What would YOU do?

My wife suffers from Polycystic Kidney Disease. Her condition is hereditary, and over the course of her life, slowly reduced her kidneys to enlarged, nonfunctioning, cyst-riddled organs. They cause her pain, inconvenience, and as of late interfere with her dialysis treatments. So, next week she goes into the hospital to have both surgically removed. The procedure takes a few hours and the recovery time will be at least a week, if not two. It is a serious procedure, but it will improve her quality of life by removing the added weight and pressure of her enlarged kidneys. Additionally, it is the first step on a long road to get her a transplant.

Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers.

I mention the above not simply to give a life update for those few who read my entries, but also to lead into the main topic of my entry. It came to me, oddly enough, while sitting in one of the various waiting rooms during our Pre-Consultation visit today. Not an entire post mind you, or even the idea of one, but just a thought, a question given voice and context by both our situation and the matters of PROPOSITION 8 and the DEFENSE OF MARRIAGE ACT currently before our Supreme Court. As we visited with the medical staff, went over pre-op procedures and our options, and met with the Dialysis Department to discuss their treatment of my wife’s “button holes” (a needle technique eventually leading to less stress and pain on her fistula – look it up on Google) this not-so-little thought/question rolled around in my mind: What if we were a same-sex couple?

Standing there, hand in hand with this woman I love, a woman dealt both a tragic and unfair hand by genetics, I thought what if we were the same gender. What if the Powers That Be condemned me to the waiting area and her to walk onward through this ordeal all alone based on nothing but archaic religious views, intolerance, ignorance, or any of the other REAL reasons people still find fault with those who fall in love with members of their own gender. Would I even be allowed to accompany her back to visit with her doctors or come visit her in the hospital after recovery? Could my name be on her various medical paperwork as her next contact or “partner” or something, or would they bar me from the proceedings completely as any other non-family member? This horrified and sickened me, not simply due to the act itself, but the knowing this type of thing occurs still and other people, other supposed evolved, freedom-loving citizens of my country, turn a blind eye or support this Dark Age, bigoted thinking each and every day.

Could you stand to be kept from your loved ones for any reason in their time of need? Would the differing opinion of a priest, preacher, or anyone else of “faith” be enough to settle the ache in your heart, the separation pangs felt by forced abandonment of your soulmate? For any reason under the sun or stars would you allow ANYONE to pull you from their side as tears and the unknown took them onward? Then, how in the name of any divinity can such hateful, shameful, ungodly behavior be condoned by any peoples?

Can you stand straight and strong before me and argue the defense of marriage when “traditional unions” and our flippant attitudes toward love and honor and vow have reduced it to a laughable, dismissive tax status? Does the advent of Quickie Marriage Chapels in Las Vegas and unions lasting less than a day before both hungover parties strike them from record not soil the holy sacrament? What about the steadily climbing divorce rate and broken homes with displaced children and people on their fourth, fifth, and sixth spouses? What of marriages of convenience and trophy wives and unions arranged throughout the ages for political leverage? This is all acceptable and permitted by both gods and law while the populace barely flutters an eyelid, though a gay couple in Texas wanting each other recognized as legal spouse will bring ruination and damnation to an ages old ideal.

Really?

This issue isn’t about whether or not allowing homosexual union acceptance and protections under our laws is constitutional. It is about fighting against the hate and ignorance of a small subsection of our populace and the flawed, corrupt politicians who refuse to push forward any true change or progress for fear of losing money and reelection. It is about accepting what is just and right or taking another step backward and alienating an entire grouping of us for just trying to be happy and love. It is about someone being able to hold their sick loved one’s hand as the doctor talks without fear of being turned away at the hospital hallway doors simply because they share their mate’s gender.

I know I would never allow anyone to keep me from my beloved Julie’s side, and so I cannot fathom being put in such a position and expected to accept it. To support such ideas like Prop8 and DOMA is to deny our fellow citizens their freedom and strike them with such hatred and sickness it sheds more light on the failures of our society, ourselves, and perhaps our faiths than anything. Love is love and wrong is wrong.

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Righting a wrong and The Force is strong in me

So, I was wrong. In admitting so I hope to cleanse any harmful spirits and continue to enjoy my gaming experience with the two MMOs I plan on sticking with at this juncture. And no, neither of them are D&D related. It surprised me too, but EVERQUEST 2 and STAR WARS: THE OLD REPUBLIC are really, really fun.

