Candlekeep Forum
Candlekeep Forum
Home | Profile | Register | Active Topics | Active Polls | Members | Private Messages | Search | FAQ
Username:
Password:
Save Password
Forgot your Password?

 All Forums
 Forgotten Realms Products
 Forgotten Realms Software
 Sword Coast Legends: What are you going to play?
 New Topic  New Poll New Poll
 Reply to Topic
 Printer Friendly
Previous Page | Next Page
Author Previous Topic Topic Next Topic
Page: of 3

Caladan Brood
Senior Scribe

Norway
410 Posts

Posted - 18 Sep 2015 :  07:17:06  Show Profile  Visit Caladan Brood's Homepage Send Caladan Brood a Private Message  Reply with Quote
Same here, waiting for the game to open later today. I suspect my PC won't be able to handle it, though :/
Go to Top of Page

Dargoth
Great Reader

Australia
4607 Posts

Posted - 18 Sep 2015 :  07:26:17  Show Profile  Visit Dargoth's Homepage Send Dargoth a Private Message  Reply with Quote
12hrs 33 minutes!!...

“I am the King of Rome, and above grammar”

Emperor Sigismund

"Its good to be the King!"

Mel Brooks
Go to Top of Page

BenN
Senior Scribe

Japan
382 Posts

Posted - 18 Sep 2015 :  07:32:10  Show Profile Send BenN a Private Message  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by Caladan Brood

I suspect my PC won't be able to handle it, though :/


On that subject, I should be OK, but I was originally planning to install the Mac OS X version. But from all accounts at the SCL forum, the Mac version sucks donkey balls (nasty-looking slideshow, if you can get it to run without crashing).

So I'll probably play safe & get the Windows version (I've got Bootcamp & Windows 8.1 installed). I wondering if I should upgrade to Windows 10 first? I guess it probably doesn't make any difference.
Go to Top of Page

Dargoth
Great Reader

Australia
4607 Posts

Posted - 19 Sep 2015 :  05:52:12  Show Profile  Visit Dargoth's Homepage Send Dargoth a Private Message  Reply with Quote
Quick question anyone been able to Link an outdoor region with an indoor?

Ive created

Area: outdoor city gates

and a

Dungeon: Castle interior

but I cant seem to find a way make it so you click on the city gate and then appear at the entrance inside the castle dungeon, any ideas?

“I am the King of Rome, and above grammar”

Emperor Sigismund

"Its good to be the King!"

Mel Brooks
Go to Top of Page

Caladan Brood
Senior Scribe

Norway
410 Posts

Posted - 19 Sep 2015 :  07:07:45  Show Profile  Visit Caladan Brood's Homepage Send Caladan Brood a Private Message  Reply with Quote
Another awful D&D experience. I'm now pinning my hopes on Baldur's Gate: Siege of Dragonspear.
Go to Top of Page

Delwa
Master of Realmslore

USA
1268 Posts

Posted - 19 Sep 2015 :  19:55:38  Show Profile  Visit Delwa's Homepage Send Delwa a Private Message  Reply with Quote
I haven't been playing much with the Dungeon Building stuff, but it's on the to do list. I just got done with a Dungeon Crawl with the Pregen Characters and a PC I created. It was pretty fun. For a dungeon crawl, it even had some neat loot, beyond just the standard, "you get 5 gold" stuff. I aquired some Vilhon Cherry Bread, which grants some extra hp when consumed, and a bottle of Harlyr, a Waterdhavian Perfume. Instead of a generic "you find a statuette worth xx gold," I found several carved statues of various Realmsian Deities and Personalities, such as Eldath, Captain Kyrth, Tymora, etc.
Can't wait to play through the actual story.

- Delwa Aunglor
I am off to slay yon refrigerator and spoil it's horde. Go for the cheese, Boo!

"The Realms change; seldom at the speed desired of those who strive, but far too quickly for those who resist." - The Simbul, taken from the Forgotten Realms Campaign Conspectus
Go to Top of Page

Dargoth
Great Reader

Australia
4607 Posts

Posted - 20 Sep 2015 :  06:34:32  Show Profile  Visit Dargoth's Homepage Send Dargoth a Private Message  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by Delwa

I haven't been playing much with the Dungeon Building stuff, but it's on the to do list. I just got done with a Dungeon Crawl with the Pregen Characters and a PC I created. It was pretty fun. For a dungeon crawl, it even had some neat loot, beyond just the standard, "you get 5 gold" stuff. I aquired some Vilhon Cherry Bread, which grants some extra hp when consumed, and a bottle of Harlyr, a Waterdhavian Perfume. Instead of a generic "you find a statuette worth xx gold," I found several carved statues of various Realmsian Deities and Personalities, such as Eldath, Captain Kyrth, Tymora, etc.
Can't wait to play through the actual story.




