We tend to be quick to criticize, but perhaps less generous in praise.

So...

In my opinion, the launch of OoW went hugely better than GoD.

I can't remember the number of GoD patches, but I think there were several. I do know that I crashed continually in Natimbi. I didn't dare go to other zones for months. The Direct-X change was a fiasco. The level 70 geared mobs for a level 65 game was atrocious.

OoW on the other hand has had one patch so far. The zones are readily playable. I'm not aware of major bugs. There are issues about slow graphics with shadows, but that's about it.

Thank you Sony, and congratulations on the improved launch.

Thicket

Well, the DirectX 9.0 switch (http://eqlive.station.sony.com/updates/recent_updates.jsp?id=61524) (Mar 23/04) wasnt a part of the GoD launch (http://sonyonline.com/corp/press_releases/020904_GOD_ships.html) (Feb 9/04)

It's been pretty smooth, but there really wasnt anything terribly ambitious about it compared to many of the other expansions. There's only 12 zones, 3 of em are instanced. The only major technical additions to the game are the Task system (which is horribly balanced, see the various reactions (http://thedruidsgrove.org/forums/showthread.php?t=9509) to it) and the engine changes (where the success seems to range between no problems, unacceptable lag, to simply not working and crashing the enitre game to desktop.) Combined with a 200-odd meg download even for people who bought the CD version, and well...

Not trying to rain on OoW's parade, they did a good job compared to many other releases. But saying it's a huge improvement is kind of stretching things a bit. They tried a lot of new things in GoD... major instancing overhauls, the new expedition system (very nice change actually).

Wow, I'm defending GoD! /selfbonk

PoP > GoD >>>>>> OOW.

Can't have many good things to say about an anti-caster anti-druid expansion. Hopefully the raid content won't suck and can redeem it in part.

I'm not aware of major bugs.

Not getting XP back randomly upon rez I consider a major bug that as of this afternoon was not repaired and is hindering raids.

Other than that I'd say OOW is a success thus far. I'm impressed

when you say you don't get exp back, are you sure it's revicence being cast on you, or a druid/shammy playing with new call to corpse aa?

I think I'd much rather have a fantastic expansion and a terrible launch rather then a smooth launch and a mediocre expansion. I do agree that this expansion rollout has been the smoothest yet. :)

The no-XP res was confirmed, and the last patch should have fixed that.

I think I'd much rather have a fantastic expansion and a terrible launch rather then a smooth launch and a mediocre expansion.

I agree. PoP pwns this expansion. Hopefully they'll change some things. So far we have no animals, no kiting, fast hitters and no unique AAs. Plus the problem with other classes which actually got some upgrades.

Rovaedne

I'm digging the new expansion so far. I can't give an overall rating until I have my spells and have spent more than 3 nights there for about 14 hours total. Both PoP and GoD took me awhile to warm up to, but so far my initial impression of OoW is better than both.

I think there's going to be a lot to look forward to.

think I'd much rather have a fantastic expansion and a terrible launch rather then a smooth launch and a mediocre expansion. I do agree that this expansion rollout has been the smoothest yet.
Call me greedy but I expect both for my money.

If this was a new company releasing their first expansion I could see giving them some leeway.

With 7 previous expansions under their belt I expect rollouts to be perfect by now or at least damn smooth.