Concern: Content and Classes

[Lt.Dan]

I'm having doubts about the content this game may or may not have, specifically in regards to the number of classes. Now I say this because the way this game seems to be set-up looks very similar to L2 (which obviously makes sense considering it's the same developers)and I feel that L2 worked because of the sheer number of variations on classes and races that you could have which made PvP interesting. However, Aion seems to be going for the same open PvP approach (with the twist of it being faction based) but it seems to lack content/depth in the race/class combinations as well as the classes gameplay wise.

What I'm trying to say is I feel like this game may be veering away from the large open PvP of Lineage 2 that made that game thrive without establishing any other clear-cut niche or strongpoint that sets the game apart and makes it captivating and engaging to keep the player interested.

Now let me just finish this by making a few disclaimers. For one, I realize this game is a completely different project from Lineage 2. I only compare the two because they A. were made by the same company B. Look similar in some ways C. Have similar set-ups, specifically with the class branching. Also, I realize the 'unique' twist this game has in the Abyss and the PvPvE, however, I have yet to be convinced that that is enough of a change to make the whole game worthwhile (I mean they had Castle Sieges in L2 w/ NPC guards. they just weren't in a specific zone with 'Balaur' included.) Thirdly I realize we haven't received a ton of information the game nor have I ever played it myself so all of my comments are purely based on deduction from the limited information and past experience with games looking one way on paper and not panning out for real.

Thank you,
Lt.Dan

Any thoughts?

[Zanaionic]

From what ive read L2 had many classes that were simply useless and underplayed. So i think NC is learning from past mistakes and cutting the number of classes down to a much smaller 8 (from 16 i think...probably wrong)
Besides this game is NOT L2 but an entirely different game. you have to remember that just because NC made L2 they arent carbon copying L2 to AION. Aions 8 classes each have a Select Niche to fill.

I think with the 8 classes available for play there will be an easier balance of classes compared to games that have many more than that. Just wait for more CBT3 info im sure there will be alot more info on balance and content. besides this is the 1st installment of the game. There will be Expansions/patches in the future that will add more content to the game.

[SoraNashimi]

I don't know ;p thats all I have to say... I never played L2 so I have no clue on how the variety was. So all I'm going to do is wait till I get my hands on the game xD

[Sensai]

Yea im from L2 aswell and i had/have the same worries you are expressing here. Honestly im hoping these current classes are like the lvl 20 class changes in L2 and the lvl 40 classes will come at a higher level later in the game, but i kinda doubt its gonna happen.
As for the pvpve, i think its going to be an awesome change, i really hope the baalur are crazyh strong and pound us like babies or the will be worthless in end game (like the seige NPC's in L2).
The faction based pvp is cool because we can kill without consequences (karma) but without trash talk/polotics i fear it wont be as heated as pvp was in L2. Hate needs to be involved if even at a minimal level between both sides in a PVP or its not nearly as fun.

P.S This is just IMO

Oh yea i almost forgot. As far as content. The world of aion apears to be HUGE from what ive seen, not only from a xp/questing POV but also taking in the fact that you can fly, so very little should be "off limits" compared to other games. Abyss FTW

[Calindor]

L2 is a whole new game from when it launched. I would say in a mass pvp appros 25 of the 35 classes are usefull, and about 30 out of 35 of the classes are good at what they are designed for...IN small scale its quite limited though, only about 10 classes are usefull.

Classes in L2 each have their own thing, some for mass pvp, some for small pvp, some for olympiad, some for sieges, some for raiding, some for PvE, etc...

[Kattrina]

It's not about the quantity of classes but the quality. What I've found from games with a ton of classes is that there's always some OP class and always some gimp class. Hopefully, with less classes there will be less need for the juggling of power devs tend to do with patches and updates along the way. If they can get the classes all done right, then I think 8 classes is more than enough and I'll be a happy camper.

[Lt.Dan]

Yes, you all make valid points. This is not a huge worry I'm having just something that I had in the back of my mind that should not be forgotten because I think it is important. I think my biggest concern is that this game will be a dumbed down version of some of the previous older style mmorpgs like Lineage 2 or anything like that. I personally don't like the trend MMORPGs have taken, especially with the emergence of WoW so I'm very wary of new games coming out in the genre. I prefer the older style where everything isn't spelled out for you and I hope Aion isn't trying to go down the path of simplicity. However, I will give it the benefit of the doubt and definitely give it a try.

p.s. Zanaionic, I did mention in my last paragraph that I realize Aion is a completely different game.

[Jman95]

I came from L2 as well and I honestly am really excited about the fact that there are only 8 classes. I think (as posters above me have stated) that the lower quantity of classes will help keep the quality high. I think the biggest difference I want to see between L2 and Aion is the NEED for tanks. In the begining of L2 you couldn't do **** without a tank, now all you need is a group of archers and you can do anything. The class is useless. Hopefully...I'm praying that Aion will bring it back and make tanks valuable again. :]

[Heinel]

meh, I hate LF tank

[Calindor]

L2's 35 classes really break down into just summoner, tank, gladiator, dagger, archer, healer, buffer, mage and whatever you want to call the useless kamael..they are all just different variants (builds) of the same style class

[KatzuyAion]

Originally Posted by Heinel

meh, I hate LF tank

Make a tank then :P .

I also agree with that tanks / healers / dps should always have their specific role in a party.



And regarding the OP, this is not Lineage 2. It's another game, they are giving with full efforts in AION, i think less classes means more quality in overall gameplay for a serious game. Many classes bring many overpowered/underpowered issues, so as many of them are completely useless. Atleast i fell that in AION, all classes will a specific and important role in a party.

[CPK1]

Most MMO's I have played consist of around 8-10 classes, and I think it's a perfect amount - not too many or too few.

Also, keep in mind that there will surely be ways to further specialize any class. For example, one Cleric may decide to spec strictly into healing, while another might want to be more directed toward solo'ing and go for melee abilities with healing as its backbone. I think it'll probably be a lot like having a bunch of different classes, the only difference being that they will have the same class name.

[Waterelfo]

Yeh, the less classes are balanced. The one that having more problem is the chanter I guess. Because they can't make the buffs OP but they can't make them Under Powered..

[Heinel]

Originally Posted by KatzuyAion

Make a tank then :P .

A better solution would be to do away with tanks. Actually, get rid of tank/nuke/heal and we're golden.

One of the things I liked so much about GW is that any class combination can work, provided you know what you're doing.

[Dygit]

You gotta keep in mind that Aion is not L3.