Shadowland

[Krabbus]

I have seen the shadowland expansion pack, but there's something I really don't understand. I have bought AO and have played it for several months now.

You find the the article at http://pc.ign.com/articles/360/360429p1.html

At certain stages in a character's development, any profession may choose to "specifiy" in a skill set. Your characters will keep all existing abilities, while branching off into more specific areas. So for instance, if you're a Martial Artist and choose to specialise as a "Healer," you will get a benefit to First Aid and Treatment every time you level. This offers a more hands-on approach to creating a specific character to your liking, while integrating a cool sub-class feature.

Hmm, for me this sounds like you are changing "profession" during your life (making treatment green skills etc), and isn't it very easy to make an uber char if this is possible? But what will happen with old AO players, will they take a part of this too?

In addition to new armor and weapons, existing items will be upgradeable or "wargleable" to a degree players haven't seen yet. There will also be a slew of new class specific weapons and non-drop items. But sorry, if you don't buy the exansion, you won't be looting that Fixer Stealth Gun off your opponent in the Player vs Player arena. Funcom assured us that these perks are only for the fans that buy Shadowlands and deserve more for purchasing the expansion.

No kidding, so only ppl who buys the expansion pack will have an advantage over the old AO players? I'm just hoping it's a new graphic of an old gun. What about the new armor and items that will be upgradeable, will they be available for old AO players?

But not to dismay. Funcom says they are still going to support their original Anarchy Online product with the same continuity of patches and support, they don't want to alienate fans of the game who can't buy the expansion. Fans can still expect to see the implementation of story quests, IPR points, and new character skills wholly separate from the Shadowlands expansion

Juppie, we don't get any new items I'm happy with the same old stuff I see again, and again... ehm...


If it's like the article says will people who buys the Shadowland Expansion Pack have an advantage over people who is still playing the old version. If this is true, I'm surely going to quit AO if I don't get the same items and stuff as the new players.

I don't mind if I don't get access to Jobe and Shadowland, but I want to be a part of the rest that affect everyone at Rubi-Ka. Please correct me, I don't want to be right here :-/ If Shadowland is a seperate dimension, forget my post


/me hoping shadowland is a new dimension, and that he never will see a Shadowland character at Rubi-Ka 1
/me is hoping that he won't be alone at Rubi-Ka 1


Krabbus - Level 120 MA Engineer

[BoomDoom]

I don't get the problem. What exactly is wrong with expansion. Almost every game of quality (and plenty of games not of any quality) have expansion packs. Whenever significant material is added it is normal for it to be added in an expansion pack.

I only expect Funcom to patch the game for story content, bug fixes, and game-play issues (like the so-called "balance" patches). When they want to add new classes/races, abilities, equipment, functionality for equipment, and areas I don't mind paying a couple of extra bucks for it. I consider that kind of addition to be above and beyond what the $13 a month pays for.

Don't think this means I'm happy with everything Funcom has done to this game in the past. I'm just not going to get all irritated about them releasing an expansion pack. I tend to think it could be a good thing.

[Ahuramazda]

Originally posted by Krabbus
I have seen the shadowland expansion pack, but there's something I really don't understand. I have bought AO and have played it for several months now.

You find the the article at http://pc.ign.com/articles/360/360429p1.html

Hmm, for me this sounds like you are changing "profession" during your life (making treatment green skills etc), and isn't it very easy to make an uber char if this is possible? But what will happen with old AO players, will they take a part of this too?

No kidding, so only ppl who buys the expansion pack will have an advantage over the old AO players? I'm just hoping it's a new graphic of an old gun. What about the new armor and items that will be upgradeable, will they be available for old AO players?

Juppie, we don't get any new items I'm happy with the same old stuff I see again, and again... ehm...


If it's like the article says will people who buys the Shadowland Expansion Pack have an advantage over people who is still playing the old version. If this is true, I'm surely going to quit AO if I don't get the same items and stuff as the new players.

I don't mind if I don't get access to Jobe and Shadowland, but I want to be a part of the rest that affect everyone at Rubi-Ka. Please correct me, I don't want to be right here :-/ If Shadowland is a seperate dimension, forget my post


/me hoping shadowland is a new dimension, and that he never will see a Shadowland character at Rubi-Ka 1
/me is hoping that he won't be alone at Rubi-Ka 1


Krabbus - Level 120 MA Engineer

In the article you mentioned it tells you, point blank, that you will not have access to the same gear or abilities as the players who buy the expansion. I am not trying to make you mad, but, if you want the benefit of the expansion, BUY IT! =)

