MMORPGs and YOU! - World of Warcraft - Republication

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[caption id="attachment_1986" align="alignleft" width="903"]                                                                       World Map _ World of Warcraft Azeroth[/caption]

Welcome back My Dear Readers to The Other Shoe. Today is Sunday June 1^st, 2014, and today I am here to share a previously published article. The reason fort his republication is simple, World of Warcraft is about to release another expansion to their game content. Earlier, this year, I published a very well received series of articles titled ‘MMORPGs And YOU!’ right here at The Other Shoe. Having said, I just feel I would remiss if I failed to update you, My Dear Readers, with regard to the newest expansion of content.

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Since the second year after the release of the core game, now referred to as ‘Vanilla’, Blizzard has regularly expanded the virtual world with the release of expansions. The very first of these expansions was ‘Burning Crusade’ back in January 2007. Their next expansion of content was labeled ‘Wrath of the Lich King’ was released November 18^th, 2008. Notice that the release dates, between these two expansions, was greatly accelerated .

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Next, at Blizzcon 2009, the next expansion named ‘Cataclysm’ later the release date was announced as December 7^th, 2010. Another years passed and on the occasion of the second ‘Blizzcon’ (since Cataclysm was announced) Blizzard announced the next (and most recent) expansion, ‘Mists of Panderia’. ‘Panderia’ was released to the general public September 25^th, 2012. That, My Dear Readers, brings us to today.

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On November 8^th, 2013 Blizzard announced the next expansion for ‘World of Warcraft’ to be named ‘Warlords of Dreanor’ with the release date set for December 20^th, 2014. (Four years, thirteen days since ‘Cataclysm’). It is that expansion, that is the reason, for my republication of the ‘Conclusion’ to the article series ‘MMORPGs And YOU!’ and this republication of the article for ‘World of Warcraft’. Later this week I will be writing and publishing one whole article devoted to presenting you, My Dear Readers, with information, screenshots, details and a video explaining the upcoming expansion.

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So, now without further adieu I bring you my original work for this storied franchise… ‘World of Warcraft’!

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[The article below was originally published December 11^th, 2013]

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[caption id="attachment_1988" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Danny at Stormwind Gates after Dragon Attack[/caption]

Welcome back My Dear Readers to The Other Shoe. This is the eighth article of this series ‘MMORPGs and YOU!’ here atThe Other Shoe. Since the very first article of this series I have wanted to bring you screenshots and video of game play inWorld of Warcraft. However, it was not until this week that, through the kindness of an online friend, I had access to my World of Warcraft account. I was given a ‘Scroll of Resurrection’ from a good friend of mine in World of Warcraft. This ‘Scroll of Resurrection’ can be given to any player who’s been away from the game for more than three months to, quite literally, bring them back to life in the game.

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So for the next seven days I have access to all the characters on my account, there are seven characters in all. I will not be able to show screen snapshots or give video for all of my characters. So I have picked to of my favorite characters to play and throughout this articles you will see screenshots and in game videos of these two ‘toons’. The past three days have been set spent taking screenshots and making videos. At the end of each day I sort through the screenshots and videos to find the ones that show the most and look the best for this article today.

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[youtube=http://youtu.be/XBNFhfv8GBA]

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For anyone that is thinking of expanding their PC gaming experience to a new genre. Or for anyone thinking of making their first venture in PC gaming the genre of massively multiplayer online role-playing games. World of Warcraftis quite definitely the game for you. My Dear Readers I played in many role-playing games, both on personal computers and in board games, previous to my introduction to this now world-famous game. First, a bit of irony. World of Warcraftmade its world debut November 23, 2004. November 23 is just three days after my birthday. However, in 2004… At the time of my birthday, I was not able to afford to purchase World of Warcraft.

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It was not until January 4 of 2005 and then I finally made my entry into this wonderful game. Unfortunately when I started playing there were huge lines, one had to wait in, just to get in and play your character. Often you would get kicked from the server, sometimes at very and opportune moments. I remember I was in the very first dungeon that I never played in World of Warcraft. The name of this instance is Deadmines. If you pick either human or dwarf for your first character this will, most likely be, the first instance you encounter.

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[caption id="attachment_1987" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Allen and Daniel on Bear Mounts in WOW[/caption]

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Now, My Dear Readers, I could spend hours upon hours writing basically a died to play of this game. I do not want to do that, instead I would like to introduce you to the game give you a little bit of the language the game show you pictures from the game in the videos. At the end of it all more than anything I would’ve liked to have peaked your interest in playing this MMORPG. Quite truthfully, nothing would make me happier than encountering one of you in Azeroth.

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[caption id="attachment_1986" align="aligncenter" width="630"] World Map _ World of Warcraft Azeroth[/caption]

(Azeroth – The World of Warcraft world)

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At the time this article was written there are four continents in Azeroth. They are; Kalimdor, the Eastern Kingdoms (where Humans and Dwarfs begin), Northrend and Pandaria. The next thing you will need to know is that this world is started out, in the very first game, (which in now referred to as Vanilla) with a just the continent of Kalimdor and the Eastern Kingdoms. The continent to the north, Northrend, was added in the Wrath of the Lich King expansion and Pandaria was added most recently. There have been four expansions to this world.

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[youtube=http://youtu.be/WAPZiTZrV9w]

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The very first expansion to this game was released in January 2007, named ‘The Burning Crusade’. The next expansion was released in November 2008, named ‘Wrath of the Lich King’. The third expansion was released in December 2010 and was named ‘Cataclysm’. The fourth expansion, ‘Mists of Panderia’, was released September 2012. There is a fifth expansion planned, named ‘Warlords of Draenor’. I do not have the release date of this expansion. With each expansion the world of Azeroth has been an enlarged and the level cap has been increased.

