Elder Scroll Opinions

RavenSkylord

As a primarily console gamer I am new to Elder Scrolls Online, and after the dreadful PC launch, I am pleasantly suprised how great the game turned out. So for starters a big kudos to Zenimax for turning it around. I didn't expect to sink this much time and money into this game a year ago. I have played through a few TES titles, but am no way an expert as far as lore. But wanted to see how others feel regarding certain points, with so many forums dedicated to this game I have seen some opinions, but wanted more discussion as opposed to mud slinging.

First some observations on what I find right about this game in comparison to other TES games. Previously I would expect to start and abandon characters as I became familiar with the nuances of the game, but don't feel that need in ESO, the adaptability the game has is impressive and come away feeling natural as opposed to forced. Quests are right in line with what I have come to expect, though shorter then normal. Crafting is nearly as fun as previously. And overall the game's different climates all come together beautifully.

I have heard grumblings about a choice in Mage's Guild line, but find the choice captures the Daedra perfectly.

The Vampire mission in Ebonheart does seem completely out of place in regards to what is already a long established story line. But this is splitting hairs.

My only real gripe so far is in regards to map changing, I had hoped to feel at home in Skyrim, but am instead left feeling more out of place in their zones then any other. Lore has also gotten pretty loose at times, with the vampire example being among them. And was hoping I could relive some of the lore moments from the books in previous games. Yes I freely admit I actually read the short stories with some delight, that is part of the draw to these games, the rich history that was created around the games, it made you feel like you were in an organic living world and your adventures were only a part of it for a short time. As opposed to being dropped into something new and only exists for the players benefit.

I would also mention the maps feel too linear, forcing your directions with obstacles. Being able to make your way over the maps terrain no matter what was another achievement to TES games of old, it may take some time, but climbing the highest points without trails always felt like an accomplishment. Though here I recognize the necessity of it.

I am looking forward to added content through dlc and such, and hope it begins soon. On my personal wish list is Thiefs Guild and Dark Brotherhood, more map areas, lore based missions from the time period, and personally I would like to see the addition of solo epic dungeons more like in Skyrim, the kind you would clean out your inventory for all the loot you would find, the kinds that sometimes took hours to explore, and make them solo so you are free to take your time in them. Also I would like to be able to name the gear I craft, as well as have a way for the crafters to produce the best gear, as opposed to being matched by people that do it as an after thought. Someone who spends the majority of their time focusing on a craft should be reflected, perhaps added to a permanent tree of skill points that can not be cleared away respeccing a character. Perhaps similar to the veteran trees. My final wish, can we purchase or build homes, where we can store treasures and extra items and decorate with trophies from our exploits?

Akavir_Sentinel

JesterH

Akavir_Sentinel wrote: »

Cameron_Star

@Akavir_Sentinel @JesterH Stop assuming OP is directly comparing ESO to Skyrim and wishing it was more like it. He has some negative comments about the game but that's it.
Why do people always accuse others of being Skyrim fanboys? Get over it, he even said he liked the game.

Thalmont

Cameron_Star wrote: »

@Akavir_Sentinel @JesterH Stop assuming OP is directly comparing ESO to Skyrim and wishing it was more like it. He has some negative comments about the game but that's it.
Why do people always accuse others of being Skyrim fanboys? Get over it, he even said he liked the game.

Since he mentioned Skyrim several times throughout his post they assumed. I'm with them Skyrim was good but this is ESO entirely different. I would love to name my creations and buy a house. I spent hours decorating houses and creating armor. But those times have passed. Maybe TES VI.

Enodoc

RavenSkylord wrote: »

My only real gripe so far is in regards to map changing, I had hoped to feel at home in Skyrim, but am instead left feeling more out of place in their zones then any other.

I actually thought Windhelm and Riften were pretty good as "1,000 years prior" versions of the Skyrim cities.

newtinmpls

i would love to name my weapons. Adored doing that in Morrowind.

I would even settle for being able to pay a crown fee and boost previously awarded items from quests (and I'll even specify NON set items) to my "current" level). Heck, I'd probably re-pay that every 4 levels or so.

Sausage

This is one of those dead horse topics. This wasnt the game what ES fans dreamed, but luckily the budget and innovation rescued this game by instant dead.

RavenSkylord

I want to be clear on this. I am not simply comparing ESO to Skyrim or any other TES game for that matter. ESO is its own game, but as it is set in a set universe it should conform to what has been established. Skyrim by virtue of being most recent as well as sharing several locales becomes the most apparent similarity for comparison.

