Topic

The first impressions of a veteran noob

First off - I'm not sure if anyone will read this. :) But the home page does say "You're a tester: your ideas and bug reports are extremely welcome in the forums." So here goes.

I've been playing MMO's since Ultima Online came out and I was theoretically too young to play it and have been wandering from game to game ever since. It's interesting what elements I see from other games, and how it combines into something entirely fresh & new. (By the way, this is not meant to be an "I'm so awesome"-intro and "I discredit anything people who have played less MMO's say." It's just meant to serve as a bit of a background for any comparison I make.)
When it comes to Glitch, I am completely and utterly a beginner. I've figured out how to squeeze chickens, make smoothies, nibble on pigs, and I'm the proud owner of a grill. I still have a long way to go, so these are just first impressions.

First, we have the crafting. For me, it's a new experience to have a game that isn't some super-simple turn-based facebook thing that drops away the "kill lots and lots of monsters and collect their loot" in favor of a crafting system. And it's great! Especially when you combine it with the ability to explore (one of my gaming passions), platformer elements (jumping around), etc.
I love the fact you can explore lots of different paths and don't have to focus only on one aspect because you have a limited amount of skill points. You can try and test everything and see what it is you like the best. But at the same time, you're not forced to go for everything at the same time. I have actually not even started mining yet because there are so many other things to do.

Races: Remind me a little bit of Little Big Planet. Not an MMO, but a fun game.  I've only raced the first two newbie races so far (don't know if there are more in store for me), but I think there's a lot of potential there. But the way races are right now, I don't feel compelled to win them if I'm not the one initiating it, because I know the other person is trying to complete a quest and I'm not.

Transport: Until you get your papers and can take the subway, it takes a long while to get around. (This is great.) It takes a relatively long time to wander from one edge to the next. There is no 'Autopilot' like in EVE Online, but with the super-helpful instructions on how to get from one area to another makes that not matter at all.
I tried gained teleportation yet, but I'm sure that'll be a fun and time-saving experience too.
I'd love to see a bit of variation on how to get from one area to another. Right now, it's always the same signpost, just with different locations on it. (And I know I'm nitpicking now.) Some more swampy looking signs, road signs carved into rock, etc... could be just another little nice touch!

Animals: I love it love it love it. The ability to raise an animal from an egg (pigs too! So cute!) and give it a home and "harvest it", and everything...! Awesome. A few more animals would be great (sheep so we can make clothes and lambchops?), but I'm very happy that so far every animal in the game has a purpose and function, and they all talk and seem to have personalities. I felt a bit guilty nibbling on pigs until I saw how much they enjoy it. (If only it were thus in real life).
You could include mounts later on, but not necessarily as a way of getting around. It could just be a fashion statement. I don't want to see something like in World of Warcraft where you need a mount and can fly all over the place, but it could be a nice way to spend some credits.

Foods & Drinks: I like the fact you have such a huge assortment of drinks and foods to choose from. I frequently find myself getting hungry and a bit jealous when my little Glitch feasts. It's cool that there are so many vegetarian options too so if you don't want your glitch to be a carnivore, it doesn't have to. I would like to see some more personality with all the vendors in the game. Perhaps a fruit stand, a little diner's, etc... Right now, it seems to me they are mostly disembodied floaty things (also cool), but where do they stash all their goodies? In their pockets?

Humor: What a weird weird sense of humor. A bit kooky, and even a bit naughty at times. Makes me smile. I can't help feeling the "Egg plant coddler" badge is a bit embarrassing somehow, and I wouldn't want to display it publicly. I know there is a whole debate going about age limit in other topics, but I happen to agree with the fact that the humor is suitable for kids and adults both. There is a lot of stuff that will go over a 7-year old's head, but that's just fine.

The Bad: There isn't really anything bad. My title is an exaggeration. 
I did find myself a bit overwhelmed in the beginning, and I'm still not entirely sure what to do. My next goal though is "Get a house and start a menagerie" and I'll see what I'll do from there.

