A funny thing happened on my way in today... somehow, we hit 100 posts.
...and while every writer wants their milestone posts to be insightful, funny, helpful and memorable, I've got nothing.
It feels like doing stand up comedy without a prepared set of jokes...
But, in an effort to keep our posts marginally weekly and to break through the drought of posts due to wanting to create an uber 100th post, today I'm going to touch upon where I'm at in the game, some reflections of the current season and my future prospectives.
My Priest and Druid are both well geared, fun to play and primarily specced for healing. My Priest has predominantly been involved in the 5v5 bracket and sporadically through the smaller brackets. The Druid has been mostly just been playing 2v2 with my Warlock buddy. In previous seasons, breaking 2k was a milestone, but this season, it hasn't felt quite the same. I can't put my finger on it, but I believe that part of it has to do with the new rating system. I don't particularly like it when new teams are created and have nothing to lose, because they don't have any real rating. Since they have no real rating, all it takes is for a lucky streak of wins to ramp their MMR up to the point so that when they do fight me, I have a huge risk of losing alot of points if I disconnect or make a bad call, to their zero risk (real rating <>
With regards to my future PvPing through WoW, I'm really looking forward to competitive Battlegrounds. Hopefully, Blizzard will make good on their plans and not take forever to make them a reality. The new Battleground should be a good time and it seems reasonably complicated. However, I hope there are no aspects of it that make a mockery of mentally challenged players like the Flag does in EoTS... I swear that flag is the biggest noob magnet in the game.
Looking at my Priest, I don't think I'm that great of Disc Priest yet, as playing the Priest class to it's utmost potential has been a difficult learning curve. I am slowly picking up Shadow gear as my hope is to play a little bit of DPS with the next patch. Healing all the time can get pretty old and since I've completely cut out raiding from my schedule, another distraction will likely be a positive experience. I'll still heal with both classes with 3.2 and Season 7, but I need to mix things up a little bit. Blizzard, please give Triple Specs. Dual Specs just isn't enough!
As for my Druid, it will always be Resto. I'm not a fan of Feral, although I do swap to kitty to complete dailies quickly and Boomkin largely escapes me as it has very few tricks beyond Cyclone and Typhoon. I'm hoping to find a strong 3v3 and 5v5 team next season that can use the strength of my Druid. We'll see if that comes about.
I do have some alts on their way up: a 76 Mage (will probably go Fire PvP) and a level 50 Shaman (will probably go Resto). Recruit a Friend is an amazing tool if you want quick alts. Definitely worth it if you have a few extra bucks and a few less hours to level.
Last point: It looks like the Egotistical Priest is closing their doors and with that, another blogger is leaving my 'Blogroll'. Sad times, but moving on is a part of life. Hope they find enjoyment wherever they go.
Well, that's it, folks! Thank's for sticking with me for 100 posts and cross your fingers for a few more (and Pandaren in the Expansion!).
Showing posts with label General. Show all posts
Showing posts with label General. Show all posts
Monday, July 20, 2009
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Staying True?
Upon meeting a fellow WoW player, the first question that is invariably asked is "What class do you play?" Many of us become identified by the classes we play to the point that we know that Joe is the Paladin, Bob is the Warrior and that mysterious Blood Elf mage named HermioneX, but never talks on vent, is probably a guy masquerading as a girl.
Sad, but true.
To get to the point where we players become identified or self identify as a particular class, we spend countless hours playing that one character and/or favoring one class over others. Typically, we call this character/class our 'Main' and refer to others as 'Alts'. However, with the cyclical nature of class strength, there are times in which our favored classes outperform others and times where a raid spot is more of an active charity than of actual need. The same applies to the world of competitive Arena PvP where class success for an average player can vary drastically from season to season. As an example, back in Season 5, Survival Hunters were absolutely ridiculous, but after a heavy round of nerfs, have dropped back down to obscurity.
The question that begs to be asked is: What makes one stick with (or abandon) a certain class when it's average success rate is consistently average to below average across multiple seasons (or raid tiers)? In this case, I'm not talking about weak classes that are being piloted by pros to the top of the ladders, as pros will succeed regardless of class strength. I am referring to an average player comparing themselves against other average players.
