First off, no NDA has popped up anywhere, and my account just appeared with an "active" by it at Acclaim, so I feel I can touch on some things.
First off, there is no doubt that the game looks cool, and has a unique visual quality. The wife had a blast making our first character. I always let her make the decisions when trying a new game for the Character Creator to get a feel for how she likes a game.
She enjoyed that, but after 15 minutes of play, walked away, so that was not a good sign. She likes to stick around and watch Conan for as long as I play if she is in the mood...hmmm.
The intro tutorial is neat, but hopefully skippable after doing it once. Need someone else to tell me as I only tried the game once.
Issues were:
*Not all my resolutions were selectable. Due to playing on a 1080p TV, and the fonts being so small, I usually will put the game in 1360x768 (720p for LCD TV). This was NOT available. Luckily it is an Unreal game, so I found the ini file and change my res, and it worked.
*No joystick support. Even though Unreal games do have Pad access, it would not enable. And thanks to Gameguard software for anti-hacking, Xpadder, my 360 software controller configuration tool was also blocked. No joystick control on the couch is a big strike against the game for me.
*Lag randomly happening. Now, I run Age of Conan 100+FPS with no issues, yet here I would freeze randomly while around people, or mobs, etc. Just so...random.
The combat is cool. But, the "kill 10x" or "Get me 5 of this" type quests got old. And the text was just blah when reading these quests. I got major Deja Vu.
I have not loaded up since. So, not a good sign.
But, Resident Evil 5 is wicked awesome, and getting my high level in Conan has been such an exhilarating experience, that I will not miss TCoS.
Guess I have finally found my niche, and will be sticking it out...
Cheers
Showing posts with label Chronicles of Spellborn. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Chronicles of Spellborn. Show all posts
Monday, March 16, 2009
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Quick tidbits
First off...Never ask a waitress to repeat an order if they are not writing it down...no matter how much food there is.
Now, I am unaware of proper etiquette in this situation, but really, it was a simple request, asked with a smile.
Went down like this.
Ordered a LOT of items on the menu at our favorite Indian Restaurant. What we usually do is have leftovers for lunch, plus we get to try a variety of flavors.
As I said the last item for our order, I looked up, smiled, and half jokingly said "Want to say that back?".
She looked at me as she was taking the menus and seemed to smirk and said "No. I think I got it."
The No had the slight pause as the sentence was ended. And then she said the rest. It made me embarrased and forced me to look away at that point as I could feel my face flush.
After that, we were pretty much ignored unless we forced her to come to our table.
She served me unsweet tea when I asked for sweet. I received my dish, a Goat Curry, full of bones and even bones in the actual sauce which I bit on and almost broke a tooth.
This was probably the worst service I have ever received at this restaurant...and we go there regularly.
She even had the gall to ask me if the plate full of bones and fat from my dish was "Ready to be packed up".
I pretty much let the wife do the rest of the talking that evening, and then let the wife decide the tip.
I believe it was 3%.
I wanted to gank her ass!
Now honestly. Did I deserve such treatment? Should I have really not "hurt her feelings" by asking her to repeat my order?
Moving on, we also picked up Resident Evil 5. Talk about a winner. They have taken the genre to a new level with the action gameplay. The stress is terrifying as you cannot pause to deal with inventory, and the tight spaces of the village you are in, make you always aware of what is behind you.
Another bonus item is the game runs in 1080P if you have the Xbox set that way (I do...hehe). Talk about detail and gorgeous visuals.
More on this as I progress.
I need to say this. You get what you pay for.
I also decided to invest in a new keyboard and mouse yesterday, as the set I was using seemed flaky (and the keyboard has an issue with dark letters on the black keys that when the lights are low in the living room, it is hard to type with).
I paid $100 bucks for the Microsoft Wireless 6000 V3.
The feel of the keys is nice. The tactile response is incredible. The placement of keys thanks to the slight ergonomic layout (not the horrendous split keyboard which just feels wrong) makes for less mistakes. And the mouse has a great comfort, with the thumbrest, and hand placement.
NO doubt, if you want good quality for a keyboard and mouse, pay the money.
Ok, I am off for more Conan. I forked that cash over and now have another two months of gameplay. I figure this is the first time I have ever come so close to hitting max in a game, and I am not bored and having a blast, so it is time to rock on.
I do have to state that I was accepted into the Chronicles of Spellborn beta, and as you can see from my above statement, it is not exactly what I envisioned.
I will post more on that soon.
Cheers folks.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Thursday tidbits
Whew...quite a scare yesterday. I am currently writing from my radiation free bunker...all of my Penthouse, Playboy and various DVD's (Buxom Beauties and Amateurs Gone Wild are worse for wear though...) are ready to go.
