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great game - often frustrating

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 18 / 21
Date: November 06, 2002
Author: Amazon User

The great thing about this MMORPG (massive multiplayer online roleplaying game) is the fact that you have the option to level/XP in relative safety of your own realm, and then when you feel like it zoom off to the PVP areas where you can kill and be killed by other PC's to your hearts content.
There are on average 4 races and 12 different classes in each of 3 different realms that are at war with each other. Each realm has 2 relic Keeps (housing relics) and 7 frontier forts (used to defend the frontier), enemy realms can take your forts, invade your frontier (not your homeland) and make attempts to steal your relics (which they then take back to their own relic keeps, and gain bonuses to magic or melee - depending on the relic).
Each realm is very different visually, and class/race wise. Thats the beauty of this game, its almost like 3 games in one in that you can play a different realm on a different server (Midgard on one, Hibernia on another and Albion on another).
The drawbacks of the game are the graphical engine, people mention epic battles. But you cant enjoy an epic battle, a keep taking, or a relic stealing without your FRAMES PER SECOND going down into the single digits - often down to less than 2. This is to be rectified in the upcoming expansion - SHROUDED ISLES - which appears on the shelves . . .. The expansion will contain an updated version of the engine which will allow you to make full use of the power of your graphics card.
Its a very fun game, but be warned, the whole game is geared towards playing with 7 other people in a group, which enables you to xp very efficiently (choosing the right classes to be in that group is evn mor eimportant) - you CAN solo xp, but be advised that for the majority of classes, this is a much slower task than grouping with other people (some classes can actually xp faster solo in earlier levels than they can in groups).
Another drawback of this game is that once you hit the max level (level 50) the only things you have left to do is RVR (fighting other realms) and searching for items to better your character, that and roll another character (being as there are 36 total across the realms - you wont exactly get bored).

Excellent add on to the great MMORPG

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 11 / 12
Date: January 10, 2003
Author: Amazon User

Shrouded Isles is the first expansion for the massive multiplayer role playing game "The Dark ages of Camelot" or DAoC for short.

To understand a bit about the game's back story, DAoC makes wonderful use of three seperate mythologies: English, Celtic and Norse. You can create a character in any one of these lands.

Mythic, the company behind DAoC, made a wise decision in basing their game on actual mythology, as it has both an accessibility and a richness and resonance not found in the competitors. Those people drawn to the role playing elements of the game, have more to work with, and it's easier to fathom what constitutes an acceptable name, for example.

The lands reflect the research and forethought which went into the design of the game. For example, each of the lands has a capital city. Obviously there's camelot for Albion (aka England), but in Hibernia (Irish/Celtic mythology) the capital city is Tir Na Nog, or the celtic land of the fairies. If you've ever travelled in Ireland or england, you almost can't help but smile to see landmarks on the map like the cliffs of Moher or the Salisbury plain, with a dungeon entrance inside a strange but familiar set of stone monoliths called Stonehenge.

As for game mechanics, this is probably one of the most hotly contested issues within the DAoC community. DAoC has a large number of classes spread amongst the three realms, and one of DAoC's innovations was the design of the game as a player vs. player environment.

As a new player you choose a realm, and a character class and proceed to age or level your character via combatting NPC creatures alone or in groups, or by doing quests and tasks. You could if you chose to, never leave the safety of your home realm, and avoid ever having to deal with the unpleasant prospect of being attacked or preyed upon by other players. In general home realms feature a lot of cooperation and esprit de cour, and DAoC offers enough guild functions to support the concept of persistent player organizations within the realms.

Eventually, most people want to taste combat against these other realms, and DAoC provides an ingenous mechanism which allows players to enter these dangerous frontiers when they choose to, yet still retreat safely to their homeland when they want to continue to gain experience or engage in the local trade economy.

In many ways Guild features are the backbone of the RvR system, since the guilds and alliances of guilds really are the engine which drives the ebb and flow of player vs player combat. DAoC does feature large scale combat, and in fact, really requires that substantial numbers of people work together in forming armies for sieging and attempts to steal and hold enemy relics.

Each realm's frontier zone contains keeps which can be sieged and held, and castles containing relics which can be stolen and held to the benefit of bonuses for magic users or weapon yielding folk throughout the land.

The realm vs. realm or RvR combat continues to undergo constant tuning, as popularity and success in combat of the various realms and classes reveals ways in which some classes are either bugged or too powerful.

In SI, part of the value of the expansion is the introduction of two new classes in each realm, with distinct capabilities. Depending on your outlook, Mythic is either ambitious or crazy, but no one can accuse them of being complacent or risk averse.

