Matrix Online

[schild]

I've bought almost every MMOG to date. I will not be getting MxO, it's simply coming to the market at a time where I will be able to give it zero attention. This week I'm all about finishing collecting stuff in Phantom Dust. Playing Snowblind for the PC and possibly getting Worms Forts for the Xbox. Next week is the PSP, God of War, Shining Tears, DIgital Devil Saga, and Timesplitters: Futureperfect. The week after that is the PC Version of Cold Fear, GT4 (PSP), Obscure, Red Ninja, Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory, and Y's for the PSP.

This is what is known as Christmas in the Springtime. And between all that stuff, MxO would be coal in my stocking. I may pick it up after they iron out launch problems and any bugs that are found in the first month.

Do we need an MxO forum? Are enough people playing?

[stray]

Are enough people playing?

Hrm, I'm going to assume "No". I'm not even sure how long I'll be playing. I didn't get to play much yet, so I'm giving it another chance. If people want to keep track on how the game fleshes out, bumping this thread is probably good enough.

If some of us formed a guild later on, I suppose another forum could help. I wouldn't mind representing this place, but not as "Bat Country". "Function 13" sounds just about right 

[WindupAtheist]

I've bought almost every MMOG to date.

I've bought like three over the last five years.  Tell me, did I really miss much?

[schild]

I've bought almost every MMOG to date.

I've bought like three over the last five years.  Tell me, did I really miss much?

I've probably missed more. I just got back into single player gaming heavily in the last 2 years.

[Hoax]

I gave the idea of playing some serious consideration...  This game would be really fun if it wasn't so obviously half-trash half-interesting so I could put a crew of people who I've game'd with a ton in the past together.  I like that the max clan size is 12, now if I had just been able to find out if anybody ever had a reason to go to the pvp areas..

[Daeven]

I've got to admit that I liked the Cyberpunk feel of the game (forget the whole matrix schlock. I just like the fact that it is Cyberpunk instead of goddamn Elves). I liked the quasi turn-based combat. I liked that you can respec your character at any point.

Am I going to buy it? I don't know because I don't exactly have ton of cycles avaiable for gaming. But it certainly is tempting.

[stray]

I like that the max clan size is 12, now if I had just been able to find out if anybody ever had a reason to go to the pvp areas..

Well, if anything in the future is going to be like the final beta event, I'd say there's plenty reason to PvP (that specific event was open pvp though, and had nothing to do the zones...So that probably doesn't answer your question). It felt like Shadowbane again (the good parts, that is).

So anyways, no, there aren't any points, penalties, or rewards for PvP as of yet (I'm not quite sure what it does for "reputation" though), but like Shadowbane, it's proven to be a great storytelling device. In some ways, even better, because the lore/factions really mean something in MxO.

[Hoax]

shut up

tell me it sucks and i should not play, please.  I feel the overpowering urge to waste money and gain more insight into what makes games suck...

MxO:
-I hate leveling
-I like their combat system but I haven't used it enough to be sure that it wont be broken by the players
-I HATE games where there are FotM broken templates (ala SB)
-I like pvp but hate pvp-lite

I know that one of those four things will make me sick of the game within 2 months of playing.  So the question becomes is it worth $65 to play a game for 2 months? 

If I had been more involved in beta and had a west coast PvP centric crew I was joining at launch...  yes it would.  But I dont so it really would be better for everyone if I didn't add another level-based game to my list of failed attempts to enjoy dungeon crawl gameplay.  I enjoyed it once with Diablo1, its never going to happen again.

P.S.  Are you sure the free trial comes with an extra free month?  I wont be able to play on the weekend so it would only net me one extra day, but if I get an extra free month thats the best deal I've heard of w/ mmog's.

[HaemishM]

So the question becomes is it worth $65 to play a game for 2 months? 

Considering most single-player games cost between $40-$50 and give you maybe 2 weeks of gameplay, I'd say you're coming out about even, as long as you can login and the client doesn't crash constantly.

In other words, NO.

[stray]

tell me it sucks and i should not play, please.

It sucks and you shouldn't play.

BUT...All I can say is *ahem*....That was the coolest fucking thing I've ever seen in an MMO (honestly). Heh. And I'm not even that big of a fan of the Matrix.

Cooler than watching Morloch destroy my city in Shadowbane  .

If there's one thing that gets me stoked more than anything else in an MMOG, it's story driven gameplay. Live events etc.. I want to see what more they have in store, despite some of the problems I'll face. To hell with "rewards", "faction points", "penalities" and the like. If they make a real effort to make the game story driven (pve and pvp wise), where I really want to "believe" in my faction, then I won't be missing those other features very much (though, I admit, that'd be nice as well).

P.S.  Are you sure the free trial comes with an extra free month?  I wont be able to play on the weekend so it would only net me one extra day, but if I get an extra free month thats the best deal I've heard of w/ mmog's.

I'm not sure. I can't find the thread now, but somewhere it's mentioned that there's a "preorder" trial in effect for one month (in case of  shipping delays and the like). After that, the retail key (which one should have by that time) will count as another free month.

