Age of conan, Open beta: May 1st 2008.

[ShenMolo]

It will be interesting to see how the Open Beta affects the class selections, especially now with more people being let in.

I played a Bear Shaman up to 10 before moving on to something else. I bet they become more rare in release based on people's impressions in the OB. I didn't take well to the Herald of Xotli or Conqueror (weaksauce at level 13 pvp) either, although it seems others did.

I'm leaning towards Ranger after the playing in the OB, or perhaps Tempest of Set.

[Xuri]

Also, Xuri, should you have a red name now?  Or do you wield a mop and bucket?  A red name would look great with your avatar.

I basically have an entry-level designer position of sorts, and I'm pretty far down in the hierarchy of things, so I guess "wielding a mop and bucket" is a fair description. =P Red name sounds awfully... important.

[sam, an eggplant]

Wow, this marks the first time anyone at funcom has ever gotten directly involved with the community. EA, mythic, sony, turbine, even blizzard occasionally join in, but never funcom. Neat.

You might want to talk to your nordic frostgiant overlords before continuing.

[Falconeer]

Yeah, I preordered. I always do. I am broken.

BUT

this time there's a chance it'll be actually fun to play (instead of just enjoying one more colourful box on the shelf).

[Venkman]

Wow, this marks the first time anyone at funcom has ever gotten directly involved with the community. EA, mythic, sony, turbine, even blizzard occasionally join in, but never funcom. Neat.

You might want to talk to your nordic frostgiant overlords before continuing.

Who from Blizzard at the gamer level?

And let's remember Xuri was here first and then Funcom. Who says communities don't have real world value

[sam, an eggplant]

Blizzard hired directly from the community, primarily EQ uberguild leaders, and they occasionally post on various messageboards other than their own. Unlike funcom who to my knowledge has never had an employee post anything anywhere, ever.

[K9]

Wow, this marks the first time anyone at funcom has ever gotten directly involved with the community. EA, mythic, sony, turbine, even blizzard occasionally join in, but never funcom. Neat.

You might want to talk to your nordic frostgiant overlords before continuing.

FC have hired a bunch of former players for AO, in fact one of the lead Devs on AoC (Jayde) was one of the foremost AO players back in the day, and the Game Director (Silirrion) is a former player. I know an orgmate of mine back when I played AO got hired to AoC as an artist. Or did you mean the f13 community? Sorry if I misunderstood.

[sam, an eggplant]

I wasn't aware of that. But those guys haven't continued to post online non-anonymously have they? I wasn't referring to the post-LtM community in particular no.

[K9]

Silirrion posts as game director, and is actually fairly interactive with the community, Metaing is another player turned-dev, although he posts a lot less since becoming a Dev. The community interaction with the dev team deteriorated quite a lot during Znore's period at the helm, as he wasn't the chattiest person (he got moved to the AoC team to work on porting the game over to the 360 last I heard). Overall I'd say FC actually has quite good ties to the AO community, it probably helps that the AO community is fairly small and well established, so people know (or knew) each other a lot better. I know they used to periodically advertise positions on the AO forums

I don't know what you mean by post-LtM though.

[Hellinar]

It ran pretty good for me on my configuration:

Athlon 64 3200+
2 GB memory
nVidia 7600 GS video.

Dropped to a few fps entering new places. So I got jumped by almost unseen mobs. Death penalty in PvE is pretty trivial, so it didn’t matter much. Graphics is OK. I’m not a fan of realistic graphics in my fantasy worlds, but its appropriate to the IP. Liked the voiceovers. And that they have some range of body size, not the boring unibody.

Felt very much like a video game in single person quests. Particularly with the narrow paths available in the newbie area. Way too many invisible walls. I prefer more explorer friendly worlds.

Won’t be buying it. While I like some PvP, the brutal style they are aiming at isn’t for me. I would like to see them succeed though, and provide a good home for that playstyle.  I’m tired of the compromises of the “we cater to everyone” games.

[UnSub]

The Secret World forum gets occasional posts from Tornquist.

[schild]

The Secret World forum gets occasional posts from Tornquist.

They're probably cryptic, completely irrelevant to the story once decrypted, and I assume he never finishes sentences. They just trail off into a smaller and smaller font until they're 1 pixel tall and eventually disappear.

[UnSub]

The Secret World forum gets occasional posts from Tornquist.

They're probably cryptic, completely irrelevant to the story once decrypted, and I assume he never finishes sentences. They just trail off into a smaller and smaller font until they're 1 pixel tall and eventually disappear.

That's an uncanny description that isn't accurate but is true.

