Tom's Hardware Review

RaZaddha

Gotta love xkcd.

Taven

Said on his Reddit thread and I'll say it again here. You have no business reviewing this game having only achieved level 20. Get to VR and try again.

poodlemasterb16_ESO

I am really enjoying all the angst and hair pulling hate this game generates. In almost every case the hater does not even have a solid understanding of what they are babbling about..

My son and I are gonna do some 4 person dungeon, he can almost make it by attrition, hilarious to watch, and the two of us will be a good fit.

Ever do one by attrition? I can make a dungeon, say 8 levels above me, by carefully killing a mob or 2 each time , before they kill me. They will be dead when my vestigial self get back to that part and I do it again. It eventually comes down to the boss. I make more than I should.

Laura

why did he play ESO on near minimum settings? I smell a fish.

d0e1ow

Sarenia wrote: »

Laura wrote: »

Yeah its an MMO people expected too much I think.

And that's really the gist of every MMO review. They expect every possible demographic to be appeased.

When a single-player game comes out servicing a singular niche -- lets say 'Dark Souls: Prepare to Die Edition' catering to people who like difficult SP RPGs -- those who dislike that niche don't have anything to say about it. The game's target market is obvious, it fulfills it's role and satisfies it's consumers.

When an MMO comes out, people automatically assume "massive" means they're trying to cater to every possible niche, right out of the bull pen. But ESO isn't a game that will appeal to a wide range of demographics. The UI is minimalist. The storyline is heavy on dialogue. You can't go back and change your decision on a quest once it's done. Lack of "meta features" like nameplates is also a turnoff to many.

But where some call these design flaws, others (the target niche) call them design goals that have been met satisfactorily, and are mostly in keeping with the TES traditions.

As for bugs, I couldn't care less and find all the complaints rather petty, so long as ZOS continues to make it known they're addressing them (as they have). I have a high tolerance for buggy software, and frankly I think basic debugging courses should be a mandatory when purchasing a PC. The internet would be a slightly less impatient and ignorant place that way.

When you spend this much time and this much money on development, commercials, and the general media buzz that they tried to give for this game... when you count how expensive this game seems to most people in 2014... I think they were shooting for the moon personally, and it's quite obvious they fell short.

Is it SW:TOR level? No, not really, but it's not what they expected. They will never admit this of course, and perhaps it's just speculation, but this was a AAA release, not some indie side-project of Bethesda. This game took millions upon millions to make and 7 years. 7 YEARS developing a game called "ELDER SCROLLS".

No one makes a AAA MMO, or any AAA game for that matter, hires A-list voice actors, spends 7 years development, and slaps one of gaming's move beloved franchise name on something and expects to appeal to a niche. C'mon now, Serpent Queen.

After Skyrim and Oblivion skyrocketed this franchise to the mainstream there was no way, no possible way, that this was intended to be a "niche game". A niche game is EVE or Star Trek: Online. Even Lord of the Ring for that matter. But Elder Scrolls Online a niche game with a subscription fee, commercials, and a mega expensive collector's edition for pre-order? No way.

reignfyre

Kiwi wrote: »

blueline wrote: »

Tom: "listen up everybody, our website traffic is down a little this month. Anyone have any ideas?"

Lackey: "Oh! I got one! I'll play that new MMO Elder Scrolls Online for an afternoon, and then post my review on the site! Its a hot topic!"

Tom: "Hmm....I like it. Just try not to copy/paste the same crap about the same three or four topics that are already beaten to death. And do some homework first, it won't look good if you act like this is Elder Scrolls 6 or something."

Lackey: "OK. I'll make it funny! No one else has made a funny review! Not to worry, boss, I hated those stupid RPGs anyway...too much reading and stuff."

<Tom calls website manager>

Tom: "Yo. Make sure you throw a bunch of adverts and some cool specials up on the site this week, we're gonna have a ton of traffic."

