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StarCraft II: An MMO player's perspective
StarCraft is of immense importance to the world of online gaming. It's one of the franchises responsible for establishing Blizzard Entertainment as a titan (get it!?) of the games industry. It serves, for many, as the ideal example of what an RTS game should aspire to be. And it was among the first titles to transcend one-off competitions and contests to become a global e-sport featuring pros who make the big bucks and events watched by millions. Without StarCraft, there would be no Dota 2, no League of Legends, perhaps no SMITE or Infinite Crisis. The MOBA niche, now one of the most profitable areas of online gaming, might not exist if not for the original StarCraft's custom three-lane Aeon of Strife map. StarCraft and its sequel, StarCraft II, represent the quintessential essence of small-scale online warfare. As a fan of MOBAs and an ardent lover of clicking things quickly, I took a spin in StarCraft II in an effort to better understand the foundation of the games I enjoy. What I discovered was a difficult, punishing game that demands your full attention and gives you plenty of reasons to keep coming back.
Kotaku launches "An idiot in Azeroth"
Yesterday a new series of articles began on Kotaku: "An idiot in Azeroth," written by Mark Serrels as he chronicles is very first time playing through World of Warcraft. Poor Mark may be in over his head--he is only vaguely aware of what WoW is or how it works. It took him 15 minutes to figure out how to turn the tutorials on so he would know how to play. He got eaten by a wolf and squished by a murloc. Sound familiar? The most delightful part of reading about Mark's first exploits into Azeroth is the knowing grin it brings to my face. Ah, yes -- those days! I remember that. I remember wandering aimlessly through the starting zone, trying to figure out where to find that quest item I needed, getting turned around in the woods, and getting eaten by wolves. Each of us only gets to discover Azeroth once, and reading about Mark's first forays into that world are the closest any of us will ever be to reliving the experience. I can't wait to see where it takes him. if we're lucky, perhaps it will make him one of us.
Dark Age of Camelot gears up its newbies
As part of Mythic's continued efforts to introduce a "New User Journey" experience that's friendly to Dark Age of Camelot beginners, the studio has turned its attention to the ever-crucial subject of gear. In a new dev diary by DJ Frazier, the dev spells out the problem: "For a new player who wanders into battlegrounds, especially ones like Thidranki or Molvik, they will often find themselves losing almost every fight they encounter, simply because they are playing against people who have had a chance to outfit themselves out in the best equipment they can find for their level range." Because the team fears that this armor disparity proves to be a dealbreaker for many newbies, the devs are retuning the gear that players get during their leveling up process to be more durable and competitive on the battlefield. The two main paths of leveling -- PvE questing and RvR battlegrounds -- will both offer solid picks of gear when patch 1.110 hits. Players who risk the battlegrounds will find themselves in possession of top-notch weapons and armor, whereas those who choose to quest will find themselves "90% of the way there" with their gear. Hopefully, these changes will create an environment that's much more welcoming to newcomers to DAoC.
The Daily Grind: What's the cruelest prank you've played on a new player?
We all intend to be nice to the newer players, really we do. It's not as if anyone forgets that we were new at one point, not knowing our aft launcher from our elbow in Star Trek Online. And yet for some reason, after the right barrage of questions about how you loot things in Final Fantasy XI, where you can get travel powers in City of Heroes, or how to train pistols in Fallen Earth... well, eventually you just snap. You give someone advice that isn't just bad -- it's malicious. Almost every veteran has done it at least once, ranging from assuring a player that the dragon is totally soloable to explaining that black dye is cheap and unwanted. So what's the worst thing you've ever pulled over on a new player? Was it something that got the character killed, or even worse, something that forced the player to throw away what could have been a long-term benefit? And in the unlikely event that you don't have a cruel sense of humor, have you ever been on the receiving end?
