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Gears 2 'Snowblind Map Pack' coming March 31, title update on March 24
If you tire of brutishly halving your enemies in the same boring Gears of War 2 locales, a recent Epic Games announcement will likely thrill you to death -- on March 31, the title's second batch of downloadable arenas, titled the "Snowblind Map Pack," will find its way onto Xbox Live, bringing four new maps to the chainsaw party: Grindyard, Under Hill, Courtyard and Fuel Depot, a remake of a map from Gears the First. No price has been announced -- we're assuming it'll be around the same 800 price point of the "Combustible Map Pack."Arguably more exciting than this, however, was Epic's announcement that the oft-discussed retooled ranking system will be coming to the game the week before "Snowblind" drops -- a title update on March 24 will (mostly) eschew the criticized TrueSkill system in favor of a more intuitive, experience point-based system. Players will earn experience points for scoring in public matches, rising up to level 100. They'll even unlock achievements at set levels (5, 15, 25, 50 and 100) -- we also hear that "Cole Train" evolves into "Cole Barge" at level 60. Gotta curb stomp 'em all!
Sunday Morning Funnies: Scrapbooking profession
This week's list has some real gems, including a new comic: Awkward Zombie: Nicked. I love this one! Cru the Dwarf actually listens sometimes! Experience Points: It's time to dig up a little scratch. Dark Legacy Comics: The Oracle. Check out the latest Flintlocke vs. the Horde. GU Comics: Salted Yeti Cheese. This should be especially relevant to people who are still farming their polar bear mount! The latest LFG made me laugh out loud. I'm kind of glad that I wasn't sipping my drink at the time. My poor keyboard can't take much more. Monkey Punchers: Hopeless. NoObz: Ninja. The newcomer to the list is a web comic that is just starting up, called NPC, or Non-Player Character, by Mary Varn. Check out the first comics, Pandering and Lies. Teh Gladiators: At Least I Had Chicken.... World of Warcraft, eh?: Don't Tase Me, Bro. Grinders: Head in the Clouds. Penny Arcade: This is Actually a Real Thing.
World of Warcraft as evolutionary model
This must be the time of year for zany social theories about videogames. First, we heard that World of Warcraft might quality as being a religion. Then we heard that it might make for better citizens. And now, in an essay over at Gamasutra on the event of Charles Darwin's birthday, Noah Falstein suggests that games like World of Warcraft are actually models for evolution -- as we level up with experience points, our characters get stronger and more evolved, and we feel comfortable with that because that's exactly what we see happening in the world around us.Technically, of course, you can't model Darwin's theory of evolution with a single character -- evolution isn't about one individual getting better, it's about a process of natural selection in a species over a period of time. To really model evolution, you'd have to play hundreds of alts, and quit them each time you ran into a problem, leaving you with just a few characters that worked really well. Wait -- maybe some of you are already doing that.But Falstein makes good points in saying that certain elements of what Darwin described as evolution have shown up in game design as well -- the idea of specialization for certain character classes, tribal and national allegiances, and even the idea of memes (which are certainly widespread in WoW -- anyone ever heard of Chuck Norris or Leroy Jenkins?) are all drawn from Darwin's thinking and definitely embodied in the game we play.
