Over the past weekend I had a chance to goof off in both TERA and Diablo 3. Since I am making a concerted effort to get back to gaming, I figured new stuff would be the right way to go.
TERA was first up. Not a true typical MMO, but an MMO none the less.
The action combat was the selling point. It does deliver. I appreciated the ability to use my Xbox 360 controller (which had some minor weird mapping issues). I always use a piece of software called Xpadder to play all of my MMO's with the controller. To have it built in to the game was great.
Aiming could be a problem at times, as you need to watch a reticule on your screen. It would change from silver to gray (and become slightly thicker) to let you know the skill would work on the target.
Yea...silver to gray.
Some classes also felt sluggish because of this aiming feature. Any melee class became troublesome as you ran after mobs or avoided their attacks. I would then get confused as I was learning the odd mapping. (Some skills would be on a button, yet one would work with a trigger...etc. Just did not flow well).
But, eventually I got used to it. Made some adjustments and I was good to go.
After about 2 hours in, it was after my 5th or 6th fetch/kill 10x quest that I eventually lost interest. It just did not feel like enough to me for a sub. I also got this feeling that a "sub" based game may not be right for me anymore. What with my schedule, being so full with work and life, my gaming is minimal if existent at all.
This really hit home when I tried Diablo 3. I had my wife and son join along with me on this ride...and it was a win. We were struck by the simplicity; dropping in and playing an hour or so to have fun; the camaraderie as we discussed our drops together and did trades...and how we handled fights was great.
We argued a lot less than when we are in MMO mode. It seems the stress of getting stuff done in groups with others would cause more stress for all of us. The "you must tank or heal" attitudes always led to in home strife. Here, we only needed to rely on each other.
This started me thinking of our future game...Guild Wars 2...and how THAT has no sub as well. I then started discussing using what would have been our monthly fee for the "cash shop" as a stipend. As to grouping, thanks to the "no trinity" system of GW2 combat (which, btw, when you think of it...Diablo 3 is the same), it is believed that we can leave the stress of "who is healing...who is tanking" issues behind us.
This past weekends beta's were a real eye opener in the next phase of my gaming lifestyle. Guess I need to apologize to my Rift'ers of Simple Complexities, as at this time I do not expect to step back into that game.
What has been your outlook on the monthly sub versus free games (or buy the box, then play as you wish type of gaming)?
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Friday, April 20, 2012
Guild Wars 2 - Take a "Free" ride...
As of late I have been watching the stories of success in regards to the "Free to play" initiatives most MMO's have been taking. With Everquest, of all games, gaining an audience, it just seems foolish to not go this route now.
I know, I know...some people hate the idea of purchasing all of the little items to help their character grow. I do not have an issue with this. If anything, what this really boils down to is PvE vs PvP when it comes to the "Pay to win" descriptions we see thrown around.
So, looking at games which still have not gone the way of the Free, like Warhammer Online, makes me feel remorse for their losses (down to one server? WTF people....go FREE and be ready to turn back on those lost servers and get more players....and revenue again).
So, how is GW2 approaching this? I have not looked into it too much, but I always appreciated the "Buy once, free forever" style of game. Let me pay for expansions, addons, etc....but, one price for the box is awesome.
Lets review the Microtransaction system for GW2...
A great post here with some straight forward data. We see...
"In Guild Wars 2 we have three currencies: gold, karma, and gems. Gold is the common in-game currency. Karma, which players earn in-game but cannot trade, is used for unique rewards. And gems are the currency that’s bought and used to purchase microtransactions."
Interesting that just three variations of "money" will exist. One thing that started to get difficult in Rift was the currency system. It got out of control actually...with each event having a new currency item. Each raid tier started using new forms of payment...it was insane. GW2 seems nice and simple.
"MMO veterans will note the similarities of our system to EVE Online’s PLEX system. As in that case, our system takes gold trading out of the hands of real-money trading (RMT) companies and puts it directly in the hands of players."
Though I am personally not a fan of EVE, something always touted as a singular system of both discussion and derision has been the PLEX system. How do you feel about it?
This though is the best quote...
"If you want something, whether it’s an in-game item or a microtransaction, you ultimately have two ways to get it: you can play to earn gold or you can use money to buy gems. We think that’s important, because it lets more players participate on a level playing field, whether they use their free time or their disposable income to do it."
