So I was talking with Dave (Panzer) via email, and I mention my plans to develop a community in ESO just like a did with SWTOR. (Only this time actually recruit within the game instead of just within my friends list)

Dave tells me he had heard ESO was a WoW clone.

That is STAGGERING news considering the game JUST went into BETA, and every single feature is so FAR from being a WoW clone I am baffled at how that’s even phrasing people are using to describe this game.

The reason I’m excited about ESO is because its been a year and a half and I’m still frothing at the mouth playing Skyrim. Hell I play Oblivion every now and then as well.

The features announced and already implemented in the BETA are mind bogglingly good.

Some examples:

Each class is allowed to wear whatever armor and equip whatever weapons they want. Fucking. Period.

You want to be a plate mage with a battle-axe? Go for it.

Want to run around in a dress and shoot arrows everywhere? Do it.

Your class you pick offers different unlockable abilities. Those abilities can interact with other classes abilities.

An example that has been used: A Thief throws down an oil slick that causes enemies to slip and fall. Along comes your mage friend WHO THEN SETS THAT OIL SLICK ON FIRE. But get this: The enemies you fight, IMPLEMENT STRATEGIES OF THEIR OWN.

One does not simply “pull that group”. If you attack a group of 5, and a group of 4 see you do it, they’ll haul ass over and engage you as well, and use abilities together just like you do.

The abilities themselves though: even more in-depth: There is no rotation. In Skyrim you swing your sword, block with your shield or shoot your spells with the mouse buttons. In ESO, its the same thing, except that you have a choice between several “utility” based abilities that as I mentioned before, can do more than just what they do on their own.

Along with all of this, they’ve said that the Day and Night cycle will actually affect the game.

If it’s night time in a town: shops are closed and stealth based characters get a bonus to sneak. Ranged classes have a diminished range on abilities.

If it’s day time, the opposite happens. Ranged classes can see farther, sneak classes are more easily visible and all the shops are open.

If this tid bit of information doesn’t whet your appetite, head over to Elderscrollsonline.com or check out one of the MANY fan sites already surrounding it.

Also, DEFINITELY check out the trailer. It’s BAD ASS

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0jNT5cMwxw0

Grokk out