Questing Has Ruined MMORPG's

Questing has totally changed the way I play MMORPG's these days.  How has questing changed my gaming? Should questing be removed from games?   Does questing make games less immersive?

I think questing has ruined my experience with MMORPG's.  I find myself getting annoyed if I have to fight non quest mobs to get to the quest area.  It used to be no problem, but now I just want to complete quests as fast as possible.

I want to go from quest npc to quest mobs, and back with no hassle.  It has made all other mobs like a fly in your house that just becomes a nuisance.  It just has made any mob other than your quest mob feel like it has zero value even though it does still give you experience, and drops.

I remember the days of Everquest with no quests.  You found a nice place to camp in a zone, and every mob kill felt like you were progressing with your character.  I liked those days I think.  Sometimes even questing can be annoying if you can't figure out exactly where to go, or waiting for a certain quest item to drop off a mob.  It just wears on your patience after a while.

In Everquest you knew exactly what levels were each zone, and were happy just to stay in one spot grinding mob after mob.  Who thought that running around everywhere trying to complete quests was better?

These days all you hear about is games immersion.  It seems players have different ideas on how they feel like the game world becomes a reality.  You have story, and lore driven by questing.  SWTOR is trying to take it one step further with voice overs, and making choices that affect your character.

This SWTOR brainwashing has done zero for me.  I actually find it quite annoying.  I want to just kill stuff, and not listen to someone babble on about something.  I have never been a big fan of reading quest text, and now I have to listen while also making a decision.

I would be happy just to grind mobs, and all quests be removed.  I don't need no stinking story, or lore. Give me mobs to kill, and gear to acquire, and I will be a willing monthly subscriber to your MMORPG.

Feel free to comment, and join the interactive discussion on Google +.

DC Universe Online First Impressions Review

DC Universe Online has recently went free to play.  I figured I may as well download it, and try it out.  I was very surprised since I was a big hater of City of Heroes, and Champions online.  The game definitely lured me in the first few nights of playing.

I really love the character creation.  It actually feels like you aren't the same as every other new character just starting out.  I chose to be a villain, and have Circe be my mentor.  I just wanted to be a bad guy.  I am not the one to recite the DC Comic lore to you.   I just went with what I thought was cool.

The interface seems really simple, and easy to understand.  I haven't felt overwhelmed by a learning curve.  It is very easy to figure out how to skill up your powers, and skills.  It is pretty simple combat. Left click for melee combat, and right click for your powers.  You also can cast spells from your spellbar. It is all very simple to understand.

Questing is also very simple.  All you have to do is follow the arrows, and the highlighted areas on the map.  You can also find random easter egg side quests with random green exclamation marks.  SOE did a great job of removing players fighting over quest mobs by giving anyone credit that is nearby when a quest mob is killed.

DC Universe also has a pretty cool looting system. You can automatically loot nearby mobs you have killed by simply hitting your control button.  It removes the need to have to run up to every mob, and click to loot.

One of the biggest downfalls I have found in the game is every quest feels exactly the same.  It makes the game get boring really fast.  The story of quests change a little, but mechanically most are the same. You are killing some mobs, transforming citizens in some way, or carrying some Orb to the other side of the quest area.

The biggest frustration for me is that the respawn rate, and aggro range of mobs are just outright stupid.  I am not sure if they bumped it up with the increased population, but it causes many unnecessary deaths.  The fun stops after running halfway across the map every time you die to get back to the questing area.

I am also not a big fan of the bring a friend mob mentality.  You never are just fighting one mob.  It is always two, three, or you aggro three sets of mobs, and die.

Of course the first few days I thought DCUO was a great game, but after playing for about ten hours the game lost its novelty.  I just can't see myself leveling up a character, and actually putting dedicated time into this game.  I will play it for short spurts for a diversion once in a while, but once again a MMORPG that has failed to hook me.

Feel free to comment, and join the interactive discussion on G+.

What Is The Future Of MMORPG's?

I started thinking the other day after the announcement of Wrath of Heroes.  Is the genre evolving right before our eyes?  Are MMORPG's going to turn into a no leveling grind?  Are they going to change more to a Co-Op style?  Can you have a successful MMORPG that is a MOBA/DOTA style game?  Could they be merging into a new genre of gaming?