The art style is cool, but I wish there were a greater variation in the glitches. All of them are the same size and shape, whether they are male or female. I'd love to see some age variation, maybe some smaller glitches, bigger ones, hairier ones, skinnier ones, etc. On the other hand, it is cool that you can have such variety based on the same shape just using different colors and outfits and faces.

Guilds? Right now we have groups, but it might be nice to actually have some sort of guilds too. Perhaps a guild lair where you could drop in and discuss your egg-fondling experiences with fellow tree-keepers. I don't think this is relevant right now, but it could be in the future when there are more players. Right now, there is a great community going and there is no problem finding an intelligent conversation but I have a feeling that will change...

Downtime. *whine*

I want more emotions! Give me some dancing, bowing, etc. (There is the risk that all newbies will gather in one cliché place and have a dance-off, but it could be fun.)

So there are my two (euro) cents. If I have any more "deep" thoughts, I'll add them to this thread later. Feel free to comment whether you agree or disagree, or to ignore this altogether! I look forward to seeing you all in Glitch whatever the case. :)

Posted 18 months ago by Ann-Mi Subscriber! | Permalink

Replies

  • Well thought out and insightful. :D
    Posted 18 months ago by Travinara Subscriber! | Permalink
  • Groups, from what I understand, are slated to be much more relevant and involved than they currently are. I believe they may be very much like the "guilds" which you seek.
    Posted 18 months ago by Cerulean Subscriber! | Permalink
  • +1Trav...Hi Ann-Mi:)
    Posted 18 months ago by ♥joby♥ Subscriber! | Permalink
  • Interesting views Ann-Mi welcome to the game I hope you keep getting fun out of it :)

    I don't get the Egg Coddler badge thing? I thought coddling was a way of cooking eggs - does it mean something else?

    BTW I enjoy the near the knuckle humour but it's interesting to see what different cultures find "off-colour".
    Posted 18 months ago by Momo McGlitch Subscriber! | Permalink
  • Great post Ann, and welcome.

    Good point on the races and not needing to win when it is someone else initiating...guess with my competitive nature, hadn't thought about it that way.

    Like the idea that the sign posts could blend better with the worlds they are in.  

    Agree more animals, especially sheep would be helpful to extend the crafting and cooking aspects. Also could provide options to players who would rather not interface with a piggy due to their cultures.

    Agree to more variation in the glitches and especially in their personal actions.

    Honestly, I find groups fine (and if you join one, you can chat with just those folks in game in the chat box). Would rather not have them labeled as guilds, clans, etc since so many other games already have them, and the groups pretty much function in the same way anyway.

    Tip: Start learning the nuances of mining, and the best vendors to sell to (there is a difference), and that will greatly help you get a house much more quickly, though some make good money cooking food and auctioning it off. The economics of the game are definitely an interesting aspect to explore.  Down the road, as you gain more skills/experience, start to look for those street projects for something else to do. Look forward to your write up on mining, house purchasing, and projects!   Have Fun!!
    Posted 18 months ago by ~Pink Flamingo~ Subscriber! | Permalink
  • Excellent thoughts, Ann-Mi.

    That said, Heathermomo is right. Egg coddling is a type of cooking!
    Posted 18 months ago by Lianne Subscriber! | Permalink
  • Hi Ann-Mi!

    I really enjoyed reading your perspective on the various aspects of the game. I laughed out loud when I read your comment about the possibly-too-embarrassing-to-display badges! So many of them are like that. You kind of whisper "woo-hoo!" and hope no one knows exactly how much meat you have eaten. lol Welcome to Glitch! The group chats are really fun when you find the right one for you.
    Posted 18 months ago by Riverwalker Subscriber! | Permalink
  • +1 
    Welcome to the game Ann-Mi!  Love your comments, and look forward to seeing more in the future!  

    Yes, the skills based nature of this game is quite interesting vice the typical games out there.  The subtle complexity of the game is also another intriguing aspect as you learn how things interact with each other.   Looking forward to your future comments as you unlock various aspects of the game. 
    Posted 18 months ago by b3achy Subscriber! | Permalink
  • Welcome

    That was a great post. Be sure to check out some of the groups too they can be a great way to learn stuff.

