Delving Into The Past

Things really feel in a slump these days as far as the MMO scene goes. There isn't really a whole lot of new stuff, and what has come out over the last few years has been new to the west, older games that took years to release here and they have not been all that great. It seems so many games I play are on slow updating schedules, smaller content drops or just feel they are in limbo. But there are some new bits of interest here and there. The longer I play MMO games the more I seem to delve back into the past, or rather, the games that were in their prime in those golden days of the past.

Trove Time

Rainbow unicorns! How did they know I wanted one so badly!!

I hope everyone had a lovely holiday. Ours was quiet and nice. The house is in boxes. We're moving, and I should be packing now, but I thought I'd try to get a post in today while I have some time. I had a nasty cold for a week and over the holiday I still felt so drained from recovering, I ended up doing some gaming that was just fun and jump in type stuff. Not much thinking, just doing.

Nostalgia

As time goes on I often finding myself wandering backwards, looking for games that offer more classic combat with simple systems. Sure I try all the new stuff, it seems the shiny seems to wear off quickly in a world where action combat is becoming more popular but causes me to log off and putting on a wrist brace. Or the games I once loved have really taken a direction I don't care for. Today I thought I'd share some of the games I've been dabbling with while touching on that nostalgic feeling I miss.

Eye Candy

Ding 89! So close, only half a level to go!

I love the monk animations, they're pretty cool. 

Trying some more 'monk' looking mog gear. 

Heri and I, checking out my Megaplot in Onverse.

This shopping cart is a mount, two people can ride it. Passenger sits in the buggy, so cute! 

Moving along in LoTRO.

Dire and I questing along.

Swimming!

Doing a jig or something while I wait on Dire to figure something out, heh. 

Pretty night scene. I really need to turn the UI off when I take pics.... oops. 

Cut scene, LoTRO.

Moonlight. 

Falling Into Place

Running after my champion as he slays those big bad newbie mobs.

Last night Dire decided he'd like to try out Lord of The Rings Online with me. We've not really been playing anything together for awhile so I thought he might take to the idea of something different that he's never tried. I haven't played LoTRO in quite awhile and figured maybe it would be a nice time to return. It is old school enough where he would enjoy it, but not too modern where he feels there isn't a challenge. We rolled up a tank and healer duo. We quested a bit and he commented on how nice the world looked. The game still is beautiful and holds up quite as it ages.

We ran around questing for a bit, which he seemed to enjoy. I've done the starting areas many times but it was really nice to do it over with Dire. A few years ago I was really enthralled with this game but he didn't want to play, so it is nice to go back with him this time.

We're starting over, well I am, he's never played. We figured out old trusty combo might fare us well with this game. So far it has been fun and I'm introducing him to things in the game such as traits and deeds. Which I often hear moans about the grind behind them but we're pretty happy to grind away at content, especially him, if it offers a neat goal behind it. We're 'EverQuesters' after all, heh. We were born into the MMO scene when it was a horrible grind! Honestly though, he really likes game play with things to work on such as AA points from EverQuest, so traits and deeds sound like something he'd enjoy working on. We'll see.

Thus far he hasn't complained about the combat, that is what makes it or breaks it for any game he plays. Combat. Lets play Rift? Combat sucks. EQ2? Combat sucks. That's what I am up against. If it doesn't click with him, which I enjoy combat in both of those games, it will kill it for him. I received a text earlier today from him"LoTRO tonight?" Which is a good sign so far! We're playing for free now to gauge how much we like it. I want to play this as a duo, more fun that way. We're on Landroval, I can't remember where I was playing before. I think this is the RP server, add me if you play there- Sablesix.

Heri and I. Ninjas (he's in the black)! That is the inventory there, it works well and is easy to work with.

On my own I am playing Onverse. Heri joins me on occasion. I've been doing a lot of questing lately. There are many quests which involve grinding player points for items and/or completing puzzles. It is casual and laid back, I enjoy this type of play. No stress or pressure to do anything in particular. That's how I like it. I still find this my go to game for relaxing. I play it on a regular basis because I just really love this little game. It isn't just a social type game where you just pump (RL) money into it for anything and everything, a lot of the cool stuff you have to obtain through quests and buying with player points.