[Xilren's Twin]

Ah memories.  After finally downloading this beast, it has managed to crash my system to an old style blue sreen of death each time i've tried to run it.   Click play, think think think BSOD.  Good ole funcom.  Can't even give me a graceful failure but a horrific crash; guess i should be glad it didnt wreck my hard drive like certain other products they have worked on.

According to this can i run it i should be able to run this game fine.  The best i can tell the problem is video driver related, but i have the latest nvidia drivers for my 256 Geforce 7900.

Anyone here running with this level card that can tell me which driver set they are using?

[cmlancas]

If I could be bothered to DL it, maybe I'd tell you :p


Unfortunately, all I hear is suck, so I'm staying away until release. 

[ShenMolo]

Ah memories.  After finally downloading this beast, it has managed to crash my system to an old style blue sreen of death each time i've tried to run it.   Click play, think think think BSOD.  Good ole funcom.  Can't even give me a graceful failure but a horrific crash; guess i should be glad it didnt wreck my hard drive like certain other products they have worked on.

According to this can i run it i should be able to run this game fine.  The best i can tell the problem is video driver related, but i have the latest nvidia drivers for my 256 Geforce 7900.

Anyone here running with this level card that can tell me which driver set they are using?

I've got a ASUS Geforce 7900 GT and its running fine on my machine (well, it works, but still experience long loading times, lag in new areas, etc).

Ill check my driver version when I get home.


EDIT:

Driver 6.14.11.6928
Date 12/18/2007

I think thats the most current version.

[Merusk]

Unfortunately, all I hear is suck, so I'm staying away until release. 

Actually the game itself isn't suck.. if you can tolerate the usual ding-gratz MMO playstyle.  It's enjoyable and leveling has been quick - I in fact thought it was 'too quick' until I remembered "Oh right, Pvp is the focus..." Of course the caviat is that leveling is ALWAYS quick as a noob. They always hide the suck after the levels folks can't hope to achieve in an open beta.

It's worth at least the DL to check it out now while it's "free."  I certainly won't be buying it just because it kills my machine, but I'd be tempted if I had the rig to run it well.

[Venkman]

The Secret World forum gets occasional posts from Tornquist.

They're probably cryptic

Nah, he said Funcom 

[photek]

If I could be bothered to DL it, maybe I'd tell you :p


Unfortunately, all I hear is suck, so I'm staying away until release. 

Actually, the game doesn't suck itself, it's more the technical flaws and the fact that it has huge loading times and many loading screens for some, but as some said, it actually loads faster after you've played it for a while. Also it feels a bit random with the load times, normally on my PC it takes 30sec-1min to load, but when I went into the temple by the blacksmith who removes your shackles it took two Tool songs. Same on the way out. And it crashes due to memory leaks. Other than that the game is pretty fun and feels more like an "Online RPG" than a grindfest. Dunno how it is after 13 though.

[photek]

It will be interesting to see how the Open Beta affects the class selections, especially now with more people being let in.

I played a Bear Shaman up to 10 before moving on to something else. I bet they become more rare in release based on people's impressions in the OB. I didn't take well to the Herald of Xotli or Conqueror (weaksauce at level 13 pvp) either, although it seems others did.

I'm leaning towards Ranger after the playing in the OB, or perhaps Tempest of Set.

The Herald of Xotli is awesome in PvP. Molten Steel Slash and the Hellish Strikes (?) are win along with the shieldings. Bear Shaman I also found horrible, same goes for Dark Templar. The HoT's at lvl 13 heal me for 2. Sometimes 3. Mostly 2.

[Mrbloodworth]

Player vs. Everything: Age of Conan closed beta impressions <---- at massively.com

It's also important to note that I've been playing with the closed beta client -- not the open beta one. There is a serious difference. I should mention that when I wrote Friday's article, I hadn't yet played the game and I was basing my arguments largely on the claims of people who had had bad experiences with the open beta client. I still stand by my arguments about making games with outlandish system requirements, but I think Age of Conan will run just fine on many systems. Keeping all of that in mind, here's what I think of the game.

[photek]

Player vs. Everything: Age of Conan closed beta impressions <---- at massively.com

It's also important to note that I've been playing with the closed beta client -- not the open beta one. There is a serious difference. I should mention that when I wrote Friday's article, I hadn't yet played the game and I was basing my arguments largely on the claims of people who had had bad experiences with the open beta client. I still stand by my arguments about making games with outlandish system requirements, but I think Age of Conan will run just fine on many systems. Keeping all of that in mind, here's what I think of the game.