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Each character, known in the game as a toon, grows with experience. The experience you gain as measured in levels. The original game, Vanilla, had a level cap of 60. With the most recent expansion you can now level your toon up to level ninety. Currently I do not have a level ninety toon. One of the few things that I’ve really wanted this year, for Christmas, was a extension of my membership to this game. With me not working, Allen being knowingly person in the house working, and me only bringing in a little over $900 a month I just… I just cannot justify the $15 a month subscription fee to continue playing the game. It is a sacrifice I willingly make so that my family has more money for food and the things we need.

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[youtube=http://youtu.be/IT7q6XidJ74]

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There is a reason this game, at one point, had 12 million subscribers. There is a reason that even though there are literally dozens of MMORPGs on the market several million people continue playing this game. As well, whenever I think of playing an MMORPG World of Warcraftis the one I have the most desire to play again in the best memories of playing. One of the reasons for the great success of this intellectual property is that it contains elements from fantasy, steam punk, and science fiction. There is, quite literally, something for everyone in this game. If you like rolling hills, forests, babbling brooks, blue rivers and sunny skies then you will most likely want to start out as a human. Your capital city is the grand city of Stormwind. Each race has their own capital city within the game.

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[caption id="attachment_1994" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Enzo Worgen Toon in Shattarath[/caption]

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There many races that make up this game. On the side of the Alliance you have; Humans, Dwarves, Draenei, Gnomes, Night Elves, Worgen, Tushui Panderaen and High Elves. On the side of the Horde you have; Orcs, Forsaken, Tauren, Trolls, Blood Elves, Goblins, Huojin Pandaren, and Orges. (For more information on these races you can look here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_of_warcraft_races#Humans)

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If you are a darker person, or a ‘Goth’, then you will like one of the darker races like; the Worgen, Goblins or Gnomes. The best way to find out, if you’re interested in joining this fantasy realm, what race would fit you best would be to visit the link I have left above. One of the most interesting aspects of this game is that Alliance and Horde cannot understand each other speak. If you are a human, for instance, and you are in a PvP (Person vs. Person) battle with an orc you will not understand a single word they yell at you. And, they will yell at you. The same goes for the Horde side, too. When we speak to each other, in these battles, they cannot understand what we say, either.

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[youtube=http://youtu.be/HGBS9oOdiN0]

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This adds to the mystery of the game but also serves a function. In these battles where players battle each other we cannot understand them discuss their battle plans nor that can they understand us discuss hours. The next major choice you need to make will be what type of server you would like to play. There are two basic types of servers. There are Player vs. Environment and Player vs. Player servers in the game. In the Player vs. Environment servers it is you, and your allies, playing against the wild creatures and ‘Bad elements’ of the world. In Player vs. Environment you cannot be attacked by a member of the opposing faction while casually playing. You must enter a PvP battleground prior to engaging in battle with the opposing faction. This means, that as a low level player, you cannot be ganked (overwhelmed by) members of the opposing faction going out to do quests.

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[youtube=http://youtu.be/WAPZiTZrV9w]

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On the other hand, in a PvE (Player vs. Environment) server you cannot get ganked. This is the major reason I have always played in a PvE server. However, this is the main reason that, some people, prefer the PvP servers. They like the thrill of confrontation, the allure of happenstance meetings with opposition parties and the possibility of death. I can completely understand why these people enjoy the PvP servers. I just happen to not be quite as quick, with my hands, as I used to be… and I enjoy tranquility when I play. If you are like me, not wanting to be jumped and killed at random, then you should pick a PvE server. If you like the thrills I have outlined above, then you should pick a PvP server. Each world has both kinds of servers. Currently all my toons are on the Alexstraza PvE Alliance server. If you would like to try this game, and honestly if you are a PC user and play games… well, you have no idea what all you are missing if you have never played. If you would like to play, I would be happy to show you around and help you get started. I am the Guild Master of the Guild ‘Legion of Dragon Slayers’. We have Guilds in; World of Warcraft, Rift and Aion (currently).

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[caption id="attachment_1991" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Enzomatrix on Dragon Mount[/caption]

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As well, right now is a very good time to start playing WoW. Right now you can have the base game and the first three expansions for ONLY $4.99. (Here: https://us.battle.net/shop/en/product/world-of-warcraft). There has never been a better time to get into this genre and this game. As I stated above you can find me (Enzomatrix, Enzomatrixlt, Goodgulf [from ‘Bored of the Rings], and Devonshire) on the; Alexstraza PvE Alliance server.

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As always I am deeply honored that you come here and read my work.

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Thank you!

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http://www.ebay.com/usr/enzomatrixlt

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[caption id="attachment_2866" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Danny Hanning of The Other Shoe - May 6th, 2014[/caption]

 

MMORPGs And YOU! - Conclusion

              Welcome back My Dear Readers to The Other Shoe. Now that I have both of my blog locations working properly, and I have a minute new medication I’m taking for my rheumatoid arthritis. I am ready to begin the process of catching up on publications. The two articles that I will be publishing this weekend were initially slated for the last week in December 2013. The first of these articles, and the one I will be publishing today (Saturday), is the conclusion of the most popular series of articles for 2013.

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That series of articles, of course, is ‘MMORPGs And YOU!’.  When I started this series, on June 24^th 2013, I had no idea that it would span seven months and nine articles. Touting (compiled from all nine of the series) a grand total of 145 ‘Like’(s) this series was/is my greatest work to date. Hands down, the single most popular of the series was… … (drum roll, please)… … ‘Star Wars the Old Republic’ with thirty-six Likes total.

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As is that was not enough, this series was the single most ‘reblogged’ of all my works to date. Carried by three other bloggers (at one point) these articles certainty are the epiphany of my abilities in 2013. As a ‘Tip of the Hat’ to this storied franchise I will revisit each and every of these fine articles here, today. I have been working on this homage for the past two weeks. At first I really wanted to include a screenshot and a video from each and every one of these fine articles. However, due to the temperamental nature of my primary blog’s server… and the growing pain in my left paw, I will be including only a screenshot with each synopsis.