A couple of weeks ago I was reading about rune hunting. Basically you hunt runes, with a special tool, within a temple maze for keys. These unlock a steam punk chest full of all kinds of neat steam punk themed items. I really wanted to do this but you had to complete a quest and you need other players to do so. I wasn't quite sure if I could even find anyone to help. Luckily there were some people working on this quest and several others helping when I headed out there. I was in luck! One amazing gal led me through the maze to the jumping puzzle part which I then cringed and balked at. I was dead tired that night and the thought of me jumping through the puzzle as the others jumped on platforms to move the ones I needed.... Well that was just daunting! People had to wait on me to jump through it, gah!

Questing. Those pillars behind me are part of a quest, more jumping, oh joy!

I am not the best at jumping games. I'm not terrible though. I'm harder on myself than I deserve in all honesty. I made it after several attempts and I was so thankful to the people who helped. The other person with me trying to complete it never got to the end, she just couldn't do it and I felt really bad for her. Nobody can do it for you, so to speak. I've asked my son to try a few jumping puzzles before, even he thinks they are quite hard and he's amazing at that kind of stuff. He's way better than I am but I do like to do them myself. Maybe one day I will convince him to play it with me!

I can't wait to get more mog gear. The monk is so fun to 'dress up'  =p

I'm also playing WoW. I subbed back for the holidays. Since I have time on the account I don't want it to go to waste and I am working on finally getting my monk to 90. I am sitting at 88, not too bad for a slacker! This will be my 4th 90. I would like to get my 86 DK to 90 but I think I will work on the monk instead, enjoying it at 90 and taking a long break from leveling. I will use my free boost to 90 (that is if I purchase the expansion) on my priest.

I'm back on the Horde with this one. I have an old friend who I enjoy playing with over there so I figured it was due time to go back. I still play my other 90's but for now I want to get back to the Horde some and just enjoy the monk I've wanted so badly for so long! I'm actually feeling quite excited about hitting 90 with it.

Things are falling into place with gaming this year, I'm pretty content and have plenty to keep me entertained. It comes and goes sometimes. If you're playing WoW, what will you use your boost to 90 on? If you're not playing WoW, what is keeping you entertained as we wait for all these long awaited 2014 releases?

Visiting This Week: Aura Kingdoms, Onverse, Mabinogi

Awhile back I mentioned Aura Kingdom, trying it out and giving a few ideas of what I thought on the game. My brother decided to try it as well and thus we had a bit more time to take a better look at this title. I'd have to say as we progressed through, the game continued to feel polished. A bit sterile at times too though, it offers the option to auto path to quest objectives and quests. But that isn't a bad thing. It is just a very linear game. Perfect for jumping in and getting things done.

We had a chance to try some solo instances, which were very small but interesting. We picked up mounts at level eight, which was quite spiffy. They resemble chocobos. The game is really quite beautiful. you can't deny that. Flowers and storybook looking trees decorate the landscape with little cottages and fishing huts dotted along the way. It is really beautiful. I made it to around 20, I'd say the game is pretty easy to hop in and out of  and I've enjoyed myself quite nicely.

Heri and I.

The pet system is decent, we picked up our first combat pets, as you progress through the main story you get access to everything you've been wondering about such as pets and mounts, even appearance clothing. So, if you haven't tried it, it is a nice way to pass some time, relaxing, cheerful and overall decent. I don't know if I have the time to continue it on a regular basis, but it will be nice to pop in when I can.



I also decided to revisit Mabinogi. This is an interesting title. Lots of very unique classes and systems. I mean who doesn't want to be a puppet master?! The downside to all the interesting things about this game would be that is takes a lot of time to learn everything, such as rebirthing. Which resets your age so you can get more points, which make the character stronger. There is no level cap, I read the highest character was around 15, 000. Which is boggling!

The game has a lot of interesting things to offer, plenty of cool classes, there is a lot of variety on things to do. Farming, pets, mounts, and more than I really got to get too far with. It was just so overwhelming, so I am taking it slow and picking it up when I have time to sit and put some time into learning it.

I did like the puppet master class (pictured at top), there is now a tutorial which lets you try out some of the classes you pick from. I was swinging my puppet round about into mobs, smashing him all over and controlling him to do my bidding. Very, very fun! The tutorial for humans looks to be quite a bit different from the last time I played. It seems to give more direction, I also read you want your first character to be a human for bonuses. There is so much to learn, a very in depth game.

I'm still puttering about in the world of Onverse. Megaplots were released last week. Basically huge islands with a much higher item count allowed, for more extravagant building. I decided to try my hand at creating my own house instead of having one to only decorate. I had a great time coming up with an idea, still work to be done on the isle but it is looking pretty decent. I've had a lot of players complement me on it, which always just makes me glow :)

Exploring different areas.

