Saturday, December 21, 2013

Sat. Night Sketch Holiday 2013 Edition: Chua Clause Unbound!

HE KNOWS WHEN YOU ARE NAUGHTY, HE
KNOWS WHEN YOU ARE NICE, HE KNOWS WHEN YOU'VE....NEVERMIND, HE'S JUST HERE TO BLOW STUFF UP!



Sunday, December 15, 2013

Sunday Sit down Rezzed! Come meet MrFallenAngel!


Fallen but not forgotten!”

Hello Exiles and Dominion of the planet Nexus and beyond! My name is Zilvis. This is the return of the community spotlight that I’ll be doing each and every week to delve a little more into who a certain member of the WildStar community is, learn the what and why of their choice to migrate to Nexus, and maybe some surprises along the way. The way I looked at it we're all community bound like brothers and sisters in this game of WildStar. Why not get to know someone a bit better? Once again welcome, sit back, and prepare to meet this week's community member, Mr. Fallen Angel, or as some call him Mr. F. Welcome to Sunday Sit down.




Question 1:As this is a WildStar themed project, we'll get those underway first. As most of us at one time or another have asked ourselves, to you what is WildStar?
To me WildStar is a new realm where those who have forsaken other online games can come to reunite and rekindle their adventurous spirit. I come to challenge myself in PvP and exploration. This is the place I will make friends and start or end wars.



Question 2: What is one thing in the game your most hoping to be perfectly done, whether because it's needed or just something for your experience specifically?
Personally I’m silly and love the housing aspect. The last game I got to do decent housing in was Dark Age of Camelot. I look to build a place to have fun and a place to enrich my crafting experiences. I also plan on sharing my home with friends and guild mates for raid buffs or even just shenanigans.



Question 3: I did a blog post discussing maybe why someone might pick one race over another in WildStar. What race do you think you identify with and why, even if it won't necessarily be your main?

I think I identify with the Chua the most; they are a curious and rambunctious race. I am a hyper and yet very inquisitive person. They also love to play around with technology; I am a huge tech buff. I read all sorts of news on this stuff daily.


Question 4: I'm sure everyone has their WildStar moment, as I call it, that quintessential thing that cinched in your decision on the game.

The Telegraph targeting grabbed my attention just as much as the Housing Plots. I love anything to try and add more skill based gameplay to the game. If im going to be competitive I might as well have to be good.



Question 5: What aspect of WildStar are you most excited about and feel you'll spend the most time on such as Questing-Housing-PVP?

PVP will definitely eat up a bunch of my time, I am one of the Hard Core PVP members for Subterfuge Vanguard (SVG). I am looking forward to trying those warplots out, they just look so ridiculously sick.

Question 6: Out of everyone from Carbine that you've interacted with, who has surprised you the most for one thing or another by what you have seen that they have said or done so far?

Well it’s a toughy, there are two people I have interacted with a lot through forums and the amazing IRC based chat over at WildstarCentral.com. Those would be PChan and J-Tal. They have had so much great advice on Real Life stuff and in the Gaming Industry information.



Question 7: If you were given the power to either alter the game in some way or add something to it that has not been mentioned or rumored, what would it be and why?

I would have to change the double jump, it’s a cool sounding feature but it confuses me and pulls me out of my immersion. I always wonder when I watch the videos on WildStar “how did he jump again, what is he jumping off of?”. It isn’t anything major it just catches my attention.

Question 8: What is the one thing you want Carbine on a personal level or business level to know that you yourself have enjoyed from them?

Im sure they already know but, I am in love with how up front they are and how out and about they are with their fans. I see them Tweeting or chatting in the IRC chat almost daily. I have never seen such a loving and wide spread community for a game that isn’t even out yet before now.


OK, that's it for the cross section on WildStar Q's. Next is a few Q's to get to know Fallen a bit better besides his amazing exploits across Nexus!





Question 9: Fallen, I know your big on playing games with others as of late, have you always been big on co-op gameplay?

I am first and foremost a social gamer, to be honest I use games to connect with friends and family back home (Florida) seeing as im very far away due to the Army (Hawaii). I started Online MMO’s back in 1997 with Drakkar, and I got hooked to the amazing connection I was able to make with people across the world. Im a little bit of a social butterfly I guess you could say.


Question 10: How long have you been gaming and what are your top 3 moments you'd say you remember in your own personal gaming history?