Hopefully this will blow over soon...
Anyways, some various tidbits.
Amatheon in Age of Conan has reached level 57, and has entered the new zone, Ymir's Pass. When I entered, the visual beauty of this section of the world, with it's autumn like leaves, and various mountain passes was exhilarating. Then a large thunderous smash shook the screen, and a loud roar could be heard. A mystery indeed.
As I travel, screenshots and stories of my adventures will be posted, so stay tuned.
More info was released yesterday on the NCSoft issues. Seems some of the jobs are being "moved" to the US offices (thank goodness). Of course, this is still bad news for the EU office, as those positions have been liquidated, and will be reborn within the US offices.
Does this mean the people leave EU and move to the US if they wish? A lot of "between the lines" wording going on here...
You can read the blurb and decipher as you like at Gameindustry.biz.
In case anyone even thinks about this anymore...Chronicles of Spellborns US site has been redesigned to match the EU version. Yet, they still missed their January launch date, and ZERO information has been posted for even a beta launch.
Talk about a major fubar on Acclaims part. The Historian was really off target each time he said word would come "soon".
Too sad.
I think this is the first Vaporware Launch game I have ever known about...
I plan to take the plunge and add another Horror Survival to my list of games until the launch of Resident Evil 5 (which I have played the Demo to death, and have found the best control scheme for myself).
We decided to play around with the new version of Alone in the Dark for the PC and 360 (demo). Supposedly it has some issues with how it plays in the control scheme ("Oh look Ma, another Horror Survival game with complaints about controls"), but we honestly think it is workable, and it definitely looks good, and has some really killer (giggle, pun) ways to off the various baddies.
Anyways...off for now...but never know what today will offer in the way of discussion...
Cheers
Hopefully this will blow over soon...
Anyways, some various tidbits.
Amatheon in Age of Conan has reached level 57, and has entered the new zone, Ymir's Pass. When I entered, the visual beauty of this section of the world, with it's autumn like leaves, and various mountain passes was exhilarating. Then a large thunderous smash shook the screen, and a loud roar could be heard. A mystery indeed.
As I travel, screenshots and stories of my adventures will be posted, so stay tuned.
More info was released yesterday on the NCSoft issues. Seems some of the jobs are being "moved" to the US offices (thank goodness). Of course, this is still bad news for the EU office, as those positions have been liquidated, and will be reborn within the US offices.
Does this mean the people leave EU and move to the US if they wish? A lot of "between the lines" wording going on here...
You can read the blurb and decipher as you like at Gameindustry.biz.
In case anyone even thinks about this anymore...Chronicles of Spellborns US site has been redesigned to match the EU version. Yet, they still missed their January launch date, and ZERO information has been posted for even a beta launch.
Talk about a major fubar on Acclaims part. The Historian was really off target each time he said word would come "soon".
Too sad.
I think this is the first Vaporware Launch game I have ever known about...
I plan to take the plunge and add another Horror Survival to my list of games until the launch of Resident Evil 5 (which I have played the Demo to death, and have found the best control scheme for myself).
We decided to play around with the new version of Alone in the Dark for the PC and 360 (demo). Supposedly it has some issues with how it plays in the control scheme ("Oh look Ma, another Horror Survival game with complaints about controls"), but we honestly think it is workable, and it definitely looks good, and has some really killer (giggle, pun) ways to off the various baddies.
Anyways...off for now...but never know what today will offer in the way of discussion...
Cheers
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Chronicles of Spellborn - "Some really good news"
The exact words from The Historian on January 8th. Actually let me quote here...
"That said we should have some good news very very soon."
Ok then...how good?
From the Spellborn boards
14 Jan 2009
"Hi Players,
The game guard and server side implementation has been done, We have received the Acclaim version of the test client also.
We are in process of setting up the servers and testing the client for any bugs which need to fixed before the close beta release.
So keep your fingers crossed that we don't come across any critical issues.
Thanks"
Today's date, Jan 22nd. The ACTUAL release date for Closed Beta? November 27th, 2008.
So, I am starting to get confused. Will this game ever launch in 2009? And how is the game doing overseas?
Empty servers is the word being bandied about. I see nothing good coming of this issue.
Not holding my breath any longer, I figure this one goes on the backburner until I see an email for my invite.
Whenever that will be.
"That said we should have some good news very very soon."
Ok then...how good?
From the Spellborn boards
14 Jan 2009
"Hi Players,
The game guard and server side implementation has been done, We have received the Acclaim version of the test client also.
We are in process of setting up the servers and testing the client for any bugs which need to fixed before the close beta release.
