$50 gets you in the game today, includes early access and full game ( when that happens ). If you like Everquest or have always wanted to try a challenging mmo give it a shot
THIS ! IS ! EXACTLY ! WHAT ! WE ! NEED ! , sorry im a little excited , anyways ! Fantastic Video ! thank you for taking the time to show the world that pantheon is not what it used to be. You did an Amazing job ! and people ! this game has something special , and you WILL NOT feel this something special that i speak about until you, YOUR SELF dive into the world of Terminus. See you in game!
I am a game designer and your statement, "First make it work then make it pretty is spot on". people would flip out if they saw how prototypes looked when testing a game idea. It is nothing but grey boxes, spheres, and calendars. This is why developers do not like showing their games off to players until they have the art style for the game locked down. Because they hear nothing about complaints about the art and no feedback about the gameplay mechanics. I did a Kickstarter for one of the games I was working on and stated in big bold red letters that the art and 3D models where place holders and not what the final game would look like and that we were just showing off the gameplay mechanics. All I got in the comments was how terrible the art style of the game looked.
So good to hear I wasn’t off the mark. Thats honestly why I get skeptical when I see crazy trailers for games with no release date at all…just begs the question if they are developing in reverse: visuals first then running out of time to make a GOOD game. Besides, the reveals we have been getting for animations, races, armor sets, weapons have been insanely exciting. I think VR is doing things right!
@@xlotux Yeah, I do not like when game companies do trailers like that. What I do like is what indie developers are doing where they stream them working on the game. I have been doing the same thing for the game I am working on.
What happened to the HD render pipeline that was working fine years 5-8 then? Why go backwards with flat assets that could literally be rendered on a cpu?
@@xofcenter5576 Because the poly count and texture sizes have increased greatly since then. That is why gpu's are used and they have dedicated memory on them. Otherwise, we would need more powerful cpu's than we have now.
@@ControlledChaosGaming @ControlledChaosGaming That doesn't answer my question at all. They had an HD render pipeline working fine with previous assets and moels, and tuning is expected. None of that has anything to do with why they regressed. Sorry, but I'm not buying the "proto it first" excuse when we're talking about 10 years of active dev. Protos are measured in weeks or months, not years.
One of the biggest things that surprised me when I got involved in pre-alpha testing was how wonky the running animation looks on video versus what it actually looks like when you're in-game.
I feel like that's the case with Everquest style games in general. People from the outside probably think you aren't doing much, but you're carefully watching mob aggro, making sure charms don't break, etc
I’m a backer and am currently testing the game. I think it’s in a great spot. Very rewarding sense of progression. Sound and music are great. Grouping and farming camps and dungeons is super fun. Also, I personally love the art style. It’s a nice balance between stylized and realistic. Animations are still rough. New playable races are coming this year. Several UI and other QoL systems need to be put in place still. That said this game has huge potential and most importantly, respects the gamer with no cash shops and pay to win garbage. Everything in the game is 100% earned.
I agree with every single point you made here. I love where it’s at, I see where it’s going, and it’s filling a niche that desperately needs something. See you in Terminus!!
@@xlotux Absolutely. I feel an obligation to put my money where my mouth is. I've been a strong and outspoken critic of the monetization strategies that have overtaken nearly all mmos. I have so much respect for how the Pantheon team has treated this game and also treated us as a community. This game is a labor of love. Supporting Pantehon is a way for us to vote with our wallets. See you in Terminus!
the graphics style importantly is optimized for lots of people and NPCs on screen at once without lag. nice graphics would be cool, but so many MMOs are unplayable when lots of people are on the screen. also, with a more stylized art style they can do more art faster, so that means more monsters and unique gear, etc. theyre going for the long haul, and theyve got a plan for finishing the game strong.
Great point about keeping optimization in mind. This game runs 120+ gps at 4K for me SMOOTHLY. I cap it at 60fps while I stream and it still does great. That being said, even more graphics and animations are inbound and I can’t wait!
damn... this vid got suggested to me literally out of nowhere and I must say, I think you've sold me on that. I 100% agree with your point on the graphics choice - I could care less about how a game looks these days if the gameplay doesn't intrigue me or even feels just generic. I've made GW 2 my MMO of choice for a while now but as much I love it there are things that really bother me, things that only run more rampant in other and newer games: excessive visual and sound clutter, shortcuts and "convenience" for basically everything, which in turn means no social interaction whatsoever... GW 2 has a crap ton players active everywhere and yet, it feels lonely. Anyone can solo almost anything without much trouble, the power creep is completely out of control with each new expansion, hundreds of players all jumbled up in a big messy pile doing events but no one talks to one another! It's almost as if they were NPCs. The worst thing for me is the LFG system. I only started playing MMOs around 15 years ago and that was just before the LFG fever took off. I remember actually running to the entrance of dungeons, having to ask and talk to other players to form our groups and actually struggle through the dungeon. No magical items to boost and overlevel and shortcut or give you AI allies. I'm only learning about Pantheon now but from the footage you showed here it gives me back that feeling of discovery and interaction... the apparently shoddy graphics actually make me feel like the focus on gameplay won't be overshadowed by shallow, noisy fireworks. The world map you showed, you know... just gives me that vibe of good old fantasy, not trying to reinvent the wheel but rather making the best of what makes it great: mystery and adventure, that's all. Elves, Dwarves, their homelands and so on. I'll wishlist this one and definitely keep an eye on it come December for EA. Thanks for the honest and interesting video on what looks to be a very interesting game.
Thanks so much for the comment and your perspective! I worked so hard on this video to share my honest opinions and I’m so happy it was well-received. It sounds like Pantheon is the game you’re looking for but didn’t know was out here! The community is so alive, mature, and just fantastic. Yes, you can solo this game but it was built to be social and that’s where the game absolutely shines. The LFG system is great but it is NOT automatic, so you still have to use the chat, ping people you know, and really make those groups happen; this may sound cumbersome to “modern” MMO players but gosh, it’s a HUGE benefit to me because it makes grouping feel REAL and feel AUTHENTIC. I love popping in the game and recognizing players, saying hello, watching people asking questions and learning in chat, and just seeing how alive the world is already. The guild system is brand new and already building serious camaraderie and group personalities that add a fun social dimension to the world. And yes, the game will be ENORMOUS. One thing I didn’t mention in this video is the world map I showed is only ONE of THREE planned continents at 1.0 release. The absolute enormity is hard for me to comprehend because the world we already have access to is so large! Anyway, hope you end up playing and it’s everything you’re looking for! 🎉
I am actually excited to start playing this in early access after watching the game progress as y'all have been playing it. I was initially put off by the game because the animation and graphics were clunky, but in the last few months the frequent updates to how they are fast it is improving has really changed my mind.
Wait until you see the new models, animations and VFX. The graphics are getting another “grittiness” pass and it really helps. They have also shown more realistic items as well as the more stylized ones. They want them to both look at home in this world which is an interesting choice.
@@frankhermansen243 not yet. The “professions” system is coming but it is not ready yet. It will happen in EA for sure but they are still tweaking general loot power.
I been a backer since 2017. I was devastated with the art and graphic change. I was so sickened by it i didn't play when the seasons started. I finally tried in the September season and..........had FUN! The gameplay and class system was exactly what i wanted. The environment looks ok... The character model(the human) needs a update. I hope new players will give it a shot. The gameplay is unique compared to all new MMOs. I know it's EQish but many have never played that style gameplay
So glad to hear this!! And yes, the human model looks awesome. New armor sets and spell animations are WICKED. I’m so excited to see people’s perceptions change quickly when they get in the game at EA and play. Glad you gave it another shot!!
The graphics are only getting better too. There will be more lighting and shader tricks to give the stylized graphics a more “gritty” feel. They also have realistic looking gear to push the feel in that direction too. As someone that HATED the graphics announcement and what I first saw, I am fully convinced they made the right move.
I had similar feelings. I was genuinely worried i wouldn't be able to handle a plasticy and cartoonish world. Since then they've put a ton into lighting and "grittiness" and I'm happy to say that in game it doesn't feel at all cartoonish or plasticy to me. The game can be very dark and very creepy and it's a blast!
@samuelspiel8855 there are plans for maps but no gps. I think it's a neat idea too. Some might be vendor bought, others quested for. Might have to explore to see parts. They haven't fully decided yet.
Great job Lotu! Very happy to see new excitement from folks like yourself. It's a bit of a blessing that you haven't seen the mixed history :) Keep it up! I'm here for it.
I think the frustration comes mostly with people working off outdated information. I totally get people losing faith after so many years but the facts are so clear NOW that the team is on the move and the game is awesome.
Backer here as well. Was super frustrated with the art direction change. But after the last play test and seeing how its all getting polished. I am actually really loving it.
@@maires218I’m glad to hear you’re growing fond of it! I never played/saw the old art style (except for screenshots and clips) but I can see their draw. As Terminus gets more and more textures and layers I just don’t see how anybody could NOT grow fond of their new direction, it really has a weird combo of a painted look with realistic detail that works.
I totally agree with everything you said. The graphics of Pantheon are GORGEOUS and i can’t wait to see the additions when i start playing in December. Totally plan on being either a halfling or elf Rogue. I also agree that the best way to see the progress made is playing it yourself or watching others play in real time. Progress may be slow but to me that shows the dedication they have to making it look right. I’d rather wait and get a good product than see a rushed product that could be better if they had only taken more time. Let’s go Pantheon! Onward and upward!
@@xlotux excited to play with you too!! It’s gonna be a total blast and that’s what MMOs are all about! Playing together and making friends. “The real treasure is the friends we make along the way!” So blessed to be part of this awesome community!!!
I’m really glad I came across this video. The game got me interested when I first heard about it last week but there was something missing for me. Your video made me want to give this game a go for sure. Also you just have a great vibe overall and made the video feel real good I usually don’t watch as long as I did
Well shoot, thanks so much! Feel free to pop in to a live stream and really get a feel for the game if you want! I’ll likely be playing Wednesday and Thursday next week on Twitch. :) I feel like streams give a more authentic idea of how the game plays rather than a bunch of quick clips but totally up to you!
Great video - all accurate! I’ve followed since 2018 and pledged in 2023. VR has finally hit their stride and now is a great time for people to revisit it or check it out for the first time
Yes! You can really see the steady progress they’ve made, especially with seasonal updates. Plus the special reveals on streams makes me insanely excited for EA and beyond.
Great Video. You also have to remember (for context) that Pantheon had a somewhat more realistic look (less cartoony) before they did the graphics overhaul. Many people preferred that style over the cartoon style which I think is fair. Also there are a LOT of trolls for Pantheon ... people that are frustrated with a long release time, or 24/7, or whatever and usually the way they express that anger is by hacking on the graphics. As you play Pantheon (even now) the graphics grow on you. As they get more animations and round out the art It's only going to get better. Draq
Agree on all accounts there. I do wonder how my opinion would have changed if I experienced the original graphics, but as it is I do love the painted style they’ve gone with and I think the details, texturing, and lighting all are fantastic. It’s a style that really won’t ever get outdated.
Awesome video Lotu! You said a lot of the things I have been preaching since 2018 when people really started the woe years even before Brad's passing. Awesome that you have picked up on all of this history in your short time following, gives me hope as one of the Sacred's. I would like to add also for your blurb about Steve Clover being on the team as there is a 2nd individual very close to that. Michael 'Artois' Butler was also very close with Brad and Steve growing up, helped with War Wizard. He wasn't there for EQ launch but helped it and Vanguard a lot through the years and helps in so many hats on this game. There is fabric of Brad's vision through the members of this team.
