Monthly Archives: March 2013

The Tortanic band is still playing everyone!

Posted on March 29, 2013 by SynCaine

There is a lot that can be said about this piece from Massively about SW:TOR, but it’s Friday so I’ll just get right to the good stuff: Based on BioWare’s pre-launch metrics, the team expected players to get through the … Continue reading →

Posted in Random, Rant, SW:TOR | 15 Comments

Devilish details

Posted on March 27, 2013 by SynCaine

Yesterday’s post got some interesting replies, not the least of which is this post over at KTR. It got me wondering if I just over-focus on some things, or if other MMO players don’t see them or don’t care about … Continue reading →

Posted in Asheron's Call, beta, Combat Systems, Darkfall Online, MMO design | 38 Comments

DF:UW – The brilliance of the prowess system

Posted on March 25, 2013 by SynCaine

The appeal of a “use and improve” system to character progression is easy to understand, in part because it mimics real life. Want to get better at something? Do it (practice). Unfortunately sometimes being ‘realistic’ does not work in the … Continue reading →

Posted in beta, Combat Systems, crafting, Darkfall Online, MMO design, PvP | 48 Comments

Eador: Masters of a Broken World pre-order

Posted on March 25, 2013 by SynCaine

If you like deep TBS, this will likely be the best $20 you spend this year. The title being available on GoG.com is a pretty sweet bonus as well.

Posted in Eador | Comments Off on Eador: Masters of a Broken World pre-order

Graphics creating gameplay

Posted on March 20, 2013 by SynCaine

I find this post from City State (Camelot Unchained) mostly on point. It’s a good read, and I want to focus on one line in particular: “There’s not a tradeoff between graphics and gameplay when the graphics are the gameplay.” … Continue reading →

Posted in Camelot Unchained, Darkfall Online, MMO design | 8 Comments

Digging out of the hole

Posted on March 16, 2013 by SynCaine

Oh EA. Someone has already proven your game can be played offline just fine, yet now you insult the dummies who bought your village simulator AND MMO fans by calling your pile of junk an MMO? Only EA (and maybe … Continue reading →

Posted in Random | 10 Comments

Fallen Enchantress, SimCity, Darkfall, Kickstarter

Posted on March 12, 2013 by SynCaine

I picked up Fallen Enchantress when it was on sale. The main problem I have with the game is it’s not Eador, which is unfair to FE itself but such is life. It’s not bad, and has some interesting systems, … Continue reading →

Posted in Darkfall Online, Random, The Sims 3 | 19 Comments

Forcing the issue

Posted on March 6, 2013 by SynCaine

Yesterday the topic of Origin holding back SimCity and other titles focused on the player’s perspective. Today I want to focus on the devs. Imagine you’re part of the team creating SimCity, and some suit from EA tells you to … Continue reading →

Posted in Random, Rant | 20 Comments

Problem at the source

Posted on March 4, 2013 by SynCaine

I consider myself a fan of SimCity in general, and the upcoming release should be on my radar. The game requiring you to log into EA’s Origin is a dealbreaker. No matter how great this new version is, I’m simply … Continue reading →

Posted in Diablo 3, Random | 36 Comments