Posted December 10, 2011

Psyringe
Vagabond
Registered: Sep 2011
From Germany

StingingVelvet
Devil's Advocate
Registered: Nov 2008
From United States

godspeeed
via apipa
Registered: Feb 2011
From Canada
Posted December 10, 2011
The beauty of it is that unlike other developpers who are doing everything they can to close and protect their games, this game can be modded. Therefore everything you don't like about this game can be easily fixed if you are the type of person to go a bit beyond bitching (no offense meant in this statement). There will be modding hubs for different type of players, like cheat-like mods, graphic enhancement mods, realism mods, lore mods, etc. This is pretty much what a lot of people are saying when they are ''waiting'' before they purchase, a GOTY edition with DLC and mods.

Psyringe
Vagabond
Registered: Sep 2011
From Germany
Posted December 10, 2011

However, companions aren't even the worst offenders. Atronachs are way worse, they are much bulkier and just stand there, staring at my desperate face, while not moving an inch. In dungeons, I regularly end up blasting my own creations apart to get out of small rooms or dead ends.
Similarly annoying is the dog that you have to accompany in one of the Daedric quests. He won't budge either, and on top of that, he often walks into you and actually pushes you back. One of my most hilarious deaths happened when my mighty mage stood right at the edge of a huge chasm, taking in the magnificent view, and then this accursed canine approached me from behind and nudged me over the edge.
Post edited December 10, 2011 by Psyringe

StingingVelvet
Devil's Advocate
Registered: Nov 2008
From United States
Posted December 10, 2011
Yeah. Poor AI pathfinding is one of many reasons I generally don't use companions in RPGs of this nature. The other big reason is that I just prefer the loner feel of exploration by yourself. Plus they screw up stealth.
New Vegas was an exception, since they each had quests and stories, but even then I tried to go it alone as much as possible.
New Vegas was an exception, since they each had quests and stories, but even then I tried to go it alone as much as possible.

