Author Topic: Dungeons & Dragons Online going free to play this summer (Read 5197 times)

idolminds · « **on:** Tuesday, June 09, 2009, 12:11:16 PM »

Story

Free download and free to play. There will, as usual in these types of things, be an online store where you can buy things. They list Dungeon packs, character slots, potions, character customization, and hired goons will all be available for purchase with Turbine Points. The interesting this I read on another site is that you can earn Turbine Points inside the game itself, so you can use the store without actually buying anything.

Monthly fee will still be there if you want it, with it giving more character slots and the like. You'll also receive 500 Turbine Points every month to spend in the store, so if you're doing that anyway it might be worth a sub. Kind of an interesting way to do both.

Anywho, I'll probably give it a spin.

EDIT
IGN preview

EDIT2

DDO website has a nice chart that shows the difference between VIPs (ie, subscribers) and the free players.

Quemaqua · « **Reply #1 on:** Tuesday, June 09, 2009, 04:49:28 PM »

Neat! I might check it out. I was always kinda' curious, but a bit daunted since I know that it's very party-intensive. That works without much difficulty around a table if you have a group to play real D&D, but trying to find groups of random internet douchebags was never my thing.

idolminds · « **Reply #2 on:** Tuesday, June 09, 2009, 04:53:22 PM »

According to others, with updates they've made the game is more solo-friendly. Obviously the traditional D&D adventuring party makes things much easier but at least its not forced on you.

MysterD · « **Reply #3 on:** Tuesday, June 09, 2009, 04:54:32 PM »

Hmmm...this is Stormreach or whatever....
I got a demo of that thing, which I never touched....

Quemaqua · « **Reply #4 on:** Tuesday, June 09, 2009, 04:55:59 PM »

Well, that's encouraging. The two of us could team up for some more epic two-man MMOing. Always good times!

Xessive · « **Reply #5 on:** Tuesday, June 09, 2009, 05:04:27 PM »

I recall I got a demo disc with one of my games, can't remember which one. I never really bothered with it since I had no interest at the time.

I just registered for the closed beta, shouldn't be long before they send the key.

MysterD · « **Reply #6 on:** Tuesday, June 09, 2009, 05:06:20 PM »

Quote from: Xessive on Tuesday, June 09, 2009, 05:04:27 PM

I recall I got a demo disc with one of my games, can't remember which one. I never really bothered with it since I had no interest at the time.

Same here. It was some Atari game. I forget which one -- might've been a NWN2 game?

Hmmmmmmmmmm...I wonder if I can take the demo disc, install it, and just let the server update itself to the newest fullest version -- so I don't have to DL the entire freakin' game.

Xessive · « **Reply #7 on:** Tuesday, June 09, 2009, 05:22:12 PM »

Quote from: MysterD on Tuesday, June 09, 2009, 05:06:20 PM

Same here. It was some Atari game. I forget which one -- might've been a NWN2 game?

Hmmmmmmmmmm...I wonder if I can take the demo disc, install it, and just let the server update itself to the newest fullest version -- so I don't have to DL the entire freakin' game.

Hmm, good point. I'm gonna try to fish out that demo disc.

MysterD · « **Reply #8 on:** Tuesday, June 09, 2009, 05:24:52 PM »

Quote from: Xessive on Tuesday, June 09, 2009, 05:22:12 PM

Hmm, good point. I'm gonna try to fish out that demo disc.

Yeah, it'd be cool if it'll allow that -- since there's probably GB's worth of stuff there on that disc.
Who know how many GB's of updates there are for the MMO.

And who knows how much GB the entire game is, after it's all patched-up.

Xessive · « **Reply #9 on:** Tuesday, June 09, 2009, 05:32:00 PM »

Just confirming it was indeed with my NWN2 package. I also have a product key so I can go ahead and create my account!

idolminds · « **Reply #10 on:** Tuesday, June 09, 2009, 05:55:25 PM »

Aww, I got NWN2 Gold and didnt get that.

Xessive · « **Reply #11 on:** Tuesday, June 09, 2009, 06:27:35 PM »

Quote from: idolminds on Tuesday, June 09, 2009, 05:55:25 PM

Aww, I got NWN2 Gold and didnt get that.

That's weird, I mean it's just a 7 day trial. Although when I logged the product key it told me that I get 10 days, so it expires on June 20th. I should have registered the key after I let it update! It's gonna take a while.

