FTP has given sony the most populated eq2 server.  The is a steady stream of both paying and non paying players.  I have spent more than my fair share on character slot expansions, mounts, race unlocks, in addition to being a paying gold subscriber.  The FTP brings in tons of lower level players that would not be there otherwise..

Regardless of how much I have enjoyed FTP on EQ2 Extended..I would drop it in a heartbeat for a FTP Vanguard.  I loved VG, but few gave it a chance past its failed launch.  FTP would be its best chance for bringing back a population base. 

The finished game is great, (ok, so they finished it two years after launch... but its finished now!)  It would be a waste to let the game just vanish, without a  FTP infusion of life.

In a study to track flow of information over social networks, forums and email, there will be 10 RED Weather Balloons launched across the US tomorrow (dec 5)

Sign up by clicking on link  http://balloon.mit.edu/eccentricaa

When you sign up, you will get your own http (with your user name).. so you can recruit others.  They are tracking who signs up who, etc.

Now, you dont have to be the one who spotts the balloon in order to get rewarded for your efforts.

If you sign up someone, and they spot the balloon, YOU get $1,000, and the spotter gets the $2,000.  If you refer someone, who refers someone who spots the balloon, then the spotter will get 2k, the person you signed up gets 1k, and you get $500.  It goes one more tier, and you can still get $250, if you sign up the person who signed up the person who spotted the balloon.

Its an interesting research project, with a large enough cash prize to encourage participation. 

So sign up, and spread the word.  The more people you recruit, the better your chances. 

There is no stealth, you just have to be sneaky.

In addition to your stats/skills...  the PvE aggro is based on the sound you make, in addition to line of sight.

Crouching = less sound. 

riding on horseback = more sound.  

Guns = loud sounds, etc..  

 Personally, I love it.

It does demand a good system, to run smoothly, and other than restarts/patches, I have not had problems with crashes, etc.

Ive heard alot of talk in game about comparing FE to one game or another.. and everyone who likes the game,finds similarities to other games they like...

But for me... Its great being a classless character, not forced to fit into some pre-cut mold of tank,heal,dps.  My favorite thing about the game has to be the PVE storyline, along with the faction systems.  A lot of detail went into NPC dialog, even background chatter. 

Its a rough world out there, and the game does NOT hold your hand through it.

I wonder what they've got that gives them the M rating?  Or is it simply because its guns and we will be shooting people?

Too bad the M rating wont keep the kids out....  

Originally posted by RObarsky

Originally posted by Abrahmm

The game is still in Alpha. I think for an Alpha game, the graphics look pretty good.

 

Closed Beta right now. :) Devs would like to release in Q2 2009.

The devs have stated time and time again, that they wont force a release date.  The have stated on their forums that it will be released when its done, and not before then.  Seeing how its already April, and no date has been released yet, I don't think Q2 is an accurate estimate. 

Once the date is set, company still needs time to push sales/ advertise/ etc.. Build the pre-sales, get the game reviews, etc.

And FYI, graphics are not everything.  I still prefer the game play of EQ1, to that of WoW, EQ2, AoC, Warhammer, and every other game Ive played over the years.  Spit and polish on a bad game, is still a bad game.  Maybe you need the super graphics, to justify the cost of your computer system, but me, I prefer a good game over high end graphics.

This 'Veteran Gamer' (Im old as F***, and have been playing since I got my first game on my Vic 20, so I think I can be considered a Veteran) doesnt care if it kills WoW or not. 

Each game needs to be judged by its own merit, and IF the developers do what they say they are doing, then It sounds like something I would enjoy.  Ive been following the game for several years, and have read most of the offical information on their forums.  

The official Fiction works located on their forum, shows they have paid alot of attention to the backstory, to faction development, and overall storyline of the game.  Reading the quality of the official fiction leads me to think there will be some great storylines behind the quests. 

I have been a game hopper for many years, searching for something/ anything that can challenge me enough to keep my attention.  IMO, nothing has lived up to the pre-luclin days of EQ1.  From the videos (official and unofficial leaked alpha) Ive seen on youtube, the game looks promising.

If they do follow through with their origional statements of One world (and not seperate world per server) then the game can / will feel populated and alive, without the need for WoW numbers.  It can be a niche game and still be successful.