A sore point all along has been players attitudes towards those who have all the time in the world, or all the cash in the world to do with as they wish. Well, now each type of player has the ability to purchase as they want. This will be important down the road towards leveling the playing field.
Of course, Massively has an article on the many pitfalls of such a system. Check that here...
Bots, RMT stealing, the infamous "Pay 2 win" terminology all play key roles in this system falling down.
Until we see it in action, we will not know how this will play out. The entry price and then no monthly fee though will attract a much larger audience than most MMO's, and I predict a large sell out of this game off the bat...all because of the single player game pricing scheme.
As to being free, to do what I want, any ole time...in GW2, I couldn't be happier.
So, looking at games which still have not gone the way of the Free, like Warhammer Online, makes me feel remorse for their losses (down to one server? WTF people....go FREE and be ready to turn back on those lost servers and get more players....and revenue again).
So, how is GW2 approaching this? I have not looked into it too much, but I always appreciated the "Buy once, free forever" style of game. Let me pay for expansions, addons, etc....but, one price for the box is awesome.
Lets review the Microtransaction system for GW2...
A great post here with some straight forward data. We see...
"In Guild Wars 2 we have three currencies: gold, karma, and gems. Gold is the common in-game currency. Karma, which players earn in-game but cannot trade, is used for unique rewards. And gems are the currency that’s bought and used to purchase microtransactions."
Interesting that just three variations of "money" will exist. One thing that started to get difficult in Rift was the currency system. It got out of control actually...with each event having a new currency item. Each raid tier started using new forms of payment...it was insane. GW2 seems nice and simple.
"MMO veterans will note the similarities of our system to EVE Online’s PLEX system. As in that case, our system takes gold trading out of the hands of real-money trading (RMT) companies and puts it directly in the hands of players."
Though I am personally not a fan of EVE, something always touted as a singular system of both discussion and derision has been the PLEX system. How do you feel about it?
This though is the best quote...
"If you want something, whether it’s an in-game item or a microtransaction, you ultimately have two ways to get it: you can play to earn gold or you can use money to buy gems. We think that’s important, because it lets more players participate on a level playing field, whether they use their free time or their disposable income to do it."
A sore point all along has been players attitudes towards those who have all the time in the world, or all the cash in the world to do with as they wish. Well, now each type of player has the ability to purchase as they want. This will be important down the road towards leveling the playing field.
Of course, Massively has an article on the many pitfalls of such a system. Check that here...
Bots, RMT stealing, the infamous "Pay 2 win" terminology all play key roles in this system falling down.
Until we see it in action, we will not know how this will play out. The entry price and then no monthly fee though will attract a much larger audience than most MMO's, and I predict a large sell out of this game off the bat...all because of the single player game pricing scheme.
As to being free, to do what I want, any ole time...in GW2, I couldn't be happier.
Monday, April 16, 2012
Transitioning
Working hard....trying to get all arranged to start blogging once again.
It has been a long, strange trip since last I posted here. I took off due to gaming becoming my central focus (which is quite funny, seeing I write about gaming).
Rift really took up all of my time.
I was in charge of the guild Simple Complexities, which became a haven for the casual MMO'er, Raider, PvP'er... We were quite strict about who joined, yet left our home open for anyone that was older, had a family, or a real life...
It really worked. I made some great new friends, who I miss dearly, and am ready to game with again.
It was at the end of 2011 that tragedy struck, as I lost my job. We were prepared, but knew cost cutting had to take effect. As well, my time became limited. I had to pull back on the leadership of SC, and due diligence found me work a month going in.
That really hit me hard though. The job was quite difficult. I had to be trained, I was on the road a lot...
And I still am quite busy, but I know what I am doing now, and my time is almost my own once again.
And it was with the pre-order call to Guild Wars 2, that I knew it was time to return.
For those who would like to know, you may remember, I was diagnosed with Graves Disease over a year ago. I am medicated, and life has been looking up. I will be going for my final test on that next month, and if it is clear, I can stop taking the meds.
So, overall, life is good...and with GW2 around the corner, and a gaggle of awesome people from SC ready to all get together again...I am excited once more to game.
I hope you will join me here on this little adventure.
It has been a long, strange trip since last I posted here. I took off due to gaming becoming my central focus (which is quite funny, seeing I write about gaming).
Rift really took up all of my time.
I was in charge of the guild Simple Complexities, which became a haven for the casual MMO'er, Raider, PvP'er... We were quite strict about who joined, yet left our home open for anyone that was older, had a family, or a real life...