I started gaming on an old Macintosh my parents owned. Oregon Trail was my first dip into the virtual gaming front. My father made the bad for him/ yet good for my brother and I decision of bringing home the original Warcraft game. I say badly for him because as my brother and I grew up we connected and hung out by playing games together and he would try to get us to do things around the house but we were sucked in to the games.

Question 11: Besides Gaming do you have any other interests or hobbies you find fun?

I am a Diver, currently I am learning to use a Re-Breather. I currently own 2 carbon fiber wrapped tanks (meaning they hold more PSI= more air). I also am a table top gamer, I love to play any kind of game really. From Apples to Apple, Cards Against Humanity, to Dungeons & Dragons, and Magic the Gathering. I also love my nerdy fantasy novels. I also am the Executive Producer/ Web Developer for the Ladies of the Round Table (LadiesoftheRoundTable.net) and am loving working on that project.



Question 12: If there was one place in the world you could live where would it be and why?

To be honest, I love Hawaii so much I would love to live here forever. But at the same time the time difference and the distance away from home is just horrible. I hardly get to talk to friends or family due to the 5-6 hour difference in time.

Question 13: Fallen, is there any hidden talents or trade skills you'd like to share? Is there something new you'd like to learn?

About a month ago I learned to use WordPress and I have been using almost daily on the Ladies of the Round Table web site. It is a fun little thing to play with and yet its quite rewarding. I also know Networking; I have my certification in Network Plus which is an IT certification.

Question 14: Simple one now I promise. Do you have any pets? If you could have any real or made up pet, what would it be?

I do not have any pets currently, but I am looking at getting one once I am out of the Army. I want to get a dog (an Alaskan Klee Kai), they are cute and curious like me. I feel it would be a great match for me. I also would like to have a buddy/ pet to play with when I’m at home.


Question 15: Finally, If there were one person living or dead, real or fake that you could sit down and have a long discussion with, who would it be and why?

Definitely Albert Einstein, he is my hero. The man had ADHD (which I have horribly) and he used it to his and society’s advantage. I would love to learn from him how to harness the amazing talents I have, yet am to hyper or distracted to hone.


OK, Fallen, I hope that wasn't too painful for you. I appreciate you being a guest on the Sunday Sit down. Now, I’ll let you have free reign. If there's anything else not asked here that you'd like to get out there that you think would be interesting for us to know, feel free to share. Things like plugs for your twitter or anything, and of course feel free to give shout outs of any kind!

Well this shout out definitely has to go to my friends at Ladies of the Round Table; they are 4 females who have jumped on board with Shrivasta and I for an amazing ride. They will be doing reviews of games and peripherals; they also will do either a weekly or bi-weekly show/ podcast on different subject. I have been handed an amazing opportunity to work with them.

Also come join me on my Twitch Page www.twitchtv/Mrfallenangel when I get more time to stream. I usually play games with my viewers or just play games I have been told to try. I even have a 30+ minute video of me trying to play the tutorial of World of Warplanes (main word trying) where I fail so hard.

Follow me on Twitter at @MrFailenAngel (yes Failen not Fallen it was taken.)

And Thank you Mr Zilvis for this opportunity to speak to you about my Love for the WildStar Devs and community.




That's it Folks. Everything you'd want to know about Fallen and hopefully more! I thank him again for putting up with me as well as you the reader. Each and every week we will have a new and fascinating community member to learn about and see what really does make the WildStar community tick inside and out. Feel free to contact me anytime on twitter @zilvis78, comment below, or if you bump into me on the interwebs say hi!

Saturday, October 12, 2013

Saturday Night Sketch : Grand Theft Pikachu!

Hey all, been awhile but back at the sketches, this one took a bit to organize but a big thanks to Mr. Jason Winter @winterinformal for the inspiration!

Sunday, September 15, 2013

Sunday Sit down with Shrivasta "A (Grievance)Girl Gamer"

A (Grievance)Girl Gamer



Hello Exiles and Dominion of the planet Nexus and beyond! My name is Zilvis. This is my end of the week community spotlight that I’ll be doing each and every week to delve a little more into who a certain member of the WildStar community is, learn the what and why of their choice to migrate to Nexus, and maybe some surprises along the way. The way I looked at it we're all community bound like brothers and sisters in this game of WildStar. Why not get to know someone a bit better? Once again welcome, sit back, and prepare to meet this week's community member. She's very busy all the time on Twitter,FB, and her streams, a proud member of The Grievance Girls, Shrivasta! Welcome to Sunday Sit down. 
I’ll let you write a little introduction. 
If you have other monikers some may know you by, feel free to throw them out there. Mainly just tell where people can find you online and any background you'd like to share we might not know.