Siannah
what?
Registered: Sep 2008
From Switzerland
Posted December 10, 2011
Yes, shouts are rather obviously just "magic done differently".
Why not all magic shouted then? Also rather obvious as you could throw the story / plot down the gutter, not to mention that such a change wouldn't fit into the TES lore at all. Just because some of us don't care about "being Dragonborn" / main plot isn't really a reason to take that road. :)
Also don't see Morrowind being more subtle or ambiguous in that department either. Even all guild / side quests aside just doing the mainquest, it's a long way until you discover Azuras involvement. I dare to say most players at that time didn't bothered / cared (hell even missed) that part - and the reward for all your work was..... underwhelming.
Don't see Nocturnal's blessing of luck being contradicted by your actions, as your success is countered by Mercer's action - all the time. So no luck for the guild. You think you work for the guild, but actually only do for Mercer's purse.
I could understand the personal revenge part but frankly put, if guild honor isn't enough for you to go after Mercer you should been thrown out of the guild. ;)
Nightingale powers not given - don't know / can't check at the moment. Though I think the enchantments from the armor set does work, regardless of what Karliah said. Also a "bond" is being made with the three involved, to tie them together agains Mercer.
And yes, the Dragonborn DOES need the help of Nocturnal. That Mercer can counter the mentioned bond by taking two out, wasn't foreseeable - even more you should thank Nocturnal for her (invisible) help. Especially all those who don't care for the whole Dragonborn thing..... :p
Oh and how in the name of the nines one can see the influence of Azura in Morrowind, even granting a more satisfying game because of it, but wanting to deny each and every influence for Nocturnal and take over the Thieves Guild without her at all, is simply beyond words.
Not being able to buy or "inherit" homes - you neglect that NPCs have relatives. That paperwork is involved when someone dies. You don't become owner of a properity by murdering someone. And just because someone died, doesn't mean his belongings are up for sale.
Going down that road you would / could end with owning half or more of all buildings in the gameworld. How that would be a good thing, neither economic / gameplay or roleplaying wise, is beyond me.
To be honest: it's more a "I want it, you don't give, your game sucks" attitude - even trying to fulfill those is impossible. And yes, I still don't see ANY other games outside Bethesdas own, that gets you any closer to that point.
godspeeed: The beauty of it is that unlike other developpers who are doing everything they can to close and protect their games, this game can be modded..... He's playing on console and doesn't like Steam.....
Sounds like a near perfect youtube-video for me. :p
Why not all magic shouted then? Also rather obvious as you could throw the story / plot down the gutter, not to mention that such a change wouldn't fit into the TES lore at all. Just because some of us don't care about "being Dragonborn" / main plot isn't really a reason to take that road. :)
Also don't see Morrowind being more subtle or ambiguous in that department either. Even all guild / side quests aside just doing the mainquest, it's a long way until you discover Azuras involvement. I dare to say most players at that time didn't bothered / cared (hell even missed) that part - and the reward for all your work was..... underwhelming.
Don't see Nocturnal's blessing of luck being contradicted by your actions, as your success is countered by Mercer's action - all the time. So no luck for the guild. You think you work for the guild, but actually only do for Mercer's purse.
I could understand the personal revenge part but frankly put, if guild honor isn't enough for you to go after Mercer you should been thrown out of the guild. ;)
Nightingale powers not given - don't know / can't check at the moment. Though I think the enchantments from the armor set does work, regardless of what Karliah said. Also a "bond" is being made with the three involved, to tie them together agains Mercer.
And yes, the Dragonborn DOES need the help of Nocturnal. That Mercer can counter the mentioned bond by taking two out, wasn't foreseeable - even more you should thank Nocturnal for her (invisible) help. Especially all those who don't care for the whole Dragonborn thing..... :p
Oh and how in the name of the nines one can see the influence of Azura in Morrowind, even granting a more satisfying game because of it, but wanting to deny each and every influence for Nocturnal and take over the Thieves Guild without her at all, is simply beyond words.
Not being able to buy or "inherit" homes - you neglect that NPCs have relatives. That paperwork is involved when someone dies. You don't become owner of a properity by murdering someone. And just because someone died, doesn't mean his belongings are up for sale.
Going down that road you would / could end with owning half or more of all buildings in the gameworld. How that would be a good thing, neither economic / gameplay or roleplaying wise, is beyond me.
To be honest: it's more a "I want it, you don't give, your game sucks" attitude - even trying to fulfill those is impossible. And yes, I still don't see ANY other games outside Bethesdas own, that gets you any closer to that point.

Sounds like a near perfect youtube-video for me. :p

Maighstir
THIS KNIGHT MISLIKES THESE HEIGHTS
Registered: Nov 2008
From Sweden
Posted December 10, 2011
Most of the time I back up a bit so they follow me away from the doorway, then I can move past them and get through. The rest of the time I manage to find a gap just wide enough for me to squeeze through. They don't move anywhere but forward and won't turn to face away from me unless there's an enemy near enough in the right direction (or their path to me turns (eg. stairs going back and forth) so they have to look elsewhere - remember, they can only walk in the direction they face so they must face the direction they're walking).
Post edited December 10, 2011 by Miaghstir

SeduceMePlz
Foolish Mortal
Registered: Mar 2011
From United States

Siannah
what?
Registered: Sep 2008
From Switzerland
Posted December 11, 2011

Uesp.net - Lore:Dark Brotherhood
Dark Brotherhood != Morag Tong
[url=http://www.uesp.net/wiki/Lore_talk:Cyrodiil#.22Originally_a_jungle.2C_Cyrodiil_was_changed_into_a_temperate_climate_by_Emperor_Tiber_Septim..22]Cyrodiil was changed into a temperate climate by Emperor Tiber Septim[/url]
You don't really need an explanation for the dragon part, do you? Allies part ways, dead dragons, not all joining an alliance, Alduins influence.... the possible explanations are plenty.


Uesp.net - Oblivion:The Night Mother
Why should Nocturnal reward the incompetence shown by the thieves guild/former Nightingales? Karliah knew she wouldn't which is the reason going the Nightingale road, bringing two new ones along, as the former Nightingales failed/betrayed, to reattain Nocturnals trust.