[Hoax]

I'll pre-order today if you can confirm this 2 free month thing.

[stray]

One of the mods posted this thread:

Preorder Thread

US:
Upon preordering, you will gain access to the game on the 19th March complete with your Hyperjump Beta ability (and even if you register your preorder key after the 19th, you'll still get it).

All you have to do is upgrade/update your existing account with the preorder key (or if you're not a tester, create a new account). The preorder key gives you a month's grace/free game time in which time you should receive the game, and enter the proper retail key.

It's not much, but that's all I can find atm. It's not a "free month" per se, as it is a "grace period". You might want to check for more on your own.

edit: The only other thing I can suggest is to order from EB, if anything. You'll get your Preorder key instantly. Supposedly Gamestop and some other stores are causing problems for people.

[Hoax]

So you get a free month but I'm sure they've designed it to not overlap with the standerd free month??  Wth does that mean.


*add*
I just dont get it, so you enter your pre-order code and can play from the 19th for 33days before you MUST enter your retail code.  When you enter your retail code will it say:  you played 22 grace period days so you get 8free retail month days?  Or will the smart people get 63 days free?

I'm super down for 63 free days of anything, and this is just the kind of excuse to try the game I need for when I'm bitching about how much I hate it 2 months from now.  But really there has to be more documentation somewhere.

OR

Better yet, I can pre-order but return it and still play w/ my pre-order code for 33 days free costing me $0

[stray]

So you get a free month but I'm sure they've designed it to not overlap with the standerd free month??  Wth does that mean.

/shrug

Could be, but it seems to be a non issue with the people on those boards. I haven't found anything that would suggest it'd overlap so far. Sounds like too much trouble as well.

[schild]

Sheit. I'll even preorder it. This is dumb business.

[Viin]

"What the hell", says I.

I's entered my CC and boughts the game from that there EBGames and nowers I have my purty key thingy.

Hell, I spend more money going out to dinner with my gf than for buying MxO and getting to play for a month.

So, c-ya online this weekend, I'll be Viin most likely.

[HaemishM]

Hell, I spend more money going out to dinner with my gf than for buying MxO and getting to play for a month.

Of course, one would hope you actually enjoy spending the time with your girlfriend. MxO has no such guarantee. 

[Viin]

Of course, one would hope you actually enjoy spending the time with your girlfriend. MxO has no such guarantee. 

True, but at least with MxO I can just log off and watch TV. If I'm having a less than enjoyable time with my girlfriend she expects us to "discuss" the issue.

[Hoax]

So Vin, did it give you any extra documentation on how the hell this free grace-period month works?  Esp in conjunction with returning the game and the free month that is prob linked to the cd-key or retail key in said box you pre-ordered?

[Viin]

Not specifically; the text on the order page said something like:

With your preorder you will receive a preorder key that can be used to play the game starting Saturday March 19th.

And my actual box is suppose to ship on the 22nd. So I would _guess_ that I get to use the preorder key for up to a month and then when I input my retail key (which, I suppose they really want you to put in right when you get it - maybe you don't get the super jump bonus if you don't) I'll get another month, but it doesn't specifically say.

-shrug- Either way, it won't be less than a free month right? Though I bet you could wait up to 30 days (geez, it took forever for my order from EB to get here) and then get another 30 days, but I can't say for sure.

Oh, on the website they consider the preorder key a beta key, so that's why I'm leaning towards the 30 + 30 setup.

[stray]

I'm thinking of playing on Algorithm or XOR. Preorder launch is 3:00AM EST on the 19th. Not sure about the name I'll be using yet.

One irritating thing about character creation is that the name you choose has to be unique across ALL servers (something to do with your handle functioning as an AIM screen name --- Your handle will be _blank_@thematrixonline.com through AIM). I'll be lucky if I can get any one of the names that I have in mind.

One char per server also, but the skill system is flexible enough that there's no need for multiple chars per server.

[Sobelius]

I'm thinking of playing on Algorithm or XOR. Preorder launch is 3:00AM EST on the 19th. Not sure about the name I'll be using yet.

One irritating thing about character creation is that the name you choose has to be unique across ALL servers (something to do with your handle functioning as an AIM screen name --- Your handle will be _blank_@thematrixonline.com through AIM). I'll be lucky if I can get any one of the names that I have in mind.

One char per server also, but the skill system is flexible enough that there's no need for multiple chars per server.

THAT explains why it was so hard to get a some of the more "common" names. I didn't realize it was across all servers.

My characters in Beta were Zyxanon and SQLquery. I'll probably go with SQLquery again assuming someone else doesn't nab it.

Also, while I enjoyed some aspects of the game, I really do not think this game is ready for prime time. My release expectations are way low -- but the ability to plug in any combo of skills you want means I don't feel the time spent is useless -- I got a taste of this in the Beta when I wanted to try out Hacking. I was able to move right into it once I could afford the abilities, rather than having to roll a totally new character.

If the .f13 crowd picks a server, I'll look to play on it.

[Hoax]

Ok I'm totally pre-ordering because I will suffer for my art...

playing games like this will only increase my knowledge of the things that should be avoided by good games.  Also with absolutely no expectation I might enjoy myself for a good 2 months.  Esp if its free.

