MMO-Symposium

Tribes(ish)! In MMO Form!

Wodge — Sun, 05 Sep 2010 18:37:25 +0000

So, browsing the interweb looking for stuff to do (FFXIV was patching, yes, the 94.8% bug) and I came across what seemed to be some sort of dream game, like people went in my head and grabbed jetpacks, guns, futuristic vehicles and figure hugging body suits (for the womenfolk, of course).

This game turned out to be FireFall, a new shooter MMO from some people behind WoW, and more importantly, some dudes from the Tribes team. Tribes, if you don’t know, is a spinoff from the Starsiege games by Sierra (before Half-Life). Starsiege is a Mechwarrior style game, whereas Tribes is a shooter, with Jetpacks, and Skiing. I love Tribes, especially Julia’s Jetboots from Tribes: Vengeance. So much so, I did a comic, just for you!

Your reaction is "lol wut" by the way.

Videos and more info after the break.

Anyway, I digress. Game is looking very good, from the PAX gameplay video, it seems to be a very expansive world, hate to speculate, but around halfway through, is that another squad down below doing their own mission? Graphics are from the Borderlands school of style, which means it looks good, yet doesn’t hurt your processor/graphics card much, double win! Only PvE is shown, but there is a PvP aspect which is being kept under wraps for the time being, I’m hoping it’ll be some kinda faction based warfare, massive warfare please, with vehicles and stuff. Especially massive walker mech things, they were in my brain too when you were rooting around in there!

Beta signups are now on the website here, hope it starts soon, I have the urge to strap a rocket to my back and squish bugs!

Originally Posted At: MMO-Symposium an MMO Blog

I do…

Yetian — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 07:41:14 +0000

I received an email today about a game called Dragonica a free to play MMO that I admit I haven’t heard of before. Having had a look at it, the game looks like the majority of F2P MMO’s these days though with graphics that are maybe targeted towards the younger audience.

Anyway, this post isn’t about Dragonica as such, rather the contents of the email I was sent.

The email begins with :

Gala Networks today announced that their new marriage system is now incorporated into its free, manga-style online action game Dragonica, and is available for all players from today. As well as an all new quest chain for the newlyweds, Married couples are then in addition able to gain the exclusive marriage achievement which unlocks a powerful bonus for both partners to enjoy.

To commemorate the occasion, gPotato Europe are going to be running an exclusive Dragonica contest whereby, newly married couples can submit their wedding photos and screenshots to win fantastic prizes.

Now this had me thinking about marriages in MMO’s. I know of people that have met in MMO’s and married in Real life, hell I’ve even stumbled on an Everquest wedding on my travels once. I myself would rather be questing or exploring, though I’ve have nothing against those that do have their mmo wedding. In fact I Imagine on Role play servers this could be something that happens a lot as you don’t get much more role-playing than marrying another character. Plenty of people must have MMO weddings but to have an achievement for it is a new one on me. If this was to happen in more in MMO’s would this mean real couples will be setting up more online weddings in the game to show their MMO love? Is it an effort to increase the community feel? Will all those gruff voiced macho guild mates of yours be getting married just to get achievements?

Here’s the full info from the email by the way.

Dragonica’s couples – show your love with the brand new marriage system

Update unveils wedding planners, marriage ceremony and couple quests

Dublin, Ireland – 2nd September 2010– gPotato Europe is delighted to announce that the marriage system is now incorporated into its free, manga-style online action game Dragonica, and is available for all players from today.
Dream weddings can now be a reality, thanks to the highly anticipated Dragonica marriage system. The beautiful wedding hall has officially opened its doors, complete with a registrar and wedding planner to take care of everything that the big day requires. For couples looking to take things to the next level, the marriage system is the perfect add-on, as it casts aside all doubt that both partners belong together. The marriage system unlocks an exciting new quest chain that is especially designed for, and exclusive to, married couples – it’s not just a mere ritual as these new adventures can only be conquered together!
On the big day, players can enjoy a beautiful ceremony and say a few special words at the altar. And if that’s not enough, married couples gain an exclusive marriage achievement which unlocks a powerful bonus for both partners to enjoy.
To commemorate the special occasion, gPotato Europe are also running an exclusive Dragonica contest. Newly married couples can submit screenshots of their wedding guests online, for the chance to win a fantastic prize. Further details will be available on the official European Dragonica website (http://dragonica.gpotato.eu).
As part of the upcoming wedding system update players will gain access to four brand new PvP maps and a skill reset scroll for the fourth job change quest, which is perfect for those after an adventurous honeymoon.
Existing players of Dragonica are invited to log back in to check out these new zones, visit the official European website at http://dragonica.gpotato.eu, follow us on Twitter, Facebook, or see the game in action on the official YouTube channel at http://www.youtube.com/dragonica. New players can download the game directly from http://en.dragonica.gpotato.eu/download/client.aspx or legally via Bittorrent.

