Monday, October 31, 2011

Happy Halloween!



It's Halloween! Not too much going on with me lately, just RL stuff and piddling around with a few Halloween events. This past week my son caught strep and gave it to me, boo... As well as having a pet die :( One of our rats passed away last week, he was very old.

On a happier note, tonight should have some goodies on the boob tube. American Horror Story has a marathon- Woo! I made sure to get Dire caught up on last weeks episode of The Walking Dead, which he missed, as well as watching this weeks episode which left me thinking WTF... I did not see that coming. Good episode.

Anyhow, hope everyone has a fun Halloween! Made a video to celebrate, hope you enjoy it! Just some fun Halloween shots from a few games I've had the chance to participate in with Halloween events. Be safe!





Friday, October 28, 2011

Funky Friday

What are you listening to, while you game this week? This funky Friday I've got a few tunes stuck in my head that I thought I'd share. Enjoy ;)











Thursday, October 27, 2011

Spooky Stuff


Just sharing some pics of the spooky season across many games. Enjoy!

I see a  bright future for you... Or a tall dark stranger... >.<

Woof!

My son enjoying the holiday.

No treats?

Harvest.

Creepy places.

Crypt hunting.


Twig's new house, must decorate for Halloween!

Taking a swim.

Festive fun.
Ohh.. a vacancy!

Who can resist a carousel ride?




Monday, October 24, 2011

Hello, Kitties! Bye Bye, Deadzones.... And Other Thoughts.



This weekend I finally finished up the Hallows End achievements and got my spiffy new title- The Hallowed! I was pretty happy about that, Dire also finished his up. It was really fun and the PvP part wasn't taxing either, only needed ten kills with the G.N.E.R.D buff. So it was easy even for a Care Bear, like me. It was one-hundred or so, in the past, in any case it was a lot more than ten. I am still crossing my fingers for the HH mount! I bought the cute little Feline Familiar, one of the coolest pets. It mounts up and follows you on a broom when you do and to top it all off it has the cutest little hat.

Besides sharing my Hallows end tales I wanted to talk about some of the changes coming to the game. Over the weekend I caught up on some of the Blizzcon stuff I had missed, stuff like ranged items being removed- except for hunters. Hunters will not have melee weapons anymore. We'll also not have a deadzone either. That is one thing I am very glad about, I have wished, for years and years, that it would be removed.

However, I am mixed on the appearance of weapons we will have. Luckily I haven't farmed too many new items (I won't be able to sport my new HH Sword), but I am sad that some of my banked weapons will be useless. The good coming with the change outweighs the bad though. My biggest worry is that we'll just get quivers on our backs. I really hope bows and guns are implemented across the hunters backs. I don't want some silly quiver when everyone else gets to sport awesome looking weapons! There is a reason my druid is parked, stuff was always hidden behind a form (until recently with ToL being removed from resto). Of course I won't quit my hunter if we don't get to show them off. It is just something I hope to see, visible bows and guns.

So other than hunters having ranged, nobody else will. Wands will be a primary weapon, weird but kind of interesting. I don't think this is a huge deal. As a hunter it was sometimes annoying to find a decent bow then worry about a stat stick too, I've had horrible luck in heroics trying for the one I wanted. I think it will be less to worry about. I like the change.

Speaking of change, the talent change seems, to me, to be a good thing. From what I gather the aim here is to try to get rid of cookie cutter specs which force people to play what preforms the best instead of what they like the best. There is a choice of what you can pick, but in the end if you don't want to be looked at as an idiot or poked fun at, you don't really have a choice. You look for the best spec and go with it. "Google a spec noob, it isn't hard!" Sound familiar?

As a hunter who prefers to play as BST, while MM is the better dps spec, I have run into a bit of trouble with players being abusive to me even before getting a chance to prove myself. I don't enjoy it. I don't like being penalized for playing a spec that is comfortable to me. I have always preferred this spec and through Cata I've been very stubborn with wanting to mainly play it. I'm not always BST, but if I can get away with it...I am.