Thank you so much! If there’s one thing I believe in, it’s that a solid team with a unified vision can accomplish anything. I love the story of Visionary Realms and despite their losses and past turmoil I think they will come out with a triumph.
I've been backing Pantheon since 2017, and what a journey it's been! Can't wait for Early Access. People need to understand that just because it’s not your cup of tea doesn’t mean it's doomed to fail-it just means you don’t like it and that is ok, and it's ok if other people do like it.
Pantheon isn't a game created for the majority of modern MMO fans. As an EQ player since 1999, I love what Pantheon has done to recapture the magic, exploration, danger, and social/collaborative based game play of old school MMO's. I've been playing Alpha for a while now, and all I can say is that the game is a love letter to classic MMO fans.
Take a look at JoppaVash’s recent VODs on Twitch. ;) All the animations are getting TLC and they look PHENOMENAL. Especially see if you can find the “cinder lance”, it’s my personal favorite.
This game wasn’t intended to have this graphical style. It was intended to have a modern realistic graphical influences with zones prior to Brad’s passing, rest his sole. The team has made the game zoneless and have gone totally Zelda BoTW graphical style. So very far away from the original envisioned game wold design. I think most of the original followers of the game have long ago left following this game and have moved on.
Do you think graphics would be a make-or-break for Brad, especially if it meant many more years in development? The art changes were made for very practical reasons and greatly increased their ability to actually produce the game. I see your point but I just don’t think Brad would have disagreed with the decision. I am confused about the zones though-the game still has extremely distinct zones and biomes? Maybe I’m misunderstanding definitions though.
The game is not zoneless, but the reasons for zones are practical, not philosophical. Has been for EQ too. Zoneless is just a lot harder to code and was practically impossible when EQ started. Zones have never been a design choice, just a necessity. You can have all the positives of zones in a zoneless world, just without the loading times, just by coding arbitrary boundaries for mobs. Is that good? No, but easily possible. The game is NOT 'so far away from the original envisioned game world design'. It is practically still spot on! Unless you base all of this on the graphics change. Give me details that the game has now that Brad would not have liked, come on, i dare you. Give me a Brad quote that contradicts any design decision made while he is dead.
@@xlotux The people about the GFX are braindead i mean this game is 100% how i imagined a EQ style game would look like i mean point on how it is now. Go watch EQ1 videos and EQOA videos its this this game had their baby in fact i hope warriors get big massive red swords like eqoa i love the cartoon style always have.
I’ve been trying to keep an eye out but I seem to see the windows too late, haha. Unfortunately I think the game is too similar to EverQuest to feel like a “unique” game but I still want to try it out!
It looked a LOT different a few years ago. Then they changed to the new graphic style. Which I was NOT a fan of, that being said, its still getting better and w/ many more classes avaialble. You can play now most clasees / races and its only a 1 time $50 pledge. I plan to jump in soon...
And with each graphics pass, things get way better. They still haven’t implement backlighting which I’m told will drastically change the overall quality. ALSO the $50 pledge currently comes with a buddy pass, which essentially is a BOGO deal! Wicked value.
@@Adalon-I wish I did! That being said if you have a friend who wants to play also, you guys can both go in for a $50 pledge that’s still available and comes with a buddy code! It’s essentially a BOGO deal.
Thank you! I’m so excited for Early Access and agree with Joppa: the best way to change people’s minds about the game is to give them a chance to play!
Great to see the team getting close to release. I was there in the beginning. I wish I could have stayed on. It seems to have evolved into something special. I love the decision to explore an art style that could withstand the evolution of realism in games. Realism can date your game even before release. I wish them all the best and hope to try the game someday soon.
Most of us have been waiting for this game since 2014, but we're so glad you found it now just to tell us we're wrong lol. Just another cute face on RUclips.
The game is a lot of fun and for me, just the right balance between new updated mechanics and old EQ vibes. 100% the game has seen many obstacles and issues, some self inflicted some not. But the game is further along now and closer to a final product than it ever has been before. I've been impressed with their ability to weather it all, including the BS on social media. Unfortunately, there are a ton of people online who get satisfaction in tearing things down, trolling etc. Says more about them than the game at this point. They just cant stand the fact that ultimately, they were wrong about all their criticism.
people are just too fickle, as somone who grew up with pong and the original atari system I learned how t be appreciative and patient. i have seen a huge improvement in not only the growth from comodore 64's to Alienware or your asus oor whatever computers. and from the original pong set up to PlayStation 5 it's the way the world is nowadays complain or be offended by everything I wouldn't want to try and please today's younger, hackers, even people of my ancient age all I know is I love playing games I know nothing about game design so I am not gonna crap on peoples blood sweat and tears. i will however crap on situations such as happened with ARK.
"Pantheon has been in development for over 10 years now".... "while the game is still early in development".... I am not trying to hate as I am an old school EQer and on and off p1999 player, i was stoked early on, what they were showing had me so hyped. It seems to have veered off path. I'll still play it when it releases, but the hype is gone.
Would love to hear your thoughts when you end up trying! It’s come such a long way. It’s hard to stay hyped for over a decade so I get how that could wear down.
Well when your lead game designer dies suddenly the game is sure to have some setbacks. I'm glad they've kept up with development and seem to have finally hit their stride after Brads passing.
I haven’t checked the website but with how many changes are being made to classes with the addition of techniques/combat mechanics last season, I highly doubt it.
The website is not updated at the pace they are developing. You can get a flavor of the classes from the spells listed but I wouldn't count it to be super "up to date".
If you don't see things the same way that people do that's fair. It's been over 10 years of development, so claims about incredible progress just don't seem founded. This is yet another MMO languishing in promises of any day now with more options to 'pledge' to the game than to actually play it. So if you're enjoying it, then more power to you, and it would probably be more informative if you talked at length about why you enjoyed it rather than telling people why their concerns aren't valid. I think people have valid concerns.
To be fair, I was incredibly specific about my perspective and when the progress picked up substantially (2023+). The things that are ready to go for Early Access that have been shown live on streams are fantastic and I can’t wait for people to see them. Races, armor sets, animations, character customization, new areas with awesome enemies, climate systems, etc.
@@xlotux Cool. I backed it 10 years ago. Like most of us from back then, we've completetly lost interested in tracking it but it ever gets around to a release we'll check back in. I wish them luck.
@@optionalrule9813you should have game access now/soon depending on your pledge level. Would love to hear your thoughts now that’s it’s come so far! Backers are getting 24/7 access after this season (and through EA) so plenty of time to dive in and see for yourself. 😊
AVP has some bees, bears, and skeletons! All should be doable and none are group mobs. Might be worth a shot! If you can get a group, the manor is EXCELLENT XP at 12!
Ich kann es kaum abwarten den EA zu spielen, Ich verfolge das Spiel seit den ersten Tagen und finde es stark das es in den EA geschafft hat. RIP Brad, das du das nicht mehr siehst.
Great Video! Im excited for EA. Definitely come around after being a skeptic of the graphics changes. It was getting in on the last play test and actually playing that got me hooked. It felt so good. The EQ Nastalgia was there.
Dude, every time I watch one of the Joppa or Bronsun streams and see more concept art or things that are prepped for EA I get so excited I’m mad it can’t come sooner! (Also we are moving across the country at EA launch timeframe so unfortunately…I’m going to miss the entire thing and I will accept all the pity lol!)
Whether I agree or not with every take I see in Pantheon videos is far less important than if a video is fair and, especially, accurate. This has both of those qualities, although I would also call Steve Clover a co-founder of EQ, rather than let Brad McQuaid own that title wholly.
People also still using words like “grifter” and “vaporware”. I was very skeptical of Pantheon coming out after the graphic change but I was wrong. After playing it, I see the vision. After seeing the near future (in Joppa’s streams) I am a convert. The thing you have to remember, Lotu, the Pantheon we see today has been in development from late 2020. Sure they did not start from scratch. They had the world and the framework of design but they basically scrapped their entire hard-coded design and had to rebuild all of their own dev tools to future-proof production. They will change their tune after EA and if they don’t they are just noisy trolls.
Wow, this is a name I haven't heard in forever. I thought it was dead! GL to the team. Releasing a more hardcore MMO these days is going to be a tough sale, but the genre could always use more entries.
Heck yes, truly my hope was this video would reach out to people who lost faith in the game or haven’t been able to track its progress! Early access in 2024 and the VR team is just awesome.
True. But also a good example of something that got round-tabled, listened to feedback from the community, and humbly listened and did NOT press with it. I do think it’s cool there are little remnants of that IN the game though as a little Easter egg.
I will be back in game on the 26th. I have enjoyed the soloing and grouping aspects, and I look forward to have unlimited access starting when my pledge opens back up on the 26th. EA is going to have 6 zones open and all 5 open world zones are large. I would wager 4 times as big as EQ's Karana.
@@xlotux I am really looking forward to Wild's End. Me and my wife both enjoy the look of the halfings. I told her she could pick the race I play, even though I was gonna go halfing regardless.
I’ve been having such a good time, both solo and in groups. I’m crazy excited for Early Access when we can all play together and not juggle access weeks!
@@StaticGroupLiveteams work together to quickly change positions, lock arms with the group next to them, then use massive DPS to blast the teams below? Interesting…😂
Wellll they lied a lot so that’s a big deal when investing in anything. 10 years is a long time to only have this to show for. I don’t think the graphic choice was ever the issue it’s the fact they had marketed the game with a whole different style and took a ton of peoples money, even having streamed gameplay sessions with Cohh Carnage never talking about stylized overhauls. They literally marketed a different product so much so beta players on the inside outted them for the change after it was mentioned internally as a secret forcing Japa to come out and address the situation publicly. I’m new here but it’s seems to me like you work for them because you’re leaving out a ton of very convenient information that makes them look totally different. This was a very dishonest marketing video for VR. How about a video with the whole picture and details. Don’t thank the VR team for anything, it’s the honesty of the players who outted these fools. You didn’t even mention the fact they only just now decided to not sell the players on an extraction battle royal style game with seasons for the testing phases but were once again forced to open the doors to the mmo by their community. I’ll be playing myself but I have a seething hatred for the fake news marketing types who sell half a picture to communities especially in the game space.
To be fair, I was very clear about the timeframe I joined the game and my particular perspective. I acknowledge the past that VR has had but from my point of view and experience, things only look bright. Hopefully the game itself can smooth the ruffled feathers I know are out there.
They do not lie a lot. Your entire false narrative is disingenuous. Yes, there are a lots of folks who don't like the graphics change, but it was never misrepresented by VR. The so-called exposure by the VIP was someone who did not like the new art style and broke the NDA to express his anger. VR, like any company, had a planned schedule on how they would inform the public. VIPS get information before the public. Joppa addressed the leak because of all the misinformation and lies being spread, not because they were trying to deceive anyone. THE PRIMARY thing that has affected the development of Pantheon for the entirety of the process is MONEY. Something folks like you ALWAYS ignore when discussing Pantheon. VR has never had enough money to properly fund the development of Pantheon and that is the primary reason for the art change. The art change has sped up development which everyone can objectively see. There would be no Seasons or Early Access if they were still developing in the old art style. It was an extremely tough choice but a very necessary one. The only problem I had with 247 is the delaying of development. I understood why it was done, though. Money. Pantheon has never, in its entire development time had enough money. That is reason for all of the major changes and additional fundraising efforts. Again, you folks ignore that very important fact. They have always made efforts to sped up development through additional fundraising. The previous slower pace of development was frustrating to both the community AND VR. I could say more, but most of my lengthy comments don't even post anymore when they used to over the years. We'll see.