Although not specifically a part of SI, Mythic also installed spellcrafting around the time of the release, as part of it's continued commitment to providing a robust tradeskills system and economy. Spellcrafting and alchemy allow players to train their skills in adding magical properties to the player made weapons and armor, and allowing them to compete with the rare item drops which previously often required dedication to endless hours of killing NPC creatures.

One of the quaint touches in DAoC was it's somewhat antiquated engine, and the rendering of terrain and objects. One of the things SI provides is an enhanced graphics engine, which ostensibly provides performance improvements, but also is harder on and less forgiving of older graphics cards. There's some noticeable eye candy like reflective water, but the graphics engine really isn't really the main point of interest in SI, in comparison to the new lands available for exploration, and the new classes.

SI is really an evolutionary step, and one which every DAoC player will no doubt want to invest in. It's not a 2.0 game, although I commend Mythic for working to make what in essence amounts to an unlocking of new content, a worthwhile purchase that also addresses issues with the game. They've also designed SI so that it can still coexist in relative peace with those DAoC players who don't want to spring for the add-on.

But it's probably worth noting that Mythic has continued to earn the dedication of its customers, by adding in new content, and capabilites, as well as special interest server types ever since the release of the DAoC.

In addressing the complaints and shortcomings of the RvR system, they had, prior to Shrouded Isles, introduced a massive dungeon called Darkness Falls, which also added a new wrinkle and importance to the possession of frontier keeps.

It seems to me that Mythic continues to consider itself the underdog in the MMORPG wars, and as such is working very hard to make their game the best it can be. There really is more nuance and variety to DAoC than that offered by any of it's competitors (with the excepction perhaps of Anarchy online) and that has kept players interested in the game, and Mythic's subscriber revenues solid.

Shrouded Isles requires DAoC, but someone new to the game would not have a problem finding the base game and the expansion for the price of the original game. As many people have been playing DAoC for over a year, someone new to the world of DAoC would no doubt find an immense world to explore, experiment with, and learn about. With Shrouded Isles, it's now got an updated graphics engine, new classes, and lands and epic dungeons to explore.

WARNING - Please Read

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 20 / 30
Date: October 08, 2002
Author: Amazon User

Fantastic MMORPG. For those of you who don't know that means Massively Multiuser Online Roleplaying Game. And yes it is online. There's no single player version of the game. A lot of people get confused by that.

The basic concept is that you pick a server on which to play (typically the best is to choose a server that is low population at around 5:30 - 6pm EST. You'll see what i mean once you go through the account setup). After you pick the server you pick your realm:

Albion - The Camelot in DAoC. This realm is based on Arthurian Legend and a lot of the class based 'epic' quests deal with the rising forces of Morgana LeFay and the like.

Midagard - Norse legend here. The hulking Trolls, the bulky Norse, and the vertically challenged kobold are teamed up in defense of this realm.

Hybernia - More of the 'Fairy Legend' somewhat celtic in nature I suppose. Here you have the Elves, Humans and Halflings (called Lurikreen) fighting to defend the realm.

Each realm has its strengths and weaknesses for example Midgaard has the better Fighter Classes, Albion the better Healing classes and Hybernia the better Wizardly classes.

As you work you're way up in level they have dungeons and mini 'RvR' (realm vs. realm) areas to play around in. RvR is fun in that you encounter people's characters from other realms (i.e. you're a Midgardian fighting Hybernians and Albionians).

The game is rich with quests and encounters and I've found it to be much more friendly than Everquest (the other players are nicer).

Excellent game if you like or would like to try the true on-line gaming experience.

Also, in comparison to EverQuest, this game caters to everyone from the powergamer to the 1-2 time a week player. I often find logging on with only 15 minutes to play just as fulfilling as when I have 15 hours =)

New content for a solid, fun game

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 9 / 10
Date: October 19, 2002
Author: Amazon User

...The bottom line is that DAoC is a fun, stable game and if you enjoy fantasy MMOGs then you should definately check it out. Shrouded Isles has a new version of the graphics engine which is a lot faster and simply stunning: even simple things like the leaves on trees, running water, and "real" shadows greatly improve the immersive quality of the visuals. There's also going to be new races, classes and monsters as well as new areas to explore...For current players, the expansion is a must; for new players, it should make joining the DAoC community even more enticing.

Definitey worth the money

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 8 / 9
Date: December 19, 2002
Author: Amazon User

This expansion, with it's new classes, races and zones, makes a great game even better. The new graphics engine has improved the frame rate in large RvR events and the starting cities in the new zones are some of the best hunting grounds for lowbie characters. You will also find new "epic" dungeons in the expanded areas and a large "outdoor dungeon" crawling with some of the most challenging PvE mobs in the game. And if you are a crafter... here, you will have access to crafting towns with *all* materials as well as forge, lathe, alchemy table and vault.

