FG2 Review

[Itsa]

This is honestly the worst investment I think I have ever made with regards to gaming. While it works "okay" on a local network. I have had nothing but issues with trying to use it over the internet.
Biggest issues:

1. Unable to establish a connection over the internet. Yes I forwarded the port that I had to search the web for.
2. FG2 suggests using a third party VPN solution instead of fixing the problem
3. All windows that are accessed from within FG2 MUST remain in the FG2 main window. Multiple monitors will not help with available screen real estate.
4. Every time I try to pick up a campaign where it left off it takes about an hour of BS to get started.
5. Character builds are more difficult than they should be, there are better spreadsheets online than what is offered in FG2.


Yes I have networking experience, yes I have some coding experience, no I am not looking for trolls. Just identifying what I perceive as major issues with a system that could be SOOOOOO much better for the cost. This is probably the single most important reason I posted these complaints. For the amount of money that is required to have all of the rule sets (same cost a purchasing all of the books) so your cost is doubled if you already have the books. I am really am surprised there isn't a class action against the company.

Bottom line, the software needs several man years of work to make it user friendly, and worth the money.

[JohnD]

This will go well.

[gqwebb]

This is honestly the worst investment I think I have ever made with regards to gaming. While it works "okay" on a local network. I have had nothing but issues with trying to use it over the internet.
Biggest issues:

1. Unable to establish a connection over the internet. Yes I forwarded the port that I had to search the web for.
2. FG2 suggests using a third party VPN solution instead of fixing the problem
3. All windows that are accessed from within FG2 MUST remain in the FG2 main window. Multiple monitors will not help with available screen real estate.
4. Every time I try to pick up a campaign where it left off it takes about an hour of BS to get started.
5. Character builds are more difficult than they should be, there are better spreadsheets online than what is offered in FG2.


Yes I have networking experience, yes I have some coding experience, no I am not looking for trolls. Just identifying what I perceive as major issues with a system that could be SOOOOOO much better for the cost. This is probably the single most important reason I posted these complaints. For the amount of money that is required to have all of the rule sets (same cost a purchasing all of the books) so your cost is doubled if you already have the books. I am really am surprised there isn't a class action against the company.

Bottom line, the software needs several man years of work to make it user friendly, and worth the money.

Best for me based on my own testing. You do mention a great addition that I would enjoy. 4. Having to re-setup the sessions each time.

as for your other points I would point to Dougs 5e training session. And since this is your first post welcome aboard. PM me if you would like help be glad too.

[LordEntrails]

Well Itsa, I'm glad for your feedback. I'll take you at your word you are not trolling and see if I can offer some help. Even though I'm just a user like you, every opinion counts. Welcome to the community, but I'm guessing you won't be sticking around.

Regarding your biggest issues;
1) This issue, and the numerous possible solutions for it, are well documented elsewhere in these forums. There are also many users who will help out when someone is having these issues and even do web meetings to walk you through the solution. Given this is your first post on the forums, I guess you haven't asked for help.
2) A third party vpn is only one of the possible solutions that you could have tried. And most of the time it is the last recommendation.
3) Yes, all the windows must remain docked within the main window. This is part of the core application, and is common in almost all software applications (and is not unique to FG or even unusual). There is a major architecture change underway which among other things may resolve this, but that won't be until at the earliest 2017. And, lots of users use multiple monitors, you just have to stretch the main screen across both monitors.
4) Not sure what you are experiencing here. It takes me about 15 seconds to pick up where I left off. Again, since this is your first post, guess you didn't want any help.
5) Interesting. FG has never claimed to be a character builder or manager, but I still use it to build my characters with no complaints. Maybe you should ask for advice?

As for your threat of a lawsuit. yea, well. That's useful.

[Itsa]

Well Itsa, I'm glad for your feedback. I'll take you at your word you are not trolling and see if I can offer some help. Even though I'm just a user like you, every opinion counts. Welcome to the community, but I'm guessing you won't be sticking around.

Regarding your biggest issues;
1) This issue, and the numerous possible solutions for it, are well documented elsewhere in these forums. There are also many users who will help out when someone is having these issues and even do web meetings to walk you through the solution. Given this is your first post on the forums, I guess you haven't asked for help.
2) A third party vpn is only one of the possible solutions that you could have tried. And most of the time it is the last recommendation.
3) Yes, all the windows must remain docked within the main window. This is part of the core application, and is common in almost all software applications (and is not unique to FG or even unusual). There is a major architecture change underway which among other things may resolve this, but that won't be until at the earliest 2017. And, lots of users use multiple monitors, you just have to stretch the main screen across both monitors.
4) Not sure what you are experiencing here. It takes me about 15 seconds to pick up where I left off. Again, since this is your first post, guess you didn't want any help.
5) Interesting. FG has never claimed to be a character builder or manager, but I still use it to build my characters with no complaints. Maybe you should ask for advice?


