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Choose My Adventure: Beyond Bree-land
This week in my Lord of the Rings Online journey, it's all about making that big choice to go further east of Bree-land into the desolate Lone-lands or to head north through Trestlebridge and see what the North Downs have in store. With last week's vote pointing me toward a final destination of Everswim... er, Evendim, it might make the most sense to head north. But I had to make a little detour at the Forsaken Inn first.
Choose My Adventure: Introducing Ehrdred the Warden
Last week, you voted for me to begin my Lord of the Rings Online adventure with a brand-new character instead of using an existing one. Luckily for me, one of my favorite parts of LotRO is the new-player experience! Memories came flooding back from my first characters and their experiences traversing Middle-earth, but a lot has changed since then. I created my Man Warden on the Landroval server according to last week's voting and quickly jumped into the Archet questline. After several hours and 16 levels later, I realized that I needed to slow down and let you decide my fate before I got any further. So let's get these votes going so I can play more!
Choose My Adventure: Revisiting Middle-earth
The people have spoken, and the people want me to play Lord of the Rings Online! With 449 votes (26.6% of the total vote), LotRO edged out APB: Reloaded to be the game that I'll be playing for the next six weeks in this edition of Choose My Adventure. But the question is: How will I play the game? LotRO is one of those classic MMOs with so much content that we won't be hurting for choices. I bought the lifetime option when the game launched, making me a current VIP, so this should open up some additional options. For this first week, you'll be choosing how I begin. Should I use an existing character or start fresh? Check out the polls after the jump below while I try to remember my account name and password.
Choose My Adventure: These are a few of my favorite things
It's good to be back in the Choose My Adventure seat, and I'm very excited about the MMOs I have up in the polls this time around. In the past, I've always done Choose My Adventure as a roleplaying series and had fun doing it. I've been a glutton for punishment and stood to the challenges thrown at me by the readers (namely, playing "bad" games on purpose). This time, though, I've chosen a handful of my favorite games (that haven't already been written in a CMA since 2011), and I'm going to focus more on exploring the chosen game and giving my impressions of what I'm seeing. Not to say that this will be anything approaching a review, but I'm just looking forward to jumping in to one of these games and letting you know what treasures (or travesties) I find. So follow me after the jump to read more on the games I've selected for nomination and to vote for how I'll spend the next six weeks in Choose My Adventure.
Choose My Adventure: Saying goodbye to Firefall's New Eden
For the last five weeks, I've plasma-rifled, jet-booted, and resource-thumped my way through the exotic world of Firefall's New Eden. I've killed many bugs. I've fallen from many waterfalls. I've drowned in many deeper-than-expected bodies of water. And most of all, I've had many funs (I assure you that is the proper way of saying it). Sadly, all good things must end. And while this edition of Choose My Adventure comes to a close this week, our own Shawn Schuster will be leaping into the fray next week to ask for your input on which game we should play next. Time has a way of rolling on, after all, and there are so many games worth playing! But that's next week. Today, let's talk final thoughts.
Choose My Adventure: Firefall's content bomb and a missed invasion
In last week's Choose My Adventure poll, I asked the Firefall community one simple question: What, exactly, is there to do in Firefall besides run around and hook up with random thumping squads? Firefall-ers responded with passion, of course, and sent me on my merry way to experience one of the intense invasions suffered by a couple of key New Eden cities. I return now a grizzled man. My time on the frontlines was as brutal as it was enjoyable. I'm not sure my loved ones will recognize the old me behind the thousand-yard stare that has taken over my face. In short, I've seen things. Unfortunately, none of those things was an invasion.
Choose My Adventure: Next stop in Firefall, whirling death tornado
In last week's Choose My Adventure poll, I asked three simple questions of the Massively community: What should I do, how should I do it, and how pretty should I look whilst doing so? The response was definitive; voters steered me toward PvE content, which I would approach with a mercenary "what's in it for me" attitude while wearing fabulous copper armor. We also had a chance to leap into the game during CMA Live, with experienced Firefall-ers turning out in droves to take me on a whirlwind adventure through some of the game's most intense dynamic content. Overall, it's been a fun week of crushing Ares missions, repelling Chosen invasions, and of course, thumping the heck out of some resources. But there's plenty left to do.
Choose My Adventure: Earning my Firefall rocket boots
The votes are in. The people have spoken. Now, it's time to play. Last week's Choose My Adventure column, the first one centered on Firefall, presented a couple of choices related to the very basics of creating our character and giving him or her reason to fight. Voters enthusiastically chose a beaten-down man with one hope for redemption -- and unwittingly fulfilled my personal fantasy to create a game hero based on Nicolas Cage's character in Con Air. Voters also chose from among Firefall's five battleframes, with the jack-of-all-trades Assault frame beating out the smash-it-in-the-face Dreadnaught frame by just 26 votes. So, to recap: We have created a character who's an ex-con with no reason to live, handed him an assault rifle, and dropped him into a violent world where pretty much anything goes. This is getting good.
