MMO2Go

SWTOR a month out

2012-01-24T08:53:00.000-08:00

A guildmate asked recently if I was enjoying TOR (Star Wars the Old Republic), and I said yes and no.

There are aspects of TOR that I absolutely love - it's visually breathtaking and it feels like real worlds and huge cities (maybe should be more people running around), but the major cities look/feel like what you'd visualize futuristic or syfy cities would look like.

The worlds are gorgeous - even the Hutta kinda ugly ones - are amazing. The overhead fighting, pollution on Corellia, the details are there and just fantastic.

Add to that the mini-cinematic cutscenes with awesome voice overs (I still want to track down a list of all the actors - my guild guesses alot of them!) and you can see where the money was spent on in TOR.

The cutscenes are really cool, most of the time. Some are a bit overdone, like when I have a cutscene with a rock, to watch a 30 second clip of the rock doing something. WTF??? That isn't immersive to me, that's disruptive. The major quest chains and class quests are great, but every NPC. I guess I would have been happy with the dialog in the game, not a cutscene for every quest. The class ones are definitely great, but a rock? /sigh

The story lines are fun and distinctly different for each class as well as based on the choices you make will affect how things turn out. That's a bit fun and as I play with the dark/light point indicator off, I'm sometimes surprised at what I get dark or light points for. I saved his life and get dark points? Why? lol

The companions are wonderful. Between the variety, romance options, gaining affection so they'll craft better and the crafting missions. I really like the companions in TOR.

Moddable gear. This is great (I can't wait for more variety of gear in the future), but being able to add the stats into a favorite piece is great.

The downside - OMG - so many of the simple mechanics and things MMO players are use to now a days are just absent or badly done.

Quests you can't delete. Greyed out, stuck in your quest log and can't delete them. Ask for help and "it's coming in a patch" responses. That is just lame.

UI that can't be changed/moved/resized - really in 2012? We're still dealing with that? Ugh. Supposedly there is a patch that will allow us to resize, not move but resize coming soon.

Chronic 9000 errors that can't be located. My GM has experienced these since launch and how he hasn't uninstalled TOR and sent flaming letters to them is beyond me. They owe him a month's free play IMHO, as he can play for minutes to maybe an hour before d/c time. This impacts space fights, pvp and flashpoints for him sadly.

Chat function that isn't highly modifiable/filterable. Maybe it's just me, but WoW had the addons, and Rift had an awesome chat function. So why do we have this 2005 version of a chat window? Yes I can make separate tabs, but some of the things you want to filter can't be filtered without losing a whole block of info.

Targeting. WTF!!! Companions don't show in raid/group frames and mouseover targeting - even when the target appears in your target window, there's a 50% chance you'll heal yourself not the target. This is annoying to the nth degree!!!

PvP. The 50's have been bracketed out which helps some, but the 'tenacity' stat increase, I'm sorry, I'd rather have bracketed 10 level PvP versus this. Yes that level 16 has more HP, but not the huge variety of abilities that a level 49 has. And Expertise? Didn't we travel the horrible road of resiliency in WoW? Why is this being repeated?

Travel in the game (do I miss Rift rally banners for guild events YES!), is a love/hate. I like the feel of moving from planet to planet - it takes time, so you 'feel' like it's not insta-travel, BUT - the get off my ship into a hallway, into another ship into a hall to get to the planet is a bit much on the zoning. Especially as my FPS drops from 80-100 down to 5-6 at each zoning point. People with lower FPS and lag are really feeling it too. We keep trying to find a reason for the excess zoning between ship and planet and keep up the hope its for future expansions, but I'd gladly love to have my ship be attached to the darn space port!

I HATE these things that are broke and should have been fixed prior to release as it feels like extended beta at times to me. (Been there with AoC and WAR - no thanks!)

No game is ever 100% error, bug free, but TOR, IMHO skimped on the mechanics that should have been a no-brainer (the above are incorporated into almost all MMO's now) and spent on the visuals/voice overs.

My personal view, if you like Star Wars, you'll enjoy it. I'm glad I'm playing as it's fun, and nothing yet has been a deal-breaker as far as cancelling. But I don't think I'm ga-ga in love with it either even if they fixed many of the things mentioned above. I do see TOR as a long term MMO for many people. I mean it's Star Wars after all, and it's fun. If they can fix the bugs and keep adding new content regularly, it should have a long life.

Rift Holiday Event

2011-12-06T15:29:00.000-08:00

Trion is doing a wonderful job with World Events coming out regularly and the variety of new vanity items associated to each one. Continuing with that Telara is celebrating the Holidays in typical style - the Fae Yule Celebration. It's scheduled to be a three phase event over six weeks.

Daily quests to be completed in town and of course destroying specific Rifts, as well as a Christmas Village feel, complete with random snowfall.

A lineup of Christmas Corgi's. Various edible treats will turn you into a Corgi or an odd-looking reindeer (see below).

Both the Rudolph-red-nose Corgi and the Reindeerish mount, the Spotted Festive, Fae Yule Vaiyuu (that's a mouthful!) can be purchase during this World Event. Vanity clothing and Lesser Essence are also available purchase.

There is still time to get your vanity gear and other goodies before the event ends.

Rift Zam guide to the Fae Yule Celebration.

SWTOR

2011-11-28T15:26:00.001-08:00

After the long holiday beta weekend - all I can say is WOW regarding SWTOR. I've honestly been so lukewarm over TOR - preparing myself for it to be more hype than substance. But EA has created a wonderful player experience.

So, I really put in some time Friday-Monday on testing the different classes, start zones, some crafting, PvP, exploring and Flashpoints. I didn't get past level 13, as I do want to keep the advanced storyline and questing fresh for when TOR goes live.

No screenshots though, apparently that is still turned off by EA as part of the NDA.

But even without pics, I did test every class over the last two beta weekends and it's really hard to pick a favorite. They're all fun. My preference would probably go to the Bounty Hunter/Trooper - just a ton of fun to play - but I honestly liked all the classes. Some of the races (I think they're technically called species), I preferred (personal taste) over the others, and a couple of the male/female choices will have to be worked out as I didn't care for the female and/or male voice acting combo.

The start zones, I'd have to say the Sith Inquisitor/Warrior had to be my favorite as far as quest lines, not necessarily the look of the zone. Least favorite and I really found it to be on the boring side was the Smuggler/Trooper start zone on Ord Mantell. I really don't know why, but I found it to be a bit of a yawn. The other two start zones were excellent and definitely gave the feel for the classes starting there.

The worlds are completely wonderful and each has a different feel to them. The capitol cities were truly unbelievable - huge, with tremendous detail and felt like a city or at least what SciFi tells us futuristic cities will look like. Everything seems BIG in TOR. Lots of running pre-mount (level 25), so definitely bind an auto-run key! It's going to be truly amazing to see the other planets after launch.

Crafting is definitely different, but you really get hooked on the send the companion off to do the crafting while you carry on doing whatever - in this case my GM, another guildmate and I were doing a Flashpoint. By the time it finished we had a bunch of crafting mats and a couple of pieces of gear/potions - pretty sweet!

PvP in TOR is fun. Huttball has to be experienced to truly appreciate it. I love the added humor from the announcers, the speed of the game and learning the strategies. There were some players that had obviously mastered the game - as they had nice titles and really knew the strats for the different PvP zones. Each has a different feel. Not a drop you in a zone and duke it out, but you felt like you were there with a purpose.

I only had the opportunity to try the first Flashpoint, but it was great. The first time we did it three players and a companion. While the second was two of us and companions. I don't know if it scales, but it was definitely do-able for two with pets. I did do both Empire and Republic side of the Flashpoint to see the differing view points. (Now to find out what a Moff is? I'm sadly lacking in Star Wars lore/info.)

Any down side to TOR?

It still needs work, and I hope they'll have time to fix the issues before launch. It's not horrible but definitely things you really hope will get fixed.

We've all experienced the bad MMO launches that make us cringe, and many of us were extremely impressed with the wonderful launch Trion accomplished with Rift, They really raised the bar on what we all expect with a quality launch.

I do hope EA can achieve that, they have an awesome game, but too many 'issues' will make people leave, it's happened before.

Changes I would make?

The UI - make it movable/sizable. All the crucial info is at your fingertips, but I something's don't move and are larger than many of us need/require.

Characterization - sliders for the different facial features (eyes, eye brows, body height, size, etc.)and more variety of hair/skin tone/colors.