Also, screw D&D ONLINE and it's outdated, OS hating software. Wanted to try it, tried to install it, and nearly gave my new computer a complex. Deleted... And may you never darken my door again, or at least not until you make your damned game work with newer systems. As for TERA RISING or Tera or whatever it's calling itself now, I haven't given in a look yet, but my wife has and she hated it. Not the first person I know to have issues with it either. Game looks solid, from what she said, but the play mechanics were not up her alley and the opening (non)tutorial confused her as a new player. In time I may give it a shot, but for now I'm happily satisfied with the two I've decided to keep.

Oh, NEVERWINTER is still in beta and we will continue to test it, but whether the finished product will keep us around is anyone's guess. After having some time to digest the beta weekend, I do understand everyone's gripes with it. It is a bit too instance heavy and seems sort of like a DRAGON AGE clone in D&D clothes. Also, it's based on a modified 4th Edition rule set, and this causes some veteran D&D players to curse, scream, and toy praying to Lloth for vengeance. And speaking of the Drow (which is totally pronounced like "plow" not like "Joe") you and I both know there'll be ten thousand of them running around if they make them a playable character. Remember when they were all evil save Drizzt? He's an exception to the rule, people. Anyway, whether we stick with it or not, we have options now, and that's the point of my entry tonight.

Yes, my friends, there is a fucking point to all this...

"It's about fucking time..."

My wife won't play SWTOR, but she isn't interested in a science fiction/space MMO. Her gaming conventions lie in the fantastical worlds of swords, sorcery, and dragons. A place where she can roll a Cleric or Druid and fight Orcs and Gnolls and wear armor resembling butt-floss. Okay, maybe not the last one, but you get the idea. She loves the Star Wars movies, but being in-game doesn't appeal to her like it does me.

So, while I'm enjoying myself in SWTOR, I needed an option to play with her. We're a team in all aspects, and we've enjoyed these MMOs together. Granted, she'll always turn into a better, more consistent player than I (chalk it up to all that tabletop experience), but even if I suck these games are always more fun with her playing along with me. And we both share a love of the original EVERQUEST, which brings me back to EVERQUEST 2,

Man, did I misjudge this game...

Even furries are welcome!

In one of my other posts, I tore EQ2 apart after only running around for a few levels. It was unfair, and after thinking it over and seeing how much fun Julie was having with it after she downloaded it, I realized I didn't give the game enough time to really show me what it had to offer. I mean, I didn't even leave the newbie zone. Sure, it was a first impression and all, but it was also dickish of me as both a lover of the MMO genre and a veteran of its predecessor. I owe Norrath a proper look, especially if I'm going to write about it.

So, we rolled new characters and jumped into the game at New Halas. This means nothing to a non-EQ person, but as a player of Barbarians it made me sigh. Gone was the town and those horrid lanes full of wandering skeletons, bears, wolves, and goblins I grew up in during the early years. The game is set 500 years after the events of the other though, so it's expected. What I didn't expect was the nostalgia rush when seeing familiar NPC races, mannerisms, game mechanics, and landmarks once we visited Qeynos, though rendered in beautifully with EQ2's updated engine. Literally, we ran around just looking at things for a while, and the updated look of the city was brilliant.

The gameplay itself reminds me of EQ, and this is a good thing. I liked EQ. I understood EQ. Even the minor changes with allowing non-casters to bind and gate, among other ability differences, are easily overlooked. We slid right into the game, learned the newer Harvesting System with little difficulty, and popped into our "newbie house," which was addicting. For those with the HEARTHFIRE dlc for SKYRIM (meaning everyone with a XBOX 360), it's along the same lines and so much fun. Add in the ability to use their Crafting System to make furniture and things and it completes it.

My main complaint at this point is with the Crafting System. While having to participate in the process by clicking buttons to keep everything lined out, it is kind of wonky and not as streamlined as other games. Still, it isn't a game killer and you can spend hours playing with it. Well, if you have the materials to spare.

And there's people playing the damn game. Even in the starting area you'll find other players running around of varying levels present, some of whom will even help you if asked politely. Considering I heard this is a dead game, it's a pleasant surprise. Here's hoping the latter levels are even more populated. Again, these games are supposed to be played with other people.

