I've pretty much been sucked in by Dragon Age lately and it's a GREAT game. The narrative in it is fantastic and there's no lack of great things being said. A few niggling annoyances to me though that don't seem to bother anyone else.
The world feels small and definitely 'console rpg like' to me. I generally hate this trend in games and it adds to heavily to the spoon fed feel of a world.
The fighting in the game is the LEAST interesting part of it to me as most fights are just a zerg fest and moving from one "orcs in a field" section to the next.
There is a particular party mix you need to be successful in combat in the. This works counter to the NPC stories in that you can't really adventure with the NPCs you like, you have to go for party balance.
The NPC mages they give you are the suck. You do about the same if you create a fighter or thief class but will be far ahead of the game if you make the main character a mage. I find this disappointing.
My other real comment is that I seriously doubt the toolset for this will be as successful as the Neverwinter Nights toolset. The game shines on cut scenes and voice-acting and I don't see communities having that strength. We'll probably just see "orcs in a field with various landscape" modules from the community because that's all the game is without the cutscenes and acting. I think the gaming community is missing the point on customizable toolsets. If NWN is any gauge, what players want is a world creation kit to make their own MMO. The 'M' in this game being 'Moderatly ...
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Posts for 2009
My online gaming life has been all over the place lately but it's all been enjoyable.
For the most part I've been playing Fallen Earth since launch and enjoyed it more than just about any other game in the last year. I don't want to do a review here but a few of the particular highlights for me are:
If you're playing or going to play drop me a note and we can hookup in game. It's lots of fun.
I'm even thinking about trying my hand at making a FRAPS based video for my character.
One thing I really find ironic about Fallen Earth though are people who claim to love the sandbox and non-linear design of the game but who insist on playing through every quest as if it's a guided experience. /emote shrug
I've been having fun dabbling in other games as well. Champions Online is a fun game with some interesting features, particularly in breaking the walls of the MMO silo.
I'll post screenies sometime.
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For the most part I've been playing Fallen Earth since launch and enjoyed it more than just about any other game in the last year. I don't want to do a review here but a few of the particular highlights for me are:
- It has more content than any game I've ever seen at launch and has more content than many games that are years old.
- It's one of the more sandboxish character driven MMOs out there (but still far behind Eve Online)
- I really enjoy post-apocalyptic games and have been wanting to get my FallOut on in an MMO since the 90s
- Have a good group of people to play with
- Have good RP hooks with my character
If you're playing or going to play drop me a note and we can hookup in game. It's lots of fun.
I'm even thinking about trying my hand at making a FRAPS based video for my character.
One thing I really find ironic about Fallen Earth though are people who claim to love the sandbox and non-linear design of the game but who insist on playing through every quest as if it's a guided experience. /emote shrug
I've been having fun dabbling in other games as well. Champions Online is a fun game with some interesting features, particularly in breaking the walls of the MMO silo.
I'll post screenies sometime.
| Originally published at Flagon With The Dragon. |
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I decided to try my hand (feet really) at running again for the first time in 15 years. I use to run all the time and after a back injury I decided to give it up, primarily because the stern doctor looked at me and told me flat out that my "running days are over." I ran cautiously and with small agreements, I'd run for 15 minutes and see how my back feels and I'll force myself to stop if I feel any kind of back discomfort. I have to make these kinds of arrangements or I just wont stop.
Anyway, I didn't stop. I only did about 2 miles in a time that would have gotten me kicked out of the army back in the day but still I finished. Cardio wise it wasn't much of a problem after a year and a half of cycling and I could have done more I think. My biggest difficulty was in the new motion and legs. Those weren't a big problem either, hell I ran 2 miles the first time out in 15 years without much of a problem, still though it's a different motion and I can tell it'll take some getting use to. Particularly difficult was holding my knees and midsection firm but not tense, something you can be a lot more lax about on a bike.
How does Horus come into this you might w0nder? Well in a rather interesting way it turns out and one that only one or two of you will understand.
