Hey gang! Sorry for the lack of updates this week. It’s been hectic with the holidays, as I’m sure it’s been for all of you too. I haven’t been absent from my computer, however. Writing this blog and doing the new podcast gives me a great excuse to spend time in-game, which I do, as much as my enjoyment allows. I’m happy to report the issues with the labor board got resolved a little bit ago, so I decided to re-evaluate my gaming plans. Here’s my outlook right now:
- Fallen Earth: Back in the roster. This time around, I’m going to take a different approach. I was pleased with the “no pressure” way I took up the game before but, to be honest, it gave me a good reason to putter around far too much. I played it for a few weeks off and on and never made it past level five. On top of that, I think the ultra-laid back approach also stopped me from “clicking” with the game like so many other bloggers. It seems to be one of those games where you have to invest a decent amount of yourself into it but that gives a good return on the effort. So, I’m going to put in more, try harder, and get somewhere this time.
- LotRO: Siege of Mirkwood is on the cusp of release and with it comes Skirmishes and an enhanced combat experience. Combat alone should really spice the game up but I fully intend to spend a few days reinvesting myself into this title. Like I imagine is the case with Fallen Earth, this is a game where it took me a couple weeks of dedicated play to really start feeling like part of the world. Siege is a good chance for me to make another few levels. I swear, the Mordor expansion will be out before I ever finish Moria. But, so it goes.
- Aion/Darkfall/Moral Online: Ah, the PvP brew, also known as “games I’ll be watching instead of playing.” Let’s start with Aion, good game, lots of polish, too much grind. I’ll resubscribe when that gets addressed and not before. Like I said in the podcast, this is a game that will probably be second only to WoW but, frankly, I could wind up eating crow if they don’t get on these things. They will though. I have faith, it’s my patience I’m finding trying. Darkfall and Mortal, two very niche games that harken back to my full-loot MUD days. I love the classic concept of these titles, and will almost certainly be trying MO, but, for now, I don’t see myself adding a third subscription to my roster.
- WoW: Now, this is an important one, so take note. I’m planning on continuing to play; however, I don’t think I’ll be posting too much WoW specific stuff here anymore. As a clever commenter pointed out, there are a million WoW blogs out there and, frankly, they do the job a lot better than I do. I went the WoW route before with Fires of War and I don’t really see our community as big WoW followers. Some are, to be sure, but the stats I’ve been collecting show that most people are simply passing over the WoW posts and checking out those on Fallen Earth, Aion, and that random one about Champions. WoW is a fun game, and great fodder for wider discussion, but, like I said, not what this audience is looking for on the whole.
Now, I know what you may be asking. But Chris, that sure is a lot of games. How can you manage that many? Honestly, I probably can’t. One will dominate, like always. As I’ve grown into the MMO nomad I am, I’ve gotten better at juggling titles though, so I think I can swing back into the saddle without much trouble. Nomads learn to live on few resources. I’ll do the same with my playtime.
So, expect Game by Night to be back to its old self sooner rather than later. I’m happy to have my options back.
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