MapleStory Review

Hey guys,

First off, I know I haven't updated the Dragon Age 2 review yet.  This being because it is taking a lot longer a second play through, doing everything possible in each act.  It will be updated soon.

Ok, that aside my review for this week won't be of any new releases or the Steam sales.  It is of a F2P (Free to play) MMORPG.  As I said in my first post I play WoW and have sunk a lot of hours into it, the only other game I've played that can even compare to the time played in WoW is MapleStory.  Now your first reaction may be thinking "that is a boring game."  Hear me out, I started playing this on the NA release, back in 2005, when it was just a huge grind fest, but so was every other MMO at that time.  I have periods where I play like a mad man for a few months and then move on, this being one of those periods.  Be warned, you will most likely get addicted if you play it.

Now, game play.  I said before that it was a grind fest during its first year, taking weeks, if not months to get level 30 from level one.  Now days, I just made a character yesterday and got it to level 33 last night, so it has defiantly stop dragging arse in that department.  PQ's (Party Quest's) used to be the only way to level back in the day, but now you can do a few quests, kill a few monsters and hey, another level.  Some quests start to get a bit grindy, but don't fear, there's one in 10 that do, and most of the time you'll level from killing all the guys.  Every class now has a multi-hit attack, so you don't have to worry about killing monsters one at a time, a big plus for anyone that wants to carve a clearing in a region.

The graphics for MapleStory may put some people off, it is a 2D Side scrolling game (seeing a trend, Braid now this :P .)  This is something I consider a bonus to the game, there is no other MMO out there that has done this, it sets it apart from all the other MMO's that are trying to nip the heels of WoW.  They all try to get the 3D fantasy look of males with too many steroids to hold and female characters that don't seem to own a piece on clothing bigger than one metre squared.  This is why I like it, it's almost like it is making a stand against the considered norm for MMORPG's.  There a lot of colours within all the textures and 99% of the design are very cartoony and playful, so I do understand what puts people off this but personally I enjoy it, something to smile at and for your weapon to make friends with.

For anyone that has played MapleStory you will know about the recent updated character classes.  For anyone new to it, in the first year they were four classes, mage, warrior, thief and bowmen.  Now there are five basic classes, the original four and a pirate.  There are Cygnus Knights, they are made of the five basic classes but with different spells and similar play style to their counterpart, they do get more skill points per level than the normal characters but have a lower level cap.  Then you have two hero classes, Aran, a pole arm specialist with a combo system of fighting and an Evan who has a dragon that does all its fighting ( a mage with a pretty pet.)  Dual Blades, thief's the specialise in using two daggers.  Last but not least, the newest edition is the Resistance, a combination of a Battle Mage, Wild Hunter and Mechanic.  Three completely new classes and styles of play, a mage on the front lines, a cross bowmen riding a jaguar and a mechanic walking around in their own personal enemy stomper.

This being a F2P game there are real money aspects.  Don't worry these aren't essential to end game they primarily alter the visuals of your character, clothes that overlay your armour, different hair styles, eye colour and so on.  I can honestly say I really enjoy this game and will spend many more hours on it.  So if you're looking for something new to get into, that is free (always a huge bonus) I will suggest you give MapleStory a whirl.

-AgentBLUE

PS.  There are different regions for MapleStory, NA, EU and Korea.  Choose the best area for you based on language and latency.

PAX East: Round up

Busy schedule's, oh how they suck. But don't fret, we're still here to bring you the latest and greatest in gaming news. So loved our last list of GDC coverage? we'll heres another for PAX east, a one stop shop for all your news.

Battlefield 3 Fault Line Series 2.


Massivleys Hands On With Nexons Dragons Nest & Vindictus PVP


New Tribes: Ascended Title From Hi Rez Studio


City Of Hero's Updates and Comments


Interview With RIFT's Scott Hartsman


Firefall an Upcomming Free to Play FPSMMO

Dragon Age 2 Review *Update 2*

Hey guys,

Ok, I know I haven't posted recently and I apologise.  I have been wrapped up in Dragon Age 2, so what I was thinking I might do is instead of reviewing a game from the Steam sales this week, I will do a massive wrap up on DA 2 .  So I will edit this post each day letting you know where I'm up too, if anything is amazing or hopeless, that kind of deal.

First off, the game in general, it has the same feel as origins without being an exact copy with a different storyline, which a lot of sequels seem to do now days  so that alone is a big plus. Some of the similarities between Dragon Age 1 and Dragon age 2 is that there is   still three basic classes, Mage, Warrior and Rogue. And as the norm is these days, they can branch off into specializations Theres. Archer, Healer, Tank, you get the picture. And as expected with a story driven game like Dragon Age 2 ,You can choose every reaction, or dialog during each cut-scene.

One feature that really stood out to me from the start is that when creating your character you had the option to choose a back story to your character. There are three default settings to choose from or you are able to import your game from origins to create the back story.  Now I'm not too sure what is imported as I didn't backup my games from Origins, which I'm regretting now, but it really does show how much thought has gone into making the plot unique for each person.

