Progression Servers Inc [Archive] - EQ2 Forum Archive @ EQ2Wire

The_Cheeseman

03-19-2010, 12:54 AM

I am not sure that a progression server would be all that interesting in EQ2. I suspect that the content would be unlocked fairly quickly, and there really isn't THAT much to restrict yet. I mean, EQ1 didn't introduce progression servers until after something like 11 expansions, right? Do we really need such a thing when EQ2 has only half that many? Especially considering that most EQ2 expansions have little significant advancement within the tier. All the content would be unlocked in very little time, since there really isn't much overall that needs to be done. There aren't super-complicated progression-based raid tiers in EQ2 like there are in EQ1 expansions like Planes of Power (and allow me to express my great pleasure at that fact!).

Xalmat

03-19-2010, 01:14 AM

Well if anything it would be a mixed bag. Fundamentally the game isn't even the same game it was pre-GU13, with the various zone revamps, class revamps, tradeskill and item revamps, and so on. On the other hand we wouldn't have access to epic weapons, AAs, avatar loot, and so on until the content is unlocked.It would certainly be an interesting experience while it lasts.

Novusod

03-19-2010, 02:55 AM

<cite>Xalmat wrote:</cite><blockquote>I doubt class balance and itemization and such will be reverted to pre-gu13. But it would be interesting.</blockquote>If it is not than why bother when you can just run all those old zones on the current servers? The fun part of a progression server would be doing all the stuff you can't do on live severs such as the class quests and the original crafting system.

Xalmat

03-19-2010, 03:34 AM

The original crafting system can kiss my butt.

Wingrider01

03-19-2010, 08:00 AM

<cite>Hene wrote:</cite><blockquote>this could be SOOOOO fun!</blockquote>So will reading the forums about the whining and complaints - just like what eq1 had when the introduced them over there. That was amusing60/61 server would be a better fit

Kizee

03-19-2010, 09:05 AM

LOL at alternate ruleset servers..... <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/2786c5c8e1a8be796fb2f726cca5a0fe.gif" border="0" />Lets divide the already low server population even more.

Rhianni

03-19-2010, 09:33 AM

I never played EQ1 so dont know what a progression server is. I presume its for doing stuff that cannot be done now like building the griffon towers in Nek forest and thundering steppes?Has there really been a lot of those in the game to justify spending time in this vs not having 1.5 years per expansion?Currently guilds can (and do) start over to see their own content and we have mentoring and the chrono masters.Maybe I am missing something.

Jrral

03-19-2010, 01:50 PM

<cite>Rhianni32 wrote:</cite><blockquote>I never played EQ1 so dont know what a progression server is. I presume its for doing stuff that cannot be done now like building the griffon towers in Nek forest and thundering steppes?</blockquote>That's pretty much it. Eg. when the servers start the Ulteran Spires aren't built so no access to the KOS zones until the world event that constructs them. No access to Enchanted Lands until you do the access quest for it. No access to Moors until the D.I.R.T.Y. event uncovers and reconstructs the airship. No access to Frogloks until someone does the quest to unlock them. No access to the gods until their avatars return.

Kizee

03-19-2010, 03:11 PM

<cite>Jrral@Unrest wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>Rhianni32 wrote:</cite><blockquote>I never played EQ1 so dont know what a progression server is. I presume its for doing stuff that cannot be done now like building the griffon towers in Nek forest and thundering steppes?</blockquote>That's pretty much it. Eg. when the servers start the Ulteran Spires aren't built so no access to the KOS zones until the world event that constructs them. No access to Enchanted Lands until you do the access quest for it. No access to Moors until the D.I.R.T.Y. event uncovers and reconstructs the airship. No access to Frogloks until someone does the quest to unlock them. No access to the gods until their avatars return.</blockquote>And with group shared exp debt and shard runs!!!!Sounds like everything people hated over the years! I am sure alot of people will flock to that server......<img src="/eq2/images/smilies/2786c5c8e1a8be796fb2f726cca5a0fe.gif" border="0" />

ke'la

03-19-2010, 09:37 PM

<cite>Kizee wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>Jrral@Unrest wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>Rhianni32 wrote:</cite><blockquote>I never played EQ1 so dont know what a progression server is. I presume its for doing stuff that cannot be done now like building the griffon towers in Nek forest and thundering steppes?</blockquote>That's pretty much it. Eg. when the servers start the Ulteran Spires aren't built so no access to the KOS zones until the world event that constructs them. No access to Enchanted Lands until you do the access quest for it. No access to Moors until the D.I.R.T.Y. event uncovers and reconstructs the airship. No access to Frogloks until someone does the quest to unlock them. No access to the gods until their avatars return.</blockquote>And with group shared exp debt and shard runs!!!!Sounds like everything people hated over the years! I am sure alot of people will flock to that server......<img src="/eq2/images/smilies/2786c5c8e1a8be796fb2f726cca5a0fe.gif" border="0" /></blockquote>They don't revert EVERYTHING, just the storyline stuff, it would be WAY to difficult to change the mecanics and itemisation to the way it was back at launch.What a progression server is basically is the CURRENT Mechanics and Itemization, basied in the world that we saw at launch.So basically, you would start on the Isles of Refuge(likly the current versions), then move on to Antonica, TS, etc. I don't know if they would force you to do the verious Access quests or not, however it would "Progress" to DoF, when the major story for the expainsion was over, more or less... In otherwords with Dathmar's Death at the end of the Prismatic quest, though they might require freeing the Froglocks and ending the Plague first. Then it would go into DoF and would end at the end of Pris 2.0(death of God King and maybe a few other things). Then Spires would be built and maybe the griffon towers, then on to KoS and that ends with the end of the Claymore quest(and other things). That would unlock EoF, after Soulfire and I am sure some other things(including doing something possably to open up Unrest), RoK launches, Beat the end bosses of that and maybe get certain number of Epics, then TSO build out starts, and on to TSO...Beat Ashanti twice(and deal with the apearance of the 3 void portals of Theer) and then SF launches.All that I figure would take between 6months and a year max.

