Warhammer Feeds http://www.warhammerfeeds.com The best Warhammer Online news & blogs in one place Sat, 04 Feb 2012 18:18:05 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 en hourly 1 Tribes Ascend Improving http://www.warhammerfeeds.com/2012/02/04/tribes-ascend-improving/ http://www.warhammerfeeds.com/2012/02/04/tribes-ascend-improving/#comments Sat, 04 Feb 2012 18:18:05 +0000 Keen http://www.keenandgraev.com/?p=6615 On February 2 patch 0.1.742 released for Tribes Ascend.  Before this patch, I was not impressed with Tribes Ascend (TA) at all.  For some reason it didn’t feel like Tribes to me.  Perhaps some of it was psychological trauma from the cash shop model.  Post-patch, though, I’m completely taken with the game.  The ‘feel’ is [...]

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Tribes Ascend Improving

]]> Image of the Tribes Ascend Thumper.

Unlocking weapons can be done with experience or gold. Weapons currently cost a ridiculous amount of experience.

On February 2 patch 0.1.742 released for Tribes Ascend.  Before this patch, I was not impressed with Tribes Ascend (TA) at all.  For some reason it didn’t feel like Tribes to me.  Perhaps some of it was psychological trauma from the cash shop model.  Post-patch, though, I’m completely taken with the game.  The ‘feel’ is closing in on Tribes for me.

The patch brought 16 new weapons, a much improve UI, class customization, and upgrading kits.  All of which are huge improvements.

I’m loving the Technician class.  Right now I’m playing completely as a “free” player because I haven’t spent any real money to buy exp boosts or gold.  I’ve played a decent amount over the last two days which has given me enough experience to unlock the Technician and upgrade his turret two times.  As a Technician I can strategically place turrets that, on some maps, make it so that the enemy has to work very hard to cap the flag.

Picture of the Tribes Ascend Technician

You can upgrade the Technician's turrets to unlock the ability to place two.

 

I love playing the “base maid.”  Like it sounds, I take care of the base.  I place turrets, repair our equipment, and protect the generator and our flag.  Some players enjoy the mid-field fighting, some like being disruptors who just cause mayhem, some like being retrievers who wear light armor and chase flags down, and some like being the flag capturers.  The variety of acceptable play-styles has always been a trademark of Tribes, and TA is beginning to capture the feel.

 

 

There are still improvements to be made in TA.

  • Bigger maps are mandatory.  The current maps are too small.
  • Heavies should not be able to drive vehicles. They should rely on transports.
  • More vehicles are needed. “APC ready to go, waiting for passengers!”
  • Base design needs to be rethought, or at least different on future maps.  Flags should be deeper in bases, not sitting out in the open all the time. Intricate base design was a hallmark of Tribes.

If Hi-Rez continues to make improvements like this most recent patch, I think TA will be a very fine game.  I have to be honest, though, and say that Hi-Rez is on my list of developers I can’t trust.  I fear for their ability to handle the cash shop properly.  I’m currently sitting here wondering if I should get the VIP Starter Pack for $29.99 (which would let me unlock all the classes, etc), and the only thing keeping me from pulling the trigger is whether or not I can trust Hi-Rez.  I’ll let you know what I decide.

Update: I went ahead and got the VIP Starter Pack.  I’m enjoying the game enough right now to justify it.

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Tribes Ascend Improving

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Similar Posts:]]> http://www.warhammerfeeds.com/2012/02/04/tribes-ascend-improving/feed/ 0 Bonus Weekend 02/03 – 02/06 http://www.warhammerfeeds.com/2012/02/03/bonus-weekend-0203-0206/ http://www.warhammerfeeds.com/2012/02/03/bonus-weekend-0203-0206/#comments Fri, 03 Feb 2012 15:29:15 +0000 Kai Schober 1719 Full post: WarhammerFeeds.com

Bonus Weekend 02/03 – 02/06

]]> Greetings!

In honor of Patch 1.4.5 and in lieu of a Weekend Warfront, we launched a bonus weekend:

  • 50% bonus to all Renown gained
  • 50% bonus to all Experience gained

Bonuses are now active on all live servers and will continue until Monday, February 6th.

Thanks for your continued support and enjoy the bonuses!

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Bonus Weekend 02/03 – 02/06

Similar Posts:]]> http://www.warhammerfeeds.com/2012/02/03/bonus-weekend-0203-0206/feed/ 0 SWTOR – A game of two halves http://www.warhammerfeeds.com/2012/02/03/swtor-a-game-of-two-halves/ http://www.warhammerfeeds.com/2012/02/03/swtor-a-game-of-two-halves/#comments Fri, 03 Feb 2012 15:08:00 +0000 Bootae tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7279669963757550971.post-4059133269538405924 One of the issues that Bioware needs to deal with for SWTOR is that it is effectively 2 very different games. Firstly there’s the level process which is very much the traditional Bioware RPG, that being; fairly repetitive (but reasonably good fun) ga...

