Hi Everybody,
Another two weeks, another episode of the Multiverse! This time, we went late night Cinemax on you. Thus, this is episode two: “Skinemax.” We had a lot of fun recording this episode and I think it shows. Editing went much quicker and I have more hosting lessons under my belt (darn my ever changing crutch word). See: shock collar.
We also changed up the music for this episode. We’re all around, as you’ll see in the notes.
I hope you enjoy it!
As always, send any questions, comments, suggestions to multiversepodcast@gmail.com. We’re also looking for guests. If you’re interested, email us there.
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Without further adieu, join us after the cut for the notes.
Show Notes: 12/4/09
- Introduction:
o What We’re Playing
o Big News –
· New Features: swimming, underwater cities and dungeons, more quests and a revamp to the questing system currently in place, new classes and skills for existing classes, new weapons, a reworked combat system that puts more emphasis on action, DirectX 10 graphics, tamable animals that can be used in the all new mounted combat system, dynamic weather, player housing and villages, and a siege system.
· Is this realistic or a bait back for players who have left?
· New Features: Level to 65, explore Mirkwood, new 3 and 6 person dungeons, a new 12 person raid where you face the Lieutenant of Dol Guldur, updated mount system, skirmishes, updated combat and mount systems, hundreds of new quests and zone updates, and more.
§ NCsoft releases the second Guild Wars II trailer
- Round Table:
o Topic #1 -Siege of Mirkwood (trailer here)
§ What’s changed and what are our impressions?
· (See above for changes)
· Chris gushes about the combat changes. Nerf to the game?
§ Are they needed, how do they change the game?
o Topic #2 – Classic vs. Modern Design (Main Topic)
§ Classic design: not necessarily quest driven; sandbox; less hand-holding; less forgiving; less directed; player freedom; harder to level; not everyone can do everything; may be considered niche; more risk taking; more “world” over “game;” meaningful crafting.
§ Modern design: quest driven; very directed; end game emphasis; very forgiving; something for everyone; everyone has the opportunity to achieve everything; theme park; more opportunities for casual play; more “game” over “world.”
§ “Fluff” content
- Host Segments:
o Ferrel’s Corner: Guild management tip of the week – What to do about that adversarial member
o Riknas’ Free Game of the Week: Dungeons and Dragons Online
o Chris’ Blog of the Week: Casual Stroll to Mordor – Episode #13
- Shout Out’s – Thank you for the support!!
o MMO Voices, Dungeons and Draenei, Kalibre Online, Guild Portal, Copperbird, Slurms, OpenEdge1 – Simple n’ Complex
- Visit our host Vagary.TV and get find new podcasts to enjoy… or get hosted!
- Send us email at multiversepodcast@gmail.com.
Music
Coheed and Cambria – Ten Speed of God’s Blood and Burial
Ne-Yo – Miss Independent
Frank Sinatra – Luck be a Lady and My Way
Soulja Boy – Kiss Me Through the Phone
All That Remains – Regret Not
Thank you so much for recommending us!
A good podcast even if I (as one of those evil casuals) can’t say I really agree with you old-timers ideas of MMOs. I played EQ back when I was in college and had oodles of time to waste and play and still do not recall my time there as fondly as you all. The making it accessible to all is something I’m definitely behind. But I’m ok with leaving some hard stuff in there for you old folks too. So long as it doesn’t grind my game to a halt or require some hardcore item from my casual tookas, I’m ok with keeping you hardcore players happy, too!
Hey Goldenstar,
No problem, you guys deserve it! I’m not as old as I might seem, lol. At 23, I have prefer classic ideas but I’m behind opening doors too. There’s a fine line between accessible and “too much” though. Where LotRO is at now is very good, I think.
Speaking of, I might be trying to find you guys online sometime. My main is on Landroval. I actually checked out your kin a while back when I was still doing the guild search.
Thanks for the comments on the show, keep up the good work!
Much better this week, you did great for your first one, but there were a few things you could of done better, but- didn’t seem to see that problem this time. I’d consider it a first time thing!
The news thing is a great edition, I like to be up to date with gamer news but theres always something I miss, we’re all human, right
? you guys focus on some games I don’t research that much so this podcast is going on my subscribe.
Going to write you an Itunes review now, just need to make an account. Well done guys.
Seemed to be a lot more energy this episode, awesome!:)
Get well soon mate
Thanks Kromus!
Out of curiosity, what was it on the first episode? We’re always looking to improve so constructive criticism is always welcome.
Just bare in mind this podcast doesn’t seem new in terms of quality, mostly because the quality is great right away, your planning system is awesome and you have good timing as to when to move on to the next segment. However;
This episode was better to me because it seemed a lot more podcast/radio like, with the energy and “fun facts” and things like that which made me laugh a lot more- less a to b and more A to B with a dance inbetween
.
The first episode some aub-topics withing a section dragged a little, I think the age of conan servers would be an example on first episode, and maybe try to make sure the same person doesn’t talk for too long without some form of interaction with the other members.
I also just generally liked the topics better in this one, aswell.
Sorry its not the best critcism- will get on to your review now
sub-topics*
Another great episode. Old school gamer here. I had a great time and miss some of those times (Asherons Call, what a game). As time passes by, I find myself enjoying things made for casuals. Could be that I am getting older.. I dont know. I am still searching for that perfect MMO, a world like .hack, with the same goggles. ;p
The last time I felt involved in a community within a game, was with WoW several years ago. I played on an RP server and BGs were available on the same server. Great feuds and alliances between players.
Extremely impressed with what you guys have so far produced. As a WoW only player, it is refreshing to be able to easily listen to news on a variety of other games. Keep it up guys. My only complaint is the wait until the next episode!
Thanks so much for the kind words and the plugs! Really it’s appreciated. I just wanted to say that I love your show and will be a continuing subscriber! Keep up the good work and Chris, we’ll be seeing you in game soon!
Thanks Merric, I’m glad you’re liking it. We’re big fans of your show so the support means a lot. I’m looking forward to joining up with you guys. Hopefully, the transfer goes through quick!
Definitely think this podcast was much better than the first. Love the news segment and all of your conversations flowed really well, like Kromus said it sounded more podcast/radio like.
I would like to throw out an idea; it’s not WoW that is molding MMO gamers today, but it’s our instant gratification I need it now fast passed society that has influenced WoW, and Blizz has just adapted to the changes.
But I firmly believe that classic and hard doesn’t mean fun. I will say that Wrath is a bit too casual. I really don’t like this idea of classic vs modern, and see it more as an evolution of the genre. But this is my one opinon.
Again, good show and great job for your second podcast. My only complaint; Riknas’ commentary on the LOTRO skirmish system, other wise good job.