Age of Conan Hyborian Adventures (PC): Initial Impressions

Age of Conan Hyborian Adventures is a new MMORPG that I’ve been playing for a couple of days, and my reactions so far are mixed. One thing you notice immediately that sets this MMORPG apart from others is the big (and welcome) assortment of classes. There are 3 races and a whopping 12 classes from which to choose. To further the customization and ability to make your character more unique from other players, character appearance customization is fairly deep, with many sliders to tweak each feature and body markings and hairstyles available. And not only are there many classes to choose from, it’s a tough decision, because they all have interesting, unique skills.

Once a name is taken, it’s gone, so if you want a better chance of getting the name you want then plan on creating your character as soon as possible. If you think you will want to try a variety of classes, I suggest making all of your characters from the get-go so you can claim the names you want before they are taken (if they aren’t already). You can create up to 8 characters on one account with no extra charge, which is excellent considering how many options there are. I recommend trying a few different classes up to level 10 or so to really find the one that’s right for you. I was unimpressed and bored with the first character I created, but a lot more interested in the game when I tried another class that, as it turns out, more suited my preferred style of play.

I highly, highly recommend having a PC game controller to play this game rather than relying solely on the keyboard and mouse. The combination of all three makes movement and combat far more comfortable. Using W,A,S, and D keys to move around instead of a controller toggle is clunky and awkward. I also prefer controller buttons for attack moves. I still use the keyboard and mouse for some other functions. I am using the Logitech Dual Action controller. You can assign whatever task/keystroke you want to 12 different buttons, plus movement or other actions to the directional pad and left and right toggles. It plugs into your USB port, and comes with software that easily allows you to make your button assignments for this, and any other PC game. The software CD is small, and my drive couldn’t read it, but you can also download the software from Logitech’s website if you encounter a similar problem, if you are interested in this controller. It costs $19.99.

This month’s PC Gamer magazine offers a code for a unique in-game item that will allow your character to travel back to their homeland from other places on the map. Between that and the several-page article about the game I recommend this issue for anyone interested in the game.

Back to the gameplay… This game fully supports Direct X 10 and the graphics are beautiful – except when there is a collision detection problem. Collision detection never seems to be a problem in combat, but it does pop up affecting the appearance of the game. With the graphics otherwise so great, this is a shame and I hope they will be able to fix it. As for the quests and activities, at least so far that I’ve played, they seem to be standard run-of-the-mill MMORPG quests like fetching things, delivering things, escorting people… etc.  Luckily, the interesting abilities of the different classes make at least the combat a little less monotonous than other MMORPGs. This is a good game for “lone rangers” who aren’t that interested in partying up, from what I’ve read in articles. It is said that a person can reach very high levels by mostly soloing, though it would be more difficult. I haven’t played much multiplayer yet because I don’t know anyone personally who has the game yet and I prefer to play with people I know than strangers. So if I know you BUY THE GAME, PLEASE!

I am more impressed with this game initially than I have ever been with any MMORPG I’ve started in the past. The character classes and customization are fantastic. And the graphics, aside from a few minor incidents, are outstanding. But the gameplay just doesn’t feel that fresh or groundbreaking to me. Combat and controls feel almost identical to Lord of the Rings Online, although your abilities are different.

As I continue getting further into the game I’ll blog more about it, culminating in a full review later on. So far, I’d say it’s a “BUY” for MMORPG fans because there are enough improvements here to be well worth checking out, but don’t expect groundbreaking new gameplay, at least not in the early game.

Thompson violated 27 Florida Bar rules – article

This is absolutely priceless. I don’t think I can top this so I’m just going to direct you to the article:

(You can press the back button on the browser to return to the blog when done reading).

http://www.gamespot.com/news/6191397.html?action=convert&om_clk=latestnews&tag=latestnews;title;0

Thompson has always been a media w****. Thompson wanted media attention – well here you go and you didn’t even have to grandstand and slander gaming to get it! We already knew you were completely ignorant about gaming; now we know you are completely ignorant of the law, too!

I hope if there are any holdouts out there that still listened to this moron they can see his true colors now. If they don’t, then I don’t know what it will take. His lack of understanding of the law clearly now extends beyond his ignorance of the first amendment.

