Hello all, I apologize ahead of time if there are any posts similar to mine. I am a long time MMORPG player, playing games as early as The Realm Online up to World of Warcraft. I have been looking into playing a new MMO, and as the title of the thread suggests, I am interested in picking up Warhammer Online. My question to you WAR players though, is why WAR?
I suppose in a way I am looking for more of a response from players who moved from World of Warcraft to Warhammer Online. I want to know why you moved, and why did you continue to stay with Warhammer Online. Not too long ago, a WoW player made a compare/contrast thread on the two games, but I can't find that thread again for the life of me. I think it would be important to hear what ex-WoW players would have to say, because the last time I made a decision on moving away from WoW (to LotR Online) without getting some opinions, I regretted it.
So.. what is WAR like? I've read that it focuses around PvP a lot, and that is okay with me, especially since it has more to offer than just simply items. I also looked at the character development, and couldn't really make a decision on what I think I would want to be. I noticed as far as I read, it is not quite as black and white as WoW character development is, or am I wrong? This is not necessarily a bad thing at all either, I would just like someone to explain it a little simpler to me. I read a thread here on the forums about it, only to find out that it was taken out of the game (( Black Guard :( )). So is there anything that was added similar to that idea?
Another thread I was looking at, and I believe it is a more recent one, was about how a high level character went into a low level zone to complete some sort of achievment, only to find himself unable to because he was turned into a chicken? I like the idea behind that, but are players restricted from being able to complete everything the game has to offer? I already read up on the questing system, and understand fully how that works, but is there a fix to a problem like that just mentioned?
There are a lot of questions I would like to ask, but this thread could go on forever, which is why I simply want to know what kind of edge this ggame has over WoW. (Also, I understand that everyone has their own taste in gaming, and I know there are those who still prefer WoW over WAR, but there must be some aspects of this game that were better designed than WoW, and that's kind of what I am looking to find out about.)
Help me make a decision on purchasing this game!! And thanks for reading. :)
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WAR23 - MNK22 - THF15- WHM9
Server: Asura
Character: Wuntooth
Hit me up in-game.
Server: Asura
Character: Wuntooth
Hit me up in-game.
I'm an ex-WoW player and have never regretted my choice. In fact, WAR has done nothing but made me hate WoW more and more as I play it.
First off, its a PvP game. There are PvE elements but it is obvious shortly after starting that they are for gaining levels and that's about it.
What I like about this game is that it is based on RvR (realm vs realm) as opposed to "PvP". The game is balanced around large scale battles compared to the small scale arena in WoW. Something that is actually POSSIBLE in an MMO. small scale balancing in an MMO is a horrible and futile idea without making carbon copies. And I would say, for the most part, assuming each side has the same amount of people and similar levels, WAR is balanced.
WAR is not without its flaws and there are still bugs being worked out, but they are making a conscious effort and it has been my experience that the Dev team is in tune with the players.
Also, Black Guard is in the game now.
First off, its a PvP game. There are PvE elements but it is obvious shortly after starting that they are for gaining levels and that's about it.
What I like about this game is that it is based on RvR (realm vs realm) as opposed to "PvP". The game is balanced around large scale battles compared to the small scale arena in WoW. Something that is actually POSSIBLE in an MMO. small scale balancing in an MMO is a horrible and futile idea without making carbon copies. And I would say, for the most part, assuming each side has the same amount of people and similar levels, WAR is balanced.
WAR is not without its flaws and there are still bugs being worked out, but they are making a conscious effort and it has been my experience that the Dev team is in tune with the players.
Also, Black Guard is in the game now.
Greetings and welcome EpicUnderwear,
A good question! For me, it is as simple as the variety and complexity of all the group choices in the game. You have Public Quests, Scenarios, PvP instances, PvP areas, RvR areas, some more P's and R's here and there, and of course standard group options. It is these options that give such a flexibility in how you want to work with (and battle against) your fellow players.
What game did I come from previously? Lord of the Rings Online. A non-PvP game in most of its essence. While I loved the game, WAR found a special place in my heart. Now, if WAR combines it's great combat system with a bit more economic elements as detailed crafting features, I will never leave!
A good question! For me, it is as simple as the variety and complexity of all the group choices in the game. You have Public Quests, Scenarios, PvP instances, PvP areas, RvR areas, some more P's and R's here and there, and of course standard group options. It is these options that give such a flexibility in how you want to work with (and battle against) your fellow players.
What game did I come from previously? Lord of the Rings Online. A non-PvP game in most of its essence. While I loved the game, WAR found a special place in my heart. Now, if WAR combines it's great combat system with a bit more economic elements as detailed crafting features, I will never leave!
Welcome to WAR Alla!
I started the MMO scene out with UO, then went to FFXI, then WoW, and now WAR.
I think each game brings something different to the table. Player-housing and Non-combat focused gameplay is something I still treasure from UO. FFXI's missions had a truly epic feel to them (CoP in particular, for me). WoW was accessible and truly a joy to play.
As for WAR....well, forget most of what you know about PvP. I am not a PvPer by nature, (WoW PVP for example makes me cringe), but it's a very different experience in WAR. Part of that is due to the aforementioned facts that there are rewards to it beyond gear. Part of it is due to the fact that it is what the game was built around, and balanced around.
One of the biggest complaints I had about WoW was the fact that every 3 weeks or so classes would see significant PvE changes (sometimes positive, but mostly not) due to purely PvP concerns. Constantly getting my abilities nerfed because of a facet of the game that I didn't even enjoy was frustrating to me.
In WAR, RvR is the thing and the whole of the thing. PvE content is there, and can offer challenges, but does not come close (in my opinion) of matching the thrill of the RvR scene.