If you are threatening to quit if you don't get the same gear, do so now, because it already says that you won't. I don't want to see you leave, so fork out a few extra bucks and enjoy the new place with me!! =)

[Krabbus]

Originally posted by Ahura Mazda
In the article you mentioned it tells you, point blank, that you will not have access to the same gear or abilities as the players who buy the expansion. I am not trying to make you mad, but, if you want the benefit of the expansion, BUY IT! =)

I think in a game like this everyone should have the same starting point. I think it's great with a expension pack that adds new graphics, sounds and some additional playfields (Shadowland, Jobe). I think it's really strange if shadowland players will be in the same dimension as old AO players, and have advantage over them. So if you got the money you have the chance to rule over all old AO players because u have the "Fixer Stealth Gun" that only exist in the Shadowland Expansion.

In a game like this everyone should have the same starting point if all the players are in the same dimension/playfield, and not change the gamemechanics like Shadowland will do (if it's in the same dimension)

If you are threatening to quit if you don't get the same gear, do so now, because it already says that you won't. I don't want to see you leave, so fork out a few extra bucks and enjoy the new place with me!! =)

My point is that everyone should be equal and have the same starting point, this is a "MMPORG" after all...

If I ever meet a Shadowland character in my dimension with uber gear and special items - I can tell u now that I will quit this game

I really like this game but I will not pay extra money to FC to be equal to other players, so please put Shadowland on another dimension. Can I please have any comments from u Cosmik or Cz ????

[BoomDoom]

And if you don't want to pay them the extra money you don't get the extra stuff. This is a MMORPG, as you said, it is not a Socialist Government Agency that is responsible for making all players equal. You want the gear, you pay the cash. If you think you can play without it, then don't buy it. But if you're going to go crazy because some of us are willing to participate in the almighty capitalist entity referred to as pay to play gaming and you're not, then you might as well quit.

[Krabbus]

Originally posted by Thugdoom
I don't get the problem. What exactly is wrong with expansion. Almost every game of quality (and plenty of games not of any quality) have expansion packs. Whenever significant material is added it is normal for it to be added in an expansion pack.

Nothing is wrong with an expansion, unless they change the gamemechanics (as new loot, skill specialization etc). If they change the gamemechanics it should be in another dimension - that's my point.

I only expect Funcom to patch the game for story content, bug fixes, and game-play issues (like the so-called "balance" patches). When they want to add new classes/races, abilities, equipment, functionality for equipment, and areas I don't mind paying a couple of extra bucks for it. I consider that kind of addition to be above and beyond what the $13 a month pays for.

Oh, this is "MMORPG" game and I'm paying the monthly fee to see some progress in Rubi-Ka. Evolution is a keypoint in a game like this, new items should be added (isn't there Engineers in this game) and new cities should be build, and perhaps new caves/dungeons to explore.

If anything should affect the gamemechanics it should also be done in the old version of AO, we are paying to see some changes in the world, it isn't static. I'm not saying that it can't be done different in the Shadowland dimension and Rubi-Ka 1&2, but it's an evolution on all dimensions, that includes storyevents, new items, cities etc.

Don't think this means I'm happy with everything Funcom has done to this game in the past. I'm just not going to get all irritated about them releasing an expansion pack. I tend to think it could be a good thing.

I think it's a good thing too if they seperate the old and new version of AO, can't point out this too many times

[______________Myrthe]

OK, going back to the article you qutoted you will notice that it describes the shadowlands quite well, they will be on the same servers but will be like the grid, a different plane of reality.

Find me one successful MMORPG that has released an expansion that gave nothing more than new areas/sounds/graphics...All expansions give the people who shell out the money some advantage, but an advantage doesn't mean they will be uber or godly...

So save yourself a few monthly fee's and cancel now becuase those of us who buy the expansion will have access to items that you don't and areas that you don't. I can't honestly say how much advantage the items and areas will give over those who don't buy the expansion, but I guarantee it will be some.

-Xasi

[BoomDoom]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Krabbus
Nothing is wrong with an expansion, unless they change the gamemechanics (as new loot, skill specialization etc). If they change the gamemechanics it should be in another dimension - that's my point.[/QUOTE

If it doesn't change the mechanics then it isn't expanding anything. If you want the Shadowlands to go to a new server then its not an expansion on the current game, it becomes a new game. It wouldn't change the way I play my characters (which is what expanding should do), it instead forces me to make all new characters on an all new server. Not that I'm opposed to new characters and a new server, but when i do that it'll be because i bought a new game, not an expansion pack.