Sunday Morning Funnies: Mind your Elders
As I'm sure you all have heard by now, one of our favorite comics, Flintlocke vs the Horde, is slated to be set aside. Its creator, Dave "Fargo" Kosak, landed a shiny new job at Blizzard helping to give the game we all love some extra oomph. Fortunately, the storyline won't just be dropped, and you can expect it to wind up sometime in April. In response to reader Keyra's thoughts on last week's Ding! comic, I would like to offer my own. I would have to bet that almost every single person who has played WoW for any length of time at all does ponder why none of their farmers seem to have skulls, or why you can't get enough blood out of a giant monster to fill even one vial. We've all joked about it too. I mean gee, if only I could learn to rip off Troll ears without dismembering them into tiny chunks, I'd be in business. The lame jokes crop up on almost every quest with a poor drop rate, and I don't personally feel that the comic took it any further than I ever have, or any of my uninspired friends (no offense guys). It isn't that there isn't a humorous element to it, but that it's been done better in-game while roaming around by ourselves. I'm thrilled that you liked it, I just wanted to explain why so many of us are bucking it, other than that we miss the old stuff. Enough rambling, here are the comics: Cru the Dwarf: Deserous had better watch out, because someone intends to exact revenge. I don't blame him either, what Deserous did was mean. /sniffles. Speaking of sad stories, maybe you ungrateful masses should start treating your Elders better. Dark Legacy Comics knows how they feel. Experience Points knows what some of you really pray about (please don't send me hatemail, because I don't know what you pray about. It was all a gimmick to work this comic into a sentence when I haven't had my coffee yet). They also know that not all dogs make good anti-burlar hunter pets. Flintlocke and his overzealous ladyfriend are suddenly in a hurry to flee the scene. GU Comics: Lucky Red Envelopes. Now this orc isn't as respectful of his elders. Think of the poor elders! Shakes and Fidget learn that Two is Better than One (or well, maybe not). Check out the latest from LFG. Manic Graffiti: Noobcow and Monster Anatomy 101. NoObz: Laaag. Coincidentally, if you scroll down to the blurb beneath the comic, there's yet another confirmation that no one listens to their elders. I was afraid to look. This week's Ding! is definitely an improvement of sorts. The story is funnier, although not really in the comic format. Maybe if it had been told by a talented comedic writer, or as entertainment on a Podcast? I'd even take it as a guildie tale over Vent in between pulls. Still, I suppose I like pictures of people with their mouths open to show that they are indeed talking. Teh Gladiators: The Ten Storms. I love the artwork in this one! By saying this, I will totally ruin any of the funny in the note from the author beneath the comic strip, but I totally choked on my water when I read the first part of the second paragraph. In all seriousness though, I'm one of this comic's biggest fans, so you totally have a following. The Adventures of Disgraph T. Dwarf: Lunar LoLs. There is less beaver in the latest artwork from World of Warcraft, eh? than there was the comic before, but it is definitely the sexy we were all promised. Go girl power and however you say that nowadays.
Sunday Morning Funnies: Your nerf stick
This week, the Funnies are back on a Sunday that is actually a Sunday, and not a fake Sunday. While I do enjoy pretending, I figured I should probably keep it simple. The weeks where "morning" seems to mean "afternoon" are tricky enough! It seems that Cru the Dwarf needs to hurry. I hate being asked for heals. What do people think I'm doing other than staring at their bars, anyway? Still, healers shouldn't really walk away in the middle of a raid without saying they'll brb. Experience Points. Blood Elves sometimes get a little carried away when it comes to power (or hair). This week on Flintlocke vs. the Horde, the main "belf" gets a taste of it. I don't think she listens well either, what with all of that rage. Luckily, in the end, she gets a new hair accessory! Flintlocke vs. the Horde. Caught any coins lately? GU Comics: The Ruse. Check out the latest from LFG. Manic Graffiti will be undergoing some changes. NoObz illustrates how Youth has changed over the years. Unlike last week, when Ding! simply had not updated (perfectly preferable to the previous week), this week, there is indeed a comic. This was (is?) one of my favorites, so I'm hoping that it picks up again. If you really want to look, don't say I didn't warn you, while trying not to be blunt and trollish. Put Down Your Nerf Stick! says Teh Gladiators. Oh noes, Disgraph has not been updated! Nor was Dark Legacy Comics, come to think of it. The Scout Report also seems to be sans update, and its navigation bar is still a bit wonky. World of Warcraft, eh, also did not deliver on the promised sexy filler art. I'm not criticizing, I'm just QQ'ing. There's a difference. Clearly, our fave comic artists should always be around to entertain us for free. It's a thin list. What's a gal to do? Improvise! Check out a discussion about fun WoW pranks. BRK always has something hilarious in a pinch! Adam has a new 'Silent Bob' approach to raiding. Ghostcrawler made an unintentional funny! Well I laughed, anyway. In case it gets hit with an editing bat, the beginning of this particular blue response was, "From our POV, we assume you have Rel@%#%@hment just like we assume you have a tank."