n00bz now pwnable... err, purchasable from Blizzard store
Originally previewed at BlizzCon 2009, the new collectible n00bz figures are now in the Blizzard online store. These are small, customizable action figures that are available in either a blank version or in a variety of pre-painted models from murlocs to ghouls and even Ragnaros himself. Blizzard has said they'll slowly be releasing more of these little guys as time goes on and has already offered a limited-edition n00b this past BlizzCon of Raynor from StarCraft. So, check out the n00bz and send us your pictures of them in strange places, or grab some blank n00bz and paint up your own. If you're looking for some ideas, here is a gallery of some custom n00bz that were on display at BlizzCon this past year. %Gallery-70857%
Patch 3.3 PTR: New tutorial system to be bigger, better
Patch 3.3 has had a lot of awesome small tweaks aimed at improving the starting experience for new characters and new players, likely in preparation for Cataclysm. In addition to streamlining the first few levels, Blizzard has added something else to the latest patch notes: A new tutorial system. According to the patch notes, the tutorial windows will now be larger and contain pictures and other visual cues to better direct new players where to go, what to do, or what buttons to press on the UI. In addition, new tips have been added, and other existing tips will appear at more opportune moments. With this, we have yet another good example of Blizzard's preparations going into Cataclysm. Despite having somewhere north of 10 million players, they aren't resting on their laurels, but are adjusting their game to invite in even more players, making it easier for them to get into the game, and ushering in a new era of the newbie (in a good way) for the expansion.
Sunday Morning Funnies: Good for what ails you
It's only October, and yet the cold and flu season has arrived. I'm fighting mine off with the usual prescription; soup, tea and tissues, some raiding, and of course, the Funnies. Daily Quests: Dressed for the Occasion and Look! It's a Bird!. Battlemasters: Blast from the Past. I love how much supplementary material is given with this comic. Ctrl+Alt+Del: The Nine Circles of MMO Hell. Ctrl+Alt+Del: More sillies. This one is sans Fail-Druid. This one contains Fail-Druid! Dark Legacy Comics: The Frame. LFG: Have you been awaiting what happens after the kiss? There's also a small matter that's probably just a dead bird or something. Teh Gladiators. NPC: Dreamy. Someone's got a crush! NPC: Stupid Game and On Your Side. I see a Zhevra incoming! Kuo: Smashed. World of Warcraft, eh? won its first Monthly Blizzard Comic Contest! Congrats Cadistra! NoObz: Covert Ops. This one is win! That person is awesome. This is me trying to comment without giving it all away. Beyond the Tree: Sentinel of the Hill. Noobs: Another Option. Oh my!
Sunday Morning Funnies: Swing it
Today is the beginning of Brewfest, and with it comes the opportunity to finally get your Violet Proto-Drake. Before you jump into the festivities, why not read through the latest batch of WoW-related web comics? Dark Legacy Comics: Everyone Loves Marmalade. Check out the latest from LFG. Teh Gladiators: Mayhem's the Word. The Scout Report: Scout is getting hit on in Ironforge. In fact, she's getting hounded. Noobs: Needy. Beyond the Tree: Reap What You Sow. NPC: Futility. NPC: End Game. I think after retirement, the trick will be to just not have any more birthdays! NPC: What's your DPS? Check out the latest from Kuo. World of Warcraft, eh: Good Intentions. Cru the Dwarf: and How to Swing it. NoObz: Hard at Work.
Sunday Morning Funnies: Mohawked
Welcome to another Sunday Morning Funnies, er, Shortlist Edition. It may not be as long, but the love is still there. As always, post your tips and links in the comments section, and try not to cry. Your other favorite web comics will update soon! Dark Legacy Comics: Imprisonment. Check out the latest from LFG. Teh Gladiators: "Too Soon, You Have Awakened Me Too Soon!" The Scout Report #77. There's irony in Ironforge, so watch out! Noobs: Ninja Looters. Beyond the Tree: A Bridge Too West. NPC: Side of Quinoa. NPC: Mohawked. I love the cats' expressions in the last panel! I chose not to use any of the artwork for the main image even though it relates to the title because I didn't want to ruin the fun. Experience Points: Always Read the Bottle. This is a good lesson all around kids. The latest Kuo.
