And now for something completly different..

If you did not read that title in a snarky British accent, go back and read it again. I'll wait. Now that I have your Monty Python muscles going, I want to say that having this to do each day once more is invigorating. Hopefully, I can get a decent following like I once had on this site.

Now, onto the business of what you are here for: video games and gaming information, news, or something along the lines of all things "game".

Today I am going to speak about game design. As you can undoubtedly deduce from my previous postings, game design is something that I find interesting, and having the proper design makes or breaks ANY game. First, let's go over the trump card of any computer nerd's day: MMORPGs. Or, say it with me, Mummorpuggers! These games have all sorts of different profit-making models but these are not what I, as a...What should I call myself here? For now I think "Game analyst" will work, though I don't enjoy the professional ring that has, as I do not get paid to do this. So as I was saying: as a game analyst, I am more interested in what sort of game they have and not so much interested in how I get their permission to play it.

Let's take WoW for a first off. Everyone who has even sniffed at online gaming has heard of this beast of a Mummorpugger. People nay-say for weeks on end about this game. However, I am here to take the heat of the lynch mob and tell you something mind-blowing.  This game is very good, based on the merits of being a game. Take away the shitty community of elitist assholes and troll ninja looters and you have yourself a very good game. However, this being a Mummorpugger, it has the one pitfall of ALL Mummorpuggers, and that is the grind-fest of endlessness.

The grind-fest is not entirely a bad thing. It is what keeps us playing for more than 6 days and then dropping it like a broken toy. The problem is changing this grind-fest up in new and exciting ways so that those of us who have been doing it for years can attempt to justify to our fried minds that it's not the same old thing over again.

Now let's go to another game front: the console game. Not that these can truly be homogenized into that category, but they all have one thing that they ALL have to show us. Console games have to have replay value. Replay value is what keeps us still playing the game AFTER we have "beaten" it. If a game that hits the shelves doesn't have a high replay value, people will be very wary of shelling out to meet the high price tags that these games have these days. Coughing up 60-90 bucks for a game you play once and are done with is not something ANYONE wants to do. So either they do not buy it on release day and wait for it to go down about 40-50 bucks in price, or they buy it at a store like GameStop and then bring it back for an exchange after they have beaten it within the return time frame, and get a game with some true replay value.

A console game with replay value is not something that is so hard to find these days. It is something that, after a long time of games being one-shots (albeit 90 hour one-shots), is a nice change to see.  Take an old favorite, Final Fantasy 9. That game took weeks to properly play through, but once you had done it, there were so few secrets to find that replaying the entire game for just those was not worth it. To top it off, some of those secrets were only completable if you rushed through certain parts of the game and thus were meant for speed plays, which is not something I place into the replay value of a game.

Let us continue by going into the realm of the hyper nerd. Tabletop games have just about always been something that is under the stereotype of the basement-dwelling momma's-boy with his basement-dwelling momma's-boy friends who meet every weekend to play at being cool. This stereotype cannot be farther from the truth. This will scare and shock a few of you, I am sure, but many thousands of our U.S. Military play tabletop games whilst overseas. I kid you not when I say that some of our most bad-ass people in this country are nerding it up while in danger of having a bomb dropped on them. Some celebrities also enjoy the game. Vin diesel (Or his real name, Mark Sinclair Vincent) is rumored to have his D&D character's name tattooed somewhere on his body. Oh, and you know those people who invent the very things you are reading this blog post on right now? Avid tabletop players exist among them.

Now that we have the stereotype shattering out of the way, let's get into game design for these. The basic game design for these tabletop games involves the use of a randomized polyhedral object being tossed onto the table to determine an outcome. In other words, a die is rolled and that can be the deciding factor in whether or not your character lives. This design is just about universal to the mainstream tabletop world. This is basically putting the RNG (Random number generator) that video games use into the players hands, and is overall good design when used properly.

To avoid going too in-depth into this subject I will avoid explaining the ins and outs of why DnD 3.5 edition is the single most horribly balanced game in the history of the world. However, I will explain why it works in theory. The class-based system relies on placing a label on your character and defining what your character is and what they can and cannot do in the world. This works because people like having choices, but they also like being secretly told what choices to make. If you look at the cover of the game it looks like everything works out for magic vs melee being even. This is due to smart class tables and clever wording. However, when you get your feet into the game it quickly devolves into a game of "Put the fighter in the middle of the battle and have the squishy mage who used all his spells already in a barrel". This is at low levels. As the levels come and go you will quickly switch positions. "Put the silver bullet mage in the middle of the fight and put everyone else in a barrel lest they get caught in the blast!".

