Thoughts on Elder Scrolls Online

I read over at Bio Break Syp’s post on his issues with the Elder Scrolls Online combat (e.g. lack of feedback) and that struck a chord. Like all my MMORPGs, I have phases where I am actively playing ESO, usually … Continue reading →
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Dungeon levelling and summon-alts #WoWClassic

We’re carrying on with our Classic World of Warcraft character levelling, almost exclusively via dungeons. The only quests I’ve made time for since we got high enough to start the dungeons has been Paladin class quests. We’re stuck in a … Continue reading →
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Strategic alt choices

As always happens when I’m deep into a particular MMORPG, the temptation to create “just one more alt” reared its ugly head recently. I was watching my husband make his new vulpera character in World of Warcraft, whilst also switching … Continue reading →
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Expectations regards difficulty in MMORPGs

Over the last few days we’ve played several sessions of World of Warcraft’s 8.3 patch, Visions of N’Zoth, and in parallel we’ve also played through the early parts of Neverwinter’s Undermountain content (Module 16). Playing both games it’s interesting to … Continue reading →
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Conjured food and drink

Although I’m sure it doesn’t taste that great, and the lack of variety could get on my modern-sensibility nerves, in MMORPGs I do enjoy playing with classes and items that can conjure food and/or drink. I suppose it’s less of … Continue reading →
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Visions of NZoth, patch 8.3

Yesterday saw the European launch of patch 8.3, Visions of NZoth, for World of Warcraft (retail). In about two hours we played as a duo through the first sections of the new story-line, with NPC dialogues and a host of … Continue reading →
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Weird and wonderful creatures

We’re ploughing through the Undermountain module (16) content in Neverwinter, and I wanted to post a few screenshots of the weird and wonderful creatures we’ve been encountering. This module takes us deep into the Underdark, inside the mega-dungeon of Undermountain. … Continue reading →
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Neverwinter in 2020

Well, it seems it doesn’t take much to get me to go back to a MMORPG that I enjoy playing. Especially if my husband or friends are interested in playing it. So I mentioned Neverwinter recently, and one thing led … Continue reading →
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Back in the text chat era #WoWClassic

It’s a little strange when playing World of Warcraft Classic just how much slower some aspects of the game are. Yes, the combat is fundamentally similar to World of Warcraft (retail), but the pace is noticeably slower. Characters have fewer … Continue reading →
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Delving deeper into Undermountain

As we dig deeper into the current gameplay of Neverwinter, I’m impressed with some of the sweeping changes that have come since we last played. The new zones are enjoyable and have some great non-player characters to interact with as … Continue reading →
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Undoing system changes in MMORPGs

A few random thoughts came together today when I thought of system changes in MMORPGs that I’d most want to undo. System changes in these online, ever progressing games are inevitable as it’s part of the value proposition to players … Continue reading →
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Quest failure condition overcome

Last night we decided, in our gaming trio, to return to Dungeons & Dragons Online. If we stick to the game this time our goal is to get the 2 character levels needed to get this trio started on the … Continue reading →
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Screenshot backups

I take a *lot* of screenshots when gaming, writing this blog gives me an excuse for doing so but I would probably anyway. For several years now I’ve been conscious of the need to take more regular backups of all … Continue reading →
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First rules supplement, the Signalleer

Similar to my first published module, I’ve published today my first ever D&D rules supplement. The Signalleer is a class option for the 5E ranger, by default, as an Eberron archetype with abilities and equipment themed on a magical signal … Continue reading →
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Dungeoneering in its purest form

After our second Dungeons & Dragons Online session, I decided I should post a few of my screenshots of the more interesting places and sights we’ve seen. Our characters are level 8.4 (two ranks or ‘pips’ out of 5 towards … Continue reading →
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Delving into Uldaman

In World of Warcraft Classic, we’ve just graduated from Scarlet Monastery (finally!) and taken our first run on Uldaman. This dungeon has so many nostalgia-filled memories for me personally, but for the friends I’m playing with as well. The dungeon … Continue reading →
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Environmental challenges in MMORPGs

I’ve been reading about environmental challenges in tabletop roleplaying games and started thinking what examples I could come up with from this genre. I’m talking here of ways in which a combat encounter or character’s progress can be made more … Continue reading →
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When persistence pays off

Sometimes in MMORPGs dungeon runs are just not doable, the party’s gear level isn’t high enough, or you have the wrong mix of classes to pull off a win given the challenges ahead. No amount of player skill or coordination … Continue reading →
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Of static dungeon groups

