I had a fairly relaxed long weekend. I even came across a few spare hours where I could consider playing a game. Unfortunately, when I sat down to play something nothing came to mind that I wanted to log into and play. I thought about checking in with my Druid on WOW to see the game on my new wide screen monitor but I couldn't remember the login name or password. And I wasn't interested enough to get up and go get it. I popped on to EVE to start more training and ran a couple of missions but felt very meh about it all. It's hard to get excited about EVE in small spurts because to get all up in anything exciting takes some planning.
Really a shame that it's heading to the end of Q1 2008 and none of the games I had thought I'd be playing last fall have even been released. It's not just the primary game that was on my Watch List, Warhammer, both of my back-up choices are still locked away. No Warhammer, Age of Conan or Spellborn. Nada. Had you asked me this time last year if I'd find myself with no active MMO on my play list, I would have laughed in your face. It's been a long time since I've imagined my spare time sans MMO escapist goodness.
I'm rather disappointed in general and the longer WAR takes to release, the more concerned I become that they are not sure it's going to be all they hoped and planned. What happens if WAR is just meh?? I'm not expecting to like AoC - that was just supposed to be a filler last year, as was Spellborn. I hope I like something - anything because I don't think I can stomach any more WOW. I don't expect to be going back for WotLK unless the other three games go completely belly up.
A couple of weeks back I was reading the posts going 'round about which game you'd unmake. Today I was of the mind that WOW probably would be at the top of my list. I do love what Blizzard delivered in the original release - the pure joy of leveling, epicness of the 40-man raids and the do it your way 1 to 60. However, the quelling of uniqueness and willingness to release niche games that appeal to less than millions of players is curse and burden still rippling through the industry. That followed by Vanguard's huge failure to match its hype machine, I feel, are scaring development houses & publishers, both of which are negatively affecting what's being released to gamers.
Dunno. It's starting to look like my standby hobby isn't as certain as it once was and perhaps I need to look into games other than MMOs. *shrug*
Nice to see you back on the blog, even if it is only briefly.
I started playing WoW again right after Christmas, mostly due to a complete lack of choices. I have enjoyed it to some extent, I even have a few alts I have leveled up somewhat. I have a 39 warlock named Romagoth and a 29 rogue named Romannus that I am enjoying, especially in Battlegrounds. There of course are the stupid people still playing, and it does get aggravating, especially in a battleground, but so goes life I guess.
I preordered AOC about 2 months ago in anticipation of getting a decent game. I decided to check on the status of its release date last week and saw that it has been pushed back yet again to late May now. No more for me thanks. I canceled my order, not sure if I will bother with it now. That is at least 5 times it has been delayed, and I am not sure how I feel about that. It either means they are making sure all of the kinks are worked out, or it means that they are having a lot of problems in general, and I am leaning towards the latter.
Anyway, if you have any advice as to how to play a warlock to 70 efficiently and how to do well in battlegrounds (especially WSG), I am always listening! Hopefully you will find something fun to play soon.
Posted by: RomaGoth | March 25, 2008 at 10:03 AM
There was a nice leak site going around the blogsphere awhile ago, betaleaks.com or something. Based on the different postings there Warhammer has a ways to go and I wouldn't expect it til September. Age of Conan is looking good though they still have a couple of things to fix. The combat is quite different and there is no auto attack or auto aim in the game. Its not as twitchy as a FPS but its deffinitely more involved then even Tabula Rasa.
I've had to step out of playing MMOs for awhile and I only play WoW for PvP nowadays. Picked up Sins of the Solar Empire which has come with a lot of recommendations. So far its been entertaining.
Posted by: Relmstein | March 25, 2008 at 02:39 PM
It's rather slow at work this week which isn't common for this time of year. I sense of a lot of emotional fatigue and people just look defeated in the face of all the plunging stock prices, revolving door of executive departures. So many decided to take vacation time during spring break. I didn't so my day is manageable with few fires and need it now demands.
As far as the Warlock - lots of fun leveling. Going Affliction or Demonology focused will serve for leveling. Affliction probably has less down time with the mana regen from Dark Pact. Demo til the Felguard is awesome for leveling too and 1v1 or 2v1 survivability. Or you could go SL/SL which would also have you set for the more popular cookie cutter PVP spec. I like Soul Link/ Siphon Life spec whereas my son hated it. I hated the deep affliction build. I haven't level a Warlock in so long. I was at 60 be Silithus released soooo that's going back a bit. :-) There might be cool options for leveling in Destruction that I wouldn't have experienced as it was never my choice as an end game spec.
Hmm, my hand-eye-coordination isn't the best so I'm not sure how proficient I'd been in the combat system that has been implemented in AoC. However, if it's the only thing going at the time, I still might give it a try. It's funny how you get used to things. I remember the first time I played an MMO which was AC1, I recall thinking, "WTF is with this auto attack crap?" Before that the only games I'd ever played where console games with the kids and you didnt have auto-attacks - as you can imagine, they always pummeled me into the dust. :-)
Posted by: Saylah | March 25, 2008 at 05:48 PM
@Relm... I keep hearing about Sins lately. After reading your post I went to the official site to look around. It looks interesting - solo EVE-like game? I'm wondering if someone who doesn't have the game is able to log on and watch in observer mode? It would be cool to see what it's about. I don't typically play RTS games but this has my interest mildly piqued.
Posted by: Saylah | March 25, 2008 at 05:56 PM
Hey Saylah,
I'd keep an eye on AoC. I have it in very good confidence that it will turn out a refreshing take on the genre. ;)
Posted by: JoBildo | March 26, 2008 at 09:58 AM
There is a demo at gamespot I think if you don't mind signing up to become a member.
http://www.gamespot.com/pc/strategy/sinsofasolarempire/download_6188180.html
Tipa at WestKarana has a good post on the game. Its basically like Warcraft 3 mixed with elements of Master of Orion. There's distance between the planets so its not as hectic as most RTS games.
In other news apparently the people from EA Mythic just confirmed Warhammer really is delayed until Fall.
Posted by: Relmstein | March 26, 2008 at 02:12 PM