You pretty much sound like a contract or temporary worker, not a thieves guild member. Even more one of those who thinks to know all better and wanting the top position without doing what is necessary. Your heart isn't into it - I'd claim failing to roleplay here. :p

Shall we talk about meaningful choices/consequences and a believable gameworld again or can we let it be as it is? ;)

... and yes, I'd still like to know the game that offers as much as Skyrim and manages to get even a "good" in your book. :p
Post edited December 11, 2011 by Siannah

SeduceMePlz
Foolish Mortal
Registered: Mar 2011
From United States
Posted December 11, 2011
See the book [url=http://www.uesp.net/wiki/Lore:The_Brothers_of_Darkness]The Brothers of Darkness[/url]. Prior to Oblivion's changing of the lore, the Dark Brotherhood venerates Mephala but is less of a cult than the Morag Tong and more of a murder-for-hire business.
If I'm not mistaken, that was fanon until recently. Even if it is an idea introduced by Bethesda, it's clearly a rather poor attempt to explain ditching lore in favor of a more traditional fantasy setting for Oblivion.
Siannah: You don't really need an explanation for the dragon part, do you? Allies part ways, dead dragons, not all joining an alliance, Alduins influence.... the possible explanations are plenty. Prior to Skyrim, Alduin was just the old Nord name for Akatosh, from the time before the Elven and human religions merged into the Imperial religion. (I'm fighting a severe cold or sinus infection and don't feel like trying to find the references, but I'm 99% sure on this.)
Also pretty sure that the Empire and dragons were pretty tight considering the Imperial emblem is a dragon and that the Empire is big on Akatosh. ;-)
Siannah: Which is pretty much just a technical reason. Behaviour/reaction of the world/people inhabiting it, has come a long way from Morrowind over Oblivion to Skyrim. There's really not even a comparison here. No, it has nothing to do with the engine. Morrowind is all about you being able to use the prophecy as a tool to do what needs to be done regardless of whether or not you are actually Nerevar reborn (a sort of self-fulfilling prophecy). Skyrim is all about you having happened to be born with special powers and being the only one in the entire world who can defeat Alduin.
But like I said before, you are half right: Morrowind does have some elements of pre-determined destiny, too, and I'm not 100% happy with it either. It is, however, a whole heck of a lot better than Skyrim's story.
Siannah: Why should Nocturnal reward the incompetence shown by the thieves guild/former Nightingales? Karliah knew she wouldn't which is the reason going the Nightingale road, bringing two new ones along, as the former Nightingales failed/betrayed, to reattain Nocturnals trust. Why should anyone care what Nocturnal thinks if one of her servants can get away with stealing her holy relic and taking a whiz on her altar? If not for Karliah's desire for vengeance for Gallus, Mercer would have gotten away with his plans and be living good life while Nocturnal fumed in Oblivion. ;-)
Siannah: ... and yes, I'd still like to know the game that offers as much as Skyrim and manages to get even a "good" in your book. :p Still don't want to compare game x with Skyrim, but there are games that I rank as more-or-less good... tho I will admit that my best friend often jokes that I'm impossible to please when it comes to games. ;-) For example (using a different type of game, namely turn/party-based rpg to avoid comparisons with Skryim), I consider KotOR good despite its flaws.
---
In between typing the above bits, I watched this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-e7GrPUKKcE
Made me laugh, and the top comment at this time is a Skyrim reference ("Guard might get nervous...") that made me laugh so hard I squirted a bit of blood out of my nose (sick, remember). So funny. At least to my addled brain. See, I am easily pleased after all! :-P
If I'm not mistaken, that was fanon until recently. Even if it is an idea introduced by Bethesda, it's clearly a rather poor attempt to explain ditching lore in favor of a more traditional fantasy setting for Oblivion.

Also pretty sure that the Empire and dragons were pretty tight considering the Imperial emblem is a dragon and that the Empire is big on Akatosh. ;-)

But like I said before, you are half right: Morrowind does have some elements of pre-determined destiny, too, and I'm not 100% happy with it either. It is, however, a whole heck of a lot better than Skyrim's story.