The companies that have monopolies over some regions, is exactly why we need laws to prevent their abuse of power. 

Comcast's idea is the higher gig limit.. however, what they havent been telling many, is that they intent to monitor your usage, and slow down the higher users during peak times.  Maybe you only use 200g a month, they can still rank you as a high volume user and justify their slowdowns.

There are currently NO regulations regarding what they can and can not charge you.  There are NO regulations limiting the companies from reducing your services for what ever reason.

There were political canidates on both ends of the spectrum that support Net Neutrality.  Ron Paul (republican), Obama (democrat), Nader (greene) .  Other supporters include wide range of groups from the Christian Coalition, Pearl Jam (and their followers), to old Punks like JelloBiafra http://youtube.com/watch?v=dQELvclk85g (one of my favorite speakers). 

Another good video is http://youtube.com/watch?v=G5RQrxkGgCM

Verizon has already prevented transmissions of some text messaging, http://arstechnica.com/news.ars/post/20070927-verizon-censoring-unsavory-political-group-sms-messaging.html

AT& T has Censored a Pearl Jam Concert. http://arstechnica.com/news.ars/post/20070809-pearl-jam-censored-by-att-calls-for-a-neutral-net.html

Other major media companies such as Disney have actually come out against Net Neutrality.

AOL had been CAUGHT censoring their customer's EMAILS, failing to deliver ones with some key words they deemed controversial. http://www.fusepress.com/todddickerson/aol_caught_red_handed_censoring_email_now_the_public_knows_their_credibility_is_gone

This is just a few things that have been done in recent times that Net Neutrality Laws could of prevented.

Net neutrality is something that is in the best interest of every american, regardless of political offiliation or religious prefrences. 

Fallout 3 out later this year.  I have already seen presell boxes out at Circut City.

http://fallout.bethsoft.com/eng/home/home.php

Should be enough of a fix to tide us over until Fallen Earth comes out.

Leaving WOW.. but I' ve quit it off and on over the years.. switching between eq2, eq1 progression server, vanguard, and other games in trial versions.. Nothing has really kept my attention for long. 

Im really in AoC because of friends there as well.. will see how long it holds my attention.

I am really just killing more time until Fallen Earth comes out.

Im ok with the instancing type they use in AoC & EQ2,  etc.  Zone population caps keep the social aspect of the game, but helps eliminate excess lag and help maintain population of mobs to kill.

However, I do miss the over populated zones of eq1.  Lower Guk, half the challenge was trying to find a mob that wasnt already camped or dead.  It forced people to group in order to get experience.  If there were shortage of mobs, and too many people, people had to group to get the kills needed to complete quests and gain experience.

Yes EC Tunnel lagged like hell, but the heavy population is what helped build most of its social network.  Lowbies begging for buffs and ubers showing off their newest loot.  By splitting the populations you do loose a great amount of the social aspect of the game.

I am an early access, and still can not seem to log in..

Originally posted by tmr819

This game sounds like it has real potential, though the long, long LONG development time is a tad discouraging.

Am I correct in assuming this will be a subscription-based MMO?

One of the things that has impressed me about this game (after looking through the game's website) is the depth and creativity of the lore that they have created. It all sounds plausible and fun, and all six of the factions sound distinct, well-thought-out, and intriguing. I'd love to be writing for a game like this -- and there are not many games I can say that about.

I have definitely added this MMO to my "watch list."

(Vanguard, EQ2, Tabula Rasa, just to name a few.)  Tabula is still having to patch in upper level content, and vanguard well.. needed months and months of beta before it was released.. but was forced to release due to financial issues.)  EQ2 had faced huge uphill battle to regain the trust and loyalty it has now.. Vanguard hasnt gotten there yet.

Its kinda why they wont set a release date... it will be released when its finished.. and not before then.

As for me.. Ive been hooked on Fallen earth since first seeing the video interview at http://www.fallenearth.com/article.php?article=13

Just remember..Good things come to those who wait...

Most of the men I know who play female characters, do so because they do not wish to stare at a big ogga rump for 8 hours.  Its easier, and more plesant for them to be looking at a female character, than a man...

I always just remember that people are playing characters, and nothing that comes out of their mouth can be believed.  Just nod your head yes, you are a mega millionaire in rl.  and go about  your game in your own little world..