The new talent trees offer more choices in the way of utility. Sure, some people will say you need this or that, but I think ultimately all the choices will be good solid choices that give you more flavor and a chance to pick more along the lines of how you want to play. I welcome the new talent changes. People complain about how everything keeps changing, it would have continued to (the talent tree revamps) even if the slate wasn't wiped clean and started over. I have hopes this will have a better impact on keeping things familiar in the long run. Less class revamps possibly.

Last but not least: PvE scenarios. These sound like something fun and laid back to do in a group setting. No tanks, no healers needed, just people. There are three parts which include killing a boss at the end. I think these could be very popular and really be something fast and enjoyable, instead of waiting in the queue for a tank and a healer. A nice change! Plus, there are rewards, a bonus to the fun. If you haven't read about these check out WoW Insider.

How do you feel about the additions and changes in MoP? What has you excited? When do you expect to see Pandaren in Azeroth?

Saturday, October 22, 2011

Mists of Pandaria



Mists of Pandaria, exciting! Lots of interesting things came out of Blizzcon yesterday. I wasn't surprised to hear about the new Pandaren race. I don't get the whole debate how they don't fit in. We already have Worgen which are basically mutts that walk upright and Tauren- walking, talking cows, add in space goats... You get the point. I think the Pandaren are a fun, cute race. I don't think it is some silly last minute decision to add them in either. Metzen stated that the race was originally to be added in with TBC expansion. Really, what else could they have added that would be interesting?

The new Monk class seems interesting. I am sure I will make one just to experience the class and see how I like it, as well as play through the new starting area. I had a blast with the last two new starting areas and I am sure the next will be a lot of fun too.

Lots of things I didn't expect. The whole vanity pet battle system. I have tons of pets on my main and I think it will really be fun to work on them and capture new pets from the wild. It just really sounds fun, a nice detour from the normal way of life in Azeroth. Scenarios and challenges sound awesome. I am looking forward to seeing these.

I like the direction developers want to go with MoP:

What is it that the developers want to accomplish?
  • Get players back into the world, experiencing it and traveling it.
  • Provide more options; more content to experience and more things to do.
  • Provide players with numerous ways to earn rewards and make progress on their characters.

Talent trees seem to be totally removed and talents are more like bonuses. I think it is a nice direction. I'm a bit sick of how the trees change on a regular basis all the time, so I think this will be a solid change. I've seen some of the ideas for hunters and I thought there were some really good choices, tough choices at that!

The expansion looks beautiful, I've always thought an Asian themed expansion would be such a splendid setting in WoW. I welcome the peaceful, lovely zones, they just looked awesome. It really looks to be quite far along, as does the new race and class. I am wondering how soon they will push this out. Here's to hoping that Blizzard starts churning out expansions faster.

Valor for daily quests, yes please. Does that mean raiding is null and void now? I'm sure it will be much faster to continue to do heroics and raids for valor, it is just a nice option for some. I'm glad to see more choices on character progression.

On top of all this, Blizzard has a very tempting marketing ploy, the annual pass. Basically you commit to paying for one year of WoW. You don't have to pay for it all up front either, you can pay each month with a credit card or game card. Once you commit, you cannot cancel though. The rewards are nice, basically you get into MoP beta, receive Dioblo 3 for free and Tyrael's Charger (one for every character on account and any you create, handed out when 4.3 is released). Very tempting deal indeed. It is a good marketing idea, I really don't think Blizzard is going to go under, lol, but it is nice to see them providing some incentives for players who stay and don't run off for greener pastures.

I will admit that sometimes I am pretty fickle with WoW, but this expansion, combined with 4.3, really has my attention. I am really looking forward to it. I like the direction it is going in and I think that Blizzard is starting to listen to customers and looking at many different play styles. Dire and I are going to jump on the pass and take advantage of the bonuses. Looks like we're here to stay, for a year at least, in Azeroth.

MMO-Champ has a great recap from the first day of Blizzcon, check it out here.

Friday, October 21, 2011

I Knew It!

