, theres never one moment where you ever have to think about anything... you just kind of follow a dot on a compass, sometimes click 1-2-3 in combat, and ya...

[burkemi5]

Worst of all though by far was the skill tree that allows absolutely no creativity whatsoever by the user

...What? Between all the weapons, guilds, and armors, you can spec any way you want. You can make a paladin type character with the templar, go straight healing, go sorc using 2 hander and heavy armor, I mean the possibilities are bountiful. As far as spamming 1-2-3, first of all, what game isn't like this? And secondly, the max was level 17 for the most recent beta, which I highly doubt may of us even got close to. At level 15 or something you unlock another set of keys, allowing you to use 5 more abilities. Also, I'm sure as we get higher level, get into actual dungeons, that players will have to carefully plan attacks and encounters. I even felt that way about one of mini bosses I fought.

Also, That kind of sums up the game really, theres never one moment where you ever have to think about anything

You need to get to a higher level to unlock more abilities. I can think of a few abilities that I had to strategically plan to maximize the damage / stunlock.

Not sure exactly what you're expecting with the combat.

[Lune]

Criticizing the deeply flawed state of this beta isn't naysaying, it's just putting truth before your own excitement and anticipation. I very much want this game to thrive.

This far into development, they are not going to uproot and rework large swathes of the game's fundamental elements.

I'll tell you this, I was fairly bored by the beta by late sunday. The game hardly drew me in. Boredom was not an uncommon complaint in chat, and on various forums. Does that just mean the ADD kids aren't going to like it? Is it just because of beta? Maybe. But I did not leave beta with the conclusion that this was a revolutionary title... neither through invention or innovation. Nothing it did felt like it was done exceptionally well, even in light of its unfinished state.

My opinion with the graphics is, although they are sophisticated and 'realistic' technologically, the art design did not appeal to me. But then, neither did the art in Morrowind, and that was one of my favorite games ever. That's purely subjective.

That said, I'm still looking forward to the next beta session, assuming they invite me again, because I want to see the game improve and become more appealing to me. I suspect it might.