So keep your fingers crossed that we don't come across any critical issues.
Thanks"
Today's date, Jan 22nd. The ACTUAL release date for Closed Beta? November 27th, 2008.
So, I am starting to get confused. Will this game ever launch in 2009? And how is the game doing overseas?
Empty servers is the word being bandied about. I see nothing good coming of this issue.
Not holding my breath any longer, I figure this one goes on the backburner until I see an email for my invite.
Whenever that will be.
Friday, January 9, 2009
Aion - Too many Eastern influences
Yesterday I made a very random point about Aion, and whether the Western audience could even attempt to accept the title.
Due to it's Eastern influences, the visuals are of Anime based characters, the animation is standard Asian MMO movement and combat, and finally the one dreaded issue that was still out for review...the grind.
This one major issue will be a detractor for the US and Western based audiences...GRIND.
So much effort has been put into Western based games to relieve the stress of grind, and all discussion has led to the belief that Aion would follow a Western culture makeup in regards to XP and leveling (as well as other lesser items like WASD and no point click movement).
Anyways, in a previous post, a comment was made by Lars of MMOment of Zen, where he referred me to a site...
Check the link here
If you review the site, it has various charts showing major discrepencies of quests XP vs Mob XP and trying to reach the next level.
As happens with all MMO's, after level 20, the perceived issue of any MMO rears it's head.
Such is the case for Aion, where the needed XP to level requires more mob kills, and keeps going up as you level.
This arbitrary need to slow the game down to get those monthly dollars is really becoming an irritant.
And Western audiences want more of a perceived value for their cash. Grinding mobs will NOT give the feeling of "This is worth it".
Based on this, I decided to review other discussions about this game or problems perceived, and where it may be headed. I for one am quite interested in the game, as I like Anime (I use to be a huge fan, but have fallen by the wayside recently), but some issues could detract from this.
My first problem is most "In game" videos seems to have a hip hop, disco type feel to the music.
One of my pet peeves for some games is the music sucks (Tabula Rasa) or games have REALLY good music even though the game sucks (Lineage 2 by far has an amazing soundtrack, and I have it in My Music to play with some of the shoddy free games I have played before)
Look at Sword of the New World as an example of an interesting take on the music, that fits the game, but really detracts from playing, that I turn it off.
The next issue arises with a BAD gameplay mechanic.
A forum post located here, discusses how the "Person who deals the most damage, gets the XP".
It does not matter who tagged the mob, etc. Someone can come in and steal that kill, ala Lineage 2, and get all the XP. Also, note, PvP is slightly strange, so you cannot kill the problematic player in the field. I do have to investigate that part of the PvP system more...but it is RvR, so you cannot attack your own race is basically the issue, but your comrade can steall all of your kills.
And the biggest issue right now? You guessed it...BOT's.
Seems there is a major infestation of these on the Eastern servers (note, which are in full release). This goes hand in hand with the most awful "Gameguard" system which some more recent games are going to (Spellborn, which because of Gameguard is being held back, according to The Historian from Acclaim.)
Seems Gameguard and Bots are pretty much a team. Get one, you will get the other (another fine example of this messy situation was Silkroad Online).
And that really boils down the major part of this post.
Where there are Bots...there is Grind. Western audiences...beware.
Due to it's Eastern influences, the visuals are of Anime based characters, the animation is standard Asian MMO movement and combat, and finally the one dreaded issue that was still out for review...the grind.
This one major issue will be a detractor for the US and Western based audiences...GRIND.
So much effort has been put into Western based games to relieve the stress of grind, and all discussion has led to the belief that Aion would follow a Western culture makeup in regards to XP and leveling (as well as other lesser items like WASD and no point click movement).
Anyways, in a previous post, a comment was made by Lars of MMOment of Zen, where he referred me to a site...
Check the link here
If you review the site, it has various charts showing major discrepencies of quests XP vs Mob XP and trying to reach the next level.
As happens with all MMO's, after level 20, the perceived issue of any MMO rears it's head.
Such is the case for Aion, where the needed XP to level requires more mob kills, and keeps going up as you level.
This arbitrary need to slow the game down to get those monthly dollars is really becoming an irritant.
And Western audiences want more of a perceived value for their cash. Grinding mobs will NOT give the feeling of "This is worth it".
Based on this, I decided to review other discussions about this game or problems perceived, and where it may be headed. I for one am quite interested in the game, as I like Anime (I use to be a huge fan, but have fallen by the wayside recently), but some issues could detract from this.
My first problem is most "In game" videos seems to have a hip hop, disco type feel to the music.
