Curse

sakura75 · Dec 08, 2006, 07:44 AM // 07:44

I have search this forum, but have not found a topic like this. If I miss it anyhow, please, move to that thread.

Many players have bought FoW armors a long time ago before the release of Nightfall. With the changing metagames, some armor sets are not optimal to be used anymore.
I would like to have all the existing FoW armors to be updated to the NF armor system with options to place insignas on it.
The NF armor system is of course specific for people who own NF and I can understand from marketing views that Anet doesnt want to update old existing armors cause no one will buy NF anymore.
I will not ask Anet to update all the existing armor to the NF armor system, but FoW armor sets are not NF specific. It is available for all three chapters.

Please, update the existing FoW armor to the NF Armor system.

Sasuke The Betrayer · Dec 08, 2006, 07:57 AM // 07:57

Sorry, bud. ANET has already put in NF-Type FoW Armor, so you can put insignias on them. Unfortunately, for those who have their old sets, they won't be changed so the most you can do is just buy another set.

Nexus Icon · Dec 08, 2006, 08:41 AM // 08:41

/sarcasm
Sorry, no.
You have to farm the materials and the gold all over again.
Sucks to be you.
/end sarcasm

Sadly though, I think it's going to remain this way for a very long time, if not forever.
There's a lot of stupid little things like this that need addressing, but ANet just don't seem interested.

For example:
Gold items from other continents are now completely worthless due to not being inscribable. The inscription system needs to be added to the game universally.

All PvE armours from campaigns prior to Nightfall are now not optimal. Nightfall armour (whilst generally being the ugliest so far) has a distinct advantage over all other armours thanks to the insignia system. Note however that the old campaigns get access to the new armour systems and types in PvP however. Methinks there's a balance issue here.

Battle sensitive music, a nice addition to the game, is only available to one campaign. This jars when going back to older areas.

Same with portals. Where Nightfall has those lovely rippling portals, previous campaigns are stuck with an indistinct fog.

Collector's Edition special effects are not retroactive. Only the divine aura from Prophecies is universal, and hence the only one really worth having. ANet can't be bothered adding new effects from the new campaigns for old classes. Even if you only own Nightfall Collector's edition, only 2 of the classes will have the /dancenew emote, even though you have access to 8 classes total.

New classes recycle old animations and emotes.

I could go on for ages with other such aggravating examples, and I know that a lot of them would be dismissed as being non-metagame crucial, but my point is that when viewed as a whole, it makes ANet look more and more sloppy. Or, maybe they're just rushing content out of the door with minimal QA. Same difference really.

I've thrown a lot of money ANet's way, and have all of the pre-orders and all of the Collector's editions.
Where I was a shoe-in CE customer before Nightfall, I'm incredibly sceptical about even buying the next chapter at all.

Let alone my growing uneasiness with ANet essentially selling expansion packs as complete games.
Most sequels to modern titles update the engine significantly, but with Guild Wars you're playing on the same engine that Prophecies was running on 2 years ago with a few minimal nods towards DX9.

And there's also the content argument.
No matter how they try to spin it, there just isn't the same amount of content in Nightfall or Factions as there was in Prophecies, yet they cost the same amount of money.

So in closing, add your complaint to the ever growing list of seemingly insignificant things that will never be addressed.

kincaid · Dec 08, 2006, 09:24 AM // 09:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nexus Icon

/sarcasm
Sorry, no.
You have to farm the materials and the gold all over again.
Sucks to be you.
/end sarcasm

Sadly though, I think it's going to remain this way for a very long time, if not forever.
There's a lot of stupid little things like this that need addressing, but ANet just don't seem interested.

For example:
Gold items from other continents are now completely worthless due to not being inscribable. The inscription system needs to be added to the game universally.

All PvE armours from campaigns prior to Nightfall are now not optimal. Nightfall armour (whilst generally being the ugliest so far) has a distinct advantage over all other armours thanks to the insignia system. Note however that the old campaigns get access to the new armour systems and types in PvP however. Methinks there's a balance issue here.

Battle sensitive music, a nice addition to the game, is only available to one campaign. This jars when going back to older areas.

Same with portals. Where Nightfall has those lovely rippling portals, previous campaigns are stuck with an indistinct fog.