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SWTOR – A game of two halves

]]> One of the issues that Bioware needs to deal with for SWTOR is that it is effectively 2 very different games. Firstly there’s the level process which is very much the traditional Bioware RPG, that being; fairly repetitive (but reasonably good fun) game play, which is beautifully masked by excellent story writing and an involving plot that you want to play through. Alas (and perhaps predictably) after you’ve finished that, you’ll find yourself automatically placed into the second game, which is the standard MMORPG instance farming and repetition with no real progression aside from stats and to a point, your characters appearance. The storyline is over, now kill those mobs, move out of the fire on the floor, interrupt that attack and repeat.
Now this is quite normal in MMORPGs ever since WoW cemented the modern standard. You level through quests and their storylines, then when you hit max level you then do the same dungeons over and over again until a new one is added later on. Critical I may sound, but clearly the system has proven popular, despite it’s fairly sterile and workhouse like nature. So this “levelling and end-game as two separate games” thing does hold subscribers and perhaps you could say “if it’s not broken, don’t fix it”. However, with SWTOR the difference between the two is far more pronounced than what we’ve seen before and it’s a lot more likely that once you’ve finished the first game, you might not be so keen on what you’re left with.
Bioware have put so much emphasis and effort into the storylines, it makes levelling a much more enjoyable process and it really does feel similar to Dragon Age and the like. Unfortunately this means when you hit end-game in SWTOR, it’s with a considerable and very noticeable BUMP. You’re dumped into “just another MMORPG” and the same old repetition we see in most other games. There is very little reason to choose to do that repetition in SWTOR instead of other games. Bioware’s primary selling point, the story, becomes completely and utterly irrelevant. I now know what happens with Darth Malgus, I don’t need to watch the same cut scenes over and over again. Doing so is not fun and it adds nothing of any merit. You might as well play RIFT or WoW, as they have the same end-game but are FAR more fleshed out when it comes to features and functionality. No light-sabres of course, but no chance of Jar Jar Binks either…
A friend of mine, who has now quit SWTOR, was expecting the game to have regular storyline content added. As in monthly updates at the least and not just a dungeon that is cleared in 1 hour. He was expecting them to have new quests, companions, etc and to see the whole plot and storyline progressing at a pace that could distract from the standard MMORPG instance farm. But instead he got daily quests and dungeons, again. To be honest this is actually not an unreasonable expectation on his behalf. Bioware has the pedigree and they’ve certainly had the cash to do this, so I would suggest that they could and should have had masses of storyline prepared and ready to be drip fed into the game post launch.
This could all be rectified, though I doubt it will. It’s more likely that we’ll just see a wide range of good, but generic post launch MMO updates. The basic features (by modern standards) that are missing will get added (guild banks, dual spec, etc) and we’ll see new instances for PvE and PvP added. The big issue there is how it will compare with what other games are offering for their end-game players. It’s not like RIFT will stop adding features to let SWTOR catch up…

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SWTOR – A game of two halves

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  • swtor end game
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Space Stallions

]]> I saw this on twitter this morning, thought I’d pass it along.  It brings three thoughts to mind:  Thundercats, Transformers: The Movie (cartoon) and Wyld Stallions!  And yes, the music is available…

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Space Stallions

Similar Posts:]]> http://www.warhammerfeeds.com/2012/02/03/space-stallions/feed/ 0 The Sandbox Ecosystem http://www.warhammerfeeds.com/2012/02/03/the-sandbox-ecosystem/ http://www.warhammerfeeds.com/2012/02/03/the-sandbox-ecosystem/#comments Fri, 03 Feb 2012 03:12:00 +0000 Keen http://www.keenandgraev.com/?p=6604 The people at Goblinworks really speak my language.  Every time I read something over there it’s like they’re camped out inside my brain taking notes.  Just search for ‘sandbox’ here and you’ll find pages of me talking about qualities in sandboxes lacking in today’s mmorpg’s.  I’ve even written a few posts about my ideal sandbox [...]

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The Sandbox Ecosystem

]]> The people at Goblinworks really speak my language.  Every time I read something over there it’s like they’re camped out inside my brain taking notes.  Just search for ‘sandbox’ here and you’ll find pages of me talking about qualities in sandboxes lacking in today’s mmorpg’s.  I’ve even written a few posts about my ideal sandbox MMO.

Goblinworks has done it again with their most recent blog entry which talks a lot about how sandboxes function at a macro and somewhat micro level.