One of my pet peeves for some games is the music sucks (Tabula Rasa) or games have REALLY good music even though the game sucks (Lineage 2 by far has an amazing soundtrack, and I have it in My Music to play with some of the shoddy free games I have played before)
Look at Sword of the New World as an example of an interesting take on the music, that fits the game, but really detracts from playing, that I turn it off.
The next issue arises with a BAD gameplay mechanic.
A forum post located here, discusses how the "Person who deals the most damage, gets the XP".
It does not matter who tagged the mob, etc. Someone can come in and steal that kill, ala Lineage 2, and get all the XP. Also, note, PvP is slightly strange, so you cannot kill the problematic player in the field. I do have to investigate that part of the PvP system more...but it is RvR, so you cannot attack your own race is basically the issue, but your comrade can steall all of your kills.
And the biggest issue right now? You guessed it...BOT's.
Seems there is a major infestation of these on the Eastern servers (note, which are in full release). This goes hand in hand with the most awful "Gameguard" system which some more recent games are going to (Spellborn, which because of Gameguard is being held back, according to The Historian from Acclaim.)
Seems Gameguard and Bots are pretty much a team. Get one, you will get the other (another fine example of this messy situation was Silkroad Online).
And that really boils down the major part of this post.
Where there are Bots...there is Grind. Western audiences...beware.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Todays tidbits
Of interest...
Did you know Square Enix has been working away at a new MMO, and may plan to show it at this years E3?
What is more interesting is they plan to NOT use the Final Fantasy license, and it supposedly is a whole new IP? Or if not a new IP, a different IP...
Fascinating.
Did you know the rumor mill hit full steam this past month over the fact that Turbine is working on RMT (really now...who isn't recently) for an MMO.
The LOTRO kids went insane, but luckily it seems to be a NEW MMO.
Now, if it is free, I would actually play it...
Whatever happened to Webzen? This company had a supposed 3 major MMO's that were up and coming..then it is like they vanished.
Microsoft had their hands in one title, which was to be the first MMOFPS for the 360. Called Huxley.
Well, it seems Webzen was going to call it quits, and all development stopped.
Out of the blue, it seems news has arisen of a relaunch, and a rename for Huxley as well to Huxley:Dystopia.
Some good video of the game at the link above...make sure to check it out.
On the same site, there is a poll, with the most anticipated upcoming MMO's. What struck me as odd is that Blade and Soul, so far a Korean only NCSoft game, is beating Aion (whicha happens to be in the #2 spot though) for most popular. Aion is released in Korea, and is coming to North America SOON (trademark that word people....).
Like we seem to always say, no one is ever happy with what they have, and are always looking for the next thing.
Finally....does anyone really think Darkfall will launch on the 22nd of January? Does anyone really believe that there are "code" issues with Acclaims copy of Spellborn in regards to the anti hack cheat guard?
Will the US audience buy into Aion? Will WoW's playerbase decline below 10 million this year?
Stay tuned...
Monday, December 8, 2008
Weekend gaming wrapup
Weekend took an interesting turn as I put some major hours into Tabula Rasa, hit level 15 and set off for the Divide.
I put in more time into Shin Megami, yet, due to lag and disconnects, I started to feel a bit of grind and boredom there. I still have it loaded, and will watch to make sure that when they patch up, I get back in.
Also, I finally put Lost Odyssey on the "Sell it" list. I think for myself, turn based games have become a thing of nostalgia, and really do not hold up well in today's fast based gaming world.
Tabula Rasa grabbed me totally when I went into the Crater Instance. The instances are set to scale according to players and levels. And it was a winner. I did about an hour run there, finished my Wilderness Targets of Opportunity, which completes the first zone for missions.
I now set off for the Divide, a more war torn zone, with some wildlife that is a major pain.
I did cancel my game (which ends on the 26 of December), and noted my disappointment the game is going away. I also asked why they felt the need to cancel instead of lowering the price, or offering a Guild Wars buy and play system. Even micro-transactions would be awesome.
Anyways, I plan to return when the free time kicks in again though. The game has been great fun, and I will try to get as far as I can in my time alloted.
That was it for the weekend. This week on Dec. 10th is the new DLC for Fable 2 and the patch to fix a few errors. That will get me back to that game.
Excited.
Who knows, maybe Acclaim and TCoS will become less "in the dark" this week, pull their heads out of their asses and get the CB out for Spellborn!
Maybe?
I put in more time into Shin Megami, yet, due to lag and disconnects, I started to feel a bit of grind and boredom there. I still have it loaded, and will watch to make sure that when they patch up, I get back in.
