Global Agenda - Now Subscription less, GW model.

[Morfiend]

One thing to note though. You can get the same item upgrades you buy from Mercenary tokens as drops. They seem very rare in PVP. But you can get them, so I guess that can bring the total time down a bit if you get lucky.

[Mrbloodworth]

Looks like though, that only one way to get that stuff:

#

    * Weapons of all quality levels can be obtained as loot for winning a Mercenary PvP mission, or killing a boss in a PvE mission.  Low and Medium PvE missions drop only Common and Uncommon weapons. Higher level PvE will drop higher-quality loot (based on a dice roll). Mercenary PvP drops all quality levels of weapons (based on a dice roll).

# Weapons that drop as loot will have randomly-generated stats based on their quality level, creating thousands of possible unique weapons, each designated by up to 3 characters after the name (for instance: Vulture Vision [TTC]).

I know I have personally been getting randomized copies of guns, "skills" and devices (of varying rareness). So, perhaps its not intended you get everything from the vendors, there is also the AH.

[Amarr HM]

Interesting thing just happened, I was level 27 before the last  patch and now I'm level 31 

[Mrbloodworth]

Interesting thing just happened, I was level 27 before the last  patch and now I'm level 31 

Recent patch changed some of the level curve XP requirements.

[TheDreamr]

Same here, guessing the lower-level XP changes were retro-actively applied or it was just a bug - either way, lets hear it for less grind!

On item drops, pretty sure they're bound to your character meaning you only have the option to trash them, rather than sell or auction them off which is a little annoying after you get your 5th rocket turret or satchel charge with no "cash alternative" option in sight.

[Der Helm]

Wow did they fuck up this game. This last patch pushed it from mildly entertaining into unbearable grind.

And the new UI is all kinds of fucked up too. I could not find out for the live of me how the new weapon upgrades work. BECAUSE THERE IS NO INFO ON THE WEBPAGE.

Can you tell I am a little bit angry ?

Fuckers.

[TheDreamr]

Upgrades can be attached to any gear with a coloured name, granting one (uncommon), two (rare) or three (epic) additional bonuses on top of the original bonuses from the gear.  Bonuses on any dropped gear are randomly chosen, bonuses from the upgrades are preset and based on the type /d quality of upgrade.  You can attach any level of upgrade to any level of gear.

To the right of the crafting stations you'll find some new stations for binding the upgrades to your gear.


Post-patch I've had some fun, but bugs, slow queues, lack of balance and looking at where the line between F2P and P2P will be drawn is spoiling what little experience there is.

[Mrbloodworth]

Global Agenda: Hands On With Open Zones

[Malakili]

Global Agenda: Hands On With Open Zones

So, when people said they wanted more MMO in this MMO, we didn't mean more WoW, we meant more Planetside.

[Mrbloodworth]

Global Agenda: Hands On With Open Zones

So, when people said they wanted more MMO in this MMO, we didn't mean more WoW, we meant more Planetside.

I think the directions have been mostly based on the two polls a month month sent out to the player base.

[Malakili]

Global Agenda: Hands On With Open Zones

So, when people said they wanted more MMO in this MMO, we didn't mean more WoW, we meant more Planetside.

I think the directions have been mostly based on the two polls a month month sent out to the player base.

Very well might be, and if this is what the playerbase wants, then fine.  I can't really see it attracting loads more players to the game though, if that is their goal.

[Morfiend]

I think I'm one of the only people here who still plays this. I find it great for hopping in game for 30 minute at a time, and getting a little shooter fix. But with the new advancement stuff, it also somewhat hits that mmo advancement itch also. I'm looking forward to Sandstorm part 2.

[01101010]

I think I'm one of the only people here who still plays this. I find it great for hopping in game for 30 minute at a time, and getting a little shooter fix. But with the new advancement stuff, it also somewhat hits that mmo advancement itch also. I'm looking forward to Sandstorm part 2.

I log on every night for a match or PvE run. Only one though... that's all its worth to me at this point.

[Ixxit]

Global agenda is now subscription free:

http://forum.globalagendagame.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=71&t=21113

[Malakili]

Global agenda is now subscription free:

http://forum.globalagendagame.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=71&t=21113

I can't read that forum since I don't have an account, can you summarize? Is this different than the normal boxed only v. conquest mode or whatever?