 Thanks Zil, I'm very honored to be on this weeks Sit down.
I have been a member of the Grievance Community for two years prior to becoming the Marketing Director.  

Question 1:As this is a WildStar themed project, we'll get those underway first. As most of us at one time or another have asked ourselves, what is WildStar?

WildStar is hopefully going to be my last stop in the long line of MMO searching.


Question 2: What is one thing in the game you’re most hoping to be perfectly done, whether because it's needed or just something for your experience specifically?

Guild mechanics- other games have very limited control or interface.  Also very much looking forward to warplots and PVP with the twist that Carbine has included its going to be not only very competitive but fun overall. Well, who are we kidding anything that can get me a clean head shot lol


Question 3: I did a blog post discussing maybe why someone might pick one race over another in WildStar. What race do you think you identify with and why, even if it won't necessarily be your main?

I will be rolling the saucy but classy Aurin..  How do I identify you ask? Looks innocent but very deadly!



Question 4: I'm sure everyone has their WildStar moment, as I call it, that quintessential thing that cinched in your decision on the game.

One word Rowsdower!
In all seriousness I love the over all theme of the game. What really drew me in is the innate sense of community the Carbine team has and is keeping to in the development of this game.  For me it feels like home


Question 5: What aspect of WildStar are you most excited about and feel you'll spend the most time on such as Questing-Housing-PVP?

I'm excited about the Warplots, housing, PVP and the promise of incoming content on a regular basis . As for spending my time well I have to get in there to decorate my house, as well post a sign for "Roommate Wanted" to start the search for the perfect person to share my home.


Question 6: Out of everyone from Carbine that you've interacted with, who has surprised you the most for one thing or another by what you have seen that they have said or done so far?

I just love Jon Wiseman's sense of humor. Jen Bardic has designed the Arena Game play in WildStar just for me lol. Love that feeling when you can suggest something and it actually gets considered and put in a game.



Question 7: If you were given the power to either alter the game in some way or add something to it that has not been mentioned or rumored, what would it be and why?

Flying spacecraft mounts that players could craft with artifacts. If you find an artifact that matches your race bonus stats!


Question 8: What is the one thing you want Carbine on a personal level or business level to know that you yourself have enjoyed from them?

I have enjoyed the stance Carbine has taken with the community in sticking to there guns on the vision of the game.


OK, that's it for the cross section on WildStar Q's. Next is a few Q's to get to know Shrivasta a bit better besides her amazing exploits across Nexus!



Question 9: What originally had drawn you to Grievance and specifically The Grievance Girls?

Grievance Global Gaming is about Family Honor and Loyalty above all. We understand that everyone has real life obligations and family time comes first.  With the GGGirls we have fun in everything we do, there is something to be said about playing a game and everyone is all about the accessories and dye colors.

Question 10: How long have you been gaming and what are your top 3 moments you'd say you remember in your own personal gaming history?

I have been gaming for over 10yrs, most memorable moment would be when my husband first approached me to game.  I tried my hand at healing knowing nothing about an MMO. .  Death after death after death I promptly changed to tanking.

Question 11: Besides Gaming and Internet goodness do you have any other interests or hobbies you find fun?

I spent my first 20 years as an executive chef. So I'm a true foodie at heart.



Question 12: Your super active in talking on twitter with various people, live streaming, doing charity work, and guild related things,have you always been community oriented like this or is it something new for you?


I have always been an active community person. I love meeting new people and hearing their views on games. 



Question 13: Shrivasta, is there any hidden talents or trade skills you'd like to share? Is there something new you'd like to learn?

I have always wanted to learn to play the guitar.



Question 14: Simple one now I promise. Do you have any pets? If you could have any real or made up pet, what would it be?

I have two dogs one is a Jack Russel the other is a Jack Russel Shitzu mix


Question 15: Finally, If there were one person living or dead, real or fake that you could sit down and have a long discussion with, who would it be and why?

Abraham Lincoln or Napoleon- They both were great men of there time.  I would love to get there views on how our laws and government structure has changed in 2013.