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If you would like to see some (or all) of the in game videos you need only follow the link (at the beginning of each synopsis) and visit the respective web page. FYI I made over thirty-six (three dozen) in game videos through the life of this series. Never before, and not since, have I spent as much time and effort on the production and publication of articles. I am very proud of this, my largest, body of work.

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Now, without further adieu I bring you (in its entirety)  ‘MMORPGs And YOU!’.

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• ·        MMORPG(s) and YOU – 1st Edition – Rift : “Rift was born of a culture already brimming with MMORPGs. There was the primary MMORPGs like; WoW and Everquest. The next tier of MMOs would include; Aion, Rift, Lord of the Rings Online, and Star Trek Online. These round out the middle of the market. Next would be the user designed games like; Guild Wars and Guild Wars 2.”   I had no idea, when I wrote those words, that over the next six months I would write an article about nearly every one of those games. Little did I know that Rift would end up being the jumping off point for the single largest and most popular series of articles I ever published at The Other Shoe. I still play Rift, though with my left hand spending most waking hours with a hot pack wrapped around it, I do not play Rift nearly as much as I would like.


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[caption id="attachment_857" align="aligncenter" width="630"] My toon, Enzo Matrix, at the Intro Screen for Rift. This is where you choose which toon you want to play.[/caption]

 

• ·        MMORPGs And You! – Part Two – Age of Conan: “The game that you’ve been seeing pictures and videos, above, are from the MMORPG ‘Age of Conan’. This MMORPG is based in the world of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. As well, a lot of the characters the plot lines the story are lifted from the movie series starring Arnold Schwarzenegger. If, My Dear Readers, you enjoyed in the works of Doyle or the movies of Arnold Schwarzenegger this MMORPG is the one for you!” Once I saw that the article on Rift had garnered twenty-something ‘Likes’ I knew that I was on to something worth spending time writing and publishing. As well, getting the screenshots and in game videos was getting back in game with some of my favorite games. When I wrote this article, I had not played Age of Conan since it went to a Free-to-Play format. There were a great many changes. Some I did not like, but the vast majority I found enhanced the game play.

[caption id="attachment_868" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Enzomatrix-Age of Conan Riding Blue Snow Mammoth[/caption]

 

• ·        MMORPGs and YOU! – Part Three – Aion : “Now when I tell you that Aion it is a stylized what I mean to say is that every character in the game is beautiful and dressed in fine silken garments. For guys, if you have issues with your masculinity then this might not be the game for you. If you have uncomfortable thoughts, when looking at attractive guys and men, this game is not for you. However, if you like looking at beautiful men and women dressed in fine garments and beautiful armor? Well then, Aion is the game for you! If the attractiveness of yourself and your fellow gamers is just a non-issue for you? Then this is the game for you, too!” Of all the MMORPGs that I shared with you, My Dear Readers, Aion is the single most stylized. Designed by, and for, the target audience of South Koreans this game is as distinctive as it is dynamic. In no other MMORPG I have ever played do you grow wings and fly! The costumes and armor are flowing garments seemingly made of gossamer. This game is not for everyone, but those who do take a venture into this realm will be greatly rewarded for their efforts. I would have to rate this game in my ‘Top Five’ of the genre.

[caption id="attachment_2076" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Enzomatrix-Danny in Aion[/caption]

 

• ·        MMORPGs And YOU! – Part Four – Guild Wars 2 : “Welcome back, My Dear Readers, to The Other Shoe and another edition of ‘MMORPGs and YOU!’. Let me first take a moment to say “Thank You!” to all of you who have been reblogging this series all over the net. It is really quite flattering, and humbling to, to see this sign of appreciation of my work. I have been writing, here at The Other Shoe, for nearly 3 years and this is the first time I had one of My Dear Readers share my work with others. Again, thank you.”  And, there it is, the highlight of my blogging life… right there in print. After nearly three years of writing I was finally seeing my work published at other blogs. Oh, at this point Bob Shieffer had already used my words on NATIONAL TV but… this was a very important moment in my life of blogging. This game, ‘Guild Wars 2’ had an advantage over all of the other MMORPGs that I shared with you, My Dear Readers. It was the SECOND game of the same title. This gave this MMORPG a distinct advantage over all of the other games I shared of this genre. This game is completely ‘Free-to-Play’ with no strings attached and is still played by millions each and every day. I still have it installed on my gaming computer, and at times I still play this game. It is a very enjoyable franchise.

[caption id="attachment_965" align="aligncenter" width="630"] This is a close-up of Danny/Enzomatrix in Guild Wars 2, While in the City.[/caption]

 

• ·        MMORPGs And YOU! – Part Five – Star Trek On Line : “Welcome back, My Dear Readers, to the Fifth edition of ‘MMORPGs And YOU!. Welcome to Part Five – Star Trek On Line. This edition, based on the Star Trek Intellectual Property seems to be timed by a larger force. Perfect Worldis the current keeper of this storied franchise. This title saw several hands during its creation and birth, but Perfect World finally brought it to the world, and spent the last two years refining STOL.”  Of ALL the MMORPGs that I have shared, and played, this game had the single most difficult birth and launch. Of course, when you are dealing with an intellectual property with a history as long as the Star Trek world you are bound to have problems. I remember watching the inception and creation of the game for YEARS! Nearly a decade was spent brining this franchise to this genre. There were more people and hands involved in the creation of this game than any other MMROPG in history. Only to have its ten year conception and birth to be followed by one of (not the worst) single most difficult launches I have seen since World of Warcraft. IF you enjoy ANY of the storylines of this franchise, you WILL enjoy this MMORPG. ALL of the different TV series and movies are represented in this game. IF you like Star Trek, then you simply cannot miss out on playing this game!

