Biggs' Zone

A Geek's Cogitations, Conjectures and other Cortical Experiences

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.

Biggs On: The Ground Zero Mosque

By

On August 17, 2010

In Biggs On

I will be honest, the first time I saw something about this was on facebook and I actually thought it was a joke. Then I heard on the radio that there actually is a group trying to have a Mosque built at ground zero. It is causing outrage from coast-to-coast and with just cause.

But, despite how appalling and offensive this idea is, I can actually see some merit in it. I say, sure, let them build their little Allah Alter at ground zero. I mean, there are other places of worship in NYC for the other religions and apparently part of the WTC area does have zoning for religious structures so they are within their legal rights to purchase the land for a Mosque.

I think we are looking at this the wrong way though. Let them build their Mosque, not because of religious freedom, not because of equality, but because what are the odds that another plane will be flown into any more buildings when it might endanger a Muslim place of worship. In fact, I think I know of a good name for this place when its built … how do you say “Allah’s Shield” in Arabic?

Movie Review: Inception

By

On August 16, 2010

In Movies, Reviews

[rating:4.5]

Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Ellen Page, Ken Watanabe

The first time I saw the television trailer for Inception I remember thinking that this movie looked a little too bizarre for me; or too bizarre to pay to see it in the theater at the minimum. Then it started getting excellent reviews, then my co-workers were talking about, and my friends were talking about it. So I decided that I needed to see it (yes, I succumbed to peer pressure).

I have to admit, I was not disappointed. I enjoyed it more then I thought I would. I will also admit, for a long time I was not Leo’s biggest fan but recently I’ve been re-evaluating that and this movie definitely bodes in his favor. Yes, the movie does have its moments where its a little bizarre but the majority of the plot takes place in the dream world and when has the dream world ever been normal. I think the acting in this movie was superb; I’m really starting to become a fan of Ellen Page and I think this is Ken Watanabe’s best role since The Last Samurai.

Here is my advice if you are thinking about seeing this movie. You must be willing to accept certain logic defying concepts because this is a dream world, its an adventure into the human subconscious. The human mind is designed to defy the impossible and contemplate the improbable. The second thing, and probably most important in order to get the most out of this film, pay attention. The movie is a little “high-brow” and its a mind-bender, if you are not paying attention and listening to a majority of what is being said you will become lost and the sequences will become meaningless and confusing.

If, what I have said, intrigues you and you take into consideration my advice, then I would definitely recommend spending the money to catch this one in the theaters.

I hope you enjoy the show.

The MMO Times (8) – The I-Got-Lazy Edition

By

On August 13, 2010

In MMO Times

Issue 8

Life got busy and I got lazy and fell behind in sending out the MMO Times, although after scanning the headlines from the past week and a half there doesn’t seem to be alot going one (everyone is too busy playing StarCraft II). Be that as it may, I did find enough to provide somewhat of a lengthy issue:

Diablo III Secret to be Revealed at GameCom 2010
It is exciting to provide some Diablo III news because, after StarCraft II, this is the next most anticipated Blizzard release. Director Jay Wilson will hold a press conference at GameCom to reveal “a secret feature of Diablo III”. While I found the link on wow.com, Blizzplanet has the article.
http://www.blizzplanet.com/blog/comments/blizzard_to_reveal_diablo_iii_feature_at_gamescom_2010/

For the WoW Lore-nerds: Cataclysm Faction Traitors
I should warn you, this article does contain audio that unveils lore details that are considered spoilers. There will be two traitors (one from each faction) that will be revealed in Cataclysm. I will let you see the wow.com article to find out to avoid spoiling anything here.
http://www.wow.com/2010/08/09/cataclysm-faction-traitors-revealed/

Cataclysm Still Scheduled for 2010
During an earnings report at Activision-Blizzard, Mike Morheim (Blizzard CEO) still confirms that Cataclysm will still be released before the end of the year. He was quoted as saying that this will be “our best expansion yet”. You can read the whole article at wow.com.
http://www.wow.com/2010/08/06/world-of-warcraft-cataclysm-still-on-track-for-a-2010-release-d/

Mini Deathwing: Possible Collector’s Edition Pet?
I know there is a lot of WoW articles in this issue, I will try to move on to other games very soon but I couldn’t pass up this data-mined item. Its a mini deathwing that is rumored to be the pet for the Collector’s Edition of Cataclysm. The link to the wow.com article has a video of this little guy.
http://www.wow.com/2010/08/06/cataclysm-beta-mini-deathwing-discovered/

Global Agenda Sandstorm Patch
There will be a new patch for Global Agenda (Sandstorm Version 1.36) hitting the live servers soon. There seems to be quite a few changes in this patch including changes to the Agency-vs-Agency system. I’m sure if you are a GA player you probably know what that means. More at Massively.
http://www.massively.com/2010/08/12/global-agendas-latest-sandstorm-patch-hits-today/

Aion Pets Revealed!
Big news for Aion players, in their upcoming 2.0 patch (Assault on Balaura) there will be pets. This is quite a lengthy article but it includes several pictures of the new pets and a gallery for quick viewing.
http://www.massively.com/2010/08/12/how-much-is-that-drakie-in-the-window-aion-pets-revealed/