OK, Shrivasta, I hope that wasn't too painful for you. I appreciate you being a guest for the Sunday Sit down. Now, I’ll let you have free reign. If there's anything else not asked here that you'd like to get out there that you think would be interesting for us to know, feel free to share. Things like plugs for your twitter or anything, and of course feel free to give shout outs of any kind!


I have started a fund to fulfill a goal to establish a Non Profit organization. This organization would be centered around the two things I'm passionate about Gaming and Charity.

With the support of the community in which I belong to we would use our passion for gaming to raise funds for charities such as Children's Miracle Network, Make-a-wish, Autism speaks, and more.


That's it Folks. Everything you'd want to know about Shrivasta and hopefully more! I thank her again for putting up with me as well as you the reader. Each and every week we will have a new and fascinating community member to learn about and see what really does make the WildStar community tick inside and out. Feel free to contact me anytime on twitter @zilvis78, comment below, or if you bump into me on the interwebs say hi!

Wednesday, September 11, 2013

Gamers have heart too.


"Gamers have heart too"

     Hello all Nexians and non Nexians, I will forgo this weeks rant on games, industry, and general craziness for a little bit of reality at hand. I could have easily made this my first post on my semi-professional site but felt sharing it with you all who are such a great group of people was much more appropriate. It snuck up on me as it usually does but Sept. 11th is upon us again. Now I won't go into a 40 paragraph retelling and say alot of the typical things that are important yes but already said many times over. I will simply state that while it was a trying event we have bounced back as always we do no matter the problem.
      What I wanna talk about is why it matters to me, I don't have family involved, I knew absolutely zero directly impacted or even in the entire state of New York. I'm not super patriotic, I admire the military and anyone who has served but I can't say I attend parades or events to be perfectly honest. Now every year I tend to do something different, I've written poems, did art, signed virtual cards, even something simple like making  an in game character for 24 hours red white and blue in their outfit. 
       It's natural that now as I am blogging regularly this is a logical next step in my annual rememberance of this day. My story is like many,but maybe with a tiny slight twist making me not only remember that day and year but an edge of a happy memory as well. It start as I woke up to the dj on the radio talking about the first plane crash. Now I listened to a comedic morning show so hearing that my first thought was "Weird Joke dudes".I honestly thought it a morning show sketch,I meandered around the house,turned on the computer and sat down. I then turned on the tv and saw the news reports saying a second plane had hit.
       Now I'm not one to start freaking out and thinking the worst but I began wondering what could drop 2 planes out of the sky like that. Now I had gotten online and messaged who is now my wife(we had only spoke online and the phone at that point) and we watched together and discussed it. As the towers finally fell it was the first time I actually wrote a poem, oh I had for classes and such but those were forced assignments and never meant a thing. This was different and kind of a turning point in how I looked at writing. 
      Now while all of that was dark and dismal across the country as I stated this is when I was first really talking to my  future wife, it was nice having someone/anyone to talk to about what was going on, later that year was when we finally met face to face and decided I would be moving to where I have now lived for 12 years. So while it was a rough time I think alot of healing has happened for the country, as for me I focus on the good often so that year had a terrible event but an amazing beginning for my current happy life. 
        I will say -hugs- to those affected though and thoughts for you and yours as many gamers have expressed across the net over the years, we may not all game but we all have the same emotions. Be excellent to each other!

Tuesday, September 3, 2013

"I want to hold your hand"


"I want to hold your hand"

