Biggs' Zone

A Geek's Cogitations, Conjectures and other Cortical Experiences

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The MMO Times – Pre-Blizzcon Edition

By

On October 21, 2010

In MMO Times

Issue 14

Welcome back keyboard quarterbacks to another riveting edition of The MMO Times. There isn’t much to talk about this week but I wanted to get this out today because Blizzcon starts tomorrow. We have some interesting articles for all of you in this issue so lean back and enjoy.

Blizzcon Coming This Weekend!!
Remember Blizzard fans, this weekend (October 23rd and 24th) is Blizzcon 2010. I wonder what delicious secrets will be unveiled this year. We know it can’t be another WoW Expansion or the Cataclysm release date, so what juicy news will be the talk of the town (as it were). Perhaps the Diablo 3 release date? The new Blizzard MMO? I have a Blizzcon virtual ticket so I will try to provide the big headlines for you this weekend. I might do a special “living post”. (What is a living post? Its a blog post I will continuously update as Blizzcon progresses).
Blizzcon 2010 Website

Blogger Nerd Rages About Warhammer and Mythic
I’m sure most of  you have heard about this little piece of epic nerd rage. A blogger, who claims to be a disgruntled former employee of Mythic, unloads on Warhammer and Mythic (and takes a few shots at Bioware and SWTOR). As of the time of this writing there hasn’t been any proof or verification of identity of the author but if you want to see some drama, check it out.
Read More @ Massively

Tenacious D to Perform at Blizzcon
Let’s start with the Blizzcon news. Tenacious D will be performing the closing concert at Blizzcon this year. This band from 1994 presents the vocal talents of comedian Jack Black and Kyle Gass. Blizzcon is the weekend of the 23rd-24th.
Read More @ MMO-Champion

Cataclysm TV Cinematic
During the Dallas and Vikings game the new Warcraft Cataclysm cinematic tv trailer debuted. When it first came on I didn’t notice the beginning, I thought it was a movie trailer, but its pretty bad ass. Here are links to the WoW Insider article and MMO-Champion.
WoW Insider Article
MMO-Champion Post

SOE to Merge EQII Servers This Fall
Sony Online Entertainment has announced that they will be merging 16 live servers this November. The move isn’t all that surprising and SOE says the bigger populations “is just simply more fun” – an odd piece of logic for a rather evasive action.
Read More @ Massively

I also provide The MMO Times in an e-mail. If you are interested in receiving the e-mail version please subscribe

The MMO Times

By

On October 12, 2010

In MMO Times

Issue 13

Welcome back gamers, to another MMO Times which brings you the latest, significant headlines in the MMO gaming world. So grab a Mt Dew and check out whats been happening in the virtual world.

Final Fantasy XIV Version Update
Final Fantasy players will be receiving a patch soon which promises to address quite a few bugs, but don’t get your hopes up about changes to the market wards. Apparently the patch notes (link provided below) also contains information from the developers regarding game mechanics. Read on and enjoy Final Fantasy fanatics.
Read More @ Massively
Patch Notes

Global Agenda Adds Friends with Benefits
No, not those kinds of benefits, get your mind out of the gutter! This program is basically a Refer-A-Freiend program where you can gift someone a code where they will receive 30% off the client program and grant you an in-game achievement that awards a mini-pet (that resembles an angry Laurence Fishburne bobblehead doll????).
Read More @ Massively

DCUO Beta Keys Available with Pre-Order
Despite the devastating news of postponing the launch date, fans of DC Universe Online can rejoice because if you have pre-ordered the game, submit a copy of your receipt and you can receive a beta key. SOE has extended the beta period for the game to compensate for postponing the launch. Hurry, only pre-orders dated prior to November 15th will be eligible.
Read More @ Massively

Ilum, SWTOR’s 16th Planet Announced
Ilum, one of the locations for crystals used to build lightsabers, is now home to the Sith. If you remember Hoth from Empire Strikes Back, then this planet is similar. This article has a video as well.
Read More @ Massively

Going Live!

World of Warcraft Pre-Cataclysm Patch 4.0.1
October 12, 2010 – Just as most WoW players expected, the massive 4.0.1 patch will be going live when the realms go down for their typical Tuesday maintenance. This patch introduces several new features that were announced as part of the expansion including Reforging, Prime Glyphs, 41-point talent trees and, of course, extended downtime. Extended downtime also, usually, means the realms won’t be playable for most of the evening.
Read Article @ Massively

I also provide The MMO Times in an e-mail. If you are interested in receiving the e-mail version please subscribe

The MMO Times – Cataclysmic Edition

By

On October 6, 2010

In MMO Times

Issue 12

Welcome to a special edition of MMO Times, the Cataclysmic Edition, where I bring you the top headlines from around the MMO-verse. I’m sure from the subtitle of this issue many can guess what news awaits below, which is why this issue is so soon after Issue 11. So read on fellow gamers, read on and enjoy!