That said, I'd recommend TOR, if you're any kind of Star Wars fan, or an MMO player - it's definitely worth buying and playing.

Rift - Ember Isle

2011-11-18T12:43:00.001-08:00

I've been enjoying the new zone, it reminds me almost of an adventure pack, then just a 'bit of content'. I rode around the perimeter, just to see how big it was, and it took better than an hour.

It's not a huge addition, content-wise as it's really for the 50 level players, but speaks well for TRION and their commitment to continually providing great content and listening to their player base.

The questing is doable solo, but really feels designed for grouping as the mobs are in general level 52 or elite. Do a few quests or invasions there, Stillmoor and Shimmer Sand feels almost easy!

The dailies (there are quite a few scatter around the island), involve defending the Sourcewells , in the form of Onsalughts, against invasions. Fortunately there are NPCs there to help and defensive and healing turrets powered by planar charges (hmm now we know why we get more with our Planar Attunement!), but there are plenty of planar anomaly crystals to recharge depleted planar charges scattered around Ember Isle.

On my tour, I did discover a giant waterfall hole - reminiscent of Stranglethorn Vale post Catacylsm - a giant hole, the Dormant Core - only this one was full of elite dragon cult and other mobs. There is an achievement, Cliff Diving into Dormant Core, and fortunately a crystal that will return you to Ember Watch.

Above it I found in Ember Watch, The Keeper's Quartermaster. New recipes and other goodies (rep needed) as well as an armored Ash Strider. Ember Watch is the neutral quest hub for both factions.

Ember Isle has some interesting Achievements such as:
Dancing Delivery - you have to dance on specific mail boxes throughout the zone, including two in the oppositions towns. A rogue with sap helps quite a bit.
A ton of new rare mobs, artifacts galore, new rep to grind, etc. Defeating the four invasion bosses (In Golden's Grasp, Fires of Rebirth, Ithkus' Rise & The Seed of Change) earns you a wonderful hat!

There is also one of the Rift puzzles for this zone, Emerald Enigma, which rewards you with an adorable new companion pet, Bernie

The new instance - Caduceus Rise
is fun. Nothing super new as far as boss mechanics go, the one puzzle, does require a bit of thought - don't do it when you're tired! - but we did both upper and lower before any of the "how to" guides came out, so lots of fun learning the mechanics. Caduceus the final boss, can be a bit buggy still, and we've actually given up once - too many people to tired and frustrated with the buggy fight. A master mode combining upper and lower is expected out in an upcoming patch.

All in all, we're thoroughly enjoying the new content, but tend to go in duos or a group - its more fun and definitely easier!

Rift Zam's guild to Ember Isle : http://rift.zam.com/en/zone.html?riftzone=676

Here's a great link: Orientation to Ember Isle

Sourcewell Info: Onslaught, Sourcewell and You!

SWTOR & beyond

2011-11-14T15:04:00.000-08:00

It's a little over a month until the launch for SWTOR, one of the most anticipated MMO's. I did get a chance to spend some time in the weekend beta (11-13th) and found it to be quite fun.

Because of the NDA I can't share many details, but I will say if you're a fan of BioWare games, and/or Star Wars - you'll love this game. I did test both side Empire and Republic and liked them both. Surprisingly the class I thought I'd like the least is the Jedi Knight and it was one of my favorites. I guess all the lightsaber fighting was so Star Warsy! Definitely fun.

The guild I'm in Hammerfist Clan is hitting launch with two teams Republic and Empire and we're excited with the opportunity. HFC already has great teams in STO, LoTRO, Rift and a few other games, so two TOR teams will be awesome. A team is also forming for GW2, Diablo 3 and TSW. So if you're looking for a great multi-gaming community - check out HFC.

The HFC Empire team has been in the works for almost two years, and has built up a wonderful store of information, and is ready to go! While the Republic team just formed up a month ago and has been recruiting, so we should have an excellent group to match the Empire gang at launch.

I'm planning to hit launch with characters on both sides of the war, fortunately we'll be on different servers so I won't have to fight guildmates on purpose in PvP - which I haven't tried yet but definitely looking forward to.

Sadly with the advent of TOR, I'm finding I'll have to let go one of my old favorites - WoW. My sub is up in December and as I rarely play now as I'm thoroughly enjoying Rift and LoTRO, the time isn't there for it. So, I'm going to work on the few things I still wanted to accomplish, take a ton more screenshots, then take a farewell flight or two around Azeroth before my subs up. I may resub when Panda-mania breaks out to try being a Panda monk, considering my first and favorite character in EQ2 was a Kerran Monk. A WoW monk should be fun.

Some people think the Panda's look lame, but I think it will be fun. Definitely a light-hearted fun class to add to the mix. I was hoping they'd add the Ramkhan (from Uldum) would be a playable class - they just look so fun!

2012 is going to be the test for MMO gamers though, as not only will the old favorites be around but with TOR we'll also have GW2, Diablo 3 and The Secret World as big launches and a great group of other games such as Tera and ArcheAge. So it's going to be a wonderful MMO buffet out there. Now to figure out how to justify and juggle the variety of games.

2011-09-12T11:46:00.000-07:00

What do you do when your current MMO has lost that bright and shiny luster? When the idea of leveling, crafting or running an instance doesn't appeal? When the next new bright shiny MMO is still months away?

What I did was start playing one that I've never really got hooked on before that has gone Free to Play (F2P). That would be LoTRO (Lord of The Rings Online). I started LoTRO in beta and played for a couple of months after it went live, but never got hooked. I tried it again and even bought another Xpac, but I'd hit mid-teens and fade out, or run back to EQ2 or WoW.

This is going to be it. My third and final attempt to love or at least have a strong like for this game! I've always wanted to like this game and spend some time giving it a chance, so I re-subbed for a year (ViP $99 sub) and bought the Isengard xpac. Now I have gorgeous gear, mounts for all the alts and more to do whenever I get to max level - lol!

I mean who doesn't love Lord of The Rings? The lore and story are so awesome, and Turbine has done a fantastic job with the world they've created. It's visually gorgeous. The characterization is a bit lack luster (the facial expressions remind me of placid cows out in a field or zombies), and honestly if they didn't look so bleah, I think more people might play. But it's a HUGE world. The hunter dinged 22 and finally abandoned a bunch of quests just to get out of Bree!

The artwork, the beginning cut scenes mini movies, the gear and world are all top notch.

Therefore, a couple of weeks ago I jumped into LoTRO with a guildmate from Rift with our intent to play casually and spend some time waiting for GW2 to come out. A few other friends from HFC have joined us, and we've invaded the LoTRO Chapter of our guild - Hammerfist Clan. (Quick plug for an awesome mature player (over 18+ only) gaming community.) Awesome guild/kin, they've played together for years and are extremely patient with our endless questions.

To date, I have five characters (typical altaholic) - hunter (original has been around forever), lore-master, minstrel, rune keeper and a warden. I have to say I'm enjoying all of them. Different play styles and abilities but all are fun. I've also picked up the different crafting on each with the bank alt stepping in for metalwork.

Lore master with her blood raven

The alts are between 11-23, but I think the hunter (23) is likely to be my test for awhile. The runekeeper and warden are neck and neck for the next ones to level though. Much of the game is solo friendly, but again its better in a fellowship (group).

Dwarf runekeeper

It's been fun, a bit challenging learning all the LoTRO specific terminology - radar not mini map, kinship not guild, fellowship not group, traits and destiny and legacy stuff, deeds and tasks,. Skirmishes, destiny, and the bazillion acronyms - it definitely keeps you busy and full of questions!

Guild fun

2011-07-05T13:55:00.000-07:00

I think I've finally found a permanent home and great guild with Hammerfist Clan.

HFC had it's 10th anniversary a few days ago. Happy 10 years HFC. Our part of the Clan took a group shot of some of the Rift chapter members.

It's been truly awesome the past few months getting to know people in the Rift chapter of HFC, and finally having a drama free, mature, fun group that understands life is more important than any game.

The members come from all over the U.S. and abroad, and HFC plays across games (current support games are Rift, LoTRO, SWO, SWToR, but others are represented). This is a huge plus for me as I'm so tired of starting a new MMO and then trying to locate a guild that
1) stays together without drama
2) isn't run by a twelve year old or elitist jerk
3) allows for variety in play style - pvp, raiding, solo
4) understand life>game always

AND is about having fun!