Brook

03-19-2010, 09:45 PM

<cite>kela wrote:</cite><blockquote>{0}</blockquote>I would like it if they did revert everything tbh.Current mechanics and itemization would make it boring as hell.

Seidhkona

03-20-2010, 11:13 AM

My gaming started with EQ2, so can someone explain how a progression server works?

Ahlana

03-20-2010, 11:47 AM

<cite>Sigrdrifa@Lucan DLere wrote:</cite><blockquote>My gaming started with EQ2, so can someone explain how a progression server works?</blockquote>It was already explained.First you have access to just the original game.. you unlock certain things and eventually you unlock DoF...From DoF you go about unlocking your way to KoS ect.. ect..Mechanics are never reverted nor is gear.. so with current MC gear and mechanics it would no longer be a progression server before the next expansion would even hit. Just like in EQ1 they no longer have a progression server as they were caught up to regular servers very very quickly.It is a failed pet project at best.

Cusashorn

03-20-2010, 12:45 PM

<cite>Sigrdrifa@Lucan DLere wrote:</cite><blockquote>My gaming started with EQ2, so can someone explain how a progression server works?</blockquote>Progression servers set you back to when the game first started. Players didn't have access to the rest of the expansions one could easily access from any other server until they were released a few months down the line.In other words, if you started a character on a Progression server, you won't be able to access Neriak, Kelethin, Gorowyn, Desert of Flames, or anything that came out after it until later.

Lizzoraus

03-20-2010, 01:32 PM

It could be alot of fun but the problem will be like in EQ1 where people rushed & progressed so fast that it took all of the fun out of it.

feldon30

03-20-2010, 02:05 PM

I could see it taking 3 months to develop and 1 month to unlock everything. I hope I'm wrong.

hellfire

03-20-2010, 02:22 PM

This is the same thing that eq1 did and at the same time in game age iirc.Heck they didnt even have the same code to revert back to original game so dont think its possible.Now if you revert back to original you are taking out new citys,new races,new racial abilitys,guild halls,house goodies....so on and so forth.Imo there is no original game left and all that it would be is the current game just with a lock on the next tier until some acomplishments are met.All heroric dungeon bosses killedAll instance raid bosses killedAll contested raid mobs deadThe major quest story line completed.So umm yeah couple weeks and t6 would be unlocked.

Khurghan

03-20-2010, 02:26 PM

Hmm seeing as how badly the EQ1 progression servers bombed ...

hellfire

03-20-2010, 02:33 PM

<cite>Khurghan wrote:</cite><blockquote>Hmm seeing as how badly the EQ1 progression servers bombed ...</blockquote>Yep people expected the original game and that was not possible ...same would apply here also.To many things have changed to ever go back to original format.What happened there would happen here and after 3 months the server would be a regular server....or even worse a waste because its a dead server.People are just prime for dissapointment with the expectations they have for things like this.

Wilde_Night

03-20-2010, 02:55 PM

If they somehow put a timed restriction on when the next progression can be unlocked, this could be more of a success. Maybe do it similar to how we got it in the first place. Prismatics in at start, Frogloks introduced a month later, then Bloodlines, Splitpaw, etc. Have it so the players can accomplish and unlock, but if they unlock it too soon, they still have to wait for the planned patch or whatnot to go it to make it available.Or else the server will be beat in less than 6 months and then the players are crying for something new to do.Edit - And personally, I would actually play on an original code server, max level 50. Not only for nostalgia, but for the danger and difficulty that existed back then. I really do miss some of the danger, access quests and other time sinks we once had.

Alvane

03-20-2010, 03:08 PM

<cite>Bigron@Unrest wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>Khurghan wrote:</cite><blockquote>Hmm seeing as how badly the EQ1 progression servers bombed ...</blockquote>Yep people expected the original game and that was not possible ...same would apply here also.To many things have changed to ever go back to original format.What happened there would happen here and after 3 months the server would be a regular server....or even worse a waste because its a dead server.People are just prime for dissapointment with the expectations they have for things like this.</blockquote>I would be over in a NY sec - just like chrono and mentoring - neither really puts you back at that level, despite what it says. When I was lvl 55, I chrono back to lvl 25 to do FG, which I missed cause I leveled too fast, I sliced through the content very quickly with only one death - and that was because I wasn't paying attention. It just wasn't fun. Haven't bothered with chrono since.

Gaige

03-20-2010, 03:10 PM

<cite>Xalmat wrote:</cite><blockquote>Well if anything it would be a mixed bag. Fundamentally the game isn't even the same game it was pre-GU13, with the various zone revamps, class revamps, tradeskill and item revamps, and so on. On the other hand we wouldn't have access to epic weapons, AAs, avatar loot, and so on until the content is unlocked.It would certainly be an interesting experience while it lasts.</blockquote>It'd last like a month, if that.

