I think the trials are pretty fun to do. I'd never pay 5.99 just to not do the trial. heh. I understand most people might not have luxury of having 4 veteran respecs, and i think that could be an option if they used up the three you can earn.
The respec recepies seem pretty rare, i've yet had one drop myself.
Dunno tho, personally i've never used more then 5 respecs on a character. And 4 of those been freespecs. One single char i've used two vetspecs on, so she still ahs 2 more vets and the 3 from trial left. Not sure what people use so many respecs for, taking out expensive enhances i spose.
I never choose the respec when I do a trial anymore cause there's the chance of the recipe drop instead. This game has made me greedy, damnit
"Well, they found my diary today.
They were appropriately appalled
at the discovery of the eight victims
They're now putting it all together.
Women wrapped in silk
with one leg missing
Eight legs, one body, silk,
spider, brilliant!"
[ QUOTE ]
I get a sneaking suspicion it will probably mean a slight dumbing-down of the meticulous craft that is planning your build just right because you had to get it right if you only had the one respec.
[/ QUOTE ]
Nah. The people who like spending hours planning respecs on Build Tools (like me) will still do that because having the most efficient, tweaked-so-hard-it-squeeks build is just what's done. People who used the Test Server to trial their builds will probably keep doing it because that's what they've always done and why waste money.
It may save people who do a respec, realise they messed it up, and then get told about the Test Server, or modelling tools. They can fork out the cash and try again properly this time.
I have enough free respecs to keep me going for a while yet, but I don't see this as a bad thing unless it marks a trend and there's no real evidence of that at this time.
Disclaimer: The above may be humerous, or at least may be an attempt at humour. Try reading it that way.
Posts are OOC unless noted to be IC, or in an IC thread.
/Rant
I am appalled.
1. I thought new charecter slots were way overpriced, for a £10 box set that gives you 12 slots, 5 slots for a tenner is a joke and I don't even get a free game!
2. 5.99 for a server transfer. WHAT!! Wish someone would pay me that everytime I do a copy/paste. I imagine rename tokens are also grossly overpriced for the privilige of a server search and file change.
3. £6 one respec OMG what a rip off. Considering with careful planning and a little reasearch you can pretty much get by not respeccing at all, respecs could be seen as for those who have made some sort of mistake (like thpught handclap sounded fun but couldn't stand the flaming!) then NC are actually charging us for our mistakes. Now does that take the mic or what.
4. What does this mean for the policy of providing respecs at issue for those who powersets have been changed will that continue or not as it's now another way to line NC's pockets.
You see this all works on IMO one of the more explotative 'laws' of economics that no matter what it cost for the product to be produced if people want it enough they will pay rediculous amounts in comparison. That's it NC grab em by the dangley bits and squeeze see how long they put up with it, kinda short term vision isn't it.
Hey don't get me wrong some people might love it some people might hate it (like me obviously) but IMO that non of us even knew it was on the horizon is another big black mark in NC's community realtions scorebook. Consulation???, people only found out because of a mistake NC made, WOW now that is slick PR.
And as hopefuly a final stake in this commercial vampires heart. I really cannot believe after all the problems NC had with gold sellers they start selling in game rewards for cash. Oh the irony!!!!
Whats next Purple recipes £10 a pop????
/ end Rant
*Tabs to Ebay to searchs for COX respecs £3 each*
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
the payable one should allow you to re-choose powersets 
[/ QUOTE ]Worst idea ever. Even if you added similar respecs that were obtainable in-game.
[/ QUOTE ]
^ This
As much as I'd love to be able to re-choose sets so i could get rid of that stoopid Katana, I don't think it's good for the game to allow that kind of respecs, paid or not.-
Edit: If, as has been pointed later in the thread, someone levels an AR/Dev blaster (just to use same example) and wants to try all other blaster sets before deciding which one to roll, then, might be not that bad idea to implement this kind of total respecs only in test server, if can be done, still, don't think it's worth the time spent on it by devs tbh
[ QUOTE ]
/Rant
I am appalled.
1. I thought new charecter slots were way overpriced, for a £10 box set that gives you 12 slots, 5 slots for a tenner is a joke and I don't even get a free game!
2. 5.99 for a server transfer. WHAT!! Wish someone would pay me that everytime I do a copy/paste. I imagine rename tokens are also grossly overpriced for the privilige of a server search and file change.