This past week we had more 'naked' instance races. We've done this twice and it's funny.

Everyone that wants to play forms up in a raid, teams are decided, we all strip to on two-handed weapon or one ranged/one handed. Teams reform, and off we go. Our team zipped through RoTF (Realm of the Fae) finishing minutes ahead of the other two teams. The last race we won by 15 seconds.

After we finished the race, as we were so close to Sanctum (Guardian main city) we decided we should pay them a visit. Death at the bridge from the guards made it very clear we weren't welcome, so off we went to Quicksilver College, the big city in Silverwood, the Guardian start zone. We were hoping to call out the Guardians for a bit of world pvp.

We killed all the NPC's and anyone flagged, waiting for the Guardian side to show up. Fortunately fifteen minutes or so later it was PvP time! We held them off for quite awhile (uber healing by the clerics - yes last one standing FTW!), but we eventually conceded and moved on to rifts and instance runs.

During the week HFC Rift generally has two Rift stomping days per week (timed early one day/late the other) in which all guild members (regardless of levels) are invited and everyone gets to roll on class appropriate gear regardless of toon level.

We also do a few fun events sprinkled through the month - assassination contest in June, naked instance races, scavenger hunt, etc. There is also a strong PvP group (Friday nights).

We've also been testing our abilities on Slivers and Raid Rifts (wipe city!), but we're getting better and more coordinated. We're also learning the T2 dungeons (a painful lesson too), but we're working together better as a team consistently.

I will give credit though were it's due: our Guild Leader, Herc, does an amazing job shepherding us around, making sure all levels get instance runs, or some attention - whether it's working on someones spec or rotation, grouping, etc., no one ever feels left out. Kudos Herc!

Overall I can't say anything negative in what I've seen with HFC- well maybe wish they all played later PST time so I'd see everyone!

RIFT

2011-07-01T11:12:00.000-07:00

It's been awhile since I last posted, but life has been busy and not allowing as much time to game as I would like...oh well!

I've been playing RIFT when I can, and highly recommend it as I'm finding it lots of fun. I did play through most of the betas and got hooked. Sadly WoW and EQ2 are shelved (not cancelled yet), as there isn't enough time to play all. Which is hard on my MMO ADD! But, RIFT with the variations on souls and different rolls you can change on the fly (as long as you aren't in combat), is great.

I dinged 50 a few weeks ago with the cleric, and have alts on three servers I've been trying between 18-46. I've tried all classes - cleric, rogue, mage and warrior - and honestly like all of them. I had 'assumed' I would love the rogue/ranger the most as I love hunters in WoW, but surprisingly I'm enjoying the cleric the most, followed by the mage and rogue class. Warriors have never been my favorite class to play but I'm enjoying that class to when I do hop on one.

So far I've played on PvE, PvP and RP shards, all are fun with an overall much more mature crowd, so alot less of the WoW-like trade b.s. A big yeah! I've also noticed most people are in general helpful when out in the world and appreciative when you stop to help them. I've yet to see much of the whining, bitching I've experienced in WoW and some elitism, but not much. I'm sure that will change as the game progresses with more people at end game, but for now it's refreshing.

Guardian start zone, getting your second soul

As far as game play goes, TRION is doing a wonderful job adjusting the game to the player's wants/needs without dumbing it down to the QQ more crowd. There was a minor blip in the game with the first World Event, but TRION did good, pacifying everyone with a goodie bag and extending some of the quests (a couple of alts still have those!). Next up is the free shard transfers, so people can move once a week to find the perfect shard for free! Hey Blizzard what a concept.. Again TRION doesn't seem to be 100% about greed like ActiVision/Blizzard and really seems to want to make a game people like and are loyal to.

SOULS and ROLES

I really like the opportunity to have eight souls (nine with pvp soul) and up to five roles (if you've got the plat!), to be able to switch between. You want a dps warrior, or pvp warrior, or uber tank warrior - make your three roles and you're good to go. I like being able to mix and match three souls in each role and even using the same three, but putting your points in differently makes for a different play style.

Respeccing goes up each time, but it maxes out at level 50 I believe around 50g. My cleric who I've tweaked quite a bit is around 33g at level 44. There is a rumor that there maybe a 'social role' in the planning stages. That could be novel.

INSTANCES

They're not easy mode that's for sure. You do have to have people that know how to play their class and can adjust. There is more CC and activity, and not just sit back and read your email while punching buttons. I've heard the T1 & T2 are the same, and thats when gear with appropriate stats comes into play.

The are fun and with the new LFG, seems to be easier to find a pug if you don't have guild-mates of the appropriate level. The LFG tool, does decide your 'role' in the group though based on your current roles. Plus once you're in the Expert level, it will tell you when you are 'geared' enough. So if you have three dps roles, you can't queue for healing or tanking. I did find out the other day if you have one unspent point in a role, it won't count that role as a playable option either.

QUESTING

Having played both the defiant and guardian 1-20 quests enough, I've been avoiding it with the new alts. To stay with the lore of the game, it's understandable why there are only one start zone a faction, but boring to have to go kill those same 6 wolves, pigs, bad guys again! So, I tend to be chosey on which ones I do now and skip vast areas, unless I need faction for some reason (belt rune in the 1-20 is about the only way to get me to quest in those zones - lol).

There are story-line quests that do start in the 1-20 zone and follow to level 50, so it's worth doing those if you like the lore.

Quest rewards and gold are decent and you can make alot of money if you do all the quests.

What happens to a quest hub when a few invasions take over

RIFTS

Those are fun. I've done minor and major rifts, solo, grouped and multiple raids, as well as Invasion Events in every zone. TRION did a great job with this aspect of the game.

Although, if you're solo, it really pays to mouseover the mobs before pulling. Otherwise, if you're like me, you may pull 2-3 elites versus what you may 'assume' are regular mobs on a bonus round. I've been figuring out when a rift is sitting there for awhile there's a reason, it's usually a major with elite mobs. Those are hard to solo, one bad pull and...

Drops from rifts are good, and again the shards and planarite can purchase nice gear upgrades. Plus they're fun. Being able to join a public group and drop when completed is sweet, IMHO.

Zone Event

PvP

Warfronts. These are fun. If you like instanced PvP that is. I've yet to see the bitch-fest of you're to low level GTFO, that I saw in WoW BGs, it's more if you know the tactics for the specific warfront, people are glad to have you. The ones that want to sit middle and have 1v1 duels and brag about their HKs, are the biggest drag as they do not get the 'team' success thing at all.

Rewards are decent and building faction with the daily warfront, good PvP gear can be purchased with Favor. You also can get decent XP and I've been leveling a character strictly through PvP and some rift killing. The planarite from rift kills has decent PvP usable gear while leveling, so definitely worth doing.

World PvP. I haven't experienced much world PvP (highest level is only 20 on the PvP shard), but you're auto-flagged once you leave either Freemarch or Silverwood. So other than accidentally tagging the opposition when running/killing rifts, I haven't seen if the high level zones are a gankfest or not.

CRAFTING

Crafting is fairly easy in RIFT. It's closer to the click and make like WoW's crafting system, not the mini-game crafting of EQ2. Crafted gear though is good and fills in spots nicely. Runecrafting (enchanting) is worth having on an alt, with the bonus doing the crafting dailies you gain XP. I have three alts that are craft leveling (with some quests, rifting and pvp, but no questing). I've tried all professions and all are decent if you like to craft. If you don't the gathering ones alone bring in nice coin if you play the Auction House.

The crafting dailies do require travel though, as you must deliver the goods to different zones. Having a guild drop a rally banner saves death to pick up the portals, but what fun is that? I did have the three crafting alts all make the death run to the lever 30-40 zones to pick up portals. Only the first one died three times, once the map was open, sneaking around those high aggro mobs wasn't to difficult.

There are also lures for crafting rifts at level 50, with high level crafting materials dropping.

OTHER STUFF

Artifact gathering if you complete collections you'll get rewards. Otherwise the rares sell well on the AH. If you collect shinies in EQ2, you'll understand how addicting this is!

Puzzles and hidden cairns are fun and drop nice gear/weapon upgrades. Some of the puzzles are easy some aren't. There are online guides, and yes I've looked as otherwise some of those would literally drive you bonkers! There are treasure maps that drop out of high end rifts too.

Cairn above Meridian

There are a variety of dailies in each zone (to build faction), PvP dailies at 50 (Port Scion has a few you do in there), world events, etc., to keep you busy too.

