Grimwell takes a look at Atlantica Online
Filed under: At a glance, Fantasy, Game mechanics, Free-to-play, Hands-on
Atlantica Online is one of those MMOs that people always seem to talk about, but never really get fully in-depth with. Insight into the game recently came from an unexpected source: Craig “Grimwell” Dalrymple, a noted MMO blogger and senior community relations manager for Sony Online Entertainment. Craig just recently spoke up about the turn-based MMO, relating his experiences and gripes with the game on his blog. For him, the strong points of Atlantica are the turn-based combat (as it allows PvP to be a bit more tactical rather than a fast paced gankfest,) the mercenary system (which is…
Grimwell takes a look at Atlantica Online originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 06 Jan 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Pool Tables, Crafting, and Antonia Bayle
Yesterday was pretty fun, the paladin reached level 70 which was a fantastic goal. I took her to Palace of the Awakened which is all but forgotten now with all of the new content. There wasn’t another person to be found. Boxing, I took down the two dragons in each of the wings, who of course dropped nothing but treasured for me. Ah well. After that I headed to Vaults, which is an instance on the Isle of Awakening, lots of spell casters in that zone.
Nothing of note dropped except maybe the fury class hat which has a pretty cool graphic. Of course if you manage to snag one of the ‘box of utterly classless hats’ you don’t even need to be a fury to have an item with the same graphic. Since I don’t have any fury, I put it for sale. I would have liked the paladin hat, but I remember them being quite ugly, and I’m sure I can do without.
Two more levels and I can finally start outfitting the paladin. I need to get my alchemist some levels, goal for later today perhaps. I figure since I have crafters on both accounts, I can box the instances and even if one character is just sitting inside of the zone, that’s faction and a shard for them. I know the quests for TSO shards have been changed so that you can’t let people into an empty zone any more for clickie updates (or at least this is what I’ve heard through the grape vine, I haven’t tested it myself yet) which makes sense. There are a handful of quests that require no killing at all, so after an instance was cleared you used to be able to just wander in and grab it yourself.
I built a pool table for a friend, their house is a work in progress. They wanted something ‘modern’ looking. The screen shot is a view from the back of the house, there’s a TV off in the distance with a couch, some gaming tables and of course the pool table. VERY much a work in progress though.
Afterwards I decided to work on the TSO signature line with Petites (78 templar) in the hopes of getting her a little experience. The quest starts on the docks in both Qeynos Harbor (goodies) and East Freeport (evil aligned) and sends you to speak with either Antonia Bayle, or Lucan D’Lere. Of course in the screen shot Petites took the time for a photograph with the queen herself who looks less then amused with the whole situation.
Halflings rock.
I didn’t get too far in the series because I realized I had yet to complete the crafting introduction quests, even though Petites has been an 80 jeweler for quite some time, a unicorn mount may not be out of the question. Eventually (some day) I have hopes of completing enough faction required to actually purchase all of the items on the merchants. We’ll just have to see how that goes though.
All in all it was a fairly good day. I have been having fun watching everyone else give their predictions for 2009, while I myself am not really one to make those types of lists, they always interest me.
Nostalgia is half way through 35, and creeping towards 36 at a fairly steady pace. Hopefully once my two crafters hit 70 the status they get from their writs will help move us a little further. I planned on using up all of my potions before 70, so the experience would slow down so that I can earn more faction and status. We’ll see how that works out (if it works out). I hope everyone is having an amazing week no matter what game they’re playing.
A huge hug and shout out to anyone reading this by the way. To those who have contacted me over the years and who have given me opportunities I have only dreamed of, my thanks. You all have no idea how much it makes me smile to hear about your own adventures. Sorry for the sentimental round there. I renewed my site yesterday for another year, after contemplating ending it and moving on to a new project. So much work has gone into it and I truly do enjoy writing, even if I’m not one of the ‘big names’ like others I read.
Safe travels, see you in Norrath!
A five-hour look at Ryzom
Filed under: Classes, Game mechanics, Crafting, Ryzom, Opinion
Ryzom certainly has a very shaky time-line, changing business models, being canceled and then saved. This sounds like a bit of a disaster, but in reality, it’s proved that it can survive in the often-harsh MMO industry. A huge part of this resilience is the game’s loyal fanbase, and in a recent first-impressions piece over at Eurogamer, it looks like the single server’s community is still going strong — in fact, it might be one of the reasons to give Ryzom a try. The author of the article documented his first five hours with the game, reporting on each hour’s experiences. He learned about the…
A five-hour look at Ryzom originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 21 Dec 2008 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Thanks for nothing Turbine
And now Turbine brings out this ****** little single use Proficiency achieving token. IT WAS NOT PROFICIENCY THESE GAMERS WERE NERFED OF. IT WAS THEIR GRAND MASTERY!!!!