     Greetings all, welcome to another batch of rambling goodness from me Zilvis as always. This week I thought I'd go into hand holding in games,not just MMO's (although it's a problem at times).So what is hand holding you may ask? To me if a game makes it just overly easy to accomplish the simplest of things that's hand holding. If it seems like the game is telling you, "hey here ya go, I know your not smart enough here's a clue"....that's hand holding. 
     What I question is where exactly did this start? I understand things like guides and websites have been out for ages but those are fully 100% optional. Games taking away things like true exploring, true puzzle solving, and experiencing the unknown may be fine for those seeking zero challenge but some of us encourage it.Console games this can be bad,buy a game and so many signs and map indicators and such let you kill the game in just a few hours was it worth the money?
     In the case of a MMO maybe slightly different reasoning apply but the hand holding can still be overbearing and not a great mechanic. I understand some of you enjoy it, maps with 40 icons pointing here and there, npcs giving blatant tips on how to achieve a task or kill, autopath running to  each quest. These are all examples and some like them...I do not. I think something like an MMO can be perfectly fine with out tons of helpful clues, 25 minute tutorials, and something flashing saying "Here I am" every 5 minutes.                
     I know in some cases MMO companies have said it was due to people complaining of the difficulty in finding a quest or mob or quest item. I get this in some ways but what if people want a bit more difficulty then say a million signs or flashing dots on a map? In alot of cases it's not optional and that's when I have a problem. If every aspect of things like this were optional, able to be turned off that could be some of a solution. The thing is when people are presented with options it's rare you won't go for the easy route. That has to do with time and effort and basic lazy qualities we've been hand held now into the ground. Is it impossible to fix? I doubt it as all a game has to do is not put those features in and stick by their convictions.
     So will the days of hand holding go away? I never see that happening because between younger gamers, (I won't say because someone's ten they need more help,let's say it's on a basis to basis situation) those with less time then others but want to keep the same pace, and the ones who love the tells and hints it will stick around. I just think options to go basic, go dark, make things less point A to point B would be a nice thing for those of us truly wishing to explore and discover unhindered. 
      Just my opinions as always but leave comments below if you like or hit me up on twitter!
     

Sunday, September 1, 2013

Zat Thing You Do






Zat Thing You Do”

Hello Exiles and Dominion of the planet Nexus and beyond! My name is Zilvis. This is my end of the week community spotlight that I’ll be doing each and every week to delve a little more into who a certain member of the WildStar community is, learn the what and why of their choice to migrate to Nexus, and maybe some surprises along the way. The way I looked at it we're all community bound like brothers and sisters in this game of WildStar. Why not get to know someone a bit better? Once again welcome, sit back, and prepare to meet this week's community member, Zatiann my wife. Welcome to Sunday Sit down.
 I’ll let you write a little introduction. 
If you have other monikers some may know you by, feel free to throw them out there. Mainly just tell  where people can find you online and any background you'd like to share we might not know.

Hi there, most online or in games call me Zatiann or Zat for short, just a  gamer playing one game at a time!



Question 1:As this is a WildStar themed project, we'll get those underway first. As most of us at one time or another have asked ourselves, what is WildStar?

Hopefully another great MMO to dive into at launch! Been through a few and looking forward to WildStar being another great!


Question 2: What is one thing in the game your most hoping to be perfectly done, whether because it's needed or just something for your experience specifically?

It usually always comes down to  PvP and endgame PvP for me in MMO, nail that and I'm happy!

Question 3: I did a blog post discussing maybe why someone might pick one race over another in WildStar.What race do you identify most with even if it won't necessarily be your main?

Although for my main I will be running a Cassian Esper being from the south I'd more likely identify with the Exile humans in the southern aspect. Doesn't mean if you play an Exile human though I won't whip ya in Pvp!

Question 4: I'm sure everyone has their WildStar moment, as I call it, that quintessential thing that cinched in your decision on the game.


Well I was told about it over and over and had no clue but then was shown various Dev Speak videos and such and knew I'd want to play it.


Question 5: What aspect of WildStar are you most excited about and feel you'll spend the most time on such as Questing-Housing-PVP?

Once again it comes to PvP, I will go out and quest, craft, and whatever else there is but mostly you'll find me in some sort of PvP while gaming.

Question 6: Out of everyone from Carbine that you've interacted with, who has surprised you the most for one thing or another by what you have seen that they have said or done so far?


All seem very cool and nice to even interact but the ones who frequent Turntable often are extra awesome,cool to answer what they can or just chit chat,it's a fun time.


Question 7: If you were given the power to either alter the game in some way or add something to it that has not been mentioned or rumored, what would it be and why?
 
A spectator mode for various PvP would be nice, to see how others strategy works or simply just chill out and watch some matches.

Question 8: What is the one thing you want Carbine on a personal level or business level to know that you yourself have enjoyed from them?

Their professionalism and Interacting go a long way, No other company I have experienced yet can say they come close to what Carbine is doing, keep it up and we'll keep enjoying it!


OK, that's it for the cross section on WildStar Q's. Next is a few Q's to get to know Zatiann a bit better besides her amazing exploits across Nexus!





Question 9: Zat, Like myself you enjoy Turntable. Have you always been big on music?

Yes indeed, music was always a huge part of my family. From my grandmother singing on a radio show before television was invented to singing in school, then going to college for music. It's always been a big impact on my life.