I can see it now, MMO sites springing up to provide online MMO wedding video services? You’ve all seen those players in MMO’s offering to do up your in game house for a fee? Well how about MMO wedding planning websites (in Dragonica they provide the service it seems)? I can certainly see a few provisioner’s or cooks making some good money out of this, assuming you can produce food/drink related display items.

On the other hand I myself can see a certain appeal to it? I mean every MMO wedding must have a bar right? I’d attend the Kelethin wedding just to watch the drunken Dwarves falling out of the tree’s!

On the other hand we could see those dodgy Ratonga in Everquest 2 setting up as divorce lawyers, deciding who gets that shiny new sword you looted the other day as your other half helped you earn it.

Ok serious MMO thinking hat on now. Have you ever taken part in an MMO wedding as bride, groom or just as a guest? Was it as an addition to a real world relationship or just for a bit of online fun? Oh yeah, If your thinking about getting married on Splitpaw (EQ2) or Laurelin (LOTRO), I could be your MMO wedding reporter.

Originally Posted At: MMO-Symposium an MMO Blog

Tanking in the Great Barrow

Yetian — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 07:30:53 +0000

Tanking is something I used to do, haven’t done for a while and keep thinking about doing again. As you can see I’m certainly no expert at the moment and in my occasional MMO Lord of the Rings my main character is a Warden. Wardens are tanks though the kind that wear only medium armour throw spears and in my case has a penchant for fancy cloaks. I chose the class based on their ability to solo well and as I decided it was a good chance to play something I am not familiar with.

If your a reader (or should I say the reader) of this fine blog you’ll no doubt know I hit the level 25 mark a while ago and due to the dreaded real life and my MMO time spent in EQ2 I only just made level 26 last night. I like to take my time in LOTRO, so much to explore and get lost in as well as the fact that unlike EQ2 if you want to go somewhere you really have to travel there.

Anyway I digress…

Last night I jumped into EQ2 quickly then had to log out for the real world again. I unexpectedly then had a bit more game time so jumped into middle earth. I was wandering up the road to Trestlebridge when I received a message from another player asking If I wanted to head to the Great Barrow. “Oooh I thought, I had a few group quests there” so I accepted, only to realise as I hit the button that I am in fact a tank and not a healer as I usually play in EQ2 groups, panic then set in!

I quickly explained to my group what they were letting themselves in for and as we had a rookie healer too we all decided it was going to be a fun and interesting group. Off I headed to the Great Barrow and we ventured inside. As Wardens make use of combo moves called Gambits in combat I memorized a few taunt gambits as well as an AOE damage one. I already have somewhere in the far reaches of my brain known as “The Middle Earth Pocket” a couple of attack gambits as well as a shield boost and a heal, so I felt ready.

We ventured inside and after a few fights I was getting the hang of my taunt gambits and was managing to pull aggro most of the time on my chosen target. We had a level 33 hunter with us though and due to his damage output he could easily grab the mobs attention ahead of me, in fact once he had aggro it was almost impossible for me to grab it back. In fact on the last boss type mob no matter what I did I couldn’t get him to pummel me instead of the Hunter.

Another problem I had was targeting. As I’m not used to tanking and haven’t done it seriously since EQ1 it could be that I’m just rusty in the way of the meatshield, but I did have problems getting the right target at first. Obviously I pulled my main target and then had to tab to get the rest of them and hit them a few times, throwing in an AOE taunt gambit (a two fist one for those that play). I’m not sure if the group was assisting me but I seem to remember that in LOTRO when you press assist it doesn’t change your target if the tank changes his/hers, though I could be wrong on this as I haven’t grouped in the game for a long time away from my Warden.