The only real complaint I have with it is that the tool kit isnt tile by tile its pregen, apparently the devs have tools that allow you to do that its there talking about allowing tile by tile at a later stage

On the Player side of thing its almost like Skyrim in there almost dont have a class syetem. What I wouldnt find seeing is a an arcane tree for other classess to represent Wizard/X Multiclassing. The Fighter should have access to it due to the Eldritch Knight and in 3ed Mystras Paladins could cast arcane spells.

But the like you the big thing for me is the Story Campaign which well have to wait 9 days for *sigh*

“I am the King of Rome, and above grammar”

Emperor Sigismund

"Its good to be the King!"

Mel Brooks
Go to Top of Page

Shadowsoul
Senior Scribe

Ireland
705 Posts

Posted - 20 Sep 2015 :  18:28:14  Show Profile Send Shadowsoul a Private Message  Reply with Quote
I have played this game and I do not recommend it. I have paid a lot of money to essentially be a playtester. The game is still covered in bugs, the graphics are not up to date, play is very stiff, and the game overall has nothing to do with 5th edition what so ever.

I am currently trying to get a refund from Sword Coast Legends.

“Fantasy is escapist, and that is its glory. If a soldier is imprisioned by the enemy, don't we consider it his duty to escape?. . .If we value the freedom of mind and soul, if we're partisans of liberty, then it's our plain duty to escape, and to take as many people with us as we can!”
#8213; J.R.R. Tolkien

*I endorse everything Dark Wizard says*.
Go to Top of Page

Delwa
Master of Realmslore

USA
1268 Posts

Posted - 20 Sep 2015 :  19:10:42  Show Profile  Visit Delwa's Homepage Send Delwa a Private Message  Reply with Quote
To each their own. I've been playing the preview and haven't had a lot of trouble with bugs. I just got done playing through part of a fan adaptation of the Lost Mines of Phandelver adventure, and I had a blast. My only complaint was it takes a bit for some of the load screens to finish.

As I understand it from the Faq, the game isn't finished yet, and what we've been playing with is, by their own admission, an unfinished product, with a few more glitches to be ironed out before release. I'm more than happy to report any glitches I may find and keep playing. It isn't hampering my experience that much.

I do agree that it isn't exactly a "you are playing 5e on a computer" experience, but it hardly takes any effort to familiarize yourself with the leveling options (I was able to grasp it in a few seconds when I leveled from two to three) and build a character that is a reflection of a 5e style character. Alternatively, you can branch out and try options for your character that aren't exactly available in 5e's tabletop rules. In fact, I'm getting some ideas for skills I'd like to playtest with my group as house rules for various things from the game.







- Delwa Aunglor
I am off to slay yon refrigerator and spoil it's horde. Go for the cheese, Boo!

"The Realms change; seldom at the speed desired of those who strive, but far too quickly for those who resist." - The Simbul, taken from the Forgotten Realms Campaign Conspectus
Go to Top of Page

Shadowsoul
Senior Scribe

Ireland
705 Posts

Posted - 20 Sep 2015 :  19:55:08  Show Profile Send Shadowsoul a Private Message  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by Delwa

To each their own. I've been playing the preview and haven't had a lot of trouble with bugs. I just got done playing through part of a fan adaptation of the Lost Mines of Phandelver adventure, and I had a blast. My only complaint was it takes a bit for some of the load screens to finish.

As I understand it from the Faq, the game isn't finished yet, and what we've been playing with is, by their own admission, an unfinished product, with a few more glitches to be ironed out before release. I'm more than happy to report any glitches I may find and keep playing. It isn't hampering my experience that much.

I do agree that it isn't exactly a "you are playing 5e on a computer" experience, but it hardly takes any effort to familiarize yourself with the leveling options (I was able to grasp it in a few seconds when I leveled from two to three) and build a character that is a reflection of a 5e style character. Alternatively, you can branch out and try options for your character that aren't exactly available in 5e's tabletop rules. In fact, I'm getting some ideas for skills I'd like to playtest with my group as house rules for various things from the game.










I paid around 75 euro for this game and I don't expect to have to report anything. The game should be finished and ready to go for that kind of money. I also expected the graphics and gameplay to be top notch but it isn't.

“Fantasy is escapist, and that is its glory. If a soldier is imprisioned by the enemy, don't we consider it his duty to escape?. . .If we value the freedom of mind and soul, if we're partisans of liberty, then it's our plain duty to escape, and to take as many people with us as we can!”
#8213; J.R.R. Tolkien

*I endorse everything Dark Wizard says*.
Go to Top of Page

Delwa
Master of Realmslore

USA
1268 Posts

Posted - 20 Sep 2015 :  20:33:44  Show Profile  Visit Delwa's Homepage Send Delwa a Private Message  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by Shadowsoul

quote:
Originally posted by Delwa

To each their own. I've been playing the preview and haven't had a lot of trouble with bugs. I just got done playing through part of a fan adaptation of the Lost Mines of Phandelver adventure, and I had a blast. My only complaint was it takes a bit for some of the load screens to finish.