Also, I finally put Lost Odyssey on the "Sell it" list. I think for myself, turn based games have become a thing of nostalgia, and really do not hold up well in today's fast based gaming world.
Tabula Rasa grabbed me totally when I went into the Crater Instance. The instances are set to scale according to players and levels. And it was a winner. I did about an hour run there, finished my Wilderness Targets of Opportunity, which completes the first zone for missions.
I now set off for the Divide, a more war torn zone, with some wildlife that is a major pain.
I did cancel my game (which ends on the 26 of December), and noted my disappointment the game is going away. I also asked why they felt the need to cancel instead of lowering the price, or offering a Guild Wars buy and play system. Even micro-transactions would be awesome.
Anyways, I plan to return when the free time kicks in again though. The game has been great fun, and I will try to get as far as I can in my time alloted.
That was it for the weekend. This week on Dec. 10th is the new DLC for Fable 2 and the patch to fix a few errors. That will get me back to that game.
Excited.
Who knows, maybe Acclaim and TCoS will become less "in the dark" this week, pull their heads out of their asses and get the CB out for Spellborn!
Maybe?
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Chronicles of Spellborn - Just some simple advice
Try not pissing off your future customers by discussing a release date, then taking it away as one publisher (Acclaim) needs time to get the servers prepared, then for the new date, deciding not to release the code just yet to said publisher, and delaying it again, only to have that final date be screwed yet again, but go ahead and release your code to all other distributors but the one you originally promised to hold the code for...
(Is that a run on?)
Now, this is assuming it IS the developers fault.
If not...
Try not pissing off your customers by delaying a game they are waiting for as you are not quite prepared, yet, then on the new date, having issues applying said code to the servers, so you create a story about the developer who decided to state code issues (even though Closed Beta code by that developer was stated as being ready to release), then when you reach the delayed date, having silence on your website, until almost the end of the day in North America, to announce the developer did not release the code, oh but the developer announces the code is released for other countries.
While I am at it, for leaving a shitty website to advertise the game, go get some training on website development Acclaim!
Also, Customer Service would help as well..
Otherwise you incur the wrath of the forum poster!
(Is that a run on?)
Now, this is assuming it IS the developers fault.
If not...
Try not pissing off your customers by delaying a game they are waiting for as you are not quite prepared, yet, then on the new date, having issues applying said code to the servers, so you create a story about the developer who decided to state code issues (even though Closed Beta code by that developer was stated as being ready to release), then when you reach the delayed date, having silence on your website, until almost the end of the day in North America, to announce the developer did not release the code, oh but the developer announces the code is released for other countries.
While I am at it, for leaving a shitty website to advertise the game, go get some training on website development Acclaim!
Also, Customer Service would help as well..
Otherwise you incur the wrath of the forum poster!
Friday, December 5, 2008
Chronicles of Spellborn - Dec. 5th, do you know where your Spellborn is?
EDIT: Well, seems some news finally came down the pipe from Acclaim (and yes, no spell check was used from the CM...hey Tipa...think someone needs a hand there)
"The EU version has launched. We have not recieved the code. So there is no launch planned for today."
_____________________________________________
But, France and the Benelux countries have their client.
Cool.
So, what is the hold up Acclaim? Or should we still blame the Developer?
Yet, the client HAS been released overseas.
This was the noted hold up according to Acclaim. The developer has not delivered the client, and as such...no client, no play schedule.
This still looks like a PR mess, and Customer Service screw up on someones behalf.
Good luck guys.
And now to make things even worse...the first review, from Eurogamer.
The Score? .................8/10....
ARGH!
"The EU version has launched. We have not recieved the code. So there is no launch planned for today."
_____________________________________________
But, France and the Benelux countries have their client.
Cool.
So, what is the hold up Acclaim? Or should we still blame the Developer?
Yet, the client HAS been released overseas.
This was the noted hold up according to Acclaim. The developer has not delivered the client, and as such...no client, no play schedule.
This still looks like a PR mess, and Customer Service screw up on someones behalf.
Good luck guys.
And now to make things even worse...the first review, from Eurogamer.
The Score? .................8/10....
ARGH!
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Chronicles of Spellborn - Story continues to change..
First, an explanation for some who seem to not understand the TCoS situation (certain commenter's are not aware of how this is working...)
Acclaim has gained the rights to place the game on their servers. This is all the company is doing.
The game itself is set to release on Dec. 5th (with the Germans already playing since November 27th). The over seas markets will be playing a "full release" coded game.
Basically the Closed Beta that will be taking place in the US, UK, AU, etc...(which was originally scheduled for the 27th of November) is using released code. There is not a noted NDA at this point according to the Acclaim site. And most anyone who signs up gets instant access to the game..
