FIVE HUNDRED Articles - Part Three - MMORPGs And YOU!

[caption id="attachment_1140" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Enzomatrix/Danny On Ice Planet Hoth[/caption]

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               Welcome back My Dear Readers to The Other Shoe. Here we are, My Dear Readers, well into our ‘Celebration and Review’ in honor of the publication of my Five Hundredth Article here at The Other Shoe. I really feel that I am hitting my stride, with this series. Especially since, yesterday, I spent most of the day; with my head in one imaging tube or another,getting off or on various and sundry mass transit and getting any number of steel needles plunged into the veins in both arms. There is a very good reason I avoid; doctors, hospitals and all medical facilities. Seems once they have me in their grasp… they just do not want to let me go!

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Regardless of my exciting and terrifying adventures, yesterday, I still managed to; write, publish and promote ‘500 Articles - Part Two – The Mars Report’. Honestly? I was very proud of just how that article came out! I covered the beginning, the middle and the end (most recent) of the series and included some of the best ‘news making days’ of both Opportunity and Curiosity. Even better? Their/OUR journey, with ‘The Mars Report’, is far from over! In the coming weeks, months and years I hope to keep promoting and sharing the best moments, the best images and the real science that takes place with these intrepid adventurers on the Martian surface.

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Now, as a reward for going through all the… painful and humiliating tests and exams yesterday. I promised myself that for today I would reward myself by making today’s (Wednesday’s) edition of this series about something I really enjoy! Yes, My Dear Readers, that means that today we will be looking back on, reviewing and celebrating the most fun filled of all my series… ‘MMORPGs and YOU!’

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These games put a smile on my face, and are the way I most enjoy spending my spare time. My Dear Readers, that statement was mostly true… as far back as I can remember. However, now… now, with my current… shortcomings these games have only increased in desirability. You see, My Dear Readers, in real life I can… no longer… run, jump, dance, play and use my body the way I was accustomed. Yet… once I am in these games? I CAN; run, skip, jump, hop, ride horses, dance and PLAY to my heart’s content.

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These MMORPGs give me a freedom of action… a freedom of ability that I truly lack (with my current disabilities) in the Real World. I can long into World of Warcraft and hop onto a horse and take it for a ride! I can ride for a few minutes… I can ride it for a few hours! I can go fishing, fight ‘Bad Guys’, cast spells, and even DANCE! I have a freedom of movement that I sorely lack in this real world. So, now, these MMORPGs have all the appeal they had in the 80’s… PLUS they now replace a quality of life!

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So, having been a ‘Good Boy’ yesterday and not biting anyone, or striking out at anyone, or taking out my pain and suffering on anyone. I have decided I will reward myself by spending today; writing, talking and sharing these games I so dearly love and enjoy. I am going to share all of the current reviews of these games, today. Now, sometime next week I hope to be adding to the article series ‘MMORPGs and YOU!’. I am hoping to add another article all about ‘Elder Scrolls Online’! This is the most recent MMORPG to be released.

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Now, without further adieu I give you ‘MMORPGs And YOU!’ for this the third part of ‘Five Hundred Articles – A Celebration and Review’ right here at The Other Shoe!

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• [youtube=http://youtu.be/YespFRJwuZI]


• (Enzomatrix in His Second Home - Rift)

 

• · 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]

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• [youtube=http://youtu.be/RDfEFuzbVNo]


• (Enzomatrix Riding Snow Mammoth in Age of Conan)

 

• · 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]

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


• (Enzomatrix Riding Rocket Mount in World of Warcraft)

 

• · 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]

‘World of Warcraft’  ‘Warlords of Draenor’

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[caption id="attachment_2957" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Wolrd of Warcraft - Warlords of Draenor Map[/caption]

(Map of 'New World' in 'Warlords of Draenor' Expansion)