I ran from Medlock Park to Mason Mill Park and as I was hitting the turn around point in Mason Mill I start having that conversation with myself that I have pretty much anytime I push ... (Read More)
Anyway, I didn't stop. I only did about 2 miles in a time that would have gotten me kicked out of the army back in the day but still I finished. Cardio wise it wasn't much of a problem after a year and a half of cycling and I could have done more I think. My biggest difficulty was in the new motion and legs. Those weren't a big problem either, hell I ran 2 miles the first time out in 15 years without much of a problem, still though it's a different motion and I can tell it'll take some getting use to. Particularly difficult was holding my knees and midsection firm but not tense, something you can be a lot more lax about on a bike.
How does Horus come into this you might w0nder? Well in a rather interesting way it turns out and one that only one or two of you will understand.
I ran from Medlock Park to Mason Mill Park and as I was hitting the turn around point in Mason Mill I start having that conversation with myself that I have pretty much anytime I push ... (Read More)
While shopping at Publix I saw an elderly asian woman working as a cart collector. I don't know her or her story but the narrative that arose in my mind about it just depressed me. Is this really where the country has ended up? A woman, who by all rights shouldn't be consigned to back breaking work, is forced to strongarm lines of shopping carts just to get by?
Though I've seen all kinds of people out there strugging, the image of this woman wrapping a bright read scarf around her and still remaining dignified while doing this work really bothered me. It makes me happy I've always been a person who brings is cart back but for no real particular reason, if everyone did that this woman wouldn't even have a job.
I can't really figure out why this particular thing bothers me so much but it just does. Gives me a case of the arghs.
Though I've seen all kinds of people out there strugging, the image of this woman wrapping a bright read scarf around her and still remaining dignified while doing this work really bothered me. It makes me happy I've always been a person who brings is cart back but for no real particular reason, if everyone did that this woman wouldn't even have a job.
I can't really figure out why this particular thing bothers me so much but it just does. Gives me a case of the arghs.
| Originally published at Flagon With The Dragon. |
The idea of how minds change has been in my thoughts quiet a bit lately and it's become a reoccuring theme in many different areas of my life, as things tend to do. I've mostly been contemplating how my thoughts have changed over the last 9 months, and how or if that's changed my fundamental way of thinking. Many of you know it's been a year of pretty big changes for me and through it I have been incredibly mindful that how I came out of this was a great unknown, but still in my hands to shape somewhat.
The number of changes have been dramatic and largely unexpected. I'm a much more positive person in general now than I was a year ago, I'm much more relaxed and anger has largely gone out of my life, at least compared to previously. I'm still coming to terms with exactly what is contributing to all these changes, in small ways it's a contious effort though. I meditate regularly, I have gotten good at turning my thoughts in a particular direction or another and I regularly stay away from particular sets that would give me a more brooding cast than in the past.
I don't really want to do a retrospective on what's causing the change as I want to take a moment to be a bit amazed at the very concept of a mind changing in the first place. Biochemistry is a wonderful thing but there are times (like now) where it's hard to sit there viewing the mind as a biochemical engine of thought and the implications of what it means that a bunch of chemicals could "decide" to change. Think about that for a second, a system, even ... (Read More)
The number of changes have been dramatic and largely unexpected. I'm a much more positive person in general now than I was a year ago, I'm much more relaxed and anger has largely gone out of my life, at least compared to previously. I'm still coming to terms with exactly what is contributing to all these changes, in small ways it's a contious effort though. I meditate regularly, I have gotten good at turning my thoughts in a particular direction or another and I regularly stay away from particular sets that would give me a more brooding cast than in the past.
I don't really want to do a retrospective on what's causing the change as I want to take a moment to be a bit amazed at the very concept of a mind changing in the first place. Biochemistry is a wonderful thing but there are times (like now) where it's hard to sit there viewing the mind as a biochemical engine of thought and the implications of what it means that a bunch of chemicals could "decide" to change. Think about that for a second, a system, even ... (Read More)
Headed home for the night. Thinking about dinner and BSG. Let me know if anyone wants to get together for it.