As I understand it from the Faq, the game isn't finished yet, and what we've been playing with is, by their own admission, an unfinished product, with a few more glitches to be ironed out before release. I'm more than happy to report any glitches I may find and keep playing. It isn't hampering my experience that much.

I do agree that it isn't exactly a "you are playing 5e on a computer" experience, but it hardly takes any effort to familiarize yourself with the leveling options (I was able to grasp it in a few seconds when I leveled from two to three) and build a character that is a reflection of a 5e style character. Alternatively, you can branch out and try options for your character that aren't exactly available in 5e's tabletop rules. In fact, I'm getting some ideas for skills I'd like to playtest with my group as house rules for various things from the game.










I paid around 75 euro for this game and I don't expect to have to report anything. The game should be finished and ready to go for that kind of money. I also expected the graphics and gameplay to be top notch but it isn't.



I paid around $35 USD for it, and I'm fine with that price. The game isn't finished because - as the company announced awhile back - they had to push back the release date to the 29th. It's release date isn't until then. This preview is an unfinished product, and rightly so, because the release isn't until the 29th. If you were complaining about the final product, I could see some validity, but as this still has a few weeks to go, I really don't see it. As for gameplay and graphics, I'm not sure what the problem is. It's exactly like they've talked about the whole time, in every preview and concept art piece I've seen. I expected something that looks like a slightly more detailed Baldur's Gate, (third person view, point and click interaction, quick slots on the bottom of the screen, that kind of thing,) and that's what I'm seeing.

- Delwa Aunglor
I am off to slay yon refrigerator and spoil it's horde. Go for the cheese, Boo!

"The Realms change; seldom at the speed desired of those who strive, but far too quickly for those who resist." - The Simbul, taken from the Forgotten Realms Campaign Conspectus
Go to Top of Page

Veritas
Learned Scribe

209 Posts

Posted - 24 Sep 2015 :  02:35:52  Show Profile  Visit Veritas's Homepage Send Veritas a Private Message  Reply with Quote
They pushed back Release until October 20th. Having participated in Headstart 2, I can confirm that the game is so riddled with bugs that it was nowhere close to being in shape for release in the 29th. There are major issues with balance as well. The ability to tell a story or give your player's options in a module is very limited. At least as far as the multiplayer and Headstart is concerned, the only thing Realms about it is the map of the Sword Coast that you can travel points on. If anything, there are more Greyhawk names involved in abilities then FR.

As far as system is concerned, it is loosely based on 5e.

That aside, I had fun but this doesn't look like the next great Realms experience.
Go to Top of Page

Caladan Brood
Senior Scribe

Norway
410 Posts

Posted - 24 Sep 2015 :  09:17:19  Show Profile  Visit Caladan Brood's Homepage Send Caladan Brood a Private Message  Reply with Quote
You're better off buying Forgotten Realms Unlimited Adventures on GOG. I got my refund fortunately, will be watching the development of this game from release on as I hope the developers try to tune it into an actual D&D-like experience.
Go to Top of Page

ZeshinX
Learned Scribe

Canada
210 Posts

Posted - 24 Sep 2015 :  15:14:24  Show Profile  Visit ZeshinX's Homepage Send ZeshinX a Private Message  Reply with Quote
I've given up on SCL. I would expect a game advertising a 'D&D Experience' and branded as a D&D game to be far more D&D-rules based as opposed to D&D-rules inspired. Sure, some creative liberty is required to translate it into a video game format in an effort to keep it exciting, but this is not D&D. It's Dragon Age with D&D names. I'm sure that's a fine thing for many and hope it does well for the developers and fans alike, but it isn't getting my money.

"...because despite the best advice of those who know what they are talking about, other people insist on doing the most massively stupid things."
-Galen, technomage
Go to Top of Page

VikingLegion
Senior Scribe

USA
483 Posts

Posted - 24 Sep 2015 :  16:06:32  Show Profile Send VikingLegion a Private Message  Reply with Quote
I don't understand the previous two comments about it not being "a D&D Experience". If I sit down at a gaming table and we are able to visit Waterdeep, interact with Khelben Arunsun, go fight a beholder, cast magic missile, and receive Gauntlets of Ogre Power *that* is a D&D experience for me. I care not if we use Basic "Red Box" rules, 2nd edition, Skills and Powers, 3.0, 3.5, Pathfinder, 4th edition, 5th edition, GURPS, or a homebrew.

The rule set is nothing more than a framework, a mechanic by which the content is delivered. Obviously opinions vary, but for me, the "D&D experience" is about the iconic places, peoples, monsters, items, spells, and everything else this game has spawned in over 40 years of history over multiple governing rule sets.