[caption id="attachment_2077" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Consitution at Space Dock With Earth in Background[/caption]

 

• ·        MMORPGs And YOU! – Part Six – Star Wars The Old Republic : “Lucas Arts excelled at that bringing a pioneering gaming moment to gamers just like me. The MMORPG ‘Star Wars – The Old Republic’ delivers a like experience. For sound (music) you have John Williams playing in your ears throughout the entire game. Everywhere you go, everywhere you fight and die… there’s John Williams playing in the background in huge orchestral style. It makes key moments, in the game, seem almost cinematic. See, right there… that is what Lucas Arts did with games. Lucas Arts made games that were larger than life.” If one ever needed proof that MMORPGs are THE gaming genre of the 21^st century, you need look no further than these last two titles. Here are the two most successful Sci-Fi franchises in history, both represented in an MMORPG. Yes, there were PC Games from both of these storied franchises, but never before have two science fiction series been better rendered into reality. I consider myself fortunate to have been able top play both of these games. Writing this article, I do realize that coming only second to writing and publication, playing MMORPGs are my favorite past time. I watched the movies. I read the books. However, until you install one of these games you never really enter these worlds. This MMORPG is a great game, and great play and an investment in interactive entertainment.

[caption id="attachment_1135" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Enzomatrix/Danny With Companions On Coruscant)[/caption]

 

• ·        MMORPGs And YOU! Final Fantasy XIV – A Realm Reborn : “Now, My Dear Readers, I have been playing this storied franchise since the original Nintendo gaming system. I’m not talking about the Super Nintendo or the N64 I am talking about the original eight bit Nintendo gaming system. I’ve been playing this franchise for the better part of 25 years. Not only that, but I had the opportunity to be a Beta tester for Final Fantasy XI and XIV. I also played, extensively, this game before its redesign and “rebirth”. This gives me a unique perspective on this Realm Reborn version of this massively multiplayer online role-playing game.”  Earlier, when writing about Guild Wars 2, I mentioned who that game had an advantage in that it was the second MMORPG of the same franchise… and that it was alone in that regard. I totally forgot about Final Fantasy, for good reason. Final Fantasy XI (11) was the very first MMORPG for the Final Fantasy franchise. However, 11 was just so bad… for the majority of gamers, that it just slipped my mind. Further, though few people outside gaming know Final Fantasy, this franchise now has over FORUTEEN titles. I remember playing this franchise on the Nintendo (original) gaming console… many many years ago. This MMORPG is still a little buggy, and I had hoped to still be playing… However, my membership lapsed just the other day and I am in no position to afford to renew my subscription. Still, this is a good MMORPG, not of the ease of play of WoW or Guild Wars 2, it is still a good game belonging to a great franchise.

[caption id="attachment_1939" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Daniel/Enzo Matrix in Final Fantasy XIV A Realm Reborn[/caption]

 

• ·        MMORPGs And YOU! – World Of Warcraft : “Welcome back My Dear Readers to The Other Shoe. This is the eighth article of this series ‘MMORPGs and YOU!’ here atThe Other Shoe. Since the very first article of this series I have wanted to bring you screenshots and video of game play inWorld of Warcraft. However, it was not until this week that, through the kindness of an online friend, I had access to my World of Warcraft account. I was given a ‘Scroll of Resurrection’ from a good friend of mine in World of Warcraft. This ‘Scroll of Resurrection’ can be given to any player who’s been away from the game for more than three months to, quite literally, bring them back to life in the game.”   Strong and found memories, I have for this title. This was the very first MMORPG that I ever played. Just thinking of this game brings back such strong and detailed memories. Yes, World of Warcraft has a very bumpy launch. However, it was the very first of the ‘Mega’ MMORPGs and still has the record for largest subscription base in the history of the genre. At one point, this title, all by itself, aided the ‘Gaming’ to eclipse MOVIES in gross profits. Yes, it was the 12 MILLION subscription member base that catapulted Blizzard from a small company to being bought and sold… and in so doing making and breaking whole corporations. Now, the game’s subscription base is much smaller. Less than half of what it was in its heyday. It is still ‘One-of-A-Kind’ among MMORPGs. This IS the game I think of playing, most often, when I long to play an MMORPG… again. Writing about WoW… makes me want to be able to play it, today.

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[caption id="attachment_1987" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Allen and Daniel on Bear Mounts in WOW[/caption]

 

• ·        MMORPGs And YOU! – Requiem : “Welcome back My Dear Readers to The Other Shoe. Today I present number Nine in my ridiculously popular series ‘MMORPGs And YOU!’ Requiem. Requiemis a FTP (Free-To-Play) MMORPG that launched in June of 2008 by Gravity LTD. Gravityis game developer located in South Korea and is known for such titles as; Ragnorok On Line, Dragonsaga, Steal Fighter, and Requiem. I was still writing for a gaming web site, as Lead Gaming Writer and Editor, when Requiem went into Beta.”  The ninth, and final, MMORPG in this series of articles. This ‘horror based’ MMORPG occupies a special place in my collection of games of this genre. I was contacted by the development team and offered a (much desired) opening in the Closed Beta in exchange for exposure on our web site. I, of course, jumped at the chance to get into (yet another) Beta and had the opportunity to help guide the final development of this game. IF you like horror movies and you want a VERY easy MMORPG to download and play? You need go NO further than the web page for this title. It can be downloaded, and updated, in just a couple of hours. It is completely ‘Free-to-Play’ and you will be involved and flying by dinnertime. I heartily indorse this game, and still play it myself, from time to time. IF you decide to check it out, let me know. There is only ONE server, and I would be happy to show you hoe to play.

