Alas my elation over being able to get Baldur's Gate 2 through GOG was short-lived: I downloaded the huge file, which took a long time may I add, only to find that the file was corrupted and I couldn't install the damn game.
Frustrating yes but it's another installment on this string of bad luck I've had with Baldurs Gate 2. Honestly one would think the universe had issue with me playing this game and was doing it's hardest to try and stop me.
Still I can always go back and try again with the download - but considering the troubles I've had the BG2, the prospects of an Enhanced Edition - one that ACTUALLY WORKS - is now sounding better than ever.
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Monday, May 28, 2012
Old Time Rock and Roll
This past week I've been paying a few visits to Good Old Games. I've known about this site for a while and, for me, hearing about so many classic games readily available seems like a damn good deal to me. After all, I'm all for game preservation - and the opportunity to play games that may have slipped past first time around is more so the better.
So being able to finally play Beneath a Steel Sky? Hell yes. Sim City 2000 and Heroes of Might and Magic 2 finally being able to work on my computer? Just try and stop me. Editions of Baldur's Gate 1+2 that ACTUALLY WORK?
So being able to finally play Beneath a Steel Sky? Hell yes. Sim City 2000 and Heroes of Might and Magic 2 finally being able to work on my computer? Just try and stop me. Editions of Baldur's Gate 1+2 that ACTUALLY WORK?
Friday, May 25, 2012
Tale of a Game Chest
Today a little story. A story about a box.
No really - a box I kept my games in. I called it the Game Chest.
Due to the size of the box (along with the contents that would be housed within it), I christened this box the Game Chest.
And so it came to pass that the Game Chest would take up residency at the top of my wardrobe. Whenever a new game was purchased, the box will be brought down and opened up to welcome it's latest member to it's home. In that period between 2006 and 2009, I built up a large collection of games, both in the hope of one day using them and, like any collector, building up something worth bragging about.You could open up the game chest and see a whole plethora of games, complete with boxes and manuals.
But the Game Chest couldn't last - In 2009 I moved into a flat for the very first time. Now with the space, and a computer that was actually worth a damn, I started filing my games into small bookcase. And suddenly the box that was the Game Chest now look redundant. It still got some use holding some tools and craft materials but as a holder of games, it's day was done. When I eventually left the apartment, the box was thrown out. Later still, upon being faced with the problem of needing to free up some storage space, many of the game boxes I had were thrown out - with the discs now being stored in a disk wallet.
But isn't the end of the story: You see, late last year I got my current computer: A powerful beast that can finally use all the games I'd accumulated over the years. And earlier this week, I got a brand new hard drive with the sole purpose of staring my games on it. And what did I name this new Hard Drive?
The Game Chest.
It may be gone in it's original form, but it is by no means forgotten. :)
No really - a box I kept my games in. I called it the Game Chest.
As established previously in my blog, back in late 2005, I came across IGN's list of greatest games ever made. I made it my goal to hunt them all down - but with so many games I needed some place to put them all. So in anticipation of one day getting a more powerful computer than the piece of crap I was using at the time, I went down to Big W and purchased a storage box
Yep one of these babies.
Due to the size of the box (along with the contents that would be housed within it), I christened this box the Game Chest.
And so it came to pass that the Game Chest would take up residency at the top of my wardrobe. Whenever a new game was purchased, the box will be brought down and opened up to welcome it's latest member to it's home. In that period between 2006 and 2009, I built up a large collection of games, both in the hope of one day using them and, like any collector, building up something worth bragging about.You could open up the game chest and see a whole plethora of games, complete with boxes and manuals.
But the Game Chest couldn't last - In 2009 I moved into a flat for the very first time. Now with the space, and a computer that was actually worth a damn, I started filing my games into small bookcase. And suddenly the box that was the Game Chest now look redundant. It still got some use holding some tools and craft materials but as a holder of games, it's day was done. When I eventually left the apartment, the box was thrown out. Later still, upon being faced with the problem of needing to free up some storage space, many of the game boxes I had were thrown out - with the discs now being stored in a disk wallet.