Web guy: "We posting a review of ESO or something?

Tom: "Yeah."

Web guy: "You know we are kinda late on that, right?"

Tom: "Yeah, but ours will be funny."

Web guy: "Um...OK."

My review on Toms Review: A vacuous, needlessly lengthy piece of ill written dribble that simply regurgitates the opinion of any number of other reviewers thinly coated with a few witty catch phrases. It fails to bring a single new thought or idea (negative or positive) to the reader and is plainly obvious the writer spent more time reading other reviews versus playing this or any other TES game.

Tom's review has one benefit - it attracted a lot of traffic to their website.

3.5/10

hit the nail on the head here, well played

blueline's review of Toms review

9.5/10

Kiwi's review of blueline's Tom's review: very sparse punctuation, mixed metaphor, lack's detail. But it makes a point.

7.0/10

Korusus

d0e1ow wrote: »

When you spend this much time and this much money on development, commercials, and the general media buzz that they tried to give for this game... when you count how expensive this game seems to most people in 2014... I think they were shooting for the moon personally, and it's quite obvious they fell short.

Is it SW:TOR level? No, not really, but it's not what they expected. They will never admit this of course, and perhaps it's just speculation, but this was a AAA release, not some indie side-project of Bethesda. This game took millions upon millions to make and 7 years. 7 YEARS developing a game called "ELDER SCROLLS".

No one makes a AAA MMO, or any AAA game for that matter, hires A-list voice actors, spends 7 years development, and slaps one of gaming's move beloved franchise name on something and expects to appeal to a niche. C'mon now, Serpent Queen.

After Skyrim and Oblivion skyrocketed this franchise to the mainstream there was no way, no possible way, that this was intended to be a "niche game". A niche game is EVE or Star Trek: Online. Even Lord of the Ring for that matter. But Elder Scrolls Online a niche game with a subscription fee, commercials, and a mega expensive collector's edition for pre-order? No way.

Well-said.

For the record, I agree with the review's points if not with the tone. I consider myself a fan of the industry more than a fan of any one game or series, so it's definitely interesting to see the majority of the reviews rate this game as mediocre. Even the MMORPG.com review, which was definitely favorable to ESO, rated it a 7.9 (lower than SWTOR btw).

I think this game will be damned to a niche audience (for reasons that are well-documented and not worth getting into), for better or worse, which can't be what the private investors who pumped Zenimax with millions upon millions of dollars expected. I think we will see some major changes to the game in an effort to salvage that investment, SWTOR proves that even a failed MMO can generate a profit.

I get that people like the game, some people liked FFXIV 1.0 and Shadowbane. But for the life of me, I cannot figure out (and I think a lot of people are in this boat) why they developed this game the way they did. Why? 7 years for this? How disappointing.

fredarbonab14_ESO

^^^ "I get that people like the game, some people liked FFXIV 1.0 and Shadowbane. But for the life of me, I cannot figure out (and I think a lot of people are in this boat) why they developed this game the way they did. Why? 7 years for this? How disappointing."

How classic.

In 6 days, those posting here (meaning have a subscription) will be able to tell anyone with the arrogance and pompous manner as expressed in that line and in some of the posts above -"If you feel that way, why are you still here and playing the game?". I can't wait.

fredarbonab14_ESO

BTW, tomorrow's review will be by "Joe the Plumber', I am dying to hear what he has to say about ESO!

Gohlar

fredarbonab14_ESO wrote: »

^^^ "I get that people like the game, some people liked FFXIV 1.0 and Shadowbane. But for the life of me, I cannot figure out (and I think a lot of people are in this boat) why they developed this game the way they did. Why? 7 years for this? How disappointing."

How classic.

In 6 days, those posting here (meaning have a subscription) will be able to tell anyone with the arrogance and pompous manner as expressed in that line and in some of the posts above -"If you feel that way, why are you still here and playing the game?". I can't wait.