One other thing that has added the wow factor to this game is the dialogue, now if you have played Origins you know that when you choose a response to something during a cut-scene everyone is able to hear your thoughts, there is no speech from you.  But in DA 2, whichever option you choose your player actually speaks.  Just something I found quite good with the game that is able to envelop  you more into the storyline

That's it for now, I will post some more on it tomorrow so be sure to check it out.

*Update #1*

As promised here is my first update on the review for Dragon Age 2. 

First off, just like Origins, this game is HUGE! There are side quests to the side quests, it's that big (thats what she said). And by no means do I mean it in a bad way either, every quest is different from annihilating a camp of hostiles to helping a friend with their love life, it has everything.  I have been playing this game quite solidly over the weekend and have finished Act One and Two, completely, side quests, companion quests, you name it. Each just as good as the last.

One thing I have noticed are a couple bugs in the game, nothing major like the disaster that was Call Of Duty - Black Ops.  For example there is one quest I'm on that wont complete after completing it.  The other bug I noticed is one of the female (ahem) 'workers' at the Blooming Rose has a males voice,  but now that I think about it, it could be that she/he is supposed to.

My next update will be around the same time tomorrow so please check it out and add your two cents.

*Update #2*

Here is the second instalment for Dragon Age 2.

I finished the game last night, or possibly morning if you wish to split hairs, wow is the only word that comes to mind.  Now I know I said the game was huge, it is defiantly, but it just isn't as big as Origins.  This has good and bad qualities to it, good being that you don't feel like you're making any progress but bad because I want more.  The amazing thing I have found with both DA games is that you can start a new character straight after finishing and do everything differently and it feels like a whole new game, which is what I'm doing at the moment.

Enough about me, let's talk about the graphics.  They look fantastic without the "OMG look at that blade of grass" that you get from Crysis, which I like.  The graphics when you look at things closely aren't as beautiful as they seem, so this game can easily run on your average machine and not have it spewing hot lava at you, always a bonus in my books.  As far I haven't found any texture bugs of things mysteriously going through walls or a character misplacing an arm ten metres back.  It reminds me of a beefed upped version of Origins graphics, Dragon Age 2 has hit the gym.  Compared to Origins you'll notice that many characters make a reappearance, Flemeth to name one (Above Pic), she has also been given a tune up in character design, she now looks cool and dragony.... she's a dragon by the way.  If you haven't played Origins don't worry this game doesn't require knowledge from it but it does make it better.

In update #3, tomorrow I will note down some changes I have found in the story line for playing a second time through.  People you can save or kill, that sort of thing, so check it out.

-AgentBLUE

Braid Review

Hey all,

I have found a game I truly love but also want to throw through a wall at times. This fantastically annoying game is Braid.  Now be prepared for  an overzealous review of this game because it is one of my most favourite and challenging games I have played to date.

The objective of the game is quite simple, get the jigsaw pieces in each level, but, oh and this is a big BUT, a lot of the pieces are quite difficult to get.  It's a puzzle of sort, in 2D side scrolling format.  The first few pieces introduce you to the mechanics of the game, yes they need introduction, I'll get to them in a second, but as you progress they get a lot harder.  Some of these taking me numerous tries and numerous hours to solve, so by no means is this a game you can clock in one sitting..... unless you're a super genius.

Ok, mechanics, as I mentioned there is some introduction needed to familiarise yourself.  You can reverse time at any given moment, even if you find yourself at the wrong end of some fiery stakes just reverse back and try not to make the same mistake.  Apart from the reversing time, each new world introduces a new feature to the reversing time, objects not being affected by the time shift, creating a second, you, shall we say, as a shadow to do what you just did while you sit back and watch.  Yes I know that last part sounds weird and confusing and possibly scary but if you give the game a whirl you'll understand.  Time shift being the hardest thing to wrap your head around the mechanics are the same as an old Super Mario game, jump on things head to kill them and jump higher, run left or right (forwards, backwards) and climb certain objects.  It was just missing a green tunnel and some bricks to smash your head against.

The graphics, as expected for a 2D side scroller, are just simple cartoons that are done well.  There is blur on objects as you move faster, this just giving that 21st century edge to the game.  As you can see in the screenshot bellow there is quite an obvious contrast to the player and the surrounds so there is no trouble losing sight of him.  I think this game was excellent as 2D, it really suited the puzzles.  If this was 3D the complexity of the puzzles would be insane, there is no way this game could be solved with three dimensions.

Now the storyline, be warned there is some text to read but I highly recommend reading each text, it adds a whole new level to the game.  The main thing you're named Tim and you're trying to save a princess, your love, I know more Mario Bros'.  She is meant to be holed up in a castle and you check each one at the end of each world.  Now to get away from the Mario feeling there is a big, just in case you didn't see it, BIG, difference.  The princess is a metaphor for, well obviously something he is trying to obtain.  I'm not going to post any more on it but when you read all the books you might understand it, just a tip, it may also require some history knowledge.  Be assured it isn't a dull twist like something from a daytime sitcom, my mind was quite thoroughly blown.

