Blackwood Appreciation Thread

siddique

Well, let me start off by saying I am loving this chapter. The much needed good content I've been waiting on for quite some time now.

Yes, there are bugs and kinks that need to be worked out (block glitched?) but here is what I love about this chapter:

Absolutely amazing design work. The public dungeon struck me at first how amazing it felt, and I've been getting pleasantly surprised. Deadlands look amazing. The buildings, interiors, lightning are all top notch! Even the delves are so nicely designed. Doomvault is a prime example.

The main quest was fun to play and I actually wished it was longer.

Rockgrove! Amazing job on its overall design, mechs and the feel of the whole trial. I feel the hardmode difficulty is also something we need. I only have one beef, Xalvakka needs more dialog. -_-

I dont think any recent chapters were half as good. So great work developers and designers! Gg.

TheImperfect

Not reading the above posts because I haven't had much time to play and don't want to see spoilers but I fully adore Blackwood already based on what I have experienced so far. The music is awesome, it feels more Elder Scrolls so far and Leyawiin and the zone in general is gorgeous. I love the Ivory Brigades costumes and Waters Edge is beautiful and I'll be getting it when having enough gold. I just unlocked Bastion and am enjoying getting to know him.

RazielSR

Graphics quality and zone design is maybe the best in ESO until now.
Greymoor zones where underwhelming but Blackwood is superb.

Where are they gonna go for the second part of the chapter? West weald or Nibenay Basin?

Sylvermynx

I'm loving it so far. I'm unlikely to love the "Argonian parts" - but that's okay too. Now, entering caveat: I'm not interested in the companion thing, not using them, not going to. But the zone is gorgeous, and so far, the zone MQ has been fun. And I LOVE the music!

This chapter is almost as good as Elsweyr as far as I'm concerned.

Grandchamp1989

I love the feel and athmosphere of Blackwood.
I love how the zone completion is straight forward and not grindy.
I love the new homes and furniture style.
I love how they managed to make Companions useful, learning from the PTS feedback.
I love how we got a major chapter with a relative smooth release.
I love that there's now notification on Harrowstorms when they're active, nice little quality of life.
I love the new action duration timer they added.
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I don't love their balance choices in terms of sets and CP, way too streamlined and restricted for my taste
I don't love how slow the pacing is at the beginning of the story, before we get into the juicy parts of the story, and I don't love all the filler dialogue that keeps telling me what I'm doing while I'm doing it.
I don't love the block bug on my Tank

All in all pleasantly surprised a Solid B grade from my

Raccoonmancer

Even though I have my gripes with some functions of the companions system, that are mostly cosmetic, Blackwood thus far has been a phenomenal time to me as a casual player. But one thing I have to compliment the most is the music score.

They nailed the music in this expansion and it's clear that they've changed the music team, or so I think at least. It feels new, invigorating and it is very pleasant to the ears.

The ambience, the zone, the dungeons and everything on the artistic side, is a sight of beauty. Something to behold and remember for a long time to come. The people that made the public dungeon about good ol' Zeni, should get a raise for sure. That is a masterpiece. Aesthetically, the entire expansion is a masterpiece in my opinion.

The writing quality was also surprisingly good, to the point that the story actually had me hooked from start to finish.

KovalskyNestor

Music is amazing. Zone is big enough and it doesn't feel like theme park. I think this is my favorite zone so far. Not to mention how leyawiin became my favorite town for crafting.

TempusFugit

Kudos to the writers, developers, designers, and voice actors involved in this project. The music is a pleasure to listen to as are the atmospherics. I love everything about the Blackwood dlc.

I am having a grand time there and just adore working with Bastien and Mirri.

Many thanks to ZOS and everyone involved for this great addition to the game.

Starlight_Whisper

It's no elseywer but definitely better then greymoor. I enjoyed new trial with all familiar mechs that made me feel my past knowledge was put to a test. I am disappointed can't try vet version cause block bug is ridiculous. I find companions while not perfect are more interesting then I thought they would be. Now, I never quest but I have confidence in writers there. Next, I will probably explore, as world builders are my favorite since elseywer.

I do think chapter should of had new crafting material even...eggs. Also a new battleground would of done pvp justice or maybe new siege weapon.

Still problems need to not be delayed as block issue is significant. Gear for companions are still vanishing or even doubling themselves. Lastly sugar skull fix cause I got dreams.

Jeremy

So far it's pretty good, though I'm taking my time and not too far along into the story yet. The graphics and sound are top notch, especially the town music, which is sirenic and reminiscent of old school RPGs. I also appreciate that they have finally added some new battle themes. The companion system adds something interesting to the gameplay as well. So all in all, I think it's a solid addition to the game.

Nephthys

I have been loving just about everything to do with Blackwood... with the exception of Eveli Sharparrow. I can not abide her shrill little voice and sitcom type character. I found myself turning the sound off every time I had to deal with her.

With that said, and the main quest done, I am really enjoying the side quests and the companion system.

Chaos2088

It's a beautiful zone, like they have knocked it out of the park again with the design of it. Also the music is awesome, the stories and quests are touching. Very good chapter.

BalticBlues

RazielSR wrote: »

Graphics quality and zone design is maybe the best in ESO until now.

Indeed, ESO is one of the most beautiful games ever.
Whenever you think the game graphics cannot get any better, they do...
(I wish the same was true for the game balance...)
Big kudos to the art team