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I am probably one of the older players. I started playing at the request of my grandson, and I have found the game to be quite fun despite many, many shortcomings (as compared to real MMORPGs).
I played EQ for 6 years, SWG for 1, and now Vanguard for almost a year, so I am used to many features that are lacking in PoTC.
The Good:
- Nice water graphics, especially the reflections, water color, and waves.
- I really like the sea battles, and the feel of maneuvering the ship.
- I like the skill point system for each weapon and sailing skills.
- The 'light-in-the-sky' for quest directions.
- Poker and Blackjack - well done !
- The game is a nice 'entry level' MMORPG. A good way to introduce those who are new to the genre.
The Bad:
- No first-person view. I hate playing in 3rd person view - too much like old Diablo I & II.
- It's hard to tell which NPC's have quests to offer. I have approached some NPCs several times, and they have nothing for me, then after I level-up they have a quest for me. But I would never know it unless I talk to every NPC every time I level up.
- Once I complete a quest, I often have no idea where to find the NPC who gave it to me.
- NPC targeting. When fighting multiple mobs, my target seems to switch from one to another. And the targeting for the voodoo doll is really awkward. Once you click on a target, it should remain your target until dead or until you switch to another.
- Too many invisible walls/barriers that prevent me from moving.
The Ugly:
- The chat system really, really sucks. I understand the need to protect younger players from vulgarity, but you can't even use numbers or other player's names in chat. Also, there isn't any way to repeat a message without re-typing it, or to scroll through missed messages. Really, really bad chat system.
- No global chat, so it's hard to ask for help.
- Very little in-game instructions. For example, I did the dagger quest with Elizabeth Swan. When I finished I went to buy daggers but couldn't because my dagger wasn't level 5. For several levels I had no idea I now had a dagger as my F4 weapon, and I needed to use it in hand-to-hand combat to level it up. That's just one of the many frustrations I have faced - and I'm an experienced player. How can they expect kids like my grandson to figure it out ???
- Did I mention that the chat system sucks ???
Bottom line though, I am enjoying playing with my grandson. He lives 70 miles away and I see him about once a month, so this gives us a chance to do something together more often. When he is isn't playing, I like to solo the sea battles, or play poker - but eventually I head back to Vanguard.
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