Turbine, I’m sorry, but this is complete and utter, unadultered bull****. My fiance has now all but quit LOTRO because of this one issue.
And no, your little fix is NOT good enough. And yes, I am past the point of politeness here. I’ve had enough of all the **** that goes on in this game.
And saying "Oh we’re sorry, but there’s nothing we can do!"
DOES NOT BLOODY CUT IT.
How the Hell do you expect to keep customers this way?
Sure, LOTRO, like any other MMO is a damn cash cow.
The mindless drones will play it no matter what.
But you have totally alienated your most loyal and dedicated players. My fiance had played for over a year and half to have this happen to him.
You’re lucky I still play, because I care about the FRIENDS I’ve met through this game.
Delete this post. Ban me from the forums. Whatever.
Your level of customer service is appalling, and I will not stay silent about it.
Not to mention my fiance who is a LIFE TIME member has had his account suspended for lack of payment SEVERAL TIMES. Payment WHAT? Turbine, can you read? LIFE TIME MEMBER MEANS NO MORE MONTHLY PAYMENTS.
And yes. This HAD to written in a public forum, as opposed to a private message to Turbine; because as demonstrated with this reoccuring billing rip-off, Turbine takes a year and a day to respond to you.
So keep it up turbine. We’re real proud to have wasted over a year of our lives and money on you 
cheers.
Thanks for nothing Turbine
And now Turbine brings out this ****** little single use Proficiency achieving token. IT WAS NOT PROFICIENCY THESE GAMERS WERE NERFED OF. IT WAS THEIR GRAND MASTERY!!!!
Turbine, I’m sorry, but this is complete and utter, unadultered bull****. My fiance has now all but quit LOTRO because of this one issue.
And no, your little fix is NOT good enough. And yes, I am past the point of politeness here. I’ve had enough of all the **** that goes on in this game.
And saying "Oh we’re sorry, but there’s nothing we can do!"
DOES NOT BLOODY CUT IT.
How the Hell do you expect to keep customers this way?
Sure, LOTRO, like any other MMO is a damn cash cow.
The mindless drones will play it no matter what.
But you have totally alienated your most loyal and dedicated players. My fiance had played for over a year and half to have this happen to him.
You’re lucky I still play, because I care about the FRIENDS I’ve met through this game.
Delete this post. Ban me from the forums. Whatever.
Your level of customer service is appalling, and I will not stay silent about it.
Not to mention my fiance who is a LIFE TIME member has had his account suspended for lack of payment SEVERAL TIMES. Payment WHAT? Turbine, can you read? LIFE TIME MEMBER MEANS NO MORE MONTHLY PAYMENTS.
And yes. This HAD to written in a public forum, as opposed to a private message to Turbine; because as demonstrated with this reoccuring billing rip-off, Turbine takes a year and a day to respond to you.
So keep it up turbine. We’re real proud to have wasted over a year of our lives and money on you cheers.
An update on the EVE Online starbase exploit
Filed under: Sci-fi, EVE Online, Economy, Exploits, Crafting, News items
In the wake of last week’s revelation of a market disrupting exploit in EVE Online, a growing number of players have been calling for increased transparency on the situation. EVE’s developer CCP Games has stated they’ve discovered seven player-run corporations taking advantage of the player owned station (POS) exploit, which yielded a vast amount of materials used in the EVE Online’s manufacturing (crafting) system. Three of those corporations were in two alliances, and over 70 accounts have been banned thus far in connection with the exploit. The starbases used in the exploit have been…
Continue reading An update on the EVE Online starbase exploit
An update on the EVE Online starbase exploit originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 14 Dec 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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An update on the EVE Online starbase exploit
Filed under: Sci-fi, EVE Online, Economy, Exploits, Crafting, News items
In the wake of last week’s revelation of a market disrupting exploit in EVE Online, a growing number of players have been calling for increased transparency on the situation. EVE’s developer CCP Games has stated they’ve discovered seven player-run corporations taking advantage of the player owned station (POS) exploit, which yielded a vast amount of materials used in the EVE Online’s manufacturing (crafting) system. Three of those corporations were in two alliances, and over 70 accounts have been banned thus far in connection with the exploit. The starbases used in the exploit have been destroyed by CCP, and they’ve stated that the corporations in question are now effectively inactive following the bans.
CCP Games has not released the names of characters, corporations, or alliances linked to the exploit, but a player named “moppinator” of the AMT. corporation (part of Ev0ke alliance) stepped forward and issued the following statement on the extent of his alliance’s involvement:
Continue reading An update on the EVE Online starbase exploit
An update on the EVE Online starbase exploit originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 14 Dec 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Crafting vs Gathering: The Ultimate Decision
But a lot of us aren’t so new. A lot of us are coming back to LOTRO after trying it before, quitting, and then coming back. Yes, I speak for myself.