Sunday Morning Funnies: On a Monday!
or, "They possess more flying fish than I expected."Although it is Monday, this morning I am going to pretend that it is in fact, Sunday. After all, no one really likes Mondays, even if they're manic. Luckily for you, I have quite the list of comics for your enjoyment! Awkward Zombie has posted another WoW-related comic, Stinking With Portals. Cru the Dwarf is now on page 72 of his echoing through time. Dark Legacy Comics points out the No-Fly Zone. I lean towards agreeing with them that the general placement of said zone is inconvenient. It seems to be a conspiracy on the part of the Flightmasters to convince me to pay them to fly me to Coldarra or Sholazar Basin. Have you ever wondered what life would be like if your reputation gains worked the same way as in-game? Actually, have you ever considered bravely sending a special someone an in-game gift? Experience Points has. In Flintlocke vs. the Horde, there seems to be a disagreement about who should be included as an adventuring buddy. GU Comics is Looking for Clever. Actually, Woody is looking to whore hire himself out! Check out the various ways you can put him to work and get some cool, collectible, and/or custom stuff. Check out the latest from LFG. Manic Graffiti always gets me smiling! Check out, Noobcow and Lame Jokes Heard While Waiting for PuGs to Start. Massive Pwnage has an inkling of what might be better than WoW. You Should See PvP. I always knew Flapcat was better than Ally-bird! Air Superiority was determined this past week on Monkey Punchers. NoObz points out that, especially for noobs, World of Warcraft can be a source of Stress. I know that many of you last week were disappointed with Ding!'s re-return, and unfortunately, there's no new comic this week. Teh Gladiators: Ping-Pong. World of Warcraft, eh? warns, You Won't Like Me When I'm Angry. The Scout Report has posted #63 and I love it. Unfortunately, I found out that when I tried to hit "Previous" to see if I had missed any other comics since last Sunday, it took me back to #52. So I recommend either jumping back five comics, or just reading from #52 if you think you've missed a couple! From The Adventures of Disgraph T. Dwarf comes Nuts Make Me Giggle. On this musical-fruit-note, I end this week's list!
Sunday Morning Funnies: Duel for the birds
This week, I have a nice sizeable list for you all! It seems that most artists are back and hard at work. I also have added a new comic for the list, so get comfortable and start reading. Cru the Dwarf seems to have steered into some trouble. On top of that, he's gone and gotten everyone lost! Dark Legacy Comics has The Shoveltusk Problem. Experience Points relays tales of a raid. A battle's going down For the Birds. Check out the latest from LFG. Thanks for your comment last week, boo. Technically, this list is for WoW-related comics. Sometimes I include comics for other games or MMO's in general, if the subject matter seems relevant to something WoW players experience, such as lag or loot issues. I include LFG because many people consider it to be appropriate here, and because I think that it is something that WoW players would likely enjoy. The classes and races are familiar, and it isn't too difficult to skim back even a few comics to find the beginning of the current storyline. GU Comics presents Mr. Zappy Pants, a bit of a collaborative project. All of you Dalaran chefs out there might just relate to these comics from Manic Graffiti: Noobcow and the Wine and Cheese Platter and High Crime Rates in Dalaran. So many players seem to be in such a Rush. NoObz sees you skipping quest text. From The Adventures of Disgraph T. Dwarf comes, I See Dead Dragons. World of Warcraft, eh? presents Hat Trick. Extra Life has this piece of advice: Go With What You Know. Massive Pwnge, a newbie to the list, presents Clammy. Teh Gladiators are up to more adventures, in shiny new locations. On The Scout Report, we learn a little about the origin of the name Scout. Ding! tells us a bit about Free Falling.
Sunday Morning Funnies: If you don't, the diabeetus will
It's another Sunday, and slowly, the absent comic artists are returning. I know some of you have been asking about Shakes and Fidget, as well as Ding!, and though Ding! is still on a bit of a hiatus, Shakes and Fidget has updated. Even Dark Legacy Comics and Disgraph are back at it! Echoes Through Time is the latest from Cru the Dwarf. It's nice to see artists dedicated to their work, even while on vacation. Pencil and Paper for the win! Experience Points shows us that even pros can make hunter pet errors. Especially when he's been hanging out on voice chat. Episode 10, part 5, of Flintlocke vs. The Horde is For the Birds. Shakes and Fidget has finally updated, with All Good Things Come From Above. GU Comics demands, Show Me the Funny. You definitely have to read the blurb underneath the comic, if you aren't in the habit of doing so. Check out the latest from LFG. Manic Graffiti presents Noobcow and Now We Hate You For Reals. NoObz is Too Cute. From The Adventures of Disgraph T. Dwarf comes Tuskarr Troubles. If you're a little confused, check out last week's notes. World of Warcraft, eh? presents, We're Thinning Out Their Numbers.