Forum accounts are not tied to subscriptions.

But if someone is here criticizing the game, it's because they want it to get better.

d0e1ow

fredarbonab14_ESO wrote: »

^^^ "I get that people like the game, some people liked FFXIV 1.0 and Shadowbane. But for the life of me, I cannot figure out (and I think a lot of people are in this boat) why they developed this game the way they did. Why? 7 years for this? How disappointing."

How classic.

In 6 days, those posting here (meaning have a subscription) will be able to tell anyone with the arrogance and pompous manner as expressed in that line and in some of the posts above -"If you feel that way, why are you still here and playing the game?". I can't wait.

Why? Because you lack the mental fortitude to defend your game in a meaningful way other than poo-poo'ing on people who criticize it?

Alright.

Ohioastro

Gohlar wrote: »

fredarbonab14_ESO wrote: »

^^^ "I get that people like the game, some people liked FFXIV 1.0 and Shadowbane. But for the life of me, I cannot figure out (and I think a lot of people are in this boat) why they developed this game the way they did. Why? 7 years for this? How disappointing."

How classic.

In 6 days, those posting here (meaning have a subscription) will be able to tell anyone with the arrogance and pompous manner as expressed in that line and in some of the posts above -"If you feel that way, why are you still here and playing the game?". I can't wait.

Forum accounts are not tied to subscriptions.

But if someone is here criticizing the game, it's because they want it to get better.

Nope. A lot of people like to attack things because they think that it's trendy, or because they like mocking and teasing people who are enjoying something. A lot of trolls derive pleasure from making other people feel bad. And a hell of a lot of attacks on this game and the people who are enjoying it are flatly made in bad faith.

Wolfshead

The funny thing with this Review that he is take up old problem which i think Dev. is very much aware off atm and so i get feel that he dont really like ESO but that is his problem not me not all mmo is everyone cup of tea but me and my gf love ESO and that is all that count for me and my gf what is come down to is all in eye of beholder.

If you like something you do and if dont like you wont like it that simple it dont matter how good company make the game it will always be people that dont like there product no matter what.

Lanatireb17_ESO

Ohioastro wrote: »

Gohlar wrote: »

fredarbonab14_ESO wrote: »

^^^ "I get that people like the game, some people liked FFXIV 1.0 and Shadowbane. But for the life of me, I cannot figure out (and I think a lot of people are in this boat) why they developed this game the way they did. Why? 7 years for this? How disappointing."

How classic.

In 6 days, those posting here (meaning have a subscription) will be able to tell anyone with the arrogance and pompous manner as expressed in that line and in some of the posts above -"If you feel that way, why are you still here and playing the game?". I can't wait.

Forum accounts are not tied to subscriptions.

But if someone is here criticizing the game, it's because they want it to get better.

Nope. A lot of people like to attack things because they think that it's trendy, or because they like mocking and teasing people who are enjoying something. A lot of trolls derive pleasure from making other people feel bad. And a hell of a lot of attacks on this game and the people who are enjoying it are flatly made in bad faith.

As much as there are always a lot of people who jump on the newest Bandwagon MMO that they blindly defend, no matter how flawed it is, simply because they dont really care for the game itself, but thrive on the conflict with the people who hate it, and it gives them the feeling of being 'the good guy' defending the poor defenseless mmo.

See, your logic works both ways.

mutharex

Lanatireb17_ESO wrote: »

Ohioastro wrote: »

Gohlar wrote: »

fredarbonab14_ESO wrote: »

^^^ "I get that people like the game, some people liked FFXIV 1.0 and Shadowbane. But for the life of me, I cannot figure out (and I think a lot of people are in this boat) why they developed this game the way they did. Why? 7 years for this? How disappointing."

How classic.

In 6 days, those posting here (meaning have a subscription) will be able to tell anyone with the arrogance and pompous manner as expressed in that line and in some of the posts above -"If you feel that way, why are you still here and playing the game?". I can't wait.

