Alpha First Look: Video 4 - The Black Shroud II

[Tupster]

Not an attack on you, just a jumping-off point for my post.

Alpha is *not* for pointing out problems, it's for testing the server structure and limitations. It's for putting load on the entire system looking for points of failure. These alpha client/servers branched off from the main code some 2-3 months ago and are not reflective of where the team is today -- let alone when beta starts.

That being said, the MMO world is unlikely to ever see another alpha that looks as polished as ARR does.

Beta will be the time to offer constructive feedback on all aspects of gameplay and design.

Not sure if we need to split hairs this much. I appreciate what you are trying to say here, but my general point is that the earlier problems are addressed the cheaper and easier it is to fix them. This is a basic tenant of software engineering.

[Gawen]

great video! keep up the good work!

like many other said, i hope that the music we hear on background , it's the same music in the game, and it's possible because yoshi-p said that in different zone we'll listen different parts of a single track, so maybe in the video we're just listening that complete track (explaining why there aren't interruptions when the scenes changes).
anyway i like a lot the new atmosphere!!! really fine!

[Shurrikhan]

there's just these little missing animations that gives me a GuildWars feel that I don't want.

Just the missing animations? Really? Thus far the whole zone is feeling a little too close to MMO tradition in both layout and feel.

The structures look good, the monsters look great, the unique doodads look great. But I feel like they've merely been added to a rather plain template. I feel like I'm seeing something I've seen before, and simply noting all the parts in it that look better. That might sound pretty good on its own, but honestly, I'd sooner have the unique quality as a whole...

The music seems to pull about the same standard ambiance as GW2, which isn't too surprising... Fitting, but almost sad that such is true... So far it seems to lack any power. Which can be good, at times...

But when I compare them to this << http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qCAWkHvd6ok >> I don't get the feeling of a definitive or unique zone. I just hear k-string&wind builds.

[nibelunc]

Beautiful.
This really looks Final Fantasy. <3

[Reinheart]

environmental sound effects and the BGM... OMG...

[Ganbachi]

I was wondering if its possible to raise the camera vertically.

[Jennika]

The world looks really nice, and this is just the alpha build. I love the lighting and shadows. Keep up the great progress, dev team!

Between the interviews being translated from some JP magazines and these videos we seem to be getting an increase in information, maybe the flood has started? Keep it coming

[Abriael]

Gorgeous. I'm baffled that there are still people that try to nitpick, but i guess the "i know better!" syndrome is strong in this forum.

Shame on them.

[Keith_Dragoon]

Jaw -> Floor.... Congratulations o_o