Whether you’re on the Wii, XBox or Playstation side of the war, you’ll get a damn good laugh out of this gem:
If only the Wii U was in fact operational!
[Thanks to David K over at Gamers of Oceania Facebook Group for the heads-up!]
SWTOR Maintenance: August 7th 2012
August 5, 2012 by
A bit of a longer server downtime this Tuesday night, coming in at 6 hours. The time conversions for you:
AEST: 5pm-11pm
AWST: 3pm-pm
NZST: 7pm-1am
The full info from BioWare:
Hello everyone, we wanted to let you know that we will be performing scheduled maintenance for six hours on Tuesday, August 7th, 2012 from 2AM CDT (12AM PDT/3AM EDT/8 AM BST/9AM CEST/5PM AEST) until 8AM CDT (6AM PDT/9AM EDT/2PM BST/3PM CEST/11PM AEST). All game servers and SWTOR.com will be offline during this period. This maintenance is expected to take no more than six hours, but could be extended.
This weekly maintenance is done in order to make general improvements and to check performance of the game so that we can continue to provide a consistent, quality experience. Quite often (but not always) after a maintenance period there will be a patch to download. After the maintenance, please login via the launcher to download the latest patch. If your launcher was open during the maintenance, you must close and reopen it for a fresh login.
Scheduled Maintenance
Date: August 7th, 2012
Time: 2AM CDT (12AM PDT/3AM EDT/8 AM BST/9AM CEST/5PM AEST) until 8AM CDT (6AM PDT/9AM EDT/2PM BST/3PM CEST/11PM AEST)
All game servers and SWTOR.com will be offline during this period. This maintenance is expected to take no more than six hours.
Thank you for your patience as we maintain service for Star Wars™: The Old Republic™.
SWTOR: EV / KP HM Timed Run Challenge (Fatman Server)
August 4, 2012 by
For anyone on the