But isn't the end of the story: You see, late last year I got my current computer: A powerful beast that can finally use all the games I'd accumulated over the years. And earlier this week, I got a brand new hard drive with the sole purpose of staring my games on it. And what did I name this new Hard Drive?
The Game Chest.
Welcome to the family
It may be gone in it's original form, but it is by no means forgotten. :)
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
The Prince is in another castle
Here's something I've been pondering recently: There have been numerous games where the player character has to rescue a princess but has there been a game where a lass rescues a prince?
I don't about the rest of you but since the first Legend of Zelda games and Super Mario bros. 1, the idea of rescuing princess as the game goal has some how been ingrained into the gamer consciousness. Sure it may a tried and tested trope but somehow we're keen to go with it. We're becoming used to control some guy rescuing a love interest and/or some gal using her wits to escape some sort of imprisonment. So why no gal-rescuing-prince? Well, the way I see it, this is such a familiar scenario then any attempt to mess with it is going to be challenged on multiple accounts. Therefore:
1) As the saying goes, 'if it ain't broke don't fix it'. Sure the 'rescue princess' scenario may have worked a gazillion times before but there's no reason why additions can be made to the formula and have sime suitable characterization. Hence, in the case of Princess Zelda, we see her assisting Link in various forms, embodying the Triforce of wisdom and even taking up the mantle of Shiek. It also helps that the player character and princess (both Link and Zelda) are made to look beautiful, thus ensuring the attention of both male and female gamers alike.
2) Speaking of looking beautiful, it seems to be a defining element of 'rescuing princess' formula. I mean, the word princess is practicality synonymous with being young and beautiful - thus, it becomes clear that the rescue attempt must undertaken on the strength that it'll be worth it. Thus, conversely, the thought of rescuing a princess seems to establish the notion that if he was hopeless enough to get captured then he isn't worth jack.
3) Female player characters are indeed prevalent but they're always characterized as tough and independently minded - hardly the type that would go rescuing some prince. I mean can anyone think of Samus Aran or Lara Croft going out of there way to rescue some significant other? Of course not.
And besides, if the princess was cunning/fighter, she would rescue herself and there'd be no game to play!
4) In fact the only princely character I can think of in gaming would have to be Alister from Dragon Age Origins. But it would seem that to be a video game prince carries for too much stigmata - as a result, Alister is far from royal material - He's a bastard, uninterested in royal responsibilities, and a dope. Still there is the thought that if he didn't receive such necessary characterization, Alister would come across as a lot less interesting.
But now that I think about it, Dragon Age Origins had the option of being a female player character and romancing Alister - and thus the option of ending the game as King and Queen of Ferelden. So maybe there is some value in developing an attachment to a video game prince....
I don't about the rest of you but since the first Legend of Zelda games and Super Mario bros. 1, the idea of rescuing princess as the game goal has some how been ingrained into the gamer consciousness. Sure it may a tried and tested trope but somehow we're keen to go with it. We're becoming used to control some guy rescuing a love interest and/or some gal using her wits to escape some sort of imprisonment. So why no gal-rescuing-prince? Well, the way I see it, this is such a familiar scenario then any attempt to mess with it is going to be challenged on multiple accounts. Therefore:
1) As the saying goes, 'if it ain't broke don't fix it'. Sure the 'rescue princess' scenario may have worked a gazillion times before but there's no reason why additions can be made to the formula and have sime suitable characterization. Hence, in the case of Princess Zelda, we see her assisting Link in various forms, embodying the Triforce of wisdom and even taking up the mantle of Shiek. It also helps that the player character and princess (both Link and Zelda) are made to look beautiful, thus ensuring the attention of both male and female gamers alike.