The Wrath of Heroes is pvp based arena with three factions, or sides.  The question is can a game company convert a moba/dota to a PvE type game?  How would it work?  Would players actually like the idea?

My idea is make dungeons, and raids like a moba/dota.  I guess maybe something like Gauntlet the retro arcade game. You could make it less about gear, and more about advancing levels, and unlocking more dungeons.

I think it would be nice to just be able to raid bosses, and skip all the stupid stuff.  They could make the fights really long, and epic.  I have never been a raider type, but if I could hop in at any time, and kill bosses without worrying about gearscore it would be great.

What do you think?

The Secret World MMORPG

I just accidentally ran across this EA press release that they are co-publishing with Funcom a new MMORPG called The Secret World.  It is a modern day setting with three factions.

There isn't a whole lot of information yet, but from the screenshots it reminds me of a FPS.  It has no classes, or levels.  You either have a pistol, machine gun, or a sword.  You can also learn voodoo, martial arts, and more.

It sounds like much of the world will be of real towns, and each faction fights for control, and power.  It sounds like it will have pvp which will be exciting to see if this time they get it right with three factions.

It sounds like there will be guild bases called Cabals which you can decorate, and stuff.

The game looks pretty cool from the screenshots, and definitely changes the way you think an MMORPG should be like.  I can't wait to see how this one turns out.

Project Titan: Call of Duty In Space

What is World of Warcraft's next MMORPG going to be like?  After reading PCGamer this weekend it gave me these crazy ideas on what Blizzard may be up to with the project Titan.  Will they use the Call of Duty IP for their next MMORPG, or will it be a brand new IP that allows for them to make the lore, and story however they want?

After Call of Duty Black Ops it seems the next expansion will be in space.  Sledgehammer Games will be making it.  Can both be made at the same time, or can the FPS expansion come out a year earlier than an MMORPG counterpart?

I keep hearing rumors about Blizzard making the next MMORPG a Sci-Fi, and also Call of Duty.  Could they be mixing the two to reinvent the MMORPG genre as it is today?

I like the thought of incorporating the great things about an FPS, and also the great things of MMORPG's.  Could we finally merge these two into a genre that makes both sides happy?  I think taking the great things from both genres, and removing the bad things from both could only be a win-win.

Do you think Blizzards new MMORPG coded Titan could be a Call of Duty MMORPG?

Related articles

• ... and while we are on the subject of building on sand ... (tobolds.blogspot.com)
• Are Players Really Looking For A New MMORPG? (wasdstomp.com)
• MMORPG Players Are Lazy (wasdstomp.com)
• Sledgehammer Games Making Next Call of Duty (devicemag.com)
• Titan: Blizzard (Reluctantly) Confirms Next-Gen MMO (crunchgear.com)

Global Cooldowns, and Mana, Energy, Rage, and Etc. Bars in MMORPG's

Why do we have global cooldowns, and bars we have to manage also?  I just don't understand this mechanic in MMORPG's.  I don't know maybe I am just an idiot, and don't really understand how it all works.  As I see it you don't need both in the game.

I love spamming my dps, and watching other players die in pvp.  I hate running out of mana, or dealing with a spell on cooldown.  It makes me want to break keyboards.  If you don't want me spamming spells than why don't you just remove my mana bar (or whatever other silly energy, rage bar from the game.  You don't need both to manage how someone mashes buttons.

Lets just say we use Global Cooldowns only.  Make every spell you cast have a 2 second global cooldown.  You see how easy it is to keep me from mashing my three button?  It can be solved that easy.  It would prolong fights, and possibly give players more time to react to the other player instead of just hitting some spell rotation that you hope works.

The next option is to just have mana, energy, or rage bars.  You remove global cooldowns from the game.  This puts more strategy into your game instead of just spamming stuff.  If you mash your three button four times, and you are out of mana, rage, or energy it will lead you to manage your bar better if the other player saves theirs, and kills you easily after you are a helpless player without anything but auto attack.

It just frustrates me currently in the game that I have to deal with global cooldowns, mana bars, mana regeneration every single fight.  MMORPG's should be more about fighting like in an fps.

Do you think global cooldowns, and mana, energy, or rage bars have to be both in the game, or do you agree with me that it should be one or the other?