---
In between typing the above bits, I watched this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-e7GrPUKKcE
Made me laugh, and the top comment at this time is a Skyrim reference ("Guard might get nervous...") that made me laugh so hard I squirted a bit of blood out of my nose (sick, remember). So funny. At least to my addled brain. See, I am easily pleased after all! :-P
Post edited December 11, 2011 by ddmuse

Siannah
what?
Registered: Sep 2008
From Switzerland
Posted December 11, 2011

Even more insightful as well as more confusing is the known [url=http://www.uesp.net/wiki/Lore:Sithis]Lore of Sithis[/url].
We could go on, but the nature of a good lore is, that not everything is clear. Theories get writen down and become facts, as biased and wrong they may be at that time.


Akatosh (Dragon God of Time): Akatosh is the chief deity of the Nine Divines (the major religious cult of Cyrodiil and its provinces), and one of two deities found in every Tamrielic religion (the other is Lorkhan). He is generally considered to be the first of the Gods to form in the Beginning Place; after his establishment, other spirits found the process of being easier and the various pantheons of the world emerged. He is the ultimate God of the Cyrodilic Empire, where he embodies the qualities of endurance, invincibility, and everlasting legitimacy.
Alduin (World Eater): Alduin is the Nordic variation of Akatosh, and only superficially resembles his counterpart in the Nine Divines. For example, Alduin's sobriquet, 'the world eater', comes from myths that depict him as the horrible, ravaging firestorm that destroyed the last world to begin this one. Nords therefore see the god of time as both creator and harbinger of the apocalypse. He is not the chief of the Nordic pantheon (in fact, that pantheon has no chief; see Shor, below) but its wellspring, albeit a grim and frightening one.
Alkosh (Dragon King of Cats): Pre-ri'Datta Dynasty Anaquinine deity. A variation on the Altmeri Auri-El, and thus an Akatosh-as-culture-hero for the earliest Khajiiti. His worship was co-opted during the establishment of the Riddle-T'har, and he still enjoys immense popularity in Elsweyr's wasteland regions. He is depicted as a fearsome dragon, a creature the Khajiit say 'is just a real big cat'. He repelled an early Aldmeri pogrom of Pelinal Whitestrake during mythic times.


And yes, I'm aware that's also Nocturnal. Well, if you hang around with thieves, somethings are bound to happen from time to time.
Why YOU should care, I can't say. I doubt anyone can. Though why do you for Azura, be it in Morrowind or any other of the series, yet can't for Nocturnal?
I wish you well, though I fear you've been cursed by Nocturnal for your incredulousness and constant mockery of her....

Aaron86
Adam We
Registered: May 2010
From Canada
Posted December 11, 2011

Then again, I think I heard somewhere that there were supposed to be a lot of rice farms.
Yeah, I know. I've made and shared several mods for both Morrowind and Oblivion, some of which have over a thousand downloads. Not a "popular" modder, and my stuff isn't revolutionary, but my mods are quality and I have my niche. If not for Steam, I'd probably be too busy modding to bitch much about the game here. If the patches/DLC/GOTY polish up the game a bit, perhaps I'll consider using a cracked no-Steam version and get back to into it. Prob not, tho, as I don't see myself wanting to replay to any of the questlines I've completed so far. But then again, I felt that way about Oblivion and modded for it anyway. ;-)
(Because truth be told, Oblivion really does need mods to be truly enjoyable.)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-e7GrPUKKcE

Psyringe
Vagabond
Registered: Sep 2011
From Germany
Posted December 11, 2011

One major gripe that many lore-buffs had with Oblivion was that it simply scrapped and rebooted that and turned the province into a generic medieval fantasy setting.

Smannesman
4-bit classic
Registered: Oct 2010
From Netherlands
Posted December 11, 2011

One major gripe that many lore-buffs had with Oblivion was that it simply scrapped and rebooted that and turned the province into a generic medieval fantasy setting.
Perhaps because the Gamebryo engine couldn't do jungles justice?

Psyringe
Vagabond
Registered: Sep 2011
From Germany
Posted December 11, 2011
My memory has become a bit fuzzy on the details, but I think Speedtree (the middleware they licensed for the trees) actually had a jungle component available, Bethesda just didn't buy it. I think they were consciously aiming for a generic setting that everyone could get into easily.