Guilds. Being in a guild is definitely a good idea, not that you can't solo most of the game, but it's social and more fun in a good guild. There are quite a few guild perks too that make life on Telara much easier, along with guild quests too.

Mounts. They're definitely different some of them. Who would have thought of a two-headed turtle as the started mount? Some I do like, and there are a few, I find creepy. The gorilla looking thing, yikes! Mounts are available at 20, 40 and 50 and go from just under 3 plat to 100-124p for the level 50 mount. You do feel the speed difference if you're on a level 20 mount running with level 50 players though. Been there and not fun! World Events each have specific rare mount drops, and those are highly coveted.

Companion pets. We all love those and there is a nice variety. Faction, dropped, purchasable with artifact turn ins, etc. They don't despawn when traveling either, only death makes them disappear.

Rift Humor

CHANGES I'D LIKE TO SEE

Crafting - cooking and fishing definitely. I'd love to see carpenters added, if they'd add player and/or guild housing. I'd love to see more of the materials to craft come from the world. Animal glue? Can't a butcher or alchemist make that? It defeats the purpose of gathering IMHO if I have to pay to buy the majority of materials to craft. I'd rather see a healthy economy with more player driven items that are crafted from other player collected/gathered/manufactured materials.

Porticulim cost - OMG the cost. I know making plat in RIFT isn't horribly hard, but 1-19g for a one way trip - ouch for the crafting alts! But that's me, and I know some people don't mind. I'd rather save my plat for a new mount, gear, something other than quick travel fees.

Auction House - I know they modeled this on WoW, but I wish they'd have gone the EQ2 broker route. I'm not an AH player and hate relisting things or constantly monitoring what I've sold. I know some people enjoy the AH as a mini game, but not me!

Player or Guild Housing. These are so much fun in EQ2 and LoTRO, I do hope this will be something added down the line. I'd hate to see the major cities (Meridian and Sanctum) empty, but I do enjoy decorating and going and seeing the truly creative ways people decorate houses in game.

So overall, I would recommend RIFT to anyone, it's a fun game, somewhat WoW-like, but different enough to be fun. Plus it's a new world to see, who can resist that?

RIFT: Planes of Telara

2011-02-07T17:21:00.000-08:00

Another beta weekend down, and I'm thoroughly enjoying RIFT. I have to say I haven't enjoyed a game this much since I first started EQ2 years ago. I thought I took more screenshots, but apparently didn't click the button hard enough or ?, so I only have a handful.

I love the look of the world, it's gorgeous on ultra, but very playable on low settings too. As I'm in need of a motherboard upgrade, I'm playing on low. Ultra though I still have a higher FPS than I do in other games, even with a busy beta weekend on a full server.

Telara has the feeling of a world in crisis., something so many MMO's fail to capture - the tension and upheaval. I love the worlds MMO's designers have put out there, but ones like World of Warcraft, I've never felt the tension between Qeynos and Freeport or between the Alliance and Horde (I've read all the books and it's absent from the game), the impending doom that is supposedly always threatening. I've actually enjoyed the changes they've made in Cataclysm, but still there doesn't seem a huge threat of destruction, like I feel in RIFT.

(Beginning of a rift outside Meridian)

RIFT, you feel it. The rifts can't be ignored, well they can, but if you don't stop them, the quest area/zone you're in can be controlled by an invasion. The NPC's get into the fight and if they die - you can't turn in your quest or travel or stand in one place for that matter! You literally have to be involved with what's going on. It's not safe to go cruising down the road or afk in a quest hub or out in the world as you may run into an invasion force and you're dead! They attack everything - the mobs roaming around, other rifts - its a world in continual chaos and it's awesome! During beta the sky has been black a few times with the number of rifts they were throwing at us, but how wonderful when they were all cleared - the land was at peace, skies were blue - a sense and feel of we've saved Telara for another day!

Having the auto-join public group at a rift event is much like Warhammer's public quests. They're hectic and fun (I haven't tried healing through one, just random heals on the mage), but I can imagine that might be a bit frantic. The rifts can't be underestimated either, as they're strength is worked off the people in the area, so a level 10 rift with a heavy load around hits like a mac truck! We had a group on the last boss on a level 19 rift, and he kicked our group to the curb repeatedly even though we had many that were much higher level than he was. Then again, I've been the only one around and have closed a rift. It takes time, but it can be done.

For those that haven't been in beta, the world of Telara is under attack by Regulos and other dragons from the planes that intersect on Telara, allowing the rifts to open. At least that's my understanding. The two factions, Guardian and Defiant have the same goal but opposing ways to do accomplish it, basically get rid of the evil and reclaim their world. I've played both sides and honestly don't have a preference. I assumed I would like the Guardians (Alliance, Qeynosian...), but I like the Defiant as well and have spent more time in Freemarch/Stonefield than the Guardian side.

I've spent the past two beta tests trying the different classes and so far - thrilled! I knew I'd like the rogue class and cleric, but surprisingly I like the variety of the mage class as well. I've either loved or hated that class (same with warriors), but have played all both sides to mid-teens early 20's and thoroughly enjoy all of them. I can definitely see playing this both sides and all four classes.

My first character, an Eth Rogue (ranger/marksman/blade dancer), she's since added another Role (spec) and some of the other Souls. I really like Saboteur and Bard. I haven't tried the more melee souls yet such as Assassin, Riftstalker, Nightblade, but will. I did test Alchemy and have been playing around with the dyes to customize their looks too.

My youngest toon, a Kelari Warrior. Things die, but I really don't have a feel for this class yet, and it will likely be the last to level. I do like melee class, as an off tank/dps, but tanking has never been high on my list.

What I've really noticed in the chat channels, is a real division from those that came from EQ, EQ2, LoTRO and WoW. The first three games, people keep asking for things to be harded and really only ask questions on how to do something that isn't intuitive or easy, whereas many of the WoW players are putting little to no effort in finding out how to do something. All the questions are what's the best spec for X, these quests are long, how do I find a bank, etc. My thinking is get out and look around! Exploring isn't part of their game. They're worried about what they'll do at end game, and the game isn't released! I find that sad in many ways as I'm sure they'll enjoy the game, but I just feel they miss so much, rushing to 'end game' without seeing the whole world.

Crafting for instance, the questions were endless what is the best ones for a rogue (example). My thought - it's beta just try them all! That's what I'm doing, trying and giving feedback. Crafting is very easy, more wow-like than I'd want in truth, as there isn't any skill involved. Click make and you're done.

Any faults with RIFT, not really. There are things they still need to tweak, but the designers/developers are really listening to players input - a first and making changes/adjustments based on that. My biggest complaints bag space, a better buff/debuff bar for targets and I want a pet target frame. That's about it. The UI is highly customizable, so I won't see the need for a bunch of add ons to move things around. All in all, RIFT has to be the most polished beta I've been in to date. Heck, better than some games at release! I pre-order last month, and love the two-headed turtle mount and bigger bag.

Next beta, instances and PvP! I honestly can't wait until February 24th, to get into the game for real!

WoW Call to Arms Weekend AV

2011-01-19T20:10:00.000-08:00

This past weekend was Alteric Valley - Call to Arms weekend. I try to hit as many CtA weekends as possible for the added XP, honor plus I love PvP.

So, I played Thursday night through Monday on the Rogue, Warlock and Hunter. I don't think I'm that great of a player, really. I toon jump around toooo much and would say average on most classes, but I try. Generally when I'm up against someone that really knows their class, I watch what they're doing as they kill me - learning in a strange way. I almost want to applaud their ability.

My warlock just bought her level 70 PvP set, and is gemmed/enchanted. Some could be better but between my gold and the AH, well beggars can't be choosers at times. Warlocks still feel a bit OP to me in BG's, but I do like her survivability, I just wish I'd put the time in on her Engineering/Tailoring too. The Hunter bought a few pieces too, but is still missing a couple of items, but is getting there, and I've been testing different pets (raptor, bird of prey, spider, hyena, cat, so far). The Rogue is saving honor for level 60 or 70 PvP gear (she's at 50 right now), but they're so awesome.

This past weekend's AV went from extremely great to OMG when will it end as so many of these CtA weekends go. The group makeup from one to the next can make you crazy. I know when I start typing comments in the BG, other than calling out incoming, etc., it's time for me to stop BG's for awhile.