I happened to choose two classes that have been perennially strong since Season 2 (Priest/Druid), however, Season 5's Paladin dominance made me question the choice of my classes. The 3.1 buffs to my classes and nerfs to Paladins have rekindled my desire to continue playing my characters, but I was on the precipice of rerolling if the demographics didn't change. Unfortunately, I have friends who have been affected by the dominance of other classes over their preferred class across multiple seasons and some are to the point that they are struggling to find the fun in the game. Yes, there is probably an overemphasis on class comps and on Arenas with it comes to determining class viability in WoW, but shouldn't there be parity when it comes to having fun regardless of the activity that is chosen?
It just so happens that my friends are staying true to their relatively weak classes because they enjoy the gameplay of the classes more than the gameplay of their alts, but I suspect that without positive changes to their classes, this may be a subscription cancelling point.
I hope it doesn't come to that but from my experience with Season 5, I can see where they're coming from.
Sad, but true.
To get to the point where we players become identified or self identify as a particular class, we spend countless hours playing that one character and/or favoring one class over others. Typically, we call this character/class our 'Main' and refer to others as 'Alts'. However, with the cyclical nature of class strength, there are times in which our favored classes outperform others and times where a raid spot is more of an active charity than of actual need. The same applies to the world of competitive Arena PvP where class success for an average player can vary drastically from season to season. As an example, back in Season 5, Survival Hunters were absolutely ridiculous, but after a heavy round of nerfs, have dropped back down to obscurity.
The question that begs to be asked is: What makes one stick with (or abandon) a certain class when it's average success rate is consistently average to below average across multiple seasons (or raid tiers)? In this case, I'm not talking about weak classes that are being piloted by pros to the top of the ladders, as pros will succeed regardless of class strength. I am referring to an average player comparing themselves against other average players.
I happened to choose two classes that have been perennially strong since Season 2 (Priest/Druid), however, Season 5's Paladin dominance made me question the choice of my classes. The 3.1 buffs to my classes and nerfs to Paladins have rekindled my desire to continue playing my characters, but I was on the precipice of rerolling if the demographics didn't change. Unfortunately, I have friends who have been affected by the dominance of other classes over their preferred class across multiple seasons and some are to the point that they are struggling to find the fun in the game. Yes, there is probably an overemphasis on class comps and on Arenas with it comes to determining class viability in WoW, but shouldn't there be parity when it comes to having fun regardless of the activity that is chosen?
It just so happens that my friends are staying true to their relatively weak classes because they enjoy the gameplay of the classes more than the gameplay of their alts, but I suspect that without positive changes to their classes, this may be a subscription cancelling point.
I hope it doesn't come to that but from my experience with Season 5, I can see where they're coming from.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Why I'm Not Going to Blizzcon
I thought about trying to nab a ticket to Blizzcon and taking a trip out to California, but for whatever reason, I couldn't justify it. I am, however, completely cool with not going because my twisted imagination has me thinking that the random conversations out there would resemble something like this:
Me to neighbor prior to the PvP discussion panel: Hey, nice to meet you! This panel should be pretty interesting. I hear Ghostcrawler has some interesting points to bring up about the weakness of casters against melee.
Neighbor: Eff that, ganker. I hope they announce that they're removing the Arenas and BG's. You griefing assholes ruined my game!
Me: ...
or
Me to dude wearing a Boomkin costume: Nice costume! What are you? Some kind of demented WoW Furry? You know there's no real life achievement for pretending to be the product of a Pigeon, Deer, Bear 3 way, right?
Boomkin: ...
or
Ghostcrawler: We're buffing melee!
Me: ...
Regardless of the possible exchanges with tardtastic WoW nerds, the underlying sentiment that completely nullifies any possible justifications for buying a ticket is that the game as developed a pattern in it's production/development cycle. Due to that established pattern, there is no real anxiety for me to go as I can pretty much anticipate what's coming next in WoW. To explain this, let me give a broad and reasonably vague example.