 

Players fill many roles.  There are the people who love to do nothing but fight, and those who would rather craft, gather, or build.  Each of these play-styles supports and relies on the other two.  Players create content, or as I like to phrase it a ‘purpose’ or ‘reason for existing’, for every other player.

The way Goblinworks describes Pathfinder as a sandbox game summarizes further how a person will play a themepark vs. a sandbox.

You can think of Pathfinder Online as the inverse of many theme park MMO designs—those usually have sandbox elements, but the overall game is driven by the theme park: You go on quests and clear dungeons to get the loot and character power you need to go on harder quests and clear more dangerous dungeons. In between, you might go fishing or you might buy and sell goods in an auction house, or you might just explore the world. In Pathfinder Online, the inverse is true: while you’re engaged in harvesting, crafting or exploring, you may find yourself plunged into an adventure—interaction with the scripted part of the game.

When I play a sandbox game, I have a different mindset than when I’m in a themepark.  Playing becomes entirely about improving my quality of life.  I usually do this by seeking to increase my share of the wealth, my piece of the pie, or my stake in the world.  That usually makes me a crafter. I think that’s why I don’t mind logging in to a sandbox and doing nothing but gathering resources or making things.

Regardless of the why, everyone in a sandbox ends up ‘living’ in the world rather than progressing through it.

When people think of dynamic content in today’s MMO it’s all about scripted events popping up randomly in a zone and how many of X mob must be slain to make that event go away.  When I think of dynamic, the kind I have experienced in years past, I think of a world and community that responds based upon input from the inhabitants.  In SWG or UO a player could find an empty space of land, place a house, and forever alter the world.

I was one of the top chefs on my SWG server.  I required tons of resources and relied on suppliers because I could not meet the demand of my customers by myself.  While I was still building my crafting empire and things were tight, if my suppliers were gone, or there was a resource drought, I would struggle to  pay the rent on my shops and harvesters.  That was dynamic and very representative of the sandbox ecosystem.

I’ve focused a lot on the interconnectedness of the players in a sandbox, but the Pathfinder Online blog entry has a lot of information about how they plan to work their PvE.  It’s a fascinating read.

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The Sandbox Ecosystem

Similar Posts:]]> http://www.warhammerfeeds.com/2012/02/03/the-sandbox-ecosystem/feed/ 0 STO dings 2 http://www.warhammerfeeds.com/2012/02/02/sto-dings-2/ http://www.warhammerfeeds.com/2012/02/02/sto-dings-2/#comments Thu, 02 Feb 2012 18:10:00 +0000 Bootae tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7279669963757550971.post-2458986898622684563 Happy birthday STO :) The event is now live and you've got just a few days to get the new fancy ships for free. Details here. And just noticed they've got a coming soon trailer out. I'm not trekkie enough to know what all that is, but it has lasers/...

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STO dings 2

]]> Happy birthday STO :)

The event is now live and you’ve got just a few days to get the new fancy ships for free. Details here.

And just noticed they’ve got a coming soon trailer out. I’m not trekkie enough to know what all that is, but it has lasers/phasers and stuff :P

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STO dings 2

Similar Posts:]]> http://www.warhammerfeeds.com/2012/02/02/sto-dings-2/feed/ 0 Additional Fixes – 02/02 http://www.warhammerfeeds.com/2012/02/02/additional-fixes-0202/ http://www.warhammerfeeds.com/2012/02/02/additional-fixes-0202/#comments Thu, 02 Feb 2012 17:05:22 +0000 Kai Schober 1718 Full post: WarhammerFeeds.com

Additional Fixes – 02/02

]]> We used the maintenance to apply the following correctives:

  • Fixed an issue that was causing players to be sent to the wrong location when attempting to engage in the Hunter’s Vale Dungeon in Tier 1.
  • Fixed an issue that was allowing players with the relic to be summoned, queue, or the like.  Players should not be able to move with the relic via these methods now.
  • Added missing messaging and localization files.

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Additional Fixes – 02/02

Similar Posts:]]> http://www.warhammerfeeds.com/2012/02/02/additional-fixes-0202/feed/ 0 Upcoming WAR Changes http://www.warhammerfeeds.com/2012/02/02/upcoming-war-changes/ http://www.warhammerfeeds.com/2012/02/02/upcoming-war-changes/#comments Thu, 02 Feb 2012 12:45:00 +0000 Werit tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3537881828153983372.post-8186767004743094830 Warhammer Online's 1.4.5 patch may be out, but the team is not finished with fortresses and relics.  Keaven Freeman, lead developer, took to the forums and gave us a glimpse of WAR's near future.  Here is what he had to say: Admittedly, pat...

