High Isle ...Nothing New

wulfienfang

So yet again we get another "expansion pack" and yet there is no new classes, so we get to create the same old classes over and over and over again 6 years later.

And there is no new Tutorial zone.

The land mass of the new High Isle is supposed to be the same size of Black Wood, great so not a whole there then? [snip]

They haven't introduced any new classes or any really BIG content in how many years? If ever.

What are we paying them all that money for then?

THIS is all they can come up with?

[edited for bashing]

Mr_Stach

I know people may disagree but I think the current rendition of the Tutorial is probably the best we've had. Sure it doesn't lead INTO the new content story-wise but you're able to get all the gear you need to start out, introduces you to Skyshards, and the Combat tutorial with the added AoE Tutorial. Not to mention the portals to every Chapter and the Three Banners War.

That aside, the actual features of the Chapter are nothing to scream at, so there is that bit of Criticism. Personally I don't think we need more classes, and with the exception of maybe the Alteration Staff Skill line we've asked for years, I think Zos should focus on the current Classes, breath some life into them, maybe expand the skill trees.

That's my thoughts on the subject.

Epona222

A lot of people like new quest content, not everything is made for everyone. There are 2 dungeon dlc packs every year that I have no interest in. I don't come here and moan about them. I like the zone DLCs and new quest content though.

joerginger

We get red blobs instead of green blobs trying to kill us everywhere. So something is new.

NeKryXe

I'm ok with no new classes for now, and I've been playing since beta. I'm really happy with the new zone, it looks gorgeous and motivates to quest. Also, the card game is way better than I expected. It's not just another Elder Scrolls Legends and the integration brings a lot of fun. For now I'm very happy with this new expansion. I understand that a new class would be nice, but integrating a good card game in ESO, for me, is a way better upgrade.

kieso

What do you mean? Theres a whole new zone and card game to play. 🤷‍♂️

Sevalaricgirl

wulfienfang wrote: »

They haven't introduced any new classes or any really BIG content in how many years? If ever.

What are we paying them all that money for then?

THIS is all they can come up with?

Don't you like being wrong? You must. New classes since the beginning of the game, necromancer, warden. Warden came with Morrowind expac and Necromancer came with Elsweyr.

And you DON'T have to pay them money. They didn't force you to buy High Isle and they certainly aren't forcing you to pay for a subscription.

I won't judge the chapter before I play it but I have liked every other chapter so far.

Jim_Pipp

It's easy to challenge OP's hyperbole...

... But the dlc just released and confirmed what dozens of threads said before, this expansion barely expands the game.

Nothing wrong with telling companies that we feel oversold and underwhelmed.

NeuroticPixels

I only spent a few hours in High Isle today. Picked up Ember, did the 3 dailies, couple quests, finished some “vents”, and did the card game tutorial.

So far, I’m unimpressed. Place feels kinda barren like Blackwood did. Enemies few and far apart. Not much to see, except the new sunflowers and some things in the main city.

I came into this chapter pretty positive. I was grateful for new content, new companions, even the card game. New is usually fun in an MMO.

But… meh. I’m a little disappointed so far.

Ildun

I do feel the content, character and story is become more and more plain, 2 chapters was introduced since Elsweyr, but the latest character who I can remember properly is still Khamira. Not to mention I just finished those 2 chapters recently.

MreeBiPolar

NeKryXe wrote: »

I'm ok with no new classes for now, and I've been playing since beta. I'm really happy with the new zone, it looks gorgeous and motivates to quest. Also, the card game is way better than I expected. It's not just another Elder Scrolls Legends and the integration brings a lot of fun. For now I'm very happy with this new expansion. I understand that a new class would be nice, but integrating a good card game in ESO, for me, is a way better upgrade.

I would go even further and say new classes would likely be not a good idea, because they need a solid new identity, and would present new balance issues.

Hells, I would rather opt for something much less drastic gameplay-wise, but a very drastic change otherwise -- new playable races. TES has been limited to the same 10 (with some games missing a few) since the beginning, but then there weren't really any noticeable interaction with other races in the earlier games, either. Here, we have a lot of interaction with maormer, for example, who no longer appear something out of left field.

Xarc

new zone
new story
new quest
new characters
new little game (cards)
new companion
new sets
new mythics

man, there are tons of new things.

chris25602

Personally I would like to see a bit more investment in gameplay. yes mmos aren't TES games... but this is really the only chance...i just want single handed magic...well not really I want to be able to sword and board, magic and board, dual magic...etc its the real magic angle that made skyrim stupid popular. and ZOS has done all the stam lines and really ignored mag at least in weapon lines, and its seriously hindered the ability to create builds that are hybrid.

Mushroomancer

Xarc wrote: »

new zone
new story
new quest
new characters
new little game (cards)
new companion
new sets
new mythics

man, there are tons of new things.