Finishing up a quest I've been working on for about a week now. Elemental planes. 

My house, Stellar Isle.

Building the house, wish we had the option to fly on plots to build!

Off The Beaten Path- 2014

This year (and I suppose half of last year though I didn't realize it), I am wanting to trod a ways off the beaten path. I really want to spend more time with games that offer more things to do other than raiding. Different stuff.  And I do play many like this, I have for quite some time, but I'd like to focus more on those types of games. If you look around there are quite a few out there. I'm also really looking forward to seeing what comes out of the lineup for 2014, such as EverQuest (Next's) Landmark. How things change, if anything changes at all, really.

I find myself more drawn to games which just keep fun in mind. Those that offer more flexibility on things to do. Or perhaps fun is subjective, different activities to choose from, things to do that are different than what we normally do in MMO type games. I've really been burnt out on raiding and five man content being the main goal for my games. Not to say I don't enjoy these types of games, but a change is overdue and a vacation from the same ol' same ol' is nice. Not that I won't log into my old faves this year, but I plan on reaching out further, dip my toes into places across vast oceans, off into the far, far away, different worlds.

For the first half of WoW's MoP expansion, I mostly puttered around with leveling characters to 90, farming, factions, collecting things, trade skills and such. Then my brothers started and I wanted to keep up with them so I started raiding and grouping, the game changed a lot for me. It was still fun, but it was different than the little corner of the world I had kept myself buried in. Then they left, I did find myself with much better gear, which helps hugely on doing old content and daily quests, faction and such, but I also found myself falling back into my old habits, the things I started out doing. Though, doing these I don't get rewarded as well (not even close) but- The timeless isle helps some, which is a nice help especially for alts, so I cannot complain at this point.

The 3DS has been a real nice change for me. I look forward to the upcoming game Disney Magical World, which releases this year on April 11th. I am SO excited about that title. I'm not a huge Disney fan but the game looks amazing. If you're an Animal Crossing fan, this one will surely be of interest. I've watched footage of the Japanese version and I liked what I saw.

But back to MMO gaming. I've been enjoying Onverse immensely. There isn't really combat, per say, but there are goals, housing, fluff, a laid back world to explore. It really is just fun. That's my key goal for 2014, have fun with my games, not feel like I'm grinding for gear in yet another raid, another instance. I'm looking at a few other titles to pick up and putter around with, more on them as I do. I want to explore, build and just relax this year.

I look forward to seeing more MMO games come out with different directions to pursue, hopefully titles like EQN/Landmark will really change things. I also look forward to Trove, which seems sort of like Minecraft in an MMO setting, the idea seems... fun. I plan on supporting games that cater more to these styles of gaming, instead of flinging my money to those that produce the same thing in yet another boring shade grey. We'll see how it goes!

   

Quick Glance- Aura Kingdoms and Eldevin

Today I thought I'd mention a couple of neat little games that might be fun to pass the time with, both being F2P. The first up is Aura Kingdoms, which went into open beta yesterday. I only played a short time so far but this game seems pretty laid back and casual, especially after reading about it a bit.

It is an anime type MMO, with colorful and smooth graphics. The shot above is in-game. The world is quite lovely as are the characters. There are several classes to pick from, a nice variety and these are not gender locked. There are no pet classes but this is because everyone gets pets, you choose one when you create your class. There are healer pets and tankish pets to pick from, which gives you four options, two creatures and two humanoid. It was nice to see a selection there.

The game is point and click with action, sort of a hybrid. You don't have to point and click to move but the option is there. It is pretty simple to get out of the bad stuff, just click out of the rings. Combat is pretty simple, you can use the hotkeys 1-9 or simply right click the buttons. WASD does work, thankfully and you can jump.

I don't think the game is particularly hard. As I mentioned, it is quite laid back and casual. I don't know just how much lasting power it has for a main game (there is a daily instance cap), but it seems pretty solid for something to pick up and relax with. There are tons of people running around all over, which was nice to see. It offers group instances and solo as well. In this 'dry spell' for new games, I think a lot of people have flocked to it to see if it is anything worth playing. I'd say it is worth trying for sure, see if it is for you. It is a really good looking game, I like the anime feel to the characters and the world. You can check out the game here on the official site.

The second game I thought was worth mentioning is a little indie game called Eldevin. It has a Runescape feeling to it, a browser based game. Very light and charming, easy to pick up and play. It offers cosmetic items and pets, questing, professions with crafting as well.