[Ixxit]

Here's the forum post, looks like full access to everything with purchase of the game:

Single-Game Purchase Grants Access To All Current Content And Features Within Award-winning Shooter MMO

ATLANTA – June 25, 2010 – Hi-Rez Studios announced today that Global Agenda is now 100% subscription free. Purchasers of Global Agenda can enjoy the game's full current content, including all current Player-vs-Player combat, Player-vs-Environment solo and co-op content, and Agency-vs- Agency seasons, without a monthly subscription payment now or in the future. Future content updates will be delivered via optional paid expansions. The first major expansion, Sandstorm, will be included for free to the entire Global Agenda community.

To celebrate this change, the game is being offered for 33% off on Steam from now through July 5, as part of Steam's Summer Sale. To purchase, visit http://store.steampowered.com/app/17020/

“Hi-Rez Studios is committed to delivering the best value in PC gaming", said Todd Harris, Global Agenda Executive Producer. "In addition to all of the game's initial launch content, we are bundling nearly 6 months worth of post-release content and features and including that within the single-purchase game. One purchase of Global Agenda let's you experience this content forever with no subscription."

Global Agenda allows players to create and customize multiple agent characters, complementing FPS skills with accessable RPG-style progression. Players can co-op with friends online, compete in fast-paced multiplayer matches, and conquer persistent territory with player-formed groups called agencies. The large summer expansion, titled Sandstorm, adds weapon variation and loot, new epic weapons across every class and a brand new Open Zone area complete with quests and new missions. The first phase of Sandstorm was released in early June 2010, with the remaining phase to be released later this summer.

Try For Free – Players can download Global Agenda and play until level 15 with no payment or credit card required.
Buy Once - A single purchase enables you to play forever. Progress thru 50 character levels, access hundreds of weapons, and experience all current content and gametypes on our worldwide, hosted servers with no subscription required.
Play What Suits You - Global Agenda offers a wide range of content including solo and co-op PvE, Mercenary PvP, Agency-vs-Agency, Arena PvP and more.

[Malakili]

Interesting, very interesting.  I'm not sure if it makes me more or less interested though, I'll have to sleep on it.

[Kageru]

Since a PvP game lives or dies on the number of other people to fill teams free to play makes a lot of sense. Especially for Global Agenda which was unlikely to be able to generate enough content to make a subscription fee look like a good deal. It sounds like a good move but the amount of time they've spent to reach this point, and no doubt the population they've bled in the meantime, are going to hurt. Announcing this while being on sale on steam is another good move.

[Tearofsoul]

Great news,  I might pick it up.

[Chinchilla]

Since a PvP game lives or dies on the number of other people to fill teams free to play makes a lot of sense. Especially for Global Agenda which was unlikely to be able to generate enough content to make a subscription fee look like a good deal. It sounds like a good move but the amount of time they've spent to reach this point, and no doubt the population they've bled in the meantime, are going to hurt. Announcing this while being on sale on steam is another good move.

I'll have to give it a look.  I don't know much about the game, but if the price is right... I might do it.  What worries me is the whole futuristic look thing to it.  For some reason that just kinda dulls a game out for me.  I'm more into the post apoc, present tense (like APB), or fantasy kinda of settings.  Hmmmmm I'll have to watch some Youtube vids and read more before I decide.

Does it play more like a FPS with some PvE in it?  Or does it play like a Fallen Earth type of deal?  I never got to try planetside.

[Mrbloodworth]

Global agenda is now subscription free:

http://forum.globalagendagame.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=71&t=21113

Word. That was a good move I think.

I must give credit to High-rez, they gave it a good try, did a fine job of testing the waters and really endeared themselves to the fans of the title while doing it. I really hope they are able to be paid back for the effort with support. I think this is a good case study as well for MMO-shooters in general, as far as acceptance and pricing (Post Mortemof the entire thing please). They really did try to make sure they offered something worth a fee, they polled the player base at least two times a month, added things directly that the players wanted. In the end, they have gone an honorable route. No one has paid a dime for this title except for the box while they have experimented on where the line is for this kind of title.

Meanwhile, the game has turned out quite awesome for what it is.

If you find current RPG combat/dungeons/group experiences stale, check out the PvE in this game, its more engaging than anything in the RPG space I have played in a while. However they do need to fix that scaling, high/max/ultra get to be a bit WTFPAWN there...


Subscription free Global Agenda FAQ

[Chinchilla]

Oh damn, just looked on Steam.  It has a trail to it.  I'm gonna give it a try tonight while I wait for APB.

Oh and its $26.75.  Can't beat that really. 

Oh and may I add that I love Steam!  I just found my old login where I had purchased Might and Magic: Dark Messiah.  I love that game!  Now I can play it again :)!