So, yes... I was wrong. And while you never have a second chance to make a first impression, sometimes it's worth stepping back and looking at things from a different perspective... Or taking the time to really give something a shot.

EQ2 is a free-to-play MMO with both subscription options and an in-game store allowing free players to purchase certain things without the monthly charge. So far we haven't seen any real limitations to the gameplay as free players, but you will find yourself forced to choose from sparse racial and class options. I wanted to play a Froglok, Fae, or Ratonga, but I'd either need to pay the subscription fee or purchase them with Station Cash. Also, all of your slots are capped as a free player - Character, bank, bag, etc.

In time we may use the Station Cash option to open up more races or classes, but it's still fun running around and getting acclimated to the game. And it's nice to return to Norrath in some fashion. I've heard there's an EVERQUEST NEXT or EQ3 in the works, but haven't seen any screenshots or gameplay videos. Here's hoping they've been taking all this time to produce a kickass game.

Everquest was the MMO to kick the genre into high gear and ruled the roost with an iron fist until World Of Warcraft came along. While EQ2 isn't going to kill Blizzard's MMO powerhouse, it's a nice alternative and affordable for those of us who can't see paying a subscription for a game anymore.

...But if I was going to pay a subscription (and had the unlimited funds to support it) it'd be for something I can play with my family and this:

Remember Galaxies? Yeah... This is not it.

This game is brilliant for the story mode concept alone. And I'm a huge Star Wars fan. Is this my version of MMO Heaven? Well, no, but it's fun as hell so far. Rather than make another mistake by tossing up a gushing impression having only played to Level 10, I'll just say I'm enjoying myself. And yes, I made a Sith... Suck it.

One of the glaring negatives about the game is the limitations on free players. Most of the races are blocked, some abilities, and that's just what I've experienced myself so far. Additionally, after level 10 you start earning experience and valor points at a reduced rate. Like EQ2 and most f2p MMOs SWTOR has an in-game store available to purchase bonuses, races, abilities, and the like if you don't feel like subscribing. The problem is deciding if you can deal with not having those things or whether you need these options to completely enjoy the game. And if not, what's more cost effective? Should you pay a subscriber fee or just buy the things you want?

BioWare got blasted last year for announcing a f2p option and then producing one so horrid when it comes to allowing non-payers in game. I can see why, and it irritates me too, but I'm enjoying myself with what I can experience so far regardless. Would I like access to the other options? Sure, but I can't afford to pay out $15 a month on a game right now, especially one just for me. It'd be different if my family wanted to play with me, but then it'd be $45 per month.

Hrm... Maybe it's a good thing they have no interest in this game. (kidding)

Anyway, as I go further in the game I'll post more about my experiences and my opinions on the pros/cons of it.

/camp

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A brief gaming update (EQ2, D&DO, SWTOR)

Gonna try D&DO before the weekend is out. Though I'm sad I can be a Warforged in the f2p, I'll make due. Though I refuse to be a Monk as I could never achieve the epic fisting prowess of my good friend, +Billy Tharp 

Will give my 2 Credits on it once I've fished around.

As for EQ2, +Julie McLaney  and I have been running around the last evening and morning, are roughly around level 11 or so (she's always higher than me), and I can say I didn't give it enough of a chance. Put off by the dated look of it, I guess. Whatever my initial issues, there is something to this game and decorating your house is really fun. Questing is still a "run here, do this, kill that, gather this" affair, but it's what was standard at the time. I can see why so many guildmates left the original Everquest to try this and never came back.

After the reassessment my one main, legit gripe is the unease of the crafting system. I love the idea of "active crafting," which is you must pay attention and use buttons to help achieve the goal, but getting all your components together is kind of a minor chore. Again, I'm sure it's better with a paid subscription and more slots.

So, EQ2 is a f2p and decent and there's actually people in game most of the time. If you're looking for one, it's worth the shot. If/when I get to see higher content, I'll give an opinion on it and perhaps will continue updating as I wander through new Norrath.

Also, I plan to return to SWTOR at some point if nothing else than to continue with the Story mode. Very nice touch there. That said, if you're not a huge SW fan I can see it not holding people's interest. Perhaps the higher levels are more fun. More on that as I experience it.

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Everquest 2 - a brief encounter

(sorry for the rushed, no frills entry. It's nearly time I forced myself to bed and wanted to get these thoughts out of my head. I'll expand this once time permits...)