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Krabbus
Oh, this is "MMORPG" game and I'm paying the monthly fee to see some progress in Rubi-Ka. Evolution is a keypoint in a game like this, new items should be added (isn't there Engineers in this game) and new cities should be build, and perhaps new caves/dungeons to explore. [/QUOTE

The fee you pay is a maintenance fee to keep the game functional and for the privaledge of using their servers. IF you want the new material you buy the expansions that have the new material.

Originally posted by Krabbus
If anything should affect the gamemechanics it should also be done in the old version of AO, we are paying to see some changes in the world, it isn't static. I'm not saying that it can't be done different in the Shadowland dimension and Rubi-Ka 1&2, but it's an evolution on all dimensions, that includes storyevents, new items, cities etc.

I think it's a good thing too if they seperate the old and new version of AO, can't point out this too many times

It is in fact a terrible idea to seperate the old and new dimensions. There's no precedent and it would defeat the point of an expansion pack. A new server with the new rules would be basically a new Anarchy (like a sequel), which isn't what they are releasing. They are expanding the current game, not creating a new one.

[Krabbus]

Originally posted by Xasi
OK, going back to the article you qutoted you will notice that it describes the shadowlands quite well, they will be on the same servers but will be like the grid, a different plane of reality.

Great, I really think so, that kind of seperation is fine by me.

Find me one successful MMORPG that has released an expansion that gave nothing more than new areas/sounds/graphics...All expansions give the people who shell out the money some advantage, but an advantage doesn't mean they will be uber or godly...

Really? Just take a look at the old ELLTS with 15% crit buff. It's kind of out of the game, but u can still trade it. I think it's strange that shadowland players can't trade their items (new stuff) with old players. If this is the case it will become a really strange world. If u only can use the new items in the two new playfields - that's fine by me. But I will not be shot with a gun that I can't get...

[_____________Mr Bean]

Not for long, Rumor has it goes no-drop come 14.2(anyone can confirm or Deny that little tid bit?)

[BoomDoom]

Originally posted by Krabbus
[But I will not be shot with a gun that I can't get... [/B]

Just buy the expansion like the rest of us. You're not forbidden to get the gun, you just simply refuse to participate in the same reality the rest of us are

[eaze]

This thread is bull****. IT's an expansion pack, no you dont get the stuff in the pack if you don't buy it. Wtf kind of posting is that?

[Krabbus]

Originally posted by Abasin
This thread is bull****. IT's an expansion pack, no you dont get the stuff in the pack if you don't buy it. Wtf kind of posting is that?

U really don't get the point, we are all players in the same dimension and the Shadowland Expansion change the gamemechanics so much.

One thing is the skillspecialization, and u get benefits in certain skills u didn't have in first place. Old AO players can't do this. So if a new and old player are fighting in the area, guess who will win the fight?

The one that have specialized in First Aid and using really high QL First Aid stims or the other one with much lower first aid, they have the same profession, using same gun and armor. There's no doubt who will win the match...

That's my point, if u change the gamemechanics like this u a forced to buy the expansion, else u will be ganked everytime by an Shadowland player.

/me wonders why he can't pay FC 20$ to get an old QL195 ELLTS in his bank when u can pay the same amount to spesialize in certain skills.

[_______FeloniousPunk]

I can't believe you're complaining about this! Is $20 going to set you back so bad that you won't be able to afford to eat anything but Ramen noodles?

[BoomDoom]

An expansion pack by definition adds new material. If you want the new material you buy the expansion pack. If you don't want it nobody is forcing you to buy it.

But that leaves only two options.

1) Buy the pack, have the new stuff
2) Don'y buy the pack, don't have the new stuff.

BTW- its really up to you to decide. Unlike a lot of games (although no MMORPG springs to mind) pre-expansion pack and post-expansion pack verisons will be compatible. Most non-MMORPG games arn't like that. If I have Armaghedon's Blade for Heroes III and my buddy doesn't we can't play where i have the new stuff and he doesn't.

Stop crying. Spend the couple of bucks or suffer the consequences. The choice is truly yours.

[Takima]

One thing is the skillspecialization, and u get benefits in certain skills u didn't have in first place. Old AO players can't do this. So if a new and old player are fighting in the area, guess who will win the fight?

You've been using the term 'old players'. I think you need to change the term to pre-expantion players. All my old players are going to benefit from the expantion when it comes out and I buy it, why deny your characters the same benefits and not buy it?

Hmm, for me this sounds like you are changing "profession" during your life (making treatment green skills etc), and isn't it very easy to make an uber char if this is possible? But what will happen with old AO players, will they take a part of this too?

I don't think you'll be able to change a skill color, but maybe you'll get to raise it 5 points instead of 3 (if it is normally drk blue for your particular character)...at the IP cost of a drk blue skill or whatever it normally is. Raising a drk blue skill by 5 points every lvl would get very expensive eventually.

