Tamriel Infinium: Class changes are a bad reason to pan Elder Scrolls Online Morrowind

    
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Elder Scrolls Online possesses a distinct flavor. I can honestly say that there is no other MMORPG like it. In fact, the whole Elder Scrolls series is unique. The only thing that probably comes close to matching it is the Fallout series, and since that’s made by the same developer, does that really count at all?

But I still know there are people who will still not like the new chapter for Elder Scrolls Online, Morrowind. Opinions abound, and I welcome them. But I also understand that you can be critical of something without pouring blind hate all over it. I appreciate it when people can have an honest, thought-filled discussion about why something doesn’t work for them. It’s kind of a journey of self-discovery, to be honest.

And that’s why I would like to talk about why some people are not going to like Morrowind. Specifically, I would like to talk about some of the more absurd reasons that people have been blowing up the hate on the forums about class changes. Although there might be a little bit of substance to what is being said, many of the underlying reasons are without merit.

Your class is getting nerfed

Yes, I have read the patch notes, and yes, my class is one of the classes that is affected by the nerfs to… well, nearly every stat. I play a Nightblade, and I know about the survivability of the siphoning tree. It’s kind of insane. I have been able to survive some fights just by switching to my secondary bar and spamming siphon. I never run out of Magicka. It needs a nerf, and I’m sure that your favorite class needs a bit of a nerf, too.

As a game ages, players begin to understand the nuances of the mechanics and the holes in class balance. There are going to be nerfs; it’s a way of life. I have a personal philosophy behind class changes: If it doesn’t stop you from doing what your class is supposed to do, then it’s not broken. There might be new difficulties because you no longer have an I-win button, but that doesn’t mean that gameplay is suddenly impossible.

I don’t hold onto the belief that every class should be able to do everything. Classes, and in the case of ESO builds, need to stand on their own. Each build should be good at its own niche. As long as the class is in some way viable in the gaming options available to the player, then it’s not a loss. I could be snarky and say, “Learn 2 Play, noob!” but I won’t.

The Warden class is overpowered

The Warden class is great, and I’ve been playing it on the Public Test Center. However, I don’t think that it will be my main class; I’m sticking with my Nightblade despite the nerfs.

I know that many people are looking at the Warden in the patch notes and questioning why the class seems so overpowered. And I can honestly say that there are a great many things that the Warden does that are pretty easy. I have run into many situations on PTS where I should have been killed, but I wasn’t because of the Warden’s general survivability. Call me an apologist if you like, but I am OK with that, even though I’m not going to be playing that class on the live servers.

When a developer creates a new class in an existing system, that class will have to be a little bit overpowered to begin with. If it is not overpowered, then the class will seem weak next to the other classes that have existed since the beginning of the game. It’s all about perception. Even the most skilled player is going to have to take time to adjust to the new mechanics of the new class. So the developers giving a bit of a boost to the new class is not only acceptable but necessary for the class to function. Expect some nerfs to the class, however, about three to four months after Morrowind launches.

Deltia is quitting Elder Scrolls Online

I’m personally going to miss Deltia making videos about Elder Scrolls Online. He really is one of the best at the game, and he really understands how to explain the nuances of the game to people. However, if you actually listen to the video he made about his departure, it really has nothing to do with the game itself. It was the effect that the game had on his life. It’s difficult to be a full-time gamer, especially focusing on a single game. I don’t know anyone who actually keeps up that pace for long, and he’s done it for years.

We have received tips and messages stating that Deltia is leaving ESO because of the nerfs and the addition of the Warden class. I cannot speak for him; I cannot read his mind. So the only things that I have to go on are the reasons he stated in the video, and none of them had anything directly to do with the new patch changes. In fact, the only specific thing he mentioned regarding stat issues were CP changes from a year ago. I haven’t ever liked Veteran Ranks 2.0 Champion Points myself, and neither did — he for decidedly different reasons.

To a larger point here: You are a human with your own thoughts and opinions, so make your own decisions. Sure, listen to your favorite YouTuber or blogger, but don’t base your decision solely on what one guy on the internet said. That includes what I say — especially what I say. Listen, read, examine what is said, and if it applies, then own it for yourself.

Personally, I’m positive about Morrowind. I’ve been spending far too much time on the PTS because I think it’s so great. I’ve explained what I thought about it earlier this week, and if you’ve read it and agree, then I will see you when the game goes live. If you’ve read it, and disagree, that’s fine, too. Massively OP covers plenty of other great games that you should try.

Traverse the troubled land of Tamriel in the Elder Scrolls Online. Larry Everett will be your guide here in Tamriel Infinium every other week as you explore together the land created by ZeniMax and Bethesda. If you have any burning questions, send them his way via email or via Twitter.
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