To address the map changing aspect I was referring to the area map as opposed to the city maps with so much time between games it is natural that the cities evolve, but the landscape surrounding shouldn't change that much. While the landscaping captures the feel well enough, it is disconcerting to some degree.

I give Zenimax all the credit it deserves, they took what could be called the worst launch ever and turned it around beautifully. That took a lot of hard work and determination. And it is no easy task that they took on to begin with.

As for my desire to see more of the established lore within the game, I see no reason why it shouldn't be, it has a rich history to draw off of, so why not use that more freely.

Overall the game is one of my favorite games to date, some of my suggestions for future content is purely expanding the game. The houses would allow players who gripe about inventory to horde to their hearts content, though it would also allow players to actually keep the in game trophies more easily, and Skyrim was hardly the only game in series with this function, and also isn't unheard of within MMO either. I also wouldn't be opposed to it being available through only the crown store either

Egg_Death

I am also a primarily console gamer, and I echo your sentiments for the most part. I'm in the Dominion, so haven't been to Skyrim yet, but it is easy to understand why they would need to change/simplify things a bit to keep things consistent with the other regions. For the most part this feels as Elder-scrolly as the other games, and the series is not new to completely changing how certain aspects of the game work.

I was also afraid of the game being more rigidly MMO-ish where you would be seriously disadvantaged on your first build because you don't know what you're doing yet, but so far I have been pleasantly surprised with the adaptability (although I am yet a n00b at level 11). I'm also surprised at how diverse the builds are even within the same class. I'm sure there are still cookie-cutter ultimate builds that have everything pre-planned to perfection, but what can you do? I'm sure anything that is un-counterable will eventually, and rightfully, be nerfed for the good of the game.

I was also wary of all the badness I heard about the game on PC, but I'm so glad I took the chance. I was disappointed when I heard that the next ES game wouldn't be single-player like the rest, especially since I'm not much of an MMO player. My most recent MMO experience has been with Destiny, so my hopes were not very high. I'm pleasantly surprised by a coherent main story and quests that are at least entertaining and not repetitive at least entertaining and not repetitive. I don't have time to explain why I don't have time to explain why Destiny was such a disappointment in this area.

Fortunately, this game is even a blast to play alone, and I must say it's the first game to keep me sleep deprived since I played through Skyrim. I can't wait to get into the multiplayer content. That's always been something missing from Elder Scrolls: the ability to share your adventures with others. It's enjoyable to help out other players when they get themselves into a pickle with 10+ mobs chasing them around.

They have definitely done the series justice in my book.

VilhelmValhalla4

Hello, new on the forums here, and I'd like to throw in some of my thoughts.

I'm mainly a console gamer, a massive Elder Scrolls fan, and have just started playing ESO. I like some things about it, but overall it was a let down.

At many times in the game, I feel constricted. The regions are small and linear, and there is little interaction to be had in many cities, which are designed more like small outposts. I started off in the Ebonheart Pact, and despite the awesome Morrowind scenery of Stonefalls, I felt like the whole map was cramped and difficult to navigate. I'd rather have a larger chunk of Morrowind, whether it was Vvardenfell or a combination of Stonefalls, Deeshan, and Bal Foyen.

I was excited to dive into the Cyrodiil campaign to see what all the towns looked like in the second era, but was disappointed to find that they were either infested with enemies or behind enemy lines.

I'll admit, I've never been one for MMO's, and there are many things I do like about ESO, but overall, something about the game is disappointing, and I know I haven't adequately conveyed it through my disjointed gripes. It feels like an entirely different game with the Elder Scrolls draped over it. I had hoped for the freedom to role-play, but with little to do besides quests and killing, it has proven to be a bleak prospect. I had hoped to explore and go on amazing adventures, but the bland, claustrophobic regions force me on a linear path onto the next unexciting pen. I had hoped that despite what many criticized about the game, that there would be enough "Elder Scrolls spirit" to draw me in, and again I was let down.

GreySix

RavenSkylord wrote: »

To address the map changing aspect I was referring to the area map as opposed to the city maps with so much time between games it is natural that the cities evolve, but the landscape surrounding shouldn't change that much. While the landscaping captures the feel well enough, it is disconcerting to some degree.

Concur. Terrain simply does not change all that much in a thousand years.

RavenSkylord

Egg_Death wrote: »

I am also a primarily console gamer, and I echo your sentiments for the most part. I'm in the Dominion, so haven't been to Skyrim yet, but it is easy to understand why they would need to change/simplify things a bit to keep things consistent with the other regions. For the most part this feels as Elder-scrolly as the other games, and the series is not new to completely changing how certain aspects of the game work.