2) Speaking of looking beautiful, it seems to be a defining element of 'rescuing princess' formula. I mean, the word princess is practicality synonymous with being young and beautiful - thus, it becomes clear that the rescue attempt must undertaken on the strength that it'll be worth it. Thus, conversely, the thought of rescuing a princess seems to establish the notion that if he was hopeless enough to get captured then he isn't worth jack.
3) Female player characters are indeed prevalent but they're always characterized as tough and independently minded - hardly the type that would go rescuing some prince. I mean can anyone think of Samus Aran or Lara Croft going out of there way to rescue some significant other? Of course not.
And besides, if the princess was cunning/fighter, she would rescue herself and there'd be no game to play!
4) In fact the only princely character I can think of in gaming would have to be Alister from Dragon Age Origins. But it would seem that to be a video game prince carries for too much stigmata - as a result, Alister is far from royal material - He's a bastard, uninterested in royal responsibilities, and a dope. Still there is the thought that if he didn't receive such necessary characterization, Alister would come across as a lot less interesting.
But now that I think about it, Dragon Age Origins had the option of being a female player character and romancing Alister - and thus the option of ending the game as King and Queen of Ferelden. So maybe there is some value in developing an attachment to a video game prince....
Monday, May 21, 2012
Head in the Sand
With WoW being such a widely used program, it is almost inevitable that it's players will have accumulated stories about some glitches and/or unusual things that they may have encountered in Azeroth. I myself am no different - why, last weekend I was using my Blood Elf paladin Beldrath and I made it all the way to the Blasted Lands. Once there, this happened:
Yes, it's a basilisk that's as stiff as a pole and with his head embedded in the rock. Looking at this image one can only wonder how he got there. Was the basilisk picked up by some divine entity only to be cast down with such force? Did the earth come alive and devour the basilisk's head whilst leaving the rest of him? One can only wonder...
Yes, it's a basilisk that's as stiff as a pole and with his head embedded in the rock. Looking at this image one can only wonder how he got there. Was the basilisk picked up by some divine entity only to be cast down with such force? Did the earth come alive and devour the basilisk's head whilst leaving the rest of him? One can only wonder...
Friday, May 18, 2012
Hit that
Well it finally happened - I got hit on in WoW. I was using my hapless mage Naesandra and, somehow, I attracted the attention of a fellow player who started saying weird stuff. Was it legs? I don't know.
I'll explain how this came about: I was wandering through the Northern Barrens when two undead rogues both challenged me to a duel. After getting trounced by both of them, I congratulated them both only for one to respond with 'Thanks Sexy legs'. I then got whispered comments about offering to make babies. Disturbed by this I, on the advice of a friend (thanks Jo!), answered by thanking the player for the offer but turning them down as I prefer chicks. Needless to say,the player didn't say a word afterwards.
This does make for an odd experience - and certainly a story worth telling many times over - but somehow I'm not surprised. After all, I made the decision to create and use a character who is the opposite gender - so in a way it was almost inevitable that I should get mistaken for a female player. Yes a male player using a female character may come across as dishonest but, as stated before, this is the opportunity to develop a character that is different to me in real life - that is, of course, the whole purpose of role playing.
And admittedly I find the female blood elf voice to be far less patronizing than the male counterpart.
I'll explain how this came about: I was wandering through the Northern Barrens when two undead rogues both challenged me to a duel. After getting trounced by both of them, I congratulated them both only for one to respond with 'Thanks Sexy legs'. I then got whispered comments about offering to make babies. Disturbed by this I, on the advice of a friend (thanks Jo!), answered by thanking the player for the offer but turning them down as I prefer chicks. Needless to say,the player didn't say a word afterwards.
This does make for an odd experience - and certainly a story worth telling many times over - but somehow I'm not surprised. After all, I made the decision to create and use a character who is the opposite gender - so in a way it was almost inevitable that I should get mistaken for a female player. Yes a male player using a female character may come across as dishonest but, as stated before, this is the opportunity to develop a character that is different to me in real life - that is, of course, the whole purpose of role playing.
