So why again did it die when we put up the old version at xmas?
Herpderp
I'm sure an intelligent chap like you can figure out a few reasons for low interest for a persistent, grinding game thats called xmas crpg that have nothing to do with the quality of the experience itself.
New cRPG is obviously by far superior in terms of balance, stability and features, but inferior in one aspect, the most important one. Fun. I dare to point fingers at the multiplier system and the upkeep. They add an enormous need to win. This changed the atmosphere of the mod to hardcore and unforgiving from lighthearted and lulzy. Which was what I loved about the old mod. Silly devs also renamed all the silly items and removed some not realistic ones.
I also preferred the old xp/gold system. Rounds consisted of two huge blobs crashing into eachother, which is ofcourse not perfect. Still I really prefer it over the lone charging that happens now. There was always some sort of teamplay going on. Huge shieldwalls, with awesome skirmishing phases because so many players had a ranged sidearm. I always loved open field maps, you had these epic clashes. Archers and cavalry always supported the infantry, cause thats where the xp was. Nowadays you just see cav spawnrushing or playing with the other cav in some corner.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CneUatAHPAo&t=1m40sThe combat was also faster, still can't believe that nothing has been done about that. WPF has been reduced by half. Every weapon lost atleast 1 speed point, heirlooming gives you 2 less speed than before. The average archer can block me indefinitely, apart from a few nasty tricks.
If old cRPG would be tweaked, it could be so much better than the current cRPG. The old cRPG with a 2-3 month reset would be better than the current cRPG.
In any case, the multiplier has to go. It is a horrible mechanic.