This could live for the life of the PSP, if only...

[munificent]

I have been following this game since it was first announced and I am delighted to see it come through the development cycle and hit release. The one thing that I am not happy about, however, is the fact that the idea for downloadable content had to be abandoned due to time constraints.

Guys, come on. If you need the time, delay it a month, because if this game becomes modular then the PSP strat fans out there will keep giving you those lovely micro-payments so they can get more out of the game.

Look what an open-ended model did for NWN, and then think about what you are sitting on here. I can see myself building multiple adventuring parties for different modular content and coming back time after time to run a different adventure.

I know how these things work. This feature was on your list. You've probably got early code for it somewhere. Squeeze it into the final release. You won't regret it.

[munificent]

/sigh

128 views, no replies. Oh well. I reckon that the devs must have accounted for some of those views, so with any luck I've made my point. I just hate to see such a big missed opportunity go by.

If you can't put it into this one, then get a sequel out the door off the same engine and put it into that. I don't care how it gets done just get it done.

[Regaj]

I am also tracking the progress of this game since its announcement. However, it is sad that there will be no additional downloadable content. It is probably safe to say that satisfied customers would gladly pay a moderate sum of money for extra scenarios and dungeons - I know I would. Atari has a powerful ace up its sleave, because, as far as I know, this is the first D&D strategic rpg ever to be released on a console. We had our share of action rpgs like Baldur`s Gate: Dark Alliance I & II, but a deep D&D rpg that incorporates the whole of 3.5 edition rulebook and includes two psionics classes, is definitely a first. So as a long time D&D player I can`t wait until this gets released. Although downloadable content will be sorely missed, because I think that with a steady stream of additional quests and dungeons, the game could easily become a portable version of Neverwinter Nights with a heavy emphasis on tactical combat.

[tenebra]

Hi guys, I'm Atari UK product manager for the game. If you could kindly bring more feedback on this (ie more D&D players commenting on the issue), I'll be more than happy to see if there are opportunities for further development.

[munificent]

Hello Mole,

I think the trouble with a game like this is that the fans are not too vocal. It's not really a 'lol bamz hedshot!' crowd. I hope we get more folk signing on to show their support for this, though. You published NWN so you know there is a bedrock of support. What proportion of that demographic own PSPs is another story. I suppose that is the challenge facing the title.

[tenebra]

Hi Munificent, you've hit the nail on the head on all levels.

I'm looking into reaching the widest D&D fan base and it's not an easy task, as you say D&D players aren't very vocal and too spread to find. To justify extra content, I need a reasonable number of fans though. I'm 100% keen on supporting you guys with anything, let's get people here and talk, this is the right time.

[rusticdog]

I most certainly would prefer to see downloadable content supported as well. It was really disappointing to hear it had been canned.

I found LOTR : Tactics good, but it got boring. Field Commander however is always a game I enjoy going back to, trying new maps that other users have created etc.. added that extra bit of flavour that I'm not going to get by doing the same quests over and over again.

[rusticdog]

Addition : What about over at the US based forums http://www.ataricommunity.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=499

Can their voice help, should they be included.

[munificent]

Addition : What about over at the US based forums http://www.ataricommunity.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=499

Can their voice help, should they be included.

Very useful link, and a read through the forums there shows twin concerns by the players:

1. Prestige Classes
2. Longevity

From what I understand there are prestige classes in the game, but what interested me was several posts from people who had bought PSPs just for this game, heard a feature had been cut, and vented about it.

To me, this says that the strategy fans and the D&D fans are gearing up for this title, but the cuts are making a normally silent crowd sit up and take notice.

I understand your position, Mole, but in this case I think there are decent reasons to include player-made quests and whatever else you can allow the community. You will get a website out of it, with advertising possibilities, and with 'official' quest packs you will get the chance to recoup development cost for a very small additional effort. I would have thought that, given the inherent risk of publishing any title, whatever you can do to make it keep on paying is worthwhile.

Anyway, I have said enough about this now so I will shut up and hope that others carry on the message. Best of luck with it, and I hope you are able to do the decent thing!

[Blackwatch]

The psp absolutely needs a decent rpg. Nothing so far has really hit the mark. I have been an AD&D fan for a while, so I am really hoping that this game lives up to my expectations. An RPG without downloadable content or an editor for the mod community is like a fish without water. How about an editor for the PC so we can create new content? How about rolling out the old clasic modules as downloadable content eg The Secret of Bone HIll - loved that. Still have to wait a bit for the New Zealand release so can you sneak something in for us.