Forum accounts are not tied to subscriptions.

But if someone is here criticizing the game, it's because they want it to get better.

Nope. A lot of people like to attack things because they think that it's trendy, or because they like mocking and teasing people who are enjoying something. A lot of trolls derive pleasure from making other people feel bad. And a hell of a lot of attacks on this game and the people who are enjoying it are flatly made in bad faith.

As much as there are always a lot of people who jump on the newest Bandwagon MMO that they blindly defend, no matter how flawed it is, simply because they dont really care for the game itself, but thrive on the conflict with the people who hate it, and it gives them the feeling of being 'the good guy' defending the poor defenseless mmo.

See, your logic works both ways.

Hmm seems you just proved his point really..... not that was necessary.

Laura

Lanatireb17_ESO wrote: »

Ohioastro wrote: »

Gohlar wrote: »

fredarbonab14_ESO wrote: »

^^^ "I get that people like the game, some people liked FFXIV 1.0 and Shadowbane. But for the life of me, I cannot figure out (and I think a lot of people are in this boat) why they developed this game the way they did. Why? 7 years for this? How disappointing."

How classic.

In 6 days, those posting here (meaning have a subscription) will be able to tell anyone with the arrogance and pompous manner as expressed in that line and in some of the posts above -"If you feel that way, why are you still here and playing the game?". I can't wait.

Forum accounts are not tied to subscriptions.

But if someone is here criticizing the game, it's because they want it to get better.

Nope. A lot of people like to attack things because they think that it's trendy, or because they like mocking and teasing people who are enjoying something. A lot of trolls derive pleasure from making other people feel bad. And a hell of a lot of attacks on this game and the people who are enjoying it are flatly made in bad faith.

As much as there are always a lot of people who jump on the newest Bandwagon MMO that they blindly defend, no matter how flawed it is, simply because they dont really care for the game itself, but thrive on the conflict with the people who hate it, and it gives them the feeling of being 'the good guy' defending the poor defenseless mmo.

See, your logic works both ways.

its a stupid viscous cycle. Fanboys and haters are stupid.

if you enjoy the game - play it. enough said.

Thing to keep in mind about reviews is they get paid for it. Whatever is going to get the most hits is the way it goes. I don't even know why people read reviews anymore unless its just for the entertainment to see haters vs fanboy. Anyone who buys a video game based on what "toms hardware" says is stupid. Why are they even reviewing games? - because they aren't getting enough hits from hardware reviews.


Almost all of the reviewing sites have been caught selling reviews... sooo..

Lanatireb17_ESO

mutharex wrote: »

Lanatireb17_ESO wrote: »

Ohioastro wrote: »

Gohlar wrote: »

fredarbonab14_ESO wrote: »

^^^ "I get that people like the game, some people liked FFXIV 1.0 and Shadowbane. But for the life of me, I cannot figure out (and I think a lot of people are in this boat) why they developed this game the way they did. Why? 7 years for this? How disappointing."

How classic.

In 6 days, those posting here (meaning have a subscription) will be able to tell anyone with the arrogance and pompous manner as expressed in that line and in some of the posts above -"If you feel that way, why are you still here and playing the game?". I can't wait.

Forum accounts are not tied to subscriptions.

But if someone is here criticizing the game, it's because they want it to get better.

Nope. A lot of people like to attack things because they think that it's trendy, or because they like mocking and teasing people who are enjoying something. A lot of trolls derive pleasure from making other people feel bad. And a hell of a lot of attacks on this game and the people who are enjoying it are flatly made in bad faith.

As much as there are always a lot of people who jump on the newest Bandwagon MMO that they blindly defend, no matter how flawed it is, simply because they dont really care for the game itself, but thrive on the conflict with the people who hate it, and it gives them the feeling of being 'the good guy' defending the poor defenseless mmo.

