Declining number of populated Classic servers. Bots everywhere.. What now?

[CocaineInMyBrain]

Let's face it, in addressing design uncertainties by implementing 2 differently-flawed modes, TWI not also broke the game, they broke the community. The game is beyond repair at this point; not because obvious solutions aren't available, but because TWI won't bother to implement them, and the community is too fractured. Even if someone implemented all these fixes as a mod package, it'd be almost impossible to populate servers around it.

Just to run through the laundry list:

- broken sprint physics
- broken squad system
- casual rifle recoil
- arcade SMG balance
- broken zoom/fov system
- no 3D VOIP and thus, broken teamwork
- 3 different retarded modes
- progression system/stat bonuses/prototypes

Probably the worst part is that by splintering the community, TWI has inadvertently ensured that fans are too busy arguing Casual vs. Realism to realize the obvious solutions to all these problems which both modes fail to provide. I'm pretty much positive, that barring n00bs who still want to level ground for bonuses, these problems could all be fixed in a way that satisfies everyone, but the community is too busy arguing the wrong points to realize it.

TWI may be attempting some improvements to Classic, but it really can't possibly enough to change things. TWI have failed to actually acknowledge all the issues and state proper solutions; they've just asked the community for suggestions, which means the results will be an incomplete compromise at best. And even if the new Classic mode were perfect, the community is so fractured that it'd still fail to maintain populated servers.

Honestly I'm just tired to sitting around waiting for things to improve. All we can do is move on to other things and hope that by the time TWI releases RO3, they realize the error of their ways. (yeah right) In any case, I've got better things to do than keep trying to join empty servers, and have the same tired, circular debates in the suggestions forums over and over and over.

I think this is sort of a case of too little too late. Even if everything you just listed was fixed, most of the players that would want them have been gone since RO2 launch basically . Add to that, almost 2 years into the game's life making those changes is a bit late and would fundamentally make it into a different game - at that point you may as well save it for the sequel.

 

[Spindle]

I noticed you never left any comments in the "classic" thread linked in your last post. mind if I ask why?

Sure you can ask, although I wonder the relevance of it.

I've got nothing to add to that thread. I just want classic mode back.

 

[Piscator]

Let's face it, in addressing design uncertainties by implementing 2 differently-flawed modes, TWI not also broke the game, they broke the community. The game is beyond repair at this point; not because obvious solutions aren't available, but because TWI won't bother to implement them, and the community is too fractured. Even if someone implemented all these fixes as a mod package, it'd be almost impossible to populate servers around it.

Just to run through the laundry list:

- broken sprint physics
- broken squad system
- casual rifle recoil
- arcade SMG balance
- broken zoom/fov system
- no 3D VOIP and thus, broken teamwork
- 3 different retarded modes
- progression system/stat bonuses/prototypes

Probably the worst part is that by splintering the community, TWI has inadvertently ensured that fans are too busy arguing Casual vs. Realism to realize the obvious solutions to all these problems which both modes fail to provide. I'm pretty much positive, that barring n00bs who still want to level ground for bonuses, these problems could all be fixed in a way that satisfies everyone, but the community is too busy arguing the wrong points to realize it.

TWI may be attempting some improvements to Classic, but it really can't possibly enough to change things. TWI have failed to actually acknowledge all the issues and state proper solutions; they've just asked the community for suggestions, which means the results will be an incomplete compromise at best. And even if the new Classic mode were perfect, the community is so fractured that it'd still fail to maintain populated servers.

Honestly I'm just tired to sitting around waiting for things to improve. All we can do is move on to other things and hope that by the time TWI releases RO3, they realize the error of their ways. (yeah right) In any case, I've got better things to do than keep trying to join empty servers, and have the same tired, circular debates in the suggestions forums over and over and over.

Yes I agree. They should have stayed true to the RO franchise as many new features did only one thing and that is to split the community. By trying to please everyone they split up their niche market they had a firm grip on. Many of the RO Ost players have left long ago and looking at the state of the game now I do not feel the urge to play anymore.

It is not only that I do not like Realism or Action mode but also the lack of content like half-tracks (I know the community modders are at it) and new maps or weapons that are lacking. I know there are good custom maps out there but most empty any server and everyone is back on the "default" maps in the "default" mode.

The sad thing is that the framework is all there with RO/RS. So much possible and so little potential used. It is just a an average to good game now, nothing special about it anymore. By appealing to new player groups the game also lost its uniqueness and its soul. Not the players are to blame but TWI for their decisions.

 

[Piscator]

Sure you can ask, although I wonder the relevance of it.

I've got nothing to add to that thread. I just want classic mode back.

Yes, me too. Realism mode bores me and after one round I tend to quit with a "meh".
There is a great server running Classic called FK from Germany and they run a Classic hardcore mode. A bit like the good old days from DH. I played with 2 other guys against bots but it would not fill up.

 

[r5cya]

Sure you can ask, although I wonder the relevance of it.

I've got nothing to add to that thread. I just want classic mode back.