UPDATE: I WILL be adding to this further after I play through more of the game. After sleeping on it, I realize the folly of posting an impression after so few levels. It's not fair to the game either.

So more to come...

I'm still here, damn it!

Downloaded EVERQUEST 2 to give it a look. I recall when this game came out and the hype surrounding it. Sadly, our machines at the time couldn't handle it. Well, times have changed...

Nostalgia aside, EQ2 looks really dated, but I expected it to. After all, the game's been out for a bit now and SOE isn't really sinking money into it. It's another f2p option, though it limits class/race choices, though compared to D&D Neverwinter, it's not even a competitor. Must try TERA RISING and D&D ONLINE next to compare.

The UI was okay, nothing overly exciting nor irritating, and while different from EQ shares some similarities with it. It did feel "blocky," for lack of a better word. After playing more streamlined, prettier approaches to a UI, it's something I'd have to overlook if I kept with it.

Gathering/collecting was strange. Not fun in the least, tedious at best, though I've never been one of those Crafter types. Seems anyone can gather anything at any time in the game, or maybe it was just the tutorial. Either way, it didn't impress me. Seems like it's more filler to waste time on.

Battle was the usual fare, which is a glaring negative after playing the newer, dynamic system Neverwinter used. Again, it's an older game, so it uses older mechanics. The shame is it's not as fluid or pretty as say WoW or even the elder EQ. Do give credit for some of the animations, but again it's nothing special. The more I play games with a fluid, free combat system, the more this elder style will irritate me. Being primarily a melee player, the newer systems used by Neverwinter, Tera, and others (I believe GUILD WARS 2 uses one too) adds another dimension to the experience making it feel real and strategy on the fly comes into play. This was just the same old, same old.

Again, I only ran around the tutorial area up to level five or so, but I didn't see anything to really impress me. Had I the chance to play it years ago, I'd probably tossed in with it, but I was so invested in EQ. Here's hoping Everquest Next or EQ3 or whatever it's going to be called steps up along with the rest of it.

My 2 credits - Not sure yet, but it'll be hard for me to spend time on it when I could be playing SWTOR or other games. When Neverwinter drops, it's getting deleted... If not sooner.

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We'll always have Beta...

So the first Dungeons & Dragons: Neverwinter Beta Weekend is over. I cannot claim to be the best Beta Tester on the planet, but I did comment where I could on the forums and sent in a few bug reports. With a little tweaking, some further polish and hammering down of details, I think Cryptic and Wizards Of The Coast have something special with it. The Foundry alone is enough to pull in my interest, not to mention the nice, new combat mechanics. Suffice to say both my beloved Julie and I had a blast playing it over the weekend and look forward to further weekends, both Beta and non.

And sometime in March they will have do at two more weekends, or this is the scheduled plan at this point. I can only assume the plan is to make necessary alterations to the game in the interim and possibly extend it farther than level 30 for the next go round. Until then, however, my family and I will have to find our gaming interests elsewhere. Both Julie and my daughter play various games on their mobiles, and she still plays ZOO TYCOON, a game Microsoft (stupidly) no longer supports. And there's other bits and bobs and an Xbox in the living room.

Me, however. Well... I'll miss my MMOing.

There's a guy in an Everquest shirt holding a boom box to the right...

Yes, I guess I am a PC Gamer after all. And I've tried SO HARD to become a Console Gamer. Okay, not really, but with limited free time and even less extra funds to support such a thing I did give it a good shot. And I really like our Xbox and the content it provides and the few games we've kept for it. BUT it pales in comparison to sitting at my new laptop running around in a virtual environment with my beloved at my side. Can a console supply that to me without us having to purchase another system and television? What about if my daughter wants to join in the fun? I didn't think so.

And even if those options exist, this is where we'd rather be. Plus I've went this long without playing one moment of Halo, so I might as well remain consistent. For the record the picture in the link is a screen shot of EVERQUEST II, which is one of the few "big" MMOs we haven't tried. It came up in conversation the other day and the original will always hold a place near and dear in my heart.

But let's get back on topic.