Review: Bully: Scholarship Edition (Wii)

Here is my review for Bully: Scholarship Edition for the Wii, now available on TheGameReviews.com. When you are done reading you can use the back button on your browser to return to the blog.

http://xbox360.thegamereviews.com/article-551-Review-Bully-Scholarship-Edition-Wii.html

Music Review: Grand Theft Auto IV Official Soundtrack

Yes, a GTAIV post again. Admit it, you’re just as GTAIV obsessed as I am, probably. The more I play it, the more I like it, and it’s hovering closely to the “best game ever” slot on my list. Not ready to “call it” yet but I just may soon enough. I’ll have some more impressions/a review later on. I’m taking my time to savor every minute. Forget about the “Keys to the City” for completing it 100% quickly. No acheivement would be worth rushing this experience.

Score: 3.75 out of 5. Good, but falls far short of potential and doesn’t represent the games music nearly as well as it could have.

Back to the soundtrack… This game is giving even Rock Band a run for their money as far as best soundtrack (talking about the game now, not the music cd or downloads) ever goes. It includes a enormous library of songs, many excellent, in a wide variety of genres. And no other game even comes close, at least in my opinion. So you’d expect the official soundtrack (music) to be awesome, right? Well… not so fast.

The ultimate soundtrack (music) for GTAIV would have been a huge boxed set, with each musical radio station having it’s own cd in the set. Unfortunately that is not available, at least not yet, and I have no idea if one is planned or not. What is available is a 16 track soundtrack, that is available either through buying the Special Limited Edition of the game or through digital download from Amazon.com. With a mere 16 tracks, this soundtrack really falls short of potential.

I would have hoped the soundtrack to be a good representation of the music in the game. For one thing, that means I would expect at least one track from each of the different radio stations on the game, to reflect the musical diversity of the game. But some of the radio stations are not represented on the soundtrack at all. Secondly, the stations that are covered do not necessarily include the best track/tracks from that station, in my opinion. “Stand Up Jamrock” is a good example of a best track from a radio station that is included. Other stations are not as well represented.

Some of the tracks that are included undeniably belong here – like “Soviet Connection” (the game’s theme song) and “Vagabond” (very familiar due to its use in GTAIV television commercials). But then there are jaw dropping ommissions, most notably “Arm In Arm Shy Child Mix” by The Boggs. This is another highly familiar track used in GTAIV commercials that most people would quickly associate with the game and recognize. They gave the track a high profile by using it in the commercials, but then left it off the music soundtrack?

Finally, the album is too short to be a good representation of the game’s music. There’s just so much great material to cover, and 16 tracks is just the tip of the iceberg. If you’re getting the soundtrack through buying the Special Limited Edition, I believe what you get in that package makes that edition worth a buy. You might still want to fill in the gaps by getting some downloads too, though. My recommendation to those considering the digital download option is to take a pass on the official soundtrack, and instead download individual tracks, including “Soviet Connection” (theme song) and “Vagabond” and “Arm In Arm” (tracks used in GTAIV commercials). Then add one track from each radio station. And then fill in with favorites from any station. That would be the next-best thing collection to a boxed set that included everything. Of course, if you can afford all the tracks on the game downloaded individually, more power to you! But without the discount of a boxed set this probably isn’t practical for most people.

Amazon.com appears to have every track on the game for digital download. I have not seen this big a collection of the music anywhere else. They’ve got a big “lounge” dedicated to Grand Theft Auto IV music, and even if you don’t plan on buying anything, seeing the playlists for every station might still interest you. The link is here:  http://www.amazon.com/b/ref=amb_link_6774112_2?ie=UTF8&node=491304011&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=auto-sparkle&pf_rd_r=1RTSSCVT02HYPSTMT8J1&pf_rd_t=301&pf_rd_p=391437101&pf_rd_i=grand%20theft%20auto%20iv

One last note, there is also an album specifically for Vladivostok FM: ”Grand Theft Auto IV: Vladivostok FM” available on Amazon, iTunes, and possibly from other places. It includes the tracks from the Eastern European and Russian radio station. The only reason I mention this separately from my mention of all of the stations’ playlists above is that this station’s music is being highlighted and more widely available, in case you have a preferred vendor.

 

New and improved!

Just a quick post to announce the new and improved Gaming Goddess’ Guide to Life blog. I believe I’ve finally found a template I’m satisfied with, at least for now (I really wasn’t happy with the others). I also have added pictures to many of the blog posts that were already on here. I will continue to use pictures from here on out.