Pandas!! More thoughts after I read more today :)

Blizz-Day


So, big day for Blizzcon today. I'm curious to see what is announced. With TOR releasing soon I am wondering if Blizzard is going to try to pull something out of their sleeve to compete with a newer, and already extremely popular, MMO. I think Pandas will have something to do with it but I would expect it is more than that. I hope it isn't just 4.3 that is expected to compete. I want to hear something big and exciting, we'll see. I'll be keeping an eye on MMO-Champ later on. What are your predictions? Sits back and grabs some popcorn. 

I thought this was adorable! Blizzard fan art.

Thursday, October 20, 2011

News To Me

A few things have sort of gone under my radar lately. Thought I'd touch on those topics today! Some interesting stuff, you may have heard but it's news to me ;)

It seems Mythos-Europe is closing down. This is sad, while I don't play it often I loved knowing it was there to pop in and do some casual, laid back gaming whenever I wanted. The game went under years ago and was suppose to be picked back up by RedBana (who picked up Hellgate) in the US, but it has been quite awhile since any word on, well, anything. Things look pretty grim for Mythos fans. I suppose there is always Runes of Magic and other Frogster games for players to migrate to. Very sad news indeed, such a fun, lighthearted game with just the right touch of humor. RIP Mythos <3

Did you even notice City of Heroes went F2P already? I didn't. I heard about Fallen Earth but really hadn't heard CoH was too. Ah well, I may give it a try. I remember trying it years ago and being underwhelmed with game play. My son wanted a go at it when he was younger and it just sort of sat there and never got played again, after the initial burst of character creations. The character creator was fun but probably seems a bit dated compared to DCUO and CO.

Speaking of DCUO, I will definitely give that a shot when it goes F2P. I hope it is included in STATION ACCESS! Currently it isn't- or maybe it is and you need to purchase it, which I didn't do. Well, anyhow, I'll be glad I didn't when it goes free, heh. I spend way too much as it is! I do want to give this game a looksie.

Everquest has announced that the next expansion,Veil of Alaris, is now available for pre-order. I'm sure I'll purchase it in time. Five more levels for my magician to acquire, yippy. Cap raised to 95, I really hope they chillax at level 100. Seriously, lol. EQ2 is sitting at 90 and they've stated it will sit there for awhile, I think EQ might need to put on the brakes soon.

It seems many (P2P) games have held off on hitting the big 100. Everquest could have done this years and years ago but they haven't. I wonder when Blizzard will release WoW expansions that don't include more levels, if ever? I can see it now- Less levels but more green goo on the floor for you to avoid, twice the goo, twice the fun!! 

Anyway, getting back on track to the EQ expansion, no more limited bars for players. Yay, about time? Will it feel different? I think it make things much easier to keep track of. Most of my classes could really use more hotbars. Thus we get a UI revamp and will be able to display more hotbars with more buttons. There is also a mail/deliver system being added, right now it is text only. Just add in a freaking auction system! And guild halls, new guild halls, much like the current housing, are being added, pretty cool stuff there. Edit- After some though I think I might be mixing hotbars and spellbars up... Oops. More hotbars for abilities is good though. 

Still no word on the latest Everquest II expansion (Age of Discovery) pre-order, which is due out around the same time as EQ, November, or so I heard. Beta registration is open but I am not ever doing beta for SOE again. After countless tries on getting my beta reward for the last EQ expansion, I just game up. Yeah, shove that little gingerbread man illusion where the sun don't shine SOE. *Cries*... I so wanted one.

All in all the expansion looks good. I see people whining about it not being a real expansion. They've already stated that content will be added more along the lines of updates, in the future. We're getting mercs and BEASTLORDS. People will complain about anything. I am looking forward to the expansion, can't wait to try the new class and have a healbot to follow me around when I need it.

Last but not least Allods Online recently had an official release. I was poking around MMOHut (great site btw to check out for F2P first looks and info) and saw that things have been updated a bit. No more beta, eh? Rewards sent to players, I need to log in to check that. Mobs are a bit easier to kill. Hrmm, sounds interesting. Two new race combinations added too. I played when the game first went into open beta, I realllly wanted to play it. It wasn't a bad game but the combat really turned me off. Wasn't really the cash shop, it was the craptastic amount of time it took to kill stuff that pushed me away. So, I'm downloading the game to see if things really have changed. It is an undeniably gorgeous game, much like World of Warcraft. Check out the gorgeous video below, I'll be sure to post my findings as I give the game another chance!




Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Hallows End



I couldn't resist the urge to check out WoW's Halloween event, which was a lot of fun this year. Last year I missed it, so this year I figured I would join in on the festivities since my account is still active for a few more days. New pets to be had, new quests and lots of candy buckets to gather across Azeroth. I have to say I thoroughly enjoy holidays in WoW especially Hallows End.

Just thought I'd share some pics. It was very nice and relaxing just traveling to old familiar, and some new, places. Enjoying the scenery, WoW has so many beautiful zones. The Headless (Ringless, heh) Horseman was the same this year, as always plenty of rings dropping, haven't seen anything else from him yet. I enjoy teaming up for a quick group and then going on about my business. I really had a lot of fun. Enjoy the pics!


New locations this year. Love the decorations!

I wish my broom was a permanent mount!

Bombing the Undercity- FUN!

Creepy crate....is creepy!

Spooky town decorations.

More decorations...

Trick or treat!

Sight seeing.

Scattman?

Horseman... Got RINGS?

Blood Moon- Bloodmyst  Isle.

Put those fires out!

Aw, an ugly leper gnome on a broom.


Monday, October 17, 2011

The Grim Harvest... And Other Thoughts

Meow! Kitty mask and my trusty pet bat!
So, who caught the premier of The Walking Dead last night? I thought it was pretty good, I crave good Halloween programs and devour them this time of year. It is refreshing to watch a returning show I enjoy for a brief, but fun, time of the year. I actually enjoyed it quite a bit, so did Dire. I forgot it came on last night and thank goodness he reminded me! Has anyone caught American Horror Story? That one is weird but I find myself looking forward to it too. And... Paranormal Witness has already wrapped up for the season?!!

Anyhow, in the spirit of Halloween I am going to share my first Vanguard holiday event- The Grim Harvest. It is all new to me so I am trying to gather some information about it to share here, I've asked on the forums so far.

Upon logging in, at Veksal's Exchange, I noticed an npc who looked like he was something you'd only see around this time of year, a very creepy creature. I spoke to him and he directed me where to go. Woo, on my way to the 'Halloween-y' stuff!

The Grim Harvest Capmsite.

Upon arriving I spoke to the Baron, he seemed like the leader of the camp and had a very interesting tale of how he and his companions had come to start the camp and festivities. A really cute story actually, supposedly they are undead summoned back, with wills of their own, for a short time. No mindless minions here. What better to do than celebrate, who knows maybe they will return each year?! I liked that.

So I grabbed two quests there, one for a skeleton mask, the last two items evade me yet. Another for a pet bat, I was so happy to get a pet. My first 'widdle' pet in Vanguard ;) The items drop off humanoid mobs so I did a bit of grinding and hit level 14 while collecting them. I received a lot of nice spells on my Disciple, who is really growing on me, the best spell yet would be Feign Death.

Awww, so cute. (I'm a rat owner IRL,what can I say?!)

I also acquired some spooky masks as drops, a ghoul, cat and goblin. I get a kick out of walking around with a big silly mask on. There are also many candies that drop which have charges of illusions, as well as the food vendor at the Grim Harvest selling similar food.

I am having a good time being back. Sometimes a certain game might not be what you need at one point in time but it is waiting on you for just the right time that you really click with it. I feel like this with Vanguard currently.

Curiosity killed the cat.

I wanted to go another month with WoW but Vanguard won over. I think I've outgrown WoW's community but I still love the game. Plus, lately my wrist bothers me more often, so doing heroics and trying to keep up with button spamming dps- that just isn't working for me. A nice steady pace is what I need, not something mindless but not something really taxing me. Maybe one day when WoW is less populated I'll give it another whirl. I don't want to say I'll never play it again. My grandmother use to say- Never say never! (We use to laugh and say "But you just did Grandma!" Kids, eh?)