HOT NEWS!!!

Cataclysm Release Date Announced!!!
Yes, all the anticipation and speculation is over. Blizzard released an official Press Release on Monday, October 4th to let everyone know that the Cataclysm release date is – December 7th, 2010. The announcement raises two thoughts; when are we getting the big 4.0.1 Cataclysmic patch and what big news are they going to announce at Blizzcon. I guess we will know the answer to the latter at the end of the month. The WoW Insider link has the article with the press release.
http://wow.joystiq.com/2010/10/04/cataclysm-release-date-december-7th/

DCUO Postponed until 2011
So while Blizzard has good news for the gaming world, SOE has disappointing news for DC comic fans as Sony Online Entertainment has announced that they will delay the release of DC Universe Online until 2011. Some are speculating SOE did this so they can avoid competing with the release of Cataclysm. Either way, fans have to wait a few months longer.
http://www.massively.com/2010/10/04/dc-universe-online-delayed-until-early-2011/

Aion to get patch 2.1
Immediately on the wings (haha, wings … Aion, haha) of their newest expansion, Assault on Balaurea, will come patch 2.1. This patch has already gone live on the Korean servers and the rumor is, in addition to the various bug fixes, there has been an increase in drop rates.
http://www.massively.com/2010/10/06/aions-2-1-patch-to-increase-drop-rates/

Going Live!

Allods Online Launching Volume 2
October 5th – Allods Online is launching its second volume, the Rise of Gorluxor which introduces a new raid boss, you guessed it, Gorluxor. There are also additional changes to the game. The links below have the Massively article as well as a link to the patch notes.
http://www.massively.com/2010/10/04/allods-online-volume-2-rise-of-gorluxor-explodes-tomorrow/
Patch Notes: http://en.forum.gpotato.eu/?CD=ALLODS_EN_F002&TC=0000000000&MD=VT&US=Y&AS=Y&TNO=1121105

Age of Conan Patch 2.0.7
October 6, 2010 – Players of Age of Conan will be experiencing the splendor of the latest 2.0.7 after extended maintenance on this day. The patch contains a few class tweaks and some zone tweaks that apparently caused some framerate issues for players.
http://www.massively.com/2010/10/06/age-of-conan-2-0-7-coming-today-after-extended-downtime/

I also provide The MMO Times in an e-mail. If you are interested in receiving the e-mail version please subscribe.

The MMO Times

By

On September 29, 2010

In MMO Times

Issue 11

Welcome fellow gamers to the next issue of MMO Times where I bring you the latest, more significant headlines from popular gaming blog streams. There wasn’t a lot that was new to report so its short this week. Enjoy.

More On SWTOR Smuggler Advanced Classes
Bioware launched a series of new screenshots and details about the smuggler class on the SWTOR website. There is a breakdown for both advanced classes, gunslinger and scoundrel. The other pretty cool feature of the smuggler is every that smuggler gets a Wookie companion, after all, where would Han be with Chewie. I think Bioware is doing a pretty good job of making the non-Jedi classes worth playing. Check out the Massively article.
http://www.massively.com/2010/09/24/newly-smuggled-information-from-star-wars-the-old-republic/

New Game: World of Darkness
I think there is a little school girl in all gamers that gets a little giddy when they read the words “new game announced” (or some derivative of that statement). CCP Games announced a new MMO called World of Darkness that apparently is based off the old fashioned pencil-and-paper, multi-sided dice Vampire: The Masquerade RPG. (Editor’s Note: some of you may be surprised to learn that I use to play Vampire: The Masquerade quite a bit back in high school). Massively has more.
http://www.massively.com/2010/09/24/world-of-darkness-confirmed-based-on-vampire-the-masquerade/

Clone Wars Adventures: One Million After One Week
One week after SOE’s Clone Wars Adventures goes live and they have acquired one million players. I have started my investigation into the game, but I haven’t spent too much time. So far I feel like its definitely tailored more for a younger audience. I don’t expect that it will have too many (if any) serious players.
http://www.massively.com/2010/09/24/clone-wars-adventures-uses-the-force-to-hit-one-million-mark/

Final, Pre-Cataclysm Patch Notes
Blizzard finally updated the official patch notes in Under Development with details on the 4.0.1 patch, which is the final, big patch before Cataclysm hits. They are adding quite a few of the big changes to the game with this patch, including 31-point talent trees, Prime glyphs, Reforging and a few class changes (just to name a few). The links below are the link to the Massively article and to the official patch notes.
http://wow.joystiq.com/2010/09/28/blizzard-updates-under-development-page-with-patch-4-0-1-details/
http://www.worldofwarcraft.com/patchnotes/test-realm-patchnotes.html

Going Live!!