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  World of Warcraft – Warlords of Draenor : “Welcome back My Dear Readers to The Other Shoe. As promised, I am here today to bring you the scoop on the newest edition to the storied MMORPG franchise, ‘World of Warcraft’! That’s right today you will get a peak at the upcoming expansion ‘Warlords of Draenor’. First, to get a little of the legal mumbo jumbo out of the way, ALL materials shared here are copyright of Blizzard Entertainment and not property of The Other Shoe. That means, I am just here to share what is already readily available at the web site I linked above. I am not to break any news, or share anything new.” This is the fifth expansion to the single most; played, famous, profitable, and recognized MMORPG in the WORLD! I started playing WoW in January of 2004, and have only taken short breaks from playing over the past decade. I played 24/7/365 in the first years and, as a result, have a very rare title ‘Lieutenant Commander’! It was a ‘Battlefield Commission’ that I earned during the ‘Burning Crusades’ expansion... often playing the PvP ‘Alertec Valley’. Since my neurological disease has progressed and now has done serious damage to my use of my left hand, I do not participate in PvP anymore. I just am too slow with the W-A-S-D keys and that makes for easy pickings for the Horde. I, like many others, am eagerly anticipating this upcoming expansion. That is why I choose to include this article in the Five Hundredth Article Celebration and Review. I hope to meet up with some of you, My Dear Readers, in WoW. I am on the Alexstraza Server, Alliance side, EnzoMatrix, EnzomatrixLT, EnzomatrixDK, Goodgulf, and Devonshire. Drop by and give me a shout… Oh, yeah, and I am Champion and Founder of the Guild – ‘Legion of Dragonslayers’. Hope to see you there, soon!

[caption id="attachment_2956" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Warlords of Draenor - Garrison Full 6[/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 end of today’s ‘Celebration and Review – FIVE HUNDREDTH Article’ for The Other Shoe. Now if you are one of My Dear Readers from three to four years ago? You will have seen this article series when it was originally published, and you will notice that I have made several improvements! I have taken more time, this time, to integrate the screenshot images and the in-game videos.

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As well, I have combined two different conclusion articles so that I now have the best of two worlds (so to speak) in this the completed conclusion! I have done my best to make sure I included all of the MMORPGs that I reviewed for this series. Remember, later next week I will be working to publish another edition (addition) to this series! I will be writing and publishing a review for the ‘Brand New’ MMORPG – ‘Elder Scrolls – Online’! I am, now, recording the videos and taking the in game screenshots, as I play the first ten levels of the game.

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My Dear Readers, I simply cannot put into words the; excitement, happiness, pride and humility that comes with the publication of the FIVE HUNDERDTH ARTICLE right here at The Other Shoe! I am rather surprised that, after nearly five years, that I am still writing and publishing for this blog. I never thought that I would continue and continue and continue to write and publish. Never thought that I would be celebrating Five Hundred articles published!

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I just could not have done this without you, My Dear Readers! Your readership is my strength, your ‘Likes’ are wind beneath my wings, your ‘Shares’ my reason to get up out of bed and keep trying to walk… facing the pain!

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Adieu!

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Thank YOU!

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[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="234"] PLEASE Shop at The Other Shoe eBay Store![/caption]

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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 Any YOU! - June 1st, 2014 Republication!

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

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 Welcome back My Dear Readers to The Other Shoe. Today is Sunday June 1^st, 2014 and I have decided to reblog/republish one of my single most popular article series ever. 'MMORPs And YOU!' manged to set a new record for the number of 'Likes', greatly increased traffic and was one of the very first of my articles to ever be 'reblogged' (posted by other blogger to their site). It is taking a little more time to getback into the habit of writing every single day... well, that is only partialy true. I am not having any difficulty writing 'The Horror in Smithville'... I am already done with Part TEN and am working on Part ELEVEN!.

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There is a second reason that I am republishing this particular article series. World of Warcraft is about to release another expansion to the game. From what I have read, and the video I have seen, I really want to be a part of this expansion's release. Therefore, I am going to; republish this Conclusion to the MMORPG series, republish the one article that deals with World of Warcraft, and then I am going to write an entirely new article that will cover just the new expansion. They have, already, released a video (I think I mentioned that fact), and I am waiting for approval to download and share the Media Packet Blizzard is providing to all media outlets            

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Of all the MMOPRGs I have had the pleasure to play, over the past ten years, World of Warcraft is the game of this genre that I just keep coming back to play. Just today I have leveled my primary toon to level 90! For now, that is the highest you can level any toon. World of Warcarft has it all; PvP, PvE, Dungeons, Instances, skills, cooking and GUILDS. In the decade that I have played this game I have witnessed; ENTIRE FAMILIES playing TOGETHER, Marriages (virtual), and some of the best darn gaming dynamics I have ever bore witness. Yes, as all things in life... there are people and Guilds that... well, (for the lack of a better word) are just A-Holes. But, they are few are far between.

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Now, without further adieu, I bring you 'MMORPGs And YOU – Conclusion'!

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[This article was originally published Januray 4^th, 2014]

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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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350th Article at The Other Shoe - Part Four

            Welcome back My Dear Readers to The Other Shoe. You want to know something that will really get the blood pumping?