3. £6 one respec OMG what a rip off.
[/ QUOTE ]
All of the above are entirely optional - you can play the game at the standard purchasing and subscription rate without paying a penny more.
If you decide you want more slots, or to move a toon to another server so you can play with friends, or a respec now rather than later, you can pay a small amount of money (about that of a few pints of beer, at UK prices) and get any of the above.
Or if you don't, you can not spend the money. If you think they're too expensive you're not losing an awful lot, and no one's forcing you.
[ QUOTE ]
Considering with careful planning and a little reasearch you can pretty much get by not respeccing at all, respecs could be seen as for those who have made some sort of mistake (like thpught handclap sounded fun but couldn't stand the flaming!) then NC are actually charging us for our mistakes. Now does that take the mic or what.
[/ QUOTE ]
Given that you can already get respecs by any and all of:
<ul type="square">[*]Doing a respec trial in-game (up to 3, rather easy these days)[*]Saving inf in-game and buying a recipe at the AH[*]Just sitting on your duff and doing nothing at all, and getting one as a vet reward[*]Wait for the next Issue, and (invariably, so far) get given one for free[/list]...it's not as though NC are treating respecs like gold dust. If you want one now, you can pay inf in game, or run a trial in-game, or if neither of the above is doable and you still want it now, finally have the [u]option[u] of paying a small amount of cash.
[ QUOTE ]
4. What does this mean for the policy of providing respecs at issue for those who powersets have been changed will that continue or not as it's now another way to line NC's pockets.
[/ QUOTE ]
Remains to be seen. Perhaps you should do that, rather than get worked up now about something that you have no evidence at all will actually happen.
[ QUOTE ]
You see this all works on IMO one of the more explotative 'laws' of economics that no matter what it cost for the product to be produced if people want it enough they will pay rediculous amounts in comparison. That's it NC grab em by the dangley bits and squeeze see how long they put up with it, kinda short term vision isn't it.
[/ QUOTE ]
No.
And if you think £6 is a "ridiculous" amount for something that's optional you have a very strange sense of proportion.
[ QUOTE ]
Hey don't get me wrong some people might love it some people might hate it (like me obviously) but IMO that non of us even knew it was on the horizon is another big black mark in NC's community realtions scorebook. Consulation???,
[/ QUOTE ]
NC is a company, at the end of the day we're their customers. Offhand I can't see how a company's under any sort of obligation (legal, moral or otherwise) to consult with existing customers before releasing or choosing prices for a new service.
[ QUOTE ]
Whats next Purple recipes £10 a pop????
[/ QUOTE ]
When it happens, get worked up about it. Until then, it hasn't, so don't.
Hey mate you want to pay cos u typed Standuff instead of Standoff and didn't notice thats up to u mate, I don't and frankly don't want u 2 either.
And as the box contains 1 month play plus 12 slots for about a tenner yes I do think their prices are relativly expansive. If you consider the month play a freebie to buy as many additional slots would cost me 3* as much. Like if I ran a pub and sold u a beer for £2 pound, you liked the pub and decided to stay for another and I charged you £6 for any more you wanted you'd laugh and walk out (at least I would).
Personally I see this as the start of a slippery slope of in game rewards for cash something I know other people do but I don't agree with but basically I ain't no capitalist and IMO 'Dance with the Devil and the Devil calls the tune'
While I agree that all of these things players can purchase are optional, I certainly agree with Alphane that the cost of them appears rather high for what they are. I certainly dont understand how they can be called micro transactions. I thought a micro transaction was something that was less than 50 pence (UK).
Obviously I could be wrong and its just my perception that a rename or a server transfer are quick and easy to do, but I have always thought that they were over priced. The same with respecs and additional slots.
If theyd been priced at, say 1 UKP or maybe even 1.5 UKP Id feel they were worth it.
Having said that I dont have a problem with NC charging whatever they can get away with. As has been said they arent essential to play the game, they are just nice tos.
[ QUOTE ]
Hey mate you want to pay cos u typed Standuff instead of Standoff and didn't notice thats up to u mate, I don't and frankly don't want u 2 either.
[/ QUOTE ]
After several reads I'm not even vaguely sure what your point is there, or even how many points you're covering.
Should I consider myself insulted? 
Why would anyone resent another person being able to buy something with their own money?