A few things I noticed this past weekend:

1. Why do DK's always want to defend Bel when no one else does? Every AV it's always a DK that wants to defend her. I wouldn't be against that strat if half the team was on D and actually defended the bunkers and graveyards, but as that seems such a novel concept for most, I'll pass on defending her too.

2. Sitting on your mount next to a graveyard flag is a lovely invitation to a rogue. I thoroughly adore that free kill.

3. Hunters - traps and flares are there for a reason. Feel free to use them. Often they're really helpful. Really.

4. Death Knights - you have Death Grip which you love to use, but griping that warrior into a group of DPS is just so appreciated. Thanks for bringing him into melee range. Just where I wanted him....

5. If you take a graveyard, feel free to babysit it for the next few minutes. Or do not bitch when you're rezzing at the top of the map or in the cave.

6. The guy that tells you, you only need Relief Hut and NOT to take other graveyards, so you'll rezz there as a strat because PWNSNOOBs told him. Great once you're south and have taken out the towers on the way or maybe in a premade where everyone knows there job, but a PUG? It's a long ride back down the map or a bloody fight at the bridge.

7. If you have buff (druids/pallys/priests/mages) feel free to use it when you rez. Reagents aren't that expensive nor is the mana cost.

8. Warlocks it cost you ZERO to use Ritual of Souls in the cave. It might help someone, so don't be stingy.

9. Capping and Recapping isn't someone else's job. So yelling 'someone grab...' feel free to go get it.

10. Yes, you can kill Drek with a tower or two up, but please have Relief Hut first and really good healers and really good tanks.

11. Defense is important as well as a good Offensive in AV. Otherwise it's a speed run, and losing by a few seconds is not fun.

12. Taking the mines aren't always critical, but in an a win by attrition, it doesn't hurt either.

13. When you ride past a bunker that is 'red', stop and help out. Look at you're bloody map if you can't see all the "Horde" in there.

14. People that AFK in the cave or auto-follow out of graveyards - we should be able to kill them, just like the parasites they are and then they can't re-queue for a few days.

15. Calling people Noobs or Scrubs doesn't motivate them to do anything. At least not me.

16. Why don't Hunter pets get XP in BGs? I keep asking that... Why Blizzard? I really want to go gain 3 levels on the new pet I'm testing. Warlocks, Mages, Death Knight's their pets level with them? So, why put us at this disadvantage?

Warsong Gulch Call to Arms weekend, coming up. That should be fun.

Random thoughts on Cataclysm

2010-12-28T19:36:00.000-08:00

I have to say, so far I'm thoroughly enjoying Cataclysm. I love the start areas and the quest lines that while it might still be kill 10 rats, etc., at least seem to have more meaning. I've not completed the 80-85 zones yet, as I've been enjoying the start areas, and have done the Troll, Goblin, Tauren, Worgen, but still want to do the new Gnome one. I've heard the others are improved but haven't done those either. Couple years for the next expansion so there's time right?

I like Thrall's new look -but the braids are a bit scary. I did finish all the books prior to Cataclysm's release, and the Shattering tied in nicely with all the transformations that occurred. Hellscream as a leader, hmm, he's more aggressive, but adds to the tension between the Alliance and Horde now. I did find Varian Wyrnn referring to himself as Lo'Gosh too interesting and glad to see Anduin has aged too.

Even the changes to the cities are great. Orgrimmar I've been lost in so many times (no flying on lowbies PiA), but it feels more 'Horde-like' than before. Stormwind has been changed, but not to the same degree - the park and all is nice, and yeah on multiple Inns, AH and banks in both cities.

My favorite zone so far, definitely the Goblin. Blizzard went over the top with this one and it's great. Deathwing torching Kazan, to all the changes in Azshara, just fun.

The Worgen start area, I love the feel and the story-line, but Worgen themselves - I can't play them! All that sniffing/snuffling noise I find annoying to the max. I did roll a female Worgen, but after 10 levels realized I was getting motion sickness with her movement. Rerolled a male, slightly better, but still no love for the race as it stands. I even made a druid so I could avoid much of the Worgen movement. He's on the delete list. Their running reminds me of a dog with rabies or someone with Tourettes - no thanks. The Darkshore quests are much improved though.

This quest in Silverpine Forest made me laugh. (spoiler don't read if you haven't done it, just go talk to High Executor Darthalia.), the quest line continues into Hillsbrad - what a zone change there! Silverpine>Hillsbrad you really get a feel for Sylvanas has lots of ideas, mostly involving everyone joining her as Forsaken.

I hope they have something similar on the Alliance side, but I don't have any low level Alliance at the moment to find out.

I have been consolidating my main characters on one server, both Horde and Alliance, so quickly running out of slots, but once I've done what I want with them they can move elsewhere or /delete!

I have heard healing is awful at the higher levels, so I guess the priest and druid are going to stay DPS only for now. I'm re-learning the Priest anyway after a year off, so have an excuse. : P

The new server is an RP one, and I've always wanted to try that aspect of the game, so new game new server! I'm not sure I 'get' RP completely, but going to give it a shot. A couple of the Horde characters have found a guild, now to find an Alliance one.

It is odd though to be on a non PvP server, it's is a whole 'nother animal. Kind of odd to see the opposition out in the world and not kill them or be killed. Although my Hunter did run across a few 'red' Hordies in Ashenvale and felt obliged to end their life. My Night Elf's, a bit sentimental to the changes in Ashenvale and definitely no love of Trolls or Orcs.

So all in all, I'm loving WoW, I think Blizzard overall did a great job with this expansion.

As my blogging has been sporadic at best, going to wish everyone a wonderful New Year and a great 2011.

WoW-Pro

2010-11-09T15:29:00.000-08:00

WoW-Pro, administered by Jame has been a great tool and reference for me over the years. The people that contribute leveling guides, tips and tools have done an awesome job. As it is basically player contributed and maintained (and FREE!), I'd highly recommend checking it out.

This is from their FAQ Intro:

Welcome to World of Warcraft Pro. We are a platform for WoW-Players to exchange self-written guides, free of charge. Our guide books are a compilation of all guides submitted by the WoW-pro memberbase. We will try to answer all questions about functioning, features and troubleshooting here, however if you still have questions, you can always contact us through the contact form.

I've not tried the Wow-Pro Addon written by Jiyambi yet, but I'm planning to roll a new character on a PvE server and follow it exactly sometime after Cataclysm launchs.

I know the quest circuits I've followed in other leveling guides on WoW-Pro have been great. Each ten level section, builds off previous levels (they can be done at any time though), and cuts down the endless running back and forth you do while questing while maximizing your leveling XP.

I've also used their guides to make sure I've collected ALL the quests that pertain to an instance, although with Cataclysm changes I'm not sure that will be such a chore.

If you've never been to Wow-Pro, check it out.

Change a light bulb?

2010-11-09T09:55:00.000-08:00

How many forum members does it take to change a light bulb?

One to change the light bulb and to post that the light bulb has been changed.

Fourteen to share similar experiences of changing light bulbs and how the light bulb could have been changed differently.

Seven to caution about the dangers of changing light bulbs.

Seven more to point out spelling/grammar errors in posts about changing light bulbs.

Three to correct spelling/grammar errors.

Six to argue over whether it's "lightbulb" or "light bulb".

Another six to condemn those six as stupid.

Fifteen to claim experience in the lighting industry and give the correct spelling.

Nineteen to post that this group is not about light bulbs and to please take this discussion to a lightbulb (or

light bulb) forum.

Eleven to defend the posting to the group saying that we all use light bulbs and therefore the posts are relevant to this group.

Thirty six to debate which method of changing light bulbs is superior, where to buy the best light bulbs, what brand of light bulbs work best for this technique and what brands are faulty.

Seven to post URLs where one can see examples of different light bulbs.

Four to post that the URLs were posted incorrectly and then post the corrected URL.

Three to post about links they found from the URLs that are relevant to this group which makes light bulbs relevant to this group.

Thirteen to link all posts to date, quote them in their entirety including all headers and signatures, and add "Me too".

Five to post to the group that they will no longer post because they cannot handle the light bulb controversy.

Four to say "didn't we go through this already a short time ago?"

Thirteen to say "do a Google search on light bulbs before posting questions about light bulbs."

Three to tell a funny story about their cat and a light bulb.

AND

One group lurker to respond to the original post six months from now with something unrelated and start it all over again.

Things to do while Windows 7 installs.