I was also afraid of the game being more rigidly MMO-ish where you would be seriously disadvantaged on your first build because you don't know what you're doing yet, but so far I have been pleasantly surprised with the adaptability (although I am yet a n00b at level 11). I'm also surprised at how diverse the builds are even within the same class. I'm sure there are still cookie-cutter ultimate builds that have everything pre-planned to perfection, but what can you do? I'm sure anything that is un-counterable will eventually, and rightfully, be nerfed for the good of the game.

I was also wary of all the badness I heard about the game on PC, but I'm so glad I took the chance. I was disappointed when I heard that the next ES game wouldn't be single-player like the rest, especially since I'm not much of an MMO player. My most recent MMO experience has been with Destiny, so my hopes were not very high. I'm pleasantly surprised by a coherent main story and quests that are at least entertaining and not repetitive at least entertaining and not repetitive. I don't have time to explain why I don't have time to explain why Destiny was such a disappointment in this area.

Fortunately, this game is even a blast to play alone, and I must say it's the first game to keep me sleep deprived since I played through Skyrim. I can't wait to get into the multiplayer content. That's always been something missing from Elder Scrolls: the ability to share your adventures with others. It's enjoyable to help out other players when they get themselves into a pickle with 10+ mobs chasing them around.

They have definitely done the series justice in my book.

Overall I can't say enough how impressed I have been by the overall experience and by the job Zenimax has done turning around such a regretable begininng. The ease on which you can redirect your character is impressive, even if changing weapons or amror sets later in the game, the skills catch up quickly.

I have had a bit more experience around MMOs and was able to temper my expectations to fit accordingly. Even played that waste Destiny, believe me no explanation is necessary.

VilhelmValhalla4 wrote: »

Hello, new on the forums here, and I'd like to throw in some of my thoughts.

I'm mainly a console gamer, a massive Elder Scrolls fan, and have just started playing ESO. I like some things about it, but overall it was a let down.

At many times in the game, I feel constricted. The regions are small and linear, and there is little interaction to be had in many cities, which are designed more like small outposts. I started off in the Ebonheart Pact, and despite the awesome Morrowind scenery of Stonefalls, I felt like the whole map was cramped and difficult to navigate. I'd rather have a larger chunk of Morrowind, whether it was Vvardenfell or a combination of Stonefalls, Deeshan, and Bal Foyen.

I was excited to dive into the Cyrodiil campaign to see what all the towns looked like in the second era, but was disappointed to find that they were either infested with enemies or behind enemy lines.

I'll admit, I've never been one for MMO's, and there are many things I do like about ESO, but overall, something about the game is disappointing, and I know I haven't adequately conveyed it through my disjointed gripes. It feels like an entirely different game with the Elder Scrolls draped over it. I had hoped for the freedom to role-play, but with little to do besides quests and killing, it has proven to be a bleak prospect. I had hoped to explore and go on amazing adventures, but the bland, claustrophobic regions force me on a linear path onto the next unexciting pen. I had hoped that despite what many criticized about the game, that there would be enough "Elder Scrolls spirit" to draw me in, and again I was let down.

I would recommend giving ESO another shot, but go in knowing this is not a true TES game as far as mechanics. While I myself expressed displeasure about the linear feel to the maps, I also know that it is necessary in an MMO of this size. With the sheer amount of data crunching on a continual basis, they have to make it more linear to lessen overload. The dungeons are far shorter because MMO players like quicker hitting action then dungeon crawls of that magnitude. Still I would like to see one per map added for those that enjoyed them.

Basically much of what TES fans have come to expect are just not feasible with the nature of MMO, try enjoying the game based on its own merits, comparatively the quests alone are more dynamic and more enjoyable then what most MMOs have to offer, which speaks volumes to the efforts Zenimax has made to bring it as close to source as possible. A treat no TES fan should pass up is the Ayleid ruins found in Shadowfen during Ebonheart quests. Can't count how many Ayleid stones I wished I could grab, but that aside the ruins are amazingly reminiscent of Oblivion, and the side quests there do start to touch on some familiar lore and truly add to them in a meaningful game..

Genomic

Cameron_Star wrote: »

@Akavir_Sentinel @JesterH Stop assuming OP is directly comparing ESO to Skyrim and wishing it was more like it. He has some negative comments about the game but that's it.
Why do people always accuse others of being Skyrim fanboys? Get over it, he even said he liked the game.

