One Shots: The people pillar
How are MMOs different than real life? There are many answers to that question, but our opening screenshot today reminds me that I don't actively seek to run into a sweaty, heaving mass of humanity just because they'll provide localized healing and damage boosts. Everyone always tries to use that excuse at conventions, and all I come away with is an intestinal debuff.
Reader Eri had this observation while playing a recent beta: "Firefall seems to have quite a few community events regularly going on and it always amuses me at the end how it devolves into the ancient art of people stacking. This tower was during the stress test a month or so ago after a few invasions had finished. There were a lot of people around and a rival tower was being built in Sunken Harbour as well. Everyone was laughing and having a lot of fun, talking in chat while serving as a human pillar, and there was usually a dance party going on at the bottom of it. While this one did get big, apparently the dastardly Sunken Harbour Folks beat us."
Are you ready to jump into the people pile? If so, we've got more for you after the break!
It's good to remember that even if you're just checking out a game or spending a couple of days in beta, there's always the opportunity to take and pass along a few pictures! Reader François gets the One Shots golden star this week for going deep into Mog country and coming back with proof.
"I took advantage of FFXIV's free playing time to take some pretty screenshots," he said. "My character is Arckes Liez, from the Japanese server Ixion. Here is a shot to showcase the beautiful world Square-Enix has designed. It's generally very serene, despite all of the murderous creatures running amok. And then there are just superb locations, like this one. Carbuncle is not impressed."
I recently posed an underwater screenshot challenge, and reader Becca rose to the occasion. She gets the One Shots silver star, which grants her a value-sized soft drink and small fries at Poppa McNuffin's Chow Shack. Ignore the dog in front of the door, Becca; he's all bark and only a very little bite. Probably want to have your rabies vaccinations up to date, though.
Becca sets the scene: "While I really dislike putting Vanguard's bugs on display, they were so hilarious at times that I just had to take screenshots. In the lower left-hand corner is my boat, the proud Death Betty, riding the ocean floor despite my character furiously spamming her /bailwater emote."
Everyone having fun tackling Taco in Guild Wars 2? Just remember the rallying cry, "If it's overflow, it's going to fail!" That always brings a tear to my eye.
Reader Christian has this jaw-dropping photo from that fight: "I've always liked the world boss fights even though they get a lot of flack from other players. This screenie is of my Elementalist (and everyone else) running for her life after getting hit by Tequatl the Sunless' Fear spell. It also looks like we're running away from his bad breath. Really, even the dog was running away."
This week's screenshot challenge should be a cinch: I'd like you to take a picture of your character lounging or hanging out in a local tavern. I don't think you'll have a problem finding one of those, will you now? Remember, special One Shots star stickers can be yours for the best screenshots!
Want to be featured in a future edition of One Shots? Send your favorite MMO screenshots to oneshots@massively.com, and don't forget to include your name, the name of the game, and a description of the scene. Large, colorful, UI-free shots that tell a story and really show off the game make for the best images. Look ma, we brought back One Shots!