Question 10: How long have you been gaming and what are your top 3 moments you'd say you remember in your own personal gaming history?

I started way back at an early age with the Atari and for years moved from one console to the next. I have played some form of game or another online quite a few years but got into MMO's about 7 years ago after I'd seen Zilvis playing World of Warcraft. For the top moments a big one was the first time playing WoW and actually interacting with other gamers, something I'd never done before.

Question 11: Besides Gaming and Music do you have any other interests or hobbies you find fun?

Yes well for quite a few years no I have really been into family Genealogy. I've research many many years on both sides of my family going way back about a thousand years,I find it all fascinating.


Question 12: If there was one place in the world you could live where would it be and why?

Ireland is the first place that comes to mind. It's a beautiful country, have strong familial ties to it and love the history of it.

Question 13: Zatiann, is there any hidden talents or trade skills you'd like to share? Is there something new you'd like to learn?

Well I've always wanted to learn Gaelic or any dead language, Yodeling always seemed like something fun to try someday, and I'd love to learn to paint and see what real artistic painters see.

Question 14: Simple one now I promise. Do you have any pets? If you could have any real or made up pet, what would it be?

No pets at the moment as I am allergic to most outside of a enclosed tank that is, as for anything I'd want to have is some sort of a Chimera, whether traditional or unique it would be a cool pet to have.


Question 15: Finally, If there were one person living or dead, real or fake that you could sit down and have a long discussion with, who would it be and why?


My first idea would be William Shakespeare as not only a great literary figure but to find out if the rumors are true that he never wrote most of his plays,something that intrigues me.


OK, Zatiann, I hope that wasn't too painful for you. I appreciate you being a guest for the Sunday Sit down. Now, I’ll let you have free reign. If there's anything else not asked here that you'd like to get out there that you think would be interesting for us to know, feel free to share. Things like plugs for your twitter or anything, and of course feel free to give shout outs of any kind!

Thanks for the interview, my Twitter is @Zatiann and I do most of the editing on the Protostartopia site here  so @protostartopia can be added in there as well. I hope everyone community and Devs included keeps up this pace after launch and we make this game great!




That's it Folks. Everything you'd want to know about Zatiann and hopefully more! I thank her again for putting up with me as well as you the reader. Each and every week we will have a new and fascinating community member to learn about and see what really does make the WildStar community tick inside and out. Feel free to contact me anytime on twitter @zilvis78, comment below, or if you bump into me on the interwebs say hi!

Saturday, August 31, 2013

Saturday Night Sketch! Farewell El Presidente!

This week it's for Jason Winter @winterinformal who streamed Tropico 4 for the last time, end of an era man!

Tuesday, August 27, 2013

It's good to be the King....


It's good to be the King....



      Let me tell you a tale, a tale so fair.......wait hold up,this is a gamers blog...none of that! Ha-ha! Hey all it's Zil back again to fill your brains full of..oh who knows what but i'll try and make it entertaining! This week the King reference has nothing to do with large predatory animals or make believe monarchs. It has everything to do with what is it that makes one game successful and last over others and does WildStar have that "thing"? 
     MMO's have come and gone or gone stale and static but most rarely elevate to a level of unimaginable size. I will name this in this case as a valid comparison, World of Warcraft(Yup I said it)is the number one example of a successful MMO. Arguements aside I do not hate the game. I played it many years,had good times and bad and eventually grew tired and bored and deemed it was time to move on. Enough about me personally though, why I bring this up is it's successfully maintained over 7 million subscribers for a large number of years,no other MMO has ever had those numbers and only a couple other pc games can say the same.
     Now WoW has a number of things that possibly have that steady-ish flow of subs, good solid controls. Decent stable lore and story, all the core components in place for pve/pvp/crafting/socializing. There's good and bad but in a stable sense it's as strong as any out there. Some say it's become a place where people play because they are used to it or all their friends play so they must. Gamers are fickle and if they "really" didn't wanna keep playing they will not. SO something concrete holds many there despite the theorizing out there.
      In recent years many games have popped up and maybe did enough but nothing spectacular. No matter the subject matter,good voice over work, good story, or fun with friends. These titles tend to focus on making amazing 1 or 2 items revolutionary but ignoring or neglecting the rest of the needed aspects. MMO gamers are fickle as i've said, I may not be a huge pvp or crafting player but if those aspects are bad or missing I feel slightly jipped. It's called balance and whether in nature, the force, or MMO's it is needed.
     Moving forward to next Spring when WildStar is launched, I know at least from what i've scoured over all the classic and modern aspects of an MMO are present in the game, solid lore-great npcs-questing-heavy crafting-dungeons-battlegrounds-professions-raids are all there as well as more new concepts of Paths/Warplots/Instant adventures all end game goodness to keep people busy. It's interesting-funny-and new, yes new. Some say that could be a hinder being an original IP but I say it's all fresh!
     I think the key pieces are there. Skillful execution and continued interactivity with the players/community and this game could definitely break through the wall many MMO's seem to hit. Will it topple a giant like WoW, I won't say because any answer is likely wrong,but can it be a great, fun, and above all an "experience" basically what we've lacked in an MMO in a very...very...long time. Roleplayers may always immerse themselves into their  worlds, but for the rest of us it takes alot to lose yourself to the point where time vanishes and then you feel connected to that game.
     We'll see in time and until then just keep being a great community among eachother and when WildStar launches we can forge it bit by bit into perhaps a "king" among the masses.:)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           