Dragonlor · « **Reply #12 on:** Wednesday, June 10, 2009, 04:53:21 AM »

I've been playing the 10day trial they posted on their website. I played the game once before along time ago and they did make a lot of changes for the better. It's a fun game and if any of you start playing let me know so we can team up and go dungeon crawling.

Xessive · « **Reply #13 on:** Wednesday, June 10, 2009, 06:32:01 AM »

Just started playing the 10-day trial earlier today. It's pretty fun! It seems a lot more real-time that the traditional turn-based attack system. Visually it's pretty good too.

If anyone's interested I'm on the Khyber server, my character's name is Onikaze.

Dragonlor, which server are you on?

MyD, get in on this!

Dragonlor · « **Reply #14 on:** Wednesday, June 10, 2009, 06:45:54 AM »

i'm on the server with the long name but I can switch over pretty easy. What class are you playing and i'll base my character around it.

Xessive · « **Reply #15 on:** Wednesday, June 10, 2009, 07:02:49 AM »

Quote from: Dragonlor on Wednesday, June 10, 2009, 06:45:54 AM

i'm on the server with the long name but I can switch over pretty easy. What class are you playing and i'll base my character around it.

I just went with the recommended Fighter since it's my first time. I'm still lvl 1

Let me know when you feel like going online!

Dragonlor · « **Reply #16 on:** Wednesday, June 10, 2009, 07:12:25 AM »

I'll make a rogue so I can disarm all the traps and pick locks. I'll probably make the character now but wont be able to play much need to go to sleep soon.

Edit: My characters name is Larwin The Shadow Stalker. and i added you to friends Xessive

Xessive · « **Reply #17 on:** Thursday, June 18, 2009, 04:21:37 AM »

Ok, I finally got my beta key. I just activated it and started from scratch in Lamannia. The beta seems a lot more refined than what I saw in the demo. It's essentially the same but with some fine-tuning to the UI and interaction.

If you get into the beta my character is named Kaze. I'm a Tempest Ranger this time (basically a ranger with strong melee skills and dual-wielding).

Dragonlor · « **Reply #18 on:** Thursday, June 18, 2009, 05:36:41 AM »

I hope to get my key soon. I pretty sure I remembered to sign up.

Edit: Ok I did sign up for the beta just had to check and make sure. Still wish I had friends to play Eve online with. I could protect them with my Megathron battleship.

idolminds · « **Reply #19 on:** Thursday, June 18, 2009, 07:36:05 AM »

Xessive, how big was the client download? I got in the beta but the downloader doesn't seem to like me.

Xessive · « **Reply #20 on:** Thursday, June 18, 2009, 08:05:56 AM »

Quote from: idolminds on Thursday, June 18, 2009, 07:36:05 AM

Xessive, how big was the client download? I got in the beta but the downloader doesn't seem to like me.

The full client is about 4.5GB total. The good news is that you can start playing as soon as the Lamannia segment is downloaded, which is only around 250MB. However, in this mode the game only loads lo-res textures but it gets you started, it downloads the other stuff while you're playing. The dndsetup.exe file you get will install the Turbine Download Manager which in tunr will download the full client. Fortunately the Turbine Download Manager works like a BitTorrent client so you can cut and resume at any time.

idolminds · « **Reply #21 on:** Thursday, June 18, 2009, 08:20:30 AM »

Cool, thanks for the info. I just need to get that download manager to play nice.

EDIT

Ok, the thing started downloading. 250MB. Amazing, I might actually get to play it before the beta ends!

Xessive · « **Reply #22 on:** Thursday, June 18, 2009, 05:34:27 PM »

Sweet! Hope to catch you online soon!

idolminds · « **Reply #23 on:** Wednesday, July 08, 2009, 10:09:05 AM »

The main site says the free to play version will release August 4th.

Xessive · « **Reply #24 on:** Wednesday, July 08, 2009, 11:18:09 AM »

That's not too far off.

I think I got lucky, I received my beta key in a day. I signed my brother and cousin up the following day and neither of them have received their keys, it's been about two weeks.

The beta is alright so far. The main thing they seem to be focusing on improving is the DDO Store. It has some handy things you can buy with your Turbine Points (TP) like experience enhancers and stuff, however the cosmetic section is meager; so far it only offers some hair colours. If Turbine want people to buy cosmetic items they'll have to vary up the inventory and add some custom clothing and gear.

There's one thing I noticed that's especially different from other MMO's which I like: when you set out to the "Combat Area" (the area outside a town) only you and your party appear. It's a lot like Phantasy Star Online in that regard. You won't have any interruption or interference from players outside your party.