Sunday Morning Funnies: Moo for Hulkor
Although the holidays are beginning to simmer down, many people are still traveling, sleeping in, and otherwise busy with family or recreational activities. Check out this week's list of comics. It's short, but sweet! Donald for Algernon from Dark Legacy Comics. The title, and to some extent, the concept, are a reference to the Daniel Keyes novel, Flowers for Algernon. Experience Points offers up some wisdom at 80. You won't want to miss Flintlocke's holiday special. LFG needs somebody to lean on. NoObz is having a Crisis. On Teh Gladiators, it's a Family Affair. On The Scout Report, the Ogres have finally been paid. World of Warcraft, eh? released Eight Crazy Nights.
Sunday Morning Funnies: Smawt in the bwain!
In case you might have forgotten, like I almost did, today is yet another Sunday. The stores are crowded, the kids are home from school, and competing to finish your dailies is a little more stressful. Why not relax with your weekly dose of WoW-related comics? Flintlocke has been terrorizing Darnassus. Donald's Dedumbification is the latest Dark Legacy Comics entry. Experience Points examines the economy, and the obviously unforeseen consequences of username choices. Check out Simple Minds from Extra Life. Check out LFG's latest. Noobcow Pugs a Heroic. Teh Gladiators presents Stupid is the New Black. WoW, eh? hosts another guest comic.
Sunday Morning Funnies: Orphan kibble
It is another Sunday, and there are only 11 sleeps until Christmas. Or, more accurately, one day until the Feast of Winter Veil and a mere two maintenance days between now and the 25th, when Greatfather Winter leaves presents for all. Gigz's Recipe Book from Dark Legacy Comics. Experience Points writes a letter to Santa. Episode 9, part five of Flintlocke vs. The Horde: When Orcs Attack. Visions of LFG. Manic Graffiti: Noobcow and the Ocular. NoObz presents Night Fever. Ding! and the rush to 80. The Scout Report shows us that the Scryers really know how to party. Teh Gladiators: It All Starts in Borean Tundra. World of Warcraft, eh? shows us the most vicious mob and the most Canadian pit stop in Northrend. Now, for something different, check out Galertruby's Guide to Preparing for 10-Man Naxx. He might be jawless, but he knows the score.
Sunday Morning Funnies: Your mom is hardcore
This is the first Sunday in December, and I have a nice long list of comics for your perusal. Perhaps you could enjoy a seasonal chocolate beverage while you read, although I should caution you that your keyboard can't take many more episodes of you spitting out your drinks in laughter. Piggyback from Dark Legacy Comics shows us that vehicles have rights. Experience Points does the Wrath Gate event. Check out the latest from Flintlocke vs. the Horde. Wish Shakes and Fidget a hearty Welcome to Northrend. GU Comics wants to remind you to Honor they Father too. LFG is witnessing some changes. Manic Graffiti presents Noobcow and the Days of Jaina's Lives. Monkey Punchers shows us that not everyone wants Candle. In fact, some people No Want Candle. NoObz suggests that not all AFK'ers are actually away from the keyboard. Some may even be hard at work, in a way. Kissybear samples Death Knighthood. Kissybear starts to feel lonely. The Outland adventures of your favorite Teh Gladiators characters comes to a conclusion with Epilogue. What could they possibly get up to in Northrend? On The Scout Report, persuasiveness and persistence start to pay off.
