Embers Adrift MMORPG in 2023

#embersadrift #mmorpg #everquest
Is the ‪@EmbersAdrift‬ MMORPG fun to play in 2023? How "classic" is it? Is it "Pay to Win?"
✨ MMO Channels Referenced in the Video ✨
‪@AsmonTV‬
‪@TheLazyPeon‬
‪@BrightlifeMMOs‬
‪@SuperBitsandBob‬
✨ Timeline ✨
00:00 Embers Adrift Summary
00:40 Old School Community
01:23 Old School Combat
03:30 What's Wrong with Embers Adrift?
08:07 What Embers Adrift Does Right

[@michaelmorrison5280]

I had fun with it for a couple weekends. The game definitely needs some work though. Playing a warrior with three abilities in P99 is still more enjoyable than playing a Juggernaut with 5 or more abilities in EA, and I think a lot of that boils down to risk. While the dungeon mobs have similar difficulty to P99 mobs, the open-world mobs do not. The combat is much less RNG than in Everquest so the fights feel less like a gamble of resources and more like a predictable slog. Furthermore the mob leashing makes a pretty critical difference. EA uses a pretty basic version of mob-leashing so even if you find yourself outmatched in a fight all you need to do is exit combat stance and run about 80 yards away to safety--as far as I can tell only the wolves do anything to slow you down. Alternatively, in EQ, you're left in a panic as you try to figure out the nearest zone line and gambling to see if you can make it there before the mob wears down your health to zero. Norrath just feels way less safe and predictable, which makes the game so much more immersive.

[@MarleMMO]

I hear you, and thank you for expanding on what Embers Adrift needs to improve related to their classic roots. I also agree that I felt far less danger in EA than in EQ. Hopefully they will be able to tune to better replicate that sense of threat. 💖

[@emmacleveland5639]

Really looking forward to playing this game with my dad, I grew up watching him play EverQuest and have loved video games ever since, (one Christmas the caved and bought me my first pc that we built together because he was sick of me using his 😂)

[@MarleMMO]

Hey! Same here (first MMO was EQ as a result of watching my friend's dad play it). Glad to read that you plan to duo with your father -- what fun! 💖

[@YarrowKass]

I haven't seen this game outside of your review here but from all the footage I'd agree with your assessment completely. I played Everquest on release and one other thing that's rarely mentioned about older MMOs is the way other players bridge that gap between your level disparities. When I logged in on March of 1999 on my fresh Wood Elf Druid my first encounter with another player was a 14+ Halfling Druid who guided me safely down the winding boughs of Kelethin and pointed me to the newbie yard and left me with a SoW. I already had goals set from that point on. I would find my way across the world like they did to give the same buffs and guidance to someone else starting out in a totally different starting zone. EQ for me was all about helping others with less knowledge or time than you with directions, a buff, clearing out dungeon trash to get them to a camp, sharpening a rusty weapon or crafting their patchwork/banded armor just at the cost of materials.

[@MarleMMO]

Your memory of early EQ is precisely the right type of socialization a group based MMO should strive to create; there are so many implicit moments that function as unofficial quests. Oh, what's a SOW? Woah -- it makes me /this/ much faster? When can I learn it? Oh, in 10 more levels? Deal! .. and so on. There was a similar feeling in vanilla WoW although to a lesser extent. Unfortunately, I never felt this pull in Embers Adrift yet. Hopefully they can continue to address it. 💖

[@BryanRobinson0909]

I know this was posted almost two weeks ago, but in that time a new patch with new mobs, a new zone, some QoL updates and (whether intended or not) optimization improvements have gone into place. I come from P99 and have found a faithful group of players so we have been grinding. The devs wanted a "low fantasy" setting, so magic is rare (in the form of Ember). They've built into the lore a planned expansion of skills that will develop around the discovery of alchemy based on the Ember. I think this is their plan to introduce more "magical" abilities without trashing the lore side of things. They recent put out a roadmap through Q4'23. Hoping to see more players give it a go this year. Price dropped as well. Thanks for the review!

[@MarleMMO]

Thank you for updated information! Do you know of performance has notably improved since the patch dropped? 💖

[@BryanRobinson0909]

@@MarleMMO I have noticed it, and so have others. The first two zones (valley and Northreach) still feel a bit jittery at times, but being in Meadowlands, EVs and CVs seemed pretty smooth. I even tinkered with turning up my settings.