Today, more information has been posted. And these posts are really great and informative...
This was originally the post used for the November 27th delay..
"Hey guys theres been a lot of questions flying around about when we are launching our CB since the EU Free2Play client got delayed.
I am confirming with you now, that Acclaim's CB launch has also been delayed to December 5th. The reason for this is that we use the Free2Play client. As found here the release of the Free2Play client has been delayed, thus our launch has been delayed.
Very sorry for this guys, however I thought you should know, even though the delay was completely out of our hands.
If you have any other questions, please feel free to reply to this and either myself, Phew or Historian will be more than happy to answer.
*Edit - As per Historian's new topic, the above date of December 5th is no long applicable. At the time of this post originally, the date and information was accurate, however this has since changed."
If you follow the link, you will notice a rather sizable message. But, this one line stands out..
"As you know there have been some delays and at the moment we don't have a set time for our Closed Beta launch. Yeah that isn't fun to hear, but it means that the game you do get to beta test won't be one that was rushed out the door. That said you will be playing 5 seconds after the actual developer of the game releases the code to us. The servers are ready. Acclaim is ready. Are you ready? "
Well...hooray. Great stuff.
So, a day before CB launch, another cryptic note..
But, it is interesting to note that the developer is dropping the ball here...yet, the EU version is going strong.
This should be interesting.
Acclaim has gained the rights to place the game on their servers. This is all the company is doing.
The game itself is set to release on Dec. 5th (with the Germans already playing since November 27th). The over seas markets will be playing a "full release" coded game.
Basically the Closed Beta that will be taking place in the US, UK, AU, etc...(which was originally scheduled for the 27th of November) is using released code. There is not a noted NDA at this point according to the Acclaim site. And most anyone who signs up gets instant access to the game..
Today, more information has been posted. And these posts are really great and informative...
This was originally the post used for the November 27th delay..
"Hey guys theres been a lot of questions flying around about when we are launching our CB since the EU Free2Play client got delayed.
I am confirming with you now, that Acclaim's CB launch has also been delayed to December 5th. The reason for this is that we use the Free2Play client. As found here the release of the Free2Play client has been delayed, thus our launch has been delayed.
Very sorry for this guys, however I thought you should know, even though the delay was completely out of our hands.
If you have any other questions, please feel free to reply to this and either myself, Phew or Historian will be more than happy to answer.
*Edit - As per Historian's new topic, the above date of December 5th is no long applicable. At the time of this post originally, the date and information was accurate, however this has since changed."
If you follow the link, you will notice a rather sizable message. But, this one line stands out..
"As you know there have been some delays and at the moment we don't have a set time for our Closed Beta launch. Yeah that isn't fun to hear, but it means that the game you do get to beta test won't be one that was rushed out the door. That said you will be playing 5 seconds after the actual developer of the game releases the code to us. The servers are ready. Acclaim is ready. Are you ready? "
Well...hooray. Great stuff.
So, a day before CB launch, another cryptic note..
But, it is interesting to note that the developer is dropping the ball here...yet, the EU version is going strong.
This should be interesting.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Chronicles of Spellborn - 3 days to go...no invites
I am not sure what to make of a company like Acclaim.
How does the success of this MMO even measure up to a company who cannot for the life of them put together a Closed Beta properly.
Will this game even garner any subscribers based on the company running the servers.
Today a forum post from one of the CM's just blatantly states..
"No invites have gone out."
Then it was noted that if you HAD an account already with Acclaim, you were golden for CB invites. Come to find out that my account (and many others) were pending.
If you sign up again, it then sets you to active for the CB.
In so many words, do not assume you may get an invite as Acclaim cannot even decide who it's current customers are or are not.
Stupid incompetence.
Anyways, the launch date was to be DEC. 5th, but really, that could change one hour before launch, so try not to get the hopes up too much.
As I find out more, I will post it here...
Good luck TCoS, with Acclaim behind you...you will need it.
How does the success of this MMO even measure up to a company who cannot for the life of them put together a Closed Beta properly.
Will this game even garner any subscribers based on the company running the servers.
Today a forum post from one of the CM's just blatantly states..
"No invites have gone out."
Then it was noted that if you HAD an account already with Acclaim, you were golden for CB invites. Come to find out that my account (and many others) were pending.
If you sign up again, it then sets you to active for the CB.
In so many words, do not assume you may get an invite as Acclaim cannot even decide who it's current customers are or are not.
Stupid incompetence.
Anyways, the launch date was to be DEC. 5th, but really, that could change one hour before launch, so try not to get the hopes up too much.
As I find out more, I will post it here...
