SOGA Models and Birthday Gifts

It had to of been a year or so ago when the SOGA models were at first talked about. I remember reading many discussions on it; some were for, others against. No one knew at the time when we'd see them but we're certainly seeing them now.

Before I go any further the question that is bound to come up is what are the SOGA models? Most of us should know what they are but others might not. Simply put they were the models designed for the project EverQuest II East that was developed in one of SOE's Taiwan studios. Quite obviously as well the models have a very asian look to them.

When it comes down to who will use them and who won't, well it really isn't a worthwhile item to look at. Does it really matter if a person chooses one or the other? Not really, unless you're a screen shot judge. Then couple that with the fact that you see the SOGA models only if they're utilized. But there is something far more important significant at work here: choice.

For the first time in MMORPG history players have the choice to choose between two very different aesthetic models. Perhaps this can be seen as a lesser point, one that most developers shouldn't waste their time exploring. Maybe so but it's great that we, the players, are being given the choice. If you think about it this point sums up EQ2 rather well.

Aesthetics, through the SOGA models is only one thing that the EQ2 community is getting and the other is "birthday gifts." These are very important to talk about because they have some very important and at the same time unclear implications. No I'm not talking about the 12 slot bag or the "the loyal" suffix title but the experience point potions. These very potions are quite significant and worthwhile to discuss.

As it stands right now the potions (though unavailable until November 9) represent a 50 or 54% increase to either traditional experience points or crafting. We are used to these kinds of rewards or better put "reparations" (we all remember that weekend of downtime) but in the past they've been clear cut in every way. It's not the case this time.

What we do know (or assume to know) is that once the potions are used, they're used. There isn't multiple charges or any of the like: one use only. This would provide two issues: is it too short or too long? This is the very issue that I wish to raise and discuss for we don't know (yet) how long they will last.

In the past, as we all know, increased experience point gains have been used in "weeks" or "days" -- in both of these instances they were very acceptable. In these instances as well the accelerated experience gain will be very similar to that of which the potions will provide. That said would a week or 48 hours be sufficient enough? That's not so easy to say.

If one were to suggest one week real time for the potions then I would accept that and say it's reasonable. The problem is potion durations, even buffs, don't work on the same timers. More often than not they work on in-game timers only. So even if we use the 48 hours example, well, that's a very long time to have the experience bonus intact.

There is also another very important question that must be raised when discussing these potions. Regardless of how long they last should a death wipe out its effect? I'm inclined to definitively say no: disconnects and general screw ups happen. That said I don't think players should be punished for making those mistakes or being rather unlucky. Some may disagree but that's the position I hold.

Amid all of these questions and speculation I'm sure another in particular is being raised: why are we even talking about this? It's a very easy question to answer: we're talking about experience points here. To put it better if the experience point potions last for a week, in-game time, it allows for a character to do what others took two or three months to accomplish. To many players this would undermine their progress. At the same time it has to be long enough to be worthwhile or else there is no point to offering them.

There is another interesting thought I have in regards to all of this: are these potions mere celebrations of EverQuest II's birthday or is it a suggestion that the developers want most, if not all the population at end game? Some would say it is, others not. Personally I buy into the fact that the developers may want most players at end game: that's where all the content seems to be going to. Also, if you think about it, what raids are there for low levels? The list is quite small I assure you.

The gifts are great and always desired but it will be interesting to see how these potions are decided upon. Long lasting or relatively short? Only time will tell. Whatever the decision is I pray it doesn't skew leveling rates too much for too long.

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Posted by Yeah at 2006-03-20 19:16:47

Great idea. Really good to make up fo rit.