We did manage to complete the instance without anyone dying and I picked up a few new Purple (I think they are better than yellow) bits of armour, one of which was a fancy new green pair of pants! A pair that looked exactly like my old pair, but green. The LOTRO devs really have no idea about MMO fashion, it’s as if they made one design and pressed a few random colour buttons.

Anyway after my first pickup group I learnt a few things and realised I can learn a lot more. I think I need to grab a few guild members sometime to learn the ropes a bit more, that or put a few more pickup groups through the pain.

So any LOTRO players have tips for a tank in training? If you like pain and suffering and play on Laurelin, give me a shout if you see me wandering around and want to point me at some mobs.

Originally Posted At: MMO-Symposium an MMO Blog

FFXIV Woes.. (UPDATE)

Wodge — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 16:25:45 +0000

So, tomorrow the open beta is due to begin! Or rather, was due to begin, read on below, complete with pictures!

UPDATE: PANIC AVERTED!! Beta is back on, a day late, means I can finally finish patching before it gets underway!

EARLIER POST:I received the following email earlier today:

In preparation for the official release of FINAL FANTASY XIV on September 30, 2010 and the early release on September 22, we will be starting an open beta test to help put the finishing touches on the game. We ask that all users who can participate in the open beta test apply from the following website.

1.Access the following URL.

http://entry.ffxiv.com/

* The page will become accessible starting at 2:00 on Sep. 1, 2010.

2.Log in with your Square Enix account and have a registration code issued.
* Depending on the access status, we may temporarily suspend the issuance of registration code. If you cannot have registration code issued, we ask that you please wait a little while before trying again.

3.Register the registration code you received by e-mail on the Square Enix Account Management System.
Click “Select Service” from “Services and Options” on the left menu. Select “FINAL FANTASY XIV” from the services available and then “Add a service account.” Enter the registration code you’ve been issued and proceed to the end of registration.

The Square Enix Account Management System: https://secure.square-enix.com/account/

As stated above, Open Beta Test requires a dedicated registration code and the login to Beta Test Site will become unavailable starting at 7:00 on Aug. 31, 2010 (GMT).
* Once the registration code is registered, you will be able to log in to Beta Test Site once again.

- Transferring your Character Name from the Open Beta Test to the Commercial Release
As long as the World you choose in the commercial release is the same as the World you chose in the open beta test, you will be able to transfer your character name. If you choose a different World for the commercial release, your character name will not be transferrable. For details, please refer to the beta test site.

- To PlayStation 3 Version Applicants:
This test phase will deal only with the Windows version of the software. Details regarding the test schedule for the PlayStation 3 version will be released by e-mail at a later date. If possible, we still ask and encourage you to take part in the testing on a Windows PC.

- Note:
・The open beta test is being conducted on the Windows version of the game only.
・Latest news and notifications will be periodically posted on the forums of the tester site.
・The game to be tested is under development, and may differ from the commercial release.
・Please direct all inquiries regarding FINAL FANTASY XIV to the Square Enix Support Center ( http://support.eu.square-enix.com/ffxiv/ ).

———————————————————————-
FINAL FANTASY XIV Official Site

http://www.finalfantasyxiv.com/

SQUARE ENIX CO., LTD.
FINAL FANTASY XIV Beta Test Operations Department

After reading this, this was my general mood on finally having the game in Open Beta and that final step closer to launch:

And all was good in the world. Got home, stuck the patcher on, and hit the RSS pile that had built up (802 entries, waaaa!) and then the terrible, awful, horrendous news came, Hear’say are refor… no, that’s not it, ah yes… this:

FINAL FANTASY XIV Open Beta Test Postponed

FINAL FANTASY XIV Open Beta Test, which is scheduled to begin at 02:00 (GMT) on Sept. 1, 2010, will be postponed due to a confirmation of critical bugs. New schedule will be releaseｄ at a later date.

Along with the postponement of FINAL FANTASY XIV Open Beta Test, the issuing of registration code for FINAL FANTASY XIV Open Beta Test will be postponed as well. With the download of client software’s installer, it will be suspended at 02:00 (GMT) on Sept. 1, 2010.

We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

My face when I read this announcement:

Unconfirmed reports on Square Enix’ take on the subject:

Yes, I have an odd sense of humour, deal.

Originally Posted At: MMO-Symposium an MMO Blog

Are you an MMO completionist?