Froed20

03-20-2010, 05:43 PM

Like everyone else is saying, it'd be over way too quick. There are too many hardcore guilds that would jump all over it, and they'd end up killing everything off as fast as possible to be the first ones to do it, just as they've been doing since the game started. Besides that, while it may sound interesting on paper, it's only good if you're in the initial starting up population. If you miss it at the start, it's just going to end up baing your normal run-of-the-mill server, which we already have way too many of at the moment.

Nayawk

03-20-2010, 11:18 PM

If this to work I really think they would have to go with a time based release shedule rather than a whole hearted unlock/move forward because like many have said it would be all over in a month or two. As for what time limit.. I'd go with half scale. Took us 5 years to get to SF.... will take the progression server 2.5 years to get there. Yes have the original unlocking as you did, zek etc. but the big exspansions are wholey time based and unmovable. I'm realistic.. I know they won't use original release code.. but I would love it if they did.

hellfire

03-21-2010, 01:34 AM

They really cant lock tiers on a time release imo.....then you arent really progressing anything you are playing a game that is given content on a time base.That is zero difference then the game we play now except you have artifical blocks in terms of time released content that is already current.A time lock is ok like a month maybe but 2.5 years is nothing in terms of "progressing" at all.

ke'la

03-21-2010, 06:44 AM

<cite>Alvane@Unrest wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>Bigron@Unrest wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>Khurghan wrote:</cite><blockquote>Hmm seeing as how badly the EQ1 progression servers bombed ...</blockquote>Yep people expected the original game and that was not possible ...same would apply here also.To many things have changed to ever go back to original format.What happened there would happen here and after 3 months the server would be a regular server....or even worse a waste because its a dead server.People are just prime for dissapointment with the expectations they have for things like this.</blockquote>I would be over in a NY sec - just like chrono and mentoring - neither really puts you back at that level, despite what it says. When I was lvl 55, I chrono back to lvl 25 to do FG, which I missed cause I leveled too fast, I sliced through the content very quickly with only one death - and that was because I wasn't paying attention. It just wasn't fun. Haven't bothered with chrono since.</blockquote>Mentoring/Cronomage even when mentoring was first implemented you where OP vers a new toon at the same level, and back then they didn't scale your spells you accually lost access to all your spells over your mentored level, forcing you to have to remake your hotbars for that level. Once they put in spell scaling, and gave you access to spells you are not supposed to have, mentor/Cronomage became a virtual god mode, and the devs have pritty much admited as much.On the other hand a brand new toon with only access to the gear available from the zones implimented at the start of the game, and not the Gorrowin OP stuff, the mobs accually do pose somewhat of a challange, as long as your not in stuff that is balanced againsts the Gorowin gear. That said befor they could even think about a progression server, they would still have to do a difficulty upgrade to the orginal content MoBs to be baised on what players currently have easy access to in terms of armor.Lastly, I would support somewhat of a time limiter on stuff, to give events a chance to build up, but not more then say a few weeks for smaller addtions(like adding Unrest after EoF launches), maybe a month for the 3 APs, and say 2 months for the expainsions, as most expainsions had about 2 months of "prep" time prior to them going live in the first place.That would cause the server to be near the end of SF about the time Expainsion 7 launches I would think.

Nayawk

03-21-2010, 06:47 AM

<cite>Bigron@Unrest wrote:</cite><blockquote>They really cant lock tiers on a time release imo.....then you arent really progressing anything you are playing a game that is given content on a time base.That is zero difference then the game we play now except you have artifical blocks in terms of time released content that is already current.A time lock is ok like a month maybe but 2.5 years is nothing in terms of "progressing" at all.</blockquote>yes, but in less than 9 months is bang up to date with every other server and all you have is a low population server thats no more 'progression' that any of the others.I could see some kind of population limit thing .. where 90% of the player population needs to hit each tier for the next to be unlocked.. that would promote grouping and a sense of joining as a community to advance...maybe.

Dulissa

03-21-2010, 11:38 AM

One has to wonder where they would get this server. One more thing for Rothgar to "throttle" <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/283a16da79f3aa23fe1025c96295f04f.gif" border="0" />

Ahlana

03-21-2010, 11:41 AM

Dulissa

03-21-2010, 12:18 PM

<cite>Ahlana wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>Toressa@Antonia Bayle wrote:</cite><blockquote>One has to wonder where they would get this server. One more thing for Rothgar to "throttle" <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/283a16da79f3aa23fe1025c96295f04f.gif" border="0" /></blockquote>The old Venekor Hardware /RIP</blockquote>thought that was being used for BG

Ahlana

03-21-2010, 12:38 PM

<cite>Toressa@Antonia Bayle wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>Ahlana wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>Toressa@Antonia Bayle wrote:</cite><blockquote>One has to wonder where they would get this server. One more thing for Rothgar to "throttle" <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/283a16da79f3aa23fe1025c96295f04f.gif" border="0" /></blockquote>The old Venekor Hardware /RIP</blockquote>thought that was being used for BG</blockquote>Nooo they said BG servers were rather newer servers that came from a different game all together that seems to be having wanning numbers. I can think of a few places they could've came from lol as SOE as a whole just seems to be going down the drains as of late all across their board.