[Lantyssa]

If you find current RPG combat/dungeons/group experiences stale, check out the PvE in this game, its more engaging than anything in the RPG space I have played in a while. However they do need to fix that scaling, high/max/ultra get to be a bit WTFPAWN there...

How has PvE changed since they started the Free trial up to level 15 program?

[Morfiend]

If you find current RPG combat/dungeons/group experiences stale, check out the PvE in this game, its more engaging than anything in the RPG space I have played in a while. However they do need to fix that scaling, high/max/ultra get to be a bit WTFPAWN there...

How has PvE changed since they started the Free trial up to level 15 program?

More maps, more bosses, more variation of enemies. With a competent group the PVE is decent.

I'm glad they made the game subscription free, as I really didnt think they had enough content to justify a sub. Maybe like $4 a month or something. Anyway, I think this is a good move by them. I hope some more of you guys start playing. I could use a few more in game friends.

[Lantyssa]

That's good, though I'm still hard pressed to imagine how it could have improved so much that it's more engaging than anything out there.

[Morfiend]

That's good, though I'm still hard pressed to imagine how it could have improved so much that it's more engaging than anything out there.

Me too.

Honestly, it hasn't. It has improved, but not to a great extent. The meat of GA is still the PVP content.

[Kageru]

And the PvP is still nothing special. The TF2 soldier, medic, sniper and engineer are more interesting and balanced than the GA equivalents even before you consider that TF2 has a lot more classes, better maps, local servers and doesn't have balance issues like 60% of each PvP encounter being melee rogues (the recon class).

The AvA is a nice idea but threadbare and while gearing your character can be addictive (my highlight was getting a dye so I could re-color, dye has minimum level requirements!) eventually you come to wonder what you are gearing up for and how much balance has been sacrificed to make it possible. The futuristic armor also makes everyone look far more "samey" as well, especially compared to APB. It also really only has 2 armor types per class though they grow more ornate, and less elegant, as the level requirement climbs.

[Mrbloodworth]

That's good, though I'm still hard pressed to imagine how it could have improved so much that it's more engaging than anything out there.

Sorry, I mean in comparison to most RPG PvE. By nature, jetpacks, and shooter mechanics, utility based devices make it more engaging then stand in place wackamole buff/debuff number tweaking combat, IMO of course. Thats what I mean. The randomization keeps it fresh every time, from layout to mob placement to mob types to boss fights.

I fully admit I'm predisposed to enjoy this more than some.

balance issues like 60% of each PvP encounter being melee rogues (the recon class).

This was addressed a while ago. Game is really well balanced IMO, has been.

[Bzalthek]

I downloaded the free version and played an assault for a while.  I actually enjoy it for what it is.  I haven't tried anything beyond soloing but it's a nice diversion.  I don't know that I'd bother paying for a subscription though but  I'll have to put more time into it and explore the other aspects to the game before I make any concrete decision. 

[Chinchilla]

I downloaded the free version and played an assault for a while.  I actually enjoy it for what it is.  I haven't tried anything beyond soloing but it's a nice diversion.  I don't know that I'd bother paying for a subscription though but  I'll have to put more time into it and explore the other aspects to the game before I make any concrete decision. 

Same here, downloaded it and will try it inbetween APB which will be my main focus.

[Typhon]

Same here (also an assault char), was having fun until I reached the 11-19 maps and have not been able to complete a single mission.  Respec'd my talents from assault rife to the first four 'balanced' tree talents and seem to be taking slightly less damage - but that is not enough to enable me to beat a single boss (and some bosses kill me within three seconds).

Disappointing, because I was hoping to talk the crew into taking a break from WoW to play this ($26 + F2P is hard to argue with).

Anyone know why there is such a large ramp-up between tier 1 and tier 2 solo PvE?

[Mrbloodworth]

Dude, after a point, solo missions, are retard hard. There are lots of modes thank goodness. Try group, even PUG it.

[Trippy]

This game needs a fucking Register button in-game.

Edit: Jesus fuck their registration is fucked up. It was giving me an error on Player name when in fact it was User name that was a duplicate.

Edit: What are some good sites for information about the game? I found the Wiki site but there's not a whole lot of info there.

[Mrbloodworth]

What kind of info?

The main site has some decent overview stuff.

[Trippy]

It does?

I wanna understand what you can actually *do* in the game and how if affects your character development. E.g. where is the AvA meta game explained (and is there any point to it as it seems like that one alliance dominates the entire map in NA)? How do you earn the various tokens? Is there any point to the Mercenary PvP game type vs. just doing PvE to level up?