And admittedly I find the female blood elf voice to be far less patronizing than the male counterpart.
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Aging Disgracefully
Here's something I never noticed before: The combatants in Virtua Fighter 4 all have birth-dates! So taking that into consideration, in the year 2012, Akira is 44, Pai is 37, Lau is 72, Wolf is 46, Jeffry is 55, Kage is 42, Sarah is 39, Jackie is 42, Shun is 100(!!), Lion is 33, Aoi is 33, Le-Fei is 37, Vanessa is 43, Brad is 40 and Goh is 34.
It's funny thing about adding a birth-date to a video game character. It gives them a sense of history, more so with each iteration of the Virtua Fighter series, and it suggests that these characters have been around a long time, and are still able to get back up on their feet after being knocked around numerous times - which, coming from a fighting game series, is hardly surprising.
But at the same time, it does suggest that these characters are aging - and as this is a fighting series we're talking about, it won't be long before the blows render them unable to get back up again.
To be honest I've never been a fan of 'floating timelines'. I personally like to see characters age and grow wiser with experience. Therefore I find it kinda silly that Bart Simpson is forever a ten year old even when his birth-date was established as April 1st 1980 (which would make him in early thirties by now). That being said, one would think a hero who ages would be an interesting concept for a game hero.
Think about it! Each game hero goes on a journey and by the end of it, they come out the other side wiser and/or have killed lots of dudes. Thus it would make an interesting series concept to have a hero who goes on multiple journeys - and as he does so, his appearance changes, injuries and scars he suffers are there for good and the experiences he gains are there with him for ever after. And after all, what is a video game character when they're without dudes to slay eh?
I mean similar things have been done before with game characters aging: Red Dead Redemption featured a player character who is a grizzled, scarred veteran, Donkey Kong Country presented the character of Cranky Kong and even Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess had a little meta joke through Princess Zelda being of twenty years of age.
But alas, I doubt it would take off: As is often the case, a game without a young vital, pretty face will never sell as it's the youth portion of the market will balk out at playing an aging hero. I mean can anyone imagine a wrinkly, decrepit, Kratos still marching to battle insisting on having his vengeance?
Didn't think so.
It's funny thing about adding a birth-date to a video game character. It gives them a sense of history, more so with each iteration of the Virtua Fighter series, and it suggests that these characters have been around a long time, and are still able to get back up on their feet after being knocked around numerous times - which, coming from a fighting game series, is hardly surprising.
But at the same time, it does suggest that these characters are aging - and as this is a fighting series we're talking about, it won't be long before the blows render them unable to get back up again.
To be honest I've never been a fan of 'floating timelines'. I personally like to see characters age and grow wiser with experience. Therefore I find it kinda silly that Bart Simpson is forever a ten year old even when his birth-date was established as April 1st 1980 (which would make him in early thirties by now). That being said, one would think a hero who ages would be an interesting concept for a game hero.
Think about it! Each game hero goes on a journey and by the end of it, they come out the other side wiser and/or have killed lots of dudes. Thus it would make an interesting series concept to have a hero who goes on multiple journeys - and as he does so, his appearance changes, injuries and scars he suffers are there for good and the experiences he gains are there with him for ever after. And after all, what is a video game character when they're without dudes to slay eh?
I mean similar things have been done before with game characters aging: Red Dead Redemption featured a player character who is a grizzled, scarred veteran, Donkey Kong Country presented the character of Cranky Kong and even Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess had a little meta joke through Princess Zelda being of twenty years of age.
But alas, I doubt it would take off: As is often the case, a game without a young vital, pretty face will never sell as it's the youth portion of the market will balk out at playing an aging hero. I mean can anyone imagine a wrinkly, decrepit, Kratos still marching to battle insisting on having his vengeance?