I haven't bought slots, renames, server swaps and I can't see me buying respecs either but I'll not lose any sleep if someone else chooses to. Nothing they've offered for sale so far has any affect on my game. If they ever got around to billing you each time you gained a level then I'd be all for a rant but so far they haven't.
True it may be cheaper short term to buy more copies of the game but when your free months gone you then either ditch those alts or pay for more and more monthly subs. Character slots are a one off payment, you don't get charged more each month based on how many slots you've bought for your account. Also all your new characters benefit from your vet rewards, something characters on a second or third account do not.
[ QUOTE ]
I'd rather spend 8 million influence than £5.99 for a respec tbh.
[/ QUOTE ]
I agree completely. This is a service I'll never use, but I have no objection to the service existing whatsoever (providing the respecs aren't tradeable, like the recipe ones, but I assume the bought ones are just added to the character like a freespec is?).
As long as NC doesn't start selling salvage/recipes/enhancements for cash then I have no problem with extra micro-payment services like this as long as they're not required to play the game.
Actually I have a greater problem with the Wedding Pack than I do with this - because I fear(ed) that the wedding pack might lead to all future additional costume pieces only being offered in paid mini-expansions.
Oh and Alphane, if you have a problem with NC's pricing then may I suggest you never play a SOE game (actually that's good advice anyway 
) - they charge rather more for their services, for example:
[ QUOTE ]
The Character Transfer Service with items for moving from server to server, from account to account, from account to account on a different server for 1 character has been lowered from $75 to $50 per character. However, the discount for multiple character transfers is no longer available.
[/ QUOTE ](Source)
[ QUOTE ]
Hey mate you want to pay cos u typed Standuff instead of Standoff and didn't notice thats up to u mate, I don't and frankly don't want u 2 either.
[/ QUOTE ]
No need to get personal. And no one here has said that they want to pay. Just that it's good that it's possible.
[ QUOTE ]
And as the box contains 1 month play plus 12 slots for about a tenner yes I do think their prices are relativly expansive.
[/ QUOTE ]
Let me see...
To get 12 additional slots on my main account, I need to pay £11.99 twice, plus £5.99 = £29.97.
To get a new secondary account, I have to pay £10.00... and then pay £7.50 a month for 11 months, if I only want it for a year. That's... £92.50. Yes, a clear saving. [/sarcasm]
The wisdom of Shadowe: Ghostraptor: The Shadowe is wise ...; FFM: Shadowe is no longer wise.
; Techbot_Alpha: Also, what Shadowe said. It seems he is still somewhat wise 
; Bull Throttle: Shadowe was unwise in this instance...; Rock_Powerfist: in this instance Shadowe is wise.; Techbot_Alpha: Shadowe is very wise *nods*; Zortel: *Quotable line about Shadowe being wise goes here.*
[ QUOTE ]
The Character Transfer Service with items for moving from server to server, from account to account, from account to account on a different server for 1 character has been lowered from $75 to $50 per character. However, the discount for multiple character transfers is no longer available.
[/ QUOTE ]
Damn! - I fear for DCUO!, thats outragious! 
[ QUOTE ]
Why would anyone resent another person being able to buy something with their own money?
[/ QUOTE ]
Because that jacket you bought looks bloody awful. I wish you'd start listening to me on these matters already.
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Hey mate you want to pay cos u typed Standuff instead of Standoff and didn't notice thats up to u mate, I don't and frankly don't want u 2 either.
[/ QUOTE ]
After several reads I'm not even vaguely sure what your point is there, or even how many points you're covering.
Should I consider myself insulted?
[/ QUOTE ]
Having read the boards these past few years I've found that, as a general rule of thumb, when words like 'mate' or 'buddy' are used to begin a retort, I get the oddest feeling the person doesn't really want to be your mate or buddy.
That could be just my cynicism coming out though.
OK Stundoff (sorry an error appears to have occured in the saving of your name to my memory, pay me a fiver and I'm sure I can rectify it for u, just joking mate ) my Alphane series are all named Alphane Mk.3-6 except being a bit of a dumb a** ones called Alphane MK.5 and one is Alpahne Mk. 6 no acording to NC it's gonna cost me £12 for those 2 typos something that they could fix for free. Are they ever going to see that £12, I very much doubt it!
Or, perhaps... you could not have made those typos in the first place?
The wisdom of Shadowe: Ghostraptor: The Shadowe is wise ...; FFM: Shadowe is no longer wise.
