Category Archives: RMT

GW2: One step forward, two steps back for the genre

Posted on September 24, 2012 by SynCaine

Keen has a report card out for GW2, and while I think the grades are a bit high, I agree overall with his assessment. In short, GW2 is a good game, but a month in its pretty clear GW2 is … Continue reading →

Posted in Combat Systems, Guild Wars, MMO design, PvP, Rant, RMT, RvR | 65 Comments

GW2: Broken Jack of Trades

Posted on September 17, 2012 by SynCaine

GW2 has a serious identity crisis. Is it an ultra-casual MMO that rewards everyone for everything? Is it an e-sport title for competitive 5v5 teams? Is it an updated DAoC focused on RvR? Is it a WoW clone, or the … Continue reading →

Posted in Combat Systems, crafting, Guild Wars, MMO design, PvP, Rant, RMT | 15 Comments

Captain Gevlon going down with the Tortanic

Posted on August 8, 2012 by SynCaine

And… back! Vacation was very nice, thanks for asking. TAGN did a very nice job filling in for me on the SW:TOR failure front. I agree with everything in his post, and will only add one thing; while it’s obvious … Continue reading →

Posted in EVE Online, Inquisition Clan, MMO design, Rant, RMT, SW:TOR, World of Warcraft | 12 Comments

How I paid for my vacation

Posted on July 26, 2012 by SynCaine

I knew buying Zynga was a brilliant move! At some point, one of these ‘expert analysts’ is going to mention that, perhaps, in order to make money in the gaming sector, you might want to try making a good game, … Continue reading →

Posted in Mass Media, Rant, RMT | 6 Comments

Mainstream dilution, core gamer evolution

Posted on July 20, 2012 by SynCaine

I’m glad people enjoyed the article I linked to yesterday, and I wish I had seen it earlier as I really believe it does an excellent job breaking down how certain companies approach creating ‘games’ and also who is actually … Continue reading →

Posted in MMO design, Random, Rant, RMT | 16 Comments

Best thing written about gaming (ever?)

Posted on July 19, 2012 by SynCaine

This is required reading. If you don’t read this start to finish right meow you will be forced to turn in your “gamer” card. My thoughts on all of it are coming ‘soon’. H/T to Shiolle for the link.

Posted in MMO design, Random, RMT | 28 Comments

It’s not contagious, is it?

Posted on July 18, 2012 by SynCaine

Grade-A trolling folks. Just next level blogging at its finest. If we could get more of this kind of content and less D&D, Tobold might be worth reading again. After reading Tobold, go re-read EA Louse. It was great the … Continue reading →

Posted in Rant, RMT, SW:TOR, Ultima Online, Warhammer Online | 14 Comments

Atlantica Online is on Steam, still sadly F2P

Posted on July 5, 2012 by SynCaine

Atlantica Online is now on Steam, which triggered “hey let’s see if Atlantica is as good as I remember it”, with the bonus that I’m playing it with my wife this time. I feel like Atlantica holds a very special … Continue reading →

Posted in Atlantica Online, Rant, RMT | 2 Comments

Out-voted

Posted on June 26, 2012 by SynCaine

A box-only game is successful if people buy the box. How they feel about what’s inside the box after the sale is only important if you intend to start or maintain a franchise. If this is a one-off game, whether … Continue reading →

Posted in EVE Online, League of Legends, Lord of the Rings Online, MMO design, Random, Rant, RMT, World of Warcraft | 24 Comments

Yes yes, but how much for The One Ring already?

Posted on June 26, 2012 by SynCaine

When did Turbine change its motto to “Bend over loyal players and take it”? First $70 for a LoTRO expansion, and now $50 for DDO’s? Oh and be sure to pick up the half-orc race for just $20. So much … Continue reading →

Posted in Lord of the Rings Online, Random, Rant, RMT | 8 Comments