Well, the first four points are a given (seriously you put in "new characters" as a new feature, as if they would make a chapter or DLC with only old characters in it). The last three are just keeping old systems up to date. So yes, pretty much the only truly new thing is the card game. Of course I will reserve judgment for when I actually play the chapter, which will be when it goes on deep discount, but honestly, I wouldn't call anyone out for thinking a silly minigame is a bit on the low end for new content.
Then again, this seems to be what a lot of people wanted somehow so good for them, I guess? The rest of us that want to actually have a refreshing experience from a "new" chapter will hopefully have better luck next year.

colossalvoids

Despite me not purchasing because lack of features I would at least semi-like and just playing for a trial and a low level friendly unengaging zone not worth it, the problem runs deeper with every year. Standardisation of expansions and dlcs killing it hard. Fixed amount of sets, delves, pd 's etc. makes it stale on a release. I'd rather have something unique rather than forced amount of content especially if that means cutting stuff out because delves limit. Same with sets, instead of fixed amount of those clustering the world and database I'd better have something usable and desirable. Currently we can cut like half the sets and barely anyone will notice because they're just made as a placeholder.

dinokstrunz

Jim_Pipp wrote: »

It's easy to challenge OP's hyperbole...

... But the dlc just released and confirmed what dozens of threads said before, this expansion barely expands the game.

Nothing wrong with telling companies that we feel oversold and underwhelmed.

I mean from a combat perspective which is what a lot of people play this game for the OP isn't wrong, a lot of reused assets being chopped and changed from here to there, copy and pasting bananza. I think its fair to say a lot of people are going to be disappointed with High Isle based on what's being offered from that perspective. When you don't deliver on all fronts that's what you're going to get.

For me personally I'm quite liking the new card game (real shock for me, I spent the last months bashing it) but one has to wonder, why is Tales of Tribute getting these ranked seasonal modes while Battlegrounds remains in this wonky broken state presumably left and forgotten by the team as per usual. High Isle could've been a fine update if it was much cheaper, just simply isn't enough in it if you ask me and a lot of others.

Th3M3nt0r

wulfienfang wrote: »

So yet again we get another "expansion pack" and yet there is no new classes, so we get to create the same old classes over and over and over again 6 years later.

And there is no new Tutorial zone.

The land mass of the new High Isle is supposed to be the same size of Black Wood, great so not a whole there then? Seriously is ZOS just a cash company now?

They haven't introduced any new classes or any really BIG content in how many years? If ever.

What are we paying them all that money for then?

THIS is all they can come up with?

Just look at "new" pets and mounts It copy-past old one just with a lil bit of reskinning

rpa

While its no more exiting than last few chapters it does contain plenty of new content. I'll wait for sale, as I mostly do with games.

Th3M3nt0r

90% off..... it a pretty good price for this chapter

Tornaad

I love High Isle. I love the card game, and will likely be running the PVE daily quest every day.
I love the new companions, and look forward to leveling them up.

Fhritz

Not liking it doesn't mean no content.

SerafinaWaterstar

wulfienfang wrote: »

So yet again we get another "expansion pack" and yet there is no new classes, so we get to create the same old classes over and over and over again 6 years later.

And there is no new Tutorial zone.

The land mass of the new High Isle is supposed to be the same size of Black Wood, great so not a whole there then? Seriously is ZOS just a cash company now?

They haven't introduced any new classes or any really BIG content in how many years? If ever.

What are we paying them all that money for then?

THIS is all they can come up with?

Then don’t buy it.

I am looking forward to the expansion (on console).

And your hyperbolic complaining is wrong. They have introduced new classes in the last 6 years.

DagenHawk

I'm having fun...I think as far as the mechanics and classes they are at a good place....one thing I don't want is a bunch of meaningless throw away systems every expansion like WoW does..as far as classes go we can pretty much do everything on the magic and fighter scale now ..what do you want a Bard? (only if they are full PVP and Blade of Woe capable)

I'm also seeing people having a fit over the story


/rambling incoming...

I really don't know what people are expecting, of course for the life of me I can't see why everyone gushes over FFXIV's story content...I certainly can't comprehend why people film themselves crying over it on YouTube.

I think that sometimes a story can be told without expanding said universe...if you doubt that read anything by Pat Rothfuss.
ESO is like your Friday night D&D game...you don't expect academy award winning story there and you shouldn't expect one now....if I want feels I'll watch the LOTR (when Gandalf falls after the Blarog...it gets me every time) series again.

I find myself with enough to do given the content, of course I don't live in the game like my neighbor does, but I really don't think the game was designed for that in the first place.

AzuraFan

I'm liking it so far. I'm still in the Gandolfan Bay (sp?) city, but I decided I'd take the chapter slow this time around. Explore every nook and cranny. Talk to every NPC I come across. Resist the temptation to rush and join guildies doing world bosses and such - I want to find everything myself and will get to it all in time. There's no point rushing through.