Can you also do a decent AH Titan game on PSP. Don't make it too flashy, (I know bling sells to the kids these days) please stick to the board game fundamentals, but it would absolutely rock as a turn based strategy game.

[B_Notorious]

Hello there. I am currently an active player of D&D Online, and have been a player of D&D since about 1980. I have played just about all of the D&D games that have been released over the years and have to say that this one is the one that has peeked my interest and has me sitting on the edge of my seat like none of them have ever done before. As far as the removal of the downloadable content goes my feelings are that while it would have been nice, it isn't something that will be a game killer as long as you have included enough open ended, repeatable quests that don't involve the main plotline. Something else of importance in my opinion is that these side quests contain chests and loot drops comperable to their main storyline level counterparts. At their core good D&D video games are about character creation and alot of people will go back and create new characters gladly repeating storyline quests multiple times. Take a look at DDO players with 6 or more characters that have been doing this for over a year now, with only a handfull of updates, despite it's occasional bugginess. I don't think that the removal of downloadable contents is going to hamper sales, it's something that we can all look forward to in the sequel! D&D players are hardcore what's really important is putting out a good translation of the table top product and we will gobble it up and be ready with our $$$'s in hand waiting for the next chapter :) .

[tenebra]

Thank you for your contribution, B_Notorious :)

Keep the comments coming, you have all my attention. Would anybody be interested in a first to play event at the Atari office in London? We have code available and we'd be delighted to let you play the game before release :)

[B_Notorious]

That sounds interesting. When would you be planning on doing something like that Mole? I would imagine sometime in the next month if the release date is still the same. I would be interested, but would need to have a definitive date before I committed to something like that (It's also cheaper to book flights well in advance :) )

[munificent]

Thank you for your contribution, B_Notorious :)

Keep the comments coming, you have all my attention. Would anybody be interested in a first to play event at the Atari office in London? We have code available and we'd be delighted to let you play the game before release :)

I would love to come along for a play event. That would be excellent. PM me or something and let me know the specifics.

It's even earned one of these 'smileys' the kids so enjoy:

:chapeau:

[tenebra]

I'm happy to work around the community requirements, I'm happy to organise the event for mid/late July or early August :)

The important thing is having a healthy number of fans willing to attend, so please bring here your D&D and guild friends ;)

I see there are quite a few "lurkers" here. Please don't be shy, this is a very friendly forum, join the community and let us know your thoughts.

[Ryunzun]

My few comments:

1. You want to satisfy your D&D playing crowd? Give them the 3.5 rules as they are and unaltered.

2. Incorporate as many prestige classes and feats as possible.

3. An as open ended as possible map editor is a must.

4. Please give us the game on PC as soon as possible :)

[B_Notorious]

I'm counting down the days. I'm so excited!

[Mothergoose]

I have just put in the effort to actually register just to comment on this game. I've only hung on to my Psp in the hope this game will be as good as it looks, I first noticed it around christmas, I would happily continue to wait if you guys are going to continue to build on it. Please don't rush it most of the Psp titles I've wasted my cash on have been exchanged within a week... Also any chance of a jade empire esque oriental adventure/rpg whilst I'm on the go? :wink2:

[munificent]

I'm posting in here so that anyone who has this thread marked will know that Mole has put up a poll. If you want a first look at the title you'd better go and show your support.

[WildMonkey]

Hi all
Really cant wait till this game is released looks like its going to be the end of september but i would be happy to wait longer an pay more for the psp game if it had extra download content this game alone will make my psp console worth the purchase.
Come atari give us the best game ever on the PSP :atari:

[tenebra]

Anybody going to GenCon in Reading? I'll be there with D&D Tactics and nice pods to play it ;)

[munificent]

Moley, I'm keen on playing, for sure - but keen enough to go to Reading? Hmmm, that I doubt. When is this event?

[DekuTheClown]

The problem with this game is the complete lack of anykind of exposure. I know for a fact that a lot of people would be very interested in this game if they knew of it's existance. I logged over 5000 hours on nwn online playing Pw's and PVP servers and the thing that most nwn players always complained about was anykind of divergance from the DnD source materials. An almost 100% conversion of 3.5 completl with turn based combat is a dream for most DnD players.

The choice of system is also a pecuilar one. Hardcore Dnd games are normally reserved only for the pc crowd. Plus also handheld consoles are generally considered not a good platform for in depth tactical games. Although i know this not to be true as one of the greatest gaming experiences of my life was playing Final Fantasy tactics advance(i've played through it completing all 300 missions 3 times). How many people willing to buy a psp for this game is a diffcult question to answer. I know it would be a close call wether I would but the fact a remake of the original Final Fantasy tactics is also being released within a month of it makes it a moot point for me.