If you are serious about Dark Age of Camelot, you will D E F I N I T E L Y want this expansion.

Fun for the first few weeks

2 Rating: 2, Useful: 9 / 12
Date: June 04, 2003
Author: Amazon User

This is the expansion to Dark Ages of Camelot which launched about 19 mos ago. It was the smoothest launch of any morg I have played. The graphics and music are great. The end game is Realm vs Realm (RVR) where u battle the other two realms.

The game is level based with max levels of 50. This expansion added new zones to hunt for higher lvls which was badly needed. Most of the zones go unused like a lot of expansion packs. The city of Avalon is the most populated area in the expansion and it drops great loot and exp for players from 35-50, it's darkness falls without the other realms visiting you.

The problem with DAOC is the fact that the game is SOOOO unbalanced. It is casters casters casters. Tanks, especially in Albion, don't stand a chance in rvr. Good nukers can take down a tank before they ever get close to them. There have been many nights where I was hit for 780/600/500 death before I could get near the caster. He could take me down MUCH faster than I could ever take him down. Mythic is very slow to make any changes in game. They have known about several game changing bugs like the block/parry bug and it took them 19 mos to fix it.

This game is very very entertaining until about lvl 20 then it starts to GRIND. Experience is not linear. It takes about as long to get from lvl 40-50 as it does to get from 1-40. Once you hit 50 you spend all your time in RVR and you better hope your class is not one of the many gimped RVR classes. Some classes are great against npc mobs and totally gimped in RVR.

Shrouded Isles was a decent expansion. It addressed many of the glaring weaknesses in the original game. Those weaknesses were areas to lvl post 40 and additional areas to find items.

Daoc is a good morg but it is slow to evolve and has the worst customer service I have ever seen. There are NOOO mythic controled events nor will you ever get an answer in game from customer service. If you enjoy killing and grinding experience this is the game for you. The RVR is set up in set areas so most of the player vs player is in large groups (zerg vs zerg or worse yet zerg vs your group). The basic rule is largest zerg wins. The one glaring downside to the game is the time it takes to get back into the action. Once you die in RVR it can take as long as 20 minutes for you to get back to the fighting. For the casual gamer that can be prohibitive.

All in all Daoc is worth playing but it has shown very little ability to change. There are better morgs out there.

A truly extraordinary game!

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 7 / 8
Date: December 12, 2002
Author: Amazon User

To those of you who enjoy the fantasy rpg's this is a must!

disclaimer: In case you didn't already know, this is not a stand alonge game, like Warcraft III or Diablo II, instead you must pay a monthly fee to play ([$-$]/mo)for it is on-line only.

The visuals are amazing! With this expansion, SI, you get the improved graphics engine that shows shadowing effects, reflection's in water, amazing sunsets, enhanced spell effects, etc. The gameplay is just as before, with DAOC, however now the menu system has been upgraded and has become a bit more friendly. Additionally you get a few more new races for a player character, and two more classes per realm.

You can play this game SOLO if you wish, or you can, as most do, group up with other players to explore this new realm.

I've played this game for about a year now, and I am still enjoying it :-)

Unbelievable graphics, great game!

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 8 / 11
Date: October 21, 2002
Author: Amazon User

The graphics in the game are unbelievable, you feel totally immersed in the environment around you and it doesn't look cartoon'ish like all other mmorg's we've seen. The graphics are second to none, no one has even come close to this quality.

Customer service is excellent, within the hour I have received replies via e-mail and was able to resolve a frustrating problem over the phone a few times immediately...way to go!!

Having played all the other big name competition games out there I lean towards DAoC as my #1 pick.
After level 50 it is endgame in every sense and yes you do grow bored quickly at 50. However, re-rolling another one of the awesome character class/races is addictive and a new game all over again especially if you choose a new realm/server or try the pvp server. So an expansion with even more new character choices to be made and new lands to explore is an awesome addition to an already great game.

Only negative thing that really bothers me about this game is the necessity to group for efficient experience in character leveling, solo is impossible for most classes and impossible for all from level 45-50. I really hated spending over an hour just trying to put a good group together or not being accepted by a group when playing a not so "group friendly" character. You learn to deal with it, but I would rather have more options to play solo when I feel like it or don't have much time.

Is the Expansion worth it? Definitely!!!!