That being said, I feel that WoW still has the edge in the PvE area. WAR wisely chose to focus on one thing and do it splendidly rather than try to put their fingers into a lot pies. Not to disparage WAR PvE, elements of it like the Tome of Knowledge and Public Quests are very very cool and innovative. The bottom line for me is that WAR is exciting to me in ways that WoW never was. The thrill of dominating your enemy, seizing a keep, holding a line against the other side...A unique experience.
If you have any other questions, feel free to ask!
Edited, Jan 7th 2009 1:10am by Snout
I started the MMO scene out with UO, then went to FFXI, then WoW, and now WAR.
I think each game brings something different to the table. Player-housing and Non-combat focused gameplay is something I still treasure from UO. FFXI's missions had a truly epic feel to them (CoP in particular, for me). WoW was accessible and truly a joy to play.
As for WAR....well, forget most of what you know about PvP. I am not a PvPer by nature, (WoW PVP for example makes me cringe), but it's a very different experience in WAR. Part of that is due to the aforementioned facts that there are rewards to it beyond gear. Part of it is due to the fact that it is what the game was built around, and balanced around.
One of the biggest complaints I had about WoW was the fact that every 3 weeks or so classes would see significant PvE changes (sometimes positive, but mostly not) due to purely PvP concerns. Constantly getting my abilities nerfed because of a facet of the game that I didn't even enjoy was frustrating to me.
In WAR, RvR is the thing and the whole of the thing. PvE content is there, and can offer challenges, but does not come close (in my opinion) of matching the thrill of the RvR scene.
That being said, I feel that WoW still has the edge in the PvE area. WAR wisely chose to focus on one thing and do it splendidly rather than try to put their fingers into a lot pies. Not to disparage WAR PvE, elements of it like the Tome of Knowledge and Public Quests are very very cool and innovative. The bottom line for me is that WAR is exciting to me in ways that WoW never was. The thrill of dominating your enemy, seizing a keep, holding a line against the other side...A unique experience.
If you have any other questions, feel free to ask!
Edited, Jan 7th 2009 1:10am by Snout
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14 posts
The only reason to play WAR is as a refuge frmo WoW until a better game comes out. Unfortunately, that isn't a good reason. Mythic screwed the game over badly when they made scenarios rewards better than oRvR rewards. They made that mistake even worse by beginning with way too many servers. The result was training players to wait on scenarios to start instead of doing oRvR. Within 2 months of release this led to a large number of players leaving the game because it didn't offer what it claimed to; oRvR wasn't the prime feature as it was in DAoC and it wasn't anywhere near as good as it was in DAoC. My personal experience was the medium/full server I started on ended up being low/low within 60 days and RvR was non-existent due to the lack of players.
I would strongly suggest looking at a game like Atlantica Online instead of WAR. It is free-to-play but don't let that turn you away from it. The amount of content is huge. I dropped WAR and landed there. I love it.
I am also waiting for Darkfall Online (DFO) to come out (supposedly 22 January) because it has promise to be the best MMORPG to come otu in years. DFO is not your normal MMORPG. You don't pick a class. You don't level your toon per se. Instead, it takes an old school UO-type approach. Rather than level your toon, you level yor skills. Skills increase in efficiency as you use them. SO if you want to be an axe wielding caster, you can be. If you want to be purely a crafter, you can be. If you want to wear platemail as an archer, you can. Of course, decisions you make impact your performance. Metal armor on a caster will decrease your effectiveness - but it's YOUR choice to make - not Game Mommy tyelling you you cant even try it.
Additionally, every piece of gear in the game is craftable. Some may only be craftable at high skill levels but put in the time and effort and you can make it. Things you see in the universe are usable. Unlike most games, you can cut down the trees, use ALL the flowers, etc.
There is no stealth as you are used to. You won't be able to walk invisibly across open plains. But there will also be no big bright red nametags people can see from miles away. So you can stealth the real way: by using shadows and trees and rocks and other cover to sneak up on someone - or lay in wait, hidden for someone unsuspecting victim to walk by.
The world will be heavily clan based, but soloers will be able to thrive, too. It is possible to build entire cities from scratch. It is also possible to destroy them in war. At the same time, the world is so vast, it won't be hard to disappear from the radar and have you own little playground, rarely visited by others.
One thing some Wow-ers might not like (only the carebears) is there is NO safe area. DFO is PvP all the time, anywhere. But beware before going on killng sprees for no reason. Killing players which your clan is not at war with, or of races your race is at peace with will cause you to become persona non grata in the main towns and guards will kill you on sight.
This is definitely a game worth checking out.
So, why play WAR? I loved DAoC. WAR left a very bitter taste in my mouth. I'm done with Mythic until they fire Mark Jacobs. He may be able to launch a huge MMORPG. But as he has proven with the later portions of DAoc and now WAR, he can not make a good one.
I would strongly suggest looking at a game like Atlantica Online instead of WAR. It is free-to-play but don't let that turn you away from it. The amount of content is huge. I dropped WAR and landed there. I love it.
I am also waiting for Darkfall Online (DFO) to come out (supposedly 22 January) because it has promise to be the best MMORPG to come otu in years. DFO is not your normal MMORPG. You don't pick a class. You don't level your toon per se. Instead, it takes an old school UO-type approach. Rather than level your toon, you level yor skills. Skills increase in efficiency as you use them. SO if you want to be an axe wielding caster, you can be. If you want to be purely a crafter, you can be. If you want to wear platemail as an archer, you can. Of course, decisions you make impact your performance. Metal armor on a caster will decrease your effectiveness - but it's YOUR choice to make - not Game Mommy tyelling you you cant even try it.
Additionally, every piece of gear in the game is craftable. Some may only be craftable at high skill levels but put in the time and effort and you can make it. Things you see in the universe are usable. Unlike most games, you can cut down the trees, use ALL the flowers, etc.
There is no stealth as you are used to. You won't be able to walk invisibly across open plains. But there will also be no big bright red nametags people can see from miles away. So you can stealth the real way: by using shadows and trees and rocks and other cover to sneak up on someone - or lay in wait, hidden for someone unsuspecting victim to walk by.
