I have a super busy weekend.... won't get to play much sadly, but I plan on playing when i get a chance here and there... life impacting me too much this weekend for any certain play times, so I'll probably end up soloing anytime I play.
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OS X Elder Scrolls Online
- Thread starter Laucian Nailor
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I have a super busy weekend.... won't get to play much sadly, but I plan on playing when i get a chance here and there... life impacting me too much this weekend for any certain play times, so I'll probably end up soloing anytime I play.
Just an update from the last mass beta test weekend and the two remaining known main issues for the Mac ESO client;
Command-Tab = Works (First takes you to Windowed. Second opens Icon Bar)
Command-F = Works (Toggle Fullscreen)
Command-M = Works (Enter Fullscreen)
Command-H = Works (Hides ESO window from Windowed or Fullscreen mode)
ESO in Background reduces to 10FPS. = Works.
From the Beta Session 0.18 Patch Notes:
Fixed an issue where copying one character out of a block of text would instead copy the entire block of text. = Works
Fixed an issue where copy/paste keyboard commands were causing the game to occasionally freeze.= Works
Fixed an issue where players with Iris Pro GPUs were seeing many copies of every NPC on-screen. = Works
Fixed an issue where only the first letter of a copied text block would paste when attempting to paste text into the chat window in-game. = Works
The only other bug noted from the weekend was some keyboard right side keys not functioning for key binds. This has been submitted for consideration by the developers.
- Intel Iris Graphic Glitch Bug - There was a fix in place but for some reason it did not make it into the beta weekend. It is confirmed however that fixes for both the Intel Iris 5000 series and Intel Iris Pro graphics cards have been submitted and should be included for the launch build. Developers still in dialogue with Apple to get the underlying issue rectified in their graphics drivers.
- Memory Crash Bug - Something that was identified and monitored on this test weekend was a memory issue which was causing crashes for some Mac players. This was more apparent in PvP and busy towns with lots of players. A fix was implemented and has also been submitted for the launch build. A 64-bit client is under consideration in the future development plan which will negate much of this issue.
Command-Tab = Works (First takes you to Windowed. Second opens Icon Bar)
Command-F = Works (Toggle Fullscreen)
Command-M = Works (Enter Fullscreen)
Command-H = Works (Hides ESO window from Windowed or Fullscreen mode)
ESO in Background reduces to 10FPS. = Works.
From the Beta Session 0.18 Patch Notes:
Fixed an issue where copying one character out of a block of text would instead copy the entire block of text. = Works
Fixed an issue where copy/paste keyboard commands were causing the game to occasionally freeze.= Works
Fixed an issue where players with Iris Pro GPUs were seeing many copies of every NPC on-screen. = Works
Fixed an issue where only the first letter of a copied text block would paste when attempting to paste text into the chat window in-game. = Works
The only other bug noted from the weekend was some keyboard right side keys not functioning for key binds. This has been submitted for consideration by the developers.
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Seconded.
A lot of crashes for my during last beta weekend, as soon as i got in a crowdy situation, during a siege or just after teleporting to a keep for example, the client crashed...
Yep. Sounds like it. Reducing default to Medium or Texture Quality to Medium at least did help quite a bit. Fix in place anyhow. From reports FPS is CPU bound in these situations also though not confirmed on Macs yet.
General information for Early Access & Launch:
EARLY ACCESS AND LAUNCH FAQ
If you have the beta client you can update and use that. If not the launch build will be available from Thurs 27 March. Check notes for details.
All main Mac specific issues have been fixed and these should be in launch build.
Playing on PTS I'm playing with smooth play 35-45 FPS in towns, 45-60 FPS in landscape and 70-80 FPS in dungeons at Ultra-High 2560 v 1440.
AvA will need more performance specific settings.
EARLY ACCESS AND LAUNCH FAQ
If you have the beta client you can update and use that. If not the launch build will be available from Thurs 27 March. Check notes for details.