[caption id="attachment_2039" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Requiem Enzo Warrior Class[/caption]

 

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Well, My Dear Readers, that brings us to the very end of my favorite series of articles in the life of my blog… so far. This article has taken me… well, two weeks… off and on, to complete. PLEASE… consider ‘reblogging’… and ‘SHARING’. This is the ONLY way my work will see the light of day. I hope that you have enjoyed this compilation of my nine part series; MMORPGs And YOU!

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As always, I am deeply honored that you come here and read my work.

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Thank YOU!

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MMORPGs And YOU! - Requiem

          

[caption id="attachment_2037" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Requiem - Enzo Loading screen[/caption]

 

          Welcome back My Dear Readers to The Other Shoe. Today I present number Nine in my ridiculously popular series ‘MMORPGs And YOU!’ Requiem. Requiemis a FTP (Free-To-Play) MMORPG that launched in June of 2008 by Gravity LTD. Gravityis game developer located in South Korea and is known for such titles as; Ragnorok On Line, Dragonsaga, Steal Fighter, and Requiem. I was still writing for a gaming web site, as Lead Gaming Writer and Editor, when Requiem went into Beta.

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I was contacted by the development team and offered a (much desired) opening in the Closed Beta in exchange for exposure on our web site. I, of course, jumped at the chance to get into (yet another) Beta and had the opportunity to help guide the final development of this game. First, if you have a Goth child or grandchild that is into PC gaming… well then this IS the MMORPG made for Goth kids. It is a “horror based” MMORPG and is one of the most gory and bloody of the genre. I would not suggest this game for any minor under the age of 16 or 17.

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[caption id="attachment_2039" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Requiem Enzo Warrior Class[/caption]

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There is no real problem with language, or sexual (well, overtly sexual) content in this title. However, the level of blood shed and decapitation and mutilation is on the level with ‘Age Of Conan’. The game started out as a paid membership model with over a dozen servers, in the US and Canada. Now, it is completely Free to Play with a marketplace for game boosts, toon enhancements and content expansion. The number of servers is now down (in America and Canada) to one.

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During Beta I gave this game very good reviews and a solid recommendation for purchase. Gravity is a sound developer with a very good track record and, at the time of release, this was the only Horror based MMORPG on the market. I knew that the horror vehicle for the game was not enough to keep the title competitive, and it appears that I was right. Though, even back five years ago, and today, I find that this game has much mo0re going for it than just the horror and gore.

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[youtube=http://youtu.be/2jri1zO2EFc]

(An Example of the Graphic Depictions of Death)

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Originally released as Requiem: Bloodymare, the game is now called Requiem: Memento Mori. The story of the game has remained the same through all the changes over the past five years. It is a story of recovering the lost history of the ancients, and reconstructing the loss of four of the eight original races on the planet. You play in a barren world, brought to its current state by a war between science and magic. It is your role to protect the rebirth of humanity… at all costs. The plot and story do not play as large a role in game play as, say, World of Warcraft. You are given basic information, via quests and videos, of the past and the Ancients but having this knowledge is not essential to winning game play.

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The gore decapitations and mutilations are all brought to the screen with the (extensive) use of the Havokphysics engine. This adds greatly to the whole horror theme of the game, and makes for some incredible decapitations and multiple mutilations. If gore and decapitations with ragdoll get you going… this game is (quite simply) as ‘Must Have’ for you. The game visuals, textures, and engine are really nothing spectacular. They are not rendered in, like, the Unreal 3 Engine or any modern day 3D graphics engine. This is good in that it will run of virtually any PC and most laptops/notebooks. There is no need to upgrade your computer to play this game on highest settings.

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[caption id="attachment_2038" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Requiem Enzo on Mount[/caption]

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One of the better features of this game, and something that I have not seen in but a few other MMORPGs is the Possession beast system. This aspect of the game allows you (once leveled and properly altering your DNA) to  transform into a horrific beast that has greater attack and decapitation abilities. The downside is that egven with your higher level and the transformation of your DNA, you have to work hard to kill a lot of beasts (in a short period of time) to fill your ‘Hardcore Bar’. Once the bar is at 90%, you are given the opportunity to transform into the Possession Beast and go on a rampage of gory mutilation and decapitation. It can get quite bloody and dismember(y) if you transform in an area rich with beasts.

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[caption id="attachment_2036" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Requiem Enzo Caster Class[/caption]

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There are four races to choose from, in Requiem. They are the;

 

• Turan – The race that most resembles humans. It is a well-balanced race between strength, agility and intelligence. Their one pitfall is a weakness to magic.


• Bartuk – A race with exceptional physical strength, but are easily angered and have a very low spiritual ability.


• Kruxena – The darker race of the four, they do not get along with any of the other three races. Physically and spiritually superior to the other races they are lacking in tenacity, compassion and are quite inhumane.


• Xenoa – Unmatched among the four races in intelligence they lack physical strength they have good hand skills and eyesight. This helps to compensate for there other weaknesses.

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Each race has  limited choices in classes, mostly based on the strengths and weaknesses I have outlined above. If you would like to be a caster or long range weapon type, then the Xenoa race would be the best choice for these classes… and so on. The game does not drawn you in with plot, or character development. The game deosn’t really draw you in too well at all. This is, likely, the reason for its failure in the long run. Lacking in plot and character development, it is a very easy game to play and master. Combine that with the completely open world Free To Play model? This is what makes this game so desirable in gamers new to the genre and casual MMORPGers and Goth kids.

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[youtube=http://youtu.be/N0mKYKxCvVY]

(A Walk Through the Main City in the Inro Area)

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I would recommend it for newbies to the genre, and young people fond of the Twilight movies and books and Vamp Kids. I still have it installed on my gaming rig, and it is always updated, too. That means I play the game regularly and that it brings me happiness.