[@MarleMMO]

I'm glad to read! 🥰

[@jshtng78]

The classic MMOs were the AAA releases of their day, which is why they had to follow the same path as later 'mainstream' titles and make casual oriented changes and also why they had such a breadth of content and better detail in design compared to modern indie attempts at reviving them. You say their problems are due to 'time and tuning' but in truth it's 'money and staff'. EQ at launch probably had more people in their art department alone than the entire EA dev team.

[@MarleMMO]

Yes, those are one & the same, and you are right to view an indie attempt differently than a AAA release -- the challenge for the consumer is the price tag (~$40 + mandatory subscription) which can be even more expensive than a AAA MMO. For this reason, I compared them more closely, although you are correct to specify the differences. 💖

[@ZenfulGoose]

Glad you are back to uploading more :) Been eyeing this game for a long while now. Glad to see its progress coming, hoping it will be in a better state in the next couple years. Gorgon is missing.. something for me, so I hope this can give that feeling of groups being fun for me if and whenever I end up getting it. Great video!

[@MarleMMO]

Thank you for the kind words! Yeah, Embers Adrift is far more group centric although Project Gorgon feels far more polished and performant at this point. ♥️

[@casediedwell5094]

I tried it on a Free Play Weekend a few weeks back and the player controller was SO bad that I didn't make it more than 100 yards into the map. It's such an important thing and EA just FAILS at it.

[@MarleMMO]

Interesting. Do you mind expanding on what precisely felt bad about Embers Adrift's character controller? Too janky? Too unresponsive? 💖

[@casediedwell5094]

@@MarleMMO Clunky and OVERLY responsive, actually. Mouse dpi adjustments, in-game adjustments, camera seemed to FLY around.

[@MarleMMO]

@@casediedwell5094, interesting -- thank you for clarifying! 💖

[@fencingfireferret1188]

Man I remember I used to follow this game religiously looking forward to it's eventual release back when it used to be called saga of lucimia. At least some efforts are being made, even if it falls a bit from the mark.

[@MarleMMO]

Yeah, I was following is development like you too. Hopefully it continues to grow and become the MMO it needs to be. 🥰

[@Plaximos]

Embers Adrift will be like Gorgon is in terms of more content and polish, as your aware early acess mmo's or new mmo's just take time. It will be fun, just give it a few years.

[@MarleMMO]

I do wish they used the EA model than releasing, although yes, I agree it should be leaps and bounds better in a few years. 👍

[@Joon]

Great video! I hope they manage to sort the game out.

[@MarleMMO]

I appreciate the kind words! I agree and hope Embers Adrift blossoms into a great 'new' classic MMO. 💖

[@regolith8173]

Well made video. :) I tried out meridian 95 a few days ago. I consider it really interesting to dip into old games, specially MMOs. I also make videos about an kinda old one: OSRS.

[@MarleMMO]

I entirely agree -- and glad to hear! 💖

[@zzzzzzz8473]

excellent points and comparison , such a disconnect / selective memory of what "classic" means . thank you for mentioning things like the abilities , EQ classes have 100s of spells many of which are pure utility / rp , Ultima has 64 spells . there is a big difference in "challenging" content vs arbitrarily restrictive , sure things are "hard" when you have no tools but its not "challenging" , a challenge is in figuring out how you might possibly use a set of tools to manipulate the scenario to overcome it , not just throw more people at . i hope they keep developing , they need way more content and interesting ideas added rather then a slow brainless slugfest masquerading as "hardcore" .

[@MarleMMO]

I appreciate your distinction between challenging vs. restrictive; while EQ did limit your amount of spells to 8 (IIRC), like you said, even by level 9, you had many more from which to pick. Do you slot healing, buffs, CC, or DD? All tough choices with no (necessarily) wrong answers. 💖

[@launzzzz]

The main reason for me to stop Embers after a few days (aside from all the technical issues) was the low fantasy theme. I had no desire to explore the huge zones as it was clear that its just filled with bandits, rabbits, and deers. Who hears "low fantasy" and thinks: "wow, this sounds great!"

[@MarleMMO]

I hear you - the world did feel quite familiar instead of mysterious. 😕

[@coldcrush5921]

Gloria victis has low fantasy and its still incredible. Its a lot different style mmo but it keeps you enthralled even with the low fantasy. But it also has you fighting mainly bandits, tribes and armies instead of deers, bears, and rabbits.

[@MarleMMO]

@@coldcrush5921, Gloria Victis does do a low fantasy world exceptionally well -- I agree. 💖

[@EricN73158]

I felt the same way about p99 with embers. I played embers for about 1-3 hours on the free weekend. I just got board and ended up going back to p99 playing my cleric(51) and druid(40). If I could not get a team with my cleric I could just solo on my druid and it was fun playing my druid again.