feldon30

03-21-2010, 01:44 PM

<cite>Ahlana wrote:</cite><blockquote>hey said BG servers were rather newer servers that came from a different game all together that seems to be having wanning numbers. I can think of a few places they could've came from lol as SOE as a whole just seems to be going down the drains as of late all across their board.</blockquote>MXO?

ke'la

03-21-2010, 08:54 PM

<cite>Toressa@Antonia Bayle wrote:</cite><blockquote>One has to wonder where they would get this server. One more thing for Rothgar to "throttle" <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/283a16da79f3aa23fe1025c96295f04f.gif" border="0" /></blockquote>There was also taking about making servers other then AB more attractive by increasing thier numbers via server mergers, wich would also be a source of some equipment. There are a few servers out there that would benifit from a Merger.

Gaige

03-21-2010, 09:27 PM

The servers can't even handle the population on them, let alone a merged population. 10 second cast lag in Highland is enough, thanks.

ke'la

03-22-2010, 03:14 AM

<cite>Gaige wrote:</cite><blockquote>The servers can't even handle the population on them, let alone a merged population. 10 second cast lag in Highland is enough, thanks.</blockquote>Not all servers are over populated, or have those issues. Some of them accually do need the help of a server merge.

Valdimere

03-22-2010, 03:53 PM

Progression servers in EQ1 made sense because of the complex nature of the game itself.Everquest 2 on the other hand simply does not make sense in the realm of a progression server because of how easy it is to level up and complete the raid content of the game. Quite simply, the progression servers for Everquest 2 will be complete through the current expansion in a couple months in most likely. The only way they will prevent this is by putting in systems that force people to not be able to open the next expansion before a certain number of days/months have passed.And, think about that. Do you really care to do Kingdom of Sky content again with Kingdom of Sky max level, gear and itemization? How about Desert of Flames?It's just not the same as it was with Everquest 1. It was actually fun to try to kill Nagafen on a progression server in EQ1. In EQ2, it's just going to feel dated and forced to be slow progression through system manipulation. There's nothing nostalgia about replaying Desert of Flames, Kingdom of Sky, etc. You want to do that, level a character, lock your level at 50, and don't use any up to date gear. You can do that today as the game stands right this minute.Sorry. I just don't see the purpose for a progression server in EQ2.

Xalmat

03-22-2010, 05:00 PM

Some very solid arguments against progression servers have been presented.It definitely seems the only way to "preserve" the progression server is to impose time limits on how fast content can be unlocked.

Qandor

03-22-2010, 05:53 PM

A good part of the initial interest in EQ1 progression servers was the nostalgia factor, Kunark, Velious, and even PoP for some people. They were solid expansions and loved by many. Some of it, Velious in particular, was the finest content ever made in an MMO. In EQ2, what is the big draw for their progression server? DoF? KoS? lol It is not even in the same league.Even comparing the release game of EQ1 to EQ2, there is just no comparison. I really cannot see this working. Sure it will get traffic for the first month or so. Mostly from current subscribers burning an alt slot over there, but it is certainly not bringing anyone back.

SageGaspar

03-22-2010, 07:02 PM

If they do it "right" it's going to take a lot of time and probably still not all that appealing, if they do it wrong it's going to be a complete waste of time.As it is it's not like the content sits unused as it did in EQ1, I've hit most of the heroic dungeons every time I level an alt and we mentor the raids for AAs too. I'd just avoid it altogether and work on the current game. I don't really see the charm in leveling through the content again.

Xalmat

03-22-2010, 07:05 PM

Actually what I enjoyed most was the original game. Some of my favorite zones in the entire game are original launch zones like Runnyeye, Lavastorm, Solusek's Eye.Desert of Flames had its moments but paled to the original game once you left Sinking Sands. Kingdom of Sky and Echoes of Faydwer were terrible. Kunark was all around fun. Shadow Odyssey was terrible from a raid perspective but good from a grouping perspective. Sentinel's Fate is all around sucky.Honestly if I could level from 1 to 50 in the original game, and then skip levels 50-70 and go straight to Kylong Plains, it would be a pleasurable experience for me.

LardLord

03-22-2010, 07:39 PM

<cite>Xalmat wrote:</cite><blockquote>Desert of Flames had its moments but paled to the original game once you left Sinking Sands. Kingdom of Sky and Echoes of Faydwer were terrible. Kunark was all around fun. Shadow Odyssey was terrible from a raid perspective but good from a grouping perspective. Sentinel's Fate is all around sucky.</blockquote>Heh, and I thought I was dumb for playing through one expansion (Rise of Kunark) that I didn't like.

Skywarrior

03-22-2010, 08:19 PM

Rather than arbitrary time limits for progression ...Create two new progression servers that are in competition from the beginning. Progression is unlocked via completion of content, as described in this thread, however, the content must be completed by X (number) of characters to progress. The characters must be on unique accounts to count in the total. This would promote (but not guarantee) overall community participation in the effort and, perhaps, even provide incentive to the more competitive players to lend a helping hand more readily to the server community at large, such as running public progression raids and instances.The value of X, as determined by the devs, would dictate how hard achieving progression would be. At the very least, it would ensure that one or two guilds did not power the entire server through progression without considerable effort put in external to those guilds.Just an idea.