It really worked. I made some great new friends, who I miss dearly, and am ready to game with again.
It was at the end of 2011 that tragedy struck, as I lost my job. We were prepared, but knew cost cutting had to take effect. As well, my time became limited. I had to pull back on the leadership of SC, and due diligence found me work a month going in.
That really hit me hard though. The job was quite difficult. I had to be trained, I was on the road a lot...
And I still am quite busy, but I know what I am doing now, and my time is almost my own once again.
And it was with the pre-order call to Guild Wars 2, that I knew it was time to return.
For those who would like to know, you may remember, I was diagnosed with Graves Disease over a year ago. I am medicated, and life has been looking up. I will be going for my final test on that next month, and if it is clear, I can stop taking the meds.
So, overall, life is good...and with GW2 around the corner, and a gaggle of awesome people from SC ready to all get together again...I am excited once more to game.
I hope you will join me here on this little adventure.
Thursday, April 12, 2012
The Return....
Soon, I will be back. I plan to change this site over to a complete Guild Wars 2 discussion.
Hope you all missed me...
If you didn't ...well, go look at some X-Fire charts, as I'm busy!
Hope you all missed me...
If you didn't ...well, go look at some X-Fire charts, as I'm busy!
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Moving out...
But, not moving on.
I wanted a way to micro-manage my thoughts, while still semi blogging. Seems my brain cannot work well with the thought of sitting down and having to write so many words to form thoughts I have, which fit within 140 characters on Twitter. Whether this is a concern of Graves Disease...or just my overall business in my life (Work, Family, RIFT!!!)
So, may I introduce my Posterous blog - Simple-N-Complex
A more fitting name could not be welcomed in respects to how I will post on the new site.
So, I will be looking to play with this for a while and see if I can continue to write, and keep my commentary within reach of my capabilities at this time...
Make sure to bookmark, and of course, follow me on Twitter at Elementalistly!
Cheers
I wanted a way to micro-manage my thoughts, while still semi blogging. Seems my brain cannot work well with the thought of sitting down and having to write so many words to form thoughts I have, which fit within 140 characters on Twitter. Whether this is a concern of Graves Disease...or just my overall business in my life (Work, Family, RIFT!!!)
So, may I introduce my Posterous blog - Simple-N-Complex
A more fitting name could not be welcomed in respects to how I will post on the new site.
So, I will be looking to play with this for a while and see if I can continue to write, and keep my commentary within reach of my capabilities at this time...
Make sure to bookmark, and of course, follow me on Twitter at Elementalistly!
Cheers
Monday, May 30, 2011
X-Fire Game: Raptr has left the building...
So it is, with glee, that I say goodbye today to Raptr.
Thanks to a new system in place this past week converting Raptr into a news style RSS feed service, data for games has been lost in the shuffle. But, as I said...happiness ensues. The numbers have been a thorn in my foot due to calculations showing oddities not matching the norm. Like when a game has anecdotal evidence, like free play time or trials and then having losses on Sunday, while Saturdays being higher in player counts; Raptr just fell apart.
So, using X-Fire's data, hopefully we can take time to discuss why games are changing in numbers. Better commentary on the state of the current MMO's should help us understand why the game is ranking where it is.
So, lets get to this weeks numbers. Previous rating comparisons are from 5/16/2011.
Lord of the Rings Online has been showing some losses the last few X-Fire games, so not sure what is happening. Maybe the koolaid is wearing off? A recent update should have shown growth here, so it is confusing. Of course it could be a client issue, and the game runs like crap with X-Fire on...hard to say. I will continue to watch this one, as this has proven to be of interest.
World of Warcraft X-Fire chart May 30th - players 31,533 (33,787 ↓ )
That is a bit of a drop. Again, may be the weekend or is the behemoth finally showing signs? Hard to say. The fact growth was shown after the initial Rift launch, this may just be a holiday fluke.
Overall, our main games hold strong. Rift still rocking the new launch, Aion and Eve both growing and Age of Conan showing that it could still have life.
Can't wait to see how this all plays out over the summer.
Cheers for now.
Thanks to a new system in place this past week converting Raptr into a news style RSS feed service, data for games has been lost in the shuffle. But, as I said...happiness ensues. The numbers have been a thorn in my foot due to calculations showing oddities not matching the norm. Like when a game has anecdotal evidence, like free play time or trials and then having losses on Sunday, while Saturdays being higher in player counts; Raptr just fell apart.