The Wait Is Over, Final Fantasy XIV
September 22, 2010 – I’m sure there are some that will not need to be told about FFXIV going live this past week, because they are already playing it. So, for the rest of us just following along, Final Fantasy XIV went live this past week, for those who have the Collector’s Edition. So if you were wondering why some of your guildmates or in-game friends vanished, its probably because of FFXIV.
http://www.massively.com/2010/09/22/launch-day-livestream-final-fantasy-xiv/

I also provide The MMO Times in an e-mail. If you are interested in receiving the e-mail version please subscribe.

The MMO Times – The Revival

By

On September 18, 2010

In MMO Times

Issue 10

I know it has been a while since I have posted a new MMO Times. I apologize for the lapse in delivery but I had to make a few adjustments to the mailing portion of The MMO Times. I am excited to say that the new mailing list is working great. So, without further adieu, here is the latest MMO rumblings.

Latest DCUO Screenshots
SOE has issued some new screenshots for DC Universe Online and they feature some combat and game locations. If you visit the article, there is a gallery at the bottom of the post; Massively has the info.
http://www.massively.com/2010/09/18/newest-dc-universe-online-screenshots-highlight-game-locations-a/

SWTOR Devs Talk About Designing the Jedi Classes
I love reporting more SWTOR news. This article from Massively has a video where the Bioware developers for SWTOR discuss the challenge of designing the two Jedi classes. Enjoy.
http://www.massively.com/2010/09/17/swtor-devs-dive-deep-in-jedi-design-in-this-weeks-dispatch/

New Cataclysm Mounts and Pets
The latest beta build for World of Warcraft: Cataclysm has some new mounts and pets. The most interesting of the items listed is the new companion mount where you are turned into the mount, and another player can ride on your back – my guess is this is the new Alchemist mount that has been alluded to before. I also think this gives a whole to meaning to “mount”.
http://wow.joystiq.com/2010/09/18/cataclysm-beta-new-mounts-and-companion-pets-in-build-12984/

Pre-Cataclysm Patch Download Starting
If you have played World of Warcraft at all this week  you will notice that the background downloader has started downloading a 1.58GB patch. Yes, that is the 4.0.1 patch that will begin the pre-Cataclysm changes to Azeroth. This means the world event for Cataclsym could happen very soon.
http://www.blizzplanet.com/blog/comments/pre-cataclysm_patch_data_in_live_servers/

Going Live! – Read below to see what games/patches/expansions have recently gone live.

Clone Wars Adventures Launches
September 15, 2010 – This F2P game from SOE, based on the popular Clones Wars animated series, has left open beta and is now live. I am a big Star Wars fan but I’m not sure about this one. I might give it a try and see what I think.
http://www.massively.com/2010/09/15/clone-wars-adventures-launches-with-new-trailer/

Beta News:

Vindictus Enters Open Beta
September 15, 2010 – This past week Vindictus entered into open beta and they are doing something interesting. You have to register to receive a key and it is required to play the beta. In addition, when you receive your beta, you receive two additional keys to share with friends.
http://www.massively.com/2010/09/13/come-snag-a-vindictus-beta-key-and-cover-yourself-in-the-blood-o/
http://vindictus.nexon.net/

Forsaken World Beta Keys Available
October 27, 2010 – Yes, I know its a month away before the latest F2P from PWE starts testing but you can go there now to receive your key to the closed beta.
http://www.massively.com/2010/09/16/forsaken-world-readies-first-closed-beta-test/
http://fw.perfectworld.com/

I also provide The MMO Times in an e-mail. If you are interested in receiving the e-mail version please subscribe.

The MMO Times

By

On August 18, 2010

In MMO Times

Issue 9

I am now back on track and trying to remain on time. Here is the latest info on whats going on in MMOs. Lots of new stuff is starting to pour out from GamesCom so there might be an immediate issue of MMO Times coming again soon, in a similar fashion to the Comic-Con issue.

Jedi Advanced Classes Confirmed
I am not ashamed to admit, when I see new information released about Star Wars The Old Republic, I become giddy as a school girl. Bioware announced there will be advanced classes for Jedi Knights; Sentinels and Guardians. The link has a short video of, what appears to be, in-game footage of the Jedi Knight class. The music just gets my heart racing. Check it out at Massively.
http://www.massively.com/2010/08/13/bioware-confirms-jedi-advanced-classes/

PWE Working on Battle of the Immortals Expansion
Its peculiar to hear that Perfect World Entertainment is already talking about an expansion for Battle of the Immortals when I’m pretty sure this game just came out. I think I beta tested this game briefly until I upgraded my OS and just never got around to installing it again. The article says that they are talking expansion to respond to player suggestions and concerns about the game to improve the player experience.
http://www.massively.com/2010/08/13/first-expansion-coming-to-battle-of-the-immortals/