The world will be heavily clan based, but soloers will be able to thrive, too. It is possible to build entire cities from scratch. It is also possible to destroy them in war. At the same time, the world is so vast, it won't be hard to disappear from the radar and have you own little playground, rarely visited by others.
One thing some Wow-ers might not like (only the carebears) is there is NO safe area. DFO is PvP all the time, anywhere. But beware before going on killng sprees for no reason. Killing players which your clan is not at war with, or of races your race is at peace with will cause you to become persona non grata in the main towns and guards will kill you on sight.
This is definitely a game worth checking out.
So, why play WAR? I loved DAoC. WAR left a very bitter taste in my mouth. I'm done with Mythic until they fire Mark Jacobs. He may be able to launch a huge MMORPG. But as he has proven with the later portions of DAoc and now WAR, he can not make a good one.
Tazilon
26 SW, Chaos Wastes
~Riders of Ellyrion~
26 SW, Chaos Wastes
~Riders of Ellyrion~
Tazilon, you must have quit WAR a while ago.
The low pop servers got free transfers to high pop servers. and oRvR got revamped with an influence system that offers pretty nice rewards per tier per pairing. There is alot of oRvR happening on my server all the time. Whether or not that oRvR is fun for you is a personal choice.
What scenario gear are you talking about exactly? renown gear is obtainable without doing scenarios, in fact its arguable that scenarios arent even the best way to get renown rather oRvR.
Heh i remember when people said "vanguard will be the best mmo in years."
The low pop servers got free transfers to high pop servers. and oRvR got revamped with an influence system that offers pretty nice rewards per tier per pairing. There is alot of oRvR happening on my server all the time. Whether or not that oRvR is fun for you is a personal choice.
What scenario gear are you talking about exactly? renown gear is obtainable without doing scenarios, in fact its arguable that scenarios arent even the best way to get renown rather oRvR.
Heh i remember when people said "vanguard will be the best mmo in years."
I am a long time EQ player and then Wow and have been there for over 3 years with very high toons and still playing it.
For me, War gives me a lot of different things and the RVR, the quests and lol the most fantastic graphics (I had thought FFXI was leader in graphics till War).
There is no pressure. I have been only in a couple of scenerios in which I thought 'oh great, big mouth as in Wow BGs and instances' but that is very rare. Most players seem nice.
Havent played since Sat but feel no pressure from guild or myself for being casual. I am having a great time exploring areas and zones, being turned into a chicken. I have found areas, zones which are not ready yet.
So, for me a lot of different things to do. I think this game is great and I also appreciate the fact that they are not rushing additions or higher ranks.
Hate the music though, Wow music is fantastic, this is just okay and my only problem right now is I keep jumping from zone to zone to quest and explore with no real schedule, hehe.
For me, War gives me a lot of different things and the RVR, the quests and lol the most fantastic graphics (I had thought FFXI was leader in graphics till War).
There is no pressure. I have been only in a couple of scenerios in which I thought 'oh great, big mouth as in Wow BGs and instances' but that is very rare. Most players seem nice.
Havent played since Sat but feel no pressure from guild or myself for being casual. I am having a great time exploring areas and zones, being turned into a chicken. I have found areas, zones which are not ready yet.
So, for me a lot of different things to do. I think this game is great and I also appreciate the fact that they are not rushing additions or higher ranks.
Hate the music though, Wow music is fantastic, this is just okay and my only problem right now is I keep jumping from zone to zone to quest and explore with no real schedule, hehe.
"I know everything you know and you know nothing!"
Oh, and there have been two public events and they are for all levels, you can't beat that!
"I know everything you know and you know nothing!"
I did decide to pick up a copy of WAR and installed it onto my computer, although I have been looking into Darkfall Online as well. I ran into a couple problems after the installation, but I think things are working out now. Currently @23% in patching.
WAR23 - MNK22 - THF15- WHM9
Server: Asura
Character: Wuntooth
Hit me up in-game.
Server: Asura
Character: Wuntooth
Hit me up in-game.
7 posts
what i like is that there are so many DIFFERENT classes and choices whereas with WOW you get a warrior class for every race with some race bonuses for each race but basically different races same classes. WAR each class has 4 different to chose from that vary from any other choices in some way or another than other class choices. the fact that you get xp for rvr is awsome also
I tried WAR from the getgo, suffered through all of the server migrations, RvR, PvE changes. I endured because I really loved the way that DoK played. Having just left AoC, watching two mice duking it out in a cardboard box would have been less irritating to deal with.
As someone already said, the major issue was there were just too many servers at release. Mythic should have had the foresight to realize that many players would leave after the free 30-day subscription. Even more were inspired to leave when they saw their servers were deserted. While Mythic did offer the free transfers, they were just slightly too late for many folks. Now, you see server swapping all over the place, every week seems to bring a new cadre of transfers. This does not give many players the feeling of security and stability they pay for in an MMO. The best solution is just to remove 50% of the servers and migrate everyone to the remaining ones. To find a good server, log on during 6-9 pm CST and find the servers that seem the highest populated. That will give you a good idea of what weekends are like as well.
All that being said, the game itself is fun as hell to play. Every job/class has little idiosynracies and abilities that make it slightly, if not a lot, different from all the others. PvP is possibly the best i've experienced in terms of a MMO (until Darkfall releases). You darn sure don't have to worry about 'invasion of the twinks' like WoW PvP. PvE is acceptable, sometimes entertaining. The quests available in the game are often short-lived, but full of details and lore about the game. I enjoyed unlocking Tome sections myself, but i'm a 'adventurer' type.
It's really a personal choice. I no longer play, but that was to return to WoW for the expansion release. My best suggestion is to pick up a cheap copy of WAR and try it out for yourself. It's worth, at the very least, the 20-30 bucks.