All main Mac specific issues have been fixed and these should be in launch build.
Playing on PTS I'm playing with smooth play 35-45 FPS in towns, 45-60 FPS in landscape and 70-80 FPS in dungeons at Ultra-High 2560 v 1440.
AvA will need more performance specific settings.
Besides the technical info, can any kind person here post info/first impressions on the game. Comparison to WoW, GW2, Warhammer, SWToR (I am that burned out) would be welcome 
If you are looking for another WoW clone look elsewhere...
Here's my personal opinion:
The game has the "family feeling" of other TES games, with the obvious adaptations needed for an MMORPG.
The game is fun, the development of your char is deep (the initial 4 classes are just archetypes, everyone can tank, heal and deliver damage), the crafting system is pretty fun and the AvAvA is worth the P2P model IMHO, the Graphics is above average and the system requirements are low enough to allow people without cutting-edge hardware to play it with success.
The presence of "the holy trinity" is good, eliminating it, as in GW2, produced more disadvantages than not....
Obviously the game, as 100% of MMORPGs at launch, has bugs and things to fix: bugged quests, rigid combat animations, class balancing, memory leaks (mac version), lag in AvAvA.
To sum up, the base is good, now we'll see if the developers keep their promises.
Here's my personal opinion:
The game has the "family feeling" of other TES games, with the obvious adaptations needed for an MMORPG.
The game is fun, the development of your char is deep (the initial 4 classes are just archetypes, everyone can tank, heal and deliver damage), the crafting system is pretty fun and the AvAvA is worth the P2P model IMHO, the Graphics is above average and the system requirements are low enough to allow people without cutting-edge hardware to play it with success.
The presence of "the holy trinity" is good, eliminating it, as in GW2, produced more disadvantages than not....
Obviously the game, as 100% of MMORPGs at launch, has bugs and things to fix: bugged quests, rigid combat animations, class balancing, memory leaks (mac version), lag in AvAvA.
To sum up, the base is good, now we'll see if the developers keep their promises.
It is also a game that is not based on loot hunting, therefore it might alienate some more recent MMO players. There are no real fancy-looking armors (at least on the unnaturally exaggerated levels of WoW). The players are on a more "relaxed" experience, where you can take your time for everything.
What I wasn't able to see during the 3 beta weekends is the end game, so no impressions on that matter. What I did manage to do, though, was partying in order to complete an instance. Partying and boss combat might also feel strange compared to WoW, since it is missing (thankfully) some silly automations. For example, you need to face the boss in order to have it targeted. There is no way to know what the boss is preparing to do if you have turned you back to it. In other words, you need to keep a constant attention to the environment, rather than a cast bar or some other indication displayed in a corner of the screen.
What I wasn't able to see during the 3 beta weekends is the end game, so no impressions on that matter. What I did manage to do, though, was partying in order to complete an instance. Partying and boss combat might also feel strange compared to WoW, since it is missing (thankfully) some silly automations. For example, you need to face the boss in order to have it targeted. There is no way to know what the boss is preparing to do if you have turned you back to it. In other words, you need to keep a constant attention to the environment, rather than a cast bar or some other indication displayed in a corner of the screen.
Besides the technical info, can any kind person here post info/first impressions on the game. Comparison to WoW, GW2, Warhammer, SWToR (I am that burned out) would be welcome
ESO is essentially Skyrim Online in terms of feel/design. Much of the UI is borrowed from Skyrim, although there are necessary changes to adapt it to an MMO envoronment. It uses a similar leveling structure (level skills independently of character level) to Oblivion/Skyrim, and the controls are also most closely tied to Skyrim, although with a limited action bar compared to other MMOs. I'd compare the UI to that of Neverwinter and Tera in that there are less buttons/skills that can be used at any one time, which I think lends itself favorably to learning how to play a specific class. Even WoW (which I still play and love) suffers from skill bloat, in that there are so many skills that are used that they can't fit onto one or two action bars in most cases.
