Sad Farewell to SWTOR

[Paksis]

Hello my fellow MMO patrons, and happy New Year.

 

I wanted to post this thread and its contents for the sake of simple discussion. The topics within are merely reflections of my own observations and opinions, not intended to insult the game, or its fans.

 

I have decided to abandon my endeavors into this game after my personal participation left me rather ... disappointed.

 

While I understand this is no real concern of the general community; I am only one player after all; I felt for the sake of posterity it would only be fair to post my reasons as an appeal to Bioware and my fellow gamers.

 

 

GENERAL GRAPHICS -

 

While the graphics in this game display exemplary attention to detail, I've come to find they are absolutely riddled with countless glitches. I'm sure I'm not the only player to have found herself frozen in a series of awkward character poses, stuck inside rocks and walls, running in place, or unable to complete a variety of objectives simply because the system bugs out.

 

These glitches have affected the cinematics, the quests and Flash Points, the NPCs, movement, looting, loading, etc etc etc ...

 

While I understand the game is new, and that it's impossible to catch every tiny detail during testing, I find the nature and sheer amount of them inexcusable.

 

 

QUESTING -

 

Questing was a fun experience at first, and I enjoyed trying out every single race and class and the stories that accompanied them.

 

However, the general quest pattern began to take on an all too sudden, and familiar, tone no matter what character or zone I played. ("World *cough* of War *cough* craft")

 

I admire the more engaging stories, coupled with cinematics and a personal touch, but the overall goals are exactly the same every time.

 

Pattern:: Subject A cannot complete Task B because Subject C is making things difficult. Go cut Subject C to pieces so that Subject A can congratulate you for doing their job and reward you accordingly.

 

That's ... about it. There are a few quests that break up this monotony, but not enough to dismantle the "grind."

 

 

INTERFACE -

 

I don't think I have to discuss this one in great detail before people can relate to every single thing I could demonstrate ... but here it is.

 

The interface is nothing short of completely and utterly taxing. I have honestly never encountered a worse example of a UI in any game I have ever played up to this point.

 

The item tooltips are severely lacking, even with the minute comparison options they HAVE allowed. Too often I find myself juggling several windows while writing down most of the modification stats and item values by hand.

 

Also, I find the inability to view information on my companion's stats unless they are literally standing right by my side HIGHLY inconvenient, especially since some of my best epic errands can take over 2h to complete. I understand the point the designers were attempting to achieve ... if they're not physically there, then you shouldn't be able to examine them. But in a universe where one can accomplish almost anything via virtual reality, I don't feel it's too much to ask to be able to examine my companion's "records" while they are away.

 

PATCH NOTES -

 

On this topic, I share the opinions of many people when I say the patch notes need to be more accessible AND thorough.

 

I find it unwise for the community website to shut down the same time the game does, when active community questions and discussions become most popular and important. I have no desire whatsoever to follow Swtor on "Twitter" where I have no guarantee I'll get the information I'm looking for, or when I'll get it for that matter.

 

As a player, I desire direct access to a thoroughly articulated list of improvements and general maintenance being performed on the game I am paying for; including everything from aesthetic adjustments to graphical and interactive corrections.

 

 

WORLD INTERACTION -

 

As I've stated above, the graphics in this game can be absolutely breathtaking. I was blown away during the space combat sequences, and by the overwhelming details of the planets and the cities and landscapes therein.

 

But, I also found a disturbing lack of freedom within them as well. Apart from making my character dance or sit down, I could do little else. I couldn't even interact with any of the chairs I found, save for the ones on my personal ship. Considering EA's participation in this project, a company renowned for its attention to detail, I found this very disappointing ...

 

And the general maps and zones, while stunning on the surface, were actually rather empty in my eyes. The view of the skies and distant horizons is very beautiful, but deceptive. The landscapes were actually extremely contained, leaving little to no room for open exploration save the roads. I felt I was being constantly funneled around by walls, debris, monsters, and general obstacles - like being trapped in an elaborate hamster cage and I was just running on the wheel.

 

PHASING -

 

I feel the phasing was done rather well in this game. I liked the containment of personal story areas and they certainly made a great deal of the game-play much smoother, but I also noticed a few problems which accompanied them. The screens which mark these special zones often glitch out and stretch across the entire window in the form of bars or a broken haze of pixels.

 

Again, this problem falls in the graphics department.

