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2.4 leaves hunters low on mana
Since patch 2.4, hunters have been having some problems. Aside from the outrage over the fact that our traps are now announced, we seem to be having issues with mana. On the forums, hunters are not seeing much love from the non-hunter crowd, but I suppose that is to be expected. It is important to note however, that our mana efficiency is an intended attribute of our class. We are useful, not solely, but arguably primarily, because we can provide sustainable, long-term DPS. No, we don't crit like mages. In a boss fight though, we can keep going after mages short out.Why are hunters all of a sudden having issues with mana? There are a few theories floating around, but we have yet to be graced with a blue response. Take the jump to learn more about why this might be happening.
Cats remain hard to please in Yume Neko DS
As if any further evidence were required, Yume Neko DS proves that cats are overly fussy buggers considerably more complex and high-maintenance than their canine counterparts. For example, whereas Nintendogs had us keeping an eye on our puppy's hunger, thirst, and general cleanliness, the cats in Yume Neko DS need to be kept content on seven different fronts, including hunger, thirst, cleanliness, stamina, energy, overall happiness, and even claw care.These new screens from Dengeki also reveal more on the game's interior design mode, as well as showcasing a few of the sixty breeds the game will feature (happily, this blogger's favorite is included). So, will Yume Neko DS provide the longevity that the otherwise excellent Nintendogs lacked? Probably not, but hey, look: cute widdle kittens.
Yume Neko DS: Cat-approved
As admitted fans of both cats and adorable pictures of cats, we'd like to extend our thanks to whoever at Famitsu decided to go document the Cat Cafe Calico/Yume Neko DS event. Sega's marketing for this game has been note-perfect, serving mostly to remind people that cats are cute. Not only do the pictures demonstrate the staff's acceptance of Yume Neko DS into their environment, you can also see the promotional materials available at the cafe. Mostly, however, Famitsu took pictures of the cuddly bunch just hanging out and being adorable. Also there are a few screens, if, for some reason, you'd want to see those.
Blizzard Worldwide Invitational gets a goody bag
Preparations for the Blizzard Worldwide Invitational are in full swing. Tickets are on sale for the event, which will take place on June 28th and 29th in Paris, France. Of course, your ticket gives you access to both days, but what Blizzard event ticket wouldn't be complete without a good old fashioned goody bag? Blizzard goody bags usually contains some pretty awesome swag (check out the contents of the Blizzcon '07 goody bag if you need a refresher), and it looks like this bag won't be any different. So far, Blizzard has revealed that you can expect to find a beta key for an upcoming Blizzard game and an exclusive in-game pet for the World of Warcraft in your bag. There's no word on which game the beta will be, which makes me wonder if it might even be an as yet unannounced title. After all, They've told us that Starcraft 2 and Wrath of the Lich King will be playable at the event, so it might be a bit late to hand out beta keys for those games. Then again, perhaps I'm just really, really wishing for a new Diablo game. They're keeping mum on the identity of the in-game pet so far as well. We've already had 2 Murloc-related rewards from the Blizzcons, so with Wrath of the Lich King coming out, perhaps we'll see a pet Gorloc. Then again, Murlocs might be a little played out, so I'm going to root for a penguin, I think. Blizzard's promised to reveal more about the contents of the goody bag as the date of the Invitational draws nearer, so hopefully we'll have more news for you on that front soon. Of course, if the goody bag alone isn't quite enough, Blizzard's promised that there will be exclusive commemorative swag to win in contests or buy at the event as well, just like at last year's Blizzcon. Be sure to keep your browser tuned right here to WoW Insider, we'll let you in on all future loot announcements and all the Worldwide Invitational news as it happens.
BigRedKitty: The Lurker Below Hunter-guide movie
Daniel Howell contributes BigRedKitty, a column with strategies, tips and tricks for and about the hunter class, sprinkled with a healthy dose of completely improper, sometimes libelous, personal commentary.Everything you ever wanted to know about The Lurker Below, Serpentshrine Cavern, The World of Warcraft, Hunterism, and Life Itself is right here, right now, oh yeah! OK, OK. That's overboard, even for us. Ahem. We hope you like our little movie on how we play our hunter when fighting The Lurker Below in SSC. Better?For those interested in WoWWebStats reports, here's a link to the anonymous report of this fight. We are Titan, Hobbes is Aristocat. You are most welcome to download this movie (36.4MB) by right-clicking here. A great big Thank You to the WoWInsider editors for allowing us to publish this movie both here and on our little blog at the same time! Daniel Howell continues his quest to enslave... NO, EDUCATE! yeah, educate the WoW-playing masses as the hunter-pet duo extraordinaire known to lore as BigRedKitty. More of his theorycrafting and slanderous belittling of the lesser classes can be found at www.bigredkitty.net.