The game drops you into a quick tutorial and sends you out into the world through learning skills such as ranged, melee and magic. You get a solid feeling for the game and how it works as you progress. The graphics are nothing amazing, but not without charm, it is a browser game after all. The view is top down which allows you to zoom in a bit and angle the camera a bit- to access mobs, doors and such a little easier.

I can't say I spent too much time playing as I just picked it up but it looks to hold promise while offering an old school feel. This is one I thought worth mentioning because it really seems something fun to pick up and play when you want a retro feeling game with rpg elements. You can find more about it here on the official site.

I'm always on the lookout for fresh games that just have a different feel, I can say these two meet a definite niche. Especially if you're looking for anime type games like Aura Kingdoms, which there are a few out but these characters are some of the most interesting I've seen that really look good and really pop, especially as you progress the story. You can either watch scenes and read them, or skip them.

As with Eldevin, it has a really cozy starting area, with plenty of exploring to do. Great to pick up on a rainy day and get into some exploring and questing.

That's it for today, safe adventures!

Casual Play

This week I've had more of a chance to putter around with Onverse. It is strangely engaging and fun. I suppose it sort of feels like a more grown up Free Realms and a Younger Second Life. Then again it doesn't feel like either, that is just what I can compare it to. I'm always looking for different types of games and this one had really gotten past me, there isn't a huge amount of publicity and there are a LOT of these type of social games out there. They all promise tons of fun in a social setting, but at the end of the day offer a lack of things to do and a drama filled community. This one really caught my attention after taking a deeper look. I went through the tutorial wondering what the heck I was doing, playing this game, at the same time being quite intrigued. Something was there, a real spark struck with me when I got the feel of the game, looked around. It probably has to do with the background of the CEO, who came from the MMO industry. Onverse isn't mainstream and most MMO players probably wouldn't look at it twice because it isn't really a combat oriented game, more of a social game, at the same time there really is something fun there.

The game offers lots of fluff, which keeps players busy. You go out in the world to gather resources, which are used to buy items with. There are two currencies in the game PP (Player Points- A coin basically you gather in game to spend on items) and CC (Cash Coins- Real money currency). There is a lot to buy with both, I do admit the game offers quite a lot of cash items but there is still a ton of things you cannot get with just PP. You can convert CC to PP but not PP to CC. There are also lots of items that drop which you can sell or keep, such as cosmetic items, quest items and keys for the casino chests. Gathering resources is pretty much a meta game within itself. Gather then go off to to shop! You can buy clothing or housing, mounts or even pets, some are higher priced than others, it just depends on what you are aiming for.

Last night I decided to try my hand at a quest. The Elemental Planes quest chain, which was quite relaxing. I ended up making a nice pile of PP getting some neat items and progressing a bit with the quest. The goal is to finish it and acquire items such as mounts and cosmetic fluff. It gives players something to aim for, which I thought was a nice touch, while letting them explore different types of areas.

A few days ago my bother stopped by, I'm always showing them games I find. He took an interest and started playing as well. We're both huge Animal Crossing lovers, out of all of us who play we're the most into ACNL. So, we appreciate casual games full of fun fluffy activities and collecting. It has been great to have someone to share the game with. It is a game where you don't feel forced to log in, like you will miss something. You can pop back in whenever you want and get back to the business of playing without feeling like you have to play catch up. There are also games against other players such as Splatball, where you shoot other players and win PP. For those more PvP oriented, this is perfect. There are the quests, as well as jumping puzzles.

It is a sweet and very enjoyable game, a simple game. When it comes down to it, it is just about fun. The monthly fee is only 2.99 UDS a month, or you can opt for 1000 cash coins and a monthly sub for ten dollars. The CEO (and Lead Developer) is a former EQ2 dev, which I thought was pretty interesting because that's one of my favorite MMOs. I like to see just who is making my games and where they came from. It is always interesting when you dig around a bit, so I thought it was pretty neat.

Showing my bro around town.

Other than that I need to get back to WoW, since I'm still subbed. This year I'd like to hop around games a bit less. Ok, a LOT less. I am reallllly leaning towards the founders pack (not sure just which one) for Landmark, which sounds like it is headed out towards us in the form of closed beta quite soon. I think that is a game I could sink my teeth into EQN and even Landmark could be something I enjoy just as much.

In other news SOE is looking towards all in one sub, much like the current Station Pass (twenty bucks) except for 14.99 a month. You'll get subbed to all their games for what you'd pay to play one (currently). And EQN will be included. That looks like a fantastic deal. I'm pretty excited about this prospect. I'd probably play Vanguard and EQ2 on a regular basis if I had subs for both, add in EQN and that's one sweet deal.