Related articles

• Raid Rx: Handling healer mana in raids (wow.joystiq.com)
• A Touching Rendition Of Secret Of Mana [Video] (kotaku.com)
• Blood Sport: Drain Mana's removal and its impact on arena (wow.joystiq.com)

MMORPG Players Are Lazy

Can you believe I just called you lazy?  I am not just calling you lazy, but also the other fifty so called online friends in your guild lazy.  Every player these days are the laziest players I have ever seen.

Do you know what the saddest part of so many gamers being lazy is?  It is that game devs cater to these players.    They love making the game so easy that players line up to buy the game, and continue to buy the games.

The first sign of laziness are players using addons.  Every player uses them so therefore every player is a lazy bum.  What happened to the days when you had to be a smart player?  Who can't heal using Healbot?  Do you remember the days before threat meters?  Do you remember when there was no such thing as group heals?

The second sign of laziness is everyone watching Youtube videos.  What happened to the days where you figured out a boss by trial and error?  Players are so lazy these days that raid leader send emails of strats, video links, strat guides, and everything else.  Do you really feel like you one shot a boss?  Anyone can memorize their roles in a boss fight.

The third sign of laziness is judging everyone by their gearscore, or item level score.  Is that really the best way to find someone for your raid guild, or heroic?  What happened to the days you joined a guild, and you were judged on your performance?

Another sign of laziness is Auctioneer.  Who needs to memorize prices these days.  You can now have a program base a price of prior sales.  What happened to the days when you had to know prices, and sit through global spam chat to buy something?  Now you can sit at work, and not even be in the game, and buy/sell on the auction house.

Do you even have to leave the city these days?  Basically everything is done now with a click of a button.  No longer do you have to ride to a battleground queue, look for a group, and so much more.  I think once you reach level cap you never have to leave the city again unless you want to.

It is all players want these days is everything handed to them on a silver platter.  The world has become full of lazy players, and it is probably why people flock to World of Warcraft because nothing in the game these days requires hard work, or time.

Related articles

• Are Players Really Looking For A New MMORPG? (wasdstomp.com)
• Why do we play? - Killing Time (tobolds.blogspot.com)
• I don't want to raid with morons and slackers! (greedygoblin.blogspot.com)
• Do You Need To Be In A Big Guild For Group Content? (mmomeltingpot.com)

My First Ebook Is Right Around The Corner

Do you want to be the first to read my E-book?  I made one New Year's resolution last January, and that was to publish my first E-book this year.  Don't worry my E-book will be free.  I want everyone to be able to enjoy the valuable content that will be included in the E-book. 

I am currently working on the rough draft.  I still need to spend some time putting the finishing touches on it.  I plan on releasing it sometime in November if everything goes as planned.  I am not at the point to release any of the details of the E-book, but I can guarantee it will make many MMORPG players happy.  It is something players have been wanting, and this E-book will go viral.  I have no doubts about it.  It is going to simply knock your socks off.

I wish I could tell you a little more about it, but right now the contents have to be kept secret.  If you would like to get first access, and be the first to read it than be sure to sign up for my Wasdstomp Gaming Email List located on the right of this blog.  Any subscriber to the list will gain full access to my E-book before anyone else.

I told you that subscribing to my Wasdstomp Gaming Email List was going to eventually pay off.  You are going to see the first dividends in November.  By subscribing you also get the chance to win fifty bucks every month.  How can you pass that up?

Choosing A MMO

Today I am featuring my very first guest post on Wasdstomp.  I want to thank Blaq for taking the time to submit a great article for my readers to enjoy.  Blaq is a blogger for Don't mention ze WAR!  He is an Europe based student, PC gamer, and an avid MMO fan. His current passion is Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning.  You can find him playing on Karak Norn with several of his characters.

• Tharagor – RR65 Runepriest
• Fastrada – RR75 Warrior Priest
• Blaq – RR55 Ironbreaker
• Ensiferum – RR57 Swordmaster
• Nariya – RR42 Shadow Warrior
• Medhbh – RR44 White Lion-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  
  

The amount of MMO games that are to be released in the future is staggering, not to mention the various expansions and free to play overhauls. Regretfully, there's only so many hours in a day and we can't play them all. Which means that, unless you are an MMO fanatic that can spend all of their time playing games, you will be forced into the tricky business of picking one or two MMOs and sticking with them.