Around Azeroth: Big Willy
You all remember Sleepy Willy? He was one of the three pet rewards for doing the Children's Week quests. Show the Outland orphans all the war and carnage that infests the lands and in exchange for that touching moment, they give up their prize pet. I guess you never thought to ask where they got that pet, now did you? Dopervius of Impulse Raiders on the Stormrage realm has provided us the answer.Do you have any unusual World of Warcraft images that are just collecting dust in your screenshots folder? Because we'd love to see it on Around Azeroth! Sharing your screenshot is as simple as e-mailing aroundazeroth@wow.com with a copy of your shot and a brief explanation of the scene. You could be featured here next! Remember to include your player name, server and/or guild if you want it mentioned. We prefer full screen shots without the UI showing. And please, no more sunsets. This means you. I'm not kidding, yours is not the exception. No, really. Sigh.%Gallery-1816%
Friday Video: This dog has a hunger for Miis
When house pets attack (video games) must be the theme for the FFV this week, as DSF is featuring a frisky feline and we here at Wii Fanboy present a dog with a dislike for all things Mii. As you can see above, its mouth claps open and shut as it tries to consume the virtual representation of a real human being. We just fear that once the dog puts two and two together, it'll realize that attacking Miis in the real world is much more satisfying. Also, real life Miis probably taste better.
LoN: Inquisitor launches today
The third set in the Legends of Norrath digital trading card game, Inquisitor launches today. Since we wrote up our first look last month, we've discovered a few new things. Mostly our unhealthy obsession with loot cards. You see, in every pack of cards you buy, there is a chance to get one card that can be redeemed for an item within EverQuest or EverQuest II. And I don't mean just a souvenir loincloth or a +2 Ring of Useless Stat. I mean shiny things like unique mounts, snazzy cloaks, new titles, new pets and new weapon graphics. Did we mention the shiny?? Loot cards that can be redeemed for EQ and loot cards that can be redeemed for EQ2 are profiled on the official LoN site. If you are looking to get your hands on your own shiny, a weekend LoN: Inquisitor tournament starts today. %Gallery-17086%
Scattered Shots: The line of sight between hunters and the Arenas
I'd like to take a break from the hunter leveling goodness we've had the last few weeks in Scattered Shots to take a look at where hunters stand as a class in Arena PvP, and where we might be going in the future. Blizzard developer Kalgan's measurement of how the different classes are faring in the Arena got me thinking quite a bit about the state of hunters -- currently functioning at the lowest place with 50% or less representation in the three Arena types at high rating brackets, followed by mages and shamans, in the 2vs2 Arena especially.What in the world is causing such a huge discrepancy between hunters and other classes when it comes to high-rating arena representation? When I play in Arenas and Battlegrounds, I don't feel like my class is somehow deficient or underpowered. My team's Arena rating is average -- we're not the best, but not the worst either. When I get beaten, I usually feel like the other team actually played better (or outgeared us, at least), so it's rather hard to see what's so messed up about hunters.The most obvious issue I can think might be the issue is that of Line of Sight. Hunters obviously have a rough time shooting at things behind sort of obstacle. In battlegrounds there are more wide open spaces, so it seems less of an issue there, but in Arenas it can get fairly annoying. Classes like warlocks and shadowpriests can just put a damage-over-time spell on you, and then hide behind a pillar, while druids can move freely around obstacles to give them plenty of time to heal themselves between your attacks. Warriors and other melee classes can hide for a bit, then get in so close that you can't use your best ranged abilities on them for a few seconds until you can somehow get away.
Yume Neko DS promoted to cat lovers
If anyone would be likely to buy and enjoy a game about taking care of virtual cats, you would expect it to be patrons of a cafe where people pay to spend time in the company of cats. That's why Sega's partnership with Cat Cafe Calico is so brilliant.The Tokyo cafe has 18 friendly cats (and one dog) "on staff" to hang out and play with cafe customers. It is frequented by people whose apartments or busy lifestyles make a cat of their own impossible. Or people who just really like cats. From March 26th to May 6th, those cat enthusiasts will all receive a Yume Neko DS postcard and seals upon entering Calico, which will be decorated in a Yume Neko DS theme and will play the game's music.