I don't think they were dishonest. They just realized that with the resources available, they could not pull of the graphics style that they wanted. So, it was either go for more simplicity or let the game die. I am glad they did the former.
They plan to add a “cloth” map. General outlines of areas/zones, possibly town names. But no significant landmarks. It’s been interesting for me, as somebody who relies HEAVILY on maps. I would have never thought of no-map as a positive but I can confidently say it’s increased my immersion and made me learn the world in a way I never would have otherwise.
You might be astonished what 'no map' or at least 'no gps' does to immersion. You stop looking at a map window while navigating and instead look for landmarks. The game suddenly becomes a world to be immersed in. It is inconvenient at first though.
No map is honestly something I disagree with. You just end up looking for one outside of the game so why not just implement it ingame instead. Or even better, make it a skill or something you can level up, or a map that players craft/sell etc. So many options are better then no ingame map. Otherwise I'm pretty hyped to play this in December.
Been following this game since 2017. Long enough to go from a supporter to a troll. The game is going into EA because they let some devs go and can't afford to do anything else. They releasing it as it is and hoping to make some money to maybe continue? The game looks worse than DAOC. Their creativity is lacking considering they can't even come up with original spell names. They copy EQ in necromancer spells. They are selling for a box price but eventually will go to a sub if they last that long. I def won't be buying it. But I will watch how it goes.
They need to get rid of the awkward run animation, it's bow-legged. Beside that, I have no complaints about its visual appearance as gameplay can elevate anything.
Going to reply/summarize point by point. Not really as an expert, but as sort of a layman representative of a few groups. In general I think you are lacking a handle on some jargon and either not communicating your response well, not understanding the criticism well, or not understanding your sources well. I am first hearing of this game's existence by RUclips recommending this video. I have more than 100 hours each in at least 20 MMOs over the last 3 decades (most of them as a play tester) and more than 2500 hours each in 3 MMOs. I am a software engineer with about a year of game dev experience int eh 2009/2010 time frame and another combined year of graphics development experience (not on games) spread over the 2008 to 2013 time frame. Point 1: Your answer sounds like "style: yes, vertex count: no". But it really isn't clear. You seem to be implying the style is going to change a lot with the big release coming up, but also contradicting that. The lighting model, buildings, and terrain (what you say is final) is very reminiscent of what was popular when the game was conceived a decade ago. Today, that is not quite old enough to feel intentionally retro, just a bit dated. And so, yea, that is going to be points against for a lot of people. If they keep that lighting model or terrain and move to a photo-realistic or modern style on the creatures, it is going to clash badly. As to graphics being playable without a remastered version for 20 years, that should be true of any game released post 2015, not necessarily genius. When you can run the game with smooth LoD transitions over at least 3 levels and 300+ polys for a foreground player sized LoD, style matters a lot more than the underlying tech for the typical gamer. Point 2: Low bar to overcome this criticism, but somehow I feel the need for sub-bullets. - The existence of these comments sort of implies the core vision was "the game
I hear your points and thanks for taking the time to watch the video and make them. Passion for MMOs and game development is what makes the genre strong and it’s nice to see from you with your experience. I guess my underlying comment for you is this: I feel like you’re critiquing my perspective but you lack time in the game/community to understand 1) the history of Visionary Realms and the current gripes/critiques in the community 2) time in the game to understand my responses in the video. I can tell you’re looking at both sides of this discussion without a hand in either pot, but I think you might also lack perspective to understand context that I may not have specified because the community already understands what I’m referencing.
Before I buy into the game (as you are giving it a glowing review) are you in any way affiliated, friends with the company/developers or being paid to make any of this comments?
I am not sponsored nor affiliated with the game in any way; I am just a player. :) To be extremely clear, I have PAID already to have early access to the game (right now they are in a closed alpha state), which is how I’ve spent so much time in the game, got footage, etc. There is some psychology there about liking what you’ve paid for however, I played the game for free before I decided to opt in and support development. I receive no benefits if you purchase the game either. You can also watch me stream the game on Twitch if you’d like to see un-cut footage, or you can watch Joppa and Bronsun (all linked in the video description) if you’d like to listen to the devs and get a feel for the team working behind the scenes. (I know none of the devs beyond watching their streams and engaging as a community member with tester feedback.) Hope to see you in Terminus! 🎉
I, for one, don't care about graphics, but you are wrong in regards to why the graphics look the way they do. They completely scrapped all progress they had (in the first 10 years) so they could essentially quickly build the game using quite the generic unity builder. That's what THEY said, and everyone lost their minds over it, probably rightfully so, but I still have high hopes for this game.
The 6 races plus armor sets and updated VFX and two new areas are already built and have been shown/demoed on streams lately. The EA roadmap actually shows 4 races being added to the game prior to EA for testers to use.
I just learned about that mode myself. Sounded like a situation of “let’s try this”, the community said no, so it was removed. Evidence the feedback loop is healthy and working as intended, IMO.
@@xlotux The mode, called 247, was, according to Visionary Realms, a testing and development tool that was announced to potentially be another way to make money if that potential seemed as though it could be realized. The community did not like 247 overall, so it was ditched. It was never the ultimate intention for Pantheon.
How much did this defense of game cost? Brad's vision was being circumvented by the person in charge now, which Steve even admitted in the clip where he called himself "an opposing force." It's clear this change of direction represents less than positive pivots in the community; the game as a whole has suffered from it.
Please provide evidence where the current team goes against Brads vision. I was actively supporting Pantheon with Brad in it and was following all the time. I don't think that the vision changed, at all. Just the graphics did. Please provide evidence to the contrary.
I respect your opinion. But for someone thats been following for a couple of years (not too long) And comparing the ‘old’ look to new look. Combat AND graphics. It’s a slap in the face. To change now when it’s been over a decade cooking. And then come out with this 24/7 thing.. wtf was that?!? Sry the game is DoA. Honestly I think it will never be playable.
Highly recommend you check out some of Joppa’s live streams. The things they’ve been revealing, ready to hit the button for EA, is absolutely phenomenal. Animations, armor sets, race models, character customization options, 3 areas…it’s making me so excited.
Early Access in December. I have so much more faith in this game than what major studios have lined up. Throne & Liberty was already a bust, Dune Awakening eh, Pax Dei had some serious trouble…and none of those had the “heart” that Pantheon has.
@@FoereaperGamingdefinitely shoot a message to support if you can’t find the details. They are really responsive! You might be able to download and play right now, who knows!
Short answer? Yes. It is dead. I 'am' a developer, so I'll offer my opinions on yours regarding the criticism. 1. Graphics & Animations: They've had 10 years to sort all of that out. It's a valid and honestly quite well deserved criticism. 2D and 3D artists are not programmers and programmers are not artists. Rarely do the two disciplines crossover, and even if they do, it's unlikely that you'll do both on any given job. They've had 10 whole years to decide on the art style and animations for said art style. What have the artists been doing this whole time, I wonder? Certainly not creating a specific vision. There is absolutely no excuse for the state of the game. The simple truth is that the development team leads, Chris Perkins in particular, are woefully incompetent at managing such a project and have squandered all of the capital they've raised so far, consequently pushing them into desperation by moving into Early Access to garner more funding to keep this utter failure of a project afloat. If you ignore that simple fact, then you're in complete denial. Also, I and many other people who've had their eye on this project over the past decade all agree that the art style originally was far better than what we have now, pinning another feather of failure into I-have-no-idea-what-I'm-doing Chris "Joppa" Perkins' cap. 2. Core Tenets: This whole section was just a giant nothing burger that didn't really say much of anything. The bottom line is, they can 'talk' about how they've stuck to the core tenets and vision Brad laid out, but at the end of the day the game speaks for itself, and it is 100% unadulterated "Generic MMORPG X" when you boil down its constituent parts. There is absolutely 'nothing' unique about it. Everquest is still played today for a number of reasons, one of which is charm, minus the new character models - ugh. Have you so quickly forgotten the mess they tried to pull with their bait and switch earlier this year? These are not quality developers... 3. Solo Options: moot. 4. Content: You seem to ignore the most important aspect of content of any kind; is it fun? This game looks as dull as mud to me. I was there day one in EQ and have played all of the best MMOs, and some of the lesser ones over the years, and Pantheon looks exactly like all of those run-o-the-mill generic survival games released in Unity. What you're looking at now is the foundation of the game. That will not change unless they completely overhaul the whole thing, and they cannot afford to do that. So while you'll sit here with rose colored glasses expecting things to change dramatically over the coming development pipelines, I'm here to tell ya, most of what you see is there to stay, and you'll all invariably end up sitting there in your chair like that little dog meme with the entire house on fire saying "this is fine", wondering why it's still the same hot garbage it was when EA launched. No. It's not fine. Visionary Realms has had more than enough time to sort out the game and get it to a reasonable state for release. They have failed to do exactly that. They deserve every single piece of negative criticism. In fact, they've earned it. Even if they wanted to completely overhaul the foundation after release, the game would be dead long before that plan ever came to fruition. With a budget of $2.5 million and 18 months, Mythic Entertainment made one of the best MMORPGs ever made. That game released with three completely separate factions with largely unique classes for each faction, all with complete, fully-fledged game worlds filled with dungeons and cities and PVP arenas, etc. I repeat, all of that in 18 months. That game is called Dark Age of Camelot and is still played today. I'm sick of people making excuses for these jokers...
I paid Visionary Realms to test the game…so it’s a reverse sponsor. ;) Honestly though, I made this video because it’s all things I talk about live on stream and I see concerns about so frequently. I believe all of these things and want people to understand how solid this game is and will be.
It died when Brad did. Many years ago. Ive been in since PA1 with Brad. All the changes and dumbing down of what this game was supposed to be is just sad to see. Terminus was supposed to be dark and dangerous not sunny and wow cartoon graphics. We had more classes and races in PA1 than now. We went thru grey box period and long bouts of nothing. This game may come out and its just going to ba a vanilla mmo like all others unlike what the original vision was. Like it or not Pantheon has fallen and cant get up
I’m not sure exactly what your definitely of microtransaction is but I do think there will be an in-game shop (way down the road). I think most people agree having an in-game shop is fine so long as it’s cosmetic-only and doesn’t have a hint of a smell of pay to win, especially if it means lower subscriptions and helps support the development of the game long-term. I’ve heard many discussions about the shop and I can tell so much care and intentionally will surround how it’s done.
@xlotux I have a personal email correspondence from Brad McQuaid saying that Pantheon would never have any microtransactions, not even cosmetics or an in-game store. Cosmetics for money have no place in RPGs because it ruins the immersion. Your gear should tell a story about where you've been, not how much money you've spent. Game development can be supported via box price and sub price, which is a noble, up-front business practice.
@@WhyYouAskingMehow cool you have that email just in general! Really neat. That being said I agree with you overall in an ideal world-we will see what happens.
no. no Pantheon has NOT been in development for 10 years.... starting the dev timer at the ANNOUNCEMENT ON KICKSTARTER is silly... it didnt go into development till much later. nvm people are daft
Completely disagree about the graphics. They are already outdated. A 10-12 year developed game will come to market in 2025/26 with 1999 graphics style. I strongly dislike the painted art style. I expected better. This is a non-starter for me.
