Classic/AOS shard + more $$$

[RL'S pker]

How many threads over the years have we seen from players asking for a classic shard?

After years of players begging it's gotten us no where. Why? Because the devs arn't going to devote a large amount of money and time on a shard for nothing!

What if us players would be willing to pay for it though?

Personally I'm an AOS baby, so of course I would be one asking for an AOS shard. Although I would also pay for a classic shard, because I would love the opportunity to play one.

So, poll time. How many of us would be willing to pay for a classic shard, and maybe even an AOS shard as though they were expantions. this would prolly mean it would cost around $30.

They could simply add two shards to the shard list. One AOS shard, and one classic shard.

If you don't want to play those shards you simply don't pay, and in turn don't have access to them on your account

 

[>DatGuyUKnow<]

How many threads over the years have we seen from players asking for a classic shard?

After years of players begging it's gotten us no where. Why? Because the devs arn't going to devote a large amount of money and time on a shard for nothing!

What if us players would be willing to pay for it though?

Personally I'm an AOS baby, so of course I would be one asking for an AOS shard. Although I would also pay for a classic shard, because I would love the opportunity to play one.

So, poll time. How many of us would be willing to pay for a classic shard, and maybe even an AOS shard as though it was an expansion. this would prolly mean it would cost around $30.

Paying to revert a game to state it was in 10 years ago?

 

[RL'S pker]

Paying to revert a game to state it was in 10 years ago?

Not the game.

They could simply add two shards to the shard list. One AOS shard, and one classic shard.

If you don't want to play those shards you simply don't pay, and in turn don't have access to them on your account.

 

[>DatGuyUKnow<]

Not the game.

They could simply add two shards to the shard list. One AOS shard, and one classic shard.

If you don't want to play those shards you simply don't pay, and in turn don't have access to them on your account.

You are paying for them to take code already in existence and make a shard out of it...

 

[Ahuaeyjnkxs]

yup... and its logical.

but hah...

ibtl.

 

[pgib]

Well, they said it won't be done, i'd never play it, but why not to try.

 

[Tanivar]

I'd do it.

The game I left after coming to UO charged $15 a month for the normal account setup and an additional $25 for a version of the game as it was back on GEnie Online Service in the late 80's and early 90's. Well worth it.

As games change with time they hit a peak and then falter. Then if the owners have an ounce of braincells between thier ears, they offer a version providing that high point for customers who would otherwise leave.

I left due to all the typing becoming a literal pain. Old age and all that comes with it. Not because of the game. They invent a cure for arthritis and I'll go back to it as my primary game.

 

[Dermott of LS]

...

Why would I pay extra for an aspect of the game I would never use?

 

[Woodsman]

It's always interesting, because the last time I left, I looked at some of the 3rd party shards that had those rulesets.

But in reality, are a lot of people willing to give up item insurance?

 

[Penana Car]

It's always interesting, because the last time I left, I looked at some of the 3rd party shards that had those rulesets.

But in reality, are a lot of people willing to give up item insurance?

My friend, for a good set of GM made studded leather armor, I would give up my insurance, gold, all 70's 100% LRC/40% LMC suit, all etheral mounts, all resources, all weapons I own if EA/Mythic gave me a pre-AOS classic shard. I would buy me 15K of each reg and off I'd go with my 7xGM wrestling/anatomy mage to stomp faces.

 

[CovenantX]

I'd only play a (classic Shard) if there are enough people playing.

the fact of the matter is, no shard is fun unless there are people playing it, weather or not they're with or against you, means nothing. This goes for both pvm & pvp.

I remember it back in the day, and i don't think i would wanna go back, sure it was fun, but in all honesty it was only fun because people Actually played.

the game was pretty well balanced in pvp, Archers nearly didn't exist, as it should be... they could still 2 shot you, but there was no such thing as "Running shot"
Parry absorbed melee/ranged? i know for sure melee was absorbed, as they were the only people that lived through 2 hits with gm LJ, axe everytime.
Mages did nothing but exp/Ebolt, or mindblast if they figured out the targets Stats wern't well balanced.

