Author Archives: SynCaine

Unknown's avatar

About SynCaine

Former hardcore raider turned casual gamer.

Fallout 4: Survival mode thoughts

Posted on May 23, 2016 by SynCaine

With the release of Far Harbor, I’ve started up a new game of Fallout 4 on the newish Survivor difficulty. I haven’t made it beyond the first starter quest for Far Harbor, but I have seen enough of Survivor mode … Continue reading →

Posted in Fallout 3 | 7 Comments

EVE: The hardcore and casual partnership

Posted on May 19, 2016 by SynCaine

Too often we talk about hardcore vs casual players in an MMO from a content perspective. Raiding is for the hardcore, the main quest must be casual, form X of PvP is hardcore, form Y is casual, etc. How you … Continue reading →

Posted in EVE Online, MMO design, World of Warcraft | 8 Comments

EVE: New player experience, done Goon-right

Posted on May 16, 2016 by SynCaine

According to ‘sources‘, 51% of all new EVE player quit within the first 2 hours. I suspect that two hour timeframe is generous, as my guess would be a lot actually quit sooner. If you go into the game totally … Continue reading →

Posted in EVE Online, Goons, MMO design | 2 Comments

EVE: On the board

Posted on May 13, 2016 by SynCaine

No big deal, just first combat in 4 years and kill shotting like a bitter vet. Edit: Victory short lived, next engagement enemy went for the big target (me) and pop I go. Good times!

Posted in EVE Online | Comments Off on EVE: On the board

EVE:Grunt work

Posted on May 13, 2016 by SynCaine

Undocks do happen in the Imperium! Our current actions, of which I now understand about 5% of, feel very much like trench warfare. We grind to gain an inch, the enemy grinds back to retake it, and on we go. … Continue reading →

Posted in EVE Online | 1 Comment

EVE: If the shoe fits

Posted on May 10, 2016 by SynCaine

In two hours I was part of the ‘end-game’ in EVE Online. In two hours and about fifteen minutes, I was pretty mad at myself for waiting this long to return to EVE. I also have a dozen blog posts … Continue reading →

Posted in EVE Online, Goons, MMO design | 5 Comments

EVE: SynCaine is back among the stars

Posted on May 9, 2016 by SynCaine

I’ve resubbed my main account in EVE Online. Yup. A few reasons for this. One being that I don’t see another MMO coming anytime soon that will take up my time. Crowfall alpha is happening, and I do fire that … Continue reading →

Posted in EVE Online | 5 Comments

EVE: Another example of making ISK the smart way

Posted on May 5, 2016 by SynCaine

These kinds of stories are what make EVE so unique. A smart individual doing something of note to make some serious ISK without having to play ten accounts 24/7 hauling junk between stations. These are the people who get news … Continue reading →

Posted in EVE Online | Comments Off on EVE: Another example of making ISK the smart way

CR: Cards come a little easier

Posted on May 3, 2016 by SynCaine

Big patch today in the world of Clash Royale (isn’t it fun to play a mobile game that gets updated more than once every 6 months, with balance changes too no less!), one that will shake up the meta considerable … Continue reading →

Posted in Clash Royale | 3 Comments

Give LotRO a proper ending

Posted on April 29, 2016 by SynCaine

LotRO and I have a long history. It was one of the first MMOs I played with my wife that she really got into, and for a time I enjoyed the game despite its many issues. Its one of the … Continue reading →

Posted in Lord of the Rings Online | 1 Comment