2010-11-07T09:18:00.000-08:00

I've had Windows 7 sitting around for four months waiting to upgrade from Windows XP on my gaming PC. I have it for the work one too (Vista), but have not wanted the whole 'reinstall' everything task. Yesterday for some odd reason was the DAY. Backed up everything to the external HD, downloaded and installed Win 7, and then began the arduous task of reinstalling software.

I had read somewhere that I should put the 'biggest' programs on first. Something about the way it filled the HD. So, monster one MMO - WoW is first in line. I've been having issues with WoW since patch 4.0.1, so decided to just bite the bullet and do a complete fresh install. Oh what a joy this has been.

I had forgot how many times an un-tended PC will decide to 'update' itself. At least three times I came to find that had occurred, and what I had assumed to be continuous WoW downloading had in fact NOT happened! ARGH!

So, I've been MMO free all weekend, but we're down to the final Cataclysm stretch of updates - another 5GB to go!

Then the rest of the MMO stable will get installed this week (LoTRO & EQ2 for now) as well as Curse and Steam.

Too keep myself entertained, I first flirted with the idea of playing on the Xbox but instead watch Bounty Hunter (movie), really bad and not worth the time. Then I guilted myself into putting in some time in on the NaNoWriMo thing. I'm not going to ding 50K words this month, as I've barely scratched 9K. Too much of what I've written feels disjointed. Nothing novelish about it. It has the same characters but more short story adventure compilation in feel than one continuous story. I want to go back and edit it, but figure getting it all out would be better now. Editing can wait! My goal with NaNoWriMo, is to try to get more discipline in writing period. My website and blogs have long dry spells as I don't 'protect' my writing time. If I can get that down, 50K words or not I'll consider this a success!

I've also been reading up on the lore from WoW after locating an excellent resource on the book order on the WoW forums and an even better one over at LoreCrafted. Wonderful site btw as I have a secret yearning to RP, but turn into a stammering idiot every time I've tried. I love to read the writing of RPers and listen to what/how they do it.

The novel chronology has helped as I've found what appears to be the chronological order isn't, and read War of the Ancient's Trilogy - assuming it was first - not!. So, I'm going to follow this guide and hopefully get up to the Shattering before Catacylsm is released in a month!

I'm really finding it fascinating and want to start a new level 1 Horde (or maybe a DK to just do the Outlands areas I've been reading about), as now much of that makes sense as to the how's and why's of Outland's areas.

Fortunately both Amazon and iBooks stores have many of the WoW novels to download, so Rise of the Horde on the iPad was a quick read. I'd love to feel for the Horde (I do a bit, especially at the loss of their lifestyle), but being Alliance at heart - poor Draenei!

Headed back to read more about Medivh and Khadgar, but had to check the PC hadn't found a new update it had to install!

Top 10 Cataclysm wishes

2010-11-05T08:32:00.000-07:00

As we're all eagerly waiting for Cataclysm next month, I was thinking about changes I'd like to see -

1. Drop an elemental on the brat, William, in Stormwind so that Donna can have her dolly, Betsy, back!

2. People that roll on a PvP server actually liked and participated in world PvP. Why did they start on a PvP server in the first place?

3. Female character gear that is stylish and/or functional, yet doesn't scream 'I'm working the red-light district'! Bustiere armor? Cute cut-outs on their legs? Daisy Duke shorts? Ugh.

4. Hunter pets stay out with hunters while mounted. Where do they go? I can see not making them usable (grey out their action bar) until you've dismounted, but, why aren't they out all the time?

5. Stackable tabards or a tab for all of them. The same for all the 'holiday' clothing. How do RPer's manage? I have at least two bags of clothing and stuff for holidays and I'm not on an RP server! Plus tabards I can't re-buy but don't wear hogging bank space.

6. Crafting materials stack to at least 20 - all of them. Mojo, teeth, core of this, elemental of that, essence of whatever - all those odd things that we have to use that still stack to 5-10 - bigger stacks! Better yet mats - cloth, flowers, metals, stone that stock to 50-100.

7. Get rid of the 'useless' stuff we have to craft to level. Either give it a value/reason to be made or remove it from the game.

8. Have reasons for people to go to Exodar and Silvermoon City other than jewelers or ERPers. They're distinct and beautifully designed cities. But such ghost towns and basically pointless except for people in the start areas.

9. NPC's that 'attack' the neighboring city/community that people could join and PvP with even on non-PvP servers. These are two factions that have a deep distrust and hate, right? Why don't they ever attack each other?

10. Ideally what I'd love, love, love. A shared bank for your characters of the same faction on a realm. Separate bag slot for BoP gear, but money, materials, etc., could be stored in one bank. Most of us have 'guilds' to have bank alts use. I'd pay the same amount NOT to have to form a darn guild and have it accessible by ALL my characters without having to mail stuff all the time.

I'm sure I could drone on, but I said 10 so 10 it is!

It's your UI causing the problem

2010-11-03T16:02:00.000-07:00

What annoys the heck out of me and I've been opening a ticket every day with support is the constant d/c in battlegrounds and the feeling that I'm in a beta test that shouldn't be a beta test.

I get d/c'd at least once a day and come back as a deserter - WTF??? I never leave a BG, ever. Even the truly terrabad ones, I will stay. I've left maybe three in three plus years as it was an emergency call, otherwise I will stick it out. I might be swearing at the PC screen but I stay.

Then there is miscounting the number of people in WSG - Blizzard's interface or whatever can't recognize 9-11? That isn't 10-10 sorry! It might be 20, but it's not the right way to count it! Not recording stats in the leader board - half the time people are missing or there are surprise 11 in Warsong Gulch on one side or another!

This doesn't happen every WSG (never in EoTS, AB, etc.,) but apparently my UI is the issue. Some how randomly it is. So, I wasn't surprised with getting the "It's your UI that is causing all the problems" response.

Get stuck in a wall, fall through the earth, d/c, whatever it's always your UI.

To be fair, I'd like to think maybe that is the problem. I do use a number of Add ons, (updated daily with Curse Client); BUT, my UI can't add extra people to either side or not let that 10th person in on either side nor can it boot me out as a deserter! If so, there are some players I'd gladly use that on!

I was going to try a couple of WSG with just the basic Blizzard provided UI and then if I get booted, see what they have to say. I'm sure it will be "reload the game" or "it's your graphics card" or ? ARGH!

As excited as I am for Cataclysm, knowing the continual borked game we'll have to play with for next two months with patches, updates and fixes, makes me almost wish it was January and all will be playable... for awhile at least!

Class changes love 'em... in general!

2010-11-02T19:55:00.000-07:00

As I'm sure many have, I've been 'adjusting' to the 4.0.1 patch in World of Warcraft, that changed so much of the game.

Most of them I'm absolutely fine with, especially BM hunter finally being all that it should be, at least for the next month.

Hunter:

I can learn about focus over mana. Why did Hunter's ever have mana anyway?
I love no more arrows, although I wish they'd have implemented an 'arrow' drop in Instances, much like other weapons so we'd have different level of arrows, just not have to constantly purchase them.
Twenty pet slots - w00t! Five to carry around even better!
If they'd let our pets level in BG's I'd be over the moon. Why don't they get XP in BGs? Or just level with us?
I'm still toying with spec's on the Hunter as I've never really developed a feel for Survival, but may give it a try just to do it.

Warlock:
I just dual spec'd from Affliction to Affl/Dem and have been playing Demo the past week or so in BG's. OMG do I love it. Death Knights and Warriors are much more manageable now - lol!

Love my Felguard's axe toss
No more Soul Shard bags and not using to summon demons, etc. YEAH!
Soul Burn is pretty sweet

Shaman:
I've not played her much (about a level so far), but the changes don't seem overly dramatic.

Druid:
Taking away tree form was cruel. Shortening it to an ability/spell unfair! That and the new model I find hideous. They don't want us to stand out in battlegrounds - make an ugly huge tree with a gaping mouth why not. Definitely will keep people out of tree form!

The new graphic for Eclipse I know should be helpful, but I tend to spend more time looking at that and trying to maximize either Arcane or Nature damage, I know my DPS suffers. Apparently a Solar Eclipse lasts a long time. He's been in one for days - no fighting just doing other stuff.

Death Knight:
I'll admit the runes thing I find a bit WTF? I definitely need to spend time on my rotation and watch the runes. Definitely tired of 'it's not ready yet', but I haven't spent much time on the DK, so definitely not in sync with if it's better or worse.