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I hope that you have enjoyed my review/overview and the screenshots and videos I have shared here, today. I do not know if there will be another in this series. I cannot think of another MMIORPG that I already own, and I do NOT have the money to go out and buy any games that I do not already have… at least… now,

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[youtube=http://youtu.be/7IhjwMzb0wE]

(A Ride in a Christmas Themed Vehicle in Requiem)

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As always I am deeply honored that you come here and read my work.

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Thank YOU!

MMORPGs And YOU! - World Of Warcraft

[caption id="attachment_1988" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Danny at Stormwind Gates after Dragon Attack[/caption]

            Welcome back My Dear Readers to The Other Shoe. This is the eighth article of this series ‘MMORPGs and YOU!’ here atThe Other Shoe. Since the very first article of this series I have wanted to bring you screenshots and video of game play inWorld of Warcraft. However, it was not until this week that, through the kindness of an online friend, I had access to my World of Warcraft account. I was given a ‘Scroll of Resurrection’ from a good friend of mine in World of Warcraft. This ‘Scroll of Resurrection’ can be given to any player who’s been away from the game for more than three months to, quite literally, bring them back to life in the game.

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So for the next seven days I have access to all the characters on my account, there are seven characters in all. I will not be able to show screen snapshots or give video for all of my characters. So I have picked to of my favorite characters to play and throughout this articles you will see screenshots and in game videos of these two ‘toons’. The past three days have been set spent taking screenshots and making videos. At the end of each day I sort through the screenshots and videos to find the ones that show the most and look the best for this article today.

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[youtube=http://youtu.be/XBNFhfv8GBA]

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For anyone that is thinking of expanding their PC gaming experience to a new genre. Or for anyone thinking of making their first venture in PC gaming the genre of massively multiplayer online role-playing games. World of Warcraftis quite definitely the game for you. My Dear Readers I played in many role-playing games, both on personal computers and in board games, previous to my introduction to this now world-famous game. First, a bit of irony. World of Warcraftmade its world debut November 23, 2004. November 23 is just three days after my birthday. However, in 2004… At the time of my birthday, I was not able to afford to purchase World of Warcraft.

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It was not until January 4 of 2005 and then I finally made my entry into this wonderful game. Unfortunately when I started playing there were huge lines, one had to wait in, just to get in and play your character. Often you would get kicked from the server, sometimes at very and opportune moments. I remember I was in the very first dungeon that I never played in World of Warcraft. The name of this instance is Deadmines. If you pick either human or dwarf for your first character this will, most likely be, the first instance you encounter.

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[caption id="attachment_1987" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Allen and Daniel on Bear Mounts in WOW[/caption]

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Now, My Dear Readers, I could spend hours upon hours writing basically a died to play of this game. I do not want to do that, instead I would like to introduce you to the game give you a little bit of the language the game show you pictures from the game in the videos. At the end of it all more than anything I would’ve liked to have peaked your interest in playing this MMORPG. Quite truthfully, nothing would make me happier than encountering one of you in Azeroth.

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[caption id="attachment_1986" align="aligncenter" width="630"] World Map _ World of Warcraft Azeroth[/caption]

(Azeroth – The World of Warcraft world)

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At the time this article was written there are four continents in Azeroth. They are; Kalimdor, the Eastern Kingdoms (where Humans and Dwarfs begin), Northrend and Pandaria. The next thing you will need to know is that this world is started out, in the very first game, (which in now referred to as Vanilla) with a just the continent of Kalimdor and the Eastern Kingdoms. The continent to the north, Northrend, was added in the Wrath of the Lich King expansion and Pandaria was added most recently. There have been  four expansions to this world.

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[youtube=http://youtu.be/WAPZiTZrV9w]

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The very first expansion to this game was released in January 2007, named ‘The Burning Crusade’. The next expansion was released in November 2008, named ‘Wrath of the Lich King’. The third expansion was released in December 2010 and was named ‘Cataclysm’. The fourth expansion, ‘Mists of Panderia’, was released September 2012. There is a fifth expansion planned, named ‘Warlords of Draenor’. I do not have the release date of this expansion. With each expansion the world of Azeroth has been an enlarged and the level cap has been increased.

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Each character, known in the game as a toon, grows with experience. The experience you gain as measured in levels. The original game, Vanilla, had a level cap of 60. With the most recent expansion you can now level your toon up to level ninety. Currently I do not have a level ninety toon. One of the few things that I’ve really wanted this year, for Christmas, was a extension of my membership to this game. With me not working, Allen being knowingly person in the house working, and me only bringing in a little over $900 a month I just… I just cannot justify the $15 a month subscription fee to continue playing the game. It is a sacrifice I willingly make so that my family has more money for food and the things we need.

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[youtube=http://youtu.be/IT7q6XidJ74]

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There is a reason this game, at one point, had 12 million subscribers. There is a reason that even though there are literally dozens of MMORPGs on the market several million people continue playing this game. As well, whenever I think of playing an MMORPG World of Warcraftis the one I have the most desire to play again in the best memories of playing. One of the reasons for the great success of this intellectual property is that it contains elements from fantasy, steam punk, and science fiction. There is, quite literally, something for everyone in this game. If you like rolling hills, forests, babbling brooks, blue rivers and sunny skies then you will most likely want to start out as a human. Your capital city is the grand city of Stormwind. Each race has their own capital city within the game.