I like Bretons and islands, so I'm loving the location so far. Also, the pets. They're all over the place in the city. Cats, dogs, other critters. Wish I could pet them.

Had to smile when I ran into a certain diplomat Nord again. Oy vey.

I haven't tried the card game yet. I just logged out standing right where I think I'll play the tutorial, which I'll do after lunch. Hopefully I won't find the game too complicated.

I'm always happy with new content.

duagloth

same old broken mess with a new paint job

Artim_X

I'm no altoholic, so as long as I can take my main into a new zone and show everyone who's boss I'm good to go! So to each their own.

shadyjane62

Did it all on the PTS. It was underwhelming especially since I couldn't test on my main due to bug.

Didn't buy it. Have a vivid memory of everything I saw there and don't need to redo main story.

Don't miss it.

And I feel a lot better than I did for last two years, when I auto bought those expacs and regretted it.

Besides all the rest of the game is blissfully empty.

francesinhalover

wulfienfang wrote: »

So yet again we get another "expansion pack" and yet there is no new classes, so we get to create the same old classes over and over and over again 6 years later.

And there is no new Tutorial zone.

The land mass of the new High Isle is supposed to be the same size of Black Wood, great so not a whole there then? [snip]

They haven't introduced any new classes or any really BIG content in how many years? If ever.

What are we paying them all that money for then?

THIS is all they can come up with?

[edited for bashing]

ps4 and xbox one can't handle much more currently, so things have to go slow until there's ways to add more. at least that's what people say.
i couldn't care less about new classes, tbh i don't see any ideas for them outside dwarven based or bard class.
id rather new weapon skills. or the actual classes we have now have improvements like getting ride of that flying twilight skill people hate.
no one forces you to buy the expansion. i'm happy with it, it's perfect for the way i play the game.

Ronin37

Just seems like wasted potential to me or could be engine limitations but even making the jousting a usable mini game would be nice. Other than that also not on board with new classes but adding new skill lines I think would be even better and would create more horizontal progression. Or at least make things less stale. And I am not going to raise the overland debate in here but things have gotten pretty stale.

Kiralyn2000

Never really been in to this whole "more classes! MORE!" thing.

New zones, new stories, new quests is where it's at.

And they keep doing that, so it's fine. /shrug


(always found it interesting how some people will reduce a whole DLC/expansion/etc, down to one thing they don't like, and dismiss everything else. Seen it in multiple games' forums.)

Ronin37

DagenHawk wrote: »

I'm having fun...I think as far as the mechanics and classes they are at a good place....one thing I don't want is a bunch of meaningless throw away systems every expansion like WoW does..as far as classes go we can pretty much do everything on the magic and fighter scale now ..what do you want a Bard? (only if they are full PVP and Blade of Woe capable)

I'm also seeing people having a fit over the story


/rambling incoming...

I really don't know what people are expecting, of course for the life of me I can't see why everyone gushes over FFXIV's story content...I certainly can't comprehend why people film themselves crying over it on YouTube.

I think that sometimes a story can be told without expanding said universe...if you doubt that read anything by Pat Rothfuss.
ESO is like your Friday night D&D game...you don't expect academy award winning story there and you shouldn't expect one now....if I want feels I'll watch the LOTR (when Gandalf falls after the Blarog...it gets me every time) series again.

I find myself with enough to do given the content, of course I don't live in the game like my neighbor does, but I really don't think the game was designed for that in the first place.

I think the problem is unlike FFXIV the ESO story villains' don't have impact. They are not challenging, they do not offer any sense, I guess that they are a threat. At all. It creates the superman problem. Even if I start a new char, and I have done this, we are unkillable gods. The only time I die is in hard mode dungeons or when I leave to go to the bathroom and forget to move my char to the road. For me I unfortunately don't even remember most of the so called villains' is because at this point they are background noise. Killed so quickly I hardly notice they are there.

Then the other issue is most of the stories involve family member x losing family member y who becomes ghost/zombie/vampire who me must kill/save then choose to lie/tell truth to quest giver. I know that there are only a limited amount of stories. Let me repeat, I know there are only a limited amount of stories. But at least fluff them up and make feel good. But I think it goes back to the fact that there is just minimum impact. Where as in game like FFXIV, Classic WOW, even LOTRO and many other notable games those boss mobs make you work for the glory and in the end it gives the story a kick.

That's why you see people in FFXIV crying or people playing Elden Ring just ecstatic and bosses like Melania becoming household names. And ESO no one remembering or caring about the vampire doing bad stuff in Blackwood. ESO is excellent in the story department but like bland filet mignon it needs that flavorful kick or its just another piece of meat not worth paying for.

I do agree on the systems. The systems need to have a reason to be.