Rogues:

They seem to be even more OP in battlegrounds than ever before, but I can live with it, if they don't two shot me they're going down! LOL! I know they're OP when my level 31 is high on damage and HK, that's not right, but I can live with that too!

Warriors:

Reading the changes to Rage, makes me want to try one again. I've failed twice, getting to level 20-something then deleting in frustration. Who knows.

I've respec'd and dual talented a couple of characters (the Shaman, Warlock, Hunter and Druid are now), half a level on the Pally and we'll try Holy/Ret. I've somewhat enjoyed learning or relearning how to play each class. I still haven't spent time on the Priest or Mage, but plan to squeeze them in this month.

Cataclysm is coming

2010-10-29T21:25:00.000-07:00

Cataclysm is a little over a month away and the Pre-Orders are available at the various stores. Amazon, Gamestop, Newegg.com, Best buy, Walmart, etc., all have this expansion listed for sale at the standard $39.99. This seems to be the best price point for new MMO's and relative to a movie out with snacks or a light meal pretty comparable!

Blizzard is offering a digital download which I'm finding very tempting, as the minute servers go live you can play. No worries about software out of stock, not shipped, etc. So that may be the route I'll go, but...

Then there is the Collector's Edition. It's running $79 to upwards of $185 on different sites. So, the question is do I really NEED the CE? The soundtrack would be cool, and I do have some of the ToC cards. Lil Deathwing - very cute - the pet collector in me says want him.

Worth an extra $40?

I don't know. Possible. It's a want over a need most certainly.

I do consider that the price difference between the standard and CE is close to three months subscription of another MMO or a new game. So, I guess I'll decide over the weekend.

WoW Heads of Sacramento

2010-10-28T20:28:00.000-07:00

The WoW Meetup Group has been resurrected. Now called the Wow Heads of Sacramento, they're having their first MeetUp, Friday night, October 29th.

If you're in the Greater Sacramento area, check it out - WoW Heads of Sacramento.

EQ2 Extended

2010-08-23T19:49:00.000-07:00

I Alpha tested EQ2X (Extended) Sony's free to play (F2P) model, which was fun shop the Marketplace with an unlimited wallet of Station Cash (SC). So, I bought a mount, appearance gear and ginormous bags - fun spending other people's money, even virtual money.

So, I jumped in the beta version, and have put a few hours in so far at the 'FREE' bronze membership level. I rolled a half elf Templar in New Halas, a class and zone I'm unfamiliar with so thought it would make it more of a 'new game' feel. I will admit it's great seeing the lowbie zones full of people. Having 7 to 14 instances open of New Halas, pretty cool! Will this taper off in the coming weeks? Good question.

The streaming seems to be quite good, as I've had very little stuttering or slowing of the game - watching the weird little dinosaur march is different. I've even upped my graphics to maximum quality (see photo below), which is like playing in slow motion at any time, but what a gorgeous world!

One of my complaints about EQ2X is the 'bronze membership' restriction on using the chat channels. For someone new to the game trying it for 'free', and not being able to join the channel to talk, make friends or ask questions - not a good first impression. My overall feel - it's like a world full of people all solo questing. Not that you need to group at that level, but trying to see this as someone new to EQ2, I imagine it would be difficult locating things, or understanding the hows/whys/whats of this very broad and deep game. I'm not sure how frustrated I might get and log out. Granted the start zones are pretty straight forward, but when you get in to the housing, deity, different types of questlines, all the zones. I don't know.

It's understandable that SOE wants to make money off the Marketplace, but I'm not sure they have the F2P model working well. From all I've seen and read online, the model that Turbine implemented with DDO and that will be rolling out for LoTRO seems to be better. I haven't played DDO - I get booted out right after the create a character screen, but I like the LoTRO model and will likely play that at some level of participation as I've had an on again off again sub for years.
SOE's membership matrix I find a bit convoluted and overly complicated, (click on the link for a full size pic), and haven't been tempted to up to even a silver membership ($10) yet, as I'm not sure I need or want to, as I already have an account on Live (two inactive ones too), and I'm not sure what exactly SOE is trying to accomplish with this parallel game to the Live version!

The new UI that SOE released with GU57, I do like - except for the broker interface. It's resizable, fairly sleek and not hard to use. This coming from a person that uses 30+ add ons in WoW, and is ever in search of the perfect UI. In EQ2, I've always used either Profit or Fetish, so glad to see they took much of those and made the former default UI better. Still could use a few tweaks but definitely better.

Will I eventually go back to Fetish or Profit? Likely. The new default with EQ2X is fine as there isn't any Broker access anyway. Something else I think should change - ANY membership level should at least be able to buy off the Broker! That is an important part of the in game economy, and to restrict the F2P Bronze and Silver members from using it, will severely cut into the crafting and gathering professions. I can see not letting them list things for sale as that would be a motivator to me to up my membership level to be able to use the Broker to make money, but the buying should be available. I don't see that as a major conflict with the Marketplace (cash shop).

As this is still beta I'm hoping SOE will make a few more changes. The biggest change, which I still don't see being addressed - what's going to happen to the Live Servers? The 14 day trial is gone, so how are new people going to be convinced to join or how is new blood going to be funneled to existing servers? The natural attrition any game undergoes without new players coming in, the ghost towns we have now will get worse. Server mergers? Server transfers?

The anger the existing player base (forum link here) the major thread is over 240 pages long and is justified IMHO. None of us want to see our worlds die. I logged into Blackburrow server on Live after being on EQ2X and went through a couple of the starter zones. It was sad to see at the most one person, after having multiple instances of a zone open on Extended. Antonia Bale, the starter zones at least there were a few people roaming around and the level 1-9 chat was lively.

So, I'm torn. I love the idea of a 'new' EQ2 - everyone starting on a level playing field, the got-to-get-to-max level crowd zooming along, the new players seeing this wonderful world unfold. Leveling, and grouping while seeing people in the world, a healthy population, etc., but not at the expense of the Live Servers and the existing player base. It's too high a price to pay.

Moonlight Enchantments

2010-07-23T07:14:00.000-07:00

Now I've been playing EQ2 on and off for a few years now, and I don't know when this was added - Moonlight Enchantment . I just happened to notice the dot on my map a few weeks ago and promptly forgot about it until someone mentioned it in Level 1-9 chat (the equivalent of WoW trade at times).
So, I had to investigate.

Ah ha!

This is were the pricey house items (exotic plants, seashells and sand) for aquarium building comes from! I did not know this before and I've been spending quite a bit of plat buying plants, etc.!

Needless to say the 20-21st will be booked on all characters for the foreseable future.

I did pick up the unicorn mounts on two of my characters - 20 charges each - to replace their regular mount and as an alternative to the dire bear.

Blizzard and Real ID

2010-07-22T17:14:00.000-07:00

It's been talked to death on Twitter, Facebook and a myriad of gaming forums. The diverse view I find interesting, as I'm in the Real ID is bad camp, so I'm having a hard time relating to the "it's a good thing" camp, including some of my real life friends.

The premise for Real ID, being able to contact your friends across the different Battle.net games, I don't have a problem with at all. But what's so wrong with a user name like every other Forum (I don't care what it's about gaming, gardening, politics, etc.,) on the Internet. In every other instance you have the option of how much of your real identity you CHOSE to share. You can decide if you want your real name, address, photo, whatever, or not.

That's what I have a problem with - no choice.

I want control.

I want to be able to have a user name that I can happily give out to friends, or their friends can see, BUT I want to be able to control which of my characters they can see too. Is that too much to ask? Some of us play with different people or different guilds or just need that break to play solo. Real ID, I have no options. Either I have it all out there or I have to give up to much of my privacy.

A good friend doesn't see this as a problem at all. But then he plays with his brother and a group of people he's known for 4-5 years in WoW. They're all on first name basis now, and they've been texting and phoning for years, so the level of trust is there.

We debated this as I compared what Blizzard is trying to do as similar to a Steam Account or Xbox - but there you have an avatar and/or user name. Control. People say well look at Facebook. Yes my 'real name' is on Facebook, but again I can control who has access and to what. Is it perfect no, but there are at least some measure of control and privacy.

My friend thinks its nice to be able to chat with people on different realms, and I asked why don't you call them. Oh not "that kind of friend", not a phone/texting friend, just a person you've played a game with at some point. That isn't what Blizzard is promoting Real ID for though. So the premise of why it exists isn't for casual friends, it's for close, personal friends.