It was much more simple, in those days. but I'm sure i'd try it, just don't know if i'd spend much time on it. (it'll be like TC1 to me)

pvm was actually challenging in places (and no, not because most of us were still on Dial-up).

I don't think now is the time for such a thing. AoS Shard, And Pre-AoS shard, would be sure to let those who haven't experienced the old UO, see the difference, in the game during those times. (could be a good, Or bad thing)

 

[GalenKnighthawke]

*just sighs*

Some bad ideas just won't die I guess.

God-damned Cal keeping this idea alive.

-Galen's player

 

[PASmountaindew]

If I remember correctly some of the Developers stated that there would not be a "classic" shard in the fore see-able future. One of the reason I believe was stated is that there are way too many definitions of what "classic" should be. Some want AOS, some want Publish 16 other want bits and pieces of different publishes but not some pieces. There would be no way of creating the ultimate "classic" shard where everyone would be happy. And that is just the voices the Developers hear on the forums. That does not take into account all the players opinions that do not post on these forums. I honestly feel that threads like this one serve no purpose other than to

 

[Orgional Farimir]

i would like one, but no way would I pay extra.


oh yea an "in before the lock"

 

[Capn Kranky]

would I pay EXTRA? No.

Would I play it if available at the sub rate? Yes.

Will it happen? No - it's been stated several times ... no.

But as long as the topic pops up I'll chime in. Mebbe we can wear them down.

 

[MalagAste]

The way I see it is this.... most of what made such things "fun" is because no one had any choice... Everyone was there.

New players were prayed upon... those who didn't want to PvP had no choice pre UO:R... and they were easy prey.

If they built a pre AOS shard or anything like that most of the players who enjoy things now aren't going to change shards so what is the point.

I wouldn't want to move backwards... and I certainly don't want to start over backwards... and I'm definitely NOT going to pay more for such a move.

 

[Gorbs]

I don't have any faith they would deliver an acceptable classic, pre-publish 16, or pre-AOS shard. Some dev, producer, or individual involved will have to improve on it by introducing glass swords, laser beams, or some other silly contraptions. In truth, I've paid for the upgrades in the past despite having little interest in them (High Seas, the incomplete booster pack) so my answer should probably be 'Yes.'

However, this is kind of a chicken and the egg problem for me. If such a shard brought back my old guildmates and opponents I'd be all-in in a heartbeat. If it had moderate success in such a task I'd play it, but perhaps not exclusively. If it didn't bring anyone back, I'd barely give it any time.

 

[Tazar]

Posts that advertise/promote the features/benefits of illegal free-shards have been removed. Please note that these posts are not welcome on Stratics.

 

[Capn Kranky]

you have a PM

 

[Tanivar]

...

Why would I pay extra for an aspect of the game I would never use?

You wouldn't be paying extra unless you chose to play on one of the UO's-most-popular-times shards.



Think before you post.

 

[old gypsy]

I wouldn't pay extra, but I might give it a go if it was another option on the same subscription. I don't think it's going to happen, though. The Devs have their hands full as it is, just trying to make what we currently have better.

 

[Tanivar]

Some bad ideas just won't die I guess.

Actually it's a good idea.

Remove the clear mistakes EA has made with the game like AoS & the avalanche of items since.

Create shards that provide the versions of UO that were most loved by the most players.

And watch the $$$$ ol' bottom line $$$$ get bigger as many people who left over the ruining of UO with itemization return and other bored with the ring-in-your-nose level-based games come try out a skill-based sandbox game where they can do what they want, when they want, and change skills without starting over and doing the whack-this-monster-at-this-location-at-this-level routine all over again in order to try out another character class.

EA seriously messed up the game when they made the dramatic change from the popular skill-based version to the item-based version we have now. The steady drop in players shows that.