I totally get personal preference and if the game isn’t the style you like. That being said the new armor sets, VFX, and race models are pretty cool if you haven’t seen them (released Friday).
10 years in development and it looks worse then WoW Vanilla, I don't care about graphics but combat? the combat looks clunky and boring mostly melee from what I see is very very bad...animations and effects for now look terrible, I will try it in December.
@@CestPasFaux-kt9zqI’m interested in Dune Awakening when it comes out but I think it will rely heavily on the success of the movie and not actually be fun? But that’s just me making assumptions. I agree with you though.
@@xlotux MMo pvp Survivals like Dune are always horrible. I played last Oasis,Mortal online2, albion Was gank over gank by zergs 15v2. Pass on this one. Open world Pvp is a plague. You have to make pve / pvp / pvx servers but only pvx servers ? Never again All 16 years kids from fornite will join just to be pain in the ass
"Over 10 years now." Pretty sure it was announced in 2011, and it's still over a year from SUPPOSEDLY being released. After the picture of the woke team of 'developers' it was clear that this is an obvious cash grab. Edit: Even the gameplay video in this is a huge downgrade from the original.
Bahahaha well, sounds like you have your mind made up 😂 To say a game that accepted NO outside corporate sponsors for the sake of protecting the vision of a game is a “cash grab” well, sounds like we have wildly different definitions of what a cash grab actually is.
@@xlotux Stealing cash from people that believe in a product is pretty straight forward. I really don't even know how you possibly have a different definition of it. They actually did sign with Visionary Realms, and they at some point were trying to get funding from Sony, again. It's been in development for over 12 years, it looks worse now than it did 6 years ago, and it's still not even in Alpha. They were claiming it was about to be in Alpha like 4 years ago. It's clearly a scam; get over it.
@@xlotux Stealing cash from people that believe in a product is pretty straight forward. I really don't even know how you possibly have a different definition of it. They actually did sign with Visionary Realms, and they at some point were trying to get funding from Sony, again. It's been in development for over 12 years, it looks worse now than it did 6 years ago, and it's still not even in Alpha. They were claiming it was about to be in Alpha like 4 years ago. It's clearly a scam.
@@xlotux Taking cash from people that believe in a product is pretty straight forward. I really don't even know how you possibly have a different definition of it. They actually did sign with Visionary Realms, and they at some point were trying to get funding from Sony, again. It's been in development for over 12 years, it looks worse now than it did 6 years ago, and it's still not even in Alpha. They were claiming it was about to be in Alpha like 4 years ago. It's clearly a scam; get over it.
Stealing cash from people that believe in a product is pretty straight forward. I really don't even know how you possibly have a different definition of it. They actually did sign with Visionary Realms, and they at some point were trying to get funding from Sony, again. It's been in development for over 12 years, it looks worse now than it did 6 years ago, and it's still not even in Alpha. They were claiming it was about to be in Alpha like 4 years ago. It's clearly a grab.
I just can't. So naive. So optimistic. Over ten years of development and the only race they have is human... calling what they have "progress". Sorry nope. I was there back when Brad was playing the pre-pre-alpha and watched those videos. You think this game is going to last 20 years. Oh sweet summer child. For your sake I hope it does but I've been following it since the original kickstarter and have zero faith in this. All you are doing is setting yourself up for massive disappointment.
Welp, if you ever change your mind, 4 races were just added, another visual update, VFX update, emotes, armor sets…and plenty more to come in EA. :) Testing is extremely alive and servers are stable! Can’t wait for more people to play come December.
Been a backer since start, they eliminated my Knight tier and reduced me to supporter. And ya the graphics change is a huge change, and you drink way too much frickin koolaid (wicked smart? Your wicked stupid!). Ever since Brad died thay proceeded to lie to us and underdeliver, you can lie to yourself all you want all you want, this is not an acceptable way to develop a game. LOL 20 years? I gave them 2 tops! Can't wait to revisist this fangirl video in two years and see how wrong you are.
maybe you should just move on and the let the rest of us have a good time. I'm sure there's something out there, you'll enjoy. This apparently is not it.
I’m sorry your pledge tier got shifted, I’m sure that was a bit frustrating. Have you played any of the recent seasons since you still have game access with your supporter pledge? I’m curious if your mind has been made up by your previous experiences or if you’ve taken the time to see how the game has continued to develop, which was my whole purpose in making the video.
Is there a modern MMO that has in your opinion? Seems like Pantheon is the oddball out while everything else wants to be Final Fantasy or World of Warcraft.
@@xlotux modern no, modern games are all wow clones that prioritize repeat transactions over player customization or exploration or role play. IMO mmos have not been good since eq or anarchy online or SWG. The industry IMO has been ruined by sales and marketing teams pushing battle passes or cash shops, chasing wows fame or fortnight mechanics. I prefer to play older games or emulators and keep my $$$ in my pocket.
@@AithosRPFair enough and I agree, no modern MMO has “itched that scratch” that people are looking for. Thats why I believe in Pantheon is because they also acknowledge that and are building a game that has those classic foundations. NBD if it isn’t for you, that’s just one of the reasons I want it to succeed. It’s showing these big studios that maybe indie can do it better.
@@xlotux I agree, I have faith in indie too. I play AO and SWG to this date as no modern mmorpg comes close to offering that level of customization. AAA investors only want the next wow so imo creativity has been killed and squashed in the industry…. and it’s reverted to only focusing on the needs of investors. That’s why large gaming companies are finally crashing and burning they did not focus on building quality products or innovating. For 20 years it’s been tab target, microtransactions, and linear skill progression……
10 years to be out into early access with no end in sight? Yeah, this is going to fail for sure. Change of art direction 10 years in? Another massive red flag. It doesn't even look good and the animations are abysmal. I've watched a stream of it recently and it looks no different than any other bargain bin MMO that has saturated the market. It looks absolutely boring running node to node to gather. Nothing special and will be forgotten quickly if it ever does release.
I am so excited a game will embrace a slower-pace. I loaded in to retail WoW for the first time, finished the tutorial, and was level 12 with multiple abilities and a full inventory. That seems SO inflated it seemed like a joke.
If there weren't people who loved the slower pace of advancement, you might be right. But as they recommended in DnD dungeon master's guide, overly fast advancement and too many magical items, leads to an ultimately unsatisfying campaign. Twenty years after first playing Everquest I went back and it was still awesome. Its slow pace allowed me to really get to know and love each zone. If Pantheon can capture this I'm all in. There are endless super-easy wow style MMOs out there for the impatient to play, but for the rest of us there's hardly anything.
@@duncanwallace7760the pace of this game is one of the things that drew me in. The game treated me like a capable, smart adult who could work hard and play the game to earn my rewards. In a world where most games treat me like a brainless zombie who needs to be spoon-fed everything, it was a really nice change. Hope to see you in Terminus!
they dumb down the game they have no clue what there doing this is fact this game is dead and never going come out and i sure they will dumb down the game to stick toon
HA. This is the LEAST dumbed down game I’ve ever played, and that’s what makes it awesome. Most games these days have the silliest tutorials, have a dot on your screen to show you where to go at all times, and you’re level 50 before you’ve learned your combat mechanics correctly. 😂
$50 gets you in the game today, includes early access and full game ( when that happens ). If you like Everquest or have always wanted to try a challenging mmo give it a shot
Servers have been SO ALIVE and I love it!
can I play until EA launches if I buy today?
@@wazzuppooyep!
@wazzuppoo Yes, you can play now until Dec 1. Early access is scheduled for sometime in December. More info on their website or discord
My Shaman is now level 20 ! Woot
THIS ! IS ! EXACTLY ! WHAT ! WE ! NEED ! , sorry im a little excited , anyways ! Fantastic Video ! thank you for taking the time to show the world that pantheon is not what it used to be. You did an Amazing job ! and people ! this game has something special , and you WILL NOT feel this something special that i speak about until you, YOUR SELF dive into the world of Terminus. See you in game!
THANK YOU! I would have also done more yelling in my video but thought it might be a turnoff. 😂😂
@@xlotux you did fantastic !
I am a game designer and your statement, "First make it work then make it pretty is spot on". people would flip out if they saw how prototypes looked when testing a game idea. It is nothing but grey boxes, spheres, and calendars. This is why developers do not like showing their games off to players until they have the art style for the game locked down. Because they hear nothing about complaints about the art and no feedback about the gameplay mechanics. I did a Kickstarter for one of the games I was working on and stated in big bold red letters that the art and 3D models where place holders and not what the final game would look like and that we were just showing off the gameplay mechanics. All I got in the comments was how terrible the art style of the game looked.
So good to hear I wasn’t off the mark. Thats honestly why I get skeptical when I see crazy trailers for games with no release date at all…just begs the question if they are developing in reverse: visuals first then running out of time to make a GOOD game. Besides, the reveals we have been getting for animations, races, armor sets, weapons have been insanely exciting. I think VR is doing things right!
@@xlotux Yeah, I do not like when game companies do trailers like that. What I do like is what indie developers are doing where they stream them working on the game. I have been doing the same thing for the game I am working on.
What happened to the HD render pipeline that was working fine years 5-8 then? Why go backwards with flat assets that could literally be rendered on a cpu?
@@xofcenter5576 Because the poly count and texture sizes have increased greatly since then. That is why gpu's are used and they have dedicated memory on them. Otherwise, we would need more powerful cpu's than we have now.
@@ControlledChaosGaming @ControlledChaosGaming That doesn't answer my question at all. They had an HD render pipeline working fine with previous assets and moels, and tuning is expected.
None of that has anything to do with why they regressed.
Sorry, but I'm not buying the "proto it first" excuse when we're talking about 10 years of active dev. Protos are measured in weeks or months, not years.
One of the biggest things that surprised me when I got involved in pre-alpha testing was how wonky the running animation looks on video versus what it actually looks like when you're in-game.
That’s a good point-the whole game is way better played than watched.
I feel like that's the case with Everquest style games in general. People from the outside probably think you aren't doing much, but you're carefully watching mob aggro, making sure charms don't break, etc
I’m a backer and am currently testing the game. I think it’s in a great spot. Very rewarding sense of progression. Sound and music are great. Grouping and farming camps and dungeons is super fun. Also, I personally love the art style. It’s a nice balance between stylized and realistic.
Animations are still rough. New playable races are coming this year. Several UI and other QoL systems need to be put in place still. That said this game has huge potential and most importantly, respects the gamer with no cash shops and pay to win garbage. Everything in the game is 100% earned.
I agree with every single point you made here. I love where it’s at, I see where it’s going, and it’s filling a niche that desperately needs something. See you in Terminus!!
@@xlotux Absolutely. I feel an obligation to put my money where my mouth is. I've been a strong and outspoken critic of the monetization strategies that have overtaken nearly all mmos. I have so much respect for how the Pantheon team has treated this game and also treated us as a community. This game is a labor of love. Supporting Pantehon is a way for us to vote with our wallets. See you in Terminus!
@@cps3119nailed it! 🎉
the graphics style importantly is optimized for lots of people and NPCs on screen at once without lag.
nice graphics would be cool, but so many MMOs are unplayable when lots of people are on the screen. also, with a more stylized art style they can do more art faster, so that means more monsters and unique gear, etc.
theyre going for the long haul, and theyve got a plan for finishing the game strong.