 

I have also experienced problems with the loading screens when transitioning from one phase to a next, and it's the same with zone and world switching.

 

(However, this one is up for debate, as it could be a problem on my end. Though, I have subjected my graphics to their lowest possible setting; eliminating shadows, minimizing camera rotation, adjusting the resolution accordingly, etc...)

 

 

RECYCLING -

 

While I understand the invention of alien languages is nothing short of a massive undertaking, I couldn't help but notice the repetition of the usual alien dialogues again, and again, and again, and again ... Considering the teams who designed this game, I expected better.

 

I noticed this same pattern of recycled animation when an NPC was injured or in pain. Every single time, and I mean EVERY single time, when I encountered an NPC who was wounded in any way, it was the exact same frame --- the slight hunch with the limp left arm while gripping the left side of their torso with the right arm. This repetition was so frequent, it became almost comical, and embarrassing to say the least ... but that's my opinion.

 

Every once in awhile, when an NPC was lethally wounded, I would find them wallowing on the floor in pain just before they expired, or the cinematic ended.

 

CONCLUSION -

 

While I have enjoyed the change of pace from the usual activities which occupy my free time, I'm afraid the problems I have discussed are too disruptive and distracting for me to continue offering this game my patronage. I had really hoped ... I really did ... that this game would be different, and in many ways, it is - but not enough.

 

I wish everyone fun and good times who choose to stay, and will still check up on second opinions, improvements, and future developments of the game.

 

--- Paksis

[BothanFourTwenty]

Can I have your stuff? Am I the first to say this? Wait, do you have any stuff?

 

 

On a serious note, just come back in a few months and see if things have changed for the better for you.

Edited January 2, 2012 by BothanFourTwenty

[Teldara]

Wheres the tl;dr? I'm lost without the tl;dr!

 

Bye.

Edited January 2, 2012 by Teldara

[pwndotexe]

It sucks, but I have to agree with most everything on here. I got way too hyped up for this game and now it's looking like a half done WoW that had way too much time put in voice acting and story. If it doesn't start to pick up soon, I might have to jump ship along with you.

[Catch_TwentyTwo]

Played for 2 weeks and that is the length of your "I'm leaving in a huff" post?

 

Thank god you didn't play for 2 months....

 

BTW, TL;DR....

[deneeve]

I pretty much agree with most of what OP says. I'm going to hang on for a bit longer, but I might go on a "vacation" for a while until some of these issues are fixed.

[momentum]

I agree with most of what you said. I seem to not have as many graphical glitches as you have. On top of that, I also don't have as high of a level of attention to detail as you do. Funny when you mention that wounded people are always in the same position. After reading that I realized that's completely true, but i never noticed it!

 

The only thing that actually bugs me with the recycling is when my character uses the same lines. That would be fine, but sometimes those lines don't really fit the situation well. My SW says "Some elaboration is required", when the option is something like "Tell me more about the XYZ gang".

 

The UI does suck but I know it will be fixed eventually. Overall i think you gave a pretty fair critique, and as I said, I agree with most of it.

 

DESPITE all of that, I'm still having a blast playing this game and I'm probably in for the long haul. So strange how two people can agree about all the flaws, and yet one of them is still loving the game while the other isn't.

[Spankyjnco]

I agree, but you forgot the repitition of the main character (you) in the words you say...

 

I have no IDEA how many times my character has stated the following.

 

I will tear them all apart.

 

They shall feel my wraith.

 

I am afraid of no-one.

 

ETc etc etc... tons of the same words re-used.

 

Itll be silly too because what I click won't even be close to what that is, it's like they just scripted the responses as

 

.insert generic_sith_warrior_voice1

.insert generic_sith_warrior_voice2

 

so on so on.

[Eegore]

I'd like to shake the hand of the bonehead that thought shutting down the forums and website with the servers was a good idea.

 

Thats research and question prime-time. Who knows maybe thats why they shut it down, you know without a search function we have to keep making new threads every 5 minutes on the same topics.

 

Oh yeah, good points and good luck.

[ademnus]

well sorry you feel the need to quit after a week but play what brings you joy. For me, this game makes all other MMOs look like Hello kitty, so im quite happy here but to each their own.

[archifikoss]

OP, good luck in your future gaming endeavors. At least you put thought in your post instead of raging and whining, thanks for that... I'm not being sarcastic BTW.

[recsa]

like being trapped in an elaborate hamster cage and I was just running on the wheel.