Collector's Edition special effects are not retroactive. Only the divine aura from Prophecies is universal, and hence the only one really worth having. ANet can't be bothered adding new effects from the new campaigns for old classes. Even if you only own Nightfall Collector's edition, only 2 of the classes will have the /dancenew emote, even though you have access to 8 classes total.

New classes recycle old animations and emotes.

I could go on for ages with other such aggravating examples, and I know that a lot of them would be dismissed as being non-metagame crucial, but my point is that when viewed as a whole, it makes ANet look more and more sloppy. Or, maybe they're just rushing content out of the door with minimal QA. Same difference really.

I've thrown a lot of money ANet's way, and have all of the pre-orders and all of the Collector's editions.
Where I was a shoe-in CE customer before Nightfall, I'm incredibly sceptical about even buying the next chapter at all.

Let alone my growing uneasiness with ANet essentially selling expansion packs as complete games.
Most sequels to modern titles update the engine significantly, but with Guild Wars you're playing on the same engine that Prophecies was running on 2 years ago with a few minimal nods towards DX9.

And there's also the content argument.
No matter how they try to spin it, there just isn't the same amount of content in Nightfall or Factions as there was in Prophecies, yet they cost the same amount of money.

So in closing, add your complaint to the ever growing list of seemingly insignificant things that will never be addressed.

Heh, well, I didn't know it before and was wondering, why the hell couldn't I add insignias for my Warrior. As NF armor sux the most.

But as I see it, the illogical actions become normal to ANET. If new features are added (like insignias) it SHOULD be possible to add them to all amors. What is the sence then, if You decide to finish NF with a character from Tyria? Change the armor? Bullshit. The overview of the armor is quite essencial. Just alike for example - Urgoz Bow. With good-looking skin, people want 100K and 8 ectos for it. So why to FORCE player to change armor?? The new armors can gain "old" features like runes, why isn't it made counterwise?

Also the FoW. To get it, You have to spend lots of time, gather lots of gold and materials. This is a "pride to glory" armor. And as it seems now, there are differences?? OMG. So it means, that there is NF version of FoW and the "oldschool"?

After all the facts, I can add from myself, with full responsibility: Prophecies was quite a game. Clear rules, great adventure, fantastic gameplay. The more created, the weakest adventure for the player. The new lands look nice, but the gameplay changes rapidly. Into negative side. Also considering bigger disproportions between skills, possibilities and so...

So I wouldn't be suprised, that after GW4 (whatever it would be) the number of players would decrease automatically by 1/2.

Angel Netherborn · Dec 08, 2006, 10:28 AM // 10:28

Why didn't they make it backwards-compatible? Well, technically, it isn't a good idea. Each chapter is hosted by a set of servers. Each chapter is the result of a specific build (i.e. version) of the code base.

As with most coding tasks, implementing a feature requires a lot of testing and QC. Going backwards and integrating the new code back into the old code isn't really that simple. A whole new round of testing needs to be done again.

From a business perspective, it is an infeasible idea. The fact is, people will buy newer chapters. Spending time and resources working on older chapters, which can only have a dwindling player base, is a doubtful business strategy. It is logical that the time and resources be better spent on new chapters and new features for new players on new campaigns rather than going back to an old build and improving it for a relatively smaller number of players (i.e. customers).

kincaid · Dec 08, 2006, 11:07 AM // 11:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by Angel Netherborn

Why didn't they make it backwards-compatible? Well, technically, it isn't a good idea. Each chapter is hosted by a set of servers. Each chapter is the result of a specific build (i.e. version) of the code base.

As with most coding tasks, implementing a feature requires a lot of testing and QC. Going backwards and integrating the new code back into the old code isn't really that simple. A whole new round of testing needs to be done again.

From a business perspective, it is an infeasible idea. The fact is, people will buy newer chapters. Spending time and resources working on older chapters, which can only have a dwindling player base, is a doubtful business strategy. It is logical that the time and resources be better spent on new chapters and new features for new players on new campaigns rather than going back to an old build and improving it for a relatively smaller number of players (i.e. customers).