Great point about keeping optimization in mind. This game runs 120+ gps at 4K for me SMOOTHLY. I cap it at 60fps while I stream and it still does great. That being said, even more graphics and animations are inbound and I can’t wait!
damn... this vid got suggested to me literally out of nowhere and I must say, I think you've sold me on that. I 100% agree with your point on the graphics choice - I could care less about how a game looks these days if the gameplay doesn't intrigue me or even feels just generic. I've made GW 2 my MMO of choice for a while now but as much I love it there are things that really bother me, things that only run more rampant in other and newer games: excessive visual and sound clutter, shortcuts and "convenience" for basically everything, which in turn means no social interaction whatsoever... GW 2 has a crap ton players active everywhere and yet, it feels lonely. Anyone can solo almost anything without much trouble, the power creep is completely out of control with each new expansion, hundreds of players all jumbled up in a big messy pile doing events but no one talks to one another! It's almost as if they were NPCs. The worst thing for me is the LFG system. I only started playing MMOs around 15 years ago and that was just before the LFG fever took off. I remember actually running to the entrance of dungeons, having to ask and talk to other players to form our groups and actually struggle through the dungeon. No magical items to boost and overlevel and shortcut or give you AI allies. I'm only learning about Pantheon now but from the footage you showed here it gives me back that feeling of discovery and interaction... the apparently shoddy graphics actually make me feel like the focus on gameplay won't be overshadowed by shallow, noisy fireworks. The world map you showed, you know... just gives me that vibe of good old fantasy, not trying to reinvent the wheel but rather making the best of what makes it great: mystery and adventure, that's all. Elves, Dwarves, their homelands and so on.
I'll wishlist this one and definitely keep an eye on it come December for EA. Thanks for the honest and interesting video on what looks to be a very interesting game.
Thanks so much for the comment and your perspective! I worked so hard on this video to share my honest opinions and I’m so happy it was well-received.
It sounds like Pantheon is the game you’re looking for but didn’t know was out here! The community is so alive, mature, and just fantastic. Yes, you can solo this game but it was built to be social and that’s where the game absolutely shines. The LFG system is great but it is NOT automatic, so you still have to use the chat, ping people you know, and really make those groups happen; this may sound cumbersome to “modern” MMO players but gosh, it’s a HUGE benefit to me because it makes grouping feel REAL and feel AUTHENTIC. I love popping in the game and recognizing players, saying hello, watching people asking questions and learning in chat, and just seeing how alive the world is already. The guild system is brand new and already building serious camaraderie and group personalities that add a fun social dimension to the world. And yes, the game will be ENORMOUS. One thing I didn’t mention in this video is the world map I showed is only ONE of THREE planned continents at 1.0 release. The absolute enormity is hard for me to comprehend because the world we already have access to is so large!
Anyway, hope you end up playing and it’s everything you’re looking for! 🎉
Great video! I liked the direct quotes from Joppa himself during his streams as he’s actively working and developing Pantheon. Excited for EA
Thank you for the feedback! I thought throwing Joppa’s words himself would give the video a bit more authority, glad it helped do just that.
I am actually excited to start playing this in early access after watching the game progress as y'all have been playing it. I was initially put off by the game because the animation and graphics were clunky, but in the last few months the frequent updates to how they are fast it is improving has really changed my mind.
Can’t wait to play with you!!!!! It will be so nice when everybody has 24/7 access.
Wait until you see the new models, animations and VFX. The graphics are getting another “grittiness” pass and it really helps. They have also shown more realistic items as well as the more stylized ones. They want them to both look at home in this world which is an interesting choice.
@@nervecentral100%!!!!
think Ill log in again....hope they removed crafting lvel max from adventuring
@@frankhermansen243 not yet. The “professions” system is coming but it is not ready yet. It will happen in EA for sure but they are still tweaking general loot power.
I been a backer since 2017. I was devastated with the art and graphic change. I was so sickened by it i didn't play when the seasons started.
I finally tried in the September season and..........had FUN! The gameplay and class system was exactly what i wanted. The environment looks ok... The character model(the human) needs a update.
I hope new players will give it a shot. The gameplay is unique compared to all new MMOs. I know it's EQish but many have never played that style gameplay
So glad to hear this!! And yes, the human model looks awesome. New armor sets and spell animations are WICKED. I’m so excited to see people’s perceptions change quickly when they get in the game at EA and play. Glad you gave it another shot!!
The graphics are only getting better too. There will be more lighting and shader tricks to give the stylized graphics a more “gritty” feel. They also have realistic looking gear to push the feel in that direction too. As someone that HATED the graphics announcement and what I first saw, I am fully convinced they made the right move.
I had similar feelings. I was genuinely worried i wouldn't be able to handle a plasticy and cartoonish world. Since then they've put a ton into lighting and "grittiness" and I'm happy to say that in game it doesn't feel at all cartoonish or plasticy to me. The game can be very dark and very creepy and it's a blast!
The 'no map' seems ridiculous to me..
@samuelspiel8855 there are plans for maps but no gps. I think it's a neat idea too. Some might be vendor bought, others quested for. Might have to explore to see parts. They haven't fully decided yet.
Great job Lotu! Very happy to see new excitement from folks like yourself. It's a bit of a blessing that you haven't seen the mixed history :) Keep it up! I'm here for it.
Thanks so much!! See you in Terminus!
Don’t get frustrated with other people. I’m a backer and I enjoy the game as a tester and will still be playing up to and after EA.
I think the frustration comes mostly with people working off outdated information. I totally get people losing faith after so many years but the facts are so clear NOW that the team is on the move and the game is awesome.
Backer here as well. Was super frustrated with the art direction change. But after the last play test and seeing how its all getting polished. I am actually really loving it.
@@maires218I’m glad to hear you’re growing fond of it! I never played/saw the old art style (except for screenshots and clips) but I can see their draw. As Terminus gets more and more textures and layers I just don’t see how anybody could NOT grow fond of their new direction, it really has a weird combo of a painted look with realistic detail that works.
I totally agree with everything you said. The graphics of Pantheon are GORGEOUS and i can’t wait to see the additions when i start playing in December. Totally plan on being either a halfling or elf Rogue. I also agree that the best way to see the progress made is playing it yourself or watching others play in real time. Progress may be slow but to me that shows the dedication they have to making it look right. I’d rather wait and get a good product than see a rushed product that could be better if they had only taken more time. Let’s go Pantheon! Onward and upward!
Onward and upward!! Can’t wait to play with you! Thanks for watching. ❤🎉
@@xlotux excited to play with you too!! It’s gonna be a total blast and that’s what MMOs are all about! Playing together and making friends. “The real treasure is the friends we make along the way!” So blessed to be part of this awesome community!!!
gorgeous in all caps is a stretch.
I’m really glad I came across this video. The game got me interested when I first heard about it last week but there was something missing for me. Your video made me want to give this game a go for sure. Also you just have a great vibe overall and made the video feel real good I usually don’t watch as long as I did
Well shoot, thanks so much! Feel free to pop in to a live stream and really get a feel for the game if you want! I’ll likely be playing Wednesday and Thursday next week on Twitch. :) I feel like streams give a more authentic idea of how the game plays rather than a bunch of quick clips but totally up to you!
Great video - all accurate!
I’ve followed since 2018 and pledged in 2023. VR has finally hit their stride and now is a great time for people to revisit it or check it out for the first time
Yes! You can really see the steady progress they’ve made, especially with seasonal updates. Plus the special reveals on streams makes me insanely excited for EA and beyond.
Great Video. You also have to remember (for context) that Pantheon had a somewhat more realistic look (less cartoony) before they did the graphics overhaul. Many people preferred that style over the cartoon style which I think is fair. Also there are a LOT of trolls for Pantheon ... people that are frustrated with a long release time, or 24/7, or whatever and usually the way they express that anger is by hacking on the graphics. As you play Pantheon (even now) the graphics grow on you. As they get more animations and round out the art It's only going to get better. Draq
Agree on all accounts there. I do wonder how my opinion would have changed if I experienced the original graphics, but as it is I do love the painted style they’ve gone with and I think the details, texturing, and lighting all are fantastic. It’s a style that really won’t ever get outdated.
Awesome video Lotu! You said a lot of the things I have been preaching since 2018 when people really started the woe years even before Brad's passing. Awesome that you have picked up on all of this history in your short time following, gives me hope as one of the Sacred's. I would like to add also for your blurb about Steve Clover being on the team as there is a 2nd individual very close to that. Michael 'Artois' Butler was also very close with Brad and Steve growing up, helped with War Wizard. He wasn't there for EQ launch but helped it and Vanguard a lot through the years and helps in so many hats on this game. There is fabric of Brad's vision through the members of this team.
Thank you so much! If there’s one thing I believe in, it’s that a solid team with a unified vision can accomplish anything. I love the story of Visionary Realms and despite their losses and past turmoil I think they will come out with a triumph.
Woooooo! I made it into the video! Hahaha. And even on a topic i bring up constantly about the graphics(being long lasting)
Heck yes! That was a fun time 🎉
I've been backing Pantheon since 2017, and what a journey it's been! Can't wait for Early Access. People need to understand that just because it’s not your cup of tea doesn’t mean it's doomed to fail-it just means you don’t like it and that is ok, and it's ok if other people do like it.
CAN’T WAIT!
Pantheon is the MMO I am most hopeful for in the next few years. Can't wait until they open it up in December so I can try it for the first time!
Can’t wait to welcome you to Terminus! It’s going to be great!
@@duncanwallace7760 You should be pleasantly surprised. It is nowhere near done but it sure is coming together.
Pantheon isn't a game created for the majority of modern MMO fans. As an EQ player since 1999, I love what Pantheon has done to recapture the magic, exploration, danger, and social/collaborative based game play of old school MMO's. I've been playing Alpha for a while now, and all I can say is that the game is a love letter to classic MMO fans.
your final thoughts is why i gave to pantheon in 2015...watched from afar and am eager to start playing in December with my kids
Will Indie Studio and MMORPG be the answer we need?!
The only thing I dislike about Pantheon is the animation. The modelling, the levels, the textures, look professional.
Take a look at JoppaVash’s recent VODs on Twitch. ;) All the animations are getting TLC and they look PHENOMENAL. Especially see if you can find the “cinder lance”, it’s my personal favorite.
Very nice video, keep up the good work💪 and thanx for the Ratkin blood for Nosferatu.
Thank you!
Have a good rest Brad you earned it sad that I won't be able to have a chat again like we did in Everquest many many years ago.
I'm Hyped for the game for over 10 yewars now but I will miss the geometric Deer in the final Version
There have been discussions of having a geometric deer as a boss in the future. 😂😂
I just got some nice skins off some ! Then I was hit by a goblin’s special ability and was defeated sad😢
This game wasn’t intended to have this graphical style. It was intended to have a modern realistic graphical influences with zones prior to Brad’s passing, rest his sole. The team has made the game zoneless and have gone totally Zelda BoTW graphical style. So very far away from the original envisioned game wold design. I think most of the original followers of the game have long ago left following this game and have moved on.
Do you think graphics would be a make-or-break for Brad, especially if it meant many more years in development? The art changes were made for very practical reasons and greatly increased their ability to actually produce the game. I see your point but I just don’t think Brad would have disagreed with the decision. I am confused about the zones though-the game still has extremely distinct zones and biomes? Maybe I’m misunderstanding definitions though.
