So I've been pondering how to respond to this for a bit, and I guess I'll just get it out since I need to lift this weight from my chest.
When I heard yesterday that there was an update to FH, I was excited. New maps, some upgrades maybe? Yes! I quickly rushed to see the list of updates, and as I read on, the more disappointed I got. Removal of all the maps, addition of these new ones. Maybe it's because I'm an old timer that I was just upset because I was sentimental. After reading the updates I thought "Oh, don't jump to conclusions. Give it a try." So I did. I couldn't get passed the character selection screen, but that was as expected since it was new and there were (and probably still are) some kinks to work out. No fret.
So I asked my friend to get me some screenshots so I could preview. She sent them to me, and it was not what I expected at all.
I found that what made FH so original, so adored by its long-time members and even the new ones, was gone. It was transformed into what could be set up as another Impressive World server. From my own experiences with Impressive World servers, none of them have any originality that causes any one in particular to stick out in my mind. They all just blend together, and I fear that it will happen with the new update.
From the generic designs of the maps (I was sent screenshots of two different maps, both looked exactly the same), to the Impressive Title items and Moonwalk animation, even right down to the portals being globes just like in Impressive Title/World servers, all I could see was a game that was "devolving" back into a game that was shut down a long time ago.
I don't mean to disrespect the staff, I don't doubt that it is incredibly hard and stressful to push out an update that is intended to better a game that was already adored so much. Especially without a source code. I don't doubt that the staff went to great lengths in order to make it possible for the community to enjoy an update. Good on the staff for taking a bold step in a direction that will probably be slightly controversial in the developed community this game has brought together. This is only my opinion, my two cents. And to the staff, I hope you guys can develop a great community around this new version of FH, and good luck to you.
With respect.
