WoW *IS* second generation by anyone's definition that I've read.
Vanguard is doing a whole series of things which no second generation MMO are doing, and there are more differences between Vanguard and WoW than there were between WoW and EQ, so really, they are justified in calling it third generation. (one example: they're adding a whole new 'sphere' of gameplay, additional to Adventuring and Crafting, called Diplomacy.)
See my other posts for list of new things they're doing, or check out their website, as you yourself suggest:)
I think the reason it reads like a re-hash is that the previewers kept writing in things that were in old EQ like they were new ideas. I don't know why, maybe they never played EQ.
The *new things* Vanguard is doing are truly ground breaking. The combat system is exciting and new, crafting will be far more varied, valued and protected from mudflation, and there's an entirely new sphere called Diplomacy, which will operate something like a first person MMO RTS - you will influence and even control NPC's.
Then there's the new game mechanics. Music tracks, more than 30 hours of them, each one changing according to the time of day, combat or no combat, party health etc. Dynamic music you wont want to turn off. The zoneless world - anything you can see, you can walk/ride or sail to. The *hugeness* of the world. *Nineteen* character classes expected to make release, all unique but able to perform their primary functions on equal terms and in different ways.
As for the artistry, check out the official screenshots. I don't know what you mean by 'poser-built', but I'm sure they give a far more detailed impression.
Actually the character generation system is one of the most detailed, if not the most detailed, ever written. Character visuals are extremely customisable. The graphics are excellent, check out the offical screenshots. If they look bland to you, it's because they're realistic and more immersive, not cartoony:P
Furthermore, the gameplay is looking far more varied than anything else. New, more complicated AI. *Entirely* new and interesting combat system. Sailing on player-made ships to new continents! Interesting travel instead of travel removed as a mechanic.
Crafting protected from massive mudflation by:
* Localised economies, caused by the lack of instant-travel
* Crafters skilling up, often in groups, on 'workorders' for NPC cities. No more market flooded with 900,000 banded-wristguards:)
* More careful itemisation
Entirely new sphere of play called Diplomacy... seems to border on an MMO RTS!
Take a deeper look guys, there is so much more to Vanguard than these little previews.
Slashdot Mirror
You're right, those of us with big dicks had to put lots of hard work into getting there. wtf?
WoW *IS* second generation by anyone's definition that I've read.
Vanguard is doing a whole series of things which no second generation MMO are doing, and there are more differences between Vanguard and WoW than there were between WoW and EQ, so really, they are justified in calling it third generation. (one example: they're adding a whole new 'sphere' of gameplay, additional to Adventuring and Crafting, called Diplomacy.)
See my other posts for list of new things they're doing, or check out their website, as you yourself suggest :)
Regards,
Jam
I think the reason it reads like a re-hash is that the previewers kept writing in things that were in old EQ like they were new ideas. I don't know why, maybe they never played EQ.
The *new things* Vanguard is doing are truly ground breaking. The combat system is exciting and new, crafting will be far more varied, valued and protected from mudflation, and there's an entirely new sphere called Diplomacy, which will operate something like a first person MMO RTS - you will influence and even control NPC's.
Then there's the new game mechanics. Music tracks, more than 30 hours of them, each one changing according to the time of day, combat or no combat, party health etc. Dynamic music you wont want to turn off. The zoneless world - anything you can see, you can walk/ride or sail to. The *hugeness* of the world. *Nineteen* character classes expected to make release, all unique but able to perform their primary functions on equal terms and in different ways.
As for the artistry, check out the official screenshots. I don't know what you mean by 'poser-built', but I'm sure they give a far more detailed impression.
Actually the character generation system is one of the most detailed, if not the most detailed, ever written. Character visuals are extremely customisable. The graphics are excellent, check out the offical screenshots. If they look bland to you, it's because they're realistic and more immersive, not cartoony :P
Furthermore, the gameplay is looking far more varied than anything else. New, more complicated AI. *Entirely* new and interesting combat system. Sailing on player-made ships to new continents! Interesting travel instead of travel removed as a mechanic.
Crafting protected from massive mudflation by: :)
* Localised economies, caused by the lack of instant-travel
* Crafters skilling up, often in groups, on 'workorders' for NPC cities. No more market flooded with 900,000 banded-wristguards
* More careful itemisation
Entirely new sphere of play called Diplomacy... seems to border on an MMO RTS!
Take a deeper look guys, there is so much more to Vanguard than these little previews.