The game is not zoneless, but the reasons for zones are practical, not philosophical. Has been for EQ too. Zoneless is just a lot harder to code and was practically impossible when EQ started. Zones have never been a design choice, just a necessity. You can have all the positives of zones in a zoneless world, just without the loading times, just by coding arbitrary boundaries for mobs. Is that good? No, but easily possible. The game is NOT 'so far away from the original envisioned game world design'. It is practically still spot on! Unless you base all of this on the graphics change. Give me details that the game has now that Brad would not have liked, come on, i dare you. Give me a Brad quote that contradicts any design decision made while he is dead.
Wrong this game was suppose to be made just like how it is...... It has the EQ soul
@@xlotux The people about the GFX are braindead i mean this game is 100% how i imagined a EQ style game would look like i mean point on how it is now. Go watch EQ1 videos and EQOA videos its this this game had their baby in fact i hope warriors get big massive red swords like eqoa i love the cartoon style always have.
soul*
Keep an eye out for playtests for Monsters & Memories. Think you'd enjoy that one a lot as well.
I’ve been trying to keep an eye out but I seem to see the windows too late, haha. Unfortunately I think the game is too similar to EverQuest to feel like a “unique” game but I still want to try it out!
It looked a LOT different a few years ago. Then they changed to the new graphic style. Which I was NOT a fan of, that being said, its still getting better and w/ many more classes avaialble. You can play now most clasees / races and its only a 1 time $50 pledge. I plan to jump in soon...
And with each graphics pass, things get way better. They still haven’t implement backlighting which I’m told will drastically change the overall quality.
ALSO the $50 pledge currently comes with a buddy pass, which essentially is a BOGO deal! Wicked value.
@@xlotuxdon't suppose anyone has one of those bogo codes for a financially struggling student who has become super enamored in this game?
@@Adalon-I wish I did! That being said if you have a friend who wants to play also, you guys can both go in for a $50 pledge that’s still available and comes with a buddy code! It’s essentially a BOGO deal.
great video, loving the game. I hope people can see the work they are doing.
Thank you! I’m so excited for Early Access and agree with Joppa: the best way to change people’s minds about the game is to give them a chance to play!
Great to see the team getting close to release. I was there in the beginning. I wish I could have stayed on. It seems to have evolved into something special. I love the decision to explore an art style that could withstand the evolution of realism in games. Realism can date your game even before release. I wish them all the best and hope to try the game someday soon.
Hope to see you in Terminus in December!
Most of us have been waiting for this game since 2014, but we're so glad you found it now just to tell us we're wrong lol. Just another cute face on RUclips.
I will only play this game if the art style and playability stays similar to what we've seen. I hope they don't make it too pretty.
Style is here to stay but plenty of things are still placeholder models that will be replaced. Same “painted” style though.
Don't worry about that lol
It’s $50 now if you wanna jump in and level some with us
Great vid. Subbed and you deserve way more. All the best.
Really appreciate it! See you in Terminus!
The game is a lot of fun and for me, just the right balance between new updated mechanics and old EQ vibes. 100% the game has seen many obstacles and issues, some self inflicted some not.
But the game is further along now and closer to a final product than it ever has been before. I've been impressed with their ability to weather it all, including the BS on social media.
Unfortunately, there are a ton of people online who get satisfaction in tearing things down, trolling etc. Says more about them than the game at this point. They just cant stand the fact that ultimately, they were wrong about all their criticism.
I have a feeling we may end up seeing those critics in Terminus in the future. ;)
I hope you're right, and I'll be giving it a fair chance either way.
I’ll see you in Terminus soon!
people are just too fickle, as somone who grew up with pong and the original atari system I learned how t be appreciative and patient. i have seen a huge improvement in not only the growth from comodore 64's to Alienware or your asus oor whatever computers. and from the original pong set up to PlayStation 5 it's the way the world is nowadays complain or be offended by everything I wouldn't want to try and please today's younger, hackers, even people of my ancient age all I know is I love playing games I know nothing about game design so I am not gonna crap on peoples blood sweat and tears. i will however crap on situations such as happened with ARK.
"Pantheon has been in development for over 10 years now".... "while the game is still early in development"....
I am not trying to hate as I am an old school EQer and on and off p1999 player, i was stoked early on, what they were showing had me so hyped. It seems to have veered off path.
I'll still play it when it releases, but the hype is gone.
Would love to hear your thoughts when you end up trying! It’s come such a long way. It’s hard to stay hyped for over a decade so I get how that could wear down.
Well when your lead game designer dies suddenly the game is sure to have some setbacks. I'm glad they've kept up with development and seem to have finally hit their stride after Brads passing.
Great video. Joppa rocks.
Thank you & yes he does!
Are the abilities on the website even up to date?
I haven’t checked the website but with how many changes are being made to classes with the addition of techniques/combat mechanics last season, I highly doubt it.
The website is not updated at the pace they are developing. You can get a flavor of the classes from the spells listed but I wouldn't count it to be super "up to date".
If you don't see things the same way that people do that's fair. It's been over 10 years of development, so claims about incredible progress just don't seem founded. This is yet another MMO languishing in promises of any day now with more options to 'pledge' to the game than to actually play it. So if you're enjoying it, then more power to you, and it would probably be more informative if you talked at length about why you enjoyed it rather than telling people why their concerns aren't valid. I think people have valid concerns.
To be fair, I was incredibly specific about my perspective and when the progress picked up substantially (2023+). The things that are ready to go for Early Access that have been shown live on streams are fantastic and I can’t wait for people to see them. Races, armor sets, animations, character customization, new areas with awesome enemies, climate systems, etc.
@@xlotux Cool. I backed it 10 years ago. Like most of us from back then, we've completetly lost interested in tracking it but it ever gets around to a release we'll check back in. I wish them luck.
@@optionalrule9813you should have game access now/soon depending on your pledge level. Would love to hear your thoughts now that’s it’s come so far! Backers are getting 24/7 access after this season (and through EA) so plenty of time to dive in and see for yourself. 😊
Does anyone know a good spot for solo leveling , I’ve got a level 12 shaman ?
AVP has some bees, bears, and skeletons! All should be doable and none are group mobs. Might be worth a shot! If you can get a group, the manor is EXCELLENT XP at 12!
Ich kann es kaum abwarten den EA zu spielen, Ich verfolge das Spiel seit den ersten Tagen und finde es stark das es in den EA geschafft hat. RIP Brad, das du das nicht mehr siehst.
See you in Terminus!
Great Video! Im excited for EA. Definitely come around after being a skeptic of the graphics changes. It was getting in on the last play test and actually playing that got me hooked. It felt so good. The EQ Nastalgia was there.
Dude, every time I watch one of the Joppa or Bronsun streams and see more concept art or things that are prepped for EA I get so excited I’m mad it can’t come sooner! (Also we are moving across the country at EA launch timeframe so unfortunately…I’m going to miss the entire thing and I will accept all the pity lol!)
If you havent seen the Drakes in AVP yet, you should check them out.
I found them! Those are one of the models that are still placeholders too…they should get way better. ;)
Whether I agree or not with every take I see in Pantheon videos is far less important than if a video is fair and, especially, accurate. This has both of those qualities, although I would also call Steve Clover a co-founder of EQ, rather than let Brad McQuaid own that title wholly.
A very fair take and I appreciate it! And I agree completely, EQ was a team effort and Pantheon has influenced from both Brad and Steve now.
People also still using words like “grifter” and “vaporware”. I was very skeptical of Pantheon coming out after the graphic change but I was wrong. After playing it, I see the vision. After seeing the near future (in Joppa’s streams) I am a convert. The thing you have to remember, Lotu, the Pantheon we see today has been in development from late 2020. Sure they did not start from scratch. They had the world and the framework of design but they basically scrapped their entire hard-coded design and had to rebuild all of their own dev tools to future-proof production. They will change their tune after EA and if they don’t they are just noisy trolls.
I’m glad you still gave it a chance. I think that’s all it takes, like Joppa said, is for people to play the game. :)
OMG! You didn't look like you were sweating at all! I'd have needed a towel to wipe off every 10 minutes!
I’m glad it didn’t show it was so hot I should’ve just filmed from a sauna. Probably better soundproofing in those anyway than my stream room. 😂😂
Wow, this is a name I haven't heard in forever. I thought it was dead!
GL to the team. Releasing a more hardcore MMO these days is going to be a tough sale, but the genre could always use more entries.
Heck yes, truly my hope was this video would reach out to people who lost faith in the game or haven’t been able to track its progress! Early access in 2024 and the VR team is just awesome.
Carrying a lot of water for a game that tried to make it a extraction game a year ago lol
True. But also a good example of something that got round-tabled, listened to feedback from the community, and humbly listened and did NOT press with it. I do think it’s cool there are little remnants of that IN the game though as a little Easter egg.
I will be back in game on the 26th. I have enjoyed the soloing and grouping aspects, and I look forward to have unlimited access starting when my pledge opens back up on the 26th. EA is going to have 6 zones open and all 5 open world zones are large. I would wager 4 times as big as EQ's Karana.
I’m so excited for everybody to play together! It’s going to make servers feel SO alive (and they already feel that way!).
I also remember Joppa running from one side of silent plains to the other. No stopping, no sprinting, no buffs, and it took 19.5 minutes. 😱
@@xlotux I am really looking forward to Wild's End. Me and my wife both enjoy the look of the halfings. I told her she could pick the race I play, even though I was gonna go halfing regardless.
Like you, I only just recently jumped into the actual game and I am really having a good time. Can't wait for Early Access!
I’ve been having such a good time, both solo and in groups. I’m crazy excited for Early Access when we can all play together and not juggle access weeks!
Waiting for this i'm a old school Everquest player, I miss my Bard.
Bards are definitely planned for 1.0 release. I know so many people who are waiting for that day!
Still looking for group to play that last level of Tetris... I doubt people will let me join though, since my score is kinda low.
Same. Dead game honestly.
Tetris MMORPG ... I'm in!
@@StaticGroupLiveteams work together to quickly change positions, lock arms with the group next to them, then use massive DPS to blast the teams below? Interesting…😂
Tetris has the true quaternity of MMOs.
@@Grogoo_Xso it would seem 😂
Great video! Very well thought out I think. Still love Tetris 😅
It has SO much content. 😂😅
Wellll they lied a lot so that’s a big deal when investing in anything. 10 years is a long time to only have this to show for. I don’t think the graphic choice was ever the issue it’s the fact they had marketed the game with a whole different style and took a ton of peoples money, even having streamed gameplay sessions with Cohh Carnage never talking about stylized overhauls. They literally marketed a different product so much so beta players on the inside outted them for the change after it was mentioned internally as a secret forcing Japa to come out and address the situation publicly. I’m new here but it’s seems to me like you work for them because you’re leaving out a ton of very convenient information that makes them look totally different. This was a very dishonest marketing video for VR. How about a video with the whole picture and details. Don’t thank the VR team for anything, it’s the honesty of the players who outted these fools. You didn’t even mention the fact they only just now decided to not sell the players on an extraction battle royal style game with seasons for the testing phases but were once again forced to open the doors to the mmo by their community.
I’ll be playing myself but I have a seething hatred for the fake news marketing types who sell half a picture to communities especially in the game space.
To be fair, I was very clear about the timeframe I joined the game and my particular perspective. I acknowledge the past that VR has had but from my point of view and experience, things only look bright. Hopefully the game itself can smooth the ruffled feathers I know are out there.
They do not lie a lot. Your entire false narrative is disingenuous.
Yes, there are a lots of folks who don't like the graphics change, but it was never misrepresented by VR. The so-called exposure by the VIP was someone who did not like the new art style and broke the NDA to express his anger. VR, like any company, had a planned schedule on how they would inform the public. VIPS get information before the public. Joppa addressed the leak because of all the misinformation and lies being spread, not because they were trying to deceive anyone.