I reallly cant wait to play this game, i am so incredibly excited about it but the fact remains i had practically forgotten about it untill a week ago. This game just doesn't have enough exposure to the people that will want to play it.

As for downloadable content, it would be something I would definitely want but it's not a necessity. DnD is all about the dynamic character creation. i will be able to play through the original campaign about a dozen times atleast, especially if making a party isnt mandatory and it will let you attempt it solo(one of the most fun things to do in Baldurs gate). I bought all the downloadable modules for NWN and enjoyed them though, it's something that does add to the experience.

[kalniel]

Moley, I'm keen on playing, for sure - but keen enough to go to Reading? Hmmm, that I doubt. When is this event?
It's Thursday 30th Aug - Sunday 2nd Sept.

http://www.consupport.com/index.asp?Con=61

[tenebra]

The problem with this game is the complete lack of anykind of exposure.
I couldn't agree with you more. I have a massive problem, though. D&D fans are all over the place and I'd rather spend my small budget on you, guys, than on advertising. There is no way I can reach all relevant people with one hit.

I love the game, I think it's really good fun. I'd love to get it in your hands and give you the chance to experience it yourselves. There is so much we could do but without a healthy number of people to join in I'm fairly stuck. If you guys help me out with building the community then exposure and a hell of a lot of support will come.

Please spread the word and gather the fans here and you will get everything I can possibly sort out for you :)

[Fogey]

If we had some details on character creation, what feats are included, that kind of thing....That would keep our appetites whetted.

[tenebra]

Ok, I'll get things things started tomorrow :)

Please feel free to open a thread for questions and answers.

[bubke]

Hi,

I am from the Netherlands. I have played D&D since my 13th. I am now 34 and I still play dnd once a week . I am certain than there are a lot of people who will buy a psp, just for this game. My entire gaming group would (about 8 persons).

I though neverwinter was a good try to emulate 3.5 dnd. Temple of elemental evil was good at tactical and its 3.5 rulles. It was a shame there was a level cap at 10.

But when I heard about this game I instantly went to the store and bought a psp. Ther are a lot of RPG games out there, but lets face it. There is no game or system that can even touch D&D.

I am just one of the dnd fans. Just imagine how many others will like this game.

A good dnd game must have 3 things:

1. the 3.5 rules (with attacks of opportunity, cover, concealment, Item creation, etc, etc)
2. A way for a DM to make his own dungeons/adventures.
3. Good music, wich immerges the player in to the game (this one is personal)

I will be waiting for the game's release here in Europe. In the mean time i must be content to play with all the other dnd-clone rpg's.

[guinaur]

I am interested in this game (just like I am about any DnD game) and I would love to see it succeed. The more DnD games there are, the higher the chance of a perfect one being made :) . Just one question: I know the graphics are 3D, but is there any 3D movement (as in fly spells)? It irretates the HP out of me that there have been no DnD games that I know of where one can fly/climb/jump...

Thanks :)

[BensonJutton]

I've just had a look at this and I must say the nicest looking game I've seen on the PSP and very playable too (though I have to tell you this is the first D&D I've ever looked at) but saying that it has tweaked my interest and I want to play it :)

[Blackwatch]

Got the game, likein it a lot. Got the new slim psp chargin, fingers crossed it speeds up play. Got a better DSL modem, hope there'll be some xtra downloadable content and new stories. :atari: Now, where can I find some legendary items ... or a ring of invisibility or 3? And what ever happened to the featherfall spell? :hin:

[mehmetcan]

Hello to all,

I'm a Turkish guy who lives in S.Korea for Computer game design education. :respect:
I'm a hardcore FRP games fan & just bought this great game. (it arrived Korea today ^^)

it's excellent (except Manual and strategy guide printed in Korean ^^ but it's out of topic)

I would like to see downloadable content as well. I will be so happy.

by this way this game can live longer as mentioned above.

I'm an Atari fan, I'm a FRP Games fan... & I want downloadable content too

thx & have fun

[Mercival]

Hi guys, I'm Atari UK product manager for the game. If you could kindly bring more feedback on this (ie more D&D players commenting on the issue), I'll be more than happy to see if there are opportunities for further development.


For what its worth, i like this game a lot. I bought it last week on thursday and i have been playing it on a daily basis. Its a great thing to have whilst waiting on the next D&D session. And it would be great if there where to be downloadable content!

Kind regards,