Some thoughts on XP, Drops, etc.

[Wizzel]

Originally Posted by Windcatcher

I haven't read everything on this thread but it's making me concerned about what will happen when people really start creating all new stuff for use with SimpleCilent. People should correct me if I'm mistaken, but IMHO the point there really will be mystique first and foremost. Is this something that needs to be thought through before we go diving into server creation?

Windcatcher, I have respected you as a developer since forever and you have created such awesome tools and programs that enhance every aspect of this project and others. But I fail to realize the need for a custom client. People are in love with this game for what it is. Ak'Anon, Grobb, Halas, Freeport....the list goes on. People are in love with the models of the orc, skeleton, rat, dragons and everything else. I think a hybrid consisting of original content and custom content keeps a game fresh but why redesign the game from the ground up? This is an honest question and I am just curious as to what you feel will be accomplished with your client.

-Wizzel

[Windcatcher]

My rationale behind SimpleClient:

http://www.eqemulator.net/forums/showthread.php?t=22439

[sfisque]

the concept is simple.

wind and buddies are not looking to "replace" the soe client. they're looking to open up the architecture so that people who want to craft their own worlds are not hemmed in by the various "hard coded" aspects of the client. you cant easily alter the spells/effects, add/remove classes/races, etc. unless we embrace a new "open" client. (open is in quotes because of the fact that parts of the client must remain closed for security purposes, like authentication, etc.)

you dont HAVE to use the new client. but it is a viable option for those who want to go beyond what soe has provided as content.

make sense?

== sfisque

[Wizzel]

Originally Posted by Windcatcher

My rationale behind SimpleClient:

http://www.eqemulator.net/forums/showthread.php?t=22439

Sounds awesome bud. Thanks for explaining it guys.

[John Adams]

Originally Posted by Wizzel

Why don't we have the naked halfling kite them around while we loot our corpses and then help kill them.

/cheer! Naked halflings are always fun.

In today's game, nevermind that. Simply go into the guild hall and pay money to have your body dragged back. Simply click on a book to be moved across the world. Sorry, but not even World of Warcraft players are that lazy. I respect your views but there are many people who want to want to play the game for what the game was, not for what it is today. And by the way, I NEVER forget where I am bound.

I'd like to think you understand where I am really coming from, but I don't think you do. You are lumping me into a "it's not modern and easy so I hate it" category. While the newer games are pretty, they are not nearly as "fun" as original EQ. Why do you think you and I differ so much on this opinion? I am an old school stratigist, too. I am sad that the days of actually working for your glory are gone. All along, this is what I have been saying - including agreeing with your concepts and philosophies.

Where we differ in opinion (only) is that it requires some special server or client to do it. It is my opinion that the current emulator, with the appropriate amount of effort, can do exactly what everyone wants it to do. All it takes is database work, removing some of the clicky transport doors from the world and voila - Old EQ.

Yes, the Titanium client has new windows that do stuff, such as Maps. But you cannot tell me anyone who's played this game for 8 years needs a map to Antonica.

Anyway, you said you were done arguing with me. So, I am beating a dead horse trying to convince you I am not against you, Wizzel. Totally for your ideas, I just think the effort you are going to put into this will not change the status of the emulator - no matter how many fanbois /cheer that they want it. If they did, they'd play the existing servers from level 1 and enjoy themselves. Maybe it's all about the data, not the client.

[oldlurker]

Originally Posted by John Adams

Where we differ in opinion (only) is that it requires some special server or client to do it. It is my opinion that the current emulator, with the appropriate amount of effort, can do exactly what everyone wants it to do. All it takes is database work, removing some of the clicky transport doors from the world and voila - Old EQ.

I beg to differ. There where huge changes in gameplay over the years. The most prominent would be the melee revamp(imho a much needed upgrade for 2h weapons)around SoL launch. Most of this has to be changed/implemented in the server code.
So what is truly classic? If you "only" look at the changes(mostly nerfs) that went in from the day EQ launched to the day Kunark hit the shelves you will be quite overwhelmed.
But it is my option too that is a waste of time and effort to try to get an really old client to work with eqemulator. Not to mention the legal problems, not everyone still has his EQ, Kunark or Velious game CDs.

[Wizzel]

I respect all of your opinions and I realize that it can basically be the same game as the original game and I realize both of you believe that the work myself and another are doing are a waste of time. All I ask is that you hold your judgment and give it a try. This isn't trying to recreate the first memory and the original feeling, it is about trying to play a game I once loved to play. Why do I load up SimCity 2000 every once in a while. Why don't I play SimCity 4. Simply put, newer doesn't mean better. Why do we always play Halo 1 when friends get together. Simply put, Halo 2 is not as exciting. I feel that if you asked a lot of people if they would play Everquest as it was, 1-50, Antonica, Odus and Faydwer for free, most would say yes.

-Wizzel

[Jonathan5]

Did someone say Everquest, 1-50, Antonica, Odus, AND Fayder, FREE?! Sign me up.

[John Adams]

Originally Posted by Wizzel

All I ask is that you hold your judgment and give it a try.

You definitely got that. I am very much looking forward to what you are doing. And the rest is moot until then.

Originally Posted by oldlurker

There where huge changes in gameplay over the years.

You got me there... I tend to look superficially at the game from a content point of view, and the nerfs/changes to the engine did have a profound effect on the game itself. Damn you for putting a rumple in my rant!

[ven-elexver]

For what its worth as a EQEMU noob and a 5 year live player i do Agree if you get to much to soon then at high end of the game it gets to be pointless to play the game is all about getting there for me. but all do not see it my way but EQEMU has done us a favor a GIANT favor you dont need to have a paypal or CC to have fun and that is what brought most of us here so not all will be making a server of his/her own and having a choice of servers /game play for them is one way to keep the game fun.look at it this way if player x starts on toms legit server to the max lvl 65 and finds him self wanting something to do but not much going on he can always start a server that will let him skip some grind levels and do some custom quests you why would player x ever go back to his lvl 65 legit char on toms server ? well in 65 lvls i am sure he made some friends along the way and that is what keeps players coming back to any mmorpg /mmo's but this is just one noobs point of view PS Big CONGRATZ and Thanks to all who spend hours/days/weeks/months/and years in to the DEV of EQEMU and all the DB,Quest,Programs

[boogerific]

My brain just imploded.

[mrbaxter]

I agree with John here. I too am getting tired of hearing classic over and over. I think it is an exciting idea and will do well, but people will come to realize how it will eventually limit their play.

The point is, EQ is the type of game that requires continual evolution. The classic servers, when they do come out, will come out with a bang, but will eventually die out due to boredom of nothing else to do. If anything else is added, then it is not classic anymore, and if it is left alone, you have a dying game. Not the best options there.

I love custom content and the ability to solo/raid with only a group. It is more personal to me this way and gives more of a feel of the old MUDs I used to play instead of the huge massive raids.

I think most people who come to EQEMU are wanting something different, not the same thing. If we wanted the same thing we would continue to play on live.

I am here because I love the custom content I have found and the ability to DO something different with a game I love.

I personally feel that Jest3 has done just this and would encourage anyone to check it out. I think it is a perfect example of what people should look for when they come into the EQEMU world, which basically is, the feeling of being in EverQuest, but not having to put up with the annoyances experienced by it.