[@MarleMMO]

Yeah, I hear you. I wonder how many who tried the free weekend did the same. 💖

[@HellcrushPlays]

It looks like an interesting game, but the barrier to entry is high when you know the end game in not complete.

[@MarleMMO]

I think their approach is for leveling to be 'the game' without a WoW style raid system for top level toons - more 'classic' in style. 🥰

[@emailparagatos]

I really love old school mmo’s 😻 I’m having so much fun with P99 and SWG 👍

[@MarleMMO]

Classics! 🥰

[@Alone_Pker]

As a person who got into classic mmos by finding your channel. I hope it does well I enjoy the old grind with p99 and the endless death loops I get from not knowing what i'm doing and pulling mobs thinking its wow or ff14

[@MarleMMO]

Yeah! Have you had a chance to play EA yet? 🥰

[@Alone_Pker]

@@MarleMMO I have no because I was waiting to see how it played out I'm more interested in project gorgon which I plan on picking up tonight when I get off work

[@MarleMMO]

Awesome! Let me know how you enjoy it. 💖

[@Alone_Pker]

@@MarleMMO I played the demo for a bit found a alternate route out of the tutorial which i thought was cool but still seems a little clunky

[@MarleMMO]

@@Alone_Pker, very clever! 💖

[@armintamzarian4256]

I hope the devs are willing to put the effort in fixing those issues. Could be interesting! Thanks for the videos and the giveaway!

[@MarleMMO]

My pleasure! I hope for the same. 🥰

[@7DragonEyes7]

They are fixing and adding a lot. The patch notes change a lot every week. Totally worth the price for me.

[@MarleMMO]

Glad to hear! Do you consider Embers Adrift your main MMO? 💖

[@7DragonEyes7]

@@MarleMMO I manage a guild in Wotlk Classic, but when I want to have fun playing an MMO I play Embers Adrift. I would play only Embers Adrift if I didn't have to manage my guild.

[@MarleMMO]

@@7DragonEyes7, interesting! Thank you for sharing. 💖

[@xelios654]

Thanks for the review.

[@MarleMMO]

You're welcome! 🥰

[@Kilplix]

i am willing to try/play it but it has some things that keep me to not yet. Most of the times i couldnt even understand if you showed everquest footage or EA. Needs some polishing for sure but it has some soul

[@MarleMMO]

Yeah, it'll be in a far better spot once some polishing occurs! 🥰

[@Deathrabbitt]

The combat in this seems comparable to FFXI which i played and loved. I definitely want to check this game out.

[@MarleMMO]

It is similar! Good comparison. 🥰

[@Deathrabbitt]

​@@MarleMMO would be excited to see more videos on this game if you ever decide to go back to it.

[@MarleMMO]

Thank you for the recommendation! 🥰

[@pwnmeister420]

Hey! That was me in the bear mask and furcoat!!!! That wasssss meeeeee! Sqwonch!!!!

[@MarleMMO]

Hey! It was so fun playing with you! 🥰

[@pwnmeister420]

@@MarleMMO like wise! I remember that central veins run and the salty guy with us lol

[@MarleMMO]

😅😅😅

[@pwnmeister420]

@@MarleMMO not sure of you will play again. But storm haven has made some big changes recently. They added a new dungeon and a level sync system which allows you to level yourself even with someone 5 levels higher than you.

[@MarleMMO]

That's great to hear! I will pop in here and there especially when they smooth out a bit more of the early game. 🥰

[@mattcleveland4962]

Having a blast with this game! Would love a copy to gift to son-in-law! Thanks for the video.

[@MarleMMO]

Glad to hear! My pleasure. 🥰

[@MarleMMO]

Hey Matt, e-mail me using the "business e-mail" in my /about page for a key for your son-in-law. 💖

[@ZenfulGoose]

Btw, your arelith series coming back?

[@MarleMMO]

Yup (I'm waiting for one more session to complete to round out my footage). I also want to publish an underdark series too. 🥰

[@Eoverkill]

look like a game i would try out

[@MarleMMO]

Nice! Did you play a classic MMO back in the day? 💖

[@nala9750]

I want to stick with Embers I love it for a few weeks then I start getting bored.. I love the game it has it's charm for sure, and I think it's a game I will always go back too, but you're right it really needs some fixing. 🙂

[@MarleMMO]

What's your favorite element of Embers Adrift & what needs to be improved? 💖

[@VorpalMace]

One of my biggest issues with Embers Adrift is how generic it looks. I had to think really hard if I played with it or mixed it up with another inde MMORPG.