It means that you'll have some tough decisions to make. Here are some key questions which you need to ask yourself  in order to be able to choose a game that will hold your attention for a long time while providing you with the fun you crave for.

How much time can I devote to an MMO?

Online games are usually divided into either casual or hardcore. If paraphrased, casual would mean that it occupies only a small fraction of your free time, while hardcore usually means that it takes up more than half your free time. Although you most likely won't be able to identify exactly if an MMO will cater to the casual or hardcore, nosing around fan forums and looking up previews of the game can give you some idea of how big of a time investment it is. Most of the games will usually claim to appeal to both crowds though, so figuring out just how much of your time it will eat up is tricky.

What am I looking for in an MMO?

You can find an MMO for just about anything these days. Figuring out what exactly is your fancy is always recommended before committing to a certain game. If you like fighting other players the PvP (player versus player) genre will appeal to you. If you fancy stories, epic quests and battling giant monsters then PvE (player versus environment) games will be the thing for you. If you like exploring, building and crafting then sandbox MMOs will most likely draw you in. If you love teamwork and chatting with friends then MMOs with an emphasis on socializing will be your thing. That's just scraping the top and crudely categorizing the MMO genre. You'll need to figure out what kind of player you are for yourself. Something that might help you with this is taking a Bartle Test of Gamer Psychology (gamerDNA hosted test).

How much money am I prepared to invest in such a game?

Although it might seem trivial for some, there are people out there that have a tight gaming budget (mainly students), and won't be able to spend unlimited amounts on MMOs. For them the price they pay to have fun matters.

• Free to play (f2p) games are generally free of charge but with limitations. If you want to play with no limitations a monetary investment is required. In no case should you treat a f2p MMO as a completely free full game, as you would be fooling yourself. Such games require a careful examination of how the need for the developer to make money and the gameplay is balanced, after which you should decide whether to invest time in it.
  
  
• Next on the cost list are MMOs that do not require a monthly subscription. Do note however, that the developer will still need to make money after selling you the game, which might appear as a sort of mini-transaction system most f2p games adopt, frequent expansions that you need to buy or in-game advertising.
  
  
• At the top of the cost list are MMOs that are pay to play (p2p). Which means that they either require a monthly subscription or paying for play time in advance. The payment method and pricing are usually announced before the game launches, and need to be looked at in case of a tight budget.
  

What is the community like?

An important question overlooked by many. The community can make or break a game for you. If you dislike playing with and against player much younger than you, you will probably be disappointed in the new LEGO MMO, and likewise you probably wouldn't enjoy a mature game if you like your games simple and cute. Gauging a community is usually simple, you just need to take a step back and ask yourself what kind of players the game attracts. If that doesn't help try browsing community fan sites and developer interviews, as they should be a fair indicator of the consumer base the game is aiming at.

Can your computer run the game?

Another fundamental question that usually doesn't come up until it's too late. If you aren't planning on, or don't have the money to update your computer, you might not be able to play games that are highly demanding hardware-wise. With the rapid progress in computer components and game graphics you might be caught off-guard. Buying a game just to install it and find out that it's unplayable, is a situation you don't want to be in.


These are just some of the aspects of playing an MMO that should be considered to avoid bitterness and anger. There are various ways to get your questions answered, but the most important ones are always keeping up with the game's development and the state it's in: browsing the official and fan websites or forums, reading interviews and previews, taking part in conventions where they might be displayed and of course, playing beta tests or trials. By doing so, disappointment is the least likely emotion you will experience when starting a new MMO.



Do you have a great article you would like to see on Wasdstomp?  It is really easy to submit one.  Send a copy of your article to guestposting at gmail.com.  It really is that simple.

Related articles by fellow bloggers

• Why I Love MMOs (weflyspitfires.com)
• Yes, they are better. Or not. Does it matter? (biobreak.wordpress.com)
• Why MMO blogs 'work'. (syncaine.wordpress.com)
• Are MMOs Really Better Now? (weflyspitfires.com)
• What's Missing From MMOs Today? (thepriceofwargh.com)
• Thoughts on burnout in MMOs and how to avoid it (spinksville.wordpress.com)

Broadcasting Live Friday Night

In Celebration of getting my internet back after my move I will be doing a live broadcast on Friday night around 9pm pacific time.  I plan on having a great show, and look forward to seeing everyone.  I know the show is pretty late, but unfortunately my friends at Comcast have until 7pm to show up on Friday.