As someone already said, the major issue was there were just too many servers at release. Mythic should have had the foresight to realize that many players would leave after the free 30-day subscription. Even more were inspired to leave when they saw their servers were deserted. While Mythic did offer the free transfers, they were just slightly too late for many folks. Now, you see server swapping all over the place, every week seems to bring a new cadre of transfers. This does not give many players the feeling of security and stability they pay for in an MMO. The best solution is just to remove 50% of the servers and migrate everyone to the remaining ones. To find a good server, log on during 6-9 pm CST and find the servers that seem the highest populated. That will give you a good idea of what weekends are like as well.
All that being said, the game itself is fun as hell to play. Every job/class has little idiosynracies and abilities that make it slightly, if not a lot, different from all the others. PvP is possibly the best i've experienced in terms of a MMO (until Darkfall releases). You darn sure don't have to worry about 'invasion of the twinks' like WoW PvP. PvE is acceptable, sometimes entertaining. The quests available in the game are often short-lived, but full of details and lore about the game. I enjoyed unlocking Tome sections myself, but i'm a 'adventurer' type.
It's really a personal choice. I no longer play, but that was to return to WoW for the expansion release. My best suggestion is to pick up a cheap copy of WAR and try it out for yourself. It's worth, at the very least, the 20-30 bucks.
Jerri Blank (Strangers with Candy):
"I may still be doing all the wrong things, but now i'm doing them the right way!"
"I may still be doing all the wrong things, but now i'm doing them the right way!"
1 post
I'm "transiting" from WoW to WAR and from a strictly PvE to PvP.
When WotLK came out I was in WoW heaven. Blizzard did a brilliant job. Graphics, game play and especially story telling where superb. I was playing a ret pally on a Oceanic PvE server and having a ball.
Being in a good guild made it even more enjoyable - so why the change? It all started because of WoW battlegrounds.
After years of level grinding and chasing gear, rep and levels I decided I needed something different. I tried the PvP elements of WoW for the first time only six months ago. Arena wasn't for me as it seems all about gear. Battlegrounds I loved. So much more rewarding and enjoyable then the PvE element. I mean, after years "kill ten rats" and "collect ten foozles" has to get boring right? Dungeons/raids where about scripted fights, but I found BGs more free flowing, anarchic and fun. Winning a 15 minute BG was so much more satisfying than 2 hours in a dungeon.
I'd read the blogs and sites about WAR and it's emphasis on PvP (and oRvR) and thought I'd enjoy that as much as WoW BGs. I was also starting to ask myself "what is there after 80?" Raiding? Arena? Epic Gear. Role a new toon? To my surprise I enjoyed WAR more! Sure the game has had it's issues, however the MMO is less than six months old. I think many commentators have forgotten what large, complex beasts MMO's are. And Mythic has been very, very responsive to players.
What I like about WAR?
- Levelling and gear is not so much a concern. Many players have commented on "I don't watch my level" or "I'm surprised when I ding!". It's becuase in WoW levelling becomes an obsession, as it all about getting the gear to do heroics to get gear to raid. Right from lvl 1 you can fight other players. Actually I'm sad when I level past a tier becuase I miss the scenario's and oRvR lakes. You gain XP from PvP, scenario's and RvR. Overall I don't feel like I'm grinding as much as WoW. Gear is not so much an issue as in WoW. Sure you want better gear, and will frequently upgrade - but really, it's how you play that matters. I got my first blue at level 8 through PQ's
- PvP is its core and works well. oRvR has been fixed and the scenario's are fast, fun and furious. I've been part of some epic battles already. You can join PvP scenario's from anywhere, you don't need to fly to a hub (just click the "Join Scenario" option in HUD)
- Darker fantasy world. The bad guys are bad. There are no motorbikes in WAR and elves don't dance (type /dance to see what I mean). It does not have the cartoon feel of WoW. This is a serious place, the game's narrative is built around a massive invasion by the forces of Chaos. I'm going slower thought this game than WoW, reading the story and exploring the world at a slow pace. Why? Becuase I don't need to level so fast, I can get into PvP anytime I want. I remember fighting RvR as Order and watching a bunch of player Orc's come running at us and being scared!
- Vanilla WAR can be played without MODs. Seems like a strange thing to say, but imagining playing WoW without the MODs? How much more harder is WoW out the box without the community providing half the functionality of the game? Take away your auction, quest helper and class mods and how much harder is to play WoW? I think this is Blizzards dirty secret - it's the MOD developers who make the game functional, meaning many of forget just how many features WoW does not have. Many of this are absorbed Borg like in patches and expansions.
- Tome of Knowledge. Believe the hype on this. A brilliant addition to MMO games, and something you can spend hours flicking through learning about the world and it's creatures. Tome Unlocks are achievements that also give you XP.
- Public Quests and open groups. Work very well. You can join any group without an invite. This is starting to come together well, once you learn how to create and search for groups. I'm noting more and more people grouping and using this to advantage
- Mature player base (on my servers at least). I'm finding the players older and more mature than WoW. No Allakhazam jokes, nothing is "gay" and the world is over run by players calling each other "noob". I'm also finding players are getting to know their class better, and fights are evolving from chaotic free-for-alls to more co-coordinated efforts. Players are learning how to play/fight in this world and both sides are getting better... thus making it more competitive and fun!