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Upcoming WAR Changes

]]> Warhammer Online’s 1.4.5 patch may be out, but the team is not finished with fortresses and relics.  Keaven Freeman, lead developer, took to the forums and gave us a glimpse of WAR’s near future.  Here is what he had to say:

Admittedly, patch 1.4.5 did not deploy as smoothly as we had anticipated. In response to player feedback given here in the forums, as well as in the last days of PTS testing, we will be shifting our development schedule a bit.

We are adding a smaller 1.4.5a patch, to be released in a few weeks, which will address some issues brought out with the current release, as well as implement Fortress and Relic elements suggested by players. This would include, but is not limited to, UI elements for Relic Bonuses, Relic control indicators, and additional rewards for GvD Relic control.

Original plans for 1.4.6 are being pushed out to 1.4.7, and we’re making 1.4.6 now exclusively a BugFix Patch. There have been numerous suggestions from the community that we take time to focus exclusively on some long running bugs, and now’s the time to do it.

I am very happy to see they will expose the new relic system to the UI.  As it stands now, if you didn’t know about the system, only some limited zone announcement messages would tell you it existed. Proper UI elements will make it much more engaging.

Currently, the Relic Bonus for holding both from the Dwarf and Greenskin pairing is 200% gold.  While it is somewhat useful, it could be more interesting.  I’m looking forward to hearing what he has in mind, lots of potential.

The announcement of 1.4.6 being a bug fixing patch is also welcome news.  Sure, I wish I knew what they had plans for prior to the change, but bugs do need fixing.    In fact, Keaven has already started that by fixing a much hated LoTD Absorb talisman bug.

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Upcoming WAR Changes

Similar Posts:]]> http://www.warhammerfeeds.com/2012/02/02/upcoming-war-changes/feed/ 0 City Siege Hot Fix – 02/01 http://www.warhammerfeeds.com/2012/02/01/city-siege-hot-fix-0201/ http://www.warhammerfeeds.com/2012/02/01/city-siege-hot-fix-0201/#comments Wed, 01 Feb 2012 22:36:22 +0000 Kai Schober 1717 Full post: WarhammerFeeds.com

City Siege Hot Fix – 02/01

]]> As part of the introduction of Fortresses, we introduced a mechanic to allow City Queuing via the scenario UI element.  Unfortunately, this has led to some issues with the City invasion instances within the Live environment that were not discovered previously.  Because of this, we need to remove this functionality, at least for the moment to ensure that players can queue and enjoy the City Instances properly. 

This will mean players will need to enter the city via the doors to the city as they did previously.

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City Siege Hot Fix – 02/01

Similar Posts:]]> http://www.warhammerfeeds.com/2012/02/01/city-siege-hot-fix-0201/feed/ 0 MWO – role warfare, hmmm yum http://www.warhammerfeeds.com/2012/02/01/mwo-role-warfare-hmmm-yum/ http://www.warhammerfeeds.com/2012/02/01/mwo-role-warfare-hmmm-yum/#comments Wed, 01 Feb 2012 21:40:00 +0000 Bootae tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7279669963757550971.post-783512731257443703 Piranha have posted up Dev Blog 3 "Role Warfare". It's well worth a read and gives a great insight into the tactical possibilities that Mechwarrior Online is aiming for. Particularly when you put it alongside the info from Dev Blog 2 "Information ...

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MWO – role warfare, hmmm yum

]]> Piranha have posted up Dev Blog 3 “Role Warfare”. It’s well worth a read and gives a great insight into the tactical possibilities that Mechwarrior Online is aiming for. Particularly when you put it alongside the info from Dev Blog 2 “Information Warfare“. In many ways it sounds similar to how scouting works in World of Tanks, just expanded a lot, which to be honest was exactly how it worked in MW3-4, if you played in proper premades. So when you think about the “thinking mans shooter-simulator” nature of Mechwarrior games, it would suggest that if Piranha do manage to put their ideas into play… Well, we just might see a game with an unrivaled focus on teamwork, tactical play, information sharing and of course player skill and experience.

Of course it’s early days and it would be unwise to make statements of assured success (oh haaaaai GW2 :P ). So far all we have is the (excellent) concept art, the game engine concept video that prompted the whole thing and a lot of good and reassuring ideas from devs. However, as anyone that’s been around gaming for a while will know… devs say a lot of stuff. Delivering them is a whole other kettle of fish.

Regardless, this is currently no1 in my MUST-PLAY-NOW!! list for 2012.