I've been playing solo mostly but I haven't played much in the last week or so. I hope you guys can get in on the beta soon!

idolminds · « **Reply #25 on:** Wednesday, July 08, 2009, 11:46:00 AM »

I wanted to get in on the beta, but the forum mentioned that the beta client might not work in final so I'd have to redownload everything anyway. I'm just going to wait till August.

Xessive · « **Reply #26 on:** Wednesday, July 08, 2009, 01:26:34 PM »

Quote from: idolminds on Wednesday, July 08, 2009, 11:46:00 AM

I wanted to get in on the beta, but the forum mentioned that the beta client might not work in final so I'd have to redownload everything anyway. I'm just going to wait till August.

That sucks. I thought it would just patch up to the final. I haven't been on the forums! I should visit just to keep track of things

idolminds · « **Reply #27 on:** Wednesday, July 08, 2009, 01:34:27 PM »

It might patch up to final, but at the time it seemed like they werent sure.

MysterD · « **Reply #28 on:** Thursday, July 23, 2009, 01:49:15 PM »

August 6th, D&D Online goes to free-to-play.

Xessive · « **Reply #29 on:** Thursday, July 23, 2009, 05:10:52 PM »

Yep, I think Idol mentioned that earlier.

It's a decent MMO but it would be a lot more fun with friends.

MysterD · « **Reply #30 on:** Saturday, August 01, 2009, 07:00:24 PM »

D&DO going free delayed until September

MysterD · « **Reply #31 on:** Friday, August 14, 2009, 06:22:55 PM »

DDO: Unlimited will be open to VIP's on Sept 1.
Everyone else, prepare for its FREE release on Sept. 9th.

MysterD · « **Reply #32 on:** Wednesday, August 26, 2009, 01:38:28 PM »

Turbine sues Atari.

Xessive · « **Reply #33 on:** Tuesday, September 01, 2009, 08:09:04 AM »

All Beta players can get a Head Start on the full DDO as of 1st Sept.

The drawback is you have to download the full client (again). The beta client will not work with the final "DDO Live" or "DDO Unlimited" (both names have been cropping up all over their website and newsletters).

idolminds · « **Reply #34 on:** Tuesday, September 01, 2009, 01:10:04 PM »

See, I was smart to not download the thing during beta. I figured they'd make me redownload it.

But now I can get started on the download. Hooray...I think.

Xessive · « **Reply #35 on:** Tuesday, September 01, 2009, 02:06:41 PM »

Yes, indeed you were a crafty devil!

I hope they've implemented some vast improvements over the beta, though the beta was in pretty good shape allround.

Dragonlor · « **Reply #36 on:** Thursday, September 03, 2009, 07:36:05 AM »

What servers are you guys going to be playing on?

MysterD · « **Reply #37 on:** Thursday, September 03, 2009, 01:44:32 PM »

Atari fires back at Turbine.

Quote

Atari Responds to Turbine Lawsuit

[Sep 03, 2009, 3:57 pm ET] - Share - Viewing Comments
Atari sends a response to the news last week that Turbine is suing them over the marketing of Dungeons & Dragons Online and Turbine's allegations that Atari was maneuvering to breach their agreements over the game to pave the way for a competing project. Atari has filed a motion to dismiss what they call a "frivolous" legal action saying Turbine's suit "can ultimately do a great disservice to D&D fans and to the MMO community at large." They have also filed a counteraction, which presumably is no such disservice, word is:

“Last week, with no warning, Turbine filed what can only be viewed as a frivolous lawsuit against Atari. This action can ultimately do a great disservice to D&D fans and to the MMO community at large. Turbine’s actions also appear intended to divert attention from the contractual obligations that Turbine owes to Atari. In response, today Atari served a motion to dismiss the entirety of Turbine’s lawsuit. Atari also filed a separate complaint to recover monies owed to Atari resulting from an independent third party audit of Turbine. While Atari hopes for a quick and fair resolution, it remains fully committed to the D&D communities worldwide and will vigorously protect the franchise and its own integrity in this matter.”

Xessive · « **Reply #38 on:** Friday, September 04, 2009, 02:11:33 AM »

Right now I am on Sarlina (1st one), but I just started so I don't mind creating a character on another server.

My current character's name is Onimaru. He's a Tempest Ranger.

Dragonlor · « **Reply #39 on:** Saturday, September 05, 2009, 05:45:50 AM »

well I can't start playing till the 9th so I'll join your server.

News:

Author Topic: Dungeons & Dragons Online going free to play this summer (Read 5197 times)