As for your threat of a lawsuit. yea, well. That's useful.

Thanks for the replies.

No threat intended. I am just frustrated to no end.
I fully understand the architecture changes that would be required to allow the "un-docking" of windows, and yes it is a huge task, but a highly beneficial feature.
When you spend north of $250.00 for a software suite it should work without 3rd party fixes. Guess it is my fault for not testing it thoroughly enough, should have known better than to rely so heavily on reviews (yep hypocritical as I am writing this review). Tested it locally, and never thought to test it over the internet.
However I still stand by my comments. If FG is truly working to fix some of these issues, then great. Maybe I will try again after a couple updates. Until then truly a dissatisfied customer.

[damned]

Welcome Itsa

This is honestly the worst investment I think I have ever made with regards to gaming. While it works "okay" on a local network. I have had nothing but issues with trying to use it over the internet.
Biggest issues:

Not to nitpick but this is software to allow you to play games. Its not an investment. It should be coming out of your leisure money.

1. Unable to establish a connection over the internet. Yes I forwarded the port that I had to search the web for.

Its also in the documentation. https://www.fantasygrounds.com/filel...UserManual.pdf
Most people that use the software it works fine for - not because they are networking genii but because their networks UPnP kicks in and it works. This is not always the case.
You need to forward TCP 1802 to your computer and you need to make sure your computers firewall is allowing TCP 1802 in.
There are two common situations that I see that cause additional hassles.
1. Some people setup their own (lets call it a) wifi/router behind their (lets call this one a) modem/router and their computer is connected to the wifi/router. In this case you need to port forward twice. Port forward the modem/router to the wifi/router. Port forward the wifi/router to your computer.
2. Some ISPs have started sharing single IPv4 addresses with multiple users meaning that you cannot do port forwarding. The only work arounds to this are your own VPN or something like Hamachi.
If you want some help send me a PM and Ill have a look with you. Im sure we can work thru it together.

2. FG2 suggests using a third party VPN solution instead of fixing the problem

Does this cost FG some customers. Yes I believe it does and I wish it were also "fixed".
The simple fact is the current game engine doesnt support a brokered model. The new engine which will not be out till sometime next year (no date or eta as yet) but this will support the current direct connect model and a brokered model which will work without additional setup on most networks.

3. All windows that are accessed from within FG2 MUST remain in the FG2 main window. Multiple monitors will not help with available screen real estate.

How may programs allow you to do this? If you tried really hard you might name 10 programs that do allow this. Maybe 10 programs out of the hundreds of thousands of programs out their. Maybe you are really familiar with lots of software and you can name more... I dunno - I dont know many and the only notable one that springs to mind is GiMP.

4. Every time I try to pick up a campaign where it left off it takes about an hour of BS to get started.

How long did it take you to learn how to play Dungeons & Dragons? It doesnt happen in 30mins. Fantasy Grounds is a complex piece of software used to play what are very complex games. There is no getting past that. Grab the UserManual above and if you play 5e do the Sample Campaign and get a feel for the basics. I can safely assure you that you will never know everything that this program can do and nor do you need to. I have a lot of experience with this program and there are tonnes of things that I choose not to worry about.

5. Character builds are more difficult than they should be, there are better spreadsheets online than what is offered in FG2.

This isnt a character builder. Its not meant as a tool to teach you how to build characters. There are plenty of other good resources that will do that for you. That and you might have noticed that the Players Handbook for most games is a pretty weighty tome. It requires you ti understand what you are doing and how it all works. 5e has some character build automation - and it does work - but youu have to do things in the right order to get the right output.
There are videos on most of this stuff as well as the forums and the user guide and the sample campaign.

Yes I have networking experience, yes I have some coding experience, no I am not looking for trolls. Just identifying what I perceive as major issues with a system that could be SOOOOOO much better for the cost. This is probably the single most important reason I posted these complaints. For the amount of money that is required to have all of the rule sets (same cost a purchasing all of the books) so your cost is doubled if you already have the books. I am really am surprised there isn't a class action against the company.

Bottom line, the software needs several man years of work to make it user friendly, and worth the money.