HD link

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MWO – role warfare, hmmm yum

Similar Posts:]]> http://www.warhammerfeeds.com/2012/02/01/mwo-role-warfare-hmmm-yum/feed/ 0 Server Maintenance – 02/02 http://www.warhammerfeeds.com/2012/02/01/server-maintenance-0202/ http://www.warhammerfeeds.com/2012/02/01/server-maintenance-0202/#comments Wed, 01 Feb 2012 20:11:52 +0000 Kai Schober 1716 Full post: WarhammerFeeds.com

Server Maintenance – 02/02

]]> Update – 10:40am EST: All servers are back online.

 

Greetings!

We will be bringing all North American and European
servers offline tomorrow, Thursday, 02/02 at 8:00 am EST/14:00 CET for maintenance.
At this time we anticipate that all servers will be back
online no later than 12:30 PM EST/18:30 CET.

As always, please be sure
to check the Herald for updates regarding this downtime.

Thank you for your continued support.

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Server Maintenance – 02/02

Similar Posts:]]> http://www.warhammerfeeds.com/2012/02/01/server-maintenance-0202/feed/ 0 Hot Fix – 02/01 http://www.warhammerfeeds.com/2012/02/01/hot-fix-0201/ http://www.warhammerfeeds.com/2012/02/01/hot-fix-0201/#comments Wed, 01 Feb 2012 17:02:59 +0000 Kai Schober 1715 Full post: WarhammerFeeds.com

Hot Fix – 02/01

]]> We have applied the following hot fixes to all servers:

Bug Fixes

  • Fixed an issue where the new queue for city scenario function was
    allowing people to enter after the contested state.  Players will now only be able to queue if the
    city is in a contested state and not during the rebuilding or transition states.

  • Fixed an issue where relics didn’t broadcast when they moved across zones.

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Hot Fix – 02/01

Similar Posts:]]> http://www.warhammerfeeds.com/2012/02/01/hot-fix-0201/feed/ 0 Wrath of Heroes Beta Update http://www.warhammerfeeds.com/2012/02/01/wrath-of-heroes-beta-update/ http://www.warhammerfeeds.com/2012/02/01/wrath-of-heroes-beta-update/#comments Wed, 01 Feb 2012 12:43:00 +0000 Werit tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3537881828153983372.post-1961252620893925462 This past weekend saw the 5th beta session for Wrath of Heroes.  I have not posted about it for a while because I have just been swamped with other games to play.  Star Wars: The Old republic has been chief among the time suckers.  I did...

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Wrath of Heroes Beta Update

]]> This past weekend saw the 5th beta session for Wrath of Heroes.  I have not posted about it for a while because I have just been swamped with other games to play.  Star Wars: The Old republic has been chief among the time suckers.  I did manage to break away and test out the new version.

In short, I was pretty impressed with the state of the game.  They have made some significant changes, which can be seen in the patch notes.  Here are some things that stood out to me.

Hero Masteries.  Each hero in WoH will have multiple mastery 9or talent if you prefer) trees.  I think the number is two at the moment.  As a player levels their account, they can assign points and gain access to new tactics, alternate abilities and perks.

While they are not the most complex trees I’ve seen, they do add some much needed depth to the game.  You can only equip a hero with a limited amount of tactics, skills and perks.

As you can see in the picture above, I have three of my new options equipped.  The Steam Turret (which is awesome) replaces my standard Bombardment Turret ability.  I also have a 10% Crit Chance tactic equipped and one that adds a short snare to my Gun Blast ability.

Here is where things get more interesting.  L’il Helper here will trigger if I get a Kill Streak of 10.  Sadly, I was unable to get that streak while I had this ability equipped.  I did manage a Kill Streak of 11, without it, grrrr.  I would like to see a separate slot for these perks, since it is hard to justify passing up a sweet alternate ability for something that may rarely happen.

Store.  They have to pay the bills somehow, so the store is now operational (but not using real money yet).  Only Heroes and Skins are for sale, and I didn’t see anything to indicate other types of products yet.  The most important aspect of the store is you can use in-game currency and not just real money.

Hero Synergy.  Another interesting feature they added was Hero Synergies.  In WAR terms, these are like the old Renown tactics, where players would get bonuses based on group composition or target race.  Seems that they are really trying to encourage cooperation, which is always a good thing.

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Wrath of Heroes Beta Update

Similar Posts:]]> http://www.warhammerfeeds.com/2012/02/01/wrath-of-heroes-beta-update/feed/ 0 Gameplay over Graphics http://www.warhammerfeeds.com/2012/02/01/gameplay-over-graphics/ http://www.warhammerfeeds.com/2012/02/01/gameplay-over-graphics/#comments Wed, 01 Feb 2012 02:14:29 +0000 Keen http://www.keenandgraev.com/?p=6595 Full post: WarhammerFeeds.com

Gameplay over Graphics

]]> Does it go without saying that gameplay should be emphasized over graphics? I prefer gameplay, and in many cases I wonder if the two are linked more than people realize.