[@MarleMMO]

Yeah, I hear you. If it had a more unique visual profile, it'd be easier to overlook it's other issues. ♥️

[@rocletss1]

Look interesting

[@MarleMMO]

Embers Adrift is an interesting MMO! What about it in particular piques your interest? 💖

[@ADL510]

Project Gorgon plus New World and Wow all in one….beta version

[@MarleMMO]

In certain ways, yeah -- a 'new' "old school" MMO. 💖

[@dust921]

i still hope u revue planetside2 :)some day best MMO i ever played

[@MarleMMO]

Noted! Thank you for the recommendation. 🥰

[@SDeluxe777]

I'd give this game a whirl, gets me off Arelith for a bit at least!

[@MarleMMO]

Ha! Let me know how you enjoy it! 💖

[@kombatcamera]

good game!

[@MarleMMO]

I'm glad you enjoy EA! 🥰

[@MarleMMO]

Question! ⚡ What do you think about Embers Adrift? Let us know. 👇 The links to EA are below. 👉 🌟 Website: www.embersadrift.com 🌟 DDO's Discord: discord.com/invite/qJfYhJ8 Reminder: I'm gifting a FREE copy of Embers Adrift to a subscriber who comments below within the next week, so let me know if you are interested! 💖

[@MikeeGG]

Another great vid Marle!! You’re easily the best MMO channel out there!

[@MikeeGG]

Def looking to give EA a shot. I’m an EQ guy so I’m constantly looking/waiting for the next mmo I’ll love to release.

[@MarleMMO]

Thank you for the kind words! 💖

[@MarleMMO]

Awesome. It did have certain hints of EQ, yet hopefully more work can be done to get there. 💖

[@SeiyuRavensong]

You picked druid from EQ. Which is to chose a nearly best case senario. How about warrior? Rogue? Etc. Just saying.

[@MarleMMO]

I think both of the options you listed still have far more options: bash, kick, taunt, or backstab - not to mention first aid. Unless you disagree? But the reason I picked a druid is because the class I played in EA is essentially a bard, but that comparison to EQ would be entirely unfair, so I downgraded the example to a druid. 🥰

[@SeiyuRavensong]

@@MarleMMO bash, kick and backstab i belive were a few levels in. From what i know of EA a few levels in and you get more abilitys. Never many, but a few. Maybe on par with half the classes in OLD EQ.. However, the other half of the classes got quite alot of abilitys. Bard, Any mage class. The hybreds, etc. We can hope EA progresses. I just wanted to add that not all the classes in EQ had more to do.

[@MarleMMO]

I hear you yet I would still emphasize the difference at the scale of group composition in EQ even as a warrior vs. what exists in EA currently. But yes, I wouldn't want a viewer with no experience in EQ to assume all classes played like a druid, so thank you for the clarification. 🥰

[@atariplayer3686]

Does this game support ultrawide and super ultrawide resolution?

[@MarleMMO]

Off the top of my head, I do not recall those being an option although it's possible they are -- my apologies. 💖

[@atariplayer3686]

@@MarleMMO Thanks for the info, much appreciate it.

[@MarleMMO]

My pleasure! 💖

[@dupre7416]

I played this game pretty heavily from around November until mid-January before burning out due to many of the issues you mentioned. I like games that have slow leveling. But I still require some sort of progression to keep me coming back. This is where the game fell apart for me. I could play for four solid hours and barely budge my XP bar. Crafting also needs a tremendous amount of improvements. Right now, it's pointless. All you do is build the same thing over and over for xp. You also deconstruct 99% of everything you craft because no one wants meh crafted gear. Drops are *way* better. I've seen that they have opened some new high level areas. I don't think I have the stamina to grind long enough to reach them though. Finally, with only 3 character slots, there's not a lot of low level characters for new players to adventure with. This game is not that great played solo and that's going to turn off a large percentage of new players.

[@MarleMMO]

I wondered how the 'mid-game' would be in Embers Adrift; I presume you have played through the newer zone? ❤️

[@dust921]

lol im sorry but pretty bad . hy DDO is hiring for a map maker & hellgate london needs a VO actor ;) . did u play ARK or M&B banner lord or total war warhammer3 yet pretty fun games

[@MarleMMO]

Yeah! I've played all of those games - great fun! 🥰