I told him the way I felt about Real ID is like going to a club with a badge listing my full name and phone number printed on it. Okay that's an exaggeration, but not much of one.

I have concerns as a woman and mother, about safety. Sorry guys, women and children get stalked, and predators don't always look the part. (I hate to think how many people present themselves as being 14-20, that are seriously much older.) I've lied to guys in PUGs, saying I'm a guy. Mostly because, I've had comments ranging from would you like to be my girlfriend to what color are your underwear to much racier.

So, I have a bit of reluctance, even outing myself as female until I know people that I'm playing with gaming.

Therefore, forgive me if I don't think it needs to be easier to finding someone. People say that's living in fear. I don't feel afraid, because I take precautions to not be an easy target. Is that living in fear? I don't feel like I'm operating from a sense of fear at all. Just life experience. I lock my car out in public, don't leave my PC or iPhone on the table at Starbucks unattended either - not looking for my stupid sign!

Honestly, in my day, you could give a guy a fake name or fake phone number and not worry so much. Oops wrong number he can't text or call. Is that mean, admittedly yes, but often kinder than saying I'm not interested in you and don't find you attractive, so please go away and leave me alone, etc. Oh you have my Real ID and play on my realm or are a friend of a friend - screw me!

I know there is no "real" privacy on the Internet, Google yourself if you thing there is (heck even my user name Ziboo pops up third and goes to my Twitter account). But again, someone needs to have your name to start with, so let's not give people a helping hand here, Blizz!

My bad feeling towards Blizzard/Activision really stem from the fact that I truly feel this was thrust on us without really asking the player base what they wanted or felt until the Forum debacle.

Maybe they don't need to ask, but then maybe we don't need to play their games or maybe start all games with a game card, fake name and email address from now on?

It definitely has soured me on Blizzard and WoW, which I've always enjoyed. It's just a sense of betrayal and feeling steamrolled.

The latest Q&A from Blizzard - Real ID Q&A

Falling through the earth

2010-07-13T09:17:00.000-07:00

Bithia fell through the acorn lift in Faydark.

I expected her to crash to her death, but she floated down.

and right through the world.

I've never seen this in EQ2, but have done this a few times in Wow.

Apparently transporting her to a safe zone was the start the Fae start area.

Return to EQ2

2010-07-10T06:55:00.000-07:00

I'm an ardent fan of Everquest2 (EQ2 or EQII). I've dabbled in other online games and PC and console RPG games (favorites being Baldur's Gate and Champions of Norrath) over the years, including playing EQ the original. But life, time commitment and my PC at the time, it wasn't a wonderful or long lasting experience. (I did give WoW a try before EQ2, but that's a whole 'nother story - took three times to get hooked on WoW-crack!)

Qeynos viewed from Antonica

My official start date playing EQ2 is December 6, 2006 according to Sony. It doesn't seem that long ago, considering I've still never max leveled a character (highest is right at 70 with 20 levels to go!), but I'm one of those that considers the journey more fun than the destination, i.e. raiding isn't my thing! Casual raiding with the guild, yes I can do that. Hardcore, bleeding edge, have to be first in the new content has no appeal. The years I've spent in EQ2, I've created, leveled to the 30-40ish range a few character then sent them along to toon heaven, which I'm sure is some sort of MMO ADD. I like to jump around and have never considered one character my 'main' over the others. The main is whichever I'm enjoying playing at that particular moment!

Freeport from the Commonlands

My adoration with EQ2, has been sporadic at best after the first year. New MMO's came out that I had to try - LoTRO, Warhammer, AoC, Free Realms, Dragonica, All Points Bulletin to name a few. Along with a few F2P games, many other beta trials, Wrath in WoW; PC games, and adding another console (Xbox) to the mix. That's just the gaming part of an already very busy life (married with children and running my own business).

During my wandering to new games, I've popped in an out of EQ2 when I could or felt the urge. I pay annually for my favorite, so its always there. An online security blanket, much your favorite well worn clothes that you always go back to when the new stuff loses it's newness!

Fortunately, I'm in a wonderful guild on the Blackburrow server that has patiently allowed me to exist in my flaky attendance. The teasing is always gentle, with my erradic playing. But it's wonderful to have such a welcoming and forgiving group to come back to.

Being back has been an adjustment. The world has changed again with new zones (I've never completed all of Kunark, let alone Shadow Odyssey and now Sentinels Fate).

More world events, - monthly city festivals, Tinkerfest coming up, lots of fun world things to do if you have a mind too.
More new factions than I even know of at this point
Changes to the AA (achievement abilities) - specing my characters has been a bit of guesswork and some Forum reading, I'm still not sure I've got them right, so we'll see!
New player housing - I love the housing in New Halas, but was surprised with the addition of housing in the mage tower and guild halls in Freeport - took forever to find that (no easy task on Qeynosians btw!).
Insta-travel with spires and druid rings everywhere, not to mention the World Bell. It's much easier in many ways, although I don't want to be one of those "back in my day we had to walk all the way to ...". I prefer to look at the new travel options as just that - options. I can still chose to take the boat, griffon, or hike across Antonica/Commonlands - which I do often!
Battlegrounds - w00t! I do love PvP, and have a warden on one of the PvP servers, but BG's sound fun. Okay truth, I tried one, we won. I died once but hadn't a clue what I was doing - lol!

So, I'm re-learning Norrath, as well as my characters, Star the Kerra monk; Nixia, the Ratonga beserker; Bithia, Wood Elf warden; Sithi, Arasai brigand and Tazneem, Dark Elf conjurer.

To this day, I still wonder why my first two characters are tank class? I'm more of a DPS/healer type, but I'm determined to get Star at least to level 90 before the end of the year!

The oldest, Star and youngest, Sithi

(well she gets to be until the urge to roll a new one strikes)

King of the Fire Festival

2010-07-02T02:24:00.000-07:00

In general, I'm heartily sick of most of the World Events in World of Warcraft. The novelty has worn off, as I've done them enough on different characters. Unless there is a new pet (admitted petaholic), a buff/stat item or PvP involved I generally pass.

A Thief's Reward quest, which involves stealing the flames from each of the oppositions cities is right up my alley! Death, usually my own, attempting to take a few with me on the way is involved if you try to solo this on less than a max level character! I have done this with a level 56, so it is doable, but definitely easier for some classes than others.

This year my Druid, Sidthr, is sitting at 71 so what a great opportunity. Off he went,

First stop Orgrimmar. This is always the most challenging for me, not because of the guards, but the number of Horde that are around. First stop the gates. As usual too many people dueling out front. To the backgate we go. Trying to sneak past the level 75 guards was a no go. Next tactic, the death march.

Buff up, mount up and ride in pulling a train of guards. I wasn't dismounted until right near the back entrance to Ragefire Chasm, which would have been okay. If I could have made it to RC and rebuffed inside, but two level 80 Horde had other ideas. Ghost run back from Razorhill. A successful rez and rebuff, time to sneak up on the flame.

Too many Horde. So sneak up on the flame and attempt to escape. Nope. Take the death and rez sickness while rezzing in Razorhill again.

Time to head to Thunderbluff.

The zep is one of the quickest for Alliance as we have no close flight paths to TB. Either Ratchet or Theramore, but I didn't fancy a cross country ride. Sneaking on the Zep is easier at max level I found out or with feign death ability (my hunter has done this a couple of times). Basically if you can't get on the Zep, die as close as possible on the tower and rez on the Zep downstairs. (This an old tactic I've used with hunters chasing pets in far off places at level 11-18).

The Zep lands at the Spirit Bluff, conveniently located next to the Flame. I just ran around until I lost aggro from the guards. Waited until the one level 80 left and snuck back get the flame. I chose to hearth versus de-flaming Mulgore, the goal was the four cities period.

Undercity was incredibly easy. I forget how little attention most people play even on a PvP server. So this was uneventful in the extreme.

Silvermoon City is generally a ghost town on all but RP servers, getting there is the bigger headache. The quickest Shattarath City to Sunwell Island and a quick flight to the Ghostlands. Otherwise, Eastern Plaguelands to Ghostlands (pick up the flight path if you don't have it).

The number of guards is a guarantee of at least one death getting to the flame. So rez next to the flame and the achievement is complete, all accept for the turnin.

Hearth out and turn in the quests to get the gorgeous level one crown (kidding), but it's a nice in your face to the opposition in BG's (at lower levels) if you're willing to give up your head stats, or if you're rich and you put a decent enchant.