Didn't think so.
Monday, May 14, 2012
Lara Croft vs James Bond
At one point last year I made a comment that equated Lara Croft with James Bond. Of course, I'm not the first one to make such a connection but I've since thought about it a lot and thought it deserved some closer examination. So, after some research, this is what I came up with:
- Lara Croft is constantly seeking artifacts to prevent global catastrophe. James Bond is loyal agent of MI6 and saving the world from a variety of nutters.
- Both are multilingual.
- Both are well educated.
- Both go on adventures which sees them visit a variety of exotic locations
- Both go on adventures which sees them face danger at every turn at afore-mentioned exotic locations
- Both go on adventures which sees them have numerous costume changes
- Both have a wide knowledge of, and use, a variety of firearms
Some similarities true but I don't know. I've seen numerous James Bond movies through the years and somehow the idea of having a female counterpart to 007 seems a bit lame and forced. I remember they tried it with The Spy Who Loved Me with the character of Anya but it seemed too obvious - why her introductory scene involved her bedding some nameless prat.
And whilst people seem accepting of the idea of James Bond screwing anything with legs, the same can't be said of Lara Croft - indeed it should be noted there was an attempt to introduce a potential romantic partner, one Kurtis Trent, but didn't really lead anyway and the character hasn't been seen since.
Still it should be noted that James Bond did inspire the character of Indiana Jones - who in turn inspired Lara herself. So let's just leave it at that.
- Lara Croft is constantly seeking artifacts to prevent global catastrophe. James Bond is loyal agent of MI6 and saving the world from a variety of nutters.
- Both are multilingual.
- Both are well educated.
- Both go on adventures which sees them visit a variety of exotic locations
- Both go on adventures which sees them face danger at every turn at afore-mentioned exotic locations
- Both go on adventures which sees them have numerous costume changes
- Both have a wide knowledge of, and use, a variety of firearms
Some similarities true but I don't know. I've seen numerous James Bond movies through the years and somehow the idea of having a female counterpart to 007 seems a bit lame and forced. I remember they tried it with The Spy Who Loved Me with the character of Anya but it seemed too obvious - why her introductory scene involved her bedding some nameless prat.
And whilst people seem accepting of the idea of James Bond screwing anything with legs, the same can't be said of Lara Croft - indeed it should be noted there was an attempt to introduce a potential romantic partner, one Kurtis Trent, but didn't really lead anyway and the character hasn't been seen since.
Still it should be noted that James Bond did inspire the character of Indiana Jones - who in turn inspired Lara herself. So let's just leave it at that.
Friday, May 11, 2012
Battling on
This week I wanted to take a break from my hours in WoW - so I headed for the long-neglected Wii to give it some lovin'. And what did I do with it? Fire up the Virtual Console and have another bash at Ogre Battle 64.
I've spoken of playing through Ogre Battle 64 in the past and this time it's the first time in a long time. My main grip with Ogre Battle 64, that lead me to abandon it previously, was that I was having trouble with the class system: There were lot's of lovely classes on offer but I couldn't get to any of them for some unspecified reason. Lack of experience to upgrade? Not enough alignment? I don't know. Needless to say, with such weaker classes, I kept getting creamed by the enemy!
But with some patience (not to mention some leveling up with the training feature) I was able to upgrade my army in awesome fashion. More paladins? Yes please!
Funny thing with playing Ogre Battle 64 is that problem of quantity vs quality. Currently I have a large army consisting of thirteen units - but only half of them are any good. There are some I always use and always kick a lot of arse but the rest perform under par. More often than not, these stragglers either a) have low levels, b) get flattened in combat with little effort from the opposition or c) suffer from me not having a clue what to do with them. Indeed, some of my lesser performing units are the one's I really want to improve (one such unit is one of dragons).
I've tried to find answer to build the best unit through numerous internet searches but most of them concentrate on building a singular unit rather than several. But perhaps there is no proper answer to that question - and if there is one it is something I would need to find for myself....