I am kinda under the impression that this is a rumor, that the openbeta client is older code than the closed beta. First, the closed beta testers, like in most MMOs, probably have highend computers and that was one of the reasons they were selected, but now when the game is in the open, people with several year old machines says it is unplayable. Also on top of the open beta client it says "Age of Conan 2008_05_03-23_25 GeneralBetaCurrent@46227" To me it looks like game name, date of build and then revision. I might be wrong though.

[slog]

Player vs. Everything: Age of Conan closed beta impressions <---- at massively.com

It's also important to note that I've been playing with the closed beta client -- not the open beta one. There is a serious difference. I should mention that when I wrote Friday's article, I hadn't yet played the game and I was basing my arguments largely on the claims of people who had had bad experiences with the open beta client. I still stand by my arguments about making games with outlandish system requirements, but I think Age of Conan will run just fine on many systems. Keeping all of that in mind, here's what I think of the game.

I am kinda under the impression that this is a rumor, that the openbeta client is older code than the closed beta. First, the closed beta testers, like in most MMOs, probably have highend computers and that was one of the reasons they were selected, but now when the game is in the open, people with several year old machines says it is unplayable. Also on top of the open beta client it says "Age of Conan 2008_05_03-23_25 GeneralBetaCurrent@46227" To me it looks like game name, date of build and then revision. I might be wrong though.

regardless of the use of sekrit beta client #23 or top sekrit beta+ client #23c, the problem remains the same.  Funcom released the game to the masses before it was ready.

[Mrbloodworth]

Well, technically, i think anyone in the closed beta can confirm this, as its part of the 1-13 experience.

Im iffy too.

But then again, i played last night with two other friends, we all have slightly different builds. We all did get the initial studdering when going into somewhere new, but going back ETC..was fine. The rest of the game ran fine as well. each of getting around 40-60 FPS. Like i said, only the initial loading was an issue shuddering wise, and only really the first time.

All in all, unless you have a very old computer or a part bottlenecking...i have confirmed for myself that many of the issues being talked about around the web are simply..well.. exaggerated. *ducks* Not shrugging off performance issues, it should definitely run better across the board. "Massive PvP" at this point i do not think will work.

I know all 4 machines have quad cores, and only one was running an 8800, the other two were running cards 1 and 2 models back, and only one machine had 2 gigs, the other two were 4. The machine with the "2 models back" card, and 2 gig had the longest load times, and shuddering instances.

I can get the specs and post them later of the three machines. Other than that, i think the biggest problem people are going to have other than performance is the learning curve, not that combat is hard, just the fact that you need to unlearn things from other MMO's. Situational awareness matters in this game. This is not Eq/wow combat by any stretch, if you approach it like it is, you will die....horribly, like i did.

I will be trying my home machine soon (Specs posted in the April computer build thread)

[photek]

regardless of the use of sekrit beta client #23 or top sekrit beta+ client #23c, the problem remains the same.  Funcom released the game to the masses before it was ready.

Who doesn't nowadays ? 

Mrbloodworth: I experience the same. I run a quad core cpu, 4gb ram and an 8800gtx card and game runs smooth as a babys butt, but once I enter an instance, there is some some weird hickups in the beginning. First time I ran into Mithrelles temple, I ran upstairs and my HD started working like crazy. Then two mobs suddenly spawned and I was dead cause it was just a HD lagfest. This is a 10000RPM drive, so this is definitely not my pc. It took long time before the HD working stopped, but it seemed it was the NPC that caused it. Entering the instance and running around ran at 65 FPS. Now why would the game need 1 minute to load some NPCs over and over is beyond me.

[Mrbloodworth]

regardless of the use of sekrit beta client #23 or top sekrit beta+ client #23c, the problem remains the same.  Funcom released the game to the masses before it was ready.

Who doesn't nowadays ? 

Mrbloodworth: I experience the same. I run a quad core cpu, 4gb ram and an 8800gtx card and game runs smooth as a babys butt, but once I enter an instance, there is some some weird hickups in the beginning. First time I ran into Mithrelles temple, I ran upstairs and my HD started working like crazy. Then two mobs suddenly spawned and I was dead cause it was just a HD lagfest. This is a 10000RPM drive, so this is definitely not my pc. It took long time before the HD working stopped, but it seemed it was the NPC that caused it. Entering the instance and running around ran at 65 FPS. Now why would the game need 1 minute to load some NPCs over and over is beyond me.

I have also experienced slowdowns when NPC's spawn, HD starts up, and screen shudders. I think this is still the shader issue at fault here.

[Viin]

regardless of the use of sekrit beta client #23 or top sekrit beta+ client #23c, the problem remains the same.  Funcom released the game to the masses before it was ready.