Jedi Knights Get Companions
Where would Luke Skywalker be without R2-D2? Escaping from Cloud City or the plan to rescue Han, Leia and Chewie from Jabba’s Sail Barge certainly would not have been possible without his trusty astromech droid. It seems to me that an astromech droid is a Jedi’s swiss army knife and apparently the dev’s at Bioware agree as it was announced that Jedi Knights will receive Astromech Driods as companion pets in The Old Republic.
http://www.massively.com/2010/08/15/swtor-finds-a-companion-for-the-jedi-knight/

Warhammer Patch Introduces Appearance System
I thought this was a pretty cool game mechanic. In the next patch for Warhammer Online, players will be able to further personalize their gear and equipment in the new appearance system. There is a link in the article to a developer diary that provides further explanations and describes several nuances about this new system. Check it out.
http://www.massively.com/2010/08/14/the-details-on-playing-dress-up-in-warhammer-onlines-upcoming-p/

EverQuest II Expansion to have Flying Mounts
If EQ fans didn’t have enough to celebrate with the EQNext and EQII Extended announcements, now they will be reeling over EQII getting flying mounts. I have not played either of these games but if you are at all familiar with the MMO genre, then you have no doubt heard of EverQuest. While I’m sure EQNext and EQII Extended are just project names and not the offical names of the expansions, additional details about what will be available in these expansion will continue to be unveiled. The article at Massively is kinda long, but has more information.
http://www.massively.com/2010/08/16/the-tattered-notebook-flying-mounts-and-whats-next/

Age of Empires Online
This is not a joke. Microsoft announced at GamesCom that they will be producing an Age of Empires Online, because Microsoft can’t help themselves but stick their nose into everyone’s business. They should have learned from the Zune that not everything they make is as good or better then the original. What’s next, World of Flight Simulator (hmm, maybe I should patent that before Micro$oft does). I am going to provide the link to the Massively article before I go on my soapbox about how pathetic I think Microsoft is sometimes.
http://www.massively.com/2010/08/17/microsoft-announces-age-of-empires-online/

Cataclysm Collector’s Edition Announced
Blizzard has just announced the Cataclysm Collector’s Edition that will be available for puchase for $79.99 at retail stores only. There is still no release date but we are still being told that the expansion will be released before the end of the year. The link below to wow.com has the press release as well as the contents of the collector’s edition.
http://www.wow.com/2010/08/17/cataclysm-collectors-edition-contents-announced/

New SWTOR Space Combat Video
Bioware has released a new space combat video to tease us with. This video looks much better then the previous video and it looks awesome! The graphics quality looks incredible. Check it out.
http://www.massively.com/2010/08/17/bioware-teases-tor-space-combat-video/

Guild Wars 2 Gameplay Video
Guild Wars fans everywhere are pounding the website that is streaming the latest video released showing gameplay footage of Guild Wars 2. There is a video imbedded in the Massively article but I don’t know how good the stream will be considering how hard the site is getting hit. Check it out.
http://www.massively.com/2010/08/17/first-video-of-guild-wars-2-gameplay-released/

Going Live! – Read below to see what games/patches/expansions have recently gone live.

City of Heroes: Going Rogue
August 16th – The City of Heroes expansion, Going Rogue, has gone live and apparently a day early. Players that have pre-ordered the expansion were reporting that they have full access to the new content. The expansion was originally intended to go live on the 17th.
http://www.massively.com/2010/08/16/an-early-release-for-city-of-heroes-going-rogue/

Warhammer Patch 1.3.6
August 17th – In this issue I was talking about the new Appearance System that has been implemented into the newest patch for Warhammer online and just a day after reading about that the patch goes live.
http://www.massively.com/2010/08/17/warhammer-online-drops-1-3-6-today/

LOTRO F2P Launch Date
September 10th – Turbine announced early in the morning the official launch date for Lord of the Rings Online Free-2-Play launch date, September 10th. Since its been announced in June that LOTRO would be going F2P, people have been chomping at the bit to know when this will happen.
http://www.massively.com/2010/08/18/lord-of-the-rings-online-f2p-launch-date-announced/

Beta News

Iris Online Opens Beta Registration
A new F2P game from Gala-Net, Iris Online, has been opened for beta registration. There is no news yet regarding the day that the beta will begin, just an unspecified time in the future. According to the article this game uses a “tarot-based set of mechanics” and allows players to change into monsters “via a card system”. Apparently I’m not completely up to speed on the nomenclature to know what any of that means. Here is the article and the site link.
http://www.massively.com/2010/08/17/iris-online-opens-registration-for-beta-testing/
http://iris.gpotato.com/

I also provide the MMO Times as part of an e-mail mailing list (manually maintained for the time being). If you are interested in receiving the e-mail please let me know.

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