I've spoken of playing through Ogre Battle 64 in the past and this time it's the first time in a long time. My main grip with Ogre Battle 64, that lead me to abandon it previously, was that I was having trouble with the class system: There were lot's of lovely classes on offer but I couldn't get to any of them for some unspecified reason. Lack of experience to upgrade? Not enough alignment? I don't know. Needless to say, with such weaker classes, I kept getting creamed by the enemy!
But with some patience (not to mention some leveling up with the training feature) I was able to upgrade my army in awesome fashion. More paladins? Yes please!
Funny thing with playing Ogre Battle 64 is that problem of quantity vs quality. Currently I have a large army consisting of thirteen units - but only half of them are any good. There are some I always use and always kick a lot of arse but the rest perform under par. More often than not, these stragglers either a) have low levels, b) get flattened in combat with little effort from the opposition or c) suffer from me not having a clue what to do with them. Indeed, some of my lesser performing units are the one's I really want to improve (one such unit is one of dragons).
I've tried to find answer to build the best unit through numerous internet searches but most of them concentrate on building a singular unit rather than several. But perhaps there is no proper answer to that question - and if there is one it is something I would need to find for myself....
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Live at the BBC
Can't say I'm avid watcher of Lets Play videos but this one made me laugh:
I remember playing this game during my primary school years (1987-1993) upon the ancient computer, the BBC. Indeed, it's always fascinating to find out that many people working in IT now made a start through playing this game.
But it's kinda funny to look at something you once enjoyed as a child through the eyes of an adult: What once may have come across as compelling now comes across as downright weird. Thus it becomes clear that there is a lot of weird stuff going on in this game - as the LP so eloquently points out. Why, even now I still have no idea what the hell is going on in the Castle of Dreams section. In addition, whilst the game may have been intended as an educational program, I'm still puzzled as to exactly where such educational value is in this game.
Mind you, kids these days grew up playing the likes of Ocarina of Time. Wonder what they think of it now...oh wait it's been re-released for the 3DS. Never mind then.
I remember playing this game during my primary school years (1987-1993) upon the ancient computer, the BBC. Indeed, it's always fascinating to find out that many people working in IT now made a start through playing this game.
But it's kinda funny to look at something you once enjoyed as a child through the eyes of an adult: What once may have come across as compelling now comes across as downright weird. Thus it becomes clear that there is a lot of weird stuff going on in this game - as the LP so eloquently points out. Why, even now I still have no idea what the hell is going on in the Castle of Dreams section. In addition, whilst the game may have been intended as an educational program, I'm still puzzled as to exactly where such educational value is in this game.
Mind you, kids these days grew up playing the likes of Ocarina of Time. Wonder what they think of it now...oh wait it's been re-released for the 3DS. Never mind then.
Monday, May 7, 2012
HighDef Evolved
I recently visited a store run by a friend - there I saw something extraordinary: A SNES being run on a HD TV! Yeah! It looked like total shit!
Seriously though, looking at graphics from twenty years ago through such advanced screen technology is indeed a weird experience. I've said before that I found the SNES to be capable of producing some beautiful graphics that still look superb today - but to see them on a HDTV is indeed jarring. Considering how many games from previous consoles are being made available on XBLA/PSN/Virtual Console, it does raise the question as whether or not someone is actually taking into consideration how many people are using such powerful TVs. I know the Megadrive collection on the 360 has the games on it all in HD and there's a feature on the Wii that allows the use of a HDTV (but having never tried it I can't comment) but why would anyone play a classic game when the end result is a hideous sight?
Still, I guess this does make a convincing argument that graphics technology isn't going to get any better - I mean the likes of Gears of War may look incredible now but what's going to happen in twenty or even ten years time? Whose to say that what once looked incredible will then look like total shit?