Sunday Morning Funnies: Unlikely transformation
It's Sunday Morning Funnies Time! Coincidentally, this could coincide with Peanut Butter Jelly Time, if that is how you roll at breakfast. Today we explore the origin of a mysterious sound, find out how Worgen came to be Druids, and then escape from a Blizzard dungeon, all while drinking our morning coffees. Dark Legacy Comics: Clink Clink. Well that is one way to save money, isn't it? Check out the latest from LFG. Pay extra special attention to the discovery made in panel six, because it isn't made by looking! Teh Gladiators: I Am Your Father. I wonder if martial arts are a rat racial ability? The Scout Report #75 suggests that Scout may be stuck as a Gnome for awhile. She may be slow to take a hint, but she eventually figures it out, although that fight probably would've been amusing. Noobs: The Deadmines. I think someone is about to get schooled in loot etiquette. Beyond the Tree: Staggering Knowledge. NPC: Kiblets. NPC: Tail of Escape Part 1 and Tail or Escape Part 2. Part two is so awesome and adorable that I can't even begin to comment! WoW eh: Yes, Google Is That Old. I love how disinterested the Worgen looks in the last panel. Cru the Dwarf: The Exorcist. I love the artwork in this one!
Sunday Morning Funnies: Bow chicka wow wow
It's the last weekend in August, and the summer is slipping away. To soothe you, here's your regularly scheduled dose of WoW-related comic goodness. Well, except for the chicken. That's just a wee bit traumatizing. Dark Legacy Comics: Kabobs. That'd Be Sweet. GU Comics: You Have a Choice. LFG. NoObz: Supply and Demand. Teh Gladiators. The Scout Report #73 and #74. Noobs: Tauren Paladin. Beyond the Tree: The Price Steak. Experience Points: Vincent reflects on a great BlizzCon 2009. Vincent has a zombie (no wait that's Ozzy!). Steve plays with the iPhone. NPC: I'd Rather Be Hiking. NPC: Imprisonable Offense. NPC: Sunset. World of Warcraft, eh?: Nice One, Elune. World of Warcraft, eh?: The Bold and the Beautiful.
Noob could be millionth English word
Every gamer, at some point, has been called a noob. It's almost a rite of passage and it's not unique to MMOs either. Indeed such is the power of this simple word, which is short for newbie, that it could well become the millionth word in the English language.MSN are reporting that the Global Language Monitor (we've never heard of them either) have predicted that at the rate the English language is growing, the millionth word will arrive at approximately 10:22am British Summer Time on June 10th. How they can be this exact we don't know but various British newspapers, including tabloids like The Sun, to more reputable papers like The Independent, have decided that word is going to be 'noob'. Personally I was hoping for a brand new word rather than one that's been around for so long but we shall see.
Sunday Morning Funnies: Stop your orating
Howdy folks! I'm pleased to announce that not only do I have another list of newly updated comics for your enjoyment, I also have news, and not the sad "Fargo is leaving" or "Ding! did it again" news. The Adventures of Disgraph T. Dwarf has moved to a fancy new location! It is sleek, and less orange, which is what I was going to say before I checked the old site and realized that it isn't orange at all. Was it ever orange, or did Blogspot's icon somehow imprint this into my brain? Cru has the power of comedy. Dark Legacy Comics has something For Every Occasion. Flintlocke vs. the Horde is going PvP. Shakes and Fidget: New Old Friends. GU Comics has an interesting bit pertaining to MMOs. You should also know that There's a Difference, you know, even if it isn't clearly defined. Check out the latest from LFG. Noobslatoxx. Kitty Aggro from NPC comics. Mine like to hold down modifier keys. Check out the latest from Teh Gladiators. The Adventures of Disgraph T. Dwarf: Creative Writing by Blizzy. World of Warcraft, eh?: In the Beginning. Also, definitely read through her latest blog post!
Breakfast Topic: Pranks
I love in-game pranks. One of the first things our Guild Master did when we downed Patchwerk was to tell the entire raid to run through the frogger slimes, telling them to hit the slime to "get their buff". Sure enough, all the players who had never been to Naxxramas or read much about it proceeded straight through the gauntlet. The next thing we knew, there were corpses strewn all over the place and our GM proclaimed himself The Noob Killer.Back in the days of vanilla WoW, one of our favorite things to do to new raiders was initiate them by telling them to go up to the 'window' behind Golemagg the Incinerator to take a peek at Ragnaros. Hilarity ensued and repair bills skyrocketed. I certainly enjoyed the brewfest brew trick on Sapphiron, although that might warrant some serious -DKP. One of our officers' favorite tricks is to tell guildies to meet him in some major city, telling them he was going to give them something. When they finally get there, he pops a macro that strips him naked and casts Mirror Image, yelling, 'SEXYTIME!' No repair bills here, but seeing four naked trolls is certainly not worth the trip. How about you? What silly pranks have you played on guildies or friends (or even enemies)? What pranks have been played on you?