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[caption id="attachment_1994" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Enzo Worgen Toon in Shattarath[/caption]

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There many races that make up this game. On the side of the Alliance you have; Humans, Dwarves, Draenei, Gnomes, Night Elves, Worgen, Tushui Panderaen and High Elves. On the side of the Horde you have; Orcs, Forsaken, Tauren, Trolls, Blood Elves, Goblins, Huojin Pandaren, and Orges. (For more information on these races you can look here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_of_warcraft_races#Humans)

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If you are a darker person, or a ‘Goth’, then you will like one of the darker races like; the Worgen, Goblins or Gnomes. The best way to find out, if you’re interested in joining this fantasy realm, what race would fit you best would be to visit the link I have left above. One of the most interesting aspects of this game is that Alliance and Horde cannot understand each other speak. If you are a human, for instance, and you are in a PvP (Person vs. Person) battle with an orc you will not understand a single word they yell at you. And, they will yell at you. The same goes for the Horde side, too. When we speak to each other, in these battles, they cannot understand what we say, either.

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[youtube=http://youtu.be/HGBS9oOdiN0]

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This adds to the mystery of the game but also serves a function. In these battles where players battle each other we cannot understand them discuss their battle plans nor that can they understand us discuss hours. The next major choice you need to make will be what type of server you would like to play. There are two basic types of servers. There are Player vs. Environment and Player vs. Player servers in the game. In the Player vs. Environment servers it is you, and your allies, playing against the wild creatures and ‘Bad elements’ of the world. In Player vs. Environment you cannot be attacked by a member of the opposing faction while casually playing. You must enter a PvP battleground prior to engaging in battle with the opposing faction. This means, that as a low level player, you cannot be ganked (overwhelmed by) members of the opposing faction going out to do quests.

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[youtube=http://youtu.be/WAPZiTZrV9w]

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On the other hand, in a PvE (Player vs. Environment) server you cannot get ganked. This is the major reason I have always played in a PvE server. However, this is the main reason that, some people, prefer the PvP servers. They like the thrill of confrontation, the allure of happenstance meetings with opposition parties and the possibility of death. I can completely understand why these people enjoy the PvP servers. I just happen to not be quite as quick, with my hands, as I used to be… and I enjoy tranquility when I play. If you are like me, not wanting to be jumped and killed at random, then you should pick a PvE server. If you like the thrills I have outlined above, then you should pick a PvP server. Each world has both kinds of servers. Currently all my toons are on the Alexstraza PvE Alliance server. If you would like to try this game, and honestly if you are a PC user and play games… well, you have no idea what all you are missing if you have never played. If you would like to play, I would be happy to show you around and help you get started. I am the Guild Master of the Guild ‘Legion of Dragon Slayers’. We have Guilds in; World of Warcraft, Rift and Aion (currently).

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[caption id="attachment_1991" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Enzomatrix on Dragon Mount[/caption]

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As well, right now is a very good time to start playing WoW. Right now you can have the base game and the first three expansions for ONLY $4.99.  (Here: https://us.battle.net/shop/en/product/world-of-warcraft). There has never been a better time to get into this genre and this game. As I stated above you can find me (Enzomatrix, Enzomatrixlt, Goodgulf [from ‘Bored of the Rings], and Devonshire) on the; Alexstraza PvE Alliance server.

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As always I am deeply honored that you come here and read my work.

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Thank you!

 

MMORPGs And YOU! Final Fantasy XIV (2)

[caption id="attachment_1939" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Daniel/Enzo Matrix in Final Fantasy XIV A Realm Reborn[/caption]

               

        

                Welcome back My Dear Readers toThe Other Shoe. It is my pleasure to announce the resurrection of one of your most favorite article series here atThe Other Shoe. That series is, of course, MMORPGs And YOU!. This was an extremely popular series of articles earlier this year, and this is the SEVENTH in the series. I had mentioned, earlier this week, that I was going to bring back this series to reveal to you the very first MMORPG I ever playedWorld of Warcraft. However, events transpired such that instead today I will bring you a review of the most revered RPG series in the history of gaming. Today I bring you a review, screenshots and video of Final Fantasy XIV (2) ‘A Realm Reborn’.

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Now, My Dear Readers, I have been playing this storied franchise since the original Nintendo gaming system. I’m not talking about the Super Nintendo or the N64 I am talking about the original eight bit Nintendo gaming system. I’ve been playing this franchise for the better part of 25 years. Not only that, but I had the opportunity to be a Beta tester for Final Fantasy XI and XIV. I also played, extensively, this game before its redesign and “rebirth”. This gives me a unique perspective on this Realm Reborn version of this massively multiplayer online role-playing game.

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[youtube=http://youtu.be/-CmSZC31HNM]

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First, there were a lot of very good reasons why this game had to be reborn. Not the least of which were the bugs that came with the game on the PC version. Unfortunately, I’m here to tell you that a good deal of these bugs remain in this a Reborn realm. Now, for us PC gamers, we were very used to a certain type of user interface in our massively multiplayer online role-playing games. When the original came out they had departed from this standardized user interface, in favor of an interface that worked better with the PlayStation console gaming system. To say that that did not go well with PC gamers, is a gross understatement.

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I am very happy to announce to you, My Dear Readers, that this Reborn realm does have a user interface all massively multiplayer online role-playing gamers have come accustomed to. You can now use your MMORPG mouse with this game. However, there remains a big problem with being able to see your mouse cursor on screen in the PC version. That segways nicely into the biggest thing I need to tell you about this game. If you do not have a gamepad for your PC, and you plan on trying this game, you simply must purchase a gamepad for your PC.

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[caption id="attachment_1930" align="aligncenter" width="630"] In the Bar - Enzo in Final Fantasy XIV A Realm Reborn[/caption]

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Unfortunately this game does not play well with the mouse and keyboard. However, it does play a very well with a gamepad. Be it a Logitech dual shock or any other standard gamepad for PC computers, they are the best way to play this game. I will be completely honest with you My Dear Readers I have never been one for playing my games on my personal computer with a gamepad. My first games on the PC were FPS games and those are very rapid fire quick action games which are only played best with a keyboard and the best mouse you can afford.