Anyhow, I'd like to experience more of Tealon, maybe even get to the level cap, much further than I have so far. I did in EQ2 and I am glad I experienced it. I have to say though, I didn't like endgame as much as I thought I would. It just wasn't what I was looking for. Hoping Vanguard hits the spot. It seems to be catering to a lot of what I am looking for at the moment.

Have a great week peeps!

Saturday, October 15, 2011

Time To Let Go?



Hello. Hello? Anyone there?


Tap, tap, tap.... Is this thing on?

Pretty much sums up the feeling when I join a random group in LFD with my tank these days. I actually love tanking with her, sadly I feel the opposite about the community. I don't like to say I am quitting any game but I think my WoW days are pretty much numbered. It really makes me feel sad though because I think it is a wonderful game while I absolutely loathe the community.

It isn't that I don't have a thick skin, I just am not enjoying the community anymore. Nobody wants to tank or heal but they sure don't mind abusing tanks and healers. I say let them sit in the queues and rot. Getting cursed out for asking people to put a pet on assist, or perhaps having to heal myself on and off because the healer wants to dps or randomly afk. As dps it is just as bad at the higher levels, the tables turn, abusive behavior gets worse.

I can't help remember making great friendships in instances that lasted for years. While out questing and the like I met people. What happened to making connections with people in the game and having a network of friends to do things with. I miss those days. As much ease as the dungeon finder creates, it creates even more havoc on the community. I have't made a new friend outside of joining a guild or through blogging, in a long time. About a year honestly. The last person was someone I killed in PvP who logged over to an alt and chatted with me- I still talk to him and his wife. I miss that type of community! I have so many wonderful memories in WoW but they seem so long ago. Maybe it is time to let go.

In any case I guess I will move onto EQ2 or Vanguard for awhile. I might do the Station Access deal again, that way I can play both. My Inquisitor needs to be dusted off anyhow. Vanguard is looking mighty inviting currently. I downloaded Fallen Earth this week but it is hard to stomach the starting area again (lol) so I don't know when I will get around to that. I have been playing some stuff with my son and it has been enjoyable to spend time with him gaming and seeing what it is he enjoys in the gaming aspect. I know he loved the idea of having someone to play with, everyone does. I try to play things with people I care about when time allows. More to come, stay tuned ;)

Leaving you with some videos that make me nostalgic of those good 'ol days.





Friday, October 14, 2011

Nights of The Dead (EQ2)



Nothing like holiday events to bring me back to EQ2. I decided to pop in with my little fury (on the EQ2X server) to participate in the events this year. Plus, the instances are real fun to run for items and would be great xp for her, she has gotten almost three levels so far. I say this every [EQ2] holiday event but it means a lot to me- I love that the EQ2 events are there for all levels and scale. Except maybe the Headless Horseman... Which is quite a lot of content even without him so I can't complain.

EQ2 is probably one of, if not the, most fun events in any mmo I play when it comes to Halloween. I just adore the events in EQ2, lots of crafting items added each year and more content on top of that, each year, from new quests to new and fun appearance and house items. So, I just couldn't resist picking it back up for the holiday!


I've not completed all of the events yet I am just working on the few in Nec Forest. I want to gather several more items from those quests before I move on to other activities. There was a new instanced quest added, it was very interesting. Sort of like a defense game, getting zombies to chase you, the actually walked- which I loved- and what you did was pull them to, strategically placed, attacking plants which killed them. It was a lot of fun and I was excited to see something new and fresh added! The rewards were neat, I picked a snazzy new cloak with a cloud particle effect on it.


I have been waiting since the Christmas holidays for Nights of The Dead to come around, my Freeblood Estate needs several spooky touches to it still! I plan on crafting a large amount of house items from this event because I am thinking of turning another house of mine, which is empty, into a haunted maze. I'll see if I have the time!

There was a new mount added and it requires a lot of candy, which is also used by crafting recipes. I really want to get it but I'm not sure if I will. It looks pretty creepy! I probably will try to go after it, I did the Valentine mount and was glad I did.


I can't wait for Halloween to hit WoW and Freerealms, my two other faves when it comes to holidays. Lots of fun stuff to do this month, exciting! What is your favorite in-game holiday event? NoTD wiki on Zam.

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