So, using X-Fire's data, hopefully we can take time to discuss why games are changing in numbers. Better commentary on the state of the current MMO's should help us understand why the game is ranking where it is.
So, lets get to this weeks numbers. Previous rating comparisons are from 5/16/2011.
- Rift - 2835 ( 3325 ↓ )
- EvE Online - 2159 ( 2005 ↑ )
- Aion - 2039 ( 1988 ↑ )
- Lord of the Rings Online - 1623 ( 1800 ↓ )
- Age of Conan - 402 ( 287 ↑ )
- Dungeons & Dragons Online - 288 ( 277 ↑ )
- Star Trek Online - 279 ( 327 ↓ )
- Champions Online - 182 ( 217 ↓ )
- Warhammer Online - 139 ( 133 ↑ )
- Final Fantasy XIV - 119 ( 112 ↑ )
- DC Universe - 32 ( 57 ↓ )
Lets start with our mover shaker award this week.
Age of Conan takes a major jump and lands in the top 5 this week. Thanks to promotions about the movie tie ins, free account restoration for older players and the final piece of free to play coming down the pipe...AoC may just start to look good on the charts and become a winner.
Rift took a small plunge, but as has been happening...week by week Rift fluctuates. The numbers are still tops to make it our number 1 game.
EvE had some major movement in numbers this week. One report though is CCP is fighting a bot infestation, so not sure if the major jump is real. The fact they were at around 1900 last weekend is suspect. Still good to hold number 2.
Aion continues to climb. Patch 2.5 is here with the graphical upgrades, and reactivations were also key here. As a side note, I did get an email from Nvidia offering me a FREE copy of the game AND 15 days (odd, I know). So, not sure how many will try that offer.
Lord of the Rings Online has been showing some losses the last few X-Fire games, so not sure what is happening. Maybe the koolaid is wearing off? A recent update should have shown growth here, so it is confusing. Of course it could be a client issue, and the game runs like crap with X-Fire on...hard to say. I will continue to watch this one, as this has proven to be of interest.
Star Trek Online and Champions Online both fell. Wonder if this has anything to do with the news about Cryptic being flushed by Atari? We will continue to watch this and see if any repercussions are to be felt.
This weeks big loser is DC Universe. How SOE can even recover from the damage of their hacks is beyond me. I for example would never touch another of their products. But, people are odd...especially MMO players, so we will see if DCUO can recover.
*****
It was a holiday weekend, but seems numbers did not move that much. Overall steadiness in most titles, but a few surprises as well.
Lest we forget...the elephant in the room, lets see how Blizzards monkey on everyones back is doing.
Lest we forget...the elephant in the room, lets see how Blizzards monkey on everyones back is doing.
That is a bit of a drop. Again, may be the weekend or is the behemoth finally showing signs? Hard to say. The fact growth was shown after the initial Rift launch, this may just be a holiday fluke.
Overall, our main games hold strong. Rift still rocking the new launch, Aion and Eve both growing and Age of Conan showing that it could still have life.
Can't wait to see how this all plays out over the summer.
Cheers for now.
Monday, May 16, 2011
The X-Fire Game: Trial (s) and Errors
What a great title for this weeks X-Fire game.
Trials due to Rift's push to be the best #2 MMO out there, and SOE's error and their progress to be the lowest dev on the totem pole.
The previous results we're comparing are from the weekend of 5/1/2011 - Lets see how the 2 weeks have changed.
So, WoW is still on the rise back up. People just cannot let this game go, and it is truly sad to see no other game even has a chance.
Nuff' said here
****
So, some good numbers for several games, with Rift really showing it can hold on, and could be our number two game in MMO's for a while.
Raptr though is becoming suspect in tracking, and I am about ready to throw it out. It keeps having strikes against it in regards to how their numbers work. When games we know show anecdotal evidence of upswings, yet fall on Raptr...I have to question their systems. Time is ticking down for Raptr stats.
Until next time...Cheers.
Trials due to Rift's push to be the best #2 MMO out there, and SOE's error and their progress to be the lowest dev on the totem pole.
The previous results we're comparing are from the weekend of 5/1/2011 - Lets see how the 2 weeks have changed.