With basically five days without internet it gives me plenty of time to prepare for a great show.    No one will be disappointed.  The show will be broadcast on Ustream.  I highly suggest visiting the site now, and registering.  By being registered you will be able to participate in the live chat, and Q and A at the end of the show.


I also suggest signing up for the Wasdstomp Gaming Email List on the right.  Make sure you never miss any breaking news, and be the first to hear about new exciting stuff here on Wasdstomp.

Once again I am going to have a blast putting on the show, and look forward to Wasdstomp Live Broadcast #2.  I guarantee it will be the best raw, unedited, and live gaming blog show on the internet.

Related articles 

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Marketing 101 For MMORPG's

I have been a little frustrated with the marketing of my favorite games lately.  Is it really that hard to market a mmorpg?  Why is the marketing budget so small for a game that has invested so much time, and money?

Everyone can see the marketing power of PAX.  The thought of being able to play a game that is in early beta, or not even beta yet is the greatest.  Players love it.  Word of mouth is the most powerful marketing tool out there.  Why wouldn't you want to let as many players as possible get there hands on the game?

Pax unfortunately only lasts a few days, and than players are left suffering from withdrawal symptoms until they either get accepted to beta, or the game finally releases.

I wouldn't leave players hanging like that.  You can't give players a taste, and than expect them to go cold turkey.  They need something that keeps them talking about your game.

If at PAX your demo is playable than why not just let players keep playing it?  The fifteen to thirty minute demo, and up to two hour wait is worth it most of the time, but most players are yearning for more.

If I was in charge of the marketing department I would take the AOL approach.  Remember how that company grew just by giving away free cd's?  These mmorpg companies need to do the same.  I am not saying giving away your whole game, but give players an opportunity to take it home, and play it in the comfort of there own home.

How great of marketing would it be that during PAX you handed out 66k worth of free demo cd's to Guild Wars 2, SWTOR, AC Brotherhood, Dragonage 2, and so on just like how AOL used to have free cd's everywhere you looked?  Why not let players play this limited version of the game until it comes out?

The best salesman will always tell you that you can sell anything once the product is in the persons hand.  Why are mmorpg companies failing to hook people by putting the product in their hands?

I think mmorpg companies are really missing the boat on how to market games.  What do you think?

Related articles by fellow bloggers

• Guild Wars 2 Is Unbelievable (wasdstomp.com)
• My Top Five Games From PAX (wasdstomp.com)
• MMO Topics That Have Been Beaten To Death (yet we still rehash) (biobreak.wordpress.com)
• Free for All: So, what does "MMORPG" mean? (massively.com)
• Making SWTOR Not Suck - Ending the MMORPG Launch Curse (swtorstrategies.com)
• Different Types of MMOs: MMORPGs, MMO First-Person Shooters, and MMO Real-Time Strategies (brighthub.com)
• How price sensitive are you? (tobolds.blogspot.com)

Was PAX A Success?

That is a very good question.  What is success?  I know PAX was a success to me.  What makes me think that PAX was a success?

The biggest reason is PAX opened my eyes to the world of gaming.  I didn't realize that I had such tunnel vision on gaming.  There are really alot of great games out there.  I found plenty of games that ending up on My Top Five Games of PAX list that I never even had on my radar.

How do such great games never catch most players eyes?  Are we influenced by what other players like, and don't give some games even a fighting chance?

A good example is Rift Planes of Telara, and Tera-Online.  Both these games seem amazing to me.  I plan on playing both, but before PAX it would of never happened.  Why do I say that?  It is simple.  Seeing, and playing these games in person beats any videos, screenshots, or other media.

Another way PAX was a success was giving away free trials, and betas.  I have heard of Lego Universe, and Fallen Earth,  but never had the urge to try them.  PAX made me change my mind.  Currently I am playing the Lego Universe beta, and having a blast for a game that I thought was made for little kids.  So was it the LEGO name, or what that made me think that?

I will also be downloading my Fallen Earth 30 day trial.  After spending a little time at the booth the game seems pretty interesting.  I like the idea of almost everything in the game is player crafted.  I have always liked crafting, but since DAOC, and SWG  the crafting in games hasn't really interested me.  The game also plays more like a shooter which will be fun to see how that plays into an mmorpg game.