Some great games with simplistic graphics are taking off and showing us first hand the value found in great design.  Everyone’s favorite example is Minecraft, but there are others.  I would play a MMORPG with Minecraft graphics any day if the gameplay was good enough. I would even play an RPG. I just discovered Cube World.  I don’t know much about it other than the fact that I think one guy is working on it and keeps followers updated frequently on his blog.  Check it out.

It looks like a fully realized RPG with levels, stats, gear upgrades, monsters to go out and hunt, combat moves, destructible environments, pets, HOUSING, different playable races, and highly customizable gear.  I think there might even be multiplayer.  This post isn’t about Cube World (although you should go check it out, like right now) as much as it is the fact that I can play a game made with large voxels and have it not matter because the game is immersive, and what I’m doing in the game is not being hampered by the graphics.  Even more, I’m set free by the simplicity of graphics.

I recently returned to Ultima Online.  My first thought was “good heavens, look how far we’ve come.”  Then I found example after example of ways we’ve digressed until the realization set in that UO accomplished 15 years ago things players are constantly saying could never happen in a modern game — and the sad part is that these people don’t realize it’s actually been done before.  When you take away the technological barriers, and leave a little something to the imagination, it’s surprising how much more can be done.

P.S. I watched every video I could find of Cube World and I’m reading through every entry the dev made on his blog.  Really neat stuff.  I’ll keep an eye on it and let you all know if I find out any more details.

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Gameplay over Graphics

Similar Posts:]]> http://www.warhammerfeeds.com/2012/02/01/gameplay-over-graphics/feed/ 0 Taking my foot off the SWTOR pedal a bit http://www.warhammerfeeds.com/2012/01/31/taking-my-foot-off-the-swtor-pedal-a-bit/ http://www.warhammerfeeds.com/2012/01/31/taking-my-foot-off-the-swtor-pedal-a-bit/#comments Tue, 31 Jan 2012 20:17:00 +0000 Bootae tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7279669963757550971.post-2993407200239965151 I've not quit SWTOR and don't currently plan to, but I realised recently that I have been playing a lot less. Perhaps this happened a little subconsciously, as there's been no real thought to it, it just kinda slowed down and I got distracted...

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Taking my foot off the SWTOR pedal a bit

]]> I’ve not quit SWTOR and don’t currently plan to, but I realised recently that I have been playing a lot less. Perhaps this happened a little subconsciously, as there’s been no real thought to it, it just kinda slowed down and I got distracted. My main is fully purpled out, I can compete well in PvP, I’ve cleared all the hardmode instances I’ve been in, cleared the Eternity Vault raid (though I’m not much of a dungeon farmer anyway) and Ilum remains a total load of bollocks. Also as an Empire player the warzone we normally end up with is Huttball, which is getting very old, particularly when wins so often don’t register on the daily mission. Really I just want Ilum to improve, as that’s theoretically providing the type of gameplay I really like (as per DAoC, WAR, etc) but I have serious doubts there.

I have started a proper alt, a Bounty Hunter Mercenary, but I’m not diving full on in to it just yet and not getting that MUST PLAY NOW itch. That said, I have also got a load of major stuff going on in real life which is souring my mood somewhat and as such everything seems a bit shit. Perhaps the fact that I’m mainly spending my gaming time in games where I can be building things, rather than see them destroyed, is fairly telling.

Which leads me to mention the Kill Frenzy Minecraft server has been reset with all the lastest patches and I’ve found myself heinously addicted… again. When not exploring and fighting stuff, I’m building a multiple tower, sky garden, thing… As everyone knows it is a magnificent game and an incredible time sink, pus I’m a real sucker for exploring and marveling at the cubist beauty of its randomly generated terrain.

Anyway, as I alluded to above, I’m not done with SWTOR yet, but I have run out of pressing targets and am now at the point where normally openworld PvP / campaign RvR would take over. Which unfortunately are SWTOR’s weakest points.

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Taking my foot off the SWTOR pedal a bit

Similar Posts:]]> http://www.warhammerfeeds.com/2012/01/31/taking-my-foot-off-the-swtor-pedal-a-bit/feed/ 0 1.4.5 Launches Today http://www.warhammerfeeds.com/2012/01/31/1-4-5-launches-today/ http://www.warhammerfeeds.com/2012/01/31/1-4-5-launches-today/#comments Tue, 31 Jan 2012 12:47:00 +0000 Werit tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3537881828153983372.post-5075058695200757889 Warhammer Online's 1.4.5 patch will be pushed out to the live servers this morning!  This is one of the largest updates the game has seen, as it introduces the new Fortress and Relic system.  Most importantly, it gives something new for the p...