- Rift - 3325 ( 2973 ↑ )
- EvE Online - 2005 ( 1928 ↑ )
- Aion - 1988 ( 1929 ↑ )
- Lord of the Rings Online - 1800 ( 1859 ↓ )
- Star Trek Online - 327 ( 345 ↓ )
- Age of Conan - 287 ( 280 ↑ )
- Dungeons & Dragons Online - 277 ( 324 ↓ )
- Champions Online - 217 ( 235 ↓ )
- Warhammer Online - 133 ( 155 ↓ )
- Final Fantasy XIV -112 ( 122 ↓ )
- DC Universe - 57 ( 25 ↑ )
First off, nice job to Rift. The upswing this week is something most of the MMO's from the last few years have NOT been able to do. New content, new updates, new trials all add up to a game that is flourishing.
Looking at the graph for Rift, we can see the standard drop most MMO's experience. But, we also see a stabilization there. Then the upswing toward the end. Will see how this looks in two weeks.
Other games of note: EVE broke 2000. First time in a while. Aion over takes Lord of the Rings Online to become this weeks #3. Excitement must be building for Aion thanks to the paid transfer service and the upcoming patch 2.5 with major graphics enhancements and new content.
I really need to note here: Sub games are NOT dead, and Free to play, though a help to games suffering, is not the panacea of sub-dom some believe it to be. Just IMO.
Age of Conan has also moved up the charts. Major buzz is going on with this game, with the upcoming movie reboot, discussion of new land masses and overall satisfaction with the new engine changes. We will watch this one in the coming months.
SOE games are back, but of course, DC Universe still trails the bottom. But, note more players. I assume that free time is helping. Not going to help much when someones ID is stolen though.
Overall quite a few games down this week.
****
- Rift - 2366 ( 2394 ↓ ) players
- EvE Online - 803 ( 1010 ↓ )
- Lord of the Rings Online - 771 ( 766 ↑ )
- Aion - 418 ( 530 ↓ )
- Champions Online - 232 ( 192 ↑ )
- DC Universe - 182 ( 136 ↑ )
- Dungeons & Dragons Online - 167 ( 173 ↓ )
- Final Fantasy XIV - 142 ( 191 ↓ )
- Star Trek Online - 110 ( 96 ↑ )
- Age of Conan - 83 ( 89 ↓ )
- Warhammer Online - 56 ( 86 ↓ )
What drives me nuts right off the bat...Raptr has Rift with MORE players on a Saturday (2426)...I mean, WTH? Raptr and reliability of stats is really starting to irritate me. But, I will still post them....just expect me to bitch about them EVERY time also.
Ah well, lets take a look at what else is happening.
As we can see, Raptr still plays "Opposites" day of X-Fire with their stats. EVE and Aion are both down, yet LOTRO is up. Of note, like Rift, Aion is UP on Saturday...just down on Sunday, which has not been par for course for ANY game.
Champions is up? LOL. And look at how many slots DC Universe moved up. Interesting bunch of users, these Raptr players.
The biggest travesty here is Age of Conan. All anecdotal evidence points to a rise in activity, yet in Raptr it still runs at the bottom of the pack, with even a LOSS this week. Raptr is just not telling the full story here.
****
Ah well, lets take a look at what else is happening.
As we can see, Raptr still plays "Opposites" day of X-Fire with their stats. EVE and Aion are both down, yet LOTRO is up. Of note, like Rift, Aion is UP on Saturday...just down on Sunday, which has not been par for course for ANY game.
Champions is up? LOL. And look at how many slots DC Universe moved up. Interesting bunch of users, these Raptr players.
The biggest travesty here is Age of Conan. All anecdotal evidence points to a rise in activity, yet in Raptr it still runs at the bottom of the pack, with even a LOSS this week. Raptr is just not telling the full story here.
****
Before I forget, lets take a look at Blizzard and their beast of an MMO.
World of Warcraft X-Fire chart May 15th - players 33,787 (33,611 ↑ )
World of Warcraft X-Fire chart May 15th - players 33,787 (33,611 ↑ )
So, WoW is still on the rise back up. People just cannot let this game go, and it is truly sad to see no other game even has a chance.
Nuff' said here
****
So, some good numbers for several games, with Rift really showing it can hold on, and could be our number two game in MMO's for a while.
Raptr though is becoming suspect in tracking, and I am about ready to throw it out. It keeps having strikes against it in regards to how their numbers work. When games we know show anecdotal evidence of upswings, yet fall on Raptr...I have to question their systems. Time is ticking down for Raptr stats.
Until next time...Cheers.
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