Yetian — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 07:08:27 +0000

As some of you may know, I like most of my guild have an army of Alts in EQ2. My latest plan was to work the higher level ones that are not 90, to 90 to get the xp bonus for the remaining characters. The target alt was to be my warlock Naitey who is 83 at the moment.

This was until I got thinking about my main Yetian the Warden. I really need to be working his AA’s as he’s only on 208 at the moment, so I began working his remaining quests and finding new ones. I then thought it would be nice to finish some of the main quest lines that I’ve yet to finish on any character. These include quest lines such as Swords of Destiny and the Claymore lines.

I started working those and then ended up finding a Heritage quest I hadn’t completed. For those that don’t know these are quests that give items from the original Everquest as rewards, as well as personal and guild status. To date I think I’ve finished 36 HQ’s and have 7 or so in my journal, with one still to pickup.

I intend to complete all the HQ’s, then go back to quest lines and then other random quests to complete my AA’s.

So what about the rest of you? Do you have one character you like to complete all quests on, or is there some other aspect of your chosen MMO that you just have to complete?

Originally Posted At: MMO-Symposium an MMO Blog

Final Fantasy XIV Open Beta Date!

Wodge — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 15:24:25 +0000

September 1st. That’s the date the open beta for Final Fantasy XIV starts, mark it in your diaries/quest journals/holographic logs.

Fancy trailer below!

Remember, Intrepid is recruiting on the Ultimecia server!

Originally Posted At: MMO-Symposium an MMO Blog

Final Fantasy XIV Closed Beta Test Ends!

Wodge — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 15:08:26 +0000

After much bug reporting, feature requesting and all that jazz, the Final Fantasy XIV Closed Beta has ended. Open beta should start in early September, hopefully by then Squeenix should’ve fixed the awful patcher.

I’m really looking forward to the game, recent concerns about the “Surplus” exp system have been somewhat off-putting, but I’m hopeful it’s not what it looks like and is actually just an exp bonus system that’s suffered from bad translation.

Anyone else unsure of the game and going to be jumping in the open beta? If you like it and are going to play it on release, don’t forget I’m forming a sexy linkshell, for sexy people ™, on the Ultimecia server, we’re called Intrepid and recruitin’ now!!

Originally Posted At: MMO-Symposium an MMO Blog

Crazy Tech Shenanigans!

Wodge — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 20:28:17 +0000

Ok, bare with me a moment. This will start a bit techy… Watch this video.

For those who don’t know, that Legendary Nerd of Distinction is John Carmack, he who programmed Wolfenstein, Doom and Quake, at QuakeCon 2010. He is showing off Rage running on an iPhone 4. After having a gander at the game running at full resolution on the Rage website, you can probably see that it’s quite an awesome looking game. But what does this have to do with MMOs?

Basicly, with id taking mobile phone gaming seriously, and putting out a tech demo that looks better than every game on a mobile before it. Makes other companies take notice, and other companies include MMO developers. No more bizarre zombie based GPS MMO things, no more sub N64 style attempts at MMOs with 3 classes and 7 weapons. Now we’ll have a proper MMO in our pocket, and about time! MMOs are meant to be played alot, with all the good stuff you can do in them, but they’re also good for keeping in touch with friends, so having one in your pocket makes sense, and if it happens to be one of the larger ones all the better.

Give it a few years and most popular MMOs will have mobile clients, and not just the auction apps Warcraft, Aion and Fallen Earth have, but a fully fledged game in their own right, obviously the faster paced games like APB and Global Agenda will probably not work, but for your normal fantasy based game, should work a treat.

Anyone looking forward to their mobile battery taking an even bigger pounding than usual?

Originally Posted At: MMO-Symposium an MMO Blog

Flying mounts in EQ2

Yetian — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 07:16:29 +0000

As well as Everquest next SOE are also working on expansions for both current Everquest titles. The one I’m interested in at the moment is the Everquest 2 expansion Destiny of Velious, the return of the frozen continent which is due for release in February.

I have fond memories of Velious from the original Everquest, wandering through the frozen wastes and dodging ice giants. Now someone will have to remind me of the large tower on Velious which players could fight their way up. I remember fighting through the tower with a Gnome alt of Pandemic, an Enchanter who aided my character on many occasions.