See, your logic works both ways.

Hmm seems you just proved his point really..... not that was necessary.

Sorry, my friend. Since i DO remember exactly what kind of thread you started i know on which side of the fence you sit on and why, so i wont react to anything you say anymore besides this one single time.

mutharex

Lanatireb17_ESO wrote: »

mutharex wrote: »

Lanatireb17_ESO wrote: »

Ohioastro wrote: »

Gohlar wrote: »

fredarbonab14_ESO wrote: »

^^^ "I get that people like the game, some people liked FFXIV 1.0 and Shadowbane. But for the life of me, I cannot figure out (and I think a lot of people are in this boat) why they developed this game the way they did. Why? 7 years for this? How disappointing."

How classic.

In 6 days, those posting here (meaning have a subscription) will be able to tell anyone with the arrogance and pompous manner as expressed in that line and in some of the posts above -"If you feel that way, why are you still here and playing the game?". I can't wait.

Forum accounts are not tied to subscriptions.

But if someone is here criticizing the game, it's because they want it to get better.

Nope. A lot of people like to attack things because they think that it's trendy, or because they like mocking and teasing people who are enjoying something. A lot of trolls derive pleasure from making other people feel bad. And a hell of a lot of attacks on this game and the people who are enjoying it are flatly made in bad faith.

As much as there are always a lot of people who jump on the newest Bandwagon MMO that they blindly defend, no matter how flawed it is, simply because they dont really care for the game itself, but thrive on the conflict with the people who hate it, and it gives them the feeling of being 'the good guy' defending the poor defenseless mmo.

See, your logic works both ways.

Hmm seems you just proved his point really..... not that was necessary.

Sorry, my friend. Since i DO remember exactly what kind of thread you started i know on which side of the fence you sit on and why, so i wont react to anything you say anymore besides this one single time.

LOL a bait thread where all the trolls fell in to... I think I remember you posting there, right

pssss you know, people can read your post history, don't pretend c'mon...

Korah_Eaglecry

Csub wrote: »

Guys, I didn`t know WoW was f2p: "There are free-to-play games out right now with orders of magnitude better gameplay and more content: Dungeons & Dragons Online, Star Trek Online, and of course World of Warcraft".

Also, I didn`t read all the review, it is too late/early for that but the conclusion is so unfair I am not sure if I will read it at all. As for dungeon "cloning", I don`t think that in MMOs there are no copy-paste dungeons (even the apparently F2P WoW has copy paste ones), and I also "liked" the part that others pointed out: yep, most are duped not accounting the ones that aren`t. Yeah, I mean why would "all" mean each and every, let`s just ignore the ones that would counter our arguments and still label the rest as "all".

And the comment section with the huge amount of ignorant people is just the icing on the cake, people without even trying it commenting negatively is a common thing nowadays but when they say how bad Bethesda made this MMO you can`t help but facepalm yourself.

Stop...Just Stop. Star Trek Online is a hot pile of garbage. Its nothing more then a gambling game marketed as an MMO.

moXrox

Genomic wrote: »

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/the-elder-scrolls-online-review,3815.html

Harsh, but also pretty damn funny in spots (the dungeon map cracked me up .. and made me think).

How they call this a review is beyond me, where does this author gauge the pros and cons.

neocomab16_ESO

Good read. Mostly he's right. Some things I wouldnt write in such a harsh way because I didnt notice it but most of the time ...yeah. Very detailed, too.

"In The Elder Scrolls Online, don’t even think about jumping. Its buggy, you clip constantly, and a false jump is not the exception but the expectation after the first few tries."

I noticed that, told my buddy about it....he thought jumping was okay. Granted, he plays PC only games so he doesnt know how jumping should feel. Although WoW kind of got it right. Anyway, I noticed that, and so did he.

Ragnar_Lodbrok

Way to pull a "review" from some yahoo no one has ever heard of. How many pages down in the google search was it?