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[youtube=http://youtu.be/KEGoSPMDy94]

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So, again, if you’re going to check out this game, and I suggest if you like this genre of games do get this game and check it out, get a gamepad first. Now about buying this game. Right now at Gamestop.com this game is on sale for $14.99. I traded in some of My Coke Rewards points for some GameStop bucks and, last night about midnight, I ended up getting this game for absolutely free. That is why you, My Dear Readers are getting; a review, screenshots and videos from this game today. I assure you whenever I have the opportunity to review a game that I got for free it’s going to happen. That does not mean that every game I reviewed I have obtained free. Actually, the opposite is true… this is the only game, out of all the games I’ve reviewed for you here atThe Other Shoe, that I didn’t pay full price.

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[caption id="attachment_1936" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Nice Picture of Enzo in Final Fantasy XIV A Realm Reborn[/caption]

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More about the game. In the original version of this storied franchise the option to adjust your video, for your particular personal computer, was ‘lacking’…  to say the least. You were not able to adjust many of the characteristics of today’s modern video cards. If you’re not really familiar with the gaming industry there’s really two types of games that come out on a personal computer. One type, the preferred type, is a game that is designed from the ground up just for personal computers. These games generally have the best graphics the most options for adjusting graphics and the best control and gameplay for a keyboard and mouse combination. This second type, and the type less desirable, are games that were originally written and coded for today’s gaming consoles and then ported to a form used on personal computers. These games are called ‘Ports’. In general games and that originally designed for gaming consoles and then ported to personal computers have inferior graphics, inferior control, and less options to customize your gaming experience.

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Just a side note, if your parent or grandparent thinking of buying a young person one of the new gaming consoles coming out this year. Consider this: if you’re going to buy an Xbox One or a PlayStation 4 you are in essence purchasing a Home Theater Personal Computer (HTPC). Having said, if the young person your purchasing this console floor is open to it there are great many HTPC’s available that have more capabilities and better uses for educational purposes than the gaming consoles being sold today. Myself, I haven’t been a console gamer in more than 20 years. I have looked at the specs for both of this year’s gaming consoles and two things are crystal-clear. First, Microsoft’s Xbox One… Well, there’s a reason it’s more expensive. Microsoft has packaged a personal computer into a form that a 12-year-old can look at and think of as a gaming system. On the other hand, second, Sony is selling an inferior product and did not make the crossover to HTPC. The reason for this is Sony wants to keep a steel grip on its media rights and that had a negative effect on the design of the next generation console by Sony.

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[youtube=http://youtu.be/_ddK8O2IuiU]

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Final Fantasy XIV (2) is, by all measures, a far superior game than what was released to me in March 2010. I’m going to tell you right now the beta of the first version of this game stank up my computer. Quite honestly, I was involved in the beta of Final FantasyXI, the very first MMORPG of this franchise and it ran better in beta than XIV. I think I’ve mentioned to everyone here before, that I am running everything you see on an HP Firebird 803 VooDoo DNA Gaming computer. This is HP’s commercial follow-up to the quite expensive‘Blackbird’. The ‘Blackbird’ was an incredible gaming computer that had a starting price of just over $6000. This meant those that could afford the Blackbird, had a gaming computer that would last them the next decade, but for the rest of us it was just something we looked at in PC gaming magazines.

 

So, My Dear Readers, all the screenshots and videos you see here are being done on a machine that is about four years old. I am not complaining, this machine still runs these games very well and I am not in a financial position to afford a new gaming computer anytime soon. On with the game.

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[caption id="attachment_1937" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Enzo Wide Shot In Final Fantasy XIV A Realm Reborn[/caption]

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Due to the improvements in the video options of the game menu, you’re now able to customize the video and tje engine produces far more accurately match the capabilities of you were personal computer. This results in a much clearer, sharper, and more vivid gaming experience for this reboot of this wonderful game. Previously, my rig had a lot of difficulty running this game at the screen resolution I had. At the time the first release of this game my screen resolution was 1440x900, and I still couldn’t sustain a frame rate anywhere near 30 FPS. My current screen resolution is 1920x1080 and as you can see in the videos I am running a solid 30 FPS even while recording gameplay. To say that this is a great relief is a gross understatement.

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[caption id="attachment_1941" align="aligncenter" width="630"] A Nighttime Shot of Enzo in Final Fantasy XIV A Realm Reborn[/caption]

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From what I can see, the quest dynamics of changed and improved, along with the interface. As I mentioned earlier in this article if you have played any other MMORPG you will find the new user interface to be very familiar. This is a great relief to me as with the previous user interface was horrible for personal computers and obviously designed for gaming consoles. You now have the action bars along the bottom to contain your spells attacks defenses or healing spells. And there are action bars along the side along with the quest log where it belongs, too. As well, they changed the intro video and how the game starts and I have to say the whole beginning video and getting started the game moves more smoothly and is better designed to be run on a personal computer.

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[youtube=http://youtu.be/J7dxtccpnI4]

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Bottom line, if you play this type of game and you’ve hesitated on trying this particular game I would suggest going out and buying it today. As I mentioned above right now at game stop it’s on sale for $14.99. You can’t beat a game of this caliber at that price by any measure. There are still problems with the game. I have yet to play it enough to isolate all the bugs. However, the bugs that remain are not playing prohibitive. Meaning, I’m able to play the game easily and well I finished my first couple of quests in a matter of minutes and my machine is not frozen once and there are no BSODs at all.

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[caption id="attachment_1934" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Registration in Final Fantasy XIV A Realm Reborn[/caption]

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I’m happy to say that I now fully recommend this game for anybody would be interested in playing it and I hope you enjoy all the videos and screenshots of the polluted in today’s article. I am still working diligently to bring you a review containing videos and screenshots of my final game of theWorld of Warcraft.

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As always I am deeply honored that you come here and read my work.

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Thank you!