Hopefully they eventually hire someone intelligent enough to notice how the ongoing adding of more items to the game has dropped the ol' bottom line.

Business's that do well are the ones who supply thier customers with what the customers want & enjoy. Business's that don't supply thier customers with what they want & enjoy don't do well.

EA management needs to see the obvious.

 

[enderz]

UO2 w/ skryrim graphic server w/ aos rules.... deal?

 

[Luvmylace]

my post in the next thread fits here too:
Re: Are the players the reason for lack of a modern UO?

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I would play a brand new UO that had superior graphics engine ,as long as it took UO back to it's Roots .Classic shard no trammel remake ,with all new content derived from the UO history with the assurance that if you play there is no whining to get the easier facet ,no option of splitting up the game .It would have to be a monetary system that cannot be corrupted and retain all of the elements of randomness ,so planning and scripting is a waste of time. Macroing with a UO assist-like program built into the game would preclude the need for scripting . I think that more unknown content with no test center is the way to go .And besides the more difficult you make it for the shortcut users the more interest there is!
Uo is loved for it's variety of things to do,it's ability to build and deco , the pvp ,and of course the community.In game vendor tracking would be easier to produce ,rather than a world trade center because people like to have vendor houses.
I would hop on that train.

 

[LadyNico]

I can't help but wonder how it benefits anyone to further divide already severely limited resources so that they are covering Enhanced Client, Classic Client, and a whole server devoted to this "classic shard."

Not appearing in my server drop down list doesn't mean resources aren't needed to run & maintain a "classic shard."

 

[Tanivar]

The Devs have their hands full as it is, just trying to make what we currently have better.

Trouble is, their not making it better. Their just adding to the problem and making their jobs more difficult by making the combat mechanics more difficult to balance. They've dumped in so many items with so many combinations of bonus's & abilities ,it must be a major pain in the posterior to do any changes to anything involving game mechanics numbers.

They had it very right back in the UO:Ren & LBR days. Then they inflicted AoS, which I think of as Act of Stupidity, on the game. The game has gone rapidly downhill from there, as the drop in players as shown.

Hopefully one day, before the number of paying customers drops so far they pull the plug, the genius's at EA figure out that giving the customers what they enjoy will get them more customers and more $$$$.

Not that I've much hope of that after the last 8 years.

 

[Tanivar]

I can't help but wonder how it benefits anyone to further divide already severely limited resources so that they are covering Enhanced Client, Classic Client, and a whole server devoted to this "classic shard."

Not appearing in my server drop down list doesn't mean resources aren't needed to run & maintain a "classic shard."

They provide a version of UO thats popular they will have more paying customers and more money and resources to spread around.

UO has the few resources it does now because so many have left the item-based version of UO and it now makes so much less money for EA than it used to.

I can just imagine this being said in an EA office.

"With a skill-based UO, we had a popular game that got us a lot of paying customers. We changed it to an item-based game and we now have a lot less customers, with a steady decline as they have to deal with more and more items dumped into the game... Nah, we didn't make a bad decision with AoS and all the itemization since then. The customers are just quirky or something. Lay off some more useful employees and give me another raise & big bonus boss. Our losing customers & money isn't my fault. Nah, it's some other reason."

 

[old gypsy]

...They've dumped in so many items with so many combinations of bonus's & abilities ,it must be a major pain in the posterior to do any changes to anything involving game mechanics numbers.

I do believe that's the heart of the problem. I don't know what the answer is, but I don't think we're likely to see the creation of a classic shard. I do agree that UO was better in the days when GM armor and weapons were the norm, and before the advent of power scrolls, etc. What I'd really like to see isn't going to happen either... the merging of our present Trammel and Fel back into one undivided land.

 

[Uvtha]

Was fun then, would not be fun now. No.

 

[Capn Kranky]

I would go for removal of Trammel (not Malas, Ilshenar, Tok or Abyss) if some sort of compensatory method for housing is well thought out and implemented. Starting point of new characters (replacing New Haven) if this is done could be Zento, Royal City or any of perhaps 4-5 other places relatively danger-free for young persons.