All in all I really enjoyed my time at PAX this year.  It was my first time, and I don't see how I could ever not go to one again.  It totally rejuvenated me, and 2011 is going to be a great year for gaming.

Related articles about PAX...

• LEGO Universe Beta (killtenrats.com)
• Optimus PAX Prime 2010 (biobreak.wordpress.com)
• My Top Five Games From PAX (wasdstomp.com)
• Best Game at PAX? Drumskulls! (battlegrip.com)
• PAX creators - PAX may help industry move away from big holiday releases (gonintendo.com)
• PAX 10: A big win for the small guys (destructoid.com)
• Contest For Rift: Planes of Telara Beta Invitation Key (wasdstomp.com)

Contest For Rift: Planes of Telara Beta Invitation Key

Rift: Planes of Telara Beta Invitation from PAX

It is time for my first contest after returning from PAX.  I am so excited about the Rift: Planes of Telara that I will be giving away one of the beta invitation keys this week to the winner.  I will randomly pick a winner live on Ustream on Friday afternoon.  These keys are not a guaranteed beta testing invite, but it definitely helps your chances of being chosen once it starts.

I am making the contest pretty simple.  Each item completed gives you an extra chance of winning the beta key.  The more you complete the more chances you have of winning.  In the comment section list any items you have completed with links to screenshots, URL's, or however you want to prove you did it.

Subscribe to the RSS Feed of Wasdstomp Gaming Blog.


Follow Wasdstomp on Twitter.

Retweet this Rift Planes of Telara beta key contest to all of your followers.

Retweet any of my #PAX related tweets or blog posts (be sure to RT @wasdstomp).

Link Wasdstomp on one of your blog posts.

Link Wasdstomp on your favorite gaming forum.

Submit a Guest Post here on Wasdstomp Gaming Blog.

Related articles about Rift: Planes of Telara from other Bloggers...

• Anyone following Rift: Planes of Telara? (keenandgraev.com)
• PAX 2010: Hands on with Rift: Planes of Telara (massively.com)
• Rift: Planes of Telara video calls in a fire rift (news.bigdownload.com)
• Rift: Planes of Telara unveils the Fire Rift (massively.com)

Back From Pax

Waiting to get in to PAX 2010 in Seattle

Today I am back at home sitting in front of my computer hard at work.  After spending all day Friday at PAX I have so many games to write about.  It really opened my eyes for other games I may have never even have thought about playing.

It was a very exciting day at PAX, and I enjoyed it very much.  It was my first time ever at an event like this.  I don't know why I have never went before.  It is mind boggling.  I will never forget this whole experience, and next year I am buying a 3 day pass the day they go on sale. 

You can see most of my PAX pictures on Twitter, and my PAX Gaming Video Remix on Youtube.  I will be busy uploading more videos, and pictures during the next few weeks.

PAX related posts from other blogger friends...

• @pax (biobreak.wordpress.com)
• PAX: Live From Star Wars Games Revealed (darthhater.com)
• PAX: Interview With BioWare's Blaine Christine (darthhater.com)
• Good Morning, PAX (killtenrats.com)
• #PAX 2010 Checklist (wasdstomp.com)

I Am So Bored

I took another trip down to the store to look at computer games.  I stood there looking at games forever it seemed.  After looking at hundreds of titles nothing interested me. 

All I see on the shelf are games that are, or going free to play soon.  I see lots of games that are on there last leg.  Why are computer games lacking in new titles? 

I saw all these games like Champions Online, Star Trek Online, Warhammer Online, World of Warcraft, APB, Lord of the Rings Online, Dungeons and Dragons Online, and many other MMORPG's.  I have to say none of them interest me any longer.

I think maybe I need a new genre to play.  I look at possibly some games I might like.  I know years ago I enjoyed some of the sims games like Sim City, Sim Towers, Rollercoaster Tycoon, and so on.  I feel the same way about these games.  It doesn't really seem like anything new, and exciting has come out for these types of games since I stopped playing them years ago.

I hate all the Age of Empires, Civilization, Command and Conquer games.  I just am not into history.

I keep trying new FPS type games, but one or two days later I end up being bored, and not playing them again.   I have played Team Fortress, Medal of Honor, Call of Duty, and more.