In all this is one of the most amazing games I have ever played, and congratulations to the makers for this.  I highly suggest this to anyone to get, even if you're not a great lover of puzzles this game is like nothing else.  So give it a try and I can guarantee you won't regret it.

-AgentBLUE

-PRO Tip - Along with the jigsaw puzzle pieces you'll notice in the very first area, where you choose which world to go to, outside in the sky there are eight star.  Eight stars are hidden throughout the game, and they are very hard to find.  Trust me, don't solve the puzzles (Don't read on if you don't want to know a star location) SPOILER until you have found a star that is in that starting world SPOILER.

Purchase on Steam for $9.99 USD - http://store.steampowered.com/app/26800/

One Stop Shop: GDC

With the GDC come and gone were left with a steaming pile of amazing news. We managed to get some great game play out of Battle field 3 which is due out later this year, you can see that here. We also got a preview of the up coming demo for Guild Wars 2 which is also due to have some closed alpha and beta testing Q4 of this year.

So what about all of the other news that hit the front lines of the gaming world? Well don't worry we've got you covered. Here you can get a list of all the major happenings during the GDC so you don't miss out on a thing.

Joymax Shows Off New Free To Play MMOFPS: Karma

Bungie MMO Hoax

Nexon Talks About Bright And Shinny Future

Nexon Releases 'Dragon Nest' Trailers







Rift: Part 1 of Exclusive Ten Ton Hammer Interview

Ten Ton Hammers 'Live' Cover

Undead Lab's Upcoming Console Zombie Shooter and MMO

Guild Wars 2 Demo Preview and Class Reveal

Battle Field 3 Game Play: Fault Line series.

News Update: G.D.C.

So us here at Mouse & Keyboard have been keeping a close eye on all the Game Developers Confess news thats been flowing over the internet at astronomical speeds. so far the biggest news that has come from the confess has been a few trailers of the upcoming Battle Field 3, and two videos of the brand new Guild Wars 2 demo.




Now, I am almost sold on a pre-order on this video alone. The sounds, the graphics and the game play looks like it'll offer a fantastic experience. Using these urban environments with the Frost Bite 2 engine also promises to be fun, plain and simple.

Although, AgentBLUE thinks the the trailer does show off great sounds and environments but looks way to similar to the recent Medal of Honor installment.

What do you guys think?
Looks promising? or looks like it may be another money grab attempt from EA?

Next up is the new class from Guild Wars 2, the Thief. The demos show off of more Guild Wars dynamic combat and thier interesting combat system. Although we cannot show the videos on here since their hoasted on Massively, Heres a picture, and a LINK

Sources:
Massively
http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/03/arenanet-unveils-new-profession-and-norn-starting-area-for-guild/
Youtube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jvj7GMhZxC8&feature=player_embedded

Crysis 2 Demo Review

Hey all,

AgentBLUE here, just thought I should let you know I have downloaded this demo and been diligently testing it just for you.  If you liked Crysis one for, let's just face it, it's awesomeness. Then I can guarantee you will love this little gem of a demo.

The graphics, as expected are beautiful, there is so much detail you could even enjoy staring at a wall.  What I have found too is that even though the graphics are phenomenal, my rig doesn't have a problem with the fast paced action that is the multiplayer demo, which was my biggest fear for this game. And by no means do I have an amazing gaming rig either.

Since this is a multiplayer demo there is no campaign as yet, but from what I have gathered it is a continuation from Crysis where, /SPOILER/ aliens are flying overhead in a mass' that blot out the sun from the end of the campaign./SPOILER/

Only one word comes to mind when I think of the game play for the multiplayer demo, hectic.  It is very fast paced in the two maps available, Skyline and Pier.  Both these maps are quite small but by no means bad. The use of the nano-suit is still a major part of multiplayer, although it does provide a bit of a learning curve.  I found my self speed-boosting in to walls and sometimes over jumping my target with super strength.

But don't fret, this learning curve is something that you can easily overcome. One of my favorite, and most hated, features of the nano-suite is the invisibility capabilities. There is nothing more annoying than turning around to see this blurred movement in your vision then find an enemy fist playing friends with your face.
One other thing I have loved in the multiplayer is getting a head shot killcam, the kill cam has the bullet time for any headshots you may gain.  So in other words you get to watch the bullet as it flies into your head with the only thought while watching the shot is "This can't be good....."

Pro-Tip: make sure you turn the armor on as soon as you start shooting, without armour on, you don't last long.

So in all this is a fantastic demo for Crysis 2, it defiantly shows off the capabilities of the game and leaves you wanting more.  Crytek have really nailed this game by making it with Cryengine3. Crysis and its graphics will again set the benchmark even higher for games and gaming rigs over the world.  I know I will be buying this game when it is released in late March, possibly early April for Aus.  I highly suggest keeping an eye on this game.

On a side note for any Australia gamers there are AUS servers for this demo that are hosted by Internode.

-AgentBLUE

Sources:
EA Games
Pre-orders
http://store.steampowered.com/app/99830/
File Download
http://www.3fl.net.au/downloads/index.php?dlid=4133