CoX 48-month vet reward goes live today
Time sure does fly when you play MMOs. The City of Heroes community team has officially unveiled the 48-month veteran rewards (yes, you read that right, that's four years!) for players who have been around since the beginning. In addition to a "Battle Hardened Badge," long-time players will get their choice of a summoned pet power. They can pick from a Light Fairy, Dark Fairy, Blue Wisp, Red Wisp, Shield Oscillator, Power Oscillator, Shield Drone, or Power Drone. Each kind of pet gives a specific bonus to the player and his team, so be extra careful which one you pick.The existence of these pets was leaked last week (they're already up on the ParagonWiki, for instance), but it was widely believed that they were a hoax. According to players on the test server, the buffs they give can be substantial, and if you get a group of vets together, the group buffs stack. Granted, the pets have awful resistances and barely a drop of HP, but their buffs are strong enough that they seem to be getting the kind of proper reception you would hope to see for a four year veteran reward. The rewards should take effect after the live update this morning.
This is how you do a trailer with no gameplay footage
We vaguely remember Sega's Yume Neko DS to be some kind of Nintendog-esque virtual cat game. At this point, we want to buy it right now, because Sega's trailer is perfect. Except for the whole not one second of gameplay being shown bit. But is the actual game going to be better than cute kittens?That's right, instead of showing off the game's graphics or features, Sega just created a video of four and a half minutes of cute kittens. We support the adoption of the "kitten footage" style for more game trailers -- we'd rather stare at kittens than know what games are about. Mew!
Insert cute pet story here
About 3 months ago I got my first pet. His name is Max, and is a grey domestic short hair cat. He was a stray that was scratching at my apartment door on a very cold November evening. At the time it was decided that he was just going to stick around for the night, but he grew on us so quickly that we weren't able to let him go. He now is a happy member of my family, and just like the rest of them, he has to put up with me playing World of Warcraft.Except, it's not really "putting up with" WoW, it's more like "intensely interested in what's going on." Max will often times spend the whole four hours of the night's raid spread across the desk staring at my computer screen. He'll react to the sounds, the bright flashes of light, and occasionally even other in game cats. When someone says "lol" and their character laughs, he'll jump and stare down the speaker the laugh came from.
Tiny ogres in the PTR make me happy
Blizzard's bugs continue to confound. This was the sight on the PTR this weekend (Mania saw it too) -- miniature ogres and Taurens and oversized pets (including warlock and hunter pets and even some noncombat pets). We have no idea at all why Blizzard would be tweaking sizes (although this isn't the first time, and nor will it probably be the last that this happens), but whatever they're messing around with is weirding out the size factors all over the places.The good news is that this is exactly what the "Public Test Realm" is for, and these problems are more amusing than anything else. But the bad news is that this definitely means that Blizzard is still monkeying with the code pretty hardcore. If your guess for the patch 2.4 release is in the first week or so of March, you might be a little early.
Scattered Shots: Pets at level 10
Every week, Brian Karasek and David Bowers bring you help, tips and advice for the leveling Hunter in Scattered Shots. For those veterans looking for high end Hunter goodness, BRK is back on active duty. This post is part of the Hunter Leveling Guide. You probably know by now that Big Red Kitty refers to himself as "we" in all his articles. For the longest time I thought this was just him being silly, but with his return to WoW Insider after a long hiatus, he explained that this is actually a kind of philosophical statement as to the oneness of hunter and pet.You needn't worry that we (being Brian and I) will start trying to mimic him, but he really does have a good point. When a hunter reaches level 10 and gains his or her first pet, your pet becomes an extension of yourself, and an incredible source of power. The game suddenly gets very easy, and enemies start dying very fast. In effect, with a pet at your side, you become your own tank-damage-healing group all by yourself, able to finesse the control over your character and pet alike to achieve all sorts of neat stuff.
Phoenix pet drop found
Thanks to tipster Panagiotis of <Horde Hit Squad> (EU-Mazrigos-A), and to valiant PTR testers, we now know where patch 2.4's new non-combat Phoenix Hatchling pet can be found: it drops from Kael'thas, in Magister's Terrace. This is kind of cute if you think about it, since the version of Kael'thas in the Eye drops the Ashes of Al'ar. Big Kael'thas, big phoenix; little Kael'thas, little phoenix. According to MMO-Champion, it drops it normal mode, but not in Heroic. If you need any help with your normal-mode Kael'thas strategy, check out this video. Still unknown is what the drop rate is. I'd guess pretty low, as these "frill" items tend to be that way (Baron's mount, anyone?).