Sunday, August 25, 2013

Sunday Sit down "Howl at the moon" with Arawulf




Howl at the Moon!”

Hello Exiles and Dominion of the planet Nexus and beyond! My name is Zilvis. This is my end of the week community spotlight that I’ll be doing each and every week to delve a little more into who a certain member of the WildStar community is, learn the what and why of their choice to migrate to Nexus, and maybe some surprises along the way. The way I looked at it we're all community bound like brothers and sisters in this game of WildStar. Why not get to know someone a bit better? Once again welcome, sit back, and prepare to meet this week's community member. He's seen around all over, Runs the site WildStar Fans, Host of The Planet Nexus Podcast and leader of the guild Extra Kick, Arawulf!. Welcome to Sunday Sit down.
 I’ll let you write a little introduction. 
If you have other monikers some may know you by, feel free to throw them out there. Mainly just tell where people can find you online and any background you'd like to share we might not know.

Sure, my name is Mike Joseph, but most people online call me Arawulf. Most people know me from my website and podcast, but I'm pretty active on Twitter as well. Most people chat with me either at @Arawulf or @WildStar_Fans. As far as my background, I've been married to my wife since 1995, we have three boys. I work full time and create/share WildStar content as a hobby.

Question 1:As this is a WildStar themed project, we'll get those underway first. As most of us at one time or another have asked ourselves, what is WildStar?

To me, WildStar has almost become more than a game – it's an attitude of “We're an MMO and we're not ashamed of it.” WildStar has one hand firmly grasped on the tradition of great MMO experiences and has the other reaching toward new and innovative ideas. Carbine is making some gutsy moves and are proving over and over again that they believe in their product.

Question 2: What is one thing in the game you’re most hoping to be perfectly done, whether because it's needed or just something for your experience specifically?

They have to get the combat and movement right. This is a non-negotiable for me. Everything I do in game must feel like an extension of myself. If I have to wrestle with clunky controls or ability delay, I will not be able to invest the kind of hours I plan to.

Question 3: I did a blog post discussing maybe why someone might pick one race over another in WildStar. What race do you think you identify with and why, even if it won't necessarily be your main?

The Granok appeal to me for a number of reasons. The Exile Granok were expelled by the very kin that they saved on Gnox and are roaming to carve their own existence in the world as mercenaries. This resonates with me because when I turned 18 my dad re-married and I felt that there was no more room in the house for me so I moved out on my own to get a job and build my life, taking whatever job would pay my bills. That's how my adulthood started, and I see a similarity in how the Exile Granoks had to start their lives apart from their home.

Question 4: I'm sure everyone has their WildStar moment, as I call it, that quintessential thing that cinched in your decision on the game.

I actually covered this on my first episode of the Planet Nexus Podcast. It was a moment when I just woke up and realized that WildStar was not only building on foundations that I had loved about MMO's they did it with a respect for the MMO genre. Carbine wasn't trying to sell their game as the “savior” of a broken genre but an evolution in the spirit of what made MMO's great in the first place.

Question 5: What aspect of WildStar are you most excited about and feel you'll spend the most time on such as Questing-Housing-PVP?

While I plan on dabbling in most areas of content, I will likely be doing a ton of raiding. So it's likely that I will be doing whatever I need to do in order to prepare for raids.