Seriously though, looking at graphics from twenty years ago through such advanced screen technology is indeed a weird experience. I've said before that I found the SNES to be capable of producing some beautiful graphics that still look superb today - but to see them on a HDTV is indeed jarring. Considering how many games from previous consoles are being made available on XBLA/PSN/Virtual Console, it does raise the question as whether or not someone is actually taking into consideration how many people are using such powerful TVs. I know the Megadrive collection on the 360 has the games on it all in HD and there's a feature on the Wii that allows the use of a HDTV (but having never tried it I can't comment) but why would anyone play a classic game when the end result is a hideous sight?
Still, I guess this does make a convincing argument that graphics technology isn't going to get any better - I mean the likes of Gears of War may look incredible now but what's going to happen in twenty or even ten years time? Whose to say that what once looked incredible will then look like total shit?
Friday, May 4, 2012
Roleplaying in the Aisles
It's no secret to this blog that I love me some RPGs: I love inventing a character and guiding them through the game world set out before us. I see the character grow stronger with each step, I assist them with making key decisions and we become traveling companions on a glorious adventure. Sure there lies the appeal of killing dudes and looting gold (it'll never get old) but an RPG is, to me, taking a character on a journey and doing the things you want to happen.
But as I've found out, the wonderful world of the MMORPGer doesn't seem to offer this - I've been playing a lot of World of Warcraft so far this year and I have yet to come across the same sense I picked up from playing regular RPGs. Yes I'm taking a character I created, yes I'm seeing them grow and become stronger along the way and yes I have had some kind of kinship develop. But I honestly do not feel like I'm making a difference in the world around me nor the quests I'm making are actually going anywhere. More like any other RPG I've played, WoW has proven itself to be less about roleplaying and more about killing dudes for the gold - which ironically is how I play non-video game RPGs.
But I digress - WoW just doesn't strike me as an actual role playing game. Maybe it's the sense that because there are many people playing this game at the same time nothing in Azeroth will ever change but nothing I do makes a difference. By way of example, my mage Nasesandra recently helped some Orcs to claim a hill from the Alliance. After a hard fought battle, the hill was won - but when Naesandra comes passing by some time later nothing had changed. One would think the Orcs might build a tower or some kind of stronghold but nope - The hill still looks the same. What, did the Orcs give up the hill in order to get someone else to help them? Sounds like a scam to me...
But again I digress: As stated before WoW doesn't seem to offer much in the way of actual role-playing - thus to actually take on the persona of a character seems somewhat weird and jarring - no one seems to be doing it and to be talking with someone on chat and suddenly jump into character seems kinda strange.
I recall one time when I was using my paladin Beldrath: I talking to my friend Aef and he offered to pass on some ore he picked up with his Level 80 Hunter, Aefion. We arranged to meet a Razor Hill and once there I immediately started doing rp speak: As Aefion was the oldest and most experienced character in our guild, I, through Beldrath, started speaking in a manner both awestruck and reverent - as well as asking why he and Arendar (Aef's other character) are never seen in the same room at the same time. That, and the conversation that followed, as a fun bit of rp but it does seem a bit odd to rp in a game when actual rp isn't compulsory.
I guess in the way that maybe it is up to players to develop their WoW characters - largely though their actions and with a little imagination (provided exposure to WoW hasn't wrecked it completely). Therefore, largely based on what I've done I have seen some personalities develop with my three Blood Elves. I see Rithendal being a moody git - That type that prefers the company of animals to other characters. Whilst not a team player (he tends to disappear during shared quests), he still has the best interests of his fellow guild members at heart.
Beldrath meanwhile works as the sole blacksmith for the (same) guild thus making him, in my mind, one of it's strongest members. And being a paladin, I like to think of him as the noblest character in the..... golfing caddy that is my character roster.
And Naesandra, despite dying too easily, makes glyphs for her guild thus establishing her as a hard worker. And being a mage I like to think of her as studious and serious - kinda like a WoW Twilight Sparkle - only more violent.