I have been playing in the betas since November on both Windows and OS X systems, and there really isn't a big difference between the two versions (asides from the Iris GPU issue). While it's a solid game in its own right, I have a feeling that in the long run it will only keep the hardcore Elder Scrolls fans subscribing. Most of the issues I've had in the beta (connection drops, extremely long login times/queues) are most likely related to the beta status, and I'll have to see how the production servers handle that stress before making a decision on how long I'll remain a subscriber.
I would go along with the last few comment sabot ESO as a game.
it has actually changed during development in reaction to feedback to become more an Elder Scrolls game at it's core. But it is not like Skyrim MMO but a balance between the feel of a ES solo game and an MMORPG.
Some see that as a weakness as it can't please both crowds and fail to please any. My feeling is that it strikes a good balance now. The levelling feels really like a ES game and questing is definitely mostly a solo experience (if they resolve the phasing issues maybe it's better); like playing Skyrim but with others running around.
It certainly looks the part as an ES game and they have worked hard to draw the lore together. Loads of nice small touches in this game. Crafting really strong also.
From play (I have access to the PTS test server) without mass test impact, I have found it really good fun. Lots of good quest storyline. They have made NPCs come more alive with good dialogue, casual chat, music etc. Landscape looks great even on less computers.
Yep, as a new game still in beta there will be some issues. Good thing for us Mac gamers we have a very capable and diligent Mac developer handling the native Mac client (who's posted here before which is refreshing in itself)
From what we can see all the main Mac issues have fixes in. But things will develop over time also I'm sure.
Overall I really do love this game and it feels a natural progression for me from the cartoon design of WoW (which I played for 6 years and got much from) which was designed with a purpose and been great for mac players. But now after ES and Fallout I crave something a bit more 'adult' though still with a sense of fun.
it has actually changed during development in reaction to feedback to become more an Elder Scrolls game at it's core. But it is not like Skyrim MMO but a balance between the feel of a ES solo game and an MMORPG.
Some see that as a weakness as it can't please both crowds and fail to please any. My feeling is that it strikes a good balance now. The levelling feels really like a ES game and questing is definitely mostly a solo experience (if they resolve the phasing issues maybe it's better); like playing Skyrim but with others running around.
It certainly looks the part as an ES game and they have worked hard to draw the lore together. Loads of nice small touches in this game. Crafting really strong also.
From play (I have access to the PTS test server) without mass test impact, I have found it really good fun. Lots of good quest storyline. They have made NPCs come more alive with good dialogue, casual chat, music etc. Landscape looks great even on less computers.
Yep, as a new game still in beta there will be some issues. Good thing for us Mac gamers we have a very capable and diligent Mac developer handling the native Mac client (who's posted here before which is refreshing in itself)
From what we can see all the main Mac issues have fixes in. But things will develop over time also I'm sure.
Overall I really do love this game and it feels a natural progression for me from the cartoon design of WoW (which I played for 6 years and got much from) which was designed with a purpose and been great for mac players. But now after ES and Fallout I crave something a bit more 'adult' though still with a sense of fun.
I played the beta for a few different weekends and I'm not sure how I feel about the game. It was fun for me, yet boring at the same time. The last game I played really hardcore was Everquest. Played it so much that I became a GM in the game. I had lots of fun in the game and nothing else really has hit it for me after. I played WoW for a while and also played Rift. I enjoyed them both. ESO seems a little too casual for me. This was my first Elder Scrolls game experience. Never played the older versions. Quest after quest after quest. That's how you got most of your experience. Couldn't grind for any. I also didn't like the limited slots available for spells. I wanted more choices and hated having only a handful. Not sure what the end game is like. I like raiding and I like having rare, uber loot to show off. From what I understand, that will not be what this game is all about. I'm disappointed.