How can the rule set "be the game" for you guys when there have been no fewer than 5 major iterations, each with its own slew of optional add-ons and supplements. For Bob, "D&D" might be strictly 2nd edition with no Psionics allowed, but Janet might be adamant about 3.5 with some Pathfinder accessories. Who is right?

If you love the story of Macbeth, would you only see it in one theater, with one specific troupe of actors performing it? The various D&D editions and rule sets are simply venues/performers, they aren't the story of D&D - the 40+ years of history, lore, and flavor that has accumulated in this shared world(s) of experience.

Not trying to be a schill for SCL here, but if it doesn't follow any one particular rule set, but rather tries to capture the spirit of D&D, all the better for me. If any of you ever played DDO, they did a very good job (initially) of remaining faithful to the 3rd edition rules. And they had to make huge changes to the game to retain their small playerbase, because it made for a clunky, boring, frustrating, and overall not fun gaming experience. Pen and paper rules simply don't translate all that well to a video game.
Go to Top of Page

Artemas Entreri
Great Reader

USA
3131 Posts

Posted - 24 Sep 2015 :  16:14:17  Show Profile Send Artemas Entreri a Private Message  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by VikingLegion

I don't understand the previous two comments about it not being "a D&D Experience". If I sit down at a gaming table and we are able to visit Waterdeep, interact with Khelben Arunsun, go fight a beholder, cast magic missile, and receive Gauntlets of Ogre Power *that* is a D&D experience for me. I care not if we use Basic "Red Box" rules, 2nd edition, Skills and Powers, 3.0, 3.5, Pathfinder, 4th edition, 5th edition, GURPS, or a homebrew.

The rule set is nothing more than a framework, a mechanic by which the content is delivered. Obviously opinions vary, but for me, the "D&D experience" is about the iconic places, peoples, monsters, items, spells, and everything else this game has spawned in over 40 years of history over multiple governing rule sets.

How can the rule set "be the game" for you guys when there have been no fewer than 5 major iterations, each with its own slew of optional add-ons and supplements. For Bob, "D&D" might be strictly 2nd edition with no Psionics allowed, but Janet might be adamant about 3.5 with some Pathfinder accessories. Who is right?

If you love the story of Macbeth, would you only see it in one theater, with one specific troupe of actors performing it? The various D&D editions and rule sets are simply venues/performers, they aren't the story of D&D - the 40+ years of history, lore, and flavor that has accumulated in this shared world(s) of experience.

Not trying to be a schill for SCL here, but if it doesn't follow any one particular rule set, but rather tries to capture the spirit of D&D, all the better for me. If any of you ever played DDO, they did a very good job (initially) of remaining faithful to the 3rd edition rules. And they had to make huge changes to the game to retain their small playerbase, because it made for a clunky, boring, frustrating, and overall not fun gaming experience. Pen and paper rules simply don't translate all that well to a video game.



I'd have to agree. Any adventure module can be used with any set of D&D rules with a little (or a lot of) creativity. D&D rules are rules, not laws.

Some people have a way with words, and other people...oh, uh, not have way. -Steve Martin

Amazon "KindleUnlimited" Free Trial: http://amzn.to/2AJ4yD2

Try Audible and Get 2 Free Audio Books! https://amzn.to/2IgBede
Go to Top of Page

Delwa
Master of Realmslore

USA
1268 Posts

Posted - 24 Sep 2015 :  21:09:20  Show Profile  Visit Delwa's Homepage Send Delwa a Private Message  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by VikingLegion

I don't understand the previous two comments about it not being "a D&D Experience". If I sit down at a gaming table and we are able to visit Waterdeep, interact with Khelben Arunsun, go fight a beholder, cast magic missile, and receive Gauntlets of Ogre Power *that* is a D&D experience for me. I care not if we use Basic "Red Box" rules, 2nd edition, Skills and Powers, 3.0, 3.5, Pathfinder, 4th edition, 5th edition, GURPS, or a homebrew.

The rule set is nothing more than a framework, a mechanic by which the content is delivered. Obviously opinions vary, but for me, the "D&D experience" is about the iconic places, peoples, monsters, items, spells, and everything else this game has spawned in over 40 years of history over multiple governing rule sets.

How can the rule set "be the game" for you guys when there have been no fewer than 5 major iterations, each with its own slew of optional add-ons and supplements. For Bob, "D&D" might be strictly 2nd edition with no Psionics allowed, but Janet might be adamant about 3.5 with some Pathfinder accessories. Who is right?

If you love the story of Macbeth, would you only see it in one theater, with one specific troupe of actors performing it? The various D&D editions and rule sets are simply venues/performers, they aren't the story of D&D - the 40+ years of history, lore, and flavor that has accumulated in this shared world(s) of experience.