Froed20

03-22-2010, 09:21 PM

Since there's so much against it, I would like to point out at least 1 benefit. The entire population will be starting from scratch, and because of this, the level progressions will actually be full of folks from the initial startup, just like it was when the game first came out. That means that most dungeons and zones will feel alive until the general population is back up to max level.

ke'la

03-23-2010, 07:37 AM

<cite>Fayle@Mistmoore wrote:</cite><blockquote>Since there's so much against it, I would like to point out at least 1 benefit. The entire population will be starting from scratch, and because of this, the level progressions will actually be full of folks from the initial startup, just like it was when the game first came out. That means that most dungeons and zones will feel alive until the general population is back up to max level.</blockquote>I think over all that is the only positive.As far as the other poster talking about the lack of nastalgia factor with the EQ2 expainsions, IMO the only one, other then the launch era that I am nestalgic for really is EoF, and only because I started over with a new toon, when it came out. If I was to have kept my main I am fairly certain I would be with that poster, in reguards to EoF as well. That said I would have to disagree with him about DoF, IMO it was the PoF area that I felt was the good part of the expainsion. Then again, I spent so much time in Twin Tears, killing Lizzardmen I accually got Ally faction with the gnolls at the other lake...and that might have something to do with my distaste for SS...That said Silent City was pritty cool, but I don't count that as being SS, I consiter it a seperate zone.

Rahatmattata

03-26-2010, 02:34 AM

<cite>Bigron@Unrest wrote:</cite><blockquote>Heck they didnt even have the same code to revert back to original game so dont think its possible.</blockquote>I have the original game code on the set of 10 CDs I bought 5 years ago. They can borrow my disks if needed. <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/e8a506dc4ad763aca51bec4ca7dc8560.gif" border="0" /> The problem with original game code is how do they decide when to update the game mechanics? For example if we had old school crafting, they would have to create brand new recipes for KoS. The T7 recipes never called for WORTs and ink and stool legs etc. So they would have to make T7 recipes. If they kept shard runs... would it really matter in the heavily instanced content of TSO? Oh, we wiped and had to revive. NP just run 150 feet through the empty map and click your shard. Of course they could just update the game mechanics with each expansion that gets unlocked... but that would be kind of wierd.I will play on the progression server. I just hope they do something so that it takes a significant amount of time to unlock expansions; there are several ways to do so. I also hope they replace all the gimpy overland solo trash with heroics like back in the day. I get very nostalgic when playing a low level character in Antonica, and would love that experience I had 5 years ago again.

Ravaan

03-31-2010, 05:22 PM

have the progression server a whole new ruleset.Bring back shards(but not the group xp debt)get rid of the stupid solo mobs in overland zones. go back to the old school where they were heroics.bring back the roaming epics in newbie zones (cragshell ...)bring back access quests and having to unlock the next expac by doing the epic questlines ONLY (prismatic, peacock, claymore)

Jalen

04-07-2010, 08:43 PM

<cite>Fayle@Mistmoore wrote:</cite><blockquote>That means that most dungeons and zones will feel alive until the general population is back up to max level.</blockquote>That was, of course, the best part of the original game. It wasn't until Splitpaw or so that the bulk of the playerbase had reached end game. There was always someone between level 15 and 17 in Antonica or the Commonlands looking for help to kill the 500 mobs for betrayal.Then again, I liked the overland heroics, didn't mind shard runs, and the shared debt certainly gave you an incentive not to just train and leave the leather and cloth wearers to die behind you.Unfortunately they can't bring back a designer to add to the Vault of the Fallen, Ruins of Varsoon, and the Obelisk zones with their unique appearances and itemization. My old warden still has his level 25 fabled scimitar with a poison proc. The old Fallen Gate was a bit different as well, hours of grinding rats again to only get clumps of maggots? Umm...

KniteShayd

04-08-2010, 08:13 AM

I would love to do a Progression Server!I for one have had so many alts, I have yet to reach end game. (My highest main was 62!)I agree with timing the release of new content, instead of acheivement unlocking like EQ Live. There would be too much rush to be the first, which would leave those of use who aren't part of an established hard-core guild left way behind on alot of the content and story line.I would love to see progression really mean something, other than race to the end. Bring back access requirements, make heroic mobs really hard to solo/duo. It would really slow down the rush if it was an alt rules where things are the same but more difficult.

Alvane

04-08-2010, 10:54 AM

Ya.... I would love to see a progression server - if nothing else, just so I can read about all the complaints about this or that.Then I'll know what it was like when EQ2 - the Shattering was first released. <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/283a16da79f3aa23fe1025c96295f04f.gif" border="0" />Let's see - peeps pwr level in hours...... so a progression server - wanna take bets how long it'll take peeps to open up all the keys to the next area? It will always be a race - peeps love being first at something - and will do anything to work around any obstacle. Need to take down a MOB that's hard - heck get a few friends and beat on it. You don't even have to be grouped to do that.You desire progression based on time rather than unlocking various key elements? What would you base that time on? Two weeks, Two months, Two years? Any of those will produce nay- sayers who say it's too fast or it's too slow.What is the finish line anyway? Is there one? What is the end-game? Does that mean a peep went through the entire content and there is nothing more to accomplish, hence is at the end-game? I think not. There is no end-game. There are only various parts to the entire game. Raiding is certainly not the end-game. Those into raiding generally pwr level, so they miss prolly more than 50% of the game content. Their goal is to have the gear that one gets with raid zones. It's just one part of the game.So back to progression - SoE would have to define progression - the starting point, the middle point, the end point. And to complete that progression, one must follow the yellow brick road and all the check points along the way, or they have failed to complete the progression.JMO