I just don't know really what I am looking for.  I think I want some kind of sport game, but I never really see them marketed towards pc gamers.  Should I just buy an xbox, or playstation?

It just seems that the selection for console games is so much better.  I started looking at all the selections to choose from, and they make more than three genres of games.  You can skateboard, box, wrestle, mma, motocross, tennis, and so much more.  I just don't want to fork out money for a console, and a month later find myself wanting to play on my PC again when GW2, or SWTOR comes out.

Related articles

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• Searching For The World of Warcraft-Clone (dontfearthemutant.com)
• Why MMO's Deserve a Second Chance (ofcourseillplayit.com)
• Lord of the Rings Online goes F2P - How can I not write? (ofcourseillplayit.com)
• So Productive. (jayedub.blogspot.com)
• Free for All: A game for every mood (massively.com)

Old School Death Penalty

I just think how much death penalties have been nerfed down.  I remember the days in EQ of losing experience, and having to run naked back to my body.  I can't believe I never ragequit that game over it.

I remember one night after excessive drinking I played, and how a big mistake that was.  I somehow blacked out, and died somewhere in the world.  This was back before maps, indicators, and etc.  You had to know how to get back to your corpse, or you would lose all your equipment.

I remember waking up the next day with my character naked, and not even having a clue where my corpse was at.  I only had around 24 hours to find it, or lose everything.  It would be fine if you had your equipment, but running around naked made it pretty difficult.

I spent hours asking in chat if anyone had seen my body laying around.  Finally with just a few hours left before my equipment rotted someone spotted it.  I ended up in some zone I had never even been too before so I would of never found it on my own.

After that experience I am so glad that death penalties in MMORPG's are so much easier now.  They may be a little to easy, but that is fine with me.

Do you remember the days of losing xp, and running back to your corpse to collect your stuff?

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Starcraft 2 Sucks

Yup, you heard it here first.  Starcraft 2 sucks.

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What A Difference A Day Makes

Today I log into The Lord of the Rings Online. I am pretty excited about playing. At least I thought I was. How could I go from loving the game to not even wanting to play it?

It was just a weird feeling. I felt totally lost as soon as I logged in. It didn't seem like where I remember logging off. I tried running around, and nothing looked familiar. It just didn't make sense.

It just hit me like a ton of bricks. I realized I didn't know enough about the game to know exactly what I was supposed to be doing. I had no clue on crafts to learn, quests to do, grind spots, or anything.

It is a horrible feeling. Do I think the game sucks? No. I think the game is really nice, but I think deep down I am having a harder time letting go of Warhammer. There is just something about knowing everything you want to know about the game that makes playing that much more fun.

I think MMORPG's lose alot of players this way. The beginner areas are usually not to noob friendly once the game has been out a while.

In newly launched MMORPG's everyone learns together. You learn alot from reading chat, and so on. It is much easier to adapt to a new game with other players. Otherwise it just becomes to overwhelming learning everything without really having anyone to ask questions, or show you around.

Do you hate that lost feeling when you pick up a game months after launch?

I Like It, I Like It

My initial impressions of The Lord of the Rings Online is very good. I like it, I like it. I finally was able to play it this morning after the initial download took longer than I thought. I decided to just pick a server that sounded cool so I ended up on Firefoot.

I have tried out two classes so far, and still undecided which I like better. What classes did I choose? Of course I picked ranged dps. I am playing a Rune Keeper, and a Hunter. Both are very fun to play. I am still learning what spells work best, and how the classes work overall. I am around level 7 on both.

There is one more class I want to try. I think it was the Minstrel. It was the class with lots of crowd control. I just don't know how that will work trying to level up solo.

I still have lots to learn about the game, and look forward to spending more time playing the game this week, and possibly more in the future if I end up really liking it.

Blind Testing Lord Of The Rings Online

I have been asked on Twitter to try, and talk about more games. I decided to do it tonight. I will be testing Lord of the Rings Online game without knowing any lore. I have never visited the official website, read the books, or watched the movies. The only thing I know is it is an MMORPG, and is free to play.

It is taking several hours to download, but I still should be able to get in a few hours of playing tonight once it is done. Why not? My Archmage could use some rested xp anyways. All this week I am dedicating my free time to playing Lord of the Rings Online to truly test it out unless I absolutely hate it right away.