Choose My Adventure: Firefalling
Well folks, it was an epic battle. The communities of Firefall and Fallen Earth rolled out in force to support their favorite game in last week's Choose My Adventure poll, and the contest came right down to the wire with thousands of votes pouring in from both sides. Most impressively, despite the efforts of a few bad-apple commenters and forum trolls, it was a war fought with courtesy and genuine respect for the passions of the competing community. Well done. It's true that only one game can win a slot in Choose My Adventure, and this time around Firefall topped the charts. But let's take a moment to recognize the awesome turnout from both groups of fans. Your communities called you to action, and you responded with dedication and enthusiasm. Frankly, that's the type of stuff we love to see.
Choose My Adventure: Put me in, coach
Every games writer must wonder, at some point in his career, whether he is in fact horrible at video games. Be the game Dota 2, EVE Online, or any of the other titles that make up my weekly play schedule, I worry I'm much better at having a good time than I am at actually manipulating game mechanics and making them perform the way I would want. But it doesn't have to be that way. Yes, dear friends -- I can change. I just can't do it alone. I need your help to become the most powerful, handsome, talented, handsome, elite-geared, handsome video gamester in all the world. It's up to you to Choose My Adventure and in doing so to decide which title offers me the best chance of becoming a golden gaming god and offers you the best chance to be my tough-but-fair coach who is totally a lovable teddy bear underneath all the swearing and yelling.
Choose My Adventure: Putting the finishing touches on our Darkfall project
Well, that just about does it. After weeks of your directing me through Darkfall Unholy Wars, our Choose My Adventure project is almost completed. We just have a few finishing touches to add before wrapping up -- namely, sieges! What romp through the wilds of Agon would be complete without experiencing the thrill of clan territorial warfare? You all couldn't let me leave without participating in a few sieges (which won over warfare on water by a narrow margin), and the server seemed more than willing to oblige. From small skirmishes infiltrating the cities of enemies to an all-out war to protect our own, I had the chance to fight -- and occasionally die -- in a few different sieges this past week. Considering I was still fairly new and fighting against a number of vets from the original Darkfall with years of practice under their belts, I didn't do too shabbily. Perhaps more importantly, I had fun through it all.%Gallery-187735%
Choose My Adventure: Building on the clan experience in Darkfall
Boy, MJ's Misadventureland is really coming along! Hiring a few more hands sure has sped things up; you wouldn't even recognize the project now compared to even just one week ago. But isn't that the whole point of Choose My Adventure -- to watch the adventure that you're building develop and unfold? Well, that and to snicker at your Massively guinea pigs... we know. Having gone into this particular adventure knowing that Darkfall Unholy Wars was not a game meant for the solo soul, I knew that it was only a matter of time before I found myself in a clan to experience more of the heart of the game, which just so happens to be clan warfare. And trust me, the clan wasted no time throwing me into the thick of things once you put me in one. Although I do think starting off solo was important to get the real experience Darkfall any new player would (after all, most find a clan after first logging in), this week really has shown me a whole new game. I'd just scratched the surface before, the skin if you will, and now I've peered into the heart and seen the seedy underbelly as well.%Gallery-187735%
Choose My Adventure: Beyond the walls of safety in Darkfall
Man up MJ, you said. Forsake the fetters of safety and wander the wilds of the world. Yes, folks, for the next phase of our Choose My Adventure project, you directed me to leave the confines of the starting cities and surrounding lands to explore and harvest in the unprotected areas in Darkfall Unholy Wars. That, and get familiar with the workbench for crafting. So said you all, and so I did. I ran little Emey Brokenclaw beyond the bounds of the safe zones and introduced her to the vast lands stretching across Agon. I enjoyed some exciting experiences as well as learned quite a few things during that journey, though not necessarily what you'd expect.%Gallery-187735%
Choose My Adventure: Framing my first foray in Darkfall
Break time's over! Now it's time to roll up our sleeves and get back to work building our latest Choose My Adventure. The first order of business is to establish the framework for the rest of our Darkfall Unholy Wars (mis)adventures. Of course, we can't just build willy-nilly; we need to follow a plan. And as with any major construction project, we couldn't really move forward until said plan was OKed by the planning commission. So while we waited for the foundation to set, we sought approval for which type of structure to base our continuing adventures on. And as is wont to happen with committees, there was trouble coming to a consensus; even though the proposed models were all pretty similar, disagreement arose as to which to pick. However, after some debate (one proposal won by only one vote!), we finally got the go ahead: The final word was to build a Mahirim Deadeye. I'm on it, boss!%Gallery-187735%
Choose My Adventure: Pouring the foundation in Darkfall
It's relocation time! Although there were plenty of tempting properties spread around various locales to choose from, once the bidding wars began, Darkfall Unholy Wars grabbed the lead and refused to let go. So we're packing up our tools and moving to Agon to get this Choose My Adventure project started. And considering the whole neighborhood just went through a recent renovation, I'm sure we'll fit right in building our new retreat. Now, we just need... hm, where did we put those blueprints? Do we even have blueprints? No? Well, no matter; you can just give me the instructions as we go. Rome wasn't built in a day, and we've got five more weeks to work together to create this new retreat. I've got to tell you, I'm quite excited for this venture. One of the greatest things about the CMA series is that it forces us to finally dive in and check out games we've been wanting to but never quite "found the time." Once it becomes a part of your daily job, you have no choice but to make the time! Darkfall was always one of those games for me, and my curiosity and interest was piqued even more with Unholy Wars. So let's get this started. First, we need a foundation.