 

[MikevonHammer]

I started and almost ended playing UO in 1998. I hated classic UO. I like to solo play. I mostly craft and fish. I don't need a stupid pker to come along and ruin my day. I also don't need a group of people hanging out to protect me.

I would agree to the classic if, and only if there was some type of pvp switch. Turn it on, and you can't get ganked by other players. Of course if it was on, you'd get reduced about of resources while gathering [kinda like how it is now].

There would have to be a built in cool down timer. Meaning you go from pvp to pvm you'd have to wait 5 minutes to be anti-pkable. Other games use this type of timer. Going from Pvm to Pvper there is no delay/cool down.

Or place areas in the game where pking is allowable, and in other areas it isn't.
For example Fire Island Bucs den could b made into a giant Pvper area, while the rest of the game is pvm.
IMO, it was the wholesale Pvp aspect of the game that hurt UO. It made it interesting for the first 5 minutes, but after getting killed for the 20th time, it quickly lost it's appeal.
Back then, unless a young player ran into a seasoned player that was willing to help, it was very esy to get in over one's head.

*Edit* as this is a call for a classic server and not for the whole game, I don't see a problem with this. As people can build toons on other servers, then experiment in what uo was really like.

 

[Tanivar]

What I'd really like to see isn't going to happen either... the merging of our present Trammel and Fel back into one undivided land.

I can't see it happening either. EA saw a massive exodus of customers over the PKfest that existed pre-UO:Ren. If they hadn't done something to give their customers someplace to go other than to another companies game, UO would have been shutdown for lack of customers very quickly.

A Classic Shard now would likely see a lot of PVP & Pker types initially, then the PKers would leave because they wouldn't have anyone to gank and would likely keep getting killed by the PvPers which they wouldn't find fun.

A pre-UO:AoS shard wouldn't have that problem and would pull in a lot of the players damn tired of more and more items being dumped into the game. A lot of people who have gone to free-shards may well return since free-shards have their problems.

EA could just pull the item mod numbers out of the combat calculations and throw up a Pre-AoS test shard and see what happens. I'd go there immediately since it would be the skill-based UO I loved to play with just a lot of deco junk that wouldn't affect combat. Your skills and how good you are would decide whether you lived or died once again. Not the fancy bonus toys like we have now.

Can't be that many formulas to change, and it would just mean the challenge of each monster would change. What you used to thump easily might have your carcass on a spit over a fire in two seconds flat.

 

[old gypsy]

Tanivar, you actually make it sound workable. It would be nice if they could test this out at some point and see how most of the players react to it.

 

[Cetric]

I'd consider paying a one time Booster/Expansion fee, and that would be it. I'd only play it if it was a very populated server.

 

[Mirt]

Of course you would need something like 200 players to take out many of the newer monsters.

 

[atlanticScorpion]

I think they should just load up an old classic client on a test shard just for the hell of it. With no Cheats and no extra starting resources..They don't even have to monitor it or debug it. It would be just for fun like shard of the dead. Are you telling me they broke the mold and don't have access to that old data.

 

[Woodsman]

Are you telling me they broke the mold and don't have access to that old data.

They lost a lot of code/software/documentation between the move from Texas to California, and maybe even the move from California to Virginia.

I read somewhere that a lot of the original graphics/art was lost in the move from Texas to California and it may have set them back at the time.

 

[Tazar]

I think they should just load up an old classic client on a test shard... With no Cheats...

Even if they had the old server code fully accessible - and even after reworking the current client patches to mate properly with that old server code... that no cheats requirement would make it take years and years...

 

[old gypsy]

They lost a lot of code/software/documentation between the move from Texas to California, and maybe even the move from California to Virginia.

I read somewhere that a lot of the original graphics/art was lost in the move from Texas to California and it may have set them back at the time.