- Classes are fun and have specific roles. I've played Shadow Warrior (O), Disciple of Khaine (C), Shadow Warrior (O) and Witch Finder so far and enjoyed all (and dabbled with more). After playing a proc/holy pally for so long it was great to play offensive melee/dps classes (the WoW population seems to be converging towards 50% druids and 50% DKs. Rogues as a class are dying, tanks are rare and healers even rarer). It takes time to learn their strengths and weaknesses, but now I'm finding I'm increasingly hitting the top of the damage/kill tables at the end of scenario's. The thing about WAR is that you have to move fast... stand still too long and you will die in a fight. You can't solo a mass of other players (unlike typical PvE MOBs) and learning team work and how your class fights into the group will make all the difference. Thus, all those people claiming Witch Elves (WE) where "overpowered", especially compared to the Empire's Witch Hunter (WH) didn't understand the subtle differences in play between the two. (WH's can be deadly if you know how to dart in and out of the fight, hitting fast and getting out faster). Play style is more important than gear, unlike WoW BG's where twinked premades ruled.
Where WAR still needs work
- Crafting is servicale, but not the basis of a player economy. I've got apothecary and talisman making on my two Order toons in order to support each other, but don't see much use for the others. I understand Mythic will be building trade skills over time
- Capital cities need to be turned into hubs for socialising, trading and recruiting much more. 99% of actions takes place outside the cities, hampering online interactions somewhat
- Bugs, glitches etc. They're almost there, and WAR's much more stable these days. Have not got to tier 4 yet, so can't comment on capital city sieges.
- If you love PvE this is not for you. It's workable thanks to PQs, however PvE simply helps build XP. Treat PvE as a change to learn about the world. Reading the quest givers texts gives you an insight into the characters and factions of the world. Yes, you have to kill ten rats again and again, but at least you have 100% drop rates (Remember the pain Stranglethorn Vale quests and their drop rates if you think Blizzards PvE is so superior).
Summary - WAR is in it's infancy, and they made some mistakes, but it is constantly evolving and getting better. Give it even more time and will be even better.
Edited, Jan 14th 2009 11:18pm by Ozmike
When WotLK came out I was in WoW heaven. Blizzard did a brilliant job. Graphics, game play and especially story telling where superb. I was playing a ret pally on a Oceanic PvE server and having a ball.
Being in a good guild made it even more enjoyable - so why the change? It all started because of WoW battlegrounds.
After years of level grinding and chasing gear, rep and levels I decided I needed something different. I tried the PvP elements of WoW for the first time only six months ago. Arena wasn't for me as it seems all about gear. Battlegrounds I loved. So much more rewarding and enjoyable then the PvE element. I mean, after years "kill ten rats" and "collect ten foozles" has to get boring right? Dungeons/raids where about scripted fights, but I found BGs more free flowing, anarchic and fun. Winning a 15 minute BG was so much more satisfying than 2 hours in a dungeon.
I'd read the blogs and sites about WAR and it's emphasis on PvP (and oRvR) and thought I'd enjoy that as much as WoW BGs. I was also starting to ask myself "what is there after 80?" Raiding? Arena? Epic Gear. Role a new toon? To my surprise I enjoyed WAR more! Sure the game has had it's issues, however the MMO is less than six months old. I think many commentators have forgotten what large, complex beasts MMO's are. And Mythic has been very, very responsive to players.
What I like about WAR?
- Levelling and gear is not so much a concern. Many players have commented on "I don't watch my level" or "I'm surprised when I ding!". It's becuase in WoW levelling becomes an obsession, as it all about getting the gear to do heroics to get gear to raid. Right from lvl 1 you can fight other players. Actually I'm sad when I level past a tier becuase I miss the scenario's and oRvR lakes. You gain XP from PvP, scenario's and RvR. Overall I don't feel like I'm grinding as much as WoW. Gear is not so much an issue as in WoW. Sure you want better gear, and will frequently upgrade - but really, it's how you play that matters. I got my first blue at level 8 through PQ's
- PvP is its core and works well. oRvR has been fixed and the scenario's are fast, fun and furious. I've been part of some epic battles already. You can join PvP scenario's from anywhere, you don't need to fly to a hub (just click the "Join Scenario" option in HUD)
- Darker fantasy world. The bad guys are bad. There are no motorbikes in WAR and elves don't dance (type /dance to see what I mean). It does not have the cartoon feel of WoW. This is a serious place, the game's narrative is built around a massive invasion by the forces of Chaos. I'm going slower thought this game than WoW, reading the story and exploring the world at a slow pace. Why? Becuase I don't need to level so fast, I can get into PvP anytime I want. I remember fighting RvR as Order and watching a bunch of player Orc's come running at us and being scared!
- Vanilla WAR can be played without MODs. Seems like a strange thing to say, but imagining playing WoW without the MODs? How much more harder is WoW out the box without the community providing half the functionality of the game? Take away your auction, quest helper and class mods and how much harder is to play WoW? I think this is Blizzards dirty secret - it's the MOD developers who make the game functional, meaning many of forget just how many features WoW does not have. Many of this are absorbed Borg like in patches and expansions.
- Tome of Knowledge. Believe the hype on this. A brilliant addition to MMO games, and something you can spend hours flicking through learning about the world and it's creatures. Tome Unlocks are achievements that also give you XP.
- Public Quests and open groups. Work very well. You can join any group without an invite. This is starting to come together well, once you learn how to create and search for groups. I'm noting more and more people grouping and using this to advantage
- Mature player base (on my servers at least). I'm finding the players older and more mature than WoW. No Allakhazam jokes, nothing is "gay" and the world is over run by players calling each other "noob". I'm also finding players are getting to know their class better, and fights are evolving from chaotic free-for-alls to more co-coordinated efforts. Players are learning how to play/fight in this world and both sides are getting better... thus making it more competitive and fun!