Question 6: Out of everyone from Carbine that you've interacted with, who has surprised you the most for one thing or another by what you have seen that they have said or done so far?

The whole team has been outstanding, but I have to give a shout-out to Chad “Pappy” Moore. This guy blows me away with how pumped up about WildStar he is. He drops “Lore Bombs” on Twitter like they're going out of style. I love how active he is with the community. There are very few games where devs are that involved with the fans.


Question 7: If you were given the power to either alter the game in some way or add something to it that has not been mentioned or rumored, what would it be and why?

I would do whatever it takes to put in a Guild Fortress or Guild House. As a guild leader, having a central location to have meetings, raid planning – a place where we can hoist our trophies that we earned together. I like the fact that our individual housing plots can have guild friendly features, but a Guild Fortress or house would be amazing.


Question 8: What is the one thing you want Carbine on a personal level or business level to know that you yourself have enjoyed from them?

I've enjoyed their constant interaction with fans. They've done an outstanding job communicating and showing respect to the most faithful fans. I really don't have anything to let them know except that I appreciate what they do and to keep up the good work!

OK, that's it for the cross section on WildStar Q's. Next is a few Q's to get to know Arawulf a bit better besides his amazing exploits across Nexus!

Question 9: What was your decision in making a fan site, a podcast, and a guild. All things some might view as extra work.

Surprisingly, most of this is stuff that I normally do. I've always had a desire to search for gaming news. I also love to talk about my favorite games. I've also typically run guilds in a game that had raiding to ensure the kind of people I like to play with are there when I'm available to raid. Because of these facts, the transition to fansite, podcast and guild were very natural. I never expected the website and podcast to garner the audience that they have, to be honest. It's been an incredible experience and I get more out of it than anyone else.

Question 10: How long have you been gaming and what are your top 3 moments you'd say you remember in your own personal gaming history?

I've been gaming since I was 5 years old in 1979 or so when my dad brought home a Coleco Telstar gaming system and I discovered that I could control what was happening on the television. Atari 2600 to my Commodore 64, I did a ton of gaming growing up. As an adult, I thought I was done gaming until 2005 when my brother introduced me to World of Warcraft.

My top three gaming experinces: My first world PvP win, my first level 60 in WoW, and an insanely well orchestrated ambush in Warhammer Online (you had to be there – our entire guild hid in a tiny building and all ransacked an entire enemy group from out of nowhere. Again, you had to be there.)


Question 11: Besides Gaming and internet goodness do you have any other interests or hobbies you find fun?

As I mentioned, I enjoy writing music and singing. I'm also an avid Detroit Tigers fan.

Question 12: Obviously a devout Exile(and that's OK)would you or do you plan to ever see how the “other half” lives?

I'll have characters on both sides, for sure. My heart will always be Exile.


Question 13: Arawulf, is there any hidden talents or trade skills you'd like to share? Is there something new you'd like to learn?

If arenas end up getting spectator mode, I'd love to try my hand at shoutcasting. I think it would be fun.

Question 14: Simple one now I promise. Do you have any pets? If you could have any real or made up pet, what would it be?

We have too many pets in our house. I have a Dog (black lab) and we also have 5, yes, 5 cats. We have a frog too, but he's pretty quiet and cheap compared to the rest.


Question 15: Finally, If there were one person living or dead, real or fake that you could sit down and have a long discussion with, who would it be and why?

Great question. Tough to pin down one person since there have been so many great people that I would love to sit down with. If I had to name one, I'd choose Jesus of Nazareth, for reasons that I don't talk about much on social media and such.

OK, Arawulf, I hope that wasn't too painful for you. I appreciate you being a guest for the Sunday Sit down. Now, I’ll let you have free reign. If there's anything else not asked here that you'd like to get out there that you think would be interesting for us to know, feel free to share. Things like plugs for your twitter or anything, and of course feel free to give shout outs of any kind!

I appreciate the chance to chat with you. The WildStar community is such a great group of people! Feel free to add me on Twitter @Arawulf – I love interacting with the community. Thanks again for the chat!


That's it Folks. Everything you'd want to know about Arawulf and hopefully more! I thank him again for putting up with me as well as you the reader. Each and every week we will have a new and fascinating community member to learn about and see what really does make the WildStar community tick inside and out. Feel free to contact me anytime on twitter @zilvis78, comment below, or if you bump into me on the interwebs say hi!