Insider Trader: The complete final stretch
For months now, Insider Trader has been diligently planning out routes to maximize your profession skills in ways that are efficient, profitable, and quick. Each week, you've stepped up and added your comments, thoughts, and professional secrets so that we can all benefit. I've aimed to replace the boredom, tedium, frustration and bankruptcy that has been the experience of many crafters, with balance, profit, knowledge, and even (gasp) fun.Now, as we round out the series, let's take a look through the guides that, together with their comments sections, will send you on a straightaway to 375.
Getting Death Knights epic in only 25 levels
Boomslang has an interesting point of view on the fact that in the next expansion, Death Knights will start at level 55. We've heard his concerns that there'll be too many Death Knights floating around, but he says that starting them out at level 55 is, in his words, "cheap." Every other class, he says, had to roll up from one, so why should Death Knights be any different?The given answer is something that we heard at BlizzCon last year: Blizzard wants this Hero class to be epic in a way that no other class has before, so they don't want anyone who can literally command death running around as a level one noob. But does that justify cutting off more than half of the Death Knight's lifespan? Can a class that you started past the halfway point really be as epic as that Hunter or Warlock that you leveled to 80 all the way up from level 1?Again, we don't yet know exactly how a Death Knight is created -- maybe there's something in the quest to get one that will explain what's going on here. And other people say that just letting the Death Knight start at 55 isn't enough -- if you get a character to level 80, you should be able to get a head start with any class, without having to go back and do all the lowbie quests again. We'll see in the expansion if Blizzard can make a class that you level only 25 levels feel as epic as they say it will.
Newcomers in the WoW community
Most games have a beginning and an end -- if people want more, the developers produce a sequel. But games like WoW are different, of course, because everyone is paying by the month in order to play together, and the developers are constantly adding some new content revising the old. As time goes by, though, a rift appears between people who have been playing a long time and people who are just getting started. Not only does the game development company have to make some hard decisions about whether it's more important to keep people playing every month or to get new people to start from the beginning, but the old players have to figure out how the new ones are going to fit into the social system they've developed.The Burning Crusade tried to appeal to both sorts of gamers, with added content for both ends of the player community, but Wrath of the Lich King is taking another direction, with most of its content only for people who are ready to leave Outland behind. But the patch 2.3 changes reveal a different strategy for attracting new WoW players: rather than adding new content to attract new players, Blizzard can just make the old content faster, more streamlined, and get new players into the new higher-level content more reliably. Will this keep new players coming? Does Blizzard even need new players, financially speaking, or are they content to just try and keep all the existing players subscribing for as long as possible? Either way, a more vital issue is at stake: As the WoW community has gotten older, we have noticed some old-time WoW players like to complain about "noobs" a lot, in a way that doesn't leave any room for new people to join in on the activities. For a newcomer, it feels like an exclusionist attitude. The "noobs" are running around in all the wrong gear, using all the wrong strategies, precisely because no one has interacted with them enough for them to learn how things are done here. Some aspects of WoW are not at all easy or intuitive, and it's counterproductive to blame the noobs instead of reaching out and lending a helping hand where appropriate.
WoW Moviewatch: Fishing for Noobs
The hunters in this video use a rather... inventive way of ganking low-level players. Consider the movie a public service announcement -- be careful what you attack, as it may bite back in nasty ways!
Microsoft keeps those gaming peripherals a comin'
Along with that new Razer-powered Habu mouse, Microsoft is busting out two more gaming devices with the realization that sometimes noobs need to get their game on too. The first one is and oldie but a goodie: they're relaunching the well-loved IntelliMouse Explorer 3.0, first launched in 2002. "People were literally carrying around their IntelliMouse Explorer 3.0s in protective glass cases," says Microsoft's Bill Jukes. The mouse includes 9,000 frames-per-second tracking along with "Precision Booster" and "Gaming Toggle" buttons. Microsoft is also cutting the cord on their Xbox 360 controller for PCs, with a new wireless version that works with your compy or 360. The IntelliMouse should be out in October for $40, with the wireless 360 controller following in December for $60.
