Patch Notes, Sunday, May 29th, 2011

[mwatt]

Like many of us, I've always been dismayed by the stupidity of many of SOE's descisions as EQ evolved. In general, these stupid decisions accumulated until the game was no longer the game. Sometimes, even in SOE land, common sense prevailed and certain really bad decisions got reversed, e.g. root overwriting snare and the forward-moving dot nerf. Nonetheless, on the whole, SOE eventually ruined their own lands, as it were.

That is why I am so damn thankful for the people that were/are resposible for the development and maintenance of a classic version of EQ. A major part of the commitment for the hosting of a classic EQ is the commitment to keep things classic. Without that commitment, well intended changes would end up morphing game play away from what was not perfect, but nonetheless the most engrossing game that many of have ever played. The stance that the devs have taken is absolutely essential. Classic should be reproduced as accurately as possible. Some of what they emulate will not be popular with some players and some of it will be wildly unpopular with most. They have no choice if they want to remake the classic experience.

So, despite the fact that I detest the root/snare nerf and am dismayed by the dot nerf, I support what they have done - as should anyone who cherishes the real EQ experience. I take some solace in the fact that the root/snare thing will go away in Velious. The dot nerf, I'll just have to put up with.

Once again, thanks devs for ALL that you do.