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1.4.5 Launches Today

]]> Warhammer Online’s 1.4.5 patch will be pushed out to the live servers this morning!  This is one of the largest updates the game has seen, as it introduces the new Fortress and Relic system.  Most importantly, it gives something new for the players to do.  Since the servers are down for the update, lets take a look at 1.4.5 content.

Q and A’s

Fortress Q&A with BioWare Mythic
WAR 1.4.5 Q&A

Forts

Claming a Fortress
Relic Bonuses

Generals

Dwarf and Greenskin Generals
Empire and Chaos Generals
Elf Generals

Grovod Caverns

Sadly, I was unable to make the PTS for the revamped scenario.  Someone else did make a video though!  The voice you hear is that of WAR developer Keaven.

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1.4.5 Launches Today

Similar Posts:]]> http://www.warhammerfeeds.com/2012/01/31/1-4-5-launches-today/feed/ 0 Account Center Maintenance – 01/30 http://www.warhammerfeeds.com/2012/01/31/account-center-maintenance-0130/ http://www.warhammerfeeds.com/2012/01/31/account-center-maintenance-0130/#comments Tue, 31 Jan 2012 02:05:26 +0000 Kai Schober 1712 Full post: WarhammerFeeds.com

Account Center Maintenance – 01/30

]]> Due to an EA-wide maintenance that will affect our game and others, we will be bringing down our account center at 11:45pm EST (4:45am GMT).
During the maintenance you will not be able to change subscription, redeem game codes or transfer characters.

At this time we expect the service to be back up no later than 8am EST (1pm GMT).

See you on the battlefields!

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Account Center Maintenance – 01/30

Similar Posts:]]> http://www.warhammerfeeds.com/2012/01/31/account-center-maintenance-0130/feed/ 0 Observations about EQ going Free and other F2P ‘stuff’ http://www.warhammerfeeds.com/2012/01/31/observations-about-eq-going-free-and-other-f2p-%e2%80%98stuff%e2%80%99/ http://www.warhammerfeeds.com/2012/01/31/observations-about-eq-going-free-and-other-f2p-%e2%80%98stuff%e2%80%99/#comments Tue, 31 Jan 2012 01:38:02 +0000 Keen http://www.keenandgraev.com/?p=6588 EverQuest (the original this time) will be going “Free to Play” this March.  It would be crazy to begin any conversation about EverQuest without first tipping our hats to a game that has lasted, as a subscription model game with a population, for 13 years.  SOE loves making things free now.  It’s the new trend.  [...]

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Observations about EQ going Free and other F2P ‘stuff’

]]> EverQuest (the original this time) will be going “Free to Play” this March.  It would be crazy to begin any conversation about EverQuest without first tipping our hats to a game that has lasted, as a subscription model game with a population, for 13 years.  SOE loves making things free now.  It’s the new trend.  But is it really free?  There’s a break-down as to what is what is free, what costs $5.00, and what remains available for the full subscription price of $14.99 per month.

Let us not forget, this is a business.  Their goal is not to provide a free service — they aim to make money.  Sure, you can play that first tier without paying a single penny.  Anyone who knows EverQuest knows that the restrictions on that first tier are enough to make it quite unpleasant for any long-term play.  The point I want to make, one that I feel is very obvious, is that SOE is going to use you if you’re a free player.  You’re not getting -anything- from SOE by playing for free.  They have turned that first tier of free players into value for their own product.  You become a body in a world that makes the game feel alive for the people who truly matter: those $14.99 per month players. If nothing else, you help retain those people.

Know why the $5.00 tier exists?  Because even if it were $1, they’d be making money on you.  Anything is better than nothing, and a free to play model such as this works by increasing volume.  Essentially, they’re hoping they get enough people trying it that someone is caught in their fishing net.

I don’t mean to make this sound so cynical.  It’s reality, though.  This is about retention; retention of those players who would pay $14.99 already. It’s also about a cash grab, which I feel I’ve made plain enough already.  I don’t think what they’re doing with this free to play model is a bad thing, despite pointing out the obvious reasons which in and of themselves sound bad.  It’s just business.

Interestingly, Turbine pipes up in an article on Eurogamer about the subscription model not being dead.  Know why? They make great money using the subscription model because they use a model very similar to SOE — one that prominantly features monthly subscriptions to actually play the game the way it was originally meant to be played!

Turbine takes the ever-popular neutral position by saying that it’s all about giving players options.  My first inclination is to agree.  It sounds neat on paper. Look at the choices, though.  Do you really have choices in a model like the one Turbine and SOE use?  It’s six of one, half a dozen of the other.  You’re going to end up paying about the same price no matter what way you go (if you actually PLAY and not just visit a few times), and the free to play model that they use ends up screwing with buying advantages (a problem Turbine does have, and one I predicted).