Wow it's been a long time since I've updated here. Primarily this is because I've been Twittering and Facebooking my little heart out. A larger part though is work being so hectic and there being no relief in sight.
Anyway, randomly jumping in while I have the energy.
I'm sick. Up late right now waiting for the latest dose of TheraFlu to kick in and not happy at all. I HATE being sick (as if other people like it) I'm usually pretty lucky in that I normally get ALMOST sick. Not today and I feel like this so infrequently that it's a jolt when I do. It's one of those "I forget what it's like to be well" kind of sicks. Blargh.
Having a hard time forming my brain around what else is going on for a proper update. So very fragmented...
When did the idea of a 'trim' get lost in our culture? I get the wierdest look when I got into a hair place and ask for one. Just take what it looks like now and make it a tiny bit shorter with some layering, is that really so hard? Apparently because I had a hair disaster this weekend on a scale that even I noticed.
Work is absolutly overwhelming at times but not usually in a bad way I guess. I'm trying to take the Anarchy that reigns there and turn it into something resembling a system. My hope was to avoid a Despotism in the meantime but I don't think that's possible. Not my very favorite thing every. Still though there are some gems in the middle of it all so it's not so-so bad.
Hanging out with a few frends and all that ... (Read More)
Anyway, randomly jumping in while I have the energy.
I'm sick. Up late right now waiting for the latest dose of TheraFlu to kick in and not happy at all. I HATE being sick (as if other people like it) I'm usually pretty lucky in that I normally get ALMOST sick. Not today and I feel like this so infrequently that it's a jolt when I do. It's one of those "I forget what it's like to be well" kind of sicks. Blargh.
Having a hard time forming my brain around what else is going on for a proper update. So very fragmented...
When did the idea of a 'trim' get lost in our culture? I get the wierdest look when I got into a hair place and ask for one. Just take what it looks like now and make it a tiny bit shorter with some layering, is that really so hard? Apparently because I had a hair disaster this weekend on a scale that even I noticed.
Work is absolutly overwhelming at times but not usually in a bad way I guess. I'm trying to take the Anarchy that reigns there and turn it into something resembling a system. My hope was to avoid a Despotism in the meantime but I don't think that's possible. Not my very favorite thing every. Still though there are some gems in the middle of it all so it's not so-so bad.
Hanging out with a few frends and all that ... (Read More)
I had a comprehensive physical done on Friday after some much appreciated hen-pecking from my Doctor. He's really a fantastic guy and GREAT Doctor, one of those guys who is old enough to have given Moses his first physical but really sharp and great social skills.
Anyway, I really love when doctors seem to marvel a bit at my physical condition. I'm not a thin person so I don't really look like I exercise the amount that I do and at 42 the number of people who stay active is rather small so I guess they aren't use to it. The end result is everything is great so far. In particular it was really cool to have my Doc hand me a copy of my EKG and tell me to put it in my glove compartment. He told me this because my resting heart rate is so low that if I got into a car accident and was unconscious, not knowing somewhere in the mid 50s is my normal resting heart rate, they would immediately send me to the ICU because of it.
To say I'm happy about this is an understatement and all this before I've really begun to train for my next long distance ride. Hopefully this points to the likelihood of this being a good year.
Overall I really feel great but my left leg is still a bit of a problem. My left thigh gets tight and that causes some knee problems if I don't massage it out and ice it down. My left Achilles Tendon can get pretty sore from the scare tissue I got in last years crash and overdoing it. Honestly though, that's just age and you have to learn to play hurt sometimes. It ... (Read More)
Anyway, I really love when doctors seem to marvel a bit at my physical condition. I'm not a thin person so I don't really look like I exercise the amount that I do and at 42 the number of people who stay active is rather small so I guess they aren't use to it. The end result is everything is great so far. In particular it was really cool to have my Doc hand me a copy of my EKG and tell me to put it in my glove compartment. He told me this because my resting heart rate is so low that if I got into a car accident and was unconscious, not knowing somewhere in the mid 50s is my normal resting heart rate, they would immediately send me to the ICU because of it.
