Far...far....far....too long post.
-Wikipedia Page. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stargate_Worlds#Combat]
-Notice on Cheyenne Mountain Entertainment's website [http://www.cheyenneme.com/games/stargateworlds/]
-The wiki page [http://www.stargateworldswiki.com/index.php?title=Main_Page]
Gameplay [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6FvbfuQDl7U&feature=related]
Trailer 2 [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OJoPpSmhuwU]
It's too early to tell (although it has a 2009 release apparently) if it'll be any good. Now, I like Stargate, and to a lesser extent Atlantis, which is still pretty okay. And the movies weren't too shabby either. But...I'm not sold on the idea of it as an mmo...
Firstly...the classes, sorry, 'archetypes':
Archaeologist - "As an expert in ancient cultures and languages, the Archaeologist has become a valuable addition to off-world exploration teams. This is the Daniel Jackson archetype. With their extensive knowledge, they will be able to 'blend in with the locals' to gather intelligence or to ambush the enemy. It is likely that the archaeologist will also be able to engage in diplomacy, something discussed by the developers previously."
Sounds great huh? Actually, it does, however, how exactly is this going to work in game?
Asgard - "While physically frail, the Asgard are masters of technology and will have a strong science ability. They depend on drones technology to survive and thrive. By calling upon different types of drones to attack, defend, heal, or analyze, the Asgard becomes a true jack-of-all-trades. When faced with dire circumstances, the Asgard can also bring in their mighty starships to devastate the enemy with orbital bombardments.
Again, sounds pretty good, but, note that part about the starships. Sounds ridiculously overpowered. But more likely this will be affected in-game as a light show that does some kind of damage, much like calling in an Ion cannon strike in Command & Conquer I guess.
Commando - "By giving up access to the variety of weapons a Soldier uses, a commando gains access to stealth, demolitions, and the sniper rifle. With these sneaky attacks, the commando can disrupt, confuse, and neutralize enemies. In addition to being able to stealth, commandos also have technology to detect stealthed enemies. The commando will be at least one of the archetypes able to deploy and detect traps, making them a valuable member of any team planning an ambush.
Now we're getting somewhere, starting to sound like more typical, and more usable classes.
Oh wait...getting weird again...
Goa'uld - "Goa'uld will be more powerful than other players in the game. Whether players will be able to reach the level of power and influence of a System Lord is unknown. How these powerful Goa'uld will be balanced in PvP, and indeed how PvP will be balanced in general has not been revealed. The Goa'uld will gain much of their power from their servants. With the ability to command several different types of minions, the Goa'uld can become almost as versatile as the Asgard. Goa'uld will be able to specialize their character to both be adept at the science features in the game or make them more combat oriented. These minions will include Jaffa and possibly human servants. The Goa'uld are essentially the pet class of SGW. Goa'uld pets come in few varieties, and the variety actually sets the individuality of the pet. Some pets excel at range combat, some excel at melee combat, and other pets can even heal or buff or do these other things for their master. As for customization of these pets, there will be a naming capability. There may be something else coming too on customization, but probably nothing drastic.
So...a pet class huh? Mhm.
Jaffa- "Jaffa in the game are like Jaffa in the show: big and tough. In addition to its devastating ranged attack, the Jaffa staff weapon can also be used in melee combat. Displaying excellent solidarity and teamwork, Jaffa can use their oaths to strengthen their allies, especially other Jaffa. With their great physical strength, Jaffa are highly resistant to special attacks and can continue fighting even when injured. Free Jaffa are on Tretonin automatically and Loyal Jaffa have a symbiote. There will also be some differences in stats depending whether you are a free Jaffa or a loyal one.
Okay, while the prospect of being of being either a free or slave Jaffa sounds intriguing, it seems to needlessly complicated things. But who knows, could work. Say if WoW had something similar, if you choose humans, you could pick either those loyal to the Alliance or bandits are what have you.
Scientist- "Being a combination of pure scientist and engineer, this is the Samantha Carter archetype. When exploring new worlds, this class is definitely handy to have on hand if you encounter advanced technology. Scientists can specialize in analyzing, repairing, and using technologies. They can also use new technologies to craft personal upgrades. Their utilization on the battlefield revolves around their ability to construct devices such as gun turrets, shields, and target inhibitors. They can also specialize in healing and resurrection technology. Like the archaeologist, the scientist can solve puzzles, but only those of a technological nature. These puzzles will be in the form of minigames.
Back into normal territory here. However, I don't think these seemingly non-combat classes should be here, the scientists, the archaeologists and the Asgard. Firstly you know what the scientists and Asgard did in the show? Well, it involved a lot of standing around, spouting technobabble/sagely sayings, and providing the occasional comic relief. And as for the archaeologist class. Yes in the show Daniel Jackson was some kind of all awesome super archaeologist who could use guns, but, I thought he was rather unique in this regard in that he had convinced the others to take him along, even though he was a civilian. But...as for your average archaeologist?