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 6 / 7
Date: December 16, 2002
Author: Amazon User

One of the greatest aspects of this game is that it's practically 3 and a half games in one. There are three realms that you can play in, Albion, Hibernia, and Midgard. All three are radically different from each other. Albion is the "king arthur" realm, with knights in shining armor, wizards, and clerics. This is also the most "human" realm of the three, with highlanders, britons, saracens, and avalonians, with the exception of the new iconnu race. Hibernia is based on celtic lore and is considered the "magical realm", because many of the classes have a magical twist to them (as well as some of the most powerful caster classes in the game, such as the eldritch). Hibernia has races such as lurikeens(halfling like) celts(humans), elves and firbolgs (huge humanlike beings) Midgard is based mostly on norse mythology, and has some of the best "tank"(melee oriented) classes, such as the warrior and the bezerker. Midgard has the races of trolls, dwarfs norse(human race) and kobolds (short blue strange looking creatures). The half game is the frontier lands of each realm, where the two opposing realms can invade and take over keeps and possibly steal the relics of your realm (there are 6 total, 2 per realm), which give bonuses to your entire realm and gives them a slight advantage in RvR(realm vs. realm).

Players who wish to RvR may do so, and wander the frontiers of their lands to defend against invaders or transport to the enemy lands to take the fight to their own grounds. Players can both attack and defend keeps from the enemy, which can be fun with siege weapons. Those that wish to PvE(player vs. environment) will also find many challenges that they can try. There are many quests that players can do, and dungeons they can venture in for exploration as well as finding rare and unique items from the monsters within.

As for the expansion, what does it add? Well for starters, each realm has an entire new zone that they can explore, and from what I've seen, the new areas are roughly at least 2/3's of the original lands, so there's quite a bit to see and do. There are new dungeons to explore, as well as a new race and 2 new classes per realm (Iconnu for Albion, Valkyn for Midgard, and Sylvan for Hibernia). The game gets a big graphics overhaul and looks stunning for the most part, especially the new water effects. Many of the new monsters in the new lands are high lvl, so they give player alternative places to hunt and explore, and many monsters drop unique items you can't find anywhere else. The game definitely runs a lot smoother, although huge RvR battles still tend to drive the framerate down.

Overall, my only real complaint is that the expansion requires a pretty up to date video card (like Geforce 3 and later) to run smoothly. Many of my friends in the game have complained that the expansion doesnt run very well for them, mainly cause of the video card. But for those that can run it, it is truly a worthy purchase.

i have played this game for about 1 year now

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 9 / 17
Date: November 04, 2002
Author: Amazon User

I have had the privlage to play many online games. ( I.E. EQ,UO,diablo I & II) By far DAOC (as all of us Dark Age Of Cametot players like to call it) has been the funnest and yet simplest online RPG I have come across. Your camera angle is completly under your conTROLL you can go from 1st person to a 90 degree angle above head view at the touch of a button, to make it evev better you can zoom in and out and angle it up and down as well. Movement can be proformed with both mouse and arrow keys its up to you which you like better. As for graphics... its no mario brother game for the game cube... But it sure is close. Like most online games DAOC tends to update/add stuff to the game about every 2 weeks so after you buy the game look forward to many megs of patches to download. and many more to come as they add new items, spells, monsters, quests, and even new abilities.

Game play is also another plus you can set the keyboard any way you want. (I.E. If you want jump to be the [space] u can make it that way) move ment is smoth and very detailed with a desent frame rate.(the better system you have deturmens the quality of frame rate) Charactor progression at the early lvls ( 0 -20 ) is rather easy and after 20 it becomes slower and more chalenging. In each of the 3 realms there are many monsters to fight and certain places to find them. Monsters are also color coded in lettering in a little box that comtains your health, endurance,mana,exp.,and the health bar of who or what u hav targeted. colors represent the amount of lvl diffrence the monster / player is from you: in order gray as super low green,blue,yellow (your lvl), orange, red,and purple(you will die if you attack it)

If all that isn't enough... for all you ICQ, AIM, IRC (u get my point) the chating system is far above all online games. You set a friends list up so you know who in your realm is online and even set up private chats betwenn you and up to 50 of you buddies. there is also a guild system which has its own chat as well as guild officers chat. aliances can be made between guilds and an aliance chat is formed. you form groups of 2-8 people and a group chat is formed. Not to metion the brodcast chat system in towns so you may ask other players for directions and sell your goodies. and last but not least there is main chat that people in a certin area can hear. its not as complicated as it sounds... but i will tell you it is easier than ICQ.

So to say the least this is a must buy for people of all ages. It will become your Life, your world, your family, and your Fun.

oh yea this is a review for the expansion... like this game could get better... they are uptating the graphics engine! as well as new aeras of the world to explore and new classes and races to chose from.

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