Know what would be interesting?  I want to see a MMORPG designed to play free using a model like League of Legends’.  From the ground up, have any purchases be cosmetic or relatively as obtainable as anything in LoL.  Why not?  LoL makes plenty.  Shouldn’t a MMORPG be able to as well?  I can’t vouch for how fun it would be.  I lean heavily to the side that believes free to play games can not offer the same scope or gameplay as subscription games, but I would certainly be willing to give one that claims they can a try.

I encourage you to take a closer look at these “free” to play models.  Be especially cautious about subscription games going free to play.  There is always a business decision behind the reason, and chances are they’re using you one way or another.

 

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Observations about EQ going Free and other F2P ‘stuff’

Similar Posts:]]> http://www.warhammerfeeds.com/2012/01/31/observations-about-eq-going-free-and-other-f2p-%e2%80%98stuff%e2%80%99/feed/ 0 Version 1.4.5 Goes Live – 01/31 http://www.warhammerfeeds.com/2012/01/30/version-1-4-5-goes-live-0131/ http://www.warhammerfeeds.com/2012/01/30/version-1-4-5-goes-live-0131/#comments Mon, 30 Jan 2012 19:51:46 +0000 Kai Schober 1711 Full post: WarhammerFeeds.com

Version 1.4.5 Goes Live – 01/31

]]> Update – 2:50 pm EST: All servers are back online with game update 1.4.5.

 

Greetings!
 
We will be bringing all North American and
European servers offline tomorrow, January 31st 2012, at 8:00 AM EST (14:00
CET) for the deployment of Game Update 1.4.5. At this time we
anticipate that all servers will be back online no later than 3:00 PM
EST (21:00 CET).

As always, please be sure to check the Herald for updates regarding this downtime.

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Version 1.4.5 Goes Live – 01/31

Similar Posts:]]> http://www.warhammerfeeds.com/2012/01/30/version-1-4-5-goes-live-0131/feed/ 0 Too Many Games http://www.warhammerfeeds.com/2012/01/30/too-many-games/ http://www.warhammerfeeds.com/2012/01/30/too-many-games/#comments Mon, 30 Jan 2012 12:53:00 +0000 Werit tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3537881828153983372.post-6992778734376787063 Every once in a while, the stars and planets align in such a way that a perfect storm of game releases occurs.  Could this be what the Mayans predicted would happen in 2012?  In the coming month, there are a bunch of new game titles being rel...

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Too Many Games

]]> Every once in a while, the stars and planets align in such a way that a perfect storm of game releases occurs.  Could this be what the Mayans predicted would happen in 2012?  In the coming month, there are a bunch of new game titles being released which I am interested in.  I’m not quite sure how I will have time for them all.

Victoria II:  A House Divided.  This is the first expansion pack for Paradox’s Victoria II.  Besides a US Civil War scenario, it includes some major economic and political changes which should make the game more enjoyable.  Check out this AAR (After Action Report) for a preview.  This should be released on February 2nd.

Crusader Kings 2.  Another Paradox game, which is shaping up to be very cool.  Taking place from the year 1066, the game focuses Medieval Europe. What makes CK special is that it takes into account all of the family connections and religious influences of the time.  There is a long Let’s Play series on youtube.  This game is set to release on February 14th.

StarDrive.  The alpha test for the upcoming 4x game, StarDrive is improving constantly.  Just last night I got in my first fight, and it was a lot of fun.  I posted a video last week showing off the scale of the game and how firing your flagships weapons works.

Star Trek Online.  This week also marks the 2nd anniversary of Star Trek Online (Feb 2nd to the 6th).  As a part of the celebration, players can obtain a new vessel, the Odyssey class. It will only be available for a limited time, so i’m going to have to go get it.  Then later in the month, a new Featured Episode series starts!  These are the best part of STO, so I’m pretty excited.

Warhammer Online.  WAR’s 1.4.5 patch should be going live very soon, and it is looking good.  A ton of work has went into the Fortress revamp and I can’t wait to see how it plays out on the live servers.

Star Wars: the Old Republic.  I’ve started up my first alt, Tirew the Jedi Knight.  He’s still only level 12, but a lot of fun to play.  I’m taking my sweet time in the game, as it’s all for the story with me.

Mass Effect 3.  Technically, this is in March (6th I think), but close enough.  Can’t wait to fight some Reavers!

I didn’t even get to mention the backlog of console games and Wrath of Heroes which I want to play.  It’s really pretty crazy, the amount of choices we have these days.  Oh, and I need to finish Skyrim.

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Too Many Games

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