In the world of software, a typical business model for generating a continuous revenue stream consists of 3 phases: Implementation, Maintenance and Renewal. The implementation phase is where the software company installs their software and trains the end user how to manipulate the program to their benefit. Teething issues are worked out and eventually the software goes into the Maintenance phase where the software company supports the continued use of the product. When the next version comes out, the company works to secure continued use of the product (via the upgrade) and the cycle repeats itself: Implement new version, Maintain new version, sell next version. Wash. Rinse. Repeat.
WoW has gone through this cycle once already from Classic to TBC, and now from TBC to WotLK. Heroic 5 mans? Check. Badges for Gear? Check. Entry level 10 man? Check. Entry level 25 man? Check. Completely borked first Arena season? Check. Completely stupid Honor grind? Check. How many people suspected that there was going to be a 'New Isle of Quel'danis' in WotLK? I know I did.
The bottom line is that the formula for Blizzard's last two WoW expansions works. It's generated record sales and subscriptions and has consistently produced excellent consumable content for a variety of gamers. To me, this formula is also stale and unexciting. As Blizzard is the master of taking what works and building upon it, I can already predict how the next expansion will play out and unfortunately, going to hear presentations on their upcoming content (ie: how they're tweaking their established business model) doesn't excite me or make me anxious for future releases.
And that is why I'm not going to Blizzcon.
Actually, that's all a big fat lie. I could justify it, but I totally forgot that the tickets were going on sale and happened to be away from the computer.
... Sorta.
P.S. I would totally wear a Boomkin costume for some hot cosplay action.
Me to neighbor prior to the PvP discussion panel: Hey, nice to meet you! This panel should be pretty interesting. I hear Ghostcrawler has some interesting points to bring up about the weakness of casters against melee.
Neighbor: Eff that, ganker. I hope they announce that they're removing the Arenas and BG's. You griefing assholes ruined my game!
Me: ...
or
Me to dude wearing a Boomkin costume: Nice costume! What are you? Some kind of demented WoW Furry? You know there's no real life achievement for pretending to be the product of a Pigeon, Deer, Bear 3 way, right?
Boomkin: ...
or
Ghostcrawler: We're buffing melee!
Me: ...
Regardless of the possible exchanges with tardtastic WoW nerds, the underlying sentiment that completely nullifies any possible justifications for buying a ticket is that the game as developed a pattern in it's production/development cycle. Due to that established pattern, there is no real anxiety for me to go as I can pretty much anticipate what's coming next in WoW. To explain this, let me give a broad and reasonably vague example.
In the world of software, a typical business model for generating a continuous revenue stream consists of 3 phases: Implementation, Maintenance and Renewal. The implementation phase is where the software company installs their software and trains the end user how to manipulate the program to their benefit. Teething issues are worked out and eventually the software goes into the Maintenance phase where the software company supports the continued use of the product. When the next version comes out, the company works to secure continued use of the product (via the upgrade) and the cycle repeats itself: Implement new version, Maintain new version, sell next version. Wash. Rinse. Repeat.
WoW has gone through this cycle once already from Classic to TBC, and now from TBC to WotLK. Heroic 5 mans? Check. Badges for Gear? Check. Entry level 10 man? Check. Entry level 25 man? Check. Completely borked first Arena season? Check. Completely stupid Honor grind? Check. How many people suspected that there was going to be a 'New Isle of Quel'danis' in WotLK? I know I did.
The bottom line is that the formula for Blizzard's last two WoW expansions works. It's generated record sales and subscriptions and has consistently produced excellent consumable content for a variety of gamers. To me, this formula is also stale and unexciting. As Blizzard is the master of taking what works and building upon it, I can already predict how the next expansion will play out and unfortunately, going to hear presentations on their upcoming content (ie: how they're tweaking their established business model) doesn't excite me or make me anxious for future releases.
And that is why I'm not going to Blizzcon.
Actually, that's all a big fat lie. I could justify it, but I totally forgot that the tickets were going on sale and happened to be away from the computer.
... Sorta.
P.S. I would totally wear a Boomkin costume for some hot cosplay action.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
PvE to PvP
Blizzard today announced that they've finally lifted their previous restrictions of character transfers from PvE to PvP servers.