Rhak

04-11-2010, 11:12 PM

All things considered, EQ2 has REALLY changed since launch. Let's see what I can remember off the top of my head:1) You can actually solo now in EQ2. It was near impossible when it launched (as overworld mobs and quests were pretty much all Heroic).2) You didn't start off as your final class when EQ2 launched. You picked an archtype (Fighter, Cleric, Mage, Scout) and then was given your final class at 10 based on if you were good/evil (and yes, you had a choice too if the class was neutral based).3) You had to actually become a citizen of Qeynos/Freeport by running a questline to prove your loyalty. Ask how many players still have A Commemorative Qeynos/Freeport Coin (your reward for finishing said quest). I doubt it's that many. But I still have mine.4) Betraying was...a pain in the Froglok. And that's putting it nicely. There was no Haven either for your 'halfway' point - no, you were dumped out into the cold rain like the betraying little scumbag that you were.5) Noticeable experience debt. You had to go back to get your 'shard' to get most of it back. And you'd be at a penalty until you did. And yes, you could leave multiple shards across the world.Long story short - the game has changed A TON since it launched. And I sure as heck wouldn't play under that ruleset anymore. It turned away a lot of the non-hardcore population.

Brook

04-11-2010, 11:55 PM

<cite>Zalora@Guk wrote:</cite><blockquote>All things considered, EQ2 has REALLY changed since launch. Let's see what I can remember off the top of my head:1) You can actually solo now in EQ2. It was near impossible when it launched (as overworld mobs and quests were pretty much all Heroic).2) You didn't start off as your final class when EQ2 launched. You picked an archtype (Fighter, Cleric, Mage, Scout) and then was given your final class at 10 based on if you were good/evil (and yes, you had a choice too if the class was neutral based).3) You had to actually become a citizen of Qeynos/Freeport by running a questline to prove your loyalty. Ask how many players still have A Commemorative Qeynos/Freeport Coin (your reward for finishing said quest). I doubt it's that many. But I still have mine.4) Betraying was...a pain in the Froglok. And that's putting it nicely. There was no Haven either for your 'halfway' point - no, you were dumped out into the cold rain like the betraying little scumbag that you were.5) Noticeable experience debt. You had to go back to get your 'shard' to get most of it back. And you'd be at a penalty until you did. And yes, you could leave multiple shards across the world.Long story short - the game has changed A TON since it launched. And I sure as heck wouldn't play under that ruleset anymore. It turned away a lot of the non-hardcore population.</blockquote> The best part if they really do this is you and the rest of the instant gratification crowd will still be on your happy little servers.

ke'la

04-12-2010, 03:58 AM

<cite>Brook wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>Zalora@Guk wrote:</cite><blockquote>All things considered, EQ2 has REALLY changed since launch. Let's see what I can remember off the top of my head:1) You can actually solo now in EQ2. It was near impossible when it launched (as overworld mobs and quests were pretty much all Heroic).2) You didn't start off as your final class when EQ2 launched. You picked an archtype (Fighter, Cleric, Mage, Scout) and then was given your final class at 10 based on if you were good/evil (and yes, you had a choice too if the class was neutral based).3) You had to actually become a citizen of Qeynos/Freeport by running a questline to prove your loyalty. Ask how many players still have A Commemorative Qeynos/Freeport Coin (your reward for finishing said quest). I doubt it's that many. But I still have mine.4) Betraying was...a pain in the Froglok. And that's putting it nicely. There was no Haven either for your 'halfway' point - no, you were dumped out into the cold rain like the betraying little scumbag that you were.5) Noticeable experience debt. You had to go back to get your 'shard' to get most of it back. And you'd be at a penalty until you did. And yes, you could leave multiple shards across the world.Long story short - the game has changed A TON since it launched. And I sure as heck wouldn't play under that ruleset anymore. It turned away a lot of the non-hardcore population.</blockquote> The best part if they really do this is you and the rest of the instant gratification crowd will still be on your happy little servers.</blockquote>The sad thing is all of those are machanics changes and as such would more then likly NOT be returned to the way they where. For the most part atleast in EQL a Progression server only rolled back the Story elements and removed zones that you "discover" along the way.