Not trying to be a schill for SCL here, but if it doesn't follow any one particular rule set, but rather tries to capture the spirit of D&D, all the better for me. If any of you ever played DDO, they did a very good job (initially) of remaining faithful to the 3rd edition rules. And they had to make huge changes to the game to retain their small playerbase, because it made for a clunky, boring, frustrating, and overall not fun gaming experience. Pen and paper rules simply don't translate all that well to a video game.



I'll give this a thumbs up, as well. I personally didn't experience many of the bugs everyone is talking about. The game was a little slow on the loading screens, but I didn't have issues with lag. I just chalked the slow loading time up to the fact that my laptop is a bit on the older side. It's not a gaming machine. I didn't get into the DM side of things that much, I mainly played around with the pregens, so maybe that explains it. However, I didn't encounter any issues that would lead me to write off the game completely. I had fun. It was visually appealing and easy to learn. As my previous posts in this thread mentioned, there were plenty of trinkets and little things that added flavor to the game that made it feel like the Realms to me.
I saw some people complaining about the lack of "permanent death" in the game (if you dropped to zero hp, you could be stabilized, but you didn't die outright) I liked that feature, but I do wish there were a toggle where you only had so many seconds to stabilize a fallen foe. Maybe add that feature to a difficulty mode. That's about the only "not like D&D" thing that I noticed. Everything else was there. Items, round-by-round combat, Magic Users, Fighters, Rogues, etc.

- Delwa Aunglor
I am off to slay yon refrigerator and spoil it's horde. Go for the cheese, Boo!

"The Realms change; seldom at the speed desired of those who strive, but far too quickly for those who resist." - The Simbul, taken from the Forgotten Realms Campaign Conspectus
Go to Top of Page

Shemmy
Senior Scribe

USA
492 Posts

Posted - 25 Sep 2015 :  13:47:55  Show Profile  Visit Shemmy's Homepage Send Shemmy a Private Message  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by Shadowsoul

I have played this game and I do not recommend it. I have paid a lot of money to essentially be a playtester. The game is still covered in bugs, the graphics are not up to date, play is very stiff, and the game overall has nothing to do with 5th edition what so ever.

I am currently trying to get a refund from Sword Coast Legends.



I've never seen that many people demanding refunds for a game after the pre-release play. Yikes!

Shemeska the Marauder, King of the Crosstrade; voted #1 best Arcanaloth in Sigil two hundred years running by the people who know what's best for them; chant broker; prospective Sigil council member next election; and official travel agent for Chamada Holiday specials LLC.
Go to Top of Page

ZeshinX
Learned Scribe

Canada
210 Posts

Posted - 25 Sep 2015 :  14:39:43  Show Profile  Visit ZeshinX's Homepage Send ZeshinX a Private Message  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by VikingLegion

I don't understand the previous two comments about it not being "a D&D Experience". If I sit down at a gaming table and we are able to visit Waterdeep, interact with Khelben Arunsun, go fight a beholder, cast magic missile, and receive Gauntlets of Ogre Power *that* is a D&D experience for me. I care not if we use Basic "Red Box" rules, 2nd edition, Skills and Powers, 3.0, 3.5, Pathfinder, 4th edition, 5th edition, GURPS, or a homebrew.

The rule set is nothing more than a framework, a mechanic by which the content is delivered. Obviously opinions vary, but for me, the "D&D experience" is about the iconic places, peoples, monsters, items, spells, and everything else this game has spawned in over 40 years of history over multiple governing rule sets.

How can the rule set "be the game" for you guys when there have been no fewer than 5 major iterations, each with its own slew of optional add-ons and supplements. For Bob, "D&D" might be strictly 2nd edition with no Psionics allowed, but Janet might be adamant about 3.5 with some Pathfinder accessories. Who is right?

If you love the story of Macbeth, would you only see it in one theater, with one specific troupe of actors performing it? The various D&D editions and rule sets are simply venues/performers, they aren't the story of D&D - the 40+ years of history, lore, and flavor that has accumulated in this shared world(s) of experience.

Not trying to be a schill for SCL here, but if it doesn't follow any one particular rule set, but rather tries to capture the spirit of D&D, all the better for me. If any of you ever played DDO, they did a very good job (initially) of remaining faithful to the 3rd edition rules. And they had to make huge changes to the game to retain their small playerbase, because it made for a clunky, boring, frustrating, and overall not fun gaming experience. Pen and paper rules simply don't translate all that well to a video game.



Experience is many things to many people. You ask 10 people to define 'an experience' and you'll get 11 different answers.

I speak only for myself. The rules form the foundation of the experience for me. To me, they matter. To others, not at all or not as much.