THE PRIMARY thing that has affected the development of Pantheon for the entirety of the process is MONEY. Something folks like you ALWAYS ignore when discussing Pantheon.
VR has never had enough money to properly fund the development of Pantheon and that is the primary reason for the art change. The art change has sped up development which everyone can objectively see. There would be no Seasons or Early Access if they were still developing in the old art style. It was an extremely tough choice but a very necessary one.
The only problem I had with 247 is the delaying of development. I understood why it was done, though.
Money.
Pantheon has never, in its entire development time had enough money. That is reason for all of the major changes and additional fundraising efforts. Again, you folks ignore that very important fact. They have always made efforts to sped up development through additional fundraising.
The previous slower pace of development was frustrating to both the community AND VR.
I could say more, but most of my lengthy comments don't even post anymore when they used to over the years. We'll see.
I don't think they were dishonest. They just realized that with the resources available, they could not pull of the graphics style that they wanted. So, it was either go for more simplicity or let the game die. I am glad they did the former.
I'm confused by the 'no map' choice. Sounds like sadism for no reason.
They plan to add a “cloth” map. General outlines of areas/zones, possibly town names. But no significant landmarks.
It’s been interesting for me, as somebody who relies HEAVILY on maps. I would have never thought of no-map as a positive but I can confidently say it’s increased my immersion and made me learn the world in a way I never would have otherwise.
You might be astonished what 'no map' or at least 'no gps' does to immersion. You stop looking at a map window while navigating and instead look for landmarks. The game suddenly becomes a world to be immersed in. It is inconvenient at first though.
No map is honestly something I disagree with. You just end up looking for one outside of the game so why not just implement it ingame instead. Or even better, make it a skill or something you can level up, or a map that players craft/sell etc. So many options are better then no ingame map. Otherwise I'm pretty hyped to play this in December.
@@fatguylittlestream There will probably be maps in game, but more like old fashioned maps, without GPS. You will be able to buy them or find them.
Excellent video Lotu 💜. I always enjoy your point of view.
Thank you! 🤗
Been following this game since 2017. Long enough to go from a supporter to a troll. The game is going into EA because they let some devs go and can't afford to do anything else. They releasing it as it is and hoping to make some money to maybe continue? The game looks worse than DAOC. Their creativity is lacking considering they can't even come up with original spell names. They copy EQ in necromancer spells. They are selling for a box price but eventually will go to a sub if they last that long. I def won't be buying it. But I will watch how it goes.
They need to get rid of the awkward run animation, it's bow-legged. Beside that, I have no complaints about its visual appearance as gameplay can elevate anything.
Going to reply/summarize point by point. Not really as an expert, but as sort of a layman representative of a few groups. In general I think you are lacking a handle on some jargon and either not communicating your response well, not understanding the criticism well, or not understanding your sources well. I am first hearing of this game's existence by RUclips recommending this video. I have more than 100 hours each in at least 20 MMOs over the last 3 decades (most of them as a play tester) and more than 2500 hours each in 3 MMOs. I am a software engineer with about a year of game dev experience int eh 2009/2010 time frame and another combined year of graphics development experience (not on games) spread over the 2008 to 2013 time frame.
Point 1: Your answer sounds like "style: yes, vertex count: no". But it really isn't clear. You seem to be implying the style is going to change a lot with the big release coming up, but also contradicting that. The lighting model, buildings, and terrain (what you say is final) is very reminiscent of what was popular when the game was conceived a decade ago. Today, that is not quite old enough to feel intentionally retro, just a bit dated. And so, yea, that is going to be points against for a lot of people. If they keep that lighting model or terrain and move to a photo-realistic or modern style on the creatures, it is going to clash badly. As to graphics being playable without a remastered version for 20 years, that should be true of any game released post 2015, not necessarily genius. When you can run the game with smooth LoD transitions over at least 3 levels and 300+ polys for a foreground player sized LoD, style matters a lot more than the underlying tech for the typical gamer.
Point 2: Low bar to overcome this criticism, but somehow I feel the need for sub-bullets.
- The existence of these comments sort of implies the core vision was "the game
I hear your points and thanks for taking the time to watch the video and make them. Passion for MMOs and game development is what makes the genre strong and it’s nice to see from you with your experience.
I guess my underlying comment for you is this: I feel like you’re critiquing my perspective but you lack time in the game/community to understand 1) the history of Visionary Realms and the current gripes/critiques in the community 2) time in the game to understand my responses in the video. I can tell you’re looking at both sides of this discussion without a hand in either pot, but I think you might also lack perspective to understand context that I may not have specified because the community already understands what I’m referencing.
Before I buy into the game (as you are giving it a glowing review) are you in any way affiliated, friends with the company/developers or being paid to make any of this comments?
I am not sponsored nor affiliated with the game in any way; I am just a player. :) To be extremely clear, I have PAID already to have early access to the game (right now they are in a closed alpha state), which is how I’ve spent so much time in the game, got footage, etc. There is some psychology there about liking what you’ve paid for however, I played the game for free before I decided to opt in and support development. I receive no benefits if you purchase the game either.
You can also watch me stream the game on Twitch if you’d like to see un-cut footage, or you can watch Joppa and Bronsun (all linked in the video description) if you’d like to listen to the devs and get a feel for the team working behind the scenes. (I know none of the devs beyond watching their streams and engaging as a community member with tester feedback.)
Hope to see you in Terminus! 🎉
Well done & nicely produced. Subbed
Thank you so much!! I’ve been working really hard on my video quality, glad to know it’s coming across. 🎉 Nice to have you here!
I, for one, don't care about graphics, but you are wrong in regards to why the graphics look the way they do.
They completely scrapped all progress they had (in the first 10 years) so they could essentially quickly build the game using quite the generic unity builder.
That's what THEY said, and everyone lost their minds over it, probably rightfully so, but I still have high hopes for this game.
I don't see them getting 6 races and all those options in the next 3 months considering how long everything has taken to come out in the first place
The 6 races plus armor sets and updated VFX and two new areas are already built and have been shown/demoed on streams lately. The EA roadmap actually shows 4 races being added to the game prior to EA for testers to use.
They will, they are farther ahead than what is currently testable. Races and silent plains will be released for QA in a few weeks, prior to EA.
Developing the first race is orders of magnitude harder than adding more races.
They have 3 races now
Core tenets? What about the extraction mode?
I just learned about that mode myself. Sounded like a situation of “let’s try this”, the community said no, so it was removed. Evidence the feedback loop is healthy and working as intended, IMO.
@@xlotux The mode, called 247, was, according to Visionary Realms, a testing and development tool that was announced to potentially be another way to make money if that potential seemed as though it could be realized. The community did not like 247 overall, so it was ditched. It was never the ultimate intention for Pantheon.
I’ve been waiting for years..I gotta give it a honest shot
Heck yes
How much did this defense of game cost? Brad's vision was being circumvented by the person in charge now, which Steve even admitted in the clip where he called himself "an opposing force." It's clear this change of direction represents less than positive pivots in the community; the game as a whole has suffered from it.
Please provide evidence where the current team goes against Brads vision. I was actively supporting Pantheon with Brad in it and was following all the time. I don't think that the vision changed, at all. Just the graphics did. Please provide evidence to the contrary.
Can't wait for Pantheon Rise of the Baldwins
I respect your opinion. But for someone thats been following for a couple of years (not too long) And comparing the ‘old’ look to new look. Combat AND graphics. It’s a slap in the face. To change now when it’s been over a decade cooking. And then come out with this 24/7 thing.. wtf was that?!? Sry the game is DoA. Honestly I think it will never be playable.
Highly recommend you check out some of Joppa’s live streams. The things they’ve been revealing, ready to hit the button for EA, is absolutely phenomenal. Animations, armor sets, race models, character customization options, 3 areas…it’s making me so excited.
It is playable RIGHT NOW.
Looks awesome, look forward to trying it one day
Heck ya!
@@xlotux You any idea when it is releasing or when everyone can try it? lol
@@keblin86we know it released in Dec 2024 but don’t have specific dates or pricing yet. Should come out in a few weeks.
Enjoying the content!
Thank you so much!
In 20 years they might make it out of early production.
Early Access in December. I have so much more faith in this game than what major studios have lined up. Throne & Liberty was already a bust, Dune Awakening eh, Pax Dei had some serious trouble…and none of those had the “heart” that Pantheon has.
@@xlotux I bought in a long time ago. i dont remember which level. I need to go check that out.
@@FoereaperGamingdefinitely shoot a message to support if you can’t find the details. They are really responsive! You might be able to download and play right now, who knows!
Awesome Video Lotu thank you for sharing this!!!
Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching!
Short answer? Yes. It is dead.
I 'am' a developer, so I'll offer my opinions on yours regarding the criticism.
1. Graphics & Animations: They've had 10 years to sort all of that out. It's a valid and honestly quite well deserved criticism. 2D and 3D artists are not programmers and programmers are not artists. Rarely do the two disciplines crossover, and even if they do, it's unlikely that you'll do both on any given job. They've had 10 whole years to decide on the art style and animations for said art style. What have the artists been doing this whole time, I wonder? Certainly not creating a specific vision. There is absolutely no excuse for the state of the game. The simple truth is that the development team leads, Chris Perkins in particular, are woefully incompetent at managing such a project and have squandered all of the capital they've raised so far, consequently pushing them into desperation by moving into Early Access to garner more funding to keep this utter failure of a project afloat. If you ignore that simple fact, then you're in complete denial. Also, I and many other people who've had their eye on this project over the past decade all agree that the art style originally was far better than what we have now, pinning another feather of failure into I-have-no-idea-what-I'm-doing Chris "Joppa" Perkins' cap.
2. Core Tenets: This whole section was just a giant nothing burger that didn't really say much of anything. The bottom line is, they can 'talk' about how they've stuck to the core tenets and vision Brad laid out, but at the end of the day the game speaks for itself, and it is 100% unadulterated "Generic MMORPG X" when you boil down its constituent parts. There is absolutely 'nothing' unique about it. Everquest is still played today for a number of reasons, one of which is charm, minus the new character models - ugh. Have you so quickly forgotten the mess they tried to pull with their bait and switch earlier this year? These are not quality developers...
3. Solo Options: moot.
4. Content: You seem to ignore the most important aspect of content of any kind; is it fun? This game looks as dull as mud to me. I was there day one in EQ and have played all of the best MMOs, and some of the lesser ones over the years, and Pantheon looks exactly like all of those run-o-the-mill generic survival games released in Unity. What you're looking at now is the foundation of the game. That will not change unless they completely overhaul the whole thing, and they cannot afford to do that. So while you'll sit here with rose colored glasses expecting things to change dramatically over the coming development pipelines, I'm here to tell ya, most of what you see is there to stay, and you'll all invariably end up sitting there in your chair like that little dog meme with the entire house on fire saying "this is fine", wondering why it's still the same hot garbage it was when EA launched. No. It's not fine.
Visionary Realms has had more than enough time to sort out the game and get it to a reasonable state for release. They have failed to do exactly that. They deserve every single piece of negative criticism. In fact, they've earned it. Even if they wanted to completely overhaul the foundation after release, the game would be dead long before that plan ever came to fruition.