 

 

This is my main concern on SWTOR, very well expressed, so far, the location i have got the most fun and MMORPG feeling is the Dune Sea at Tatooine, and it is the most opne space i have seen so far.

[virtualmatrix]

This is the 3rd thread you posted about leaving. Why am I getting the feeling that you're fishing for attention?

[Paksis]

I'm not OP, or at least I don't know what that means. >.> My forum name is Paksis. I play a a few characters on the Soresu server.

 

This is the first thread I've posted on the subject >.>

Edited January 2, 2012 by Paksis

[Jamus_Divinus]

Take care but I don't understand the reason for your post? Send a PM to friends to say goodbye. I see nothing in your thread that hasn't been covered on page 1 as of 5mins ago. You're not adding anything to our TOR experience mate.

 

In the Q&A, tell Bioware why you quit.

 

P.S. I personally think having the forums down at same time as maintenance is the silliest idea I've heard from an MMO company. Boggles my mind but apart from that I don't agree with any of your points, sorry. Have a great 2012 though.

[kbshadow]

Bye then.

[VeganHipster]

I'm not OP, or at least I don't know what that means. >.> My forum name is Paksis. I play a a few characters on the Soresu server.

 

This is the first thread I've posted on the subject >.>

 

OP means original poster. You are the original poster, so you are the OP.

 

I agree with some of your points. I think I am going to give it one more month and then give it some more time. Not that it is a bad thing, just hoping for more things to ironed out like the bugs, glitches, and adding in new features or maybe even implementing the legacy system!

[Paksis]

Okay thanks ^_^ Someone said this is the third thread I've posted on the subject and I wasn't sure what they were talking about.

[Zanguar]

CYA... hmmm to short?

[JimG]

While I understand this is no real concern of the general community; I am only one player after all; I felt for the sake of posterity it would only be fair to post my reasons as an appeal to Bioware and my fellow gamers.

 

 

If you wanted to "appeal" to BW, then you should have emailed your comments to them. Instead it's the "farewell" thread. No real need for this thread....re-hashing topics covered in other threads. Let's face it, you only posted this because it made you "feel" better. When Shadysketchy decides to retire from the game, THEN I want to see a farewell announcement thread (just kidding Shady, lol). Otherwise, do we really need a farewell thread from everyone who cancels their sub?

[AkilZodiac]

This is the 3rd thread you posted about leaving. Why am I getting the feeling that you're fishing for attention?

 

Because he is.

 

There's something wrong with him, I think.

[Tedrizze]

very well explained OP.

 

I can agree with everything you wrote, i could aswell expand your list..

 

too much hype, too much fanboys who will love this poor programming just because the title is "Star Wars"

[Paksis]

I'll happily come back in a few months or so if they make improvements. I was very eager for this game, and that hasn't changed. I look forward to seeing what they do with it. Just, in the meantime, I'm going to spend my money elsewhere.

[Strina]

Hello my fellow MMO patrons, and happy New Year.

 

I wanted to post this thread and its contents for the sake of simple discussion. The topics within are merely reflections of my own observations and opinions, not intended to insult the game, or its fans.

 

I have decided to abandon my endeavors into this game after my personal participation left me rather ... disappointed.

 

While I understand this is no real concern of the general community; I am only one player after all; I felt for the sake of posterity it would only be fair to post my reasons as an appeal to Bioware and my fellow gamers.

 

 

GENERAL GRAPHICS -

 

While the graphics in this game display exemplary attention to detail, I've come to find they are absolutely riddled with countless glitches. I'm sure I'm not the only player to have found herself frozen in a series of awkward character poses, stuck inside rocks and walls, running in place, or unable to complete a variety of objectives simply because the system bugs out.

 

These glitches have affected the cinematics, the quests and Flash Points, the NPCs, movement, looting, loading, etc etc etc ...

 

While I understand the game is new, and that it's impossible to catch every tiny detail during testing, I find the nature and sheer amount of them inexcusable.

 

 

QUESTING -

 

Questing was a fun experience at first, and I enjoyed trying out every single race and class and the stories that accompanied them.

 

However, the general quest pattern began to take on an all too sudden, and familiar, tone no matter what character or zone I played. ("World *cough* of War *cough* craft")

 

I admire the more engaging stories, coupled with cinematics and a personal touch, but the overall goals are exactly the same every time.