My point is that everyone should be equal and have the same starting point, this is a "MMPORG" after all...

As far as I can tell, all new characters are still going to be lvl 1 with no armor, no credits, and thier newbie weapon. Pre or post expansion.

/me wonders why he can't pay FC 20$ to get an old QL195 ELLTS in his bank when u can pay the same amount to spesialize in certain skills.

/me wonders why you would rather pay $20 for one ingame item rather than paying the same amount for a whole crapload of new items, perks, specialisations, zone, graphics, and sounds.

[Krabbus]

Originally posted by Thugdoom
An expansion pack by definition adds new material. If you want the new material you buy the expansion pack. If you don't want it nobody is forcing you to buy it.

Ok, I'm fine by the items, as long it's NO-DROP - then it make sense, but not the other thing as skillspecialization - that will make the game even more unbalanced, thought they were heading the other directions since they remove all crit buffs etc.

Stop crying. Spend the couple of bucks or suffer the consequences. The choice is truly yours.

The problem is the unbalance, a shadowland char is going to be much better than the old characters, since they don't have the skillspecialization.

It's ok to have new items for expansion pack if they are No-Drop, but that skillspecialization is changing the gamemechanics so much that u are almost forced to buy the expansion pack to be able to PvP at all.

That's the problem, u are forced to buy it if u want to PvP og doing missions in the same way as new players. 20$ isn't that much, but u are forced to buy it if u are going to take advantage in the new gamemechanics.


One example, lets say IPR is an "expension pack", and only the ones who payed FC would be able to reset their skills. The same thing will shadowland expansion do, it will only allow the ones who pay FC to make some difference in skills.

So basic gamemechanics should be implemented in both versions if they are in the same dimension. New items only for Shadowland players is fine by me if it's no-drop, but not the gamemechanics.

[____________Dominata]

Krabbus, read your own quotes please...

The new skill system will be implemented for people who don't buy the expansion.

I quote:
"Fans can still expect to see the implementation of story quests, IPR points, and new character skills wholly separate from the Shadowlands expansion."
End quote.

As for new weapons and items, they will probably be 'NODROP' or somethign to that effect. There is no reason for you to get your hands on them without paying for the expansion.
If you think it is too unbalancing, either stay out of PvP or quit, simple as that.

All MMORPG's do this, there is nothing odd about it. Be happy they do not force you to buy the expansion, I certainly wouldn't put it past FC to have gone that route.

Another issue is how well FC will continue to update and fix the rest of the game that is not part of the expansion...

[BoomDoom]

That most of the new gear will not be nodrop. It sounds like there will be new nodrop things, but also plenty of stuff that isn't nodrop, and that only people using the expansion will be able to trade among each other the new items. People without the expansion should be able to trade old tems with the expansion players, but not new items. I'm totally ok with that, makes plenty of sense. Buy the expansion or don't get the benefits of the expansion.

I also don't think when they said the old version would have uipdated skills they meant the new skill specificiations. I think they meant that if they added a new skill (Say 1 handed submachine gun) both version would get it, but not the new specifications. I may be wrong, but that's the impression i got.

I also think that the old material will not really fall by the wayside. Simply because the old material is the basis for the new shadowlands stuff. Shadowlands appears to be contained in the original areas (like the grid), which means it will have to be maintained, if for no other reason then to allow access to shadowlands.

Basically the arguement here is you want to get all the benefits of the new expansion without paying for it, or you want the people that do pay for it to get nothing.

[Krabbus]

Originally posted by Dominata
Krabbus, read your own quotes please...

The new skill system will be implemented for people who don't buy the expansion.

I quote:
"Fans can still expect to see the implementation of story quests, IPR points, and new character skills wholly separate from the Shadowlands expansion."
End quote.

Ok, if the same basic gamemechanics is implented in both versions then I think the Expansion pack is a good thing. But I don't want to pay for it to be a part of the same gamemechanics - but I can, and perhaps will pay for it to get better graphics, new playfields etc.

It's just a principle, I don't want to be forced to buy an expension. But if the gamemechanics is the same on both version I'm not forced to it, but doing it of free will...

As for new weapons and items, they will probably be 'NODROP' or somethign to that effect. There is no reason for you to get your hands on them without paying for the expansion.
If you think it is too unbalancing, either stay out of PvP or quit, simple as that.

New items are okey as long they are nodrop But the unbalancing thing was the basic skilldesign, but if it's implemented in both version - it's not an issue.


So I really want a offical response from Cosmik or Cz, will the basic gamemechanics be the same in both version, except of new playfields, graphics, items, etc ????