In the meantime I could go back to being gameless in all aspects of my life, not just tabletop, OR I could refuse this thrust upon condition and try one of the many others floating around the market. It's something that's been nipping at me since we got the new machines, actually. Finally, after all this time, I do possess a decent PC capable of running these games. I could give a few a look, especially those once sparking my interest. And if they suck or don't interest me, I can toss them. It's not like I have to commit to anything unless I pursue one without a free-to-play option.

Besides the aforementioned EQ II, my eyes caught sight of at least three others I'd wanted to give a go at one time or the other. Even before we were saddled with netbooks, our older machines refused to run these games. Now, it's a different story.

STAR WARS: THE OLD REPUBLIC is a no brainer. Besides my being an MMOer and a huge fan of the Star Wars franchise, the game itself looks fantastic and the initial buzz surrounding it made it sound like something World of Warcraft should fear. And those cinematics... Wow. Of course, WoW is still chugging along and STOR finds a mention here and there. A friend or three of mine play, or have at some point, but that's neither a deal sealer or breaker. My reservations stem from having tried that horrible outing put forth by Sony years ago. When you can bot your entire game, then what's the point? No, I'm not exaggerating. After discovering it wasn't really fun, a hot mess, and the Sarlacc represented in the game looked like a desert pothole with teeth, I left it and tried to get over the damage done to my fandom. That said, STOR still looks interesting and the idea of not having to grind for months to become a Jedi is neat.

For those who know what EVE ONLINE is, I don't really have to go into it any further. Either you love the game or you hate it, and both camps have legit reasons for their feelings. EVE is a different animal altogether and it's been stated many times over it is not for the casual or faint of heart gamer. It's a gigantic, persistent, player-driven space MMO, and not just in the usual terms. Honestly, I'm not sure my words can due it justice with the meager description in this paragraph - you'll just have to research it for yourself. What I will say is while I know it's folly to think of accomplishing anything in a game already so skewed, the idea of players transforming it into what it's become, both good and bad, makes me giddy. Plus huge space battles with tons of ships on the screen at any given time... Win?

No, probably not. What happened to HOMEWORLD?

The last one I'll mention is THE SECRET WORLD, which I just researched and found out about in detail this evening. For whatever reason, an email from its developer Funcom found its way into my inbox when the weekend started. I'd glanced at it, but with other stuff going on, I hadn't the chance to really read or delete it. The email briefly described the game, linked a trailer, and offered me $30 of in-game bonus points if I purchased a copy of it before the end of Sunday. Also, it drove home the NO SUBSCRIPTION format recently adopted by the game.

Now, at first I misread the entire thing. I thought it said "Free to Play." So, being in this mindset and having finished with D&DN until the next Beta trial, I poked about the game's wikipedia article, its website, and went looking for gameplay videos on YouTube. All in all, it seemed interesting, especially when you discovered it was a dark, modern fantasy world pulling elements from all sorts of inspiration ranging from the writings of Lovecraft to Spy films, to Indiana Jones and time travel. Plus the developer video I watched really sold it well, and the "class-less, level-less system" peaked my interest. The problem was it was not free-to-play.

Disappointing, sure. It's my fault though for skimming and not understanding what I thought I read. As it stands, I am not paying to play an MMO. I did pay for a Founder's Pack to get into Beta this weekend, but it was money well spent for a franchise I've supported in the past. If TSW offered a trial version of some sort, I'd download it and give it a whirl. It might even get me interested in pursuing it further. If they're struggling though, I understand why they would hold off on this. Plus my interest in it is mainly due to their storyline.

I bet it'd make a killer tabletop game...


Maybe I should just read more instead...?

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Neverwinter is coming...

A new MMORPG from Cryptic and Wizards Of The Coast

Dungeons & Dragons. The Forgotten Realms. Neverwinter. Unless you are another unfortunate group-less gamer like myself these names mean something to you. One is the undisputed measuring stick for most tabletop roleplaying games, likely the first experience for countless gamers across the globe. The other is a setting within that universe and perhaps the most popular one of all time, made famous by both campaign modules and the novels of R.A. Salvatore. And the final is both the namesake of the first ever graphical MMORPG on the internet in addition to the successful video game series for the PC utilizing a wicked Creator Tool kit for customizing your own campaigns. So, when I ran across a game trailer on YouTube for the upcoming MMO by Cryptic Studios and Wizards Of The Coast using this moniker, it sparked my interest.