If I see 'D&D' branding, I expect D&D rules. Tweaked to fit the medium, certainly, but not as departed from them as SCL is. Good examples, from my perspective, are the Infinity Engine games (Baldur's Gate, Icewind Dale, Planescape: Torment) and the Aurora Engine games (Neverwinter Nights 1 & 2). Well adapted rules, changed only as needed to fit the medium. PnP adapts just fine to video games. It's not 1:1 (nor should it be), but it's eminently achievable, and has been since the Gold Box games.

I still wish SCL success for the devs and its fans, I simply no longer have much interest and have shared my thoughts as to why that is, for what they're worth.

"...because despite the best advice of those who know what they are talking about, other people insist on doing the most massively stupid things."
-Galen, technomage

Edited by - ZeshinX on 25 Sep 2015 14:44:14
Go to Top of Page

Gurgle Gobblespit
Acolyte

USA
27 Posts

Posted - 05 Oct 2015 :  10:36:08  Show Profile Send Gurgle Gobblespit a Private Message  Reply with Quote
Awww man, no Gnomes in Legends? :(
Go to Top of Page

Caolin
Senior Scribe

768 Posts

Posted - 21 Oct 2015 :  06:40:08  Show Profile Send Caolin a Private Message  Reply with Quote
Bought the game today. Loaded it up and I see skill trees?? Google, google, not a direct translation of the game rules? Returned for a refund.

Will wait for a Steam sale and get it for $9.99
Go to Top of Page

Veritas
Learned Scribe

209 Posts

Posted - 22 Oct 2015 :  20:22:05  Show Profile  Visit Veritas's Homepage Send Veritas a Private Message  Reply with Quote
No D&D video game is a direct translation of all of the rules. True this was a wider departure than others but if you wan't a direct translation, the tabletop is available to you.
In any event, the sticking point for me is the lack of depth of the DM tools. I wasn't expecting NWN, but some of their choices, like locking out bosses as placeables and not including a dragon, bothers me. FRUA, NWN, and NWN 2 let you place Dragons after all.

Also the system requirements for this game is ridiculous.

That said, I had fun with it. I participated in the head starts and have managed to level almost each class to 20. Levelling is quick and easy in the game so that isn't exactly a big feat. I finished the campaign on Hard the other day and I believe I've completed every quest except for one (a collection quest for a ruby, missed one of them).


Edited by - Veritas on 23 Oct 2015 04:14:57
Go to Top of Page

Delwa
Master of Realmslore

USA
1268 Posts

Posted - 22 Oct 2015 :  23:30:47  Show Profile  Visit Delwa's Homepage Send Delwa a Private Message  Reply with Quote
I played through part of the Solo campaign yesterday, and made it all the way into Luskan. I enjoyed the final product very much, and it was worth the money to me. I'll just try and list what I liked, and didn't.
I will preface this by saying, I'm not what I would call a gamer when it comes to computer/console games. The only games I've ever played that I really enjoy and keep going back to are games with a Forgotten Realms logo on them, and I keep returning to them because they give me visual aids for a world I sometimes have a hard time picturing, just because my mind works like that. Other than that, I pretty much play Minesweeper and Hunt the Wumpus or stick to board and card games.

Disliked:
  • The way you have to use the mouse and the keyboard to move the camera. It took a bit of getting used to, but I accepted the challenge and it is now second nature.
  • I haven't found a way to turn down how often a character talks, so every time you click to move your party, the selected PC says something. This can get very annoying when you're exploring an area just for fun. I don't want to have to mute them altogether.
  • Your Journal isn't as detailed as it could be. Some quest details that are extremely significant to getting things done are only given in the initial dialogue, and if you don't write it down or remember it, you have to go back and ask the quest giver to repeat the instructions. I don't remember having this issue in BG, or NWN.
  • Load time between maps takes a bit. My machine isn't top of the line, so that may be part of the problem, but I'd like to not have time to go get a drink from the kitchen at the other side of the house before the next map loads.

Likes
  • The companions are memorable, and hilarious. Some of the party banter is just amusing. Especially when I first met Hommet. He cracked me up (though he also annoys me.) One of the other incidents that amused me was when a single rat - not a dire rat - a mere rat charged the party. Greatswords swung, clubs bashed, and several crits were rolled on the little squeaker. It goes almost without saying, the rodent didn't even get to attack. After all that was over in a brief second, the party Cleric cried out, "Is Everybody Alright!!?" in a very concerned tone. The whole situation just hit me right in the chuckle box and I couldn't stop laughing.
  • The story is interesting thus far. Granted, I haven't completed the first Act, but the bits you learn about your guild and the artifacts and rituals tied to its recent founding are interesting. It gives me ideas for creating "rival" adventuring parties beyond just the "we adventure together for our mutual protection." trope.
  • While most fights are pretty much hack 'n slash, there are plenty of RP opportunities. I've had about half a dozen encounters already where talking my way out of a fight was an option. Not always an easy or viable option, but you were able to attempt it. If that keeps up, I'll be very happy.
  • NPC's are memorable and possess personality. Just like BG, you do have some commoner or peasant NPC's that don't really say or do much, but there are also lots of others that have small side quests that aren't tied to the main quest. It makes it easy to lose yourself in the game instead of get in the proceed to the next plot point rut I get from, say, the Neverwinter MMO.
  • [*]


