Posted 10 April 2012 - 15:22
kudos to belaric for starting this thread.
Yes, the forums are a big problem. I hear from a lot of people who won't participate because dissenting opinion is often ridiculed and attempted to be silenced with more noise than productive thought. Moderation from HCS, or even appointed moderators would help immensely. I quit reading threads after a few pages, and I'm sure HCS does the same, or only skims through at best. Why read pages of regurgitation about how unfair something is, or how much someone thinks HCS sucks? We as a community need to be more constructive, rather than destructive.
The low stamina gain per hour is a frustrating part of FS, but I'm not sure giving out unlimited stamina to level 500, 100, or even 50 would be the answer. I played Runescape before FS, and it was a time waster. People get caught up having to do SOMETHING every waking second, or at least I felt the urge to do that, as have others I know. I've been playing WoW the last week or so, and I feel those same urges to be on all the time. That was one thing that drew me to FS, you didn't HAVE to stay on 24/7. But the good thing is, that as you learn more about the game, there are other things to do, other than use your limited stamina, such as inventing, arena, etc. And more importantly, building a community, be it a guild, or the much larger total base of players.
Giving out a huge amount of stamina to new players will be met with the inevitable whining of players who did not receive that when they started, and how unfair it is to let someone level (pvp, etc) so fast. We hear it all the time about the "unfair" high powered potions given out with donations of $60 or more.
FS advertising needs to be increased (started?), as it seems a sizeable percentage of new players are multis. Where is the new blood?
Multis need to be either allowed, or eliminated. We have far too many abusing the game. It's amazing how many players ask to join our guild at level 5 and under, who apparently know as much about FS as I do. But when asked, it's always a friend, brother, sister, etc that taught them how to play. How can a guild leader argue or prove otherwise?
I don't have a problem with HCS introducing new aspects to the game, while continuing to work on problems. But a little more thought and beta testing needs to take place before implementing a new aspect, or change. We lose players with each foul up.
As many have said, I have the feeling that FS is being squeezed for all the money HCS can get out of it, to fund other projects. The Tank Battle mobile game was a decent game that I played for several days, but I'm not sure a lot of effort should be put into "disposable" games that bring in $1.99, when you have a devoted base of players who spend hundreds, and even thousands of dollars in a current game. Let's make sure FS doesn't wither on the vine and die, while we devote too much time and resources to other games.
And to be blunt, Eldevin has been a recurring joke to many FS players. That game has been talked about for years, and we are given occasional progress reports with hopes that we are getting close to a release date, but after years of promises, we aren't convinced. I'm all for a new HCS game that has graphics, but empty promises will not build a player base. And FS, the game that brought HCS success, can not be left behind.
I hope this all doesn't sound negative, but I have spent way too much time and money playing FS to see it die.
I haven't found an online game I like as much as FS. To be honest, the basic gameplay is out dated, mostly text-based with pictures, but the basic principles are just what I am looking for in a game. Finding new players may be difficult, as people want graphics and action, something they can see and do. Maybe that is HCS's belief also, and why there is the apparent attempt to milk FS for all they can, while someday getting Eldevin online. It will be a shame to see FS die though. The best part of FS is the community. Without the great players I have meet along the way, I wouldn't still be here. We can't let this community die.
HCS, we are trying to help. I hope you are listening, and respond.