Well, someone must have the old coding and art. How else would the free classic shards be able to operate?

 

[Smurcoch]

I actually have been a huge supporter of PREAOS shard for many years.

That being said, I do not mind todays game...

However, I personally think all Dev's should be required to play a pre-AOS shard before they start developing. They need to come to light with how this game has evolved. Why there were so many players, and why now there are hardly any.

a Pre AOS shard now, would be very successful for about 1-2 months, then people would get sick of having to buy regs.

Or constantly make new armour.

The game has changed a lot. But it has not changed 100% for the better. They need to bring back the risk of being in this game.

 

[Woodsman]

Well, someone must have the old coding and art. How else would the free classic shards be able to operate?

Reverse engineering these days, same as the third party World of Warcraft servers. It wouldn't surprise me to see third party Star Wars The Old Republic servers within a year or two.

As for artwork, that's client-side.

 

[Capn Kranky]

My idea of Trammel removal is NOT removing the ruleset ... so Malas, Tok, SA, Ilsh all remain PK-free.

I was around for Trammel implementation. I thought it was not correctly executed based on what was suggested by players here and Crossroads and a couple other forums. Being a mirror image in many aspects to Fel is just not right.

 

[Mirt]

Maybe they should move the PK realm to Tokuno. There seems to be less law there then there would be else where. Or even to the Umbra side of the Luna Landmass. That would make more sense as those areas don't have the same kind of guards that you would see with the crown.
PS they should also allow you to recall in and out of dungeons just like you could back in the good old days.

 

[Dakkon Blackblade]

The last time this topic was all over the forum I actually supported the idea, but if it was ever going to happen, it had to happen that last go around, at this point there are enough well populated and produced classic free shards that it would just make the attempt pointless.

One very fundamental issue that I think gets overlooked when people discuss a classic shard is the reality that we cannot recreate the community that existed during that time period.

If you look beyond the pks there was a great crafting community back then, role playing could also easily be found, and dungeons were generally well populated with groups of people having a good time.

But there was also primarily ICQ to communicate with, the majority of people in the game also didn't know every single thing about the game because good information wasn't always easy to find back then so it encouraged players to help each other out.

And after running through enough free shards, and failing to find any sense of classic, sure the monsters/locations/loot were era accurate, but I finally realized it was really just a different time and that cannot be emulated by anyone.

So a classic shard is great if you miss the old school pvp, but that is all these classic shards have left to offer, because there is no real sense of community and no need for players to work together beyond their next target, it just becomes a meat grinder until people get bored with it, quit playing, the shard closes down and then when a new one pops up a few months later it starts all over again.

 

[Kael]

For a one time fee or expansion I would surely support this!!

 

[temu]

The way I see it is this.... most of what made such things "fun" is because no one had any choice... Everyone was there.

New players were prayed upon... those who didn't want to PvP had no choice pre UO:R... and they were easy prey.

I haven't read the entire thread, sorry if I'm repeating people, but this is exactly why a classic shard would never work, in my opinion. Furthermore, I'm not sure that anything could ever come close to replicating the experience of playing UO between 1997 - 1999. Back then, if people wanted to play a MMORPG they didn't have many choices. That made UO a huge mix people with different play styles.

These days the danger element is pretty much completely gone, not just from UO, but pretty much all MMO's -except maybe Darkfall, but that was a failed experiment from what I could tell. I feel like with arenas and battleground, and even Realm vs Realm, the game designers set up instances for PvP instead of being able to create a world where it's just a common occurrence during the daily struggle for survival (which made UO so amazing 13 years ago).

There's just too many options for people. So, that's a big no to the classic shard idea.

 

[Ahuaeyjnkxs]

hahah the shadowlord have done a good job at manipulating public opinion... this is the most pathetic thing I have seen in a long while.

Public opinion against choice, for censorship.

Hmm I guess I played a role in that

he's a supersonic scientist, he's a guaranteed eternal sanctuary....