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Looking back over a body of work as large as my writings at this blog that will get the blood pumping. On Thursday I published Part One and that took me back to the very first article I published, here at The Other Shoe. Immediately I was reminded of the passion I felt when I started this blog. I remembered that I started this blog in the pursuit of truth, and the hope that in sharing that truth… I would set myself and the people that I love…free.

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That passion still lives within me, and the words and work of this blog. My Dear Readers, I consider myself… lucky. Lucky in that I am still here, and so is this blog. Reading about blogs, I found out that something like 70%-90% of blogs die… end, within the first year. I am only months from celebrating my forth anniversary here at The Other Shoe (March 22, 2014).

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The last edition of this series focused to two different types of series that I have published here at The Other Shoe. Today, I am going to focus on the other type of series I published. PC Gaming is one of the few joys remaining in my life. Aside, of course, for the joy I experience writing and publishing my work. Gaming has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. PC Gaming combined two of my great loves; computers and gaming.

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Now, the world of MMORPGs I was a little late to the party. I had played Guild Wars, right before I entered the world of Azeroth in World of Warcraft. I know it’s crazy but just writing the name of that game… takes me to that place. Since I started playing I have spend nearly an entire year ingame in WoW. I know that sounds like a lot, but spread over seven years, it is only like one day out of each week spent playing. That is a lot easier than one might think. The game is highly addictive, especially if you are good.

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Well, I guess that is as good a segway as any, My dear readers, I bring you the Forth Edition of my 350th celebratory series. Today, the world of MMORPGs.

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World of Warcraft

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

• ·        MMORPGs And YOU! – World Of Warcraft : “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.”  Honestly, just writing about this game makes me flash on the fields of Azeroth, the rivers, the cities and the sky. For anyone thinking of playing a PC game (beyond those pitiful Facebook games and the like) WoW would be the game to check out. This game holds a very special place in my heart, in my memories and in my love for gaming and personal computers. You will never be able to play WoW on a; tablet or cell phone or other miniature computing device. WoW takes a real computer to play, and fully appreciate. You can go fishing (and actually catch fish), climb mountains, ride horses, go hunting and even fight your way (for days) through dungeons. My Dear Readers, if anyone would like to give me a gift? A gift of game time in WoW would surely bring a smile to my face. However, at $15 a month… well, I haven’t eaten but two meals in the past three days… I cannot afford to play my favorite game of all time. That is what World of Warcraft is, for me. I was a Mage and Potion master, in the world of Azeroth. I can make potions that are no longer p[art of the game. In my bank I have potions and flasks that have been removed from the game, but I still posses. Potions, Flaks and the like were my speciality, and I was very good at what I did. Funny that, I Real Life I worked in pharmacology for a decade. In WoW I love alchemy and potions. Virtual life imitating life, or vice versa? Either way… right now… this moment… I would give most anything, to once I have this published… re-enter the world of Azeroth and spend a few weeks. Play WoW and you, too, will know why.




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


• (Enzomatrix Riding Rocket Mount in World of Warcraft)


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  Age of Conan

  
  

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

• ·        MMORPGs And You! – Part Two – Age of Conan : “The game that you’ve been seeing pictures and videos, above, as 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!” Why am I doing this to myself? Writing about these games… reminds me of these games… reminding me of these games… makes me SO want to play these games. Age of Conan is another of the special games of this genre… for me. As a boy, I enjoyed the novels. As a young man, I enjoyed the movies. As an adult I just LOVED the MMORPG! There is just something special about playing in a world that you read about as a child, watched on the ‘Big Screen’ as a young man. This game is not nearly as ‘special to me as WoW… I doubt there will ever be another experience like WoW. However, the world of Conan the Barbarian is quite entertaining and enjoyable. I just now thought about it… the why… My Dear Readers, I had forgotten… the friendships. You meet people in game, and you develop friendships… that are just as real and tangible as the ones one makes in Real Life. No, I would never marry someone in game. And, YES, many of these games DO offer in game marriages. In Age of Conan I did develop several meaningful friendships. I think it is those friendships that I miss, too. AoC is a GREAT game, MMORPG. It has engaging plot, the plot works well through the game and quests. The game plays out in the world of the first movie, and the quest lines come right out of the movie and books. You would do well to check out this game, and not the slightest disappointed if you decided to play.