I'm pretty sure a limit open beta doesn't mean "the masses", even though it might seem like it. The goal of a open beta is to put load on critical system and gather information about everything you can. I still don't understand how people can complain about something that's free.

Sure, if you pay for it and it still sucks, ok you can bitch. (Not that we can't have a conversation about it, as it may decide people one way or the other - but saying it's not ready is like saying driving the next Ford hotrod prototype with all it's sensors and minus creature comforts is not ready. Well, duh).

[sam, an eggplant]

I couldn't confirm it without actually downloading the 13+GB open beta client, getting a login, etc, which I'm not gonna do. But I would take claims of sekret golden beta builds with great skepticism. I would anticipate serverside lag to be much worse in the open beta, though.

[Mrbloodworth]

Epic ending to the Age of Conan Open Beta

Dear Age of Conan beta tester

We hope you are merrily chopping off Pict heads in the Age of Conan Open Beta, and that your journey in Hyboria has been a memorable one so far. You have only seen the beginning though, as we prepare an EPIC ending to your Open Beta experience.

On the 10th of May we are transforming the entire Open Beta into PvP MAYHEM, while at the same time giving you access to all which Hyboria has to offer! That is right, as we take down our servers for a short period we are at the same time changing the entire server rule-set to Free For All PvP carnage! Your servers will ALL become PvP! Participate if you dare, or make a new character and stay in the safety of Tortage!

Details:

    * All servers become PvP servers. You can kill each other – no level restrictions on killing or getting killed, but you cannot PvP in the major cities.
    * All level 13 characters becomes level 20. Their inventory is wiped, but they have “tons” of money and really nice equipment suitable for level 20’s. Shopping bonanza!
    * You have access to ALL zones and ALL levels after level 20!
    * You will be zoned to your Race’s Hub. (Cimmerians – Conarch Village, Aquillonians – Old Tarantia and Stygians – Khemi!


This means bye bye Tortage! Welcome Hyboria at large, and what a blast you will have. It all starts at level 20, and then it’s up to you, but you can be sure your fellow players will do their best to stop you!

We will get back with detailed information on the exact time it starts on the official Open Beta forums at IGN, as well as on the Age of Conan forums and community site.

You may ask, why skip levels 14-20? The reason is simple – the story. We take it seriously, and we would like for you to experience it at launch.

We urge you to join us for some epic PvP mayhem on the 10th of May, and we hope you will leave Hyboria with a bloodied smile on your face.

Heads will roll!

Sincerely
The Age of Conan development team

[Slayerik]

I have been iffy about the game for a bit...but this sounds pretty cool. I do like that they are giving the PVP+ crowd some love in this game.

[tmp]

http://www.thenoobcomic.com/index.php?pos=303

just because the timing seems uncanny.

[Ragnoros]

  I'm sure people remember Failgate:London and all it's technical problems. But after a month or so they DID have most of them ironed out. (IIRC?)

Assuming that the game is mostly feature and content complete. --Read: They can launch with what they have and you won't run out of shit to do at lvl 37-- AND they devote what time they have to fixing their GLARING technical issues they could, in theory, have a smooth launch.

However. This is FunCom 

EDIT: As this seems to have become to AoC thread for the time being. Are we planning a F13 guild for AoC?

[Signe]

Unless there are enough people from f13 to get into the whole PvP and sieging stuff, it won't be worth it, will it?  I have a feeling that WAR might be more appealing to the SB crowd, but even there might not be enough people to really compete.  If we do start one in either game, I suggest we don't limit it to f13 members.

[Nebu]

Unless there are enough people from f13 to get into the whole PvP and sieging stuff, it won't be worth it, will it?  I have a feeling that WAR might be more appealing to the SB crowd, but even there might not be enough people to really compete.  If we do start one in either game, I suggest we don't limit it to f13 members.

If you're counting on f13 folks, I suggest picking the game that's the easiest to level in.  While the WoW guild lasted a lot longer than I ever would have expected, we still only had a handful make it to the endgame before the wheels fell off.

[slog]

regardless of the use of sekrit beta client #23 or top sekrit beta+ client #23c, the problem remains the same.  Funcom released the game to the masses before it was ready.

I'm pretty sure a limit open beta doesn't mean "the masses", even though it might seem like it. The goal of a open beta is to put load on critical system and gather information about everything you can. I still don't understand how people can complain about something that's free.

Sure, if you pay for it and it still sucks, ok you can bitch. (Not that we can't have a conversation about it, as it may decide people one way or the other - but saying it's not ready is like saying driving the next Ford hotrod prototype with all it's sensors and minus creature comforts is not ready. Well, duh).

Open Beta is a marketing tool.  There are far easier and cheaper ways to stress test.