- Classes are fun and have specific roles. I've played Shadow Warrior (O), Disciple of Khaine (C), Shadow Warrior (O) and Witch Finder so far and enjoyed all (and dabbled with more). After playing a proc/holy pally for so long it was great to play offensive melee/dps classes (the WoW population seems to be converging towards 50% druids and 50% DKs. Rogues as a class are dying, tanks are rare and healers even rarer). It takes time to learn their strengths and weaknesses, but now I'm finding I'm increasingly hitting the top of the damage/kill tables at the end of scenario's. The thing about WAR is that you have to move fast... stand still too long and you will die in a fight. You can't solo a mass of other players (unlike typical PvE MOBs) and learning team work and how your class fights into the group will make all the difference. Thus, all those people claiming Witch Elves (WE) where "overpowered", especially compared to the Empire's Witch Hunter (WH) didn't understand the subtle differences in play between the two. (WH's can be deadly if you know how to dart in and out of the fight, hitting fast and getting out faster). Play style is more important than gear, unlike WoW BG's where twinked premades ruled.
Where WAR still needs work
- Crafting is servicale, but not the basis of a player economy. I've got apothecary and talisman making on my two Order toons in order to support each other, but don't see much use for the others. I understand Mythic will be building trade skills over time
- Capital cities need to be turned into hubs for socialising, trading and recruiting much more. 99% of actions takes place outside the cities, hampering online interactions somewhat
- Bugs, glitches etc. They're almost there, and WAR's much more stable these days. Have not got to tier 4 yet, so can't comment on capital city sieges.
- If you love PvE this is not for you. It's workable thanks to PQs, however PvE simply helps build XP. Treat PvE as a change to learn about the world. Reading the quest givers texts gives you an insight into the characters and factions of the world. Yes, you have to kill ten rats again and again, but at least you have 100% drop rates (Remember the pain Stranglethorn Vale quests and their drop rates if you think Blizzards PvE is so superior).
Summary - WAR is in it's infancy, and they made some mistakes, but it is constantly evolving and getting better. Give it even more time and will be even better.
Edited, Jan 14th 2009 11:18pm by Ozmike
7 posts
I'm thinking of getting WAR. I used to be a hardcore WoW player but I only had interest in pvp. I hated nearly every second of pve and any dungeon run I ever did. The 'pvp-focus' is why I'm drawn to WAR.
However, I'm very very hesitant and perhaps I wont get WAR cause of all the bad things I've heard about it. I'm afraid I'm too used to WoW's polish, smooth gameplay and cohesiveness that WAR will seem clunky and broken. Its hard for me to enjoy and kind of video game that isn't perfect. Blizzard is evil and WoW is devious, but lets face it... Blizzard designs their games flawlessly, they are very PLAYABLE.
Compare WAR and WoW's pvp. I have to admit, I enjoy warcraft pvp immensely. Does WAR have the same thrills or is it slower and more archaic?
Please be honest and not fanboys, say whats great about the game as well as whats terrible. Currently I'm leaning towards not getting it at all and quitting MMO's but is WAR PVP that great that it should bring me back?
Edited, Feb 16th 2009 5:07pm by supershaft
However, I'm very very hesitant and perhaps I wont get WAR cause of all the bad things I've heard about it. I'm afraid I'm too used to WoW's polish, smooth gameplay and cohesiveness that WAR will seem clunky and broken. Its hard for me to enjoy and kind of video game that isn't perfect. Blizzard is evil and WoW is devious, but lets face it... Blizzard designs their games flawlessly, they are very PLAYABLE.
Compare WAR and WoW's pvp. I have to admit, I enjoy warcraft pvp immensely. Does WAR have the same thrills or is it slower and more archaic?
Please be honest and not fanboys, say whats great about the game as well as whats terrible. Currently I'm leaning towards not getting it at all and quitting MMO's but is WAR PVP that great that it should bring me back?
Edited, Feb 16th 2009 5:07pm by supershaft
I like WAR it's a pretty fun break from WoW, though I am still playing both. My small casual guild just beat 10 man Kel'Thuzad and cleared Naxx for the firs time last night. Man that was fun! Nothing in WAR I have found really compares to that yet.
I do like PvP but when you get down to it WAR is all about PVP. Call it RvR or what you will but its realy the same thing. It's super fun especially at first when you are trying al the classes out level 1-10. It's nice to jump in a scenario and level up. The problem I am having is that the game slows way down after level 10. My highest toon right now is a level 17 IronBreaker. At around level 15 I grabbed a pick up warband and took a keep in T2. My obliterator chest dropped, woot! Then later in a scenario (Think BG) my obliterator boots dropped, Woot! So I was realy looking forward to putting them on at 17.
Well I ding 17 and what happens? You cannot equip....My stupid renown was too low. I am level 17 with 14 renown. Now I have been PvPing my ass off. The boots require 15 renown the chest requires 17 renown. So not only are you grinding levels you are grinding Rep (PvP renown). I mostly have PvPed to level this toon but felt I was missing out on the fun solo stuff so I did mix in some Public Quests and Chapter quests. So what I am seeing is if you spend any time not playing pure PvP your renown will fall behind and you cannot use the gear. Sure I can play without the gear but damnit thats my gear and I want to wear it!
Ohh and another problem I am having is that SC's are full of stupid people on Order side. I play Horde in WoW, but in WAR the evil side is just too evil. They are not misunderstood they are just plain evil. So yeah anyway in most SC's if I want to to win I have to solo run the flag, or grab the mourkrain artifact myself. Becuase my teamates are standing around farming kills or beating on the same tank who is getting healed to full by three healers for 20 minutes...
Just for kicks I did roll a Zealot on another server. I jumped into an SC and what did I see? Well for one Zealots are fantastic healers. But the other thing I saw is Order doing exactly what they always do. Destro stayed back and healed our frontline. Order beat away at it until they were all dead. Destro then proceeded to wipe out Order in every SC I played on the zealot the rest of the day. So I guess if I want competant Pug teamates who arent windowfoggin mouthbreathers I got to be evil.
But I'm not sure that I care enough to play the game past level 20. Leveling every class 1-10 is about the most fun thing I have enjoyed in WAR so far after that the grind sets in bad and hey my Pally in WoW now has 4 out of 5 T7.