Somebody post a server on saturday, I wont be playing till sunday or monday evening.

Also since I enjoy Radiofreezion's hyjinx it might be a good idea to play where their dj's are playing unless they intend to spread over all servers?

[MrHat]

I'm confused.

What's this about the game being free?

Do you still have to buy a box? Or just drop 10 bucks on a preorder and play with the beta client for a month?

I'm confused.

I like free stuff, but I can't afford to buy the box if I want to get my PSP next week.

[stray]

Also since I enjoy Radiofreezion's hyjinx it might be a good idea to play where their dj's are playing unless they intend to spread over all servers?

I'm sure that'll be the same across all servers. Algorithm will most likely be the most populated server though, so you can't really go wrong there.

Or, maybe you can. Some may find that "most populated server" is a bad thing. I don't. I kind of want to play there, but if anyone has another preference, I don't mind.

[Hoax]

Our new theory is you can pre-order and play for 30-33days...   if you do pick up the box it may be possible to play for another free 30 days making it $50 for 60-63days of playtime which is schway.



More population = better.
a) More people to fight
b) More people to fight
c) More people to group with
d) Its a mmog, wtf is the point if you want to be alone, more people = more massive feeling.

Bigger is better.

Oh and no matter what this game is going to crash all over the goddamn place if the beta was any indication so I dont think server pop will matter.

[Sobelius]

Oh and no matter what this game is going to crash all over the goddamn place if the beta was any indication so I dont think server pop will matter.

True, but they do lock servers when they are "full" -- I really hate that.

[stray]

I'm confused.

What's this about the game being free?

Do you still have to buy a box? Or just drop 10 bucks on a preorder and play with the beta client for a month?

I'm confused.

I like free stuff, but I can't afford to buy the box if I want to get my PSP next week.

No, you have to buy the box. It's just that if you preorder, you can use a downloadable client to get in 3 days early (like City of Heroes did). Thing is, people can keep playing after the 3 days are up, in case their shipment (with the retail CD key) hasn't showed up in time. The grace period is one month. After that, you must enter a retail cd key to keep playing (which will then activate the standard free month deal common to all mmog's). At least this is what is assumed.

Heh. Complicated? The reason why they're doing this, I guess, is because Cryptic screwed up with their own "early access if you preorder deal". Many people were locked out of City of Heroes because their shipments didn't arrive in time for the offical launch date. They couldn't reactivate their accounts until the boxes showed up.

Giving away an extra "free month" out of the deal is probably not their intent, but just something they have no workaround for.

[MrHat]

I'm confused.

What's this about the game being free?

Do you still have to buy a box? Or just drop 10 bucks on a preorder and play with the beta client for a month?

I'm confused.

I like free stuff, but I can't afford to buy the box if I want to get my PSP next week.

No, you have to buy the box. It's just that if you preorder, you can use a downloadable client to get in 3 days early (like City of Heroes did). Thing is, people can keep playing after the 3 days are up, in case their shipment (with the retail CD key) hasn't showed up in time. The grace period is one month. After that, you must enter a retail cd key to keep playing (which will then activate the standard free month deal common to all mmog's). At least this is what is assumed.

Heh. Complicated? The reason why they're doing this, I guess, is because Cryptic screwed up with their own "early access if you preorder deal". Many people were locked out of City of Heroes because their shipments didn't arrive in time for the offical launch date. They couldn't reactivate their accounts until the boxes showed up.

So, if I go to EBgames this weekend and preorder, I can start playing immeadiately and for 30days free?

[schild]

Ok. So in normal speak.

Pay $5 for the preorder.

After using the key, go cancel the preorder, put it on something good.

Keep playing MxO for a month.

Stop playing at the end of the month or go buy the retail version.

Sounds to me like stupid. I like it.

[MrHat]

Well shit, I'll go do that tonight, will be a nice change from catassing WoW all day.

[stray]

Just make sure they give you a preorder cd key. Heh, you might have to shake someone down. I'd preorder over the internet, if you're going to do it at all. That way you'll be sure to get the cd-key in email.

[schild]

Just make sure they give you a preorder cd key. Heh, you might have to shake someone down. I'd preorder over the internet, if you're going to do it at all. That way you'll be sure to get the cd-key in email.

Returning over the internet is too hard. You do this at EBGames where the employees truly don't give a shit.

[stray]

Sounds to me like stupid. I like it.

As do I. I may just cancel early as well. I dunno.

Sounds to me like they thought of the CoH situation at the last minute, didn't want to repeat the mistake, but found it too complicated to have the "grace period" substitute for the standard free month trial. So they said "Fuck it" and now we get two months.

edit:

Returning over the internet is too hard. You do this at EBGames where the employees truly don't give a shit.

Hmm..Looks like I have my own "complication" to deal with.

[schild]

Sounds to me like stupid. I like it.

So they said "Fuck it" and now we get two months.

See, I never planned on buying the retail. But with the pre-order I can get a front-row seat to a trainwreck.

That's what we in Maryland call, the shizzle.