I've been meaning to get around to getting this post out for awhile now, I've really wanted to share some thoughts on Pantheon: Rise of The Fallen. Which currently has 18 days to go on Kickstarter. I'm sure most of you know the rundown, but a refresher or a short description for those who do not, or may not, know much about MMO history.
This game is being developed by Visionary Realms, Inc. The front man of the company is none other than Brad McQuaid. Brad has a lot to do with MMO history, he is one of the original developers for EverQuest. He's had a very prominent touch on the shaping of this genre, a lot to do with the foundation of the industry. EverQuest was what really launched us into this genre of wonderful 3D MMORPG worlds. He's also the creator of Vanguard: Saga of Heroes (a personal all time favorite MMO of mine). If you want the history of that check Google, this post isn't long enough to get into the details other than- Vanguard had a rough start, it has been a bumpy ride and I don't think the game ever received a fair chance. That said it was one of the most immersive and vast MMO games I've ever played, it has (had) so much potential. McQuaid has had a huge impact on the industry, like it or not. He's had a hand in games I absolutely adored, I carry a lot of respect for that. Enough of the history lesson.
Currently Visionary Realms, Inc is working on a new MMORPG which is more of a niche game. The developers want you to dig deep and grow roots within the game. The focus is bringing back more of a classic feel of playing though an MMORPG, grouping and playing with others. McQuaid mentioned, in a recent interview, some of his best memories were those shared working with others and he really is quite right. He explained similar experiences to those I've had, ones we can all recall from those gool ol' days. I can't tell you where my hunter dinged 70 in the Burning Crusade or where my first 60 was when it hit the cap in classic WoW. I can tell you how I remember those groups of (large raid like groups before dungeons were ONLY FIVE MANS) friends teamed up and died over rand over in the Deadmines, or finally getting through UBRS! I can remember all those people in groups where we wiped all night but had a grand time still, and the people who helped me forge my epic weapons, in EverQuest. I will never forget those people. I had some great memories. That comment really rang true with me.
If I had to do it all over again would I? Knowing what I know now I don't think I could. So why would we want to go back to hardcore group based content? The vision for the game is to not grind for hours and hours in a group but small blocks of time, one to two hours, grouped with people working together. That I can deal with. I'm not the girl who played EverQuest so long ago, I can't do that again, but to take a detour down memory land would be nice in smaller amounts.
I also think this game would make a great home for former Vanguard players. In the screenshots shown recently I could only think 'Vanguard'. Which is a good thing! I do hope the game makes it, they're in need of help and still and have a ways to go. I am all for the indie company, I think they have more freedom and are more likely to be in touch with the community. I'd really, really love to see this game make it with Kickstarter! I wanted to throw my thoughts out there and spread the word. I love seeing versatility out there in the MMO world.
Anyhow, if you'd like to see more recent shots as well as a great interview with brad, check here. You can also check out the official Kickstarter page for more information. Good luck Visionary Realms, Inc, I wish you the very best!
Hilarious how I just discovered this yesterday, spent 4 hours listening to interviews, then come here today to notify you and you're already aware. Really hard not to pledge that $250 for the Paragon package. Early access to the game as a tester and essentially a lifetime subscription, not to mention the titles and in-game perks that come with that.
ReplyDeleteThe Boogie interview completely changed my expectations of what this game could become. A group based and community focused MMO hits me in the right spot.
ReplyDeleteI agree about the Boogie interview. I'm really feeling good about this one. Brad seems like a man who has been beaten to death with regret and eaten up by guilt. He knows where we went wrong and want we all wanted from him now. We'll see how he handles his enlightenment. The fact that their definition of success at this point is making enough to pay everyone and continue creating content for the game. This is where they were when EQ was built and that mentality is where it all began.
ReplyDeleteAye the Boogie video was really good. I think it is great Brad is trying again, people make mistakes, if we all pointed fingers at each other we'd never get anywhere.
ReplyDeleteThat Paragon package looks good, I agree. Very tempting! Plus they also have little things you can add on to previous packages which is a nifty idea.
Glad to see some good reactions to the game!