And finally...
Soldier- "As a battlefield veteran, the soldier is your best protection when stepping through the stargate. They have the ability to specialize in a variety of weapons including grenades, automatic weapons, machine guns, mortars, and rocket launchers. Their job is to unleash raw firepower into enemies. With additional training, they can also learn basic healing, the use of alien weaponry, and teams leadership.[1] The Soldier will be able to specialize in Command, Automatic Weapons and Heavy Weapons. Command skills will allow the player limited use of healing technologies and skills to increase team performance. Heavy and Automatic Weapons skills will increase a player's performance with each of these weapons classes.
Pretty standard here. Is tough. Shoots things.
So...although I find the classes interesting...a lot seem rather implausible...nor can I even fathom how some of them are even going to work heh.
Next: Gameplay
Death is uh... : In a game that involves combat, death is inevitable. Permanent death, while of interest to some die-hard gamers, will not be a feature of the game. However a developer did mention that there is a special situation in which a player's character may actually die. However, ascension will not be an option in the game at release.
Characters don't die, they get incapacitated. They can choose a number of options to be brought back to life. If another player has the skills or technology. they can be revived or they may spawn in a nearby 'aid station.
I can accept this kind of thing in WoW, magic and all that. But...I don't know. Here, it seems kinda weird. But, no-doubt there'll be some in-game reference to high technology, of which there are several that can prevent death.
Stargate worlds will feature a different combat mechanic than other MMOs, combining elements of traditional RPG and MMORPGs with elements from action games and third person shooters. The unique atmosphere of Stargate Worlds will also be created by the relationships formed between characters, the challenges they overcome, and the epic nature of the storyline. Gameplay will be mainly directed but there will be opportunities for open-ended play. In open-ended play, a player mostly knows in which direction their character is heading. This will particularly be the case for archetype based questing, certain storylines, and new characters. Instancing will only be used when necessary for truly epic missions.
Sounds good, a third person action MMORPG shooter eh? If they can pull this off, it could be something cool. The shooting that is. Although I enjoy the current click n' bash method many current RPG's use, this type of gameplay could be a welcome change. The setting not least of all, after all, even fantasy gets grating after a while.
Won't say too much on looks. But judging by the gameplay trailer, it looks similar to Age of Conan. (Actually I thought it a little like Mass Effect) (A cheap Mass Effect).
So, could be good, could be dud. Don't know yet. Hope it'll be good though. Hope.
-Wikipedia Page. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stargate_Worlds#Combat]
-Notice on Cheyenne Mountain Entertainment's website [http://www.cheyenneme.com/games/stargateworlds/]
-The wiki page [http://www.stargateworldswiki.com/index.php?title=Main_Page]
Gameplay [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6FvbfuQDl7U&feature=related]
Trailer 2 [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OJoPpSmhuwU]
It's too early to tell (although it has a 2009 release apparently) if it'll be any good. Now, I like Stargate, and to a lesser extent Atlantis, which is still pretty okay. And the movies weren't too shabby either. But...I'm not sold on the idea of it as an mmo...
Firstly...the classes, sorry, 'archetypes':
Archaeologist - "As an expert in ancient cultures and languages, the Archaeologist has become a valuable addition to off-world exploration teams. This is the Daniel Jackson archetype. With their extensive knowledge, they will be able to 'blend in with the locals' to gather intelligence or to ambush the enemy. It is likely that the archaeologist will also be able to engage in diplomacy, something discussed by the developers previously."
Sounds great huh? Actually, it does, however, how exactly is this going to work in game?
Asgard - "While physically frail, the Asgard are masters of technology and will have a strong science ability. They depend on drones technology to survive and thrive. By calling upon different types of drones to attack, defend, heal, or analyze, the Asgard becomes a true jack-of-all-trades. When faced with dire circumstances, the Asgard can also bring in their mighty starships to devastate the enemy with orbital bombardments.
Again, sounds pretty good, but, note that part about the starships. Sounds ridiculously overpowered. But more likely this will be affected in-game as a light show that does some kind of damage, much like calling in an Ion cannon strike in Command & Conquer I guess.
Commando - "By giving up access to the variety of weapons a Soldier uses, a commando gains access to stealth, demolitions, and the sniper rifle. With these sneaky attacks, the commando can disrupt, confuse, and neutralize enemies. In addition to being able to stealth, commandos also have technology to detect stealthed enemies. The commando will be at least one of the archetypes able to deploy and detect traps, making them a valuable member of any team planning an ambush.
Now we're getting somewhere, starting to sound like more typical, and more usable classes.
Oh wait...getting weird again...
Goa'uld - "Goa'uld will be more powerful than other players in the game. Whether players will be able to reach the level of power and influence of a System Lord is unknown. How these powerful Goa'uld will be balanced in PvP, and indeed how PvP will be balanced in general has not been revealed. The Goa'uld will gain much of their power from their servants. With the ability to command several different types of minions, the Goa'uld can become almost as versatile as the Asgard. Goa'uld will be able to specialize their character to both be adept at the science features in the game or make them more combat oriented. These minions will include Jaffa and possibly human servants. The Goa'uld are essentially the pet class of SGW. Goa'uld pets come in few varieties, and the variety actually sets the individuality of the pet. Some pets excel at range combat, some excel at melee combat, and other pets can even heal or buff or do these other things for their master. As for customization of these pets, there will be a naming capability. There may be something else coming too on customization, but probably nothing drastic.
So...a pet class huh? Mhm.
Jaffa- "Jaffa in the game are like Jaffa in the show: big and tough. In addition to its devastating ranged attack, the Jaffa staff weapon can also be used in melee combat. Displaying excellent solidarity and teamwork, Jaffa can use their oaths to strengthen their allies, especially other Jaffa. With their great physical strength, Jaffa are highly resistant to special attacks and can continue fighting even when injured. Free Jaffa are on Tretonin automatically and Loyal Jaffa have a symbiote. There will also be some differences in stats depending whether you are a free Jaffa or a loyal one.
Okay, while the prospect of being of being either a free or slave Jaffa sounds intriguing, it seems to needlessly complicated things. But who knows, could work. Say if WoW had something similar, if you choose humans, you could pick either those loyal to the Alliance or bandits are what have you.
Scientist- "Being a combination of pure scientist and engineer, this is the Samantha Carter archetype. When exploring new worlds, this class is definitely handy to have on hand if you encounter advanced technology. Scientists can specialize in analyzing, repairing, and using technologies. They can also use new technologies to craft personal upgrades. Their utilization on the battlefield revolves around their ability to construct devices such as gun turrets, shields, and target inhibitors. They can also specialize in healing and resurrection technology. Like the archaeologist, the scientist can solve puzzles, but only those of a technological nature. These puzzles will be in the form of minigames.
Back into normal territory here. However, I don't think these seemingly non-combat classes should be here, the scientists, the archaeologists and the Asgard. Firstly you know what the scientists and Asgard did in the show? Well, it involved a lot of standing around, spouting technobabble/sagely sayings, and providing the occasional comic relief. And as for the archaeologist class. Yes in the show Daniel Jackson was some kind of all awesome super archaeologist who could use guns, but, I thought he was rather unique in this regard in that he had convinced the others to take him along, even though he was a civilian. But...as for your average archaeologist?
And finally...
Soldier- "As a battlefield veteran, the soldier is your best protection when stepping through the stargate. They have the ability to specialize in a variety of weapons including grenades, automatic weapons, machine guns, mortars, and rocket launchers. Their job is to unleash raw firepower into enemies. With additional training, they can also learn basic healing, the use of alien weaponry, and teams leadership.[1] The Soldier will be able to specialize in Command, Automatic Weapons and Heavy Weapons. Command skills will allow the player limited use of healing technologies and skills to increase team performance. Heavy and Automatic Weapons skills will increase a player's performance with each of these weapons classes.
Pretty standard here. Is tough. Shoots things.
So...although I find the classes interesting...a lot seem rather implausible...nor can I even fathom how some of them are even going to work heh.
Next: Gameplay
Death is uh... : In a game that involves combat, death is inevitable. Permanent death, while of interest to some die-hard gamers, will not be a feature of the game. However a developer did mention that there is a special situation in which a player's character may actually die. However, ascension will not be an option in the game at release.
Characters don't die, they get incapacitated. They can choose a number of options to be brought back to life. If another player has the skills or technology. they can be revived or they may spawn in a nearby 'aid station.
I can accept this kind of thing in WoW, magic and all that. But...I don't know. Here, it seems kinda weird. But, no-doubt there'll be some in-game reference to high technology, of which there are several that can prevent death.
Stargate worlds will feature a different combat mechanic than other MMOs, combining elements of traditional RPG and MMORPGs with elements from action games and third person shooters. The unique atmosphere of Stargate Worlds will also be created by the relationships formed between characters, the challenges they overcome, and the epic nature of the storyline. Gameplay will be mainly directed but there will be opportunities for open-ended play. In open-ended play, a player mostly knows in which direction their character is heading. This will particularly be the case for archetype based questing, certain storylines, and new characters. Instancing will only be used when necessary for truly epic missions.
Sounds good, a third person action MMORPG shooter eh? If they can pull this off, it could be something cool. The shooting that is. Although I enjoy the current click n' bash method many current RPG's use, this type of gameplay could be a welcome change. The setting not least of all, after all, even fantasy gets grating after a while.
Won't say too much on looks. But judging by the gameplay trailer, it looks similar to Age of Conan. (Actually I thought it a little like Mass Effect) (A cheap Mass Effect).
So, could be good, could be dud. Don't know yet. Hope it'll be good though. Hope.