Seriously, they even have the same fringe:
But as I've found out, the wonderful world of the MMORPGer doesn't seem to offer this - I've been playing a lot of World of Warcraft so far this year and I have yet to come across the same sense I picked up from playing regular RPGs. Yes I'm taking a character I created, yes I'm seeing them grow and become stronger along the way and yes I have had some kind of kinship develop. But I honestly do not feel like I'm making a difference in the world around me nor the quests I'm making are actually going anywhere. More like any other RPG I've played, WoW has proven itself to be less about roleplaying and more about killing dudes for the gold - which ironically is how I play non-video game RPGs.
But I digress - WoW just doesn't strike me as an actual role playing game. Maybe it's the sense that because there are many people playing this game at the same time nothing in Azeroth will ever change but nothing I do makes a difference. By way of example, my mage Nasesandra recently helped some Orcs to claim a hill from the Alliance. After a hard fought battle, the hill was won - but when Naesandra comes passing by some time later nothing had changed. One would think the Orcs might build a tower or some kind of stronghold but nope - The hill still looks the same. What, did the Orcs give up the hill in order to get someone else to help them? Sounds like a scam to me...
But again I digress: As stated before WoW doesn't seem to offer much in the way of actual role-playing - thus to actually take on the persona of a character seems somewhat weird and jarring - no one seems to be doing it and to be talking with someone on chat and suddenly jump into character seems kinda strange.
I recall one time when I was using my paladin Beldrath: I talking to my friend Aef and he offered to pass on some ore he picked up with his Level 80 Hunter, Aefion. We arranged to meet a Razor Hill and once there I immediately started doing rp speak: As Aefion was the oldest and most experienced character in our guild, I, through Beldrath, started speaking in a manner both awestruck and reverent - as well as asking why he and Arendar (Aef's other character) are never seen in the same room at the same time. That, and the conversation that followed, as a fun bit of rp but it does seem a bit odd to rp in a game when actual rp isn't compulsory.
I guess in the way that maybe it is up to players to develop their WoW characters - largely though their actions and with a little imagination (provided exposure to WoW hasn't wrecked it completely). Therefore, largely based on what I've done I have seen some personalities develop with my three Blood Elves. I see Rithendal being a moody git - That type that prefers the company of animals to other characters. Whilst not a team player (he tends to disappear during shared quests), he still has the best interests of his fellow guild members at heart.
Beldrath meanwhile works as the sole blacksmith for the (same) guild thus making him, in my mind, one of it's strongest members. And being a paladin, I like to think of him as the noblest character in the..... golfing caddy that is my character roster.
And Naesandra, despite dying too easily, makes glyphs for her guild thus establishing her as a hard worker. And being a mage I like to think of her as studious and serious - kinda like a WoW Twilight Sparkle - only more violent.
Seriously, they even have the same fringe:
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
Planet of Sound (no.5)
Name: Alison
Birthdate: 2nd May 1989
Instruments: Keyboards / Bass
Affiliations: Tension Heads
Bio: Alison is a well-trained musician and the youngest of two children. Originally from Montreal, she came from a wealthy family. However she disapproved of her parents elitist and condescending views and sought to escape.
So she came to the US to seek her fortune and to escape her father’s disapproval of her chosen career. Seeking a room-mate she eventually ran into Thom and they bonded over music. Eventually, she was introduced to Spike and welcomed into the Planet of Sound Collective.
Alison was shy at first – no doubt out of bewilderment by the other members of the collective - but gradually became more talkative with time. When she speaks she does with intelligence, politeness and maturity. She is occasionally flirtatious with the men and always willing to provide help and musical suggestions. The youngest of the collective, Alison has nonetheless built up a partnership with Spike and John and worked together in building material for the Tension Heads. Talented on multiple instruments, Alison’s role in the band is that of playing bass and keyboards.
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