Anyway enough nostalgia, the new expansion has the usual tons of quests, a couple of overland zones and more than a few raid zones. There are 10 instanced dungeon’s more HQ’s and a Signature quest line, a new battlegrounds area (I still haven’t played any of the existing ones) and something else…

Flying mounts are coming to Everquest 2! Yeah I know they are not new for MMO’s but I’m looking forward to seeing how they work. Ten Ton Hammer have reported that there will be no air combat on your new mounts and when on the ground they will operate as ground mounts which I would say is a given really. They also question what will happen to the Fae race as they have wings of their own. With the Fae I’ve always understood that their wings are only useful for slowing their fall and floating small distances (longer jumps), I doubt we’ll see them flying around the place alongside the new mounts. They are however, able to keep themselves floating off the ground though so I’m sure with some kind of Fae fitness regime they could manage short flights into the air.

The pleasing part about the news of the new mounts is that they will be available via a quest, though this does raise some issues for the none flying steeds and other beasts we ride around in Norrath. What happens to those poor beasts? Who’s going to care for them when they are left in their stables unloved and left to grow old? Maybe someone should start a campaign to find our old mounts new homes?

Seriously now, ground only mounts could be a far less common site in Norrath as everyone is going to want to fly. Will SOE make the flying mounts slower to combat this? Give ground mounts more stats? Make stick on wings available via station cash?

Whatever happens I’ll be doing the quest for my own flying mount, I’ll just make sure that my old ones comfortable in the outdoor section of our guild hall and I promise to take them out for a run on a regular basis. The quest itself will be interesting or rather the difficulty of it. If the quest is too easy everyone and their alt will be riding (or should I say flying) around on one of these mounts, if it’s too hard then only raiders will end up with one which will penalise casual players.

Oh I almost forgot, here’s a trailer link from Ten Ton Hammer, complete with flying mount of course.

Everquest 2 Destiny of Velious Trailer

What are your thoughts on the new expansion and the flying mounts? How will you look after your trusty old ground steed?

Originally Posted At: MMO-Symposium an MMO Blog

LOTRO – Level 25

Yetian — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 13:33:43 +0000

It’s been a while since my level 20 post, but Lord of the Rings online is my really casual MMO so things take me an age. It’s the kind of game that allows you to take your time, never feeling rushed to level. The scenery makes you stop and take a screenshot, something I don’t do as often in EQ2.

Yetian is now level 25 and although I planned to post at level 30, I decided 5 level posts would allow me to post more than one every 6 months.

As with most of my character posts there’s a few screenshots along the way to help explain what’s going on, mostly because I can’t remember what I’ve done in any detail so pics help, must be getting old.

The first pic is of Yetian fishing, yup that’s right I broke off stabbing things with my spear to fish by a lake. It’s actually for a festival quest but did allow me to chat to a few people along the way. Granted I’m alone in the picture, so obviously my conversation wasn’t that interesting.

The 3 pics above are of the foothills around Weathertop which I explored for a good few quests including a part of the main storyline where I have to help out another Ranger who is camped nearby. It was this quest that saw me take part in my first pickup fellowship (group) with a couple of kind souls who aided me in my quest.

Weathertop itself is great to explore and climb, stopping to take in the view as you go. There is a quest which takes you into an instance linked to the aforementioned Ranger which requires you to climb to the top with the Ranger himself and take on the nice looking but not too great smelling (if LOTRO had smelly-vision), Troll.

The final set of screenshots I have for you to ogle today are of the Forsaken Inn, yes that’s right a member of neXus once again ends up in a pub.

A sight for sore eyes after a long… well 5 minute horse ride from Bree. Needless to say I had to take a peak inside and stay for a few Beers, Vannin our guild leader might kick me from the guild if I’d passed a pub and not ventured inside.

The Inn itself is the first quest hub I’ve found in the Lonelands. It contains NPC’s giving quests for the surrounding area including some Goblin ruins I can’t remember the name of to the south. I managed to complete a few quests from the ruins, but forgot to take some screenshots …. oops! I did manage to fall off a wall into a den of nasty looking spiders, though I did manage to fight my way out and make my way back up to the ruins themselves.

That’s it for now, stay tuned for Yetian’s adventures in Middle Earth to level 30!!

Originally Posted At: MMO-Symposium an MMO Blog