I'll be back

[Vagessel]

(This was originally written from a mobile device with a questionable autocomplete text feature and I know there are some mistyped words and such - I'll clean it up when I get to a proper desktop - as well as write a smoother ending.)

 

But in the interim I wanted to share some feedback for the developers from a mostly satisfied customer. SWTOR is a good game, far more solid than some people give it credit. But at present I've become involved in another MMO and since I can't bring myself to play two at the same time I'll take a break for a bit. Most definitely once the Storylines are continued I'll be back.

 

But since that other MMO sucked me out might as well share what about SWTOR could've been different to make me stick around. Well here are my reasons in no particular order:

 

* Loading screens. Particularly planet loading screens. At non peak times it can take up to 40 seconds, at peak time up to 4 minutes. Why that is, I don't know. I have a custom build rig I based on the premise of absurdity an unnecessary performance, use SSDs. In that other (and any other) game the longest loading screen lasts about 3-4 seconds. I'll just say that going to Corellia I usually plan on raiding the fridge, making a sandwich or peeing (not necessarily in that order) can be done relaxed and come back to my desktop with the loading screen still at it. I think that's probably the number one reason I didn't feel like logging in these past few weeks. I'm kinda done with 50 second- 4 minute loading screens.

 

* No LFG - I know that's being developed. But I'm playing the game in the now and since last December. PvE suffers immensely because of this. Which kind of brings me to this other thing. When the game launched and some developer stated they were surprised PvP was so popular... Well duh - you can queue for PvP from anywhere at any time without spamming chat, while questing, playing the AH, hunting datacrons, you name it. The other requires you to sit in fleet for hours. That's just common sense.

 

Additionally, and specially at lower levels rewards are tremendously squeued to favor PvP. Not only do you get to pick and choose your gear at your convenience but gear looks much better. The nicer looking trechcoats, lightsabers etc can be easily obtained from the PvP vendor. Blue earpieces and implants available at level 20 and so on. The fact developers thought PvP was popular because they were awesome at developing a combat system made me lose a lot if faith in common sense.

 

* Game launched with a toggle head slot off feature, and pretty much all Guardian chestpieces came hood up only. Yes, I also know it's in the works. I also know for half a year I haven't seen my guardian's head. Very disappointing oversight. Thankfully it'll probably be fixed by the end of the year.

 

* No avatar re-customization after creation.

 

* Little customization options. And approximately half are ugly. The male faces for example: you have youthful, mature, Asian, black and then 12 forms of hit in the face by a brick ugly. No long hair options for males or females. When creating a character I find myself struggling "let me make sure I can make am attractive enough character." In other game's I have to make a conscious mental effort to make a fugly character.

 

* To this day I don't understand why shadows with all video settings maxed out look so jagged and fat-pixelated. Never had that issue happen and certainly isn't the case with my current gaming paramour. I know it's a little thing, but little things add up.

 

* Ongoing companion interactions . . . do not exist. Companions have been a core feature of the game from the moment we meet our first one. But once we finish its storyline we get the silent treatment. Companions need a large number or random daily missions added. If feels like after being such an important part of our leveling and sorylines they just get discarded. Something should be done to fill the gaps between content patches.

 

* Last but not least the General forums have been out of control from the get go and moderators have not been on the ball. It is pretty much universally acknowledged that SWTOR General is about as bad as any MMO forum can get in terms of rampant trolling. This creates a hostile environment in what is essentially the lobby of your hotel. I like reading constructive criticism, but here most of what you get is "Insert some Jebus-MMO name will kill this piece of @@&$&& game trololol." ugh.

 

All these things can be easily remedied or are in the process of being remedied. So I have more hope in this game than in most. Till then, later.

Edited May 9, 2012 by Vagessel

[Theology]

There's a reason SWTOR general is the worst of any.

 

Look at the commentary from Devs telling you what to expect in the game, look at the hype, look at the production cost.

 

Then look at the actual game.

 

Yeah.

[gorstram]

Well put, same for me. I unsubbed earlier this month, and will be waiting for 1.3 as well. I would say this game is one of the most polished beta tests I've ever seen. I'll be tickled pink when they finish the product.

[golddon]

Well put, same for me. I unsubbed earlier this month, and will be waiting for 1.3 as well. I would say this game is one of the most polished beta tests I've ever seen. I'll be tickled pink when they finish the product.

 

Waiting to see if they do server merge before my six month sub expires.

[gorstram]

Edit deleted

 

 

Sorry for the double post.

Edited May 9, 2012 by gorstram
Double post

[UnmarkedFaith]

its cause you dont have an Alienware ;p

[Catch_TwentyTwo]

There's a reason SWTOR general is the worst of any.

 

Look at the commentary from Devs telling you what to expect in the game, look at the hype, look at the production cost.

 

Then look at the actual game.

 

Yeah.

 

But sadly, far too many did not do as you suggest and therefore came to the game with totally unrealistic expectations....