TLDR summary:
War is fun. It's PvP grindy after a bit. Your pug teamates will make you frustrated often.
Edited, Feb 17th 2009 8:50am by Shojindo
I do like PvP but when you get down to it WAR is all about PVP. Call it RvR or what you will but its realy the same thing. It's super fun especially at first when you are trying al the classes out level 1-10. It's nice to jump in a scenario and level up. The problem I am having is that the game slows way down after level 10. My highest toon right now is a level 17 IronBreaker. At around level 15 I grabbed a pick up warband and took a keep in T2. My obliterator chest dropped, woot! Then later in a scenario (Think BG) my obliterator boots dropped, Woot! So I was realy looking forward to putting them on at 17.
Well I ding 17 and what happens? You cannot equip....My stupid renown was too low. I am level 17 with 14 renown. Now I have been PvPing my ass off. The boots require 15 renown the chest requires 17 renown. So not only are you grinding levels you are grinding Rep (PvP renown). I mostly have PvPed to level this toon but felt I was missing out on the fun solo stuff so I did mix in some Public Quests and Chapter quests. So what I am seeing is if you spend any time not playing pure PvP your renown will fall behind and you cannot use the gear. Sure I can play without the gear but damnit thats my gear and I want to wear it!
Ohh and another problem I am having is that SC's are full of stupid people on Order side. I play Horde in WoW, but in WAR the evil side is just too evil. They are not misunderstood they are just plain evil. So yeah anyway in most SC's if I want to to win I have to solo run the flag, or grab the mourkrain artifact myself. Becuase my teamates are standing around farming kills or beating on the same tank who is getting healed to full by three healers for 20 minutes...
Just for kicks I did roll a Zealot on another server. I jumped into an SC and what did I see? Well for one Zealots are fantastic healers. But the other thing I saw is Order doing exactly what they always do. Destro stayed back and healed our frontline. Order beat away at it until they were all dead. Destro then proceeded to wipe out Order in every SC I played on the zealot the rest of the day. So I guess if I want competant Pug teamates who arent windowfoggin mouthbreathers I got to be evil.
But I'm not sure that I care enough to play the game past level 20. Leveling every class 1-10 is about the most fun thing I have enjoyed in WAR so far after that the grind sets in bad and hey my Pally in WoW now has 4 out of 5 T7.
TLDR summary:
War is fun. It's PvP grindy after a bit. Your pug teamates will make you frustrated often.
Edited, Feb 17th 2009 8:50am by Shojindo
An old silent pond...
A frog jumps into the pond,
splash! Silence again.
~ Matsuo Basho
A frog jumps into the pond,
splash! Silence again.
~ Matsuo Basho
2 posts
I am a newcomer to WAR as well. Still, here's my two cents worth...
I actually still like to play WoW on occasion...I am rather fond of my Blood Elf Hunter. However, I have been watching the rise of WAR for a while now and finally got around to pulling down the 10 day trial. I will be buying the full game soon and upgrading my account. Why do I like WAR better? Its not so much how the game plays or the various ways it differs mechanically from WoW, but rather that I have always liked the Warhammmer backstory and world better than the backstory for WoW. Especially the Orks. I've played a bit of the table top game that WAR is based on, as well as a number of the computer games and pen and paper role playing games that have come out of the Warhammer world. The Warhammer world has always interested me more than the Warcraft world. So, all in all, I am making the switch because of the flavor and history of the world presented in the game.
Never mind that my dear, loving mother got me started on all of this and she is currently a regualar WAR player...lol.
I actually still like to play WoW on occasion...I am rather fond of my Blood Elf Hunter. However, I have been watching the rise of WAR for a while now and finally got around to pulling down the 10 day trial. I will be buying the full game soon and upgrading my account. Why do I like WAR better? Its not so much how the game plays or the various ways it differs mechanically from WoW, but rather that I have always liked the Warhammmer backstory and world better than the backstory for WoW. Especially the Orks. I've played a bit of the table top game that WAR is based on, as well as a number of the computer games and pen and paper role playing games that have come out of the Warhammer world. The Warhammer world has always interested me more than the Warcraft world. So, all in all, I am making the switch because of the flavor and history of the world presented in the game.
Never mind that my dear, loving mother got me started on all of this and she is currently a regualar WAR player...lol.
I recently left WoW because the way in which they're trying to band-aid core design problems is both depressing and frustrating. Mana regen is too high in PVE but too low in PVP, but instead of biting the bullet and trying to fix the root of the problem--normalize mana regen!--they're Indian-giving the buffs they handed out like candy several months ago in a failed effort to keep it all in check.
Warhammer took the basic skeletal design created by WoW and refined it. Instead of the having to deal with several completely different styles of "regen", every class relies upon Action Points to do at least some of their damage. Now, some classes also have unique secondary systems that augment their playstyle, so it gives every class a bit of a unique flavor. I dare say that if Mythic saw fit to give a bit more PVE content, this would actually be a superior PVP and PVE game. However, PVP (or RVR) is the focus of the game, and it is actually fun. Every class can hold their own; healers are sturdy, and tanks are useful! There are still some class balance issues, but nothing to the disparity that was seen in early WoW--or, hell, even current WoW.
There are aspects of the game that are "locked" to a certain level group. No, I don't believe you can finish low level achievements as a chicken, but then, that player should have done the achievements when he was the appropriate level--or even ten levels above the appropriate level. "Chickening" doesn't happen until you're at least 20 levels above current content; so why was this fool waiting until 40 to go back and powerlevel meaningless influence?
But that's neither here nor there; the fact is, the content might be psuedo-"locked" to a certain level bracket, but you have more than enough time to do all of it. Leveling isn't just about grinding mobs or doing every quest you see--you'll probably need a healthy mix of solo questing, PQs and RVR to level the fastest. I suppose you could level purely by quests/RVR, but you'd probably want to commit suicide after a while of it.
