EQ2 Has a New Progression Server (But it’s Not for Me)

EverQuest 2 opened up a new server yesterday, a timelocked progression called Fallen Gate. I have such a sweet spot in my heart for EQ2 that I jump in pretty frequently even though the game has changed well beyond what I enjoy these days (and beyond what I have time to play). Even though I said I wasn’t going to play any new MMOs and I was going to settle (has it only been a week?) I found myself creating a ratonga necromancer and before I could help myself I was on the Isle of Refuge.

After completing a few quests I realized that I wasn’t really having fun. Chat was different, people were harping on one another depending on whether they played on live servers or had just returned to check out the fun. You do need a subscription to play on the TL servers, but there was a lot more animosity than I remember. There were lots of folks around and it was a joy to see, but I wasn’t feeling it. Every time previous that I had returned the rose coloured glasses that I wore lasted at least more than one play session – but not this time.

Maybe it’s because I myself was overly tired, maybe it’s because I find myself having a hard time getting into anything these days besides quick little games that I can easily jump out of, but the traditional lure that I counted on being there just wasn’t.

I logged out and spent the rest of my evening playing a silly little clicker game I picked up from the steam sale. Sometimes you just need to know what you’re in the mood for, and what you’re not.

I hope those who are playing have a fantastic time, even if it wasn’t for me. I’m sure I’ll still stop into EQ2 on occasion, but until I have more time it’s easier to just live those events vicariously through someone else.

As always, happy gaming, no matter where you find yourself!

Steam Sale Results

I ended up buying 8 new games during the steam sale (so far) this year. Since I’ve been pretty good at holding off during the previous sales there were quite a few games that I actually wanted. Plus, I don’t have a lot of time to game lately so my current selection of games was a bit outdated for my lifestyle changes (ie: I have a kid and no time, but still want to game).

My Lady was a gift from a friend, it’s a cute (short) little Otome, perfect for a few minutes of play here and there. The winners that I ended up buying were Shoppe Keep, Tabletop Simulator, and Cosmochoria. I also ended up returning one game, Junk Jack. The game felt clunky and was more suited to a tablet than it was a PC (which makes sense, because it was an import). Shoppe Keep is hilarious even though there’s not a lot to it (and it looks like the developer is calling it done even though there are some.. issues.. with it). It’s not a game I would suggest paying full price for, but on sale it’s a winner (at least to me).

Cosmochoria is adorable, and I can’t wait to dive into the other little games I bought. I was pleased that I came in around my budget for the sale (remember I said $20 total) and walked away with so many games. Not everything I buy has to be a triple A title, there’s tons of little gems out there.

Anyone else walk away from the steam sale with some gems? Let me know in comments!

11th Anniversary

11 years. That’s how long I’ve been writing here at MmoQuests. When I first started it was to collect my stories of EverQuest 2. Over the years I’ve added a lot more games to those posts, and I’ve written a total of 3,028 (3,029 with this one) articles. That’s not bad, for 11 years. If you had of asked me if I thought I’d still be writing here, 11 years later, I probably would have laughed. Shrugged. Not known the answer. I’m proud that I’ve managed to keep the blog going for that long.

Things have changed a lot in that time. I volunteered for SOE (back when they were SOE). I wrote for a video game magazine. Wrote for video game web sites. Got to travel to California to interview some wonderful people. Started working for Carbine Studios. Worked for NCSOFT.

Things have changed a lot for me in my personal life, too. I moved across the country. I got married. I’ve got a little boy. I grew up, in other words. Despite the fact that a lot has changed, a lot also stayed the same. I still have a ton of passion for video games. I know a lot of the same gamer’s. I still write as frequently as I can, which lately is once a day, but that’s still pretty new. I’m making up for lost time.

I’ve never written for an audience, I’ve always just written for myself. I get comments here and there and they’re absolutely wonderful when I do, but whether or not I get a comment doesn’t decide if I’ll continue writing and I think that’s been the one thing that has kept me going. Writing is just something I do, whether you enjoy it or not, whether you take a minute to read it.

So here’s to 11 years and here’s to 11 more. It’s been absolutely lovely.

 

Kindness

I meant to write about this a few days ago but I hadn’t gotten around to it and I want to apologize for that because it’s something I should have posted right away.

Many times now I’ve attended an event on the Sklotopolis server and commented about how RNG was just not my friend. No big deal, but after a while it does weigh on you to see people who play for only a short time show up and win some of the awesome gear.

When I went and checked my mail a few days ago I had a surprise from Wreck, an alliance mate and friend of mine. He had gifted me a complete set of black drake, created by Densetsu. I was speechless! He told me he had taken it upon himself to collect bits and pieces of drake to help create sets of gear for veteran players who had not won any. I am incredibly humbled and thankful for the gear, it looks fantastic and stands up very well to the trolls that are hanging out around my deed lately.

I know I haven’t written much about Wurm lately, but I’m still playing (just not as much as I used to, I haven’t the time at the moment). Deed work still needs to get done, animals fed, chores taken care of. I also streamed a bit of it last week while I had the chance. My merchants need to be restocked, so tonight I’m copying out recipes to send to Zuca (my merchant holder). Enchanted tools and weapons will have to wait, but I’m glad for whatever time I can find.

I know I’ve said this multiple times before, but if you’re looking for a friendly server please do check out Sklotopolis. The folks there really are some of the best I’ve met.

(The Not So) Secret World Legends

I played The Secret World when it first came out, but lets be honest here, I am a big cry baby, and I frighten easily so I never got very far. The game is terrifying. The genre makes me imagine ghosts and goblins and zombies and all sorts of evil creatures popping out of my kitchen sink or bathroom shower.

Still, it was unique. The story telling has always been top notch, and the combat (while confusing) was interesting.

When Funcom announced they were remodeling TSW into Secret World Legends, I was intrigued. I didn’t really know what would be changing, and I didn’t understand why they were doing the change even though it was explained a few times, but it DID fire up my interest again.

I figured I’d give it a try, this time with my other half and a few friends to keep me from all the evils. It’s easier to handle the genre (for me at least) with protectors near by!

Not much has changed in the revamp. Weapons and combat work differently. Classes do basically the same thing. Things don’t hit as hard. There’s people everywhere. The tutorial changed slightly but was still very much the same. Last time I played I just barely made it out of Kingsmouth to Savage Coast, and this time I’d like to actually get somewhere. I transferred over the few meager belongings I had and so far I’ve managed to complete the tutorial (again). I may even sign up for patron for a month or two if me and the other half decide to stick with things. We’ll have to see. For now I’m attempting to download the game client to my laptop to see if it will run. I have my doubts, but it would be nice.

Anyone else playing? Feel free to add Arysh to your friends list. As always, happy gaming, no matter where you find yourself.