Agreed. It's essentially the Godwin's Law of this forum.

VilhelmValhalla4

RavenSkylord wrote: »

I would recommend giving ESO another shot, but go in knowing this is not a true TES game as far as mechanics. While I myself expressed displeasure about the linear feel to the maps, I also know that it is necessary in an MMO of this size. With the sheer amount of data crunching on a continual basis, they have to make it more linear to lessen overload. The dungeons are far shorter because MMO players like quicker hitting action then dungeon crawls of that magnitude. Still I would like to see one per map added for those that enjoyed them.

Basically much of what TES fans have come to expect are just not feasible with the nature of MMO, try enjoying the game based on its own merits, comparatively the quests alone are more dynamic and more enjoyable then what most MMOs have to offer, which speaks volumes to the efforts Zenimax has made to bring it as close to source as possible. A treat no TES fan should pass up is the Ayleid ruins found in Shadowfen during Ebonheart quests. Can't count how many Ayleid stones I wished I could grab, but that aside the ruins are amazingly reminiscent of Oblivion, and the side quests there do start to touch on some familiar lore and truly add to them in a meaningful game..

Yeah, I'll have to tackle this game with a different mindset, because I really do want to experience the content. I am a sucker for Ayleid ruins though, so thanks for telling me!

Stories-Bones-Tell

Only MMO I've played on Console that managed to make the controls transition without botching anything and has genuinely fun gameplay. Well, I mean outside of questing of course. Ye gods questing makes me want to kill myself.

nimander99

Welcome to the world of Theme Park mmo's, enjoy the ride

GreySix

Some day, a team of developers should design an MMO from the ground up that does the following:

• Eliminate leveled zones. Your character can travel literally anywhere
• Integrate a failsafe worldwide PvP that is gank-proof, that is off by default
• Design your character to be an average Joe, who can stumble in to the world-saving quest by his choice, or just be a working stiff in the gaming world
• All quests would be either groupable or soloable; choice left up to the player
• Enemies would have a variable difficulty, scaled to the player's strength, with difficulty slider included

Yeah, spittin' in the wind, but a guy can dream.

Rev Rielle

RavenSkylord wrote: »

...
I would also mention the maps feel too linear, forcing your directions with obstacles. Being able to make your way over the maps terrain no matter what was another achievement to TES games of old, it may take some time, but climbing the highest points without trails always felt like an accomplishment. Though here I recognize the necessity of it.
...

I completely agree with you here. Unfortunately if Zenimax did this, so many players would be besides themselves with confusion and fear. It is an unfortunately common observation that collectively, MMO players are the least intelligent and adaptable (at least this is the impression given) of any of the gaming genres.

Unfortunately in MMOs, players have come to expect a great deal of hand-holding, and when presented with multiple choices (as such would arise from the freedom in a true TES setting) are completely overwhelmed. In part this phenomenon has arisen due to the social aspect of MMOs: some players are so afraid of doing something wrong and being 'left behind' that they're stifled into complete non-action.

RavenSkylord

Rev Rielle wrote: »

RavenSkylord wrote: »

...
I would also mention the maps feel too linear, forcing your directions with obstacles. Being able to make your way over the maps terrain no matter what was another achievement to TES games of old, it may take some time, but climbing the highest points without trails always felt like an accomplishment. Though here I recognize the necessity of it.
...

I completely agree with you here. Unfortunately if Zenimax did this, so many players would be besides themselves with confusion and fear. It is an unfortunately common observation that collectively, MMO players are the least intelligent and adaptable (at least this is the impression given) of any of the gaming genres.

Unfortunately in MMOs, players have come to expect a great deal of hand-holding, and when presented with multiple choices (as such would arise from the freedom in a true TES setting) are completely overwhelmed. In part this phenomenon has arisen due to the social aspect of MMOs: some players are so afraid of doing something wrong and being 'left behind' that they're stifled into complete non-action.

To be fair Zenimax has done a lot already that breaks the norm in MMO, and have seen some griping on various forums already, first to mind the forementioned Mage's Guild choice has many crying foul because it actually gives the player a hard choice, simply unheard of in MMO. Another would be varying quests, seems like MMO has become all about repetitive kill missions and having to do something different is scary.

It's a tough line to toe, this game has a lot of give and take from the different mindsets. Zenimax has pushed the envelope in places, and followed status quo in others. Am hopeful they will continue doing so, could make for a fun ride