I often mention static dungeon groups in my posts since I’m usually involved in at least one at a given moment. As far as WordPress’ search tells me I’ve never really talked about this style of gameplay as the topic … Continue reading →
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Friendliness vs isolating mechanics in MMORPGs

How welcome are other player characters when you’re out and questing? Do you ever chip in to help fight or heal a stranger when out in the field? These are the questions I’m writing about in this blog post. I … Continue reading →
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Netflix goes full spoiler with short teaser for Stranger Things S4

Were still wondering how this casting decision plays out, of course.
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Meet the community still obsessing over Mass Effect 2 10 years later

From cosplay and podcasts to mods and speedruns, the ME2 community rolls on.
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Half-Life: Alyx is one step closer to existing with firm release date

Three weeks before launch, special hints will arrive as SteamVR "Home" spaces.
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What the CEO of Epic Games gets wrong about video games and politics

Or: Why video games are not like fast food, politically speaking.
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Sonic the Hedgehog film review: You can slow your roll, Sega fans

With the redesign out of the way, why else should anyone attend this video game film?
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We have no idea what to make of this bonkers trailer for The Iron Mask

"When I get the seal of the dragon, I will rule the world."
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The worlds only known Nintendo PlayStation could be yoursfor over $15,000

With 22 days to go, we assume this one-of-a-kind auction will explode in value.
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After another major E3 data leak, a gaming luminary says bye to the expo

Comes as reaction to E3 organizers' plans for the event.
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GeForce Now loses all Activision Blizzard titles weeks after launch

Overwatch, Call of Duty, World of Warcraft and more affected.
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Steam: Virtual realitys biggest-ever jump in users happened last month

We know, we knowVR is still a sliver, but that sliver sure is picking up pace.
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Altered Carbons dystopian world is back and darker than ever in S2 trailer

"Of all the godforsaken rocks we've been to, we're right back where we started."
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10 Easy Ways to Find RSS Feeds in 2020

http://www.rssmasher.com/FindRSSFeeds

Report: System Shock 3 developers are no longer employed

Involvement of Warren Spector apparently couldn't save long-planned sequel.
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Review of VideoDashboard Software by Damon Nelson

90s nostalgia: Dancing Baby does the cha-cha once more in new HD rendering

Also known as "the Oogachacka Baby," it became one of the earliest viral videos.
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Logitech debuts $169 StreamCam: A streamer-focused, USB-C webcam

Designed for those who want to make and stream videos online.
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BioWare promises substantial reinvention for year-old Anthem

"More satisfying loot experience... fulfilling end game" among long-delayed promises
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Review: Ragnorak updates Norse mythology for the modern age

Series is best when it drops clumsy climate theme, lets characters take center stage.
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The next wild Star Wars twist has emerged in a Darth Vader comic

We go to to spoiler-filled lengths to explore the revelationand guess what's to come.
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Cloudspire: a $130 MOBA for your tabletop?

There is a lot going on here.
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Capy adds easier Explore mode for freer wandering through Below

Move continues a welcome trend across all sorts of games.
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ViacomCBS plan would unify all of Star Trek (and more) in one new streaming service

CBS' service is just the launching pad, with other Viacom content to be added.
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Spacey McSpaceface: Space Force tries crowdsourcing term for members

Guardian, vanguard, sentinel already floating around, according to Space Force email.
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Locke and Key series was worth the wait

Comics creator Joe Hill: "I think this is the story in the best possible version."
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Metro Exodus comes to Steam after a year of Epic Games Store exclusivity

Valve calls the move "unfair" after lengthy Steam pre-order period.
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Birds of Prey review: Margot Robbie and the fantabulous redemption of DC

A spoiler-free ode to the surprise comic-film romp of the year.
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15 co-op games to play with your partner this Valentines Day

We pick a few games to enjoy with another, whether they're a newbie or hardcore.
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Hell freezes over as Netflix finally lets users turn off autoplaying previews

Maybe we're not living the worst possible timeline after all.
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The Big Lebowskis Jesus Quintana is back in first trailer for The Jesus Rolls

It's less a sequel to The Big Lebowski than a remake of 1974 French film Going Places.
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Microsoft gaming chief says Amazon, Google are his real competition

Statement suggests expanding cloud focus for Microsoft's coming gaming efforts.
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Take Two stock dips as Rockstar scribe Dan Houser announces departure

Grand Theft Auto, Red Dead scribe was famously reclusive with the press.
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RIP Stadia? Nvidias newly launched cloud-gaming service is (mostly) a stunner

GeForce Now works with hundreds of games you may already own, includes free tier.
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