The specifics of why this is have been put into much more detail than I am capable of, over the entirety of the internet. So I will not be doing that here. Now onto what constitutes good tabletop design. Above, I may have made it seem like a class-based system MUST fail. This is simply untrue, though a class-based system must be done properly. Magic and mundane must be able to compete with each other at an even pace the entire way. This is much easier said than it is done. A good way to think of it is this, "If one side looks more promising than the other, no one will choose the other, and thus there is no reason to place it in the game." There is, however, a universal truth with magic: magic will always appear more powerful than the mundane counterpart.

So what are we to do? The answer is simple: do not relegate your game to a "power fest". By this I mean, do not have battle rely on the constant use of abilities. Give your characters abilities, but give the use of these abilities a cost that matters to the characters. So the mages will have to think about whether or not to use a major spell or simply continue to attack with basic things. You might think from the surface that this favors the melee characters, but when a mage can bring out a weapon that is powered by his magic to blast a foe with a spout of arcane energy, the archer might get a bit envious. This is all about game design. Placing incentives to play different things for different situations is something that is difficult to work around with, especially for tabletop, where all the things that can be resolved with complex math that a computer usually does for a video game would have to be done by the players every time they wanted to do those particular actions.


Thank you for reading my ramblings on game design.

MMORPG Keep Your Family Safe

http://www.ddo.com

Here is a short list Check Out The Radio Show At BlogTalkRadio.com/VideoGamesandGaming For More

World Of Warcraft - Start your own clan and always go on together on a very low population server. Always be certain the leader of the party has his map on player track to keep tabs on the individuals in your family. A Software system to be played online, after purchasing the software you pay a monthly fee for membership.


Dungeons and Dragoms Online - Like WOW, (World Of Warcraft), but in a D&D (Dungeons and Dragons) Setting. A Software system to be played online, after purchasing the software you pay a monthly fee for membership.

Ogre Island - Awesome, free to play, and inexpensive to upgrade. No extra software, just online and play. The very best starter MMORPG ever! With awesome learning capabilities, members, and fun.

Dalton Haile aka Wyverex

Baulders Gate 2 Dark Alliance

Baulders Gate 2 Dark Alliance is the sequel to Baulders gate. This game is on XBox and other consoles. A Playstation 2 game. A continuation of the Baulders gate where each character has their own story line. They each are going to the town of Baulders Gate for a different reason, some for fame, some for money, and some for their pasts.

Each character you choose like the Dwarvan Rogue, Moon Elf Necromancer, Human Barbarian, Human Cleric, and a Dark Elf Monk, and 2 Secret characters you can unlock (shhhhhh) when you beat the game on certain difficulty levels.

To find out more on Baulders Gate 2 Dark Alliance Listen in on April 17th 2008 show at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/videogamesandgaming

Violent Video Games The Worst Of The Worst

"Five games. Five reasons why you shouldn’t let the youngsters near them.
Horror novelist Stephen King recently caused a stir when he wrote in his Entertainment Weekly column that violent video games shouldn’t be banned – merely that parents should "have the guts" to tell their kids they wouldn’t be allowed to play them.

Video game violence is a touchy topic amongst many – but what are the worst of the worst? Here’s a quick list of the five most objectionable games of the past twenty-five years." Read More: http://www.pcauthority.com.au/News/107909,violent-video-games--the-worst-of-the-worst.aspx

I just spotted this article on PC Authority and thought you might be interested! I wanted to know their top 5...

Dalton Haile aka Wyverex

Blog Talk Radio

This weeks show will cover 30 minutes of Wyverex step by steping the Adventure Quest Process and tips and tricks on how to play the game. The differences between AQ and Ogre Island. And talk about different types of gaming in general...Stay Tuned...

UPCOMING SHOW: 4/3/2008 11:00 PM
Host Name Wyverex /Wavecritter
Show Name Video Games and Gaming - Adventure Quest
Show Length 30 Minutes
Show Description
From Atari to XBox360 and back again! We will be covering the online Game Adventure Quest this week. Either going to AdventureQuest.com and clicking on the link for Battleon.com or just straight to Battleon.com. "An action-packed, fully animated RPG world of AdventureQuest! Create a free New Account today and play right away. Battle to save the world, or for fame, gold and power... it's all up to you! Become a Guardian today as it is only a one-time payment! It is not a monthly fee."
Call In 347-838-9487

Video Games and Gaming - Adventure Quest

From Atari to XBox360 and back again! We will be covering the online Game Adventure Quest this week. Either going to AdventureQuest.com and clicking on the link for Battleon.com or just straight to Battleon.com. "An action-packed, fully animated RPG world of AdventureQuest! Create a free New Account today and play right away. Battle to save the world, or for fame, gold and power... it's all up to you! Become a Guardian today as it is only a one-time payment! It is not a monthly fee."

BlogTalk Radio!

