Since the announcement that Elder Scrolls Online will be coming to the next generation consoles there has been a huge debate if this is actually a good thing or not.
There are many Hardcore PC MMO fans out there thinking why, why did they have to bring this game out for console. This game could have been great and now I am totally skeptical about it once again. The thing people have to remember is that ESO was developed for PC in mind. They are only porting it to the console and not the other way around.
The changes they will make for consoles is purely User Interface. Zenimax has confirmed this multiple times. But, the big difference on people’s minds is still what end game content can we expect, now that it is porting to console, especially PvE.
So Lets Dive Right Into The Debate.
End Game PvE, What Can We Expect?
The problem we have now is because ESO will be on the consoles, what can we actually expect for end game PvE. The reason being, if end game PvE fails to deliver a challenge, people will put down the console release and move on.
I do not share this opinion, however, using a controller on the console will undoubtedly put you at a disadvantage when you compare it to the keyboard and mouse. Keyboard and mouse will always be quicker for selecting spells and potions to use. So given the slower reaction time due to using the controller, will Zenimax have to make end game PvE easier for all consoles?
The Combat System’s Set-Up
Well, to answer this you have to look at the combat system ESO offers. There are five abilities and one ultimate ability. Although it will be slower to select those spells using a controller you will only be losing a second or 2. Besides the fact that most of your damage mitigation and damage output will be greatly impacted by passive abilities that you do not have to select during combat.
Zenimax have also confirmed that most healing abilities will be AoE ( Area of Effect ). Due to the combat system, melee type classes will be doing most of their damage without needing to press hot keys, and only having to do so when enough stamina has been regenerated. Even then you will always have your favorite, go to, damage ability you will use most of the time.
All in all, I don’t think Zenimax will have to change anything in PvE due to controllers. They may be slower at selecting spells, but the unique combat system shouldn’t make a huge amount of difference. Compared to a game like WoW, there are so many abilities that are just not compatible with a controller.
If Zenimax doesn’t deliver on challenging PvE content, I think we can safely say this won’t be due to console release, but Zenimax’s own failings.
Published: Jun 24, 2013 02:25 pm