Sunday Morning Funnies: Promotion
Today, you're in for a real treat because the list is extra long. This is partially due to some recent reader submissions, so leave a comment or send us a tip if you find a WoW-related webcomic. Foreman Horace from Dark Legacy Comics. Promotions are not always as fortunate as they seem. Reader Tarian submitted one of his own comics about Death Knights. End Guy Blues. I think someone on CTRL+ALT+DEL is having a bad week. /kisses! Sleeping with the expansion is the topic of this week's Experience Points. On Flintlocke vs. the Horde, you see a Horde-Alliance encounter. The Running Orc. A rather disappointing comic (in my opinion) from Shakes and Fidget, Epilog. Why so glum? GU Comics always asks the best questions. Fox Trot by Bill Amend was WoW-themed on November 16th. Thanks J. for the tip! Check out the latest from LFG. From Manic Graffiti comes The Disappearing Dwarf and Other Stories. NoObz talks about a First. It's clearly WoW-inspired. Ding! has two new additions I thought I'd mention. Check out why Death Knights might make you sad, and learn what Kissybear thinks of achievements. On The Scout Report, the ogres are still posing quite a problem. Teh Gladiators: And Then There Was One. Cadychan submitted his own site, and this week's comic was a guest comic drawn by Temris R. called Napoleon Bloodelf.
Sunday Morning Funnies: Arthusian Flu
This is the first Sunday since Wrath of the Lich King was released, and there are plenty of Wrath-related comics today to amuse you. A Dark Legacy PSA from Dark Legacy Comics. Experience Points waits in line and ponders the crowd of Death Knights. Extra Life: Shattrath is a Ghost Town. Flintlocke vs. The Horde: A Cunning Plan. Check out LFG's latest comic. Manic Graffiti's Noobcow has a Plan B. Monkey Punchers hits up a Wrath midnight launch party with Midnight Priorities. Roxxor from NoObz. Ding! features Kissybear's Guide to Wrath of the Lich King! This is completed in several parts. After the introduction is an explanation of the raiding situation just prior to Wrath, and then an assessment of the new Death Knight class. Ding! also discusses one of the most important things you will need to learn how to do in order to be successful at the expansion. Finally, Kissybear shows us what other WoW players did to prepare for the expansion. Be sure to check out Teh Gladiators' latest.
Sunday Morning Funnies: Boom shaka laka!
The expansion is drawing near, but for now, all I have to offer you folks is a brand spanking new list of comics. Well, except the first entry, it is not new. New to the list maybe but not "new" new. You see my point. Now get reading! Experience Points by Scott Johnson is a new comic for this list. Check out their most recent WoW-related entry. Dark Legacy Comics: Haircut. I hope Blizz adds in new hairstyles soon. Most of my characters switched just for the achievement, and then switched back! Flintlocke vs. The Horde: A Cunning Plan. Shakes and Fidget: Surprise. There are at least two surprises in this comic. A Little of Both from GU Comics. The latest from LFG. Where the Heck is the AH?! from Teh Gladiators. The latest from Scout Report. You might want to click back a few, as it seems the Ogres have been a little overly ambitious.
World of Warcraft players will earn experience points in PvP
We almost missed this major revelation on our sister site WoW Insider -- we might not have caught it if Eurogamer hadn't. Deep within WoW Insider's excellent liveblog of the World of Warcraft PvP panel at Blizzcon, you'll find that Blizzard reps let slip that players will soon be able to earn experience points in addition to honor in PvP.That's already possible in WoW's new competitor Warhammer Online, in which it is essentially just as viable to level up to the cap in PvP as it is in PvE. The WoW devs are likely responding to the competition, knowing that they might lose big fans of PvP to WAR. In that vein, they're also ensuring that daily PvP quests are available from levels 10 - 80.It's hard not to look at this as a good change. The only argument against it we can think of is that if a player levels from 10 - 80 entirely in the battlegrounds, he or she will not have the necessary experience to run instances and raids at later levels if a change of course is desired. But that seems like a fairly minor criticism of a long-needed addition to the game.
Breakfast Topic: Saving quests
In the weeks previous to the release of the Burning Crusade some of my friends were considering saving up a number of quests to turn in once the expansion hit to boost their leveling toward 70. At the time it seemed absurd. You may have a bunch of quests to turn in, but they'd be all over the map, that's what questing was like back in the pre-BC day. I just wanted to get in and get through the Dark Portal. It may be a viable strategy once Wrath of the Lich King comes out. Taking a look at my alts, some of them still have tons of Netherstorm and Shadowmoon Valley quests. Since it takes 779,700 experience points to go from level 69 to 70, I suspect it'll be around 850,000 to get from 7o to 71. This meas a log full of 25 shiny, complete quests at 10,000-15,000 XP a pop will take you nearly half the way to the next level. It's not something I'd do on my main character, but I would consider it with an alt. What's your take on saving up quests for quick WotLK XP?