Moms, Sons, and Video Games...Can It Be Done?... YES! It can and you can too...Teach your Mom to play what you do well! Only the "Cool" Moms will get this, but they will Rock in the Video Games and gaming World...

Check out my Radio Show Coming Up On March 27th at 11pmET with special guest...you got it! My "Cool" Mom...Wavecritter and Wyverex on Ogre Island!
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/VideoGamesandGaming

BLOG TALK RADIO

Blog Talk Radio is an awesome medium for spreading the word on Video Games and gaming! I am going to start a show...just on that topic on the 27th of March teaming up with Wavecritter on ... You Guessed It! Video Games and Gaming! We will be discussing everything from Atari to XBox360 and back again! The topics will be listed shortly as we are arranging guests for Ogre Island, World Of Warcraft, and more... Stay Tuned!

Computer And VideoGames Magazine

Computer and Videogames Magazine is a great info site on all thats computers and video games! PC, Playstation, XBox, Nintendo...You Name it ... Its Here For You! READ MORE: http://www.computerandvideogames.com/

Wyverex
Dalton Haile

Video Games And gaming At Yahoo Games!

With the Files, Cheats, Multiplayer, games on demand, news, reviews, and previews available here, ...

They have also a weekly newsletter...

Watch the Lego Indiana Jones gameplay Video!...

Alganon update interview part 1!..

Check out this awesome site at Yahoo!
Dalton Haile
http://videogames.yahoo.com/

Ogre Island

Ogre Island

Ogre Island is an outstanding free to play MMORPG! Get ready for adventure with trolls, hill giants, dragons, skeletons, zombies, imps, farm animals, and dungeons.

Start off with a choice of basic skills. Choose three different ones with choices like swordmanship, magic of all kinds, alchemy, and fishing.

As you continue through the wilderness meeting players, battling monsters, finding ancient tomes of wisdom be sure to keep a keen look out for some special players!

The most skilled player in the game though not the highest level (timetogonow) is a very intense and highly adept player.

The expert on the player market (Alturia Raven) is a colorful female with skills a plenty. She is up to date on the prices of items in the player market.

Alturia's significant other (Jayce Atkins), they are hardly ever apart, he is the magic man and knows the location of all the scrolls and is a magic man with knowledge of spells.

The Master of Arms (CanadianWarrior), he makes the game easier with his vast knowledge of the game play, because of the quality of his charachter and person, he is a friend to all and if he doesn't know it, timetogonow does.

The man to speak with of the tomes and mines (Graganor), if he doesn't know, it doesn't need to be found.

(Wyverex) also known as Nail or Helper, he is an expert on Monsters and Leveling, also quite the knack for making money outside the player market, cha-ching.

Also (Vagabond) is THE CREATOR! If you find him on the map.... consider yourself blessed. He is the originator and freely hands out birthday cakes on your birthday and random items throughout the holidays like SANTA HATS!

Ogre Island is a brilliant free MMORPG! and well worth the time it takes to level up and then it is enjoy your time playing, making friends and conquering the island.

Wyverex
www.uberberry.com

Zelda's Lullaby

My YOUTUBE
http://www.youtube.com/darri0n

VIDEO GAMES AND GAMING

Yes, even in the video games and gaming world, there are beginners. Newly acquainted players with a need to learn quickly and eventually surpass their competition. Video games and gaming have been around since the Atari age and are not likely to fade into the background of life anytime soon.

The gaming systems today have climbed mountains over the systems of old. With RPG (role playing games), music games, first person shooters, the list is long and the game choices are staggering. Choosing a gaming system first would be the best place to start.

Looking at and evaluating the gaming systems offered today isn't as hard as it seems once you know how to weigh the pros and cons of each system. Check how many different games are compatible with each system and rank the system with a good selection high. See if the system offers online gaming and multiple player options if these choices are important to you. Take a look at the graphics and ask around about ease of use and glitches. Knowing you system takes you more than half way to becoming a video game guru and king. Read More...
http://ezinearticles.com/?Video-Games-And-Gaming-For-Beginners&id=924451


Dalton Haile

Had To Post This Fable Funny! It Contains Mature Language, So Don't Watch If You Don't Want to Hear Swear Words...:)

BrainBlogger.com

What a brain buster of a site this is! I just ran across it, but it has escaped my attention for quite some time ;)

It sites research from Stanford University that men find video games and gaming much more rewarding. Very interesting article by Sudip Ghosh, MD. Brilliance and intelectuals seem to flock to the study of the video games and gaming appeal.

I think in the studies, the play factor should happen by the Doctors more and they will relate even more! The height of play and the deeper into a game one ventures the change of intensity unfolds and the more the player connects. Brilliant and sustained research! Kudos to Stanford...