Crafting to me seems relaxing, and I am not sure if it is going to be fun for my characters to just loot nature (ore, wood, etc) and sell it off at the auction house. After all, I play to have fun, and ultimately it seems actually creating something would be more fun. I currently have 17 gold and I wonder if I continue down this path would it be any more fun than crafting. What happens when I get 22g? Or 30g? Sure, buying on the Auction House is great, but what about all the factors?
Are Crafting Guilds in the end game worth it?
Are quest rewards and random Moria drops better than what you can craft?
Currently I have:
23 Champion (Explorer)
Started off as an Explorer, then changed to a Metalsmith for a little while, now I have him back as an Explorer. Why? I read that being a Metalsmith is an absolute pain to level later on. Today, I am thinking that I may want to change back. I have all this useless Barrow Iron Ore which suddenly is very useful for leveling a Metalsmith. And why would anyone Master Prospecting if they are only gathering?
18 Minstrel (Explorer)
This was fun lol. I got him to Journeyman Scholar, and almost Expert Farmer, then dumped that for a Yeoman so he could make his own armor and farm and cook. Then it seemed like cooking was a pain as inventory spaces became a game of "bag tetris" so I went back and re-leveled Scholar. Last night I dumped that and made him an Explorer. My thinking was, if I can’t decide, he might as well just be an Explorer, and he could still make his own armor as a Tailor.
11 Captain (Tinker)
This is my Alt#2, and I will always keep him as a Jeweler because his is almost an expert.
Does anyone else go through all of this like me? I mean, this has been very time consuming because dumping things means I have to go back out there in areas I am way past. For example, last night no Medium Leather or Ash Wood was at the AH so my main Explorer (Champion) had to spend an hour or so killing easy creatures for medium hides and chopping ash wood and curing it all so that when he resumes leveling he wont be stuck not being able to chop Yew Wood!
So, based on everything I mentioned above, including my current money of 17 gold…….
What would you do? And better yet, what should that "mid range" experienced LOTRO be doing?
Thanks
Crafting vs Gathering: The Ultimate Decision
But a lot of us aren’t so new. A lot of us are coming back to LOTRO after trying it before, quitting, and then coming back. Yes, I speak for myself.
Crafting to me seems relaxing, and I am not sure if it is going to be fun for my characters to just loot nature (ore, wood, etc) and sell it off at the auction house. After all, I play to have fun, and ultimately it seems actually creating something would be more fun. I currently have 17 gold and I wonder if I continue down this path would it be any more fun than crafting. What happens when I get 22g? Or 30g? Sure, buying on the Auction House is great, but what about all the factors?
Are Crafting Guilds in the end game worth it?
Are quest rewards and random Moria drops better than what you can craft?
Currently I have:
23 Champion (Explorer)
Started off as an Explorer, then changed to a Metalsmith for a little while, now I have him back as an Explorer. Why? I read that being a Metalsmith is an absolute pain to level later on. Today, I am thinking that I may want to change back. I have all this useless Barrow Iron Ore which suddenly is very useful for leveling a Metalsmith. And why would anyone Master Prospecting if they are only gathering?
18 Minstrel (Explorer)
This was fun lol. I got him to Journeyman Scholar, and almost Expert Farmer, then dumped that for a Yeoman so he could make his own armor and farm and cook. Then it seemed like cooking was a pain as inventory spaces became a game of "bag tetris" so I went back and re-leveled Scholar. Last night I dumped that and made him an Explorer. My thinking was, if I can’t decide, he might as well just be an Explorer, and he could still make his own armor as a Tailor.
11 Captain (Tinker)
This is my Alt#2, and I will always keep him as a Jeweler because his is almost an expert.
Does anyone else go through all of this like me? I mean, this has been very time consuming because dumping things means I have to go back out there in areas I am way past. For example, last night no Medium Leather or Ash Wood was at the AH so my main Explorer (Champion) had to spend an hour or so killing easy creatures for medium hides and chopping ash wood and curing it all so that when he resumes leveling he wont be stuck not being able to chop Yew Wood!
So, based on everything I mentioned above, including my current money of 17 gold…….
What would you do? And better yet, what should that "mid range" experienced LOTRO be doing?
Thanks
Tabula Rasa crafting: What didn’t work then, and what works now
Filed under: Sci-fi, Game mechanics, Crafting, Tips and tricks, Tabula Rasa
Several times I’ve wanted to just sit myself down and write an in-depth article explaining the original crafting system in Tabula Rasa (before it was announced to close), but it’s just one of those things where the explanation would not make much sense unless you’ve frustrated yourself with it firsthand. It was complicated, time consuming and you would only need to kill 3 or 4 more Bane to get a better item anyway. Yet in Deployment 13, the crafting system was completely overhauled, simplified, and caused players to actually craft again. But was it just too late? Over at Van Hemlock’s blog,…
Tabula Rasa crafting: What didn’t work then, and what works now originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 10 Dec 2008 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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