So after playing the closed beta this weekend and in July I've come to really love this game! At first I was worried about lack of content and that there wouldn't be enough time for you guys to add any between the last test and launch. BOY WAS I WRONG! You guys balanced out the pvp (loving the new 2 weapon system), added new ways to get maps and scenarios, added in more interaction with people at the outposts, and made the game a lot more stable.
Things this game does right!:
- PVP in this game is amazing especially the balance between sloops and galleons! Choosing between speed the larger ship that gives more health and guns or a smaller ship that is more maneuverable is such a hard choice, and both are engaging.
- Treasure voyages are fun and engaging always making use of different mechanics, but not being too complicated.
-Graphics and immersion are amazing! I've grown up doing deep sea fishing and being generally off shore a lot and the feel of the game is so close to reality I almost feel like I'm playing VR! And thats coming from someone who owns an htc and rift!
-Gameplay is smooth and enjoyable. So many nuances and little details that make this game so great! Knowing how to angle sails, use your compass properly, and how to sword fight really creates an engaging experience!
Things I feel that could use some improvement!:
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Network and server issues. Obviously after this weekend you guys have a lot of data, and its clear your already doing an amazing job with fixing these issues. That being said the lag spikes when going down stairs in the galleon and the log in issues need to be resolved prior to launch.
-Respawn mechanic I love the set up (and the fact you can sword fight now on the ghost ship to delay enemies from respawning.) That being said I feel like there is a sweet spot needed to be found here in order to balance it properly. During the January beta I felt like it was too long and during this weekends scale test it felt too short. I think it will take some time to figure this one out, but I do feel like this needs to be addressed prior to launch.
-Griefing is also going to be an issue (but honestly what game doesn't have that?) issues like trolls brigging people who join their crew just for fun, spawn camping mermaids, and the fact that your ship respawns so close to where you sunk (making it easier for people to sink you again) are issues that should be addressed. No game is going to be 100% troll free, but I feel like the issues I've listed are ones that can and should be fixed as they can be game breaking.
-Accuracy of skeleton cannons! A lot of the skeleton fortresses aren't manned yet, and boy am I happy about that! These suckers can hit a moving ship from miles away! I feel like at the full launch this will be an issue where players won't be able to navigate around islands without being completely demolished by these guys! -
And lastly my biggest concern for the full launch although we haven't seen the issue yet! Clans! I feel like there is going to be a problem where large groups of players will team up with multiple ships to engage solo players and non clan crews. I feel that if this issue isn't at least acknowledged now that it will be a creeping problem that will kill this game! How to resolve this I feel like depends upon players not being able to spawn on two separate ships on the same server, so that clans can't lock down an entire map. This and a ticketing system or rules against teaming up with other crews I feel are going to be vital for this games longevity.
And that's it! Loving this game so far! I can't wait until the full release to finally see what all is in store for us sailors! This game feels like its one of those that are here to stay. Even when there is a low population its still fun! You know its a great game when you can play for 3 hours straight and not even notice. Anyways looking forward to the next scale test (if you have one) and the full release. Thanks for the effort you put in!
