Wouldn’t ya know it? As soon as I post my final beta thoughts for Allods Online, they extend the beta for a week. Not really upset, as it gives me more time to play on my Psion and cement my main character choice.
In addition to extending the beta, they have opened it up for everyone with no key. So, if you have been on the fence about Allods and never got a key, now is your chance to try it out!
I was browsing over on Keen’s blog today and saw an amazing Astral Ship video. It was the first Astral video that really made me realize how massive and impressive the Astral ships were. It also makes me realize how unique this experience is going to be. It gave me chills as I watched the video and saw how expansive the Astral is and how team work and communication will be needed. It looks to be a very, very unique experience.
I disagree with Tesh about the teamwork requirement for Astral Ships. He wants Allods Online to drop the group requirement from Astral ships and, while I can understand the wish for solo content, I think doing that will take away a lot of the “epicness” of Astral Ships in battle and exploration.
I think the main ships should keep the group requirement but a second, smaller, ship should be available for personal Astral exploration. Perhaps make some Allods solo instances? That would allow you to own your very own ship and not take away from the grandness of the existing ships.
By the way, I am glad to see my assumption was correct! Allods Online’s “space” battles are a lot better than ST:O’s. Like, a metric ton better. The epic feeling you get from AO’s Astral ships can not be matched in any game, including ST:O.
I find it ironic that, of the MMOs featuring “space” exploration/combat, that ST:O is a distant third. Behind Eve and AO. But, then again, it serves Cryptic right!
Corpse Run 
More accurately, I want smaller soloable ships, so I agree with you. I certainly don’t mind that there are ships that require groups… I just mind that the *only* ships that exist are the ones that require groups. I’ll cite Puzzle Pirates again; smaller, soloable ships absolutely do not have the same uses in the game as the larger ships (as well they shouldn’t, to be honest), but they open up the shipboard gaming to more people. That’s what I’m angling for: smaller, soloable ships available before the endgame. If they are mere scouts, with little firepower and durability, it seems a fair balance to me.
…so, now I have to wonder if they will wipe characters at the end of this newly “open” beta.
I would not be surprised if we saw personal ships in the future, possibly the near future. There are a lot of directions that Astrum Nival can take Allods Online and personal Astral ships are something that just about everyone would enjoy.
I would say bide your time, Tesh. Level to the cap, have fun in the instances, do some crafting and partake in Astral Ship fun when you can. Eventually, I am willing to bet you will see those personal Astral ships! 🙂
Oh, I’ll certainly have fun in the game. I’m not waiting until they do it my way… but I do think it’s a good idea. 😉
Woooooooooooo!
Any post that gives Cryptic stick is one I can agree with 🙂
…….and here was me tempted by Champions Online for £10 in a bargain bin just last week.