I was even inspired to make a video on the subject: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ei9Vs2RU2c0 – Would be a great help if you checked it out!
I’ve never played an MMO. Well, that’s not strictly true – I did play Warcraft for half an hour, but I didn’t enjoy it. Something about being in a game where everyone knows what to do aside from you – it’s almost like your first day at big school. Anyway, I went for this one, and boy was I impressed.
I guess the thing I like more than anything is the idea that everyone helps everyone. When someone appears to be struggling in a battle against those pesky (Asura – Synergistics) Inquest, I just seem to feel compelled to help them, and it works vice versa. It’s almost as if the game has been designed in a way where the community can work together, no matter what experience level you’re at, and no matter how much you know about the game.
The interface isn’t too clunky, and the graphics are impressive. (FYI, in my own situation, there was a recent update that dramatically improved performance) I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t initially a bit overwhelmed by it all, and choosing a “safe” server probably wasn’t the best way to go. But after I got to around level 8 or so, I was actively encouraged to venture out to that dark corner of the map, where I encountered not just other enemies, but other people in the same position as me. As well as that, the conversation going on in the bottom left is almost like an invitation to earn experience… “I’m doing this quest in five minutes…” for example. “Anyone consider joining me?”
Now I’ll admit my Noob status is still there. For example, I haven’t touched PvP, (slightly embarrassed to admit I had to Google its’ meaning), and I still don’t really understand Guilds, or those pets that some people have with them – but that’s the beauty of it. For a relatively small outlay, I can play as little, or as much as I want, knowing there are probably hundreds of hours lying ahead of me.
It’s only when there isn’t a subscription do you realise the beauty of it. It almost obligates people to play, because knowing that time is ticking away, even when you’re not in the game world – you’ll play anyway. Not because you like it – but because you feel compelled. Then, if you do start to like it and your subscription runs out – pony up some more cash! This was a huge innovation, because this method is basically saying: “Here is our game. Give it a try. If you don’t like it. No biggy. You can move on.” That was tremendous.
Anyway, I feel I’m waffling now, so I’ll just say, that in closing, I’m hugely enjoying this game, and that lack of a subscription means I can play it in my own time, and at my own pace. Just brilliant. If you’re a noob like me, give it a try, and don’t take it at face value. I’ve only scratched the surface, and still I feel lost in a huge world. Crucially, take your time, and enjoy yourself.
Any other total noobs out there? How did you find it? Anyone got any tips or cool things to share? Let me know, I still know pretty much nothing!
), when it’s spelt “Newb” – that’s the kind way.