There are some things that are neither here nor there for me. Yes, it's not a direct adaptation of the 5e Rules. Oh well. You can definitely see the D&D influence in the game, and that's all I really understood them to promise. If I want a direct, one-for-one translation of the rules, I'll just play Roll20 or Fantasy Grounds. I imagine if SCL did do a 1-for-1 translation of the rules, it might create some problems for Fantasy Grounds' profit margins or some such. If I can pay $35 for SCL and play a direct translation of the rules, complete with a graphic, interactive environment that rolls the dice for me and I don't have to think about the mechanics, just play, why should I pay $40+ for Fantasy Grounds?
The graphics aren't anything to jump up and down about, I'm not in awe of how photorealistic the environment is, but the visuals aren't terrible. They are pleasant to look at, and creates a nice visual image of the environment. If they'd made it look like Minecraft, I'd probably be more than upset. But I'm not, I'm happy.
I haven't tried any of the DM aspects yet. I may, but I really didn't get the game for that. I just wanted the new story, and so far, the talent trees and the slow load times haven't deterred me from that enough to break my immersion. I played almost 10 hours straight yesterday (day off work) and completely forgot about the time. If I hadn't set alarms to make myself realize it was meal time and I needed to venture forth for sustenance, I may have starved happily as I solved enigmas and slew enemies.

- Delwa Aunglor
I am off to slay yon refrigerator and spoil it's horde. Go for the cheese, Boo!

"The Realms change; seldom at the speed desired of those who strive, but far too quickly for those who resist." - The Simbul, taken from the Forgotten Realms Campaign Conspectus
Go to Top of Page

Veritas
Learned Scribe

209 Posts

Posted - 23 Oct 2015 :  04:16:25  Show Profile  Visit Veritas's Homepage Send Veritas a Private Message  Reply with Quote
Well the good news is, if you only finished Act 1, there is still a long way to go before the game is over. The campaign took me from 1 to just short of level 17, and the Underdark looks absolutely spectacular.
Go to Top of Page

Caolin
Senior Scribe

768 Posts

Posted - 23 Oct 2015 :  06:01:18  Show Profile Send Caolin a Private Message  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by Veritas

No D&D video game is a direct translation of all of the rules. True this was a wider departure than others but if you wan't a direct translation, the tabletop is available to you.




Yeah, I could play the tabletop game....except that I can't. You do realize that some people have to turn to video games to get any sort of D&D experience right?
Go to Top of Page

Veritas
Learned Scribe

209 Posts

Posted - 23 Oct 2015 :  13:14:47  Show Profile  Visit Veritas's Homepage Send Veritas a Private Message  Reply with Quote
Fair enough. I don't know your circumstances so it may not be feasible for you, but there are plenty of ways to look for an online group for Roll20 and similar programs.
Go to Top of Page

Irennan
Great Reader

Italy
3802 Posts

Posted - 23 Oct 2015 :  13:41:02  Show Profile Send Irennan a Private Message  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by Veritas

Well the good news is, if you only finished Act 1, there is still a long way to go before the game is over. The campaign took me from 1 to just short of level 17, and the Underdark looks absolutely spectacular.



Did you find any cool lore/news/references in the game?

Mathematics is the art of giving the same name to different things.

Edited by - Irennan on 23 Oct 2015 13:41:20
Go to Top of Page

Caolin
Senior Scribe

768 Posts

Posted - 24 Oct 2015 :  00:59:04  Show Profile Send Caolin a Private Message  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by Veritas

Fair enough. I don't know your circumstances so it may not be feasible for you, but there are plenty of ways to look for an online group for Roll20 and similar programs.



Yes, I have gamed in an online Roll20 group. It was an interesting experience. But that's really not the root of my issue on SCL. I mean, I have Pillars of Eternity that I enjoy which has a very deep ruleset. Both Baldur's Gate and Neverwinter Nights also had pretty faithful translations of the DnD rules as well. So I'm not buying that no DnD game has a direct translation.

This just seems like a rush job and most likely WoTC slapped their name onto an existing game rather than take the time to properly develop their own game that uses the 5E ruleset. I was so looking forward to playing a CRPG using 5E because I really enjoy 5E.
Go to Top of Page

Veritas
Learned Scribe

209 Posts

Posted - 25 Oct 2015 :  03:23:03  Show Profile  Visit Veritas's Homepage Send Veritas a Private Message  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by Irennan
Did you find any cool lore/news/references in the game?