DUNGEONS & DRAGONS : NEVERWINTER is the latest video game offering to use the ever popular WotC tabletop game, though one trying to establish itself as a fresh, new approach to both the MMORPG and the Free-to-Play system. When it goes live it will be, from the start, an entirely free-to-play game from the downloadable client to the in-game content. Sure, various perks will be available for purchase once the game launches, some even before like the three Founder's Pack choices, but if you don't feel like paying for the game - Don't. Unlike some MMOs which cap free players or limit their abilities, D&DN will toss that business out the window and let you have at it.

And if that isn't enough to tighten your gamer pants, the game will also have a CONTENT CREATOR built into it much like Neverwinter Nights. It is called The Foundry and if successfully pulled off could, in this MMO Veteran's opinion, change the game. Ever played through an instance in your favorite MMO and thought, "I could do this better." Well, now you'll have your chance, and Cryptic is putting a system in place for players to rate and even tip campaign creators with in-game currency. Again, possible game changer.

My impressions of this game isn't entirely based on MMO-bias, my love of D&D, or my hope of someone knocking the wonky World Of Warcraft from its stolen perch. In fact, the moment we heard of this and explored further, my beloved wife and I purchased the Guardian's Pack (of the aforementioned Founder's Pack options) in order to experience the OPEN BETA this weekend. We ran around last night getting to level 18 or so before bed, and we had a blast. It's fun, it's a beloved world, and I love the mechanics, but I'll explain in better detail.

Also, I really wanted to get the Hero Of The North pack which comes with all sorts of neat items for game launch and stabs you right in the Drizzt fandom, but the $200 pricetag is too steep for a game still in beta. Maybe if they included access to all Cryptic games or copies of Salvatore books or mailed you a hooded cloak or something I might act on my inner Geek's desires. It's just I can't see paying that much for a free-to-play game still months away from launch. In a market where games flounder before they get out of the gate, it's just too risky. I'd hate to spend the money and see the developers back away from it in a year. Again, I think this game has the potential to be HUGE, but it's a tough in a market with FPS, tons of other free options, idiot gamers, and ELDER SCROLLS ONLINE on the horizon.

But I still weep on the inside... (sighs)

Anyway, gameplay. And first and foremost I must mention the CHARACTER ROLL during Character Creation. Much like rolling your character for tabletop, you will click the button and be assigned starting attributes. There is a Re-Roll option, but I think the number of times you can do this is limited before you are stuck with choosing between the prior rolls. Very nice touch, even if it is (mostly) for nostalgic purposes.

Getting any of the Founder's Packs grants the user access to the Beta Weekends Cryptic is doing to bug test the game before they finalize things and launch. Those not wanting to pay for a pack can still get in on the beta, but it's the usual signup and wait process. When looking things over and realizing we were going to play this game, it just made more sense to buy a pack. Basically, it's the cost of purchasing a game anyway and the money will go into the coffers to help further things along. Well, and we didn't want to miss out on this weekend's events.

Being an uber-gamer veteran of many a D&D campaign, Julie chose her favored CLERIC class. Unlike World Of Warcraft, which stupidly reduced healers to a physically weak, cloth-wearing class, D&D remains true the spirit of the armored devotee. Clerics are not pushovers here. They can call upon the divine to heal your battle wounds and leap into the fray to help with the fight. Granted, they will never possess the hitpoints and strength of a Fighter, but it's nice to see someone besides EVERQUEST do the class somewhat correctly. Also, she chose half-elf because half-elves are cool.

Me, being always at my love's side, decided upon a FIGHTER to pair better with her healing abilities. Normally I choose ROGUES when given the option because I like doing it from behind... Fighting, I mean, but again I expected to tank with her healing me up. It's a perfect combination. And I chose a dwarf because D&D dwarves are fucking brilliant and the idea of a smaller badass beating the crap out of things entertains me.

The tutorial is brief and tips popup whenever something new happens. It's fairly easy to figure your way about, though I assume those wishing for less assistance can turn these off in the settings. I left them on because it's a new game.