I’ll have another full post soon. I have reviewed Bully: Scholarship Edition for the Wii for TheGameReviews.com, and that review is one of the things I hope to have posted on here soon. Hope you enjoy the new and improved blog!

iTunes/XboxLiveMarketplace/Zune

I love to download ad-free television shows from iTunes, but I’ve always been disappointed by their movie selection, until now, that is. Before, only a handful of movies were available for sale. Most of them were for rent only. Now, however, Apple has announced that not only will movies be available on iTunes the same day they are released on DVD, but they will now be available FOR SALE or rent. I checked out the iTunes store, and low and behold, Apple wasn’t kidding. Brand-new to DVD films such as Cloverfield and I Am Legend are available to buy for $14.99 (less than the $19.99 the DVDs cost at many stores), or for rent. I have to say I’m excited about this. The Apple TV is looking better and better, not to knock my iPod Touch, but it would be nice to add TV compatibility as well now that so much great content is available. As some of you know, I advocate buying over renting always, whether it’s a movie or video game. When you buy, it’s yours to keep, and you have something to show for your hard earned money. Renting is a waste – you spend your money and have absolutely nothing to show for it later except a bill. Some people think renting is a good value because it’s cheaper. I don’t. I’d rather spend more, but OWN it, forever or for as long as I choose to own it. So my money isn’t just disappearing into thin air.

This also led me to wonder whether the Xbox Live Marketplace will ever follow Apple’s lead. Currently, TV shows may be purchased, but movies are rental only. Perhaps Microsoft will respond one of these days and make movies available for purchase and download to our Xbox360s. It seems that the movie studios are a lot more open to the idea now of digital download.

I also heard some news about the Zune. Apparently NBC shows will be available for the Zune. This really bugs me because NBC pulled their shows from iTunes because Apple would not agree to a $5 per episode outrageous price tag (up from $1.99). First NBC allowed their shows to be bought from Amazon.com for the same $1.99 they said wasn’t enough from iTunes customers. And now they are working out a deal with Zune. Congratulations Zune owners – this is good news for you and I’m not knocking you but I really want to know why NBC won’t come to their senses and put their shows back on iTunes for the same price they go for on Amazon and for the Zune. I have really lost a lot of interest in NBC since this terrible decision to withdraw from iTunes. The other networks are now getting the money NBC would have gotten, plus I’m not even watching as many NBC shows on TV simply because I’m so turned off by the network and the way they do business. I don’t watch much TV but because of my aversion to commercials and the fact that I watch most of my shows on the road (instead of at home, where I’d rather play video games), I do spend money on iTunes.

One last note – G4 now has shows available on iTunes. No, I’m not talking about the Podcasts. They still have those of course, but they also have television shows for sale, including Attack of the Show. Problem is, it’s a “best of” version that lasts 20 minutes. Why not the whole show? After all, there is a free podcast for Attack of the Show (albeit shorter). It would probably be of more interest if the show wasn’t edited. AOTS is a show with a lot of different segments, and what fascinates one person might bore another. I would love to fast forward through the juvenile humor and Olivia basquing in her own twittiness and get to the important stuff like The Loop. But I don’t know what the 20 minutes is going to include. Come on, G4. Give us the complete episodes!

EXCLUSIVE! GTAIV Cheat!

I figured out a cheat for Grand Theft Auto IV. I came up with this on my own. I came up with it in response to the POOR cheat in the Xbox Live newsletter that is available on the dashboard. It is to help you get the One Man Army acheivement.

The video in the newsletter suggests going to a bridge and into a tunnel. You can view the video to find out where this area is, because for my cheat you will need to go there also. I tried the suggestion from the video repeatedly, and it never worked, because there were always police either already there or that showed up before the 5 minutes were up. I could not just “stand there and go make a sandwich” like the video said. I kept getting killed before the 5 minutes were up the acheivement was unlocked.

Here is the solution I came up with…

Instead of staying on the pedestrian walkway and going into the tunnel, I climbed up onto the train tracks to the right. There, the highway above prevents the helicopters from seeing you. I never encountered a train, but logic dictates that if you stay in the green area you probably would not be hit. I ran in the middle green area. One cop showed up, and I took care of him and kept going. If you keep going you will reach the subway tunnel. Keep running through the tunnel, and you’ll come to what appears to be an abandoned train station to your left. There are squatters there who won’t give you any trouble if you leave them alone. THIS is where you really can go make a sandwich and wait the 5 minutes for the acheivement to unlock. You are completely shielded from the helicopters view from every angle, and, at least from my experience, the police avoid going into the subway tunnel after you.

So BOO! for the Xbox Live newsletter cheat and YAY! for mine! Enjoy!