There really wasn't anything significant that I could think of in terms of "new" lore. The game didn't have much going on in terms of exposition. There were quite a few references, however. For one thing, they had an exhaustive array of alcoholic beverages correctly named from FR lore, which was fairly neat. There are items which have no purpose but to be sold ("vendor trash"), many of which were references, like the Cormyrian Tricrown, statues of many FR gods and goddesses (including minor ones like Red Knight) and at least one Finder Wyvernspur related item. Most of the reference items would fall in this category.

There are few unique items. One is a sword "Vlaakith" which was effective against psionic creatures. Vlaakith is the name of the lich queen of the Githyanki.

You spend alot of time in Luskan (and in the Cutlass). There is some minor interaction with a Bregan D'Aerthe character and there are some throwaway references to their involvement in the city (such as One-Eyed Jax and Beniago). You even can ask a couple of questions from a character regarding the whereabouts of Drizzt and Jarlaxle, although you get no new information that can't be gleaned online (Drizzt may have gone into the Underdark, Jarlaxle might be in Menzoberranzan). One character references past dealings with the Arcane Brotherhood, indicating they are still active around the 5e time period.

*SPOILER* Plot Elements Below *SPOILER*
The MacGuffin was that there is a powerful relic of Sehanine Moonbow called the "Moon Tear" reputedly created after the Time of Troubles when Sehanine wept for the deities that had fallen.
One character hinted that he doubted that was the proper explanation, but a cleric of Sehanine claimed she felt Sehanine's presence in connection with the relic. No powers are directly given but some "divine spark" may reside in the artifact.


It significantly boosted the power of an illithid and a balor wanted to drain it to make himself a god (or a demon lord, that was conflated in the game).
*SPOILER ENDED*


Edited by - Veritas on 25 Oct 2015 03:23:50
Go to Top of Page

Delwa
Master of Realmslore

USA
1268 Posts

Posted - 25 Oct 2015 :  15:59:35  Show Profile  Visit Delwa's Homepage Send Delwa a Private Message  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by Veritas

quote:
Originally posted by Irennan
Did you find any cool lore/news/references in the game?



There really wasn't anything significant that I could think of in terms of "new" lore. The game didn't have much going on in terms of exposition. There were quite a few references, however. For one thing, they had an exhaustive array of alcoholic beverages correctly named from FR lore, which was fairly neat. There are items which have no purpose but to be sold ("vendor trash"), many of which were references, like the Cormyrian Tricrown, statues of many FR gods and goddesses (including minor ones like Red Knight) and at least one Finder Wyvernspur related item. Most of the reference items would fall in this category.

There are few unique items. One is a sword "Vlaakith" which was effective against psionic creatures. Vlaakith is the name of the lich queen of the Githyanki.

You spend alot of time in Luskan (and in the Cutlass). There is some minor interaction with a Bregan D'Aerthe character and there are some throwaway references to their involvement in the city (such as One-Eyed Jax and Beniago). You even can ask a couple of questions from a character regarding the whereabouts of Drizzt and Jarlaxle, although you get no new information that can't be gleaned online (Drizzt may have gone into the Underdark, Jarlaxle might be in Menzoberranzan). One character references past dealings with the Arcane Brotherhood, indicating they are still active around the 5e time period.

*SPOILER* Plot Elements Below *SPOILER*
The MacGuffin was that there is a powerful relic of Sehanine Moonbow called the "Moon Tear" reputedly created after the Time of Troubles when Sehanine wept for the deities that had fallen.
One character hinted that he doubted that was the proper explanation, but a cleric of Sehanine claimed she felt Sehanine's presence in connection with the relic. No powers are directly given but some "divine spark" may reside in the artifact.


It significantly boosted the power of an illithid and a balor wanted to drain it to make himself a god (or a demon lord, that was conflated in the game).
*SPOILER ENDED*




You made me think of something I need to look into when I get home. As you mentioned, there are many deity statues. I haven't found one for the Red Knight or Finder yet.
There is also a section (maybe in your journal?) for entries on the gods. It's right next to the game's bestiary, which updates as you encounter new monsters. I wonder if the deity entries update as you find statues, because when I swiftly browsed it, I didn't see Finder or the Red Knight. If that's so, I need to go through and see if the deity entries have any nuggets as to Finder and the Red Knight's, as well as other gods' current status

- Delwa Aunglor
I am off to slay yon refrigerator and spoil it's horde. Go for the cheese, Boo!

"The Realms change; seldom at the speed desired of those who strive, but far too quickly for those who resist." - The Simbul, taken from the Forgotten Realms Campaign Conspectus
Go to Top of Page
Page: of 3 Previous Topic Topic Next Topic  
Previous Page | Next Page
 New Topic  New Poll New Poll
 Reply to Topic
 Printer Friendly
Jump To:
Candlekeep Forum © 1999-2024 Candlekeep.com Go To Top Of Page
Snitz Forums 2000