NDA for Final Fantasy XIV Beta Testing Lifted
Those people who were fortunate enough to receive beta invites for Final Fantasy XIV are now free to talk about their experiences. This article contains a link to a list of changes made to the recent beta update so if you want to know more you probably want to check it out at Massively.
http://www.massively.com/2010/08/12/how-much-is-that-drakie-in-the-window-aion-pets-revealed/

Alganon Goes Free-2-Play
I don’t know why I always find these headlines so interesting, probably just as interesting as finding out about the latest game going into Open Beta. Another MMO makes the paradigm shift to F2P.
http://www.massively.com/2010/08/10/alganon-making-the-switch-to-the-full-free-to-play-model/

Beta News

Sad SWTOR Beta News
As some of you may have been aware, last Friday I received an e-mail from Bioware informing me that I had been selected to participate in the testing of Ord Mantell and the trooper and smuggler classes for SWTOR. On Tuesday morning, 4 hours before my test group could begin, we were informed that “due to unforseen circumstances” the testing for my test group had been canceled. I was hoping to be able to provide vague details (because I was obligated under an NDA) about SWTOR. Alas, I have been returned to the queue with everyone else, hoping to be selected again.

Soul Master Begins Open Beta
Soul Master is a free-to-play MMORTS (that is Real Time Strategy) game produced by GamesCampus that has entered into Open Beta today. I can’t imagine anyone that likes to play RTS games doing anything else other then playing StarCraft II right now, but who knows, maybe this will be entertaining too. The link to the massively article is below as well as a link to the Soul Master website if you want a beta key.
http://www.massively.com/2010/08/12/soul-master-begins-open-beta/
http://soulmaster.gamescampus.com/

Vindictus Enters Closed Beta
On August 10th, the game Vindictus entered into Closed Beta. I’m not that familiar with this game but apparently there has been screenshots, trailers, gameplay and … “an awesome hat?” You can read more at Massively or check out the website for more details on this beta.
http://www.massively.com/2010/08/11/vindictus-begins-closed-beta/
http://vindictus.nexon.net/

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.

Republic News: Its Beta Time! [UPDATE]

By

On August 10, 2010

In Gaming, Republic News, SWTOR

Hello all, I’m thinking of starting a new segment called Republic News.

I have been selected to participate in the testing of Star Wars The Old Republic for the next three days. I am obligated under an NDA to not provide details of the game and I have no intention of violating that NDA. I figure my approach to Republic News will be similar to how BigRedKitty approached his closed beta testing of Cataclysm; for those of you unfamiliar with BRKs work, that essentially means non-specific statements and adjectives describing definite articles. I will NOT be posting screenshots.

The amount of testing I have been given the opportunity to do is very limited. I can only create characters of two classes, I can only be on one planet and my window for testing ends at 1am (EST) on Friday.

Now, I do not believe I am violating the NDA by telling you the classes and planet I can test. If, at any point, I find that Bioware wishes that this information be removed and not discussed, I will comply with their requests.

I have been allowed to test the Republic Trooper and the Smuggler (I think I mentioned Bounty Hunter before, but I was mistaken) and only on the planet of Ord Mantell. I may have thought that I was testing Bounty Hunter because Ord Mantell is a place Han refers to as having an unfortunate run-in with a bounty hunter (ESB).

I’m hoping to begin testing this evening (gotta do the work thing first) and I will most likely start with a Smuggler.

See You All Again Soon.

[UPDATE]: I just received word that Bioware had to cancel my entire test group so it looks like I will not be doing any testing of SWTOR for now. I haven’t received any additional information regarding the reason for canceling the test other then “unforseen circumstances” which is developer-speak for “we found something bad that must be fixed before anybody else finds it”

The MMO Times (7)

By

On July 30, 2010

In MMO Times

Issue 7

A short one to end the week. One of the items pertains to this weekend so I decided to post/send issue 7 today.

Nar Shaddaa: The Newest Planet in SWTOR
Nothing gives me more pleasure then to report more news about SWTOR. Bioware announced today the 14th planet for The Old Republic, Nar Shaddaa. Apparently this will be haven to the criminal underworld; a center for sinister characters like Zam Wessell, Boba Fett and IG-88. Massively is the snitch.
http://www.massively.com/2010/07/30/swtors-sin-city-has-been-announced-nar-shaddaa/

Guild Wars 2 Level Cap is 80
Isaiah “Izzy” Cartwright, a game designer on Guild Wars 2, has confirmed that in the upcoming sequel the level cap will be 80. Apparently it will take the same amount of time to go though each level. An interesting approach.
http://www.massively.com/2010/07/29/guild-wars-2-level-cap-confirmed-at-80/

Email Confirmation Required for Authenticators
The lowest form of life on the planet are the hackers compromising MMO accounts for purposes of monetary gain. This has been the bane of MMO gamers existence, and Blizzard has taken a clever step at foiling these villianous cretins. An email confirmation is now required in order to apply an authenticator to a Battle.net account. If you don’t have an authenticator, I strongly recommend you invest the $6.00 to get one.
http://www.wow.com/2010/07/28/email-confirmation-added-to-authenticator-setup-to-foil-hackers/

Aion:Free Activation and Double XP
This is the time senstive post. NCSoft, in an obvious attempt to bring players back, is reactivating all disabled accounts for this weekend (starting today) and they are doubling the XP gained. As I already said, this is obviously a ploy to get players to experience the changes in the 1.9 patch. The article is at Massively.
http://www.massively.com/2010/07/27/aion-free-account-reactivations-double-xp-incoming/

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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