 

Pattern:: Subject A cannot complete Task B because Subject C is making things difficult. Go cut Subject C to pieces so that Subject A can congratulate you for doing their job and reward you accordingly.

 

That's ... about it. There are a few quests that break up this monotony, but not enough to dismantle the "grind."

 

 

INTERFACE -

 

I don't think I have to discuss this one in great detail before people can relate to every single thing I could demonstrate ... but here it is.

 

The interface is nothing short of completely and utterly taxing. I have honestly never encountered a worse example of a UI in any game I have ever played up to this point.

 

The item tooltips are severely lacking, even with the minute comparison options they HAVE allowed. Too often I find myself juggling several windows while writing down most of the modification stats and item values by hand.

 

Also, I find the inability to view information on my companion's stats unless they are literally standing right by my side HIGHLY inconvenient, especially since some of my best epic errands can take over 2h to complete. I understand the point the designers were attempting to achieve ... if they're not physically there, then you shouldn't be able to examine them. But in a universe where one can accomplish almost anything via virtual reality, I don't feel it's too much to ask to be able to examine my companion's "records" while they are away.

 

PATCH NOTES -

 

On this topic, I share the opinions of many people when I say the patch notes need to be more accessible AND thorough.

 

I find it unwise for the community website to shut down the same time the game does, when active community questions and discussions become most popular and important. I have no desire whatsoever to follow Swtor on "Twitter" where I have no guarantee I'll get the information I'm looking for, or when I'll get it for that matter.

 

As a player, I desire direct access to a thoroughly articulated list of improvements and general maintenance being performed on the game I am paying for; including everything from aesthetic adjustments to graphical and interactive corrections.

 

 

WORLD INTERACTION -

 

As I've stated above, the graphics in this game can be absolutely breathtaking. I was blown away during the space combat sequences, and by the overwhelming details of the planets and the cities and landscapes therein.

 

But, I also found a disturbing lack of freedom within them as well. Apart from making my character dance or sit down, I could do little else. I couldn't even interact with any of the chairs I found, save for the ones on my personal ship. Considering EA's participation in this project, a company renowned for its attention to detail, I found this very disappointing ...

 

And the general maps and zones, while stunning on the surface, were actually rather empty in my eyes. The view of the skies and distant horizons is very beautiful, but deceptive. The landscapes were actually extremely contained, leaving little to no room for open exploration save the roads. I felt I was being constantly funneled around by walls, debris, monsters, and general obstacles - like being trapped in an elaborate hamster cage and I was just running on the wheel.

 

PHASING -

 

I feel the phasing was done rather well in this game. I liked the containment of personal story areas and they certainly made a great deal of the game-play much smoother, but I also noticed a few problems which accompanied them. The screens which mark these special zones often glitch out and stretch across the entire window in the form of bars or a broken haze of pixels.

 

Again, this problem falls in the graphics department.

 

I have also experienced problems with the loading screens when transitioning from one phase to a next, and it's the same with zone and world switching.

 

(However, this one is up for debate, as it could be a problem on my end. Though, I have subjected my graphics to their lowest possible setting; eliminating shadows, minimizing camera rotation, adjusting the resolution accordingly, etc...)

 

 

RECYCLING -

 

While I understand the invention of alien languages is nothing short of a massive undertaking, I couldn't help but notice the repetition of the usual alien dialogues again, and again, and again, and again ... Considering the teams who designed this game, I expected better.

 

I noticed this same pattern of recycled animation when an NPC was injured or in pain. Every single time, and I mean EVERY single time, when I encountered an NPC who was wounded in any way, it was the exact same frame --- the slight hunch with the limp left arm while gripping the left side of their torso with the right arm. This repetition was so frequent, it became almost comical, and embarrassing to say the least ... but that's my opinion.

 

Every once in awhile, when an NPC was lethally wounded, I would find them wallowing on the floor in pain just before they expired, or the cinematic ended.

 

CONCLUSION -

 

While I have enjoyed the change of pace from the usual activities which occupy my free time, I'm afraid the problems I have discussed are too disruptive and distracting for me to continue offering this game my patronage. I had really hoped ... I really did ... that this game would be different, and in many ways, it is - but not enough.

 

I wish everyone fun and good times who choose to stay, and will still check up on second opinions, improvements, and future developments of the game.

 

--- Paksis

 

Bye

[Carinao]

your stuff, may I have?