Good luck TCoS, with Acclaim behind you...you will need it.
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Chronicles of Spellborn - So, Tomorrow is the 27th..
And the Acclaim site still looks just like the day when the first year HTML student designed it.
Talk about lame.
Of course today the "Closed Beta" forum section has been posted in the main forums. But click on the link and you get "Sorry, but only moderators can read topics in this forum."
Whats next for World Class Publishers Acclaim. The world awaits....
Did YOU get an email?
EDIT: An update just hit the Acclaim forum that the CB was delayed now until Dec. 5th. I really like all the late data that keeps coming in from the wonderful CM's.
Talk about lame.
Of course today the "Closed Beta" forum section has been posted in the main forums. But click on the link and you get "Sorry, but only moderators can read topics in this forum."
Whats next for World Class Publishers Acclaim. The world awaits....
Did YOU get an email?
EDIT: An update just hit the Acclaim forum that the CB was delayed now until Dec. 5th. I really like all the late data that keeps coming in from the wonderful CM's.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Spellborn - Open Beta Begins Registration, IP block in place
And so it goes....
If you do not live in a specific set of countries (North America is not included of course), then you cannot access the Open Beta website as of today.
Most likely this means Client access will be blocked.
Time to find a proxy if you plan to play in an overseas server!
If you do not live in a specific set of countries (North America is not included of course), then you cannot access the Open Beta website as of today.
Most likely this means Client access will be blocked.
Time to find a proxy if you plan to play in an overseas server!
Monday, November 17, 2008
Chronicles of Spellborn - An overall sad comment...
From the TCoS forums from yesterday...this post appeared...
I'm the Historian and I approved this post.
David "Historian" DeWald
Community Manager for Acclaim Games
"As has been pointed out we are in fact the Publisher for North America and other countries. We are not the developer. This means that we work together (Acclaim and Devs) to bring the best experiance we can to you. Sometimes this means that plans change so that we can better serve the community and players. We will have more information on this soon. Till then enjoy all the great information to be found here on the TCOS website."
As has been noted before with the great and powerful oratory skills of ...Scooby-Doo!
Ruh-Roh@
I'm the Historian and I approved this post.
David "Historian" DeWald
Community Manager for Acclaim Games
"As has been pointed out we are in fact the Publisher for North America and other countries. We are not the developer. This means that we work together (Acclaim and Devs) to bring the best experiance we can to you. Sometimes this means that plans change so that we can better serve the community and players. We will have more information on this soon. Till then enjoy all the great information to be found here on the TCOS website."
As has been noted before with the great and powerful oratory skills of ...Scooby-Doo!
Ruh-Roh@
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Chronicles of Spellborn - What is going on?
Tipa has started discussing the anticipation for a little known MMO...Chronicles of Spellborn.
If you are an AVID MMO fan then you know about most games that are coming down the pike. But, when it comes to Spellborn, the information that is driving down that road has had 3 shots of Morphine...all dull and lifeless and ready for a crash.
News from the original site has trickled out here and there. It is mainly an EU game, and as such, the data for their release and beta has been forthcoming on the above linked site.
In the United States, we did not fare as well.
We have Acclaim Games as the distributor.
In case no one knows, Acclaim went out of business in 2004. Under the "Entertainment" moniker. In 2006 the "Games" moniker was added and business started back up with Dave Perry helming a new string of low budget and low key MMO's.
All of the games rely on either in game advertising or cash shops to exist.
Spellborn was to be unique. Basically the game would have a certain zone (starter zone I assume) totally free, and then a pay for the box and monthly if you wished the full game.
A novel idea.
And the site has proclaimed an "Open Beta" coming soon.
Now, the European release is less than 2 weeks away. And for the US audience?
Today (Saturday November 15) at 10:40 am.
We have a DEAD website.
I will be keeping an eye on this, and hopefully this means we will get new information soon.
Here is hoping Spellborn is a great indie title to discuss soon!
EDIT: 10:52am. Seems the original site at tcos.com is now experiencing issues.
EDIT: The US site is back up, but nothing has changed. 10:56am I could also access the very quiet forums there. Seems some note has been made about release from a CM.
It simply states...
"November 27th release is still coming as planned. Changes on the site have not been done since we are rebuilding it as we speak, so yes the links are dead, but we are working on changing things around, so just bare with us a bit."
Good signs. Hopefully soon then!
EDIT: And at 3:30PM Saturday, the site takes another dive. The TCoS site is working fine, but the Acclaim site keeps nosediving. Unsure if they are working on it or just having issues. I do note the rest of Acclaim's site and game sites are fine. Just mainly Spellborn and that section is dead.