This a great thing as I have 2 woefully unused Alliance characters stuck on a PvE server that have been collecting dust, and I'd love to xfer them to a PvP server and join in on the royal rumble with WotLK. I've long been disenfranchised with the easygoing attitude of a PvE server, and enamored with the rush of World PvP. Take my herb, will you? Eat a PoM Pyro, b!#*@. Even if I get smeared across that road between Tarren Mill and Southshore, there's a good chance that my guild/faction will be there in a few minutes to paint the town red. That's just how we roll, homeslice.
However, I am a bit wary about the effects of lifting such a rule, more from a technical standpoint than a gameplay enjoyment perspective. You see, for the past few years, there has been an interesting phenomena where many of the top Raiding and PvP guilds have been on PvP servers. For example, Mal'ganis has been a raiding hotbed, with a very large number of endgame raiding guilds. Tichondrius has been the PvP breeding pit, where many top teams from the various battlegroup have made their new home. I believe Moon Guard is one of the biggest RP servers for some reason or another ((am I right?)).
For each player seeking the 'ultimate' experience in whatever aspect of the game they chose to pursue, those servers became somewhat of a 'solution' to their need, a Mecca, if you will. For those already on PvP servers, the transfer was simple. However, those with careers on PvE servers, this meant rerolling, which, for some, was not an option due to a variety of reasons (sentimental value, leveling is too difficult, gear grind, etc). As such, as time progressed, PvE server guilds often had a difficult time finding suitible raiders or PvP partners, often resorting to searching 'off server' to fill their needs or poaching from smaller, less accomplished guilds.
With this change, I am definitely interested in the number of transfers from PvE servers to PvP servers, especially to these servers that are already at capacity and are already at risk of having a queue each night to log in. Server stability is definitely an issue, and I can't imagine the long time denizens of one of these Capacity servers appreciating the increased strain on their eHome away from Home. In addition, I'm curious to see how some PvE servers will react when entire end game guilds transfer off. I've personally been on servers where there's a good chance at any given time that you're one of 10 people of your faction in Shattrah, and it's truly a miserable experience.
This a great thing as I have 2 woefully unused Alliance characters stuck on a PvE server that have been collecting dust, and I'd love to xfer them to a PvP server and join in on the royal rumble with WotLK. I've long been disenfranchised with the easygoing attitude of a PvE server, and enamored with the rush of World PvP. Take my herb, will you? Eat a PoM Pyro, b!#*@. Even if I get smeared across that road between Tarren Mill and Southshore, there's a good chance that my guild/faction will be there in a few minutes to paint the town red. That's just how we roll, homeslice.
However, I am a bit wary about the effects of lifting such a rule, more from a technical standpoint than a gameplay enjoyment perspective. You see, for the past few years, there has been an interesting phenomena where many of the top Raiding and PvP guilds have been on PvP servers. For example, Mal'ganis has been a raiding hotbed, with a very large number of endgame raiding guilds. Tichondrius has been the PvP breeding pit, where many top teams from the various battlegroup have made their new home. I believe Moon Guard is one of the biggest RP servers for some reason or another ((am I right?)).
For each player seeking the 'ultimate' experience in whatever aspect of the game they chose to pursue, those servers became somewhat of a 'solution' to their need, a Mecca, if you will. For those already on PvP servers, the transfer was simple. However, those with careers on PvE servers, this meant rerolling, which, for some, was not an option due to a variety of reasons (sentimental value, leveling is too difficult, gear grind, etc). As such, as time progressed, PvE server guilds often had a difficult time finding suitible raiders or PvP partners, often resorting to searching 'off server' to fill their needs or poaching from smaller, less accomplished guilds.
With this change, I am definitely interested in the number of transfers from PvE servers to PvP servers, especially to these servers that are already at capacity and are already at risk of having a queue each night to log in. Server stability is definitely an issue, and I can't imagine the long time denizens of one of these Capacity servers appreciating the increased strain on their eHome away from Home. In addition, I'm curious to see how some PvE servers will react when entire end game guilds transfer off. I've personally been on servers where there's a good chance at any given time that you're one of 10 people of your faction in Shattrah, and it's truly a miserable experience.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