Your Powers open up for you the further along you get in levels. Unlike a lot of other games with far too many options or hot buttons forcing you to whip your cursor across the screen like a mad person, D&DN simplifies this with a smaller hot bar. To enable a certain Power, simply drag the icon from your Powers window (located in a tab from your Character Sheet) to one of the available slots in your hot bar. Certain Powers work in certain slots like so:

• The LEFT and RIGHT MOUSE BUTTONS are your At-Will powers available at the start of the game.
• Q works your Encounter power available at level 3. E grants a second at level 5 and R grants a third at level 7. And those improve as you level up granting you the ability to switch them out with other available Encounter powers.
• The 1 and 2 TOP NUMBER keys work your Daily powers, the first available at level 4 with the other opening up at a later level.
• TAB works your Class powers available at level 10.

Also, I should point out Auto-Attack does not exist. In other games a player can mindlessly click a button and do other things while their onscreen equivalent wails away on their target. This does not exist in D&DN, at least not at this point. Players must actively attack their targets in order to swing their weapons, block oncoming attacks, or cast spells and you must be facing them. This means you are an active part of the battle rather than sitting numb and dumb at your screen. In order to land a blow, you must face your opponent and aim. Additionally, it means you can move to dodge out of the way of attacks, and this combat style allows the option to block attacks. This is unlike anything I've played in an MMO before and I love it.

Playing my Fighter last night, I ran into the fray swinging against multiple opponents, dodging, and blocking, and switching to whittle down lifebars on all sides while keeping myself virtually breathing. This is infinitely superior to standing in one spot for the majority of a fight spamming buttons. While I may click buttons to activate actions, I am moving and engaged fully in the battle. It feels like I am there much more than any other MMO combat I've experienced.

Once I have played Player-Versus-Player, I'll post an entry about it. Mainly I'm a PvE player, but I might as well give it all a go.

Another thing I like about the game is the focus on the keyboard/buttons to interact with your environment and activate actions. The mouse is there mainly to steer and you don't have a cursor whipping around the screen. If you want to pick something up, you simply aim at it and press the F key. You interact with others this way as well, pressing F and then selecting from various choices. Those missing the cursor need not fret though, since pressing ALT will darken your screen and allow you to move it freely about selection buttons on the screen - this does not pause you, however. If you remain like this in an aggressive area or do this during battle, you will get your ass handed to you. Actively attacking, remember? Check your bags and makeup after the fight.

Questing exists in the game too with various NPCs located about to give all manner of quests. Additionally, one place we went had a Harper NPC with a player-made quest. I assume this NPC acts as a conduit for player-made campaigns for those who might otherwise ignore the Job Boards in town where these are mainly located. Still foggy on that, but he did offer us a player-made quest.

So far we enjoy the game, and I think Julie is already sold on it. It'll be a shame having to wait for the next Beta Weekend, but if it further polishes what appears to be a really good MMO so be it. In time I'll post other bits and bobs about it, possibly even a final thoughts about this initial Beta outing once the weekend's over. Hopefully I do the game justice and give any toying with trying it useful information. I suggest watching the videos online of gameplay (I can send links to a few good ones if pressed), researching for yourself, and putting aside any preconceived notions or comparisons to other games. This is worth a try, even if you wait until launch and just play for free. For me it's probably the closest thing I'll get to a real D&D session unless I run one myself for me, my two dogs, and our pet rat, and it's a good MMO to boot.

First Impression - Impressed and satisfied so far. Once it launches I may even try my hand at the Foundry and put a campaign of my own out there.

#Roll4Initiative

www.playneverwinter.com 

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In a League Of Legends, I am Poptart the fried...

Choose your champions wisely, your battles even more so...

The other night I downloaded LEAGUE OF LEGENDS for my new laptop. Strategy is an area less traveled for me, especially within the video gaming realm, but I have often wanted to try my hand at the genre. My issue's heart lie with purchasing a game without knowing if it appeals to me and will keep my interest long term. And so, I came across League Of Legends during one of my shambles through the gaming alleys of the internet and gave it a look.

Apparently, I suck at it. Even in the tutorial battles. Of course, I fell many times from my bicycle before learning to race, to pop wheelies, or jump ravines and hills. I can only hope through diligent practice my skills improve.

Or I find a more suitable game.

To be frank I wanted a true strategy experience, possibly one set in space with grand fleets and glorious battles and exploration. Maybe I should give EVE ONLINE a look, or one of the like titles on STEAM. For now, I have this installed on my machine, so I might as well play it.

And chess. I want to learn chess. Why haven't I downloaded the app for that yet?


Do you play League Of Legends or any other strategy games?

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