I've been trying to get into this beta for a LOOONG time as I was really interested in seeing what the Miqo'te were like. I've been wanting to play a "neko" in a AAA MMORPG and this is really the first one that's got it right. I know FFXI had the Mithra but they were more beast-like than a traditional neko, which is cool, I like that Square tries to do new things now and then.
It seems to me that the Miqo'te take some inspiration from the Native Americans which I find really cool. (I.E. Were predominantly nomadic tribes-people that followed the herds they hunted, good with shortbows, etc... even the name sounds like it... )
Anyways upon getting in and after that first intro cutscene and running around the starter city for the first time I was totally hooked. When I saw characters give facial expressions conveying convincing emotions in in-game cutscenes I was even more hooked. I love all the clothing options, they are all so well done and move so realistically. Then I tried the gathering mini-games and now I've totally fallen for it. The gameworld is SO packed full of detail. Just all the little things I keep noticing gives me a magical feeling, something that as an MMO vet I haven't felt in years. Maybe not since when I got my YT-1300 in pre-CU SWG and decorated it up for an RP hub for a group of friends...
The combat seems fine to me but I've only got a few abilities so I can't really tell. I DO love that you are "locked on" to your target and because of this it actually appears that you are hitting, and being hit by the enemy. This is something sorely lacking from MMOs.
My biggest complaints have to do with the unfriendly UI and lack of hardware cursor. I'm not sure how I feel about the XP system, but the penalty seems unfair to paying subscribers. Since I am planning on taking three jobs out the door I will have my mits full but I don't like a system that has lots of people reconsidering a purchase of what seems to be one of the better MMOs that's come out in a very long time.
I also hate hate hate UI and crafting lag. I really hope this gets fixed before release.
It seems to me that the Miqo'te take some inspiration from the Native Americans which I find really cool. (I.E. Were predominantly nomadic tribes-people that followed the herds they hunted, good with shortbows, etc... even the name sounds like it... )
Anyways upon getting in and after that first intro cutscene and running around the starter city for the first time I was totally hooked. When I saw characters give facial expressions conveying convincing emotions in in-game cutscenes I was even more hooked. I love all the clothing options, they are all so well done and move so realistically. Then I tried the gathering mini-games and now I've totally fallen for it. The gameworld is SO packed full of detail. Just all the little things I keep noticing gives me a magical feeling, something that as an MMO vet I haven't felt in years. Maybe not since when I got my YT-1300 in pre-CU SWG and decorated it up for an RP hub for a group of friends...
The combat seems fine to me but I've only got a few abilities so I can't really tell. I DO love that you are "locked on" to your target and because of this it actually appears that you are hitting, and being hit by the enemy. This is something sorely lacking from MMOs.
My biggest complaints have to do with the unfriendly UI and lack of hardware cursor. I'm not sure how I feel about the XP system, but the penalty seems unfair to paying subscribers. Since I am planning on taking three jobs out the door I will have my mits full but I don't like a system that has lots of people reconsidering a purchase of what seems to be one of the better MMOs that's come out in a very long time.
I also hate hate hate UI and crafting lag. I really hope this gets fixed before release.