Levelling is mostly questing in the traditional way but there is also quite a bit more flexibility too. It was quite a ES feel to me and stories engaging and quite a bit of humour. Problem is that we are kind of used to following quest lines like in WoW but it's also perfectly fine to just say screw that and wander off. I found lots of smaller incidental quest givers, small caves etc. You get good xp from exploring, discovering Skyshards, delving into solo or group dungeons (especially this for xp) You do get xp from killing mobs though it's not an efficient way it's still there if you prefer.
Now they have got players starting in the first town you have the choice to go back to the starter isles (which is worth doing IMO for Skyshard and just nice back story etc.) or head off. Think it showed they listened to feedback on that.
If you enjoy PvP then once you hit level 10 you can just go and level all the way up in Cyrodiil. it's a large PvP region with the big battles which are pretty epic in feel. But also open world PvP with quests, gathering, Skyshards, dungeons etc also.
The other thing that really drew me was the complexity and depth of the crafting. It's possible if you really work at it to make high level gear so it will remain relevant which doesn't happen really in WoW for instance. The gathering from getting out there but also from deconstruction is a good balance. And just things like having special crafting stations around the world; I found one for instance in the basement of a burnt out house where you can make specific items only there. Plus being able to 'skin' gear into other styles etc including Imperial makes it fresh. And the fact it tends to be fairly understated (no flaming shoulders) also appeals to me.
End game we have a better idea of that now from the article Paul Sage posted yesterday here.
- Solo Or Duo Pvp
- Small Group Pvp
- Large Group Pvp
- Solo Or Duo Pve
- Four Person Group Pve
- Craglorn (Adventure Zone)
- Twelve Person Group Pve
Personally I'm really looking forward to Craglorn with a four person group in a new region 3/4 the size of a normal one with instanced dungeons etc, The Twelve person Trials and big battle PvP which I have already tried and is great fun. Nice to have strategy more a part of play just than pure zerg.
I won't be for all that's for sure and especially when taken from the experience from only the first 5-10 levels on the mast test beta as most of the previews have been, it can seem underwhelming (beyond the lovely world design) It's really as you move from that it starts to really come alive.
In the end it is a marriage of solo Elder Scrolls with MMORPG and not one that will please those at either end of that scale. But it takes some risks with the minimal UI and focus on visual cues etc.
Certainly with the playability and depth it's going to do well for the price of the initial box price especially as you can go onto the other two alliance zones after hitting 50 to do levelled content. There's a lot there. if they can deliver the flow of content and new content then it has a good chance to succeed long term too.
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I haven't played this since the beginning of the year on my old laptop on which it ran terribly.
I've pre ordered so looking forward to giving this a go next week.
Has anyone played this on a late 2013 rMBP (with the 750m)? What settings would you recommend (using the native OSX client).
I've pre ordered so looking forward to giving this a go next week.
Has anyone played this on a late 2013 rMBP (with the 750m)? What settings would you recommend (using the native OSX client).
Just keep shadows low and you can come close to maxing everything else. Even retina resolution can be playable but 1680 is the best resolution for this on the display IMO.
~ 20-35fps average in cites at retina; 35+fps at 1680. Mac client is pretty well-made.
Well I didn't think I was going to do it, but I just pre ordered the Imperial Edition. Game time starts tomorrow! I don't have any friends who are playing it so if anyone is looking for some help, I will post my character name here once created. Do we know if they are going to let us use the names we had in beta?
Fun times
Characters are wiped from beta, so the names should be available for new characters on Sunday.
Fun times
Characters are wiped from beta, so the names should be available for new characters on Sunday.
Thanks!
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Anyone know of any good 3rd party apps for the game?
The official ESO Forums are now up. This is the direct link to the Mac Technical Support section (EN).
As a general reminder, if you do have any technical issues please:
Submit a bug report in-game via /bug in chat or via F1 (default) Help menu.
Post a ticket to the ESO Support page.
As a general reminder, if you do have any technical issues please:
Submit a bug report in-game via /bug in chat or via F1 (default) Help menu.
Post a ticket to the ESO Support page.
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