The game still has its flaws, though. There are still some graphical glitches and UI bugs that need to be fixed, but comparing it--again--to the nightmare that was WoW's launch, this game is quite sturdy. It's not a perfect game, but it is a fun game, and it's worthwhile, I think.
Hope I helped.
Warhammer took the basic skeletal design created by WoW and refined it. Instead of the having to deal with several completely different styles of "regen", every class relies upon Action Points to do at least some of their damage. Now, some classes also have unique secondary systems that augment their playstyle, so it gives every class a bit of a unique flavor. I dare say that if Mythic saw fit to give a bit more PVE content, this would actually be a superior PVP and PVE game. However, PVP (or RVR) is the focus of the game, and it is actually fun. Every class can hold their own; healers are sturdy, and tanks are useful! There are still some class balance issues, but nothing to the disparity that was seen in early WoW--or, hell, even current WoW.
There are aspects of the game that are "locked" to a certain level group. No, I don't believe you can finish low level achievements as a chicken, but then, that player should have done the achievements when he was the appropriate level--or even ten levels above the appropriate level. "Chickening" doesn't happen until you're at least 20 levels above current content; so why was this fool waiting until 40 to go back and powerlevel meaningless influence?
But that's neither here nor there; the fact is, the content might be psuedo-"locked" to a certain level bracket, but you have more than enough time to do all of it. Leveling isn't just about grinding mobs or doing every quest you see--you'll probably need a healthy mix of solo questing, PQs and RVR to level the fastest. I suppose you could level purely by quests/RVR, but you'd probably want to commit suicide after a while of it.
The game still has its flaws, though. There are still some graphical glitches and UI bugs that need to be fixed, but comparing it--again--to the nightmare that was WoW's launch, this game is quite sturdy. It's not a perfect game, but it is a fun game, and it's worthwhile, I think.
Hope I helped.
SK:
Bah, double posted. :(
Edited, Mar 24th 2009 12:54pm by WFSilverKnight
Edited, Mar 24th 2009 12:54pm by WFSilverKnight
SK:
Well guys after a year or so this is my first post here on (used to be) allakhazam and this topic made me decide to give WAR a try. I have a few questions though:
1 are there enough realms with an good enough population?
2 US and Europe apart?
3 (for me Europe) which realm is the most mature (population / content) realm?
1 are there enough realms with an good enough population?
2 US and Europe apart?
3 (for me Europe) which realm is the most mature (population / content) realm?
-=Lieutenant Commander Kilt=-
-------------------------------------------------
The absolute truth is the thing that makes people laugh.
-------------------------------------------------
The absolute truth is the thing that makes people laugh.
ChlKilt wrote:
Well guys after a year or so this is my first post here on (used to be) allakhazam and this topic made me decide to give WAR a try. I have a few questions though:
1 are there enough realms with an good enough population?
1 are there enough realms with an good enough population?
Quote:
2 US and Europe apart?
Quote:
3 (for me Europe) which realm is the most mature (population / content) realm?
One thing I have noticed is the regional chat channel (default area chat) is not very active. In fact, chat, as a whole - in groups or raids, is minimal.
It's a good game though. Everything is easy and convenient except the battles themselves.
Edited, Apr 7th 2009 4:44pm by Elinda
When I say "Red light" stop, when I say "Green light" go.
Ready?
Ready?
Tnx for the link Elinda +1
By mature i mean population and dungeon wise...but i'll just have to figure that one out.
Another question:
Is WAR a non installion game (don't know the word for it) so you can copy it 1 on 1 and play?
By mature i mean population and dungeon wise...but i'll just have to figure that one out.
Another question:
Is WAR a non installion game (don't know the word for it) so you can copy it 1 on 1 and play?
-=Lieutenant Commander Kilt=-
-------------------------------------------------
The absolute truth is the thing that makes people laugh.
-------------------------------------------------
The absolute truth is the thing that makes people laugh.
ChlKilt wrote:
Tnx for the link Elinda +1
By mature i mean population and dungeon wise...but i'll just have to figure that one out.
Another question:
Is WAR a non installion game (don't know the word for it) so you can copy it 1 on 1 and play?
By mature i mean population and dungeon wise...but i'll just have to figure that one out.
Another question:
Is WAR a non installion game (don't know the word for it) so you can copy it 1 on 1 and play?
When I say "Red light" stop, when I say "Green light" go.
Ready?
Ready?
Ofcourse, what i mean is if you take WoW for example you can copy the whole WoW directory to another disk/computer en play without any installation.
I'm hoping this is also the case with WAR
I'm hoping this is also the case with WAR
-=Lieutenant Commander Kilt=-
-------------------------------------------------
The absolute truth is the thing that makes people laugh.
-------------------------------------------------
The absolute truth is the thing that makes people laugh.
22 posts
Cause i burnt out of Wow and i needed another game.
Fellow Game Designer Friend told me about War and how they have improved the pvp and questing and ganking that i should try it
Im now running around in my rank 24 Rune Priest on a dead server doing pve.....sigh
I enjoy the game when there are people on but i guess its tough,
i hear tier 4 is live but ill have to wait and see.
Fellow Game Designer Friend told me about War and how they have improved the pvp and questing and ganking that i should try it
Im now running around in my rank 24 Rune Priest on a dead server doing pve.....sigh
I enjoy the game when there are people on but i guess its tough,
i hear tier 4 is live but ill have to wait and see.
Casual Player, not elite like these people
http://www.detoxinsider.com/testimonial.php?gid=89
http://www.detoxinsider.com/testimonial.php?gid=89
Scholar
24 posts
What server and at what time do you play? I'm now on Iron Rock after spending some time bored to tears on Ironfist. Iron Rock is amazing! I can pretty much log in whenever I want during prime time and find WBs running around taking or defending keeps. Getting to rank 24 is fast and easy so just reroll on a better server.
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