With a budget of $2.5 million and 18 months, Mythic Entertainment made one of the best MMORPGs ever made. That game released with three completely separate factions with largely unique classes for each faction, all with complete, fully-fledged game worlds filled with dungeons and cities and PVP arenas, etc. I repeat, all of that in 18 months. That game is called Dark Age of Camelot and is still played today.
I'm sick of people making excuses for these jokers...
Great video Lotu!
Thank you! Love your profile logo by the way! Ranger was my first class in Pantheon and Shaman is my main! 😊
i pledged last month, love it so far!!
YES! Welcome to Terminus!!!
Me too ;-)
Im happy you like the game but sorry i just get chronicles of Elyria vibes. I hope im wrong.
I’m not familiar with that game?
You can play right now. Or wait fot early access. I don't know where you get that from.
Are you sponsored by them? A lot of what you say seems like a marketing script
I paid Visionary Realms to test the game…so it’s a reverse sponsor. ;) Honestly though, I made this video because it’s all things I talk about live on stream and I see concerns about so frequently. I believe all of these things and want people to understand how solid this game is and will be.
She is just telling the truth. Most people playing right now really like it.
It died when Brad did. Many years ago. Ive been in since PA1 with Brad. All the changes and dumbing down of what this game was supposed to be is just sad to see. Terminus was supposed to be dark and dangerous not sunny and wow cartoon graphics. We had more classes and races in PA1 than now. We went thru grey box period and long bouts of nothing. This game may come out and its just going to ba a vanilla mmo like all others unlike what the original vision was. Like it or not Pantheon has fallen and cant get up
Impressive video
Thank you so much, I appreciate the feedback! 🎉
If it doesn’t come out before EverCraft….
I won't play this if there's a single microtransaction of any kind.
I’m not sure exactly what your definitely of microtransaction is but I do think there will be an in-game shop (way down the road). I think most people agree having an in-game shop is fine so long as it’s cosmetic-only and doesn’t have a hint of a smell of pay to win, especially if it means lower subscriptions and helps support the development of the game long-term. I’ve heard many discussions about the shop and I can tell so much care and intentionally will surround how it’s done.
@xlotux I have a personal email correspondence from Brad McQuaid saying that Pantheon would never have any microtransactions, not even cosmetics or an in-game store. Cosmetics for money have no place in RPGs because it ruins the immersion. Your gear should tell a story about where you've been, not how much money you've spent. Game development can be supported via box price and sub price, which is a noble, up-front business practice.
@@WhyYouAskingMehow cool you have that email just in general! Really neat. That being said I agree with you overall in an ideal world-we will see what happens.
no. no Pantheon has NOT been in development for 10 years.... starting the dev timer at the ANNOUNCEMENT ON KICKSTARTER is silly... it didnt go into development till much later. nvm people are daft
Completely disagree about the graphics. They are already outdated. A 10-12 year developed game will come to market in 2025/26 with 1999 graphics style. I strongly dislike the painted art style. I expected better. This is a non-starter for me.
I totally get personal preference and if the game isn’t the style you like. That being said the new armor sets, VFX, and race models are pretty cool if you haven’t seen them (released Friday).
10 years in development and it looks worse then WoW Vanilla, I don't care about graphics but combat? the combat looks clunky and boring mostly melee from what I see is very very bad...animations and effects for now look terrible, I will try it in December.
I think you’ll be surprised how good it feels, I promise!
10 years of development and they don't even have an in game map. You would think they would have learned from the mistakes of the original EQ games.
There does plan to be a “map” but no GPS.
Its not a mistake, its a design decision, one that i utterly support. Probably not a game for you.
i lvoe fortnite gonna go play it right now
the Only one I play
others seem bland as hell
No other MMORPG I see available right now have “heart”, IMO.
@@xlotux throne and liberty? 🤣
gw2 ?
ff14?
BDO ?
teso?
nope ty indeed.
Only Pantheon for me
@@CestPasFaux-kt9zqI’m interested in Dune Awakening when it comes out but I think it will rely heavily on the success of the movie and not actually be fun? But that’s just me making assumptions. I agree with you though.
@@xlotux MMo pvp Survivals like Dune are always horrible. I played last Oasis,Mortal online2, albion
Was gank over gank by zergs 15v2.
Pass on this one. Open world Pvp is a plague.
You have to make pve / pvp / pvx servers but only pvx servers ? Never again
All 16 years kids from fornite will join just to be pain in the ass
"Over 10 years now." Pretty sure it was announced in 2011, and it's still over a year from SUPPOSEDLY being released. After the picture of the woke team of 'developers' it was clear that this is an obvious cash grab.
Edit: Even the gameplay video in this is a huge downgrade from the original.
Bahahaha well, sounds like you have your mind made up 😂 To say a game that accepted NO outside corporate sponsors for the sake of protecting the vision of a game is a “cash grab” well, sounds like we have wildly different definitions of what a cash grab actually is.
@@xlotux Stealing cash from people that believe in a product is pretty straight forward. I really don't even know how you possibly have a different definition of it. They actually did sign with Visionary Realms, and they at some point were trying to get funding from Sony, again.
It's been in development for over 12 years, it looks worse now than it did 6 years ago, and it's still not even in Alpha. They were claiming it was about to be in Alpha like 4 years ago. It's clearly a scam; get over it.
@@xlotux Stealing cash from people that believe in a product is pretty straight forward. I really don't even know how you possibly have a different definition of it. They actually did sign with Visionary Realms, and they at some point were trying to get funding from Sony, again.
It's been in development for over 12 years, it looks worse now than it did 6 years ago, and it's still not even in Alpha. They were claiming it was about to be in Alpha like 4 years ago. It's clearly a scam.
@@xlotux Taking cash from people that believe in a product is pretty straight forward. I really don't even know how you possibly have a different definition of it. They actually did sign with Visionary Realms, and they at some point were trying to get funding from Sony, again.
It's been in development for over 12 years, it looks worse now than it did 6 years ago, and it's still not even in Alpha. They were claiming it was about to be in Alpha like 4 years ago. It's clearly a scam; get over it.
Stealing cash from people that believe in a product is pretty straight forward. I really don't even know how you possibly have a different definition of it. They actually did sign with Visionary Realms, and they at some point were trying to get funding from Sony, again.
It's been in development for over 12 years, it looks worse now than it did 6 years ago, and it's still not even in Alpha. They were claiming it was about to be in Alpha like 4 years ago. It's clearly a grab.
I just can't. So naive. So optimistic. Over ten years of development and the only race they have is human... calling what they have "progress". Sorry nope. I was there back when Brad was playing the pre-pre-alpha and watched those videos. You think this game is going to last 20 years. Oh sweet summer child. For your sake I hope it does but I've been following it since the original kickstarter and have zero faith in this. All you are doing is setting yourself up for massive disappointment.
Welp, if you ever change your mind, 4 races were just added, another visual update, VFX update, emotes, armor sets…and plenty more to come in EA. :) Testing is extremely alive and servers are stable! Can’t wait for more people to play come December.
So condescending. You probably are not a tester, if you were you would know that things are completely different now.
Pantheon is DOA. They are dropping an RPG into an OCEAN of better RPGs that came out 20 years ago.
Well I disagree, thus, the video. 👀😅
Been a backer since start, they eliminated my Knight tier and reduced me to supporter. And ya the graphics change is a huge change, and you drink way too much frickin koolaid (wicked smart? Your wicked stupid!). Ever since Brad died thay proceeded to lie to us and underdeliver, you can lie to yourself all you want all you want, this is not an acceptable way to develop a game.
LOL 20 years? I gave them 2 tops! Can't wait to revisist this fangirl video in two years and see how wrong you are.
maybe you should just move on and the let the rest of us have a good time. I'm sure there's something out there, you'll enjoy. This apparently is not it.
I’m sorry your pledge tier got shifted, I’m sure that was a bit frustrating. Have you played any of the recent seasons since you still have game access with your supporter pledge? I’m curious if your mind has been made up by your previous experiences or if you’ve taken the time to see how the game has continued to develop, which was my whole purpose in making the video.
Pink lemonade was my favorite kool-aid though, in case you were wondering. 🫡
I had a Knight's Pledge also (though bought in 2014, maybe yours was bought later?) and I am Champion tier. Maybe you should take a look again?
I am knight tier as well. Not downgraded. Either you misremember your tier or there was a technical problem and you should contact support.
Personally I think this game is doa and brings nothing new to the industry.
Is there a modern MMO that has in your opinion? Seems like Pantheon is the oddball out while everything else wants to be Final Fantasy or World of Warcraft.
@@xlotux modern no, modern games are all wow clones that prioritize repeat transactions over player customization or exploration or role play. IMO mmos have not been good since eq or anarchy online or SWG. The industry IMO has been ruined by sales and marketing teams pushing battle passes or cash shops, chasing wows fame or fortnight mechanics. I prefer to play older games or emulators and keep my $$$ in my pocket.
@@AithosRPFair enough and I agree, no modern MMO has “itched that scratch” that people are looking for. Thats why I believe in Pantheon is because they also acknowledge that and are building a game that has those classic foundations. NBD if it isn’t for you, that’s just one of the reasons I want it to succeed. It’s showing these big studios that maybe indie can do it better.
@@xlotux I agree, I have faith in indie too. I play AO and SWG to this date as no modern mmorpg comes close to offering that level of customization. AAA investors only want the next wow so imo creativity has been killed and squashed in the industry…. and it’s reverted to only focusing on the needs of investors. That’s why large gaming companies are finally crashing and burning they did not focus on building quality products or innovating. For 20 years it’s been tab target, microtransactions, and linear skill progression……
You got good energy. Great video! =^..^=
Thank you!!
ye it ded
Hard disagree
@@xlotux ye u right actually. solid vid, too
10 years to be out into early access with no end in sight? Yeah, this is going to fail for sure. Change of art direction 10 years in? Another massive red flag. It doesn't even look good and the animations are abysmal. I've watched a stream of it recently and it looks no different than any other bargain bin MMO that has saturated the market. It looks absolutely boring running node to node to gather. Nothing special and will be forgotten quickly if it ever does release.
Ok pale
Go throne and liberty :)
It's a remake of Everquest and the ridiculous grind that game embraced. If it ever actually releases, it won't do well.
I am so excited a game will embrace a slower-pace. I loaded in to retail WoW for the first time, finished the tutorial, and was level 12 with multiple abilities and a full inventory. That seems SO inflated it seemed like a joke.
Strongly disagree
If there weren't people who loved the slower pace of advancement, you might be right. But as they recommended in DnD dungeon master's guide, overly fast advancement and too many magical items, leads to an ultimately unsatisfying campaign. Twenty years after first playing Everquest I went back and it was still awesome. Its slow pace allowed me to really get to know and love each zone. If Pantheon can capture this I'm all in. There are endless super-easy wow style MMOs out there for the impatient to play, but for the rest of us there's hardly anything.
@@duncanwallace7760the pace of this game is one of the things that drew me in. The game treated me like a capable, smart adult who could work hard and play the game to earn my rewards. In a world where most games treat me like a brainless zombie who needs to be spoon-fed everything, it was a really nice change. Hope to see you in Terminus!
I dunno I read getting to the current max level took hours. When I played EQ back in the day some levels like level 54 took me a month.
they dumb down the game they have no clue what there doing this is fact this game is dead and never going come out and i sure they will dumb down the game to stick toon
HA. This is the LEAST dumbed down game I’ve ever played, and that’s what makes it awesome. Most games these days have the silliest tutorials, have a dot on your screen to show you where to go at all times, and you’re level 50 before you’ve learned your combat mechanics correctly. 😂