Dalton Haile
http://www.Uberberry.com

Don't Neglect Your Health

Sometimes we Video Games and Gaming Gamers, forget about the keeping healthy side of things. I have found that the best way to stay healthy is to drink water over other beverages, of course choose veggies over snack food that is toxic, but the best thing are the move it around Video Games! A Wii has many move it around, get off your butt games out there. XBox, GameCube, Playstation, Wii all have get off the couch and go games that will get your heart pumpin'! :)

Give Guitar Hero a try, or Dance Dance Revolution, Boxing, Baseball, American Idol (dance while you sing), Golf...you name it! Get off the couch every once and awhile and move! These games are Uber Fun too!

Here are some other tips:

The 24 Hour Fitness Path

The Twenty Four Hour fitness center is like your one stop shop to everything about fitness and your well-being. Imagine it as the Walmart of the fitness industry. Twenty Four Hour fitness centers are located in a number of areas in the state. All of them have equipments which cater to weight training as well as cardio vascular equipments. A variety of fitness gear is also available. Twenty Four Hourfitness centers all have locker rooms and – believe it or not – baby sitting accommodations. Over all, the Twenty Four Hour fitness center is a complete, clean and extremely well maintained facility that especially caters to all your fitness wants, needs and preferences.

Join Us

It is very easy to get started on your path to fitness. Twenty Four Hour fitness centers have over three hundred clubs located in the whole nation and is open for twenty four hours. There is no long term contract to sign up in. You have the option to pay monthly, but you are offered a complete personal training package that suits your body type, body weight and built so you are ensured with a service that is truly personalized.

Which club do you belong in?

Twenty Four Hour fitness center gives you the option to choose the specific type of club that you desire. The active club involves a group exercise as well as free weights and cardio machines to work off that fat. The sport club also includes everything in the active club but with additions such as basketball, heated pools and whirlpool. The super-sport club also includes the amenities found those in the active club and the sport club but with more additions such as massages, a sauna as well as a steam room. The ultra sport club is the works. It includes most of the amenities found in the active, sport and super sport club, plus a day spa, courts for racquetball as well as an executive locker room.

The Path to Performance

It all depends on what you want to achieve. In Twenty Four Hour fitness centers, a uniquely specialized fitness program is available to anyone who simply wants to improve their performance in a specific sport or is seriously training for competition. The program is designed by athletes.

The Performance program includes a menu plan specifically customized for those intense workouts. A resistance training is also available as well as a full cardio workout. After your exercise, a metabolic rate test is conducted.

This program is designed for those who wants to get started as soon as possible but has no clear and specific idea how. This is clearly the best option for them because all the information on nutrition, resistance training is learned through this program. This is the foundation one needs in order to have results that would last your body a lifetime.
The Components of Fitness

A regular exercise, an intense workout is just part and parcel of your path to health, fitness and well-being. There are other factors that should just as well play a part and which Twenty Four Hour fitness center teaches you.

Food intake is one of them. A menu is provided to those who follow the performance path. This details what you should or should not eat, or at least eat less of, if not completely avoid. Cardio is also one as this enhances your endurance to stress and exercise. Vitamins and supplements are a necessity unless you are sure that you are able to receive the proper amounts of iron, calcium, vitamin C or D or E in a day. If not, it is best to take them in. Resistance training is a feather in your fitness cap and is a necessary tool for being healthy, wealthy and wise.

Dalton Haile aka Wyverex
UBERBERRY

World Of Warcraft!

Anyone with a preference for the most awesome online game in existance...Check out World of Warcraft!

Look at their recent post:

Arena Tournament Realm Is Live on the PTR
Posted by: Blaze| 2-29-08
The new Arena Tournament realm for World of Warcraft is available for testing on the Public Test Realm. Join your fellow players to be first to experience this exciting new form of PvP. Please also provide us any feedback at the Arena Tournament Forums. More information can be found at the Arena Tournament information page, item list, and FAQ. And check out the update to the Lunar Festival Page!

Wyverex

GameFaqs Dot Com

What can I say about GameFaqs dot Com? Indispensible site all day long...:) One of the top video games and gaming sites for cheats, tips, and tricks. Video games and gaming is a challenging hobby at times and we all could and surely have used a helper now and again. This site could save you hours of wracking your noggin' for the way...:) Let Gamefaqs.com give you the edge you need on those occasions you would like a leg up or a power boost, lasting potions, super speed, or warp capabilities :)

Wyverex
www.uberberry.com

GUITAR HERO YAY!

Have You Been Left Out Of Guitar hero? Have You Not Played Yet?... Well, you are missing one great game! Guitar Hero has many hours of replay value and will leave most every other music game in the dust! A Must Own in the Video Games and Gaming World! Hours of Rockin' Fun!

100 NES Games in 10 Minutes! WOW!