"back"? like it was when they first created the mode for RO2?

 

[r5cya]

Yes, me too. Realism mode bores me and after one round I tend to quit with a "meh".
There is a great server running Classic called FK from Germany and they run a Classic hardcore mode. A bit like the good old days from DH. I played with 2 other guys against bots but it would not fill up.

got an ip for them? i'd give it a try.

 

[VietViking]

"back"? like it was when they first created the mode for RO2?

Back as in populated again.



Yesterday the RGN Classic 64p server filled up, I guess a lot of newcomers from the sale happened to stumble on the server. Pings did fluctuate from 100-200 to like 400-500 when the server was full though... Still, the gameplay was still pretty great and had lots of fun. Shame it can't be like this everyday.

 

[ButchCassidy]

Remember kids, some things you may think are "broken" are actually just the way you interpret them and are based on opinions.

Opinions are dangerous things and can be transmitted by invisible thought beams.
Please ensure you wear your tin foil hat at all times whilst readings these forums.

 

[r5cya]

Back as in populated again.

that answer works for me, but as it's not his answer, i'll wait for it.

 

[Spindle]

that answer works for me, but as it's not his answer, i'll wait for it.

I want it back on the 40-1 server, populated.
Thought it was kinda obvious....
Didn't even know there were (major) changes between then and 'now'.

 

[r5cya]

I want it back on the 40-1 server, populated.
Thought it was kinda obvious....
Didn't even know there were (major) changes between then and 'now'.

sorry. I gotcha now. as long as it's on 40-1, even without more changes. (it wasn't obvious at all to me. guess i'm thick when little details like that are left out.)
I've refrained from posting comments in that thread as well but for a different reason. I can play whatever mode is running (except action!) and be perfectly happy. those who really care about classic have the right to voice there opinions as to which direction it should go without the influence of players who are either a) happy with it the way it is now (as I suspect you are from your not posting in the change thread) b) will only play realism anyway or c) will play RO2 no matter which direction classic or realism takes.
if TWI would just bite the bullet and make one realistic type mode instead of two and use the best settings of both modes, I think the game would be a lot better for it. will there be lots of *****ing and moaning about it, yeah. but there is now and we're divided. i'd rather have the *****ing and moaning come from guys that are not playing two different modes. splitting us up was not a good idea.
some people are like me, they'll play whatever is offered (besides action mode ) some people aren't going to play unless it exactly they way they envisioned it anyway. there's nothing we can do about them.
ost only had one mode. were there people complaining that it didn't have stuff they liked? yeah, but they were doing it while playing the game. not sitting back and saying they wont play till it gets changed the way they want it. that's what we have now. I always wonder if they are just saying it to try and prove a point and are really playing anyway or if they really do dislike the changes so much that they hate the game. if that's true, they really should move on. I doubt that the game will ever change enough to make them happy.

 

[LugNut]

I was on the RGN server as well yesterday and it was fun. It was full of newbies which lead to the usual facepalms, but it was OK. I did notice except for a handful, it was full of new faces and all seemed to be happy.

Certainly, a lot of people who weren't or aren't happy with the game have moved on, it happens with every new version of an existing game. I'm still around to a small degree, I don't hate Realism, it simply doesn't hold my interest for long.

I create future expectations based on past performance and as such I have little hope that TWI is interested in turning RO2 into the game I'd like, it would have happened by now. The major changes to the game have come from the community aside from bug fixes, (almost all maps and RS for the most part) and I still believe that mods will be the path to a type of gameplay that will entice players of many stripes. All you Classic players should try out Realism with Dibbler and PJ mod, it's better than Classic. If you turn off Spawn on SL that is......

 

[Spindle]

sorry. I gotcha now. as long as it's on 40-1, even without more changes. (it wasn't obvious at all to me. guess i'm thick when little details like that are left out.)
I've refrained from posting comments in that thread as well but for a different reason. I can play whatever mode is running (except action!) and be perfectly happy. those who really care about classic have the right to voice there opinions as to which direction it should go without the influence of players who are either a) happy with it the way it is now (as I suspect you are from your not posting in the change thread) b) will only play realism anyway or c) will play RO2 no matter which direction classic or realism takes.
if TWI would just bite the bullet and make one realistic type mode instead of two and use the best settings of both modes, I think the game would be a lot better for it. will there be lots of *****ing and moaning about it, yeah. but there is now and we're divided. i'd rather have the *****ing and moaning come from guys that are not playing two different modes. splitting us up was not a good idea.
some people are like me, they'll play whatever is offered (besides action mode ) some people aren't going to play unless it exactly they way they envisioned it anyway. there's nothing we can do about them.
ost only had one mode. were there people complaining that it didn't have stuff they liked? yeah, but they were doing it while playing the game. not sitting back and saying they wont play till it gets changed the way they want it. that's what we have now. I always wonder if they are just saying it to try and prove a point and are really playing anyway or if they really do dislike the changes so much that they hate the game. if that's true, they really should move on. I doubt that the game will ever change enough to make them happy.