Im sure the courts would totally agree with you. They would. Seriously. I mean mean the ugly Cartel of the Wizards of the Coast forced you to buy their books. I mean they grabbed your arms, and twisted them behind your back, took your wallet out and spent your cash. And then when you thought your ordeal was over they flipped your wallet over to Fantasy Grounds who took your money and gave you the exact same product again!
Ok, ok, sorry. I didnt mean to troll either (well maybe a little). The Wizards actually released two completely free versions of their product. And Fantasy Grounds released both of them for free too. You can 100% play D&D on Fantasy Grounds without buying any additional D&D books. There is a massive effort in converting these products to Fantasy Grounds and that effort comes at significant cost. And the authors of the content (The Wizards) deserve their cut as well. I have all the physical books. I have a lot of the digital books. My choice. You can make the same choices and do what works for you. If you give this software a decent go, ask for help when you get stuck, use the UserGuide and some of the videos I think you will overcome your current frustration and you will enjoy the software.
Oh.... and this software is continuously in development. Most years 4 or more major upgrades are released. These are serious upgrades and they dont charge for them. If you invest a few hours with open eyes I think you will find that those many man years have delivered a seriously capable product. Yes - it is not perfect (no where near perfect) but it is way ahead of any other product on the market.

[damned]

Thanks for the replies.

No threat intended. I am just frustrated to no end.
I fully understand the architecture changes that would be required to allow the "un-docking" of windows, and yes it is a huge task, but a highly beneficial feature.
When you spend north of $250.00 for a software suite it should work without 3rd party fixes. Guess it is my fault for not testing it thoroughly enough, should have known better than to rely so heavily on reviews (yep hypocritical as I am writing this review). Tested it locally, and never thought to test it over the internet.
However I still stand by my comments. If FG is truly working to fix some of these issues, then great. Maybe I will try again after a couple updates. Until then truly a dissatisfied customer.

You can play D&D without buying any of the additional content. When did you buy the software? Did you do the demo or trial subscription first?
Did you join any of the 100 games that ran at FG Con last weekend for free?
Not trolling - serious questions.

Dropping $250 is a serious spend - lets make it worthwhile for you.

There are plenty of people here who can help you understand your challenges and make this software sing for you.
Seriously - share one or two specific issues at a time and we will work thru them with you.
We cant undock your windows and we cant magically broker your network (however we can help you set it up) but we can teach you how to do the things that dont work for you.

[LordEntrails]

...
No threat intended. I am just frustrated to no end. ...

We get it. Really we do

Take damned up on his offer. He can work with you to figure out the internet/network issues you are having. Start there. Then take a look at the videos and guide. Then ask questions. People will step-up to help you out. This forum/community is one of the 3 driving reasons I bought FG after carefully looking at all of the options I could find.

[ddavison]

Hello Itsa, I'm sorry to hear about your early frustration with the software. We realize that the "entry" to using Fantasy Grounds is often the most difficult for customers due to the networking requirements of setting up a port forward as a hosting DM and then just learning how to use all the features. The next version of major Fantasy Grounds should remove the need to forward ports completely. Thankfully, we are normally able to help people get this set up and very few people ever need to be sent to a VPN solution. Furthermore, the setup only normally needs to happen once. Contact us at [email protected] or take up one of the moderators on the forum like damned and we can get you set up. When emailing, please include screenshots (Alt+PrintScreen) of the launch screen, the FG Settings screen, the Host Test Connection screen with the internal and external IP addresses shown and pictures of your port forward setup.

If you are truly unsatisfied with the software, we offer 100% satisfaction guarantees and will refund any purchases for unsatisfied customers. There was a reason that you bought the software, though, so if you give us an opportunity to assist you, I suspect you will be happier for it in the long run.

-Doug

[MadBadHare]

Hello Itsa, I'm sorry to hear about your early frustration with the software. We realize that the "entry" to using Fantasy Grounds is often the most difficult for customers due to the networking requirements of setting up a port forward as a hosting DM and then just learning how to use all the features. The next version of major Fantasy Grounds should remove the need to forward ports completely. Thankfully, we are normally able to help people get this set up and very few people ever need to be sent to a VPN solution. Furthermore, the setup only normally needs to happen once. Contact us at [email protected] or take up one of the moderators on the forum like damned and we can get you set up. When emailing, please include screenshots (Alt+PrintScreen) of the launch screen, the FG Settings screen, the Host Test Connection screen with the internal and external IP addresses shown and pictures of your port forward setup.

If you are truly unsatisfied with the software, we offer 100% satisfaction guarantees and will refund any purchases for unsatisfied customers. There was a reason that you bought the software, though, so if you give us an opportunity to assist you, I suspect you will be happier for it in the long run.

-Doug

This is why i am a FG user for life. This is why i will support this company with my hard earned dollars. The community and the company are simply amazing. Simple as that.