2014

Molten Core Completed

stargrace December 23, 2014 0Comment

I wanted to run Molten Core (the anniversary version) at least once to get the 640 ilevel helm and the corehound mount. I had heard that it was a soul sucking raid with no loot from any of the numerous bosses except the final one, and that I should expect to spend a few hours there.

Everyone who told me that was right.

Needless to say, I won’t be going back, not even for my alts. I don’t know who designed the revamped raid, but it felt like an insult to nostalgia instead of a tribute. My priest is now at 620 ilevel which is pretty low, and it’s no wonder as I have barely played since WoD released. I had fun the first few days but then the garrison grind caught up to me and I fizzled out much like I did with Pandaria and the dailies from that expansion. By the time I’m done my garrison chores, I just don’t have the time (or the energy) to play, so I log out.

At least I got a neat mount out of it, right?

Gaming

Trials with Landmark Combat

stargrace December 20, 2014 0Comment

Players in Landmark are able to do some incredible things, but without a combat system (aside from pvp) the game didn’t really feel like a ‘game’. After a 48 hour downtime, there are now creatures added, so I decided to log in and see what was new. Turns out, a lot.

Unfortunately Landmark doesn’t have any sort of tutorial system, or even a way in game for players to get caught up to date, so when you play you’re basically just tossed in. To make sure you don’t spend 90% of your time frustrated, I highly suggest people check out guides and tips / tricks on the forums first, especially when it comes to combat. Im sure these things will have a place as the game develops further, but for now you’ll have to rely on previous MMO experience when trying to figure things out.

The first thing I did was attempt to craft a beginner sword, and then aimed that sword at the first creature I found. That was probably a mistake, I was dead from a vicious plant creature faster than it took me to craft the sword. There was no way (that I could tell) to judge the difficulty of the encounter, I didn’t see anything on the UI at least. The UI hud was confusing as I had never encountered that before either and had nothing to go on when it came to what part represented what.

With that being said, the game is still as lovely as ever. I’m just worried that by the time the game actually releases, there won’t be much hype left to build up. Due to the complete revamp it feels like the game has been discussed up and down for quite some time. We’ll just have to see I suppose.

As always, happy gaming, no matter where you find yourself!

Gaming

Xanadu Impalong

stargrace December 19, 2014 0Comment

Once or twice a year, depending on the server, a player run event takes place called an “impalong”. Started years ago, this event brings together wurmians of all walks of life, for games, contests, community, and of course, improving items.

The basics of the event are simple. Players bring their tools and armor to a deed that has typically been built just to host such an event. You label the items with your name, and put them inside of containers like forges, where volunteers will come over the course of a few days and ‘improve’ the item, usually to a maximum of 70 quality unless you discuss the options with the individual doing the improving. The way deed and housing permissions work only those who have placed the item inside of the container, along with the imp team who are added to the guest list of the house, can remove the item – so the chances of the item going missing are relatively slim. That doesn’t mean mistakes are not made or that there are not bad people out there, you of course have to be cautious (this is wurm, after all).

I decided to attend the impalong this year, bringing with me all sorts of prizes for the organizers to give out, including a rare saw, rare 2h sword, and a rare hatchet. I managed to gain quite a bit of skill in carpentry and blacksmithing, and made some new friends. Over all, I had a wonderful time. The event runs for three days, so if you happen to play on Xanadu and want to check it out, there’s still time.

Gaming

Recent Sims 4 Updates

stargrace December 18, 2014 0Comment

There have been a handful of great updates for the Sims 4 lately, and of course I had to check them out. Unfortunately one of the biggest problems I have (my screen going black every time I enter design mode and want to purchase an item) still has no permanent solution. I’m still able to temporarily fix this problem, but dang it gets frustrating.

A small handful of free content has been added to the game so far, mostly quality of life changes that were needed. One of the more recent updates included a bunch of career additions, along with some Christmas decor, which I was excited to get. My legacy house (pictured above) got a bit of a makeover with some snowmen, wreaths, and garland – plus a Christmas tree, of course. It’s not quite as good as the ‘seasons’ expansion from Sims 3 (there’s no actual holiday) but at least it’s something.

On the career side of things, there were some bigger changes. Your sims get PTO now, along with family leave. Even my little Emily who is still in elementary school gets to take a few days off of school if she wants (I’m not sure if that’s intended). New careers were added, such as business and athletic career tracks. Plus there were a whole lot of other changes which you can read about on the EA site here.

Excited? Yes, yes I am.

Gaming

Challenge Servers

stargrace December 13, 2014 1Comment

Wurm Online is an interesting game. Every year or so a new ‘thing’ happens that causes a brief influx of characters. This is typically another server, and this year was no different except that the rules on the new server are completely different than what players are used to. The new server is called Storm, and it’s considered a “challenge” server. Skillgain on Storm goes SUPER fast, you can reach 90 in a matter of hours. It is also a pvp server, though I think the Wurm Online team constantly over estimates how many people want to play PvP.

The server gets wiped every month. You lose your village, get back the typical disband amount, and keep your character but have to start fresh (fresh stats). There’s no premium required for this server but you do have to pay the usual amount for deeds if you want to place one.

Personally, I don’t see the thrill. I made a character there and yes the skill gains are very fast, but knowing that everything will reset every month makes for very boring repetitive gameplay (for me personally). Nothing will last. Some players wanted the old servers to be fixed / changed instead of adding new servers, the PvP servers especially. Adding yet another server just thins the population on already quiet servers and doesn’t make them much fun when 90% of the game is based on player interaction (whether it’s from PvP, trade, etc). It also makes priests useless as they require almost a full month to gain priesthood and their skills are not changed (you have to pray 5x a day). I’m sure it will be fun to the small group who enjoy focused pvp, but I would be surprised if it got the turn out that the team expected.

Molten Core Completed

Trials with Landmark Combat

Xanadu Impalong

Recent Sims 4 Updates

Challenge Servers

You Missed

Personal EVE Economic Update (October)

Expensive Month (preparing for fun)

Locked Out (again)

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