• [youtube=http://youtu.be/RDfEFuzbVNo]


• (Enzomatrix Riding Snow Mammoth in Age of Conan)


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  Rift

  
  

[caption id="attachment_855" align="aligncenter" width="630"] This is a screenshot of Enzo riding his Spider Mount in Sanctum, the major city.[/caption]

• ·        MMORPG(s) and YOU – 1st Edition – Rift : “Today Rift is our game, and what a game it is. I started playing Rift right when it came out. I had heard/read about it for months and it looked to be what WoW started out. It had depth in the game (Good vs. Evil) and it was based on my favorite MMORPG of them all, WoW. Basically you are a; Mage or a Warrior, a Hunter or a Healer. You either heal you friends and party members or you fight the many monsters and Bosses that stand in your way. Mages and Hunters are ‘ranged’ fighters. They shot things at the targets while standing well back. The one up front, taking all the damage, are you Warriors and Tanks.” Rift is one of the MMORPGs that I continue to play. It is ‘Free-to-Play’ with an ‘Open World’ policy. You can go anywhere you want in the entire world, no boundaries. Many of the ‘FtP’ MMORPGs have whole parts of the world blocked off. Some of the world map is only accessible if you pay the monthly subscription fee. Not Rift though. Rift is the best of all the free MMORPGs that I have played, to date. It is easy to get started, involving from the beginning and very easy to level a character. You can ride mounts as early as level 10, unlike others where you have to be level 20 or 40 before you get up off your feet. One downside is that there is no self-flight. In WoW you can purchase flying mounts and fly all by yourself in any of the areas of the world. Seeing the gaming world, from above, adds a depth and quality to the game that is unmatched. I would suggest Rift to any beginning players… almost as much as WoW. Almost.


• [youtube=http://youtu.be/YespFRJwuZI]


• (Enzomatrix in His Second Home - Rift)




• ·        MMORPGs And YOU! – Conclusion : “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.

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.” Now, MY Dear Readers, IF you want to check out the NINE different MMORPGs that I shared, this would be THE article to read and peruse. I have included images from each of the nine games, and links to the nine separate articles. Each and every one of these games brought joy and happiness to my tortured life, at one point or another, over the past seven years. This conclusion article was a tribute to the genre, and to the nine MMORPGs that brought so many hours… days… weeks... months of enjoyment to me during the most painful and tortured time of my adult life. Now do you understand… just what these games mean to me?

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With that I bring you to the conclusion of Part Four of my 350^th Celebration here at The Other Shoe. I know… I have spent more time… written more and shared more on this, the 350^th Celebration than any other celebration or review in the four year history of my blog. This milestone means the world to me. Especially at this point in my life, right now.  

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Things are tough for yours truly, right now. I refuse to complain, but I also refuse to ignore. I am not alone in my plight. Millions upon millions of Americans are caught between an eternal rock and a perpetual hard place. I do the best I can, with what I have and what is shared with me buy others. One thing that is different? I work hard as I am physically able to write and entertain. I do my very best to entertain and enlighten and I spend many hours each day in that pursuit.

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Tomorrow I will be bringing you the Fifth and Final edition of this celebratory review of my 350 and four-year journey. Having not yet been written, I have no idea what, exactly, this article will entail. I have covered many of my recent political works. I have covered the several different types of series articles I have written and published over the years. What shall I share, tomorrow?

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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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[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="234"] The Other Shoe eBay Store[/caption]

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[caption id="attachment_1812" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Just a shot of a VERY thankful Danny in His Power Chair[/caption]

  

MMORPGs And YOU! - Part Six - Star Wars The Old Republic

[caption id="attachment_1143" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Rise of The Hoth Cartel Splash Screen SWTOR[/caption]

(Rise of the Hoth Cartel Splash Screen)

Welcome back My Dear Readers, to The Other Shoe and to the Sixth edition of ‘MMORPGs And YOU!’. Our subject for today? ‘Star Wars – The Old Republic’ Based on the intellectual property, that we all love, ‘Star Wars’ serves as a fantastic backdrop for this genre of games, MMORPGs. A little gaming history with this edition of ‘MMORPGs And YOU!’.

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 [youtube+http://youtu.be/1f1bv-p6suE]

(Enzomatrix Riding Speeder Bike In Empire Space Port)

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This was the very last game venture for the venerable game development team @ Lucas Arts. Working with Bioware via Electronic Arts (the 800 lb gorilla in the gaming industry). When Disney bought out Lucas Arts (this was back in March) they shutdown (from what I understand) the Lucas Arts gaming studio. I do not believe that this rupture, in the gaming universe, will spell the end of this awesome MMORPG. They have already consolidated the servers, and gone FTP (Free to Play). This game did not make the FTP transition well, but I will get to that later.