Last but not least, I'm still going at it with Animal Crossing: New Leaf. I look forward to seeing what is available in the shops each day. I've opened up the second floor in the museum, which gives me four exhibit rooms to decorate, which is pretty awesome! Upgrading my house has been slow going at this point, I've put so much in it already and for now I'm looking to work on some projects for the town for a few days. It keeps me happy and busy.

I'm really glad I took the leap to playing a handheld. I really love my 3DS, it goes everywhere with me. Which is a nice bonus. I throw it in my backpack before I head out and get street passes most of the time when I go out. Right now McDonald's is a Gamezone, even the one at Wal-Mart will get you a few people if you walk by it. One of the nice things about living in a big city is you get a lot of street passes. Mostly kids, which leads to thoughts of... OMG a school bus, follow it! Just kidding. But it does seem more adults in Japan play these than do over here. I'm grown up enough to carry around my pink 3DS in public ;) Hello Kitty case and all!

That's it for today. Stay warm, peeps! I'm shivering here in Houston this morning where we sit at 27 degrees and hearing how much colder it is in other parts of the country. I suppose my computer can't complain... The heat here in Houston can be killer for them if you don't keep your place cool enough.

City of Steam: What Are Those People Doing?

Yesterday I was noticing on my screen many characters seemed to be doing a dance. I had noticed it before but yesterday I really noticed it. Yet it wasn't a dance. Throwing some punches, stretching, weird stuff. Do they all know about some dance that I don't? Are they all in some secret fight club (nobody ever lets me in on these things). Well, this turns out to be the training part of the game, basically you can afk and get some xp while you make lunch or do the laundry... Up to twelve hours. Ahh... I see they're training! And getting xp for it, pretty cool. You gain the option after you make a purchase/subscribe. You don't actually have to purchase a sub, because it popped up right away.

I decided to grab a sub, I'm really enjoying the game and a sub is pretty cheap. Granted, if you take a day off, you don't consume that day, I like that. Don't feel pressured to play, keep things light and fun. City of Steam definitely is fun. I also got my old robot back, the cool little loot guy I got last time I played (before the relaunch). I missed him, he's so cute! And you can get some nice stuff like xp boost (instant amount consumed), weapons, rings and so on, just for adding some monies to your account. Generous, instead of adding them in as a pack instead.

I've picked up some blue mercenaries, there are the standard colors for strength- White, green, blue and purple. I mainly use the Mechanist, who has some weird/cool (I can't decide which it is) helmet covering his face and he runs around doing AE damage from range, which is handy. I really like the mercenary feature, it was a complete surprise that it was added. I guess it is nice to have a companion to wander off into the world with, I love pets and mercenaries. And they don't grub up all my money and xp! Kind of like friends, but pretend, ha! Wait...

There is always a lot to do. Dungeons, events, PvP (which I've not messed with at all). Lots and lots of events, some grant amazing xp. My favorite is the egg bash. Basically a loot pinata, bash golden eggs for tons of money. I love the music added to the event too, Dire gets mad because I turn it way up. My pet (which picks up money) will be very handy in there, as I can't always grab it all before my time ends.

So far, sitting at 17, what I like about this game is that it keeps things fun and keeps a variety of things to do. It isn't super hard, great to relax to, but it isn't stupidly easy either. You do have to try. It isn't focusing on the same things I've been doing in every other game. Questing, well, yeah. But it feels light and like I'm going places.

Speaking of places. The last time I played, the game was pretty much all instanced, except for the wilderness (does that still exist?!). Now there is so much more that is open, it is cool to see people running around questing too. So, a nice change to making the world feel less a lonely place. Plus, we're not getting charged energy every time we want to run a quest, that was a very smart move in my opinion. And the dungeon/missions are not super long, which is good for me.



Just throwing out some thoughts on the game while they are fresh in my mind. It is pretty sweet, and it has some great music (listen to the track up top). Really, you can enjoy the game for free as well, I surely did. I didn't feel restricted either. However, I wanted to support the game as I really want to see it succeed. Give it a try, let me know what you think of it!



Tip- Not sure about screenshots with the game, it being browser based but I do know dropbox will save any you take. Make sure you're in full screen mode (unlike me) or you'll get all the tabs and the bar in it also. Next time I'll trim them up, feeling a bit lazy today.