Yimway

04-12-2010, 01:59 PM

<cite>feldon30 wrote:</cite><blockquote>I could see it taking 3 months to develop and 1 month to unlock everything. I hope I'm wrong.</blockquote>I think it will eat more than 3 months of dev time and take less than one month to unlock everything.The entire idea is frivilous.This made sense in a game that was heavily based on progression (like eq1) where earning levels was significant achievement. Find me the EQ1 post thats hows you how to get max level in a a day?EQ2 isn't about progression, as its trivial to progress.If EQ2 is to have alternate ruleset servers, they need to be about something other than progression. The best idea I came up with was a chaos server where its just open pvp outside your guild.Another possability is a server with open trading of all items (no hierloom, no no-trade).Or the true death penalty server, when you die, you die. Perhaps tied with a progressoin server in this way it could work. Ie, beating each expansion boss allows reviving at that expansion level. So until Darathar is dead you revive as level 1, after he is dead you revive as level 50 until the Djinn Master dies, etc, etc.A progression server just to be a progression server will be an epic waste of time.

ke'la

04-12-2010, 04:48 PM

<cite>Atan@Unrest wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>feldon30 wrote:</cite><blockquote>I could see it taking 3 months to develop and 1 month to unlock everything. I hope I'm wrong.</blockquote>I think it will eat more than 3 months of dev time and take less than one month to unlock everything.I totally agree with this statement UNLESS they put in some artifical block to progression other then killing mobs, like a specific number and sugnifigent of players has to acheive "Beating" the expainsion, aka getting all of the expainsion achivements. Or some kind of artifical wait period after the expainsion is beat, or a combination of the two. Adding in those artifical exenders would also require even more dev time.The entire idea is frivilous.Yes, but so is playing videogames. <img src="/smilies/8a80c6485cd926be453217d59a84a888.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /> The idea has some merit but only if artifical speedbumps to progression are put in, and I think that would likly turn off many of those that want it, so it is kinda a chetch 22.This made sense in a game that was heavily based on progression (like eq1) where earning levels was significant achievement. Find me the EQ1 post thats hows you how to get max level in a a day?EQ2 isn't about progression, as its trivial to progress.Accually it is worst then that, how many posts do you see from people doing everything in thier power to SLOW DOWN thier leveling in EQL? The speed of this game is just to fast for a server like this, if it operates for the most part like a current server with no forced speed bumps to progression.If EQ2 is to have alternate ruleset servers, they need to be about something other than progression. The best idea I came up with was a chaos server where its just open pvp outside your guild.Another possability is a server with open trading of all items (no hierloom, no no-trade).Or the true death penalty server, when you die, you die. Perhaps tied with a progressoin server in this way it could work. Ie, beating each expansion boss allows reviving at that expansion level. So until Darathar is dead you revive as level 1, after he is dead you revive as level 50 until the Djinn Master dies, etc, etc.The problem with most alternate ruleset servers is that they also change core mechanics in the game, as such it requires duel development cycles. Though that is not the case with your sugjestions, I also don't think either of them would be very popular with the majority of the player base. Though an open trade server MIGHT work.A progression server just to be a progression server will be an epic waste of time.</blockquote>

Xanrn

04-12-2010, 10:24 PM

Yes progression servers on EQ2 will be an even bigger waste of time and a bigger pot of pure fail than EQ1 PS were.Stop thinking up ways for them to not suck, they will suck and they will suck hard.I want the developers too spend time on NEW content not idiotic ways to recycle old content.

Rosenthorne

04-13-2010, 12:10 AM

Ok, so dont call it a "Progression" server, call it a "Fresh Start" Server...I for one would love to begin on a server where no-one has any plat to give them a head start, all guilds are trying to upgrade and recruit, every-one on the same footing.In fact, merge 2 or 3 of the really low pop servers and create 1 fresh start server.If you don't like the idea...dont roll an alt on it!...I guarantee you, there are many who would be there with bells on!

Darksinga

01-18-2011, 07:24 PM

Is there any word on the progression server?I would love to play on one of these(sorry for necroing btw.. Just didn't see any news)

Alvane

01-19-2011, 01:24 AM

<cite>Darksinga wrote:</cite><blockquote>Is there any word on the progression server?I would love to play on one of these(sorry for necroing btw.. Just didn't see any news)</blockquote>Don't hold your breath!

Skarl

01-20-2011, 12:01 PM

If this happened I would be so happy. Even if it was a fresh start server it would be fun although would much prefer locked content and possibly harder (more heroic encounters). Would really bring a lot of life to the old content. Hell if they did this I would even buy SC in celebration (hint hint <img src="/smilies/69934afc394145350659cd7add244ca9.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" />). Please dev's make this little frog happy.... RIBBIT!

Alvane

01-20-2011, 01:01 PM

I would be happy if there was much more challenging content at all levels on normal servers. It's kinda ridiculous when you have a lvl 42 character with 170 spent AAs who needs to only work yellow, orange mobs (solo or duo) and red mobs (group 5/6) in order to have a challenge. And, of course, all heroic. I am having fun killing orange/red names in SS, though!IMO, it's because of the AAs, not the gear or master spells. However, nerf AAs and everyone will get upset. Once you give the power to the people, it's difficult to take it away.You can't go home again no matter how much you wish it so. Once it's gone, it's gone.

Jovie

01-20-2011, 01:44 PM

Kasar

01-20-2011, 10:23 PM

<cite>Alvane@Unrest wrote:</cite><blockquote>I would be happy if there was much more challenging content at all levels on normal servers. It's kinda ridiculous when you have a lvl 42 character with 170 spent AAs who needs to only work yellow, orange mobs (solo or duo) and red mobs (group 5/6) in order to have a challenge. And, of course, all heroic. I am having fun killing orange/red names in SS, though!IMO, it's because of the AAs, not the gear or master spells. However, nerf AAs and everyone will get upset. Once you give the power to the people, it's difficult to take it away.You can't go home again no matter how much you wish it so. Once it's gone, it's gone.</blockquote>The only way would be to allow people to selectively unlock expanions on their station account. That way it wouldn't require server changes for progression, you'd just choose when to open up the second page of AA's and the associated zones. It still wouldn't be the same, it's not like the path through Nek Forest would be full of groups of heroic owlbears and the woods full of shrillers waiting to chase people out of the forest. Just when you think you're safe, you run into the heroic skeleton patrol and get to chase your spirit shard(s).I don't know why people didn't like the game then, doing that at level 15 for betrayal was.. fun?