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[caption id="attachment_1142" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Enzomatrix/Danny Main 'Toon' At Startup Splash Screen[/caption]

(Enzomatrix/Danny Main 'Toon' At Startup Splash Screen)

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The Jedi Knight series of games (thanks to companies like Raven Software and I.D. software) brought single player game graphics to multiplayer games and maps. They were the first, way back in 1998. I don’t think I will ever forget my first experience having a light saber battle, with some guy in Pennsylvania. Granted, it was choppy and there was a great deal of hitching. I think that even for a moment we might have hitched at the same time and the game completely froze, for both of us, for just a nanosecond. .

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[youtube=http://youtu.be/qJ692oSXyqc]

(Air Space Battle In Game Video SWTOR)

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Nevertheless, we were Light Saber Fighting across the internet! 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.

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[caption id="attachment_1136" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Enzo on Courasant with Bldngs and ships[/caption]

(Enzomatrix/Danny At Spaceport On Coruscant)

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I won’t (at least I do not think I am) go into all the different classes. You can be; A Jedi and be one of three species. You can be a Storm trooper and wear that neat white plastic armor. Then there is the Smuggler, which is a Hunter Class type. The Jedi are broken down into assault or defender/Healer types. You can choose the Dark Side, too. There are Dark Side Jedi and they look pretty gnarly and very dark.

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 [youtube=http://youtu.be/cwBC0Qv06h0]

(Enzomatrix/Danny Riding Speeder Bike on Ice Planet HOTH)

. You have a ‘Skill Tree’ where you place points. Where you place these points = what skills and Jedi Powers you can use. This part of the game is quite similar to how skills in World of Warcraft used to be. Your Jedi can be quite specialized, as far as which powers you can use. Jedi Guardians are a Healing Class and Jedi Knights are Fighters or Defenders. My second favorite class was the Heavy Gunner class of Republic Storm Troopers. The Heavy Gunner was a gas to play. With the right chain gun he can, literally, mow down waves of attackers without blinking an eye. So, there are more than a dozen combinations of characters and classes. I have just begun to scratch the surface.

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 [youtube=http://youtu.be/0KMJ02Wyf4M]

('News Cast' In Game Video The Old Republic)

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The Old Republic comes complete with Professions and Trades. If you can equip it someone can make it. When I left the game, I had a toon for each type of item that could be made in the game. All that is left is leveling the skill and find the right recipes. You can even construct your own light saber (a Quest Chain for all Jedi classes) from parts you manufacture yourself. You build the; hilt, power crystal, Modifier, and Augment. Then, you put them all together and spark-up your self-made Light saber. There is Alchemy and Armor Making. There is crafting power crystals and blacksmithing armor.

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[caption id="attachment_1140" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Anarcouxs/Danny On Ice Planet Hoth[/caption]

(Anarcouxs and Companions On Ice Planet Hoth)

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As with all other MMORPGs there is an Auction House for the sale and purchase of items, made, found or looted. There are vendors of every imaginable kind selling every item imaginable. With the recent consolidation of the servers there are many crafters for each server representing every type and class of item. However, I would not rely on the Auction House or vendors to equip and armor your toon. The more you can create for your toons, the better off you toons will be and the less in game currency you will need.

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[youtube=http://youtu.be/7u9qYK-N9xE]

(The Old Republic Space Battle)

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I could go on for hours about everything that Star Wars The Old Republic has in common with all other MMORPGs. Basically because SWTOR has everything that every other MMORPG has and it all looks like it belongs in this universe. What SWTOR has going for it? Everything happens in the world of ‘Star Wars’. The game occurs about the time of the cartoon series ‘The Clone Wars’. Right around the time of the very last ‘Star Wars’ movies.

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[caption id="attachment_1134" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Enzomatrix/Danny on the Bridge of His Star Ship[/caption]

(Enzomatrix/Danny on the Bridge of His Star Ship.)

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I loved, and still hold an affinity for, ‘Star Wars’. It is a story of hope. The hopes and dreams of a boy from a small town… in a strange land. A story with chivalry and sword play. A story with clearly defined Good and Evil. A world where dreams and aspirations are achieved, and surpassed. Mankind lost something, when we went from fighting and killing those we opposed by hand. It takes courage and the conviction of one’s beliefs to slay another man… facing him only inches away… with a sword.

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

(Enzomatrix/Danny With Companions On Coruscant)

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As always, My Dear Readers, it has been a pleasure to have you here @ The Other Shoe. You honor me with your presence; you give life to my work.

“Thank YOU!”

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