Tbh, I'm just waiting for Festung Europa right now...

 

[r5cya]

Tbh, I'm just waiting for Festung Europa right now...

I hope it makes you happier than RO2 did. i'm looking forward to it as well.

 

[LugNut]

As am I, but looking at the sneak peeks of the content they've released over the past year, I think it's a substantial way off. Not to knock the team, just a realistic assessment of the enormity of the project. One and a half to two years out? Hard to say.

I'll need something in the meantime.

 

[Giuliano]

As much as I enjoy RO2 I still think the game isn't anywhere near as good as it should be, for me anyway.

Realism mode is far from perfect. I enjoy it more than Classic mode, but I can still play Classic and find things in it that would improve Realism greatly. I think both modes are trying to do something good, but are too exaggerated.

Me and a million others here have stated that a mix between the two modes would be perfect. If I was in charge of my own server this is what I'd run.

Realism sprint speed
Classic weapons handling
Realism zoom
Classic weapons loadout
Heroes spawning with enemy weapons enabled
Historically accurate weapon unlocks (i.e no ridiculous dual mag mp40s or double drum MG34s)
No progression bonuses

If TWI had a released the game with these settings as a default, I would have been truly happy. The only issue now is that its been 2 years since the games release. Everyone is fully embedded in their modes and unlikely to want major changes done to them. Custom modes (which don't render a server unranked that is) are all well and good, but the game simply doesn't have enough players to support them.

RO2, despite its problems, is and will always remain one of my favorite games. But from what I've been reading about Festung Europa over the past month of two, it certainly sounds like the game RO2 should have been from the start.

 

[Mike_Nomad]

Try;

http://forums.tripwireinteractive.com/showthread.php?p=1252413#post1252413

 

[r5cya]

Try;

[url]http://forums.tripwireinteractive.com/showthread.php?p=1252413#post1252413[/URL]

that works for me. long live custom servers!

 

[ndlksandklasnda]

Let's face it, in addressing design uncertainties by implementing 2 differently-flawed modes, TWI not also broke the game, they broke the community. The game is beyond repair at this point; not because obvious solutions aren't available, but because TWI won't bother to implement them, and the community is too fractured. Even if someone implemented all these fixes as a mod package, it'd be almost impossible to populate servers around it.

Just to run through the laundry list:

- broken sprint physics
- broken squad system
- casual rifle recoil
- arcade SMG balance
- broken zoom/fov system
- no 3D VOIP and thus, broken teamwork
- 3 different retarded modes
- progression system/stat bonuses/prototypes

Probably the worst part is that by splintering the community, TWI has inadvertently ensured that fans are too busy arguing Casual vs. Realism to realize the obvious solutions to all these problems which both modes fail to provide. I'm pretty much positive, that barring n00bs who still want to level ground for bonuses, these problems could all be fixed in a way that satisfies everyone, but the community is too busy arguing the wrong points to realize it.

TWI may be attempting some improvements to Classic, but it really can't possibly enough to change things. TWI have failed to actually acknowledge all the issues and state proper solutions; they've just asked the community for suggestions, which means the results will be an incomplete compromise at best. And even if the new Classic mode were perfect, the community is so fractured that it'd still fail to maintain populated servers.

Honestly I'm just tired to sitting around waiting for things to improve. All we can do is move on to other things and hope that by the time TWI releases RO3, they realize the error of their ways. (yeah right) In any case, I've got better things to do than keep trying to join empty servers, and have the same tired, circular debates in the suggestions forums over and over and over.

the sad thing is that good amount of the issues could be fixed relatively easily with little effort, but tripwire apparently just resigned on the game. what's worse is when they actually remember red orchestra 2 still exists, they approach the problems from completely wrong direction: trying to revive a dead mode in a game that can't afford splitting the playerbase even further.

 

[Piscator]

Back as in populated again.



Yesterday the RGN Classic 64p server filled up, I guess a lot of newcomers from the sale happened to stumble on the server. Pings did fluctuate from 100-200 to like 400-500 when the server was full though... Still, the gameplay was still pretty great and had lots of fun. Shame it can't be like this everyday.

Damn I missed it.
Here is the FK server IP 84.201.34.208:7777

2 people on there now.

I just played 2 rounds Realism on Saipan and it is just boring. SL in good position and using him as broodmother. Funny thing is that the enemy was doing the same thing on the other side of the wall. So you respawn on SL, run around the corner only to see 3 enemies materialize in front of your eyes, nade spamming follows spawn spamming. I mean it is hilarious but kills any authentic feeling and gameplay.

I said it before: Realism is a lot of fun at first and easy to learn for new players (lol Butch, I did it again) but as easy and accessible as it is to start with it grows boring just as quickly. Quick in, quick out effect and I believe it is one reason for poor player retention. There were a few guys on the server complaining about the zoom but unaware of Classic game mode.

Also I suppose some new players come to the game expecting something new and different from the game only to see that the basic gameplay mechanics are just like any other MP FPS. Seen that, done that. Nice, thanks and goodbye.