2.4 may herald new bag types
World of Raids has been releasing information by the bucket loads, and one intriguing little morsel has caught our eye: The addition of four new bag types, marked "Leatherworking Supplies," "Soulbound Equipment," "Vanity Pets," and a fourth one simply marked "Unused." Almost any vanity pet fanatic will tell you that one of the hardest things to do is deciding what to delete to make room for your newest little friend, or which pet to take out of the bank and parade about when heading out to quest, grind, or raid. The idea of making vanity pets easier to store and carry has been one that's been a perennial topic of the suggestion boards and an issue dear to the hearts of every pet fanatic who's set up elaborate trade agreements with the other faction or spent countless hours in Zangarmarsh just to make sure they got ALL the vanity pets possible, and it looks as if Blizzard has finally answered their prayers. The leatherworking supplies bag is a bit harder to pin down. We already have a leatherworking bag category, so this may be simply a shuffling of data. As far as a soulbound items bag goes, if it simply allows any type of soulbound item or gear, and comes in sizes greater than the current 18 slot standard, this could be great salvation for any class who carries around an extra set of gear for various situations, be they a Druid with tank, DPS, and healing sets, or a raider with various resist sets. Of course, we can't say for sure yet if these new categories will be used right away for Sunwell loot or recipes, or whether they're simply in reserve for possible future use, but the prospect of more bag space has this druid drooling.
Wowhead evolves again
The best WoW database site (in my opinion) just got better. Several features have been added to Wowhead over the past couple days; as the site's "Adorable Bearcat Overlord" Miyari notes, they are perhaps not strictly essential (her term is "icing"), but nice to have anyway. My favorite addition is that users' comments will now be annotated with the patch number that was in effect when the comment was made, so you can more easily spot information that might be outdated (see screenshot).Alchemical recipes that are attained via discovery are now noted as such under the "source" tab, and the corresponded spells will state their provenance as well. Elixirs will now be annotated as to whether they are Battle or Guardian elixirs. Pet skills will now show which pets can learn the skill, as well as which mobs can teach the skill. And finally, tradeskill spells will show at what skill levels they change from orange to yellow, green, and gray. I say well done, Wowhead folks! If you have any ideas for how Wowhead can improve, hit up the their Site Feeback forum.
Receive the gift of Mojo, ugliest pet frog of them all
Are you the type of person who needs a new pet every once in a while? Sometimes, do you feel like there just aren't enough loyal followers to your name? Well if you're a World of Warcraft player, look no further than Zul'Aman, because for the price of a quick trip and an innocent blown kiss you can have your very own pet frog!The place in question is just in front of Zul'Aman -- don't worry about going inside. Specifically, to the lower right side of front gate, there should be a troll named Prigmon. He normally shows no interest in talking to anybody -- simply resigning himself to his work. However, if you see fit to blow the lonely troll a kiss, he'll respond with, "Feeling' a little froggy, are ya?" and will proceed to gift to you a non-combat pet named Mojo. Of course, he happens to be a frog and quite a poorly textured one at that.We're curious to see if this is something that Blizzard purposely left for players to find or simply some kind of glitch. Or, maybe it's there simply unknown by most people within the developer except for some sly sneaky programmer.[UPDATED] Edited to note that if you /kiss Mojo, he will turn you into a frog and then fall in love with you. He also whispers random things to you such as "Your lily pad or mine?"[UPDATED x2] This was apparently a bug. Prigmon has been hotfixed, and no longer gives you a Mojo of your very own.
World of WarCrafts: Kibler's Bits
Every Wednesday World of WarCrafts features a recipe or craft that teaches you how to make own real life version of in-game recipes and items. This week I am posing as Maureen, who's out sick. Hope you get better soon! The previous articles have done a great job providing nourishment, refreshment, and personal hygiene for all of the WoW players out there. But what about their real life pets? ...What? You know, those things close to the floor that look at you with big eyes, begging for your attention. "Just one more BG." you tell them. As a noob hunter with 1 cat in game and 2 of them fighting for lap space irl, this week I give you Kibler's Bits! Kibler's Bits1 Buzzard Meat, Boneless1/8 cup Kitty Crunchies1/8 cup of Canned Pumpkin6 inch by 6 inch Waxed Paper Mix the Buzzard Meat, Kitty Crunchies, and Canned Pumpkin in a small bowl. Place mixture in the center of the Waxed Paper. Use one side of the Waxed Paper to cover and then proceed to roll it up. Twist the ends. Freeze for 1 hour or until firm (not frozen). Cut in half to serve. Makes 2 tasty treats. Substitutions: If you're all out of buzzard, chicken nuggets or meatless chick'n nuggets work great. Those kitties on special diets won't know the difference if weight-loss or anti-hairball cat food is mixed in. Enjoy!
