Here there be dragons

Image via CrunchBase

I’m sure most people interested in on-line gaming knows about Dungeons and Dragons Online, Also known as DDO. Most of you may have even played it, at least the trial. A lot of you might not have really cared for it either. Especially when there were games like World of Warcraft and Turbines other hit MMORPG Lord of the Rings Online. With games like those, perhaps you just couldn’t see yourself plunking down a wad of cash for your monthly DDO fix.

Well, things have changed a wee bit as of late. To begin with as of this month, DDO has changed its name to Dungeons and Dragons Unlimited. However, the biggest change is the fact that the game is now FREE to PLAY. That’s right, it doesn’t even require a credit card!

However, to experience the game in ALL its splendor, it might be a good idea to invest some cash. They do charge to unlock some things, or to buy more character slots. Yer basically getting the core game free, and if you want to add something..plunk down a few dollars here..want to add a little more? plunk down a few more bucks.

The idea is remarkable, and it’s a great idea if executed PROPERLY. It will give people the chance to actually PLAY the game, beyond the couple of days free trial. Allow them to meet new people, interact and build friendships and in doing so also give them a chance to get incredibly addicted to the game so that they will want to keep adding to their game and expanding their enjoyment.

See how this could work in their favor? Secondlife already employs a similar business strategy and it works incredibly well for them. This is however the first time an established commercial MMORPG has decided to take this route, and I am REALLY excited to see how this will work for Turbine. If it proves to be successful this could change the face of MMO gaming. If their sales and income increases greatly, could they then consider to use this strategy in their already wildly succesful LotRO? Will other companies decide to experiment with the idea, or similar ideas?

Either way, for the gaming public it’s a sweet as hell deal…so, go start playing Dungeons and Dragons Unlimited…Free of charge!

Neverwinter :O

I have recently begun playing a computer RPG called Neverwinter Night. The original one, not Neverwinter Nights 2, although I did pick that up when i bought the first one. However, I wanted to play the original before digging into the next one. Yes, I know the second game doesnt require first game knowledge. However, it doesnt really hurt either.

Anyway, I have been playing this game and I must confess I am totally hooked on it! The game reminds me a LOT of the original Everquest game(Which oddly enough Neverwinter Nights 2 reminds me of Everquest 2. I may not be playing NWN2 first, but im not silly either I did make a character and fiddle in the tutorial section). Not just in graphics either, but also the setting. Combine that with NPC spell casters just standing around making glowing particles surround themselves. This isn’t a bad thing, I am a huge fan of the Everquest games. In fact the only thing I didnt like about EverQuest was the fact that the game wasn’t story oriented. Neverwinter Nights however obviously IS story oriented. Thus it ranks up as one of my all time favorite games EVER.

So, some of you might be wondering what made me decide to play this game after OH so many years. To be honest, I have always wanted to try this game, however the idea of having a buttload of henchmen, group-guys or whatever they are called put me off. Controlling several people in a real time combat situation did not interest me, however someone informed me, that though the battles might be realtime, you could pause the game easily and take your time finding what it is you want to use. I was also informed that I don’t exactly control the henchmen. This then got my interest in the game renewed!

I purchased the game, and now I have to force myself to quit playing. Granted, I am not very far along. I have barely finished the prelude, and quelled the prison riot. My last known location is outside the gates of a district over run with zombies. A freakin’ ZOMBIE invasion! That right there gives the game a spot in my heart. Looking forward to experiencing more of this game too!

Age of Conan

Ok, so im sure some of you have heard of the MMORPG Age of Conan (Known here on as AoC). If you haven’t then you really should look into it. The game looks incredible, and certainly worth checking out. My only complaint is, unlike on other MMORPGs AoC does not offer a free trial from their website.

This sort of bugs me. Why? Because I desperately want to play this, but I have heard the controls are clumbsy and things that the game could be improved on in various areas. Some people however dont know what they are talking about, however I don’t want to purchase this game and end up finding out…yea, ok…everyones right…it kind of sucks.

Also, the fact that they dont have a trial on their website available like most games….kinda sends up a red flag that the game sorta sucks….and that they kinda sorta know it sucks too.

If however the game isn’t as bad as I have heard…I will happily buy and subscribe to the game. As it is though, I am happy with Lord of the Rings Online, and at least I know that doesnt suck….so, until I can see if AoC sucks, im just going to play it safe and stick to LotRO………..But…….

PLEASE put out a freakin AoC trial!