To say I'm happy about this is an understatement and all this before I've really begun to train for my next long distance ride. Hopefully this points to the likelihood of this being a good year.
Overall I really feel great but my left leg is still a bit of a problem. My left thigh gets tight and that causes some knee problems if I don't massage it out and ice it down. My left Achilles Tendon can get pretty sore from the scare tissue I got in last years crash and overdoing it. Honestly though, that's just age and you have to learn to play hurt sometimes. It ... (Read More)
My riding playlist for this week. Can't seem to shake 'Click Click Boom' which makes me wonder if I have a secret (even from myself) Fast and Furious fetish. 'Til I Collapse' is still hanging in there but it's new enough to my library to stick around. The rest, what can I say, I always seem to come back to Beastie Boys and Cake sooner or later.
What's your workout playlist?
- 'Click Click Boom' - Saliva
- ''Till I Collapse' - Eminem & Nate Dogg
- 'King of Rock' - Run-DMC
- 'Tougher Than Leather' - Run-DMC
- 'No Sleep Till Brooklyn' - Beastie Boys
- 'She's Crafty' - Beastie Boys
- 'Girls' - Beastie Boys
- 'Brass Monkey' - Beastie Boys
- 'So What'cha Want' - Beastie Boys
- 'Sure Shot' - Beastie Boys
- 'Hey Ladies' - Beastie Boys
What's your workout playlist?
| Originally published at Flagon With The Dragon. |
I've lost two of my mentors in the last year and feeling it partciularly today.
Most rescently a guy I've worked with for maybe 8 years or so retired just a few weeks ago. We didn't always agree on everything but there was never a doubt that his thoughts on something should be taken seriously. I'm happy for his retirement but it's hard to look around and just feel like there's nobody you can say "what are your thoughts on X". Meanwhile I'm trying to fill a bit of that role for others here now and I'm enjoying it to the extent that I do it but it's a big blow not to have mine around and not to have any good alternatates in sight.
Most rescently a guy I've worked with for maybe 8 years or so retired just a few weeks ago. We didn't always agree on everything but there was never a doubt that his thoughts on something should be taken seriously. I'm happy for his retirement but it's hard to look around and just feel like there's nobody you can say "what are your thoughts on X". Meanwhile I'm trying to fill a bit of that role for others here now and I'm enjoying it to the extent that I do it but it's a big blow not to have mine around and not to have any good alternatates in sight.
| Originally published at Flagon With The Dragon. |
Been awhile since I posted my biking music list, this is what I'm doing the Stone Mountain ride with today:
List 1
List 2
This should get me there and back without recycling. We'll see.
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List 1
- 'All I Want Is You' - Barry Louis Polisar
- 'Party Up (Up in Here)' - DMX
- 'U-Mass' - Pixies
- 'My Dick (Bonus Track)' - Mickey Avalon
- 'Ooh Wee' - Mark Ronson, Ghostface Killah, Nate Dogg, Trife & Saigon
- 'You Know What It Is' - T.I. featuring Wyclef Jean
- 'Hero (feat. Keri Hilson)' - Nas
- 'Stronger' - Kanye West
- 'Wanna Know' - Obie Trice
- 'Fight the Power' - Public Enemy
- 'Lose Yourself' - Eminem
- 'Blurry' - Puddle of Mudd
- 'Jump Around' - House Of Pain
- 'Boom' - P.O.D.
- 'Click Click Boom' - Saliva
- 'Name of the Game' - The Crystal Method
List 2
- 'Curbside Prophet' - Jason Mraz
- 'The Remedy (I Won't Worry)' - Jason Mraz
- 'Who Did You Think I Was' - John Mayer Trio
- 'Let Him Fly' - Patty Griffin
- 'Streetcorner Symphony' - Rob Thomas
- 'Somewhere I Belong' - Linkin Park
- 'Gravity' - John Mayer Trio
- 'Home' - Daughtry
- 'Dreaming With a Broken Heart' - John Mayer
- 'Waiting On the World to Change' - John Mayer
This should get me there and back without recycling. We'll see.
| Originally published at Flagon With The Dragon. |
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