; Techbot_Alpha: Also, what Shadowe said. It seems he is still somewhat wise ; Bull Throttle: Shadowe was unwise in this instance...; Rock_Powerfist: in this instance Shadowe is wise.; Techbot_Alpha: Shadowe is very wise *nods*; Zortel: *Quotable line about Shadowe being wise goes here.* Good idea if u ask me i have respecs on my toons as well but thats not to say iwont want another at some point,
Ah, I see, I think. Well, if a typo'ed name really annoyed (or, being a pedant, embarrassed) me I'd either delete it and start over with the right spelling, or if I'd somehow failed to notice until he was higher level I'd consider stumping up the money.
I play on NC's terms, and if they offer an extra for a set price I either pay the price or decide not to take it; either way I don't feel too hard done by.
[ QUOTE ]
Why would anyone resent another person being able to buy something with their own money?
[/ QUOTE ]
Because, to quote Jack Nicholson;
[ QUOTE ]
Its not that you've got it so bad, Its that others have got it so good.
[/ QUOTE ]
I do feel there is an argument on behalf of those who are so hopelessly addicted to MMOs that they will pay anything willingly or unwittingly. There is such a thing as MMO addiction, this micro-payment trend among companies just makes their situation worse.
I would say its a bit blase' for MMO communities to say "Oh well, If you can afford it".
Thats why I would welcome a limit on this micro-transaction trend. (thats in general not just to NCSoft)
currently, is it not set that if you make a typo you have to delete the character and recreate it ? so a few quid for the option not to have to do that is fair enough in my book!
as for the respec , I cant see myself paying for one (I'm happy with the veteran ones, actually I'm about to use one later on tonight to spec out teleport other and get tactics. (i like tp other but I dont use it that often , so its a bit of a waste for me), however, I dont have any problem with other people buying them. thats their business.
Similarly, I havent bought any server transfers or extra slots (tempted by the slots with their slotty goodness but I must resist!) but I have no issue with others buying them. htats what they want, it makes them happy, then good stuff. means they are in a better mood when online
same for my suggestion of full respec. if someone wants to do it. fine. I dont, but I wouldnt have an issue with someone else doing it. it gives money to NC which is use dto pay the guys who develope the game which makes thigns better for me in the long run
What I would not like to ever see however, is the ability to buy things NOT available to others that give an unfair advantage. powersets etc exclusive to paying players. Hellgate london smacks of this to me. pay and you get storage, pay more and you get weapons better than others etc. not my cup of tea tbh.
It's just the idea of buying a piece of software then being charged to use it's features. What if windows had said in a jolly old micropayment type way ok 1p/per file op/per Mb or what if next time you open Photoshop and want to print a photo and it comes up with a dialogue 'Thats 1280*960 by 16 million that'll be £3.50 please.' what if your mouse software charged you 0.5p per cm moved on screen plus 0.25p per click.
'The future is dark the future is a nasty bluey/grey colour'
As I say 'Dance with the Devil etc..
Is it feeding time already?
[ QUOTE ]
It's just the idea of buying a piece of software then being charged to use it's features.
[/ QUOTE ]
I agree with Slitty. That's REALLY close to trolling.
You see... you bought CoX... and now you pay a fee to use its features... So, enquiring minds will wonder, why the heck are you playing the game if you don't like to pay for it?
The wisdom of Shadowe: Ghostraptor: The Shadowe is wise ...; FFM: Shadowe is no longer wise.
; Techbot_Alpha: Also, what Shadowe said. It seems he is still somewhat wise ; Bull Throttle: Shadowe was unwise in this instance...; Rock_Powerfist: in this instance Shadowe is wise.; Techbot_Alpha: Shadowe is very wise *nods*; Zortel: *Quotable line about Shadowe being wise goes here.*
[ QUOTE ]
Humm I don't mind this at all. I can see there being a market for those who don't have alot of time to play and would rather spend that time playing than trying to gather the inf for a respec recpie. Pluss extra cash NCNC get will filter back to us eventualy(hopefuly).
There is one thing i have a few spare respec's on toons I dont play any more could i sell them back to NCNC I won't charge £5.99 how does 1 purple or a LOG + 7.5% recharge as a swop sound.
[/ QUOTE ]
Your GREEEEED for expensive recipe's knows no bounds!