Still keeping an eye out, and will report if any changes. Better be soon!
EDIT: Back up, but with zero data. 8:50PM on Saturday, and there have been a couple of posts, but disheartening due to their being nothing new added.
Right now my only assumption will be full release and NO beta at this time.
Lets put it this way. The game will have the first zone being totally free. Most people only do Open Beta to "try" the game.
So, really, who needs an Open Beta?
I believe we just need to sit tight for 13 days.
A notice was placed in the forums at Acclaim that discussion is on about releasing the client for early download. But, no positive news yet. If anything happens, I am sure Tipa or myself, or some other fan will spread the word.
Cheers
If you are an AVID MMO fan then you know about most games that are coming down the pike. But, when it comes to Spellborn, the information that is driving down that road has had 3 shots of Morphine...all dull and lifeless and ready for a crash.
News from the original site has trickled out here and there. It is mainly an EU game, and as such, the data for their release and beta has been forthcoming on the above linked site.
In the United States, we did not fare as well.
We have Acclaim Games as the distributor.
In case no one knows, Acclaim went out of business in 2004. Under the "Entertainment" moniker. In 2006 the "Games" moniker was added and business started back up with Dave Perry helming a new string of low budget and low key MMO's.
All of the games rely on either in game advertising or cash shops to exist.
Spellborn was to be unique. Basically the game would have a certain zone (starter zone I assume) totally free, and then a pay for the box and monthly if you wished the full game.
A novel idea.
And the site has proclaimed an "Open Beta" coming soon.
Now, the European release is less than 2 weeks away. And for the US audience?
Today (Saturday November 15) at 10:40 am.
We have a DEAD website.
I will be keeping an eye on this, and hopefully this means we will get new information soon.
Here is hoping Spellborn is a great indie title to discuss soon!
EDIT: 10:52am. Seems the original site at tcos.com is now experiencing issues.
EDIT: The US site is back up, but nothing has changed. 10:56am I could also access the very quiet forums there. Seems some note has been made about release from a CM.
It simply states...
"November 27th release is still coming as planned. Changes on the site have not been done since we are rebuilding it as we speak, so yes the links are dead, but we are working on changing things around, so just bare with us a bit."
Good signs. Hopefully soon then!
EDIT: And at 3:30PM Saturday, the site takes another dive. The TCoS site is working fine, but the Acclaim site keeps nosediving. Unsure if they are working on it or just having issues. I do note the rest of Acclaim's site and game sites are fine. Just mainly Spellborn and that section is dead.
Still keeping an eye out, and will report if any changes. Better be soon!
EDIT: Back up, but with zero data. 8:50PM on Saturday, and there have been a couple of posts, but disheartening due to their being nothing new added.
Right now my only assumption will be full release and NO beta at this time.
Lets put it this way. The game will have the first zone being totally free. Most people only do Open Beta to "try" the game.
So, really, who needs an Open Beta?
I believe we just need to sit tight for 13 days.
A notice was placed in the forums at Acclaim that discussion is on about releasing the client for early download. But, no positive news yet. If anything happens, I am sure Tipa or myself, or some other fan will spread the word.
Cheers
Monday, November 3, 2008
Spellborn - Gaming gets personal
I found this comment of interest as I was perusing the Spellborn forums...
Straight from the Dev's mouth (and communicated by the CM of course...lol)...
"We have mentioned ... in a couple of places. So far for PvE biggest group is 4 people and we do not intend to increase it, so far for PvP biggest group is 8. We also do not intend to have EQ/WoW style raids - that sort of thing where you need numbers to be able to do it.
Regarding the goals in game, it is a bit that sort of thing what people do in games which do not have raiding. PvP, small group content, generally quests and so on - with rewards for it that make sense in our game system (both good looking gear and sigils, as well as personal statues for achievements.)"
Would you play an MMO that goes for a more personal touch? Smaller groupings, no raids. Gee, a game that does not flaunt "end game" even.
Impressions?
Straight from the Dev's mouth (and communicated by the CM of course...lol)...
"We have mentioned ... in a couple of places. So far for PvE biggest group is 4 people and we do not intend to increase it, so far for PvP biggest group is 8. We also do not intend to have EQ/WoW style raids - that sort of thing where you need numbers to be able to do it.
Regarding the goals in game, it is a bit that sort of thing what people do in games which do not have raiding. PvP, small group content, generally quests and so on - with rewards for it that make sense in our game system (both good looking gear and sigils, as well as personal statues for achievements.)"
Would you play an MMO that goes for a more personal touch? Smaller groupings, no raids. Gee, a game that does not flaunt "end game" even.
Impressions?
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