Choose My Adventure: Extreme DIY makeover edition
Life may be like a box of chocolates, but gaming is like a Do-It-Yourself project. It may not be as mouth-watering an analogy, but it is certainly fitting: MMOs are a giant construction zone where players build their own experiences in a virtual world using tools from the game and their own imagination. Each project is a unique undertaking, bearing the personal touches of the builder, whether the builder is an individual or a group like a guild. Some players prefer to build a single residence and settle in, while others enjoy moving from project to project, exploring new territory and testing new tools. Me? I tend toward the former; I'm the kind who tinkers around in one place over a long period of time. But all that's about to change. Again. That's right, folks; it's my turn to break ground on yet another Choose My Adventure! For the next six weeks I am leaving the comfy confines of my familiar surroundings and allowing you to direct my next MMO project. Yes, my dear Massively friends, you will be the foreman of this endeavor, determining every step of the construction, from where I'll build my newest experience to what tools I'll get to use.
Choose My Adventure: Star Trek Online VI - The Rediscovered Country
Captain's Log, Stardate 86291.3. My hearing with Starfleet Command resulted in a promotion to Commander, command of a new ship, and full command of the USS Xiang Yu pending the new ship's completion. It also resulted in a trip to the infirmary after I passed out in shock. After the Xiang Yu's several military deployments, my new mission aboard the ship is much simpler. Despite Starfleet's growing data about the Gamma and Delta quadrants, there remain large stretches of the Alpha Quadrant yet unexplored. My crew will be seeking out intelligent life within these areas of space, seeking to establish peaceful relationships and expand the Federation. It's been only a short time since I was first placed in temporary command, but it seems to have stuck. Our ship's cannons are ready, our scanners have been upgraded, and our expanded crew roster is acclimating. There's an entire galaxy to explore out there. I look forward to going where no one has gone before.
Choose My Adventure: Star Trek Online V - The Almost-Final Installment
Captain's Log, Stardate 86273.2. I make this entry knowing that this may be my final entry as captain of the USS Xiang Yu. In the event that the worst comes to pass, this will serve as my final record. Three days ago, I received a priority message from Starfleet Command ordering me to investigate an uncharted region of space off of the Hromi Cluster. Once the ship had reached the assigned coordinates, our warp core suffered an unexpected failure, stranding us with only auxiliary power. With no means to contact Starfleet, I ordered the evacuation of all non-senior staff on shuttlepods. After two days, we realized that the cause of the failure was sabotage caused by an Undine operative who had replaced our Operations officer. While we were able to repair the damage and neutralize the operative, we learned that many of the shuttlepods had already been rigged to plot random courses and then shut down. I am returning to Starfleet now to report on these events and face a potential court martial for my failures.
Choose My Adventure: Star Trek Online IV - The Voyage Nowhere
Captain's log, Stardate 86253.9. After collecting stolen goods from several Ferengi traders in the area, the USS Xiang Yu has been sent on a dangerous mission to retrieve a defector from the Klingon Empire. The only expected resistance is a handful of ground forces and a lone potential cruiser. Following this mission we are set for shore leave for at least a week, which should give the crew a chance to relax and unwind. Unfortunately, our shore leave will be confined to a dingy and unpleasant trading station, thus rather curtailing my hopes. Morale has been low following an escalating series of minor incidents, including a shipwide system failure caused by my first officer attempting to rewire the internal chronometer. As it turns out, she was submitting her latest duty officer report one day late and was worried I would have her demoted. I've asked my chief engineer to put together a fashion show in the hopes that it might distract the crew.
Choose My Adventure: Star Trek Online III - The search for the Foundry
Captain's log, Stardate 86234.1. The USS Xiang Yu is reporting back to Starfleet Headquarters for a debriefing following a mission containing a cascading temporal anomaly linked to the ship's warp signature. My first officer has been asked to give a report on the observable effects of the phenomenon and what might be done in the future to prevent a similar incident from reoccurring. During what should have been a fairly simple search and rescue assignment, the Xiang Yu was trapped in a repeated cycle of destruction and temporal displacement. Upon closer examination, my chief engineer identified a concentration of chroniton signatures that corresponded with the impact points of torpedoes during an earlier engagement with the Orion Syndicate. Her theory is that these weapons were somehow responsible for this phenomenon. My first officer, meanwhile, is convinced that interpersonal relationships are in some way connected to this incident. I am occasionally unclear why Admiral Celeste encourages her in this fashion.