Well - it depends on the business tactics. And mainly - the interract with players. IF You assume this is right, then we have no more subjects to talk about. I fully agree, that new projects also involve in money, time and so. But if someone joins passion and work, this automatically turns the tide. IF ANET staff is over 100 persons, in my mind, delegating 3 of them to assure the previous chapters affect with the new items, runes etc. is generally not a big job to accomplish. Funny thing is, that to NERF something, there is always time and testing time to make it. Only about "positive" changes - it is always hard, no time and no money, lack of testing purposes and so....

Also, in my mind, gotta last tip. By myself I am a programmer, developing software every day. Even having a new project online, I always take care of suggestions due to my previous projects and change them regarding to the needs. This is called "taking care of the customers". Because - in spite of GW - players ARE customers, who paid ANET for the entertainment. And looks forward to get fun out of gaming, not nerves, irritation and another-stupid-bug contests...

|pyro| · Dec 08, 2006, 11:35 AM // 11:35

Think twice before buying drakescale ranger FoW or Hydromancer Ele

kincaid · Dec 08, 2006, 12:41 PM // 12:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by |pyro|

Think twice before buying drakescale ranger FoW or Hydromancer Ele

IS this about my last message? Because I see no point at all, despite of brain error.

We're not talking about buying a new armor. We're talking about items, which do not correspond with the previous already-bought, oldschool-wore, year-before-nightfall armors. Or maybe You were running the game naked?

Neriandal Freit · Dec 08, 2006, 12:45 PM // 12:45

I would have to agree with this topic. I would like to see the FoW armors, current and future buyers, able to place insignia's on them.

On top of that, a couple of the base core FoW armors could do with a freshening; as in, "Ritulists have those details, where are the Elementalists details?" - Note how ever this isn't a big concern of mine as their are other things that need accomplished first before FoW Elm armor gets freshened.

t9b00 · Jan 04, 2007, 06:35 AM // 06:35

It just makes me sick that I spent countless hours farming the ecto's needed to create FOW armor and with the release of Factions/Nightfall my armor is CRAP. I can see them not making Crystallines and/or weapons modified universally because those items can be sold to other people for far more money but come on customized armor especially FOW which is obtained by doing the same quests in either chapters can't be upgraded that is just wrong. The cream of the crop armor and I have to start all over gaining all the same materials and spending the money to craft just so I can have insignias makes me want to puke.

There were rumors going around when Factions came out that FOW could be upgraded. Never saw that! Now with Nightfall it's like ANET wanted to slap previous chapter customers and long time fans in the face. They created a whole new armor system and don’t give you the option to upgrade armor that cost over a mill. Where is the logic in that? I know one thing for sure as a consumer I won’t be buying other chapters if they don’t make this right. I know I am just one customer but hey ANET won’t be getting any more of my money.

Spirit_Axery · Jan 04, 2007, 09:40 AM // 09:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by t9b00

There were rumors going around when Factions came out that FOW could be upgraded. Never saw that! Now with Nightfall it's like ANET wanted to slap previous chapter customers and long time fans in the face. They created a whole new armor system and don’t give you the option to upgrade armor that cost over a mill. Where is the logic in that? I know one thing for sure as a consumer I won’t be buying other chapters if they don’t make this right. I know I am just one customer but hey ANET won’t be getting any more of my money.

I'm in no way trying to preach to you, but I personally believe you're more likely to get a nod if you complain in a more even, dignified way.

That being said and out of the way, I thoroughly agree with this thread- with your issue- and think it'll be a good measure of Anet's decency (better than simply uptime vs. downtime and the like) as to whether they fix this or force people to go through the meat grinder again (or quit). I'll bear this in mind and if Anet doesn't offer an upgrade facility within a month or two, I'll start re-creating this thread once a week.

The best you can do is to be persistent, sensible and even tempered. Of course, that's easier for me to say because I don't have FoW armour on any of my characters!

~Mitsuki~

PS: Thinking a little more about it, it's obvious that Anet staff must have considered this issue at some point before doing what they've done. I'm very disappointed that they came to such a plainly unfair decision. I'm not sure how they could have arrived happily at this conclusion even once!

sLiceR · Jan 04, 2007, 09:52 AM // 09:52

/signed

Moreover IMHO Obsidian Armors for core professions are starting to look old, and some of them could use a graphical update with added visual details.