    They are actually going to be heavily cutting back on vendors so players can sell stuff instead that players normally buy from vendors.
    Posted 18 months ago by Ani Laurel Subscriber! | Permalink
  • Thanks everyone for all the encouraging comments and advice. Now that I know what egg-coddling really is, it doesn't sound so bad anymore... I'm cooking 'em instead of going around fondling them. Much better. Thanks for the enlightenment. :)
    I'm excited to see what changes the future brings, and how my point of view will change over time.
    Posted 18 months ago by Ann-Mi Subscriber! | Permalink
  • Welcome to Glitch, Ann-MI...and fair warning, there's LOTS of fondling-related humor to be found in other places.  
    Posted 18 months ago by Nanookie Subscriber! | Permalink
  • Hi Ann-Mi and welcome! We have been asking for sheep for a while now so I hope it really does come true. We want to harvest the wool for wool crafting and clothes. And, yes, you will notice a lot of fondling and off-kilter humor (check out the bubble tree rants!) so it is a bit more for adults. I do kind of like the "troll doll" aspect of the characters that so many can be so unique while being the same size and shape, even with a semi-limited palette.

    Looking forward to seeing you in-game!
    Posted 18 months ago by Mistress*of*Fishies Subscriber! | Permalink
  • Wonderful post Ann-Mi, very enjoyable to read :)  Thanks for the quote, as I think some of us forget that we are supposed to post good and bad as the testers we are. Once I asked Stoot where to put questions and concerns, and his answer was right here is the best place :)
    I think the art and especially the humor were the two things that hooked me immediately.
    Looking forward to seeing you in game!
    Posted 18 months ago by welshcorgi Subscriber! | Permalink
  • Hiya Ann-Mi and welcome! Great post, makes me feel the need to sit back and collect my glitch-related thoughts.
    Posted 18 months ago by The Cat Face Subscriber! | Permalink
  • Hi Ann-Mi and Welcome!  Great post!  Especially since you bring so much prior experience with you from other MMOGs.  This is only he second I've ever played.
    Posted 18 months ago by Marla Subscriber! | Permalink
  • Excellent post!
    Posted 18 months ago by SQUIRT Subscriber! | Permalink
  • Welcome!  reading your post brought to mind my many experiences since I came here in March.  I was a big fan of Ultima until it went Online.  I bought the Online game but never actually signed up.  First reports of it were rife with PKs and hackers, etc. and it was an expensive game, no FREE option except for the short period that game with the box.

    I love Glitch!  As you note, there are a variety of things to do and ways to play.  The Badges are so funny and the humor is great.  I recently got the Wet William Badge which may be pushing the adult humor (blush).

    Regarding vendors, the game is filled with Street Spirits which do have minor variations in appearance but in the Deeps they look like octopi/mushrooms (octopuses?).  You will soon discover at least two other traveling vendors and at least one storekeeper (in IX).  keep an eye out for the Rube.  he will approach you with unbelievable deals.  Be sure to accept as no other vendor is such a poor trader.  There is a food vendor who pushes a cart and sells various food/cooking items.  Lately I have seen him in the Deeps but he may appear elsewhere occasionally (?).

    I love the cooking, grilling, etc.  This was a feature that I loved in Ultima.  I often just had to bake bread even if it was not needed - LOL!

    I also love the art!  The variety and creativity of the visuals in this game are one of my greatest pleasures.  I cannot see enough of it!  I especially love that TS has allowed this diversity and is not sticking to one particular style.  This keeps me moving across the map every time i play.

    There are many new features planned for the game and, as I understand, there will be more animals in the future.  If you are enjoying the game now, I am certain you will continue to do so.  Yes, there are more Races for you to do and I hope they will continue to add them.  I am grateful that you can allow your opponent to win because otherwise I'd still be falling off the mountain in the first race - LOL!  Have Fun!
    Posted 18 months ago by Brib Annie Subscriber! | Permalink