Skarl

01-22-2011, 12:00 AM

The only way I could really see a progression server working well is if they rollback the story and zones. West Freeport should look the way it did on release and Neriak should still be undiscovered. If they did this I would deffinatly play on that server. Really interesting idea and sounds very fun. If this does happen lets hope it gets done right!

kelvmor

01-22-2011, 12:17 AM

I would -love- an old-school progession server.

Thunndar316

01-22-2011, 12:38 PM

Farm AA's from level 70 all over again?No thank you.

Alvane

01-22-2011, 04:23 PM

<cite>Kasar wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>Alvane@Unrest wrote:</cite><blockquote>I would be happy if there was much more challenging content at all levels on normal servers. It's kinda ridiculous when you have a lvl 42 character with 170 spent AAs who needs to only work yellow, orange mobs (solo or duo) and red mobs (group 5/6) in order to have a challenge. And, of course, all heroic. I am having fun killing orange/red names in SS, though!IMO, it's because of the AAs, not the gear or master spells. However, nerf AAs and everyone will get upset. Once you give the power to the people, it's difficult to take it away.You can't go home again no matter how much you wish it so. Once it's gone, it's gone.</blockquote>The only way would be to allow people to selectively unlock expanions on their station account. That way it wouldn't require server changes for progression, you'd just choose when to open up the second page of AA's and the associated zones. It still wouldn't be the same, it's not like the path through Nek Forest would be full of groups of heroic owlbears and the woods full of shrillers waiting to chase people out of the forest. Just when you think you're safe, you run into the heroic skeleton patrol and get to chase your spirit shard(s).I don't know why people didn't like the game then, doing that at level 15 for betrayal was.. fun?</blockquote>I don't think SoE has the engines capable of doing individual story lines which is what your suggestion amounts do. GW2 has delayed their release several times due to just this idea. They are working using dynamics on their engines. Right now they are saying that one has to go into an instance to continue their storyline. And if they need assistance for a group, duo, etc., they can invite people into their story line and visa versa. The adventures in between are static.In terms of your idea, which I think is an interesting one, it puts the progression on the individual to unwrap their own story/adventures. However, at the same time, if I don't open up the EoF AA page (2nd page), that means I could not play in the EoF zones since EoF is the 2nd AA page introduced in the xpac. So, I could not make a fae when I begin the game, only stay within the shattered lands concept. If there are guildies who are wanting me to join them in GFay, I could not do so.The basic idea of an individual progression timeline is interesting, but like the GW2 idea, needs a ton of work and different type of game mechanics. MMOs are moving along, so it will be interesting to see what these new "dynamic" type engines are adding to the mix.

Alvane

01-22-2011, 04:33 PM

<cite>Skarl@Lucan DLere wrote:</cite><blockquote>The only way I could really see a progression server working well is if they rollback the story and zones. West Freeport should look the way it did on release and Neriak should still be undiscovered. If they did this I would deffinatly play on that server. Really interesting idea and sounds very fun. If this does happen lets hope it gets done right!</blockquote>Unfortunately it cannot be done since so much has changed in the game mechanics over the years. It's not just the graphics, but the mobs, the different encounters, how they worked, the characters the spells they had at the time, too. And remember all that gear which was grand in it's day, yet is not useful today? If you don't remember, just gander about CL & ANT, NEK, EL, RV, EF, FE & LS. Yes, there is the old gear still dropping in the revised LS/EF zones, too. Compare those with the crafted gear.A lot of changed. It would take a lot of money, coding, and employees several years in order to go back in time. And that is something EQ2 does not have.The only way this could be done is what Activision/Blizzard did with WoW - they totally revamped the original zones, MoBs, gear, dungeons, quests - essentially made a new game in the lower levels. Has it worked? It's fun for the short term, but not long term. It's still the same game it always was, just some new characters, new quests, new look. Once past the original WoW zones, you meet up with the current. And it took a a long time - 3 or 4 years and 100 plus employees to get it done. It's still a game of fast leveling to cap. The one thing WoW does well is dungeons and raids at cap. Even then there are just so many raids & dungeons one can do.

Kasar

01-23-2011, 12:28 AM

<cite>Alvane@Unrest wrote:</cite><blockquote>The one thing WoW does well is dungeons and raids at cap. Even then there are just so many raids & dungeons one can do.</blockquote>In that regard, EQ2 had a lot of raid zones at launch. There were T5 raid instances and contested mobs all over. X2 raid mobs were wandering nearly every zone at most level tiers.As for revamps, that's been done to many zones, just not to the extent of putting them underwater. Commonlands still doesn't seem right with all the green that appeared with EoF when the heroic orc ring events were replaced with solo beetles. Not much really remains of the days when you could go through Fallen gate and your loot was primarily made up of clumps of maggots. The zone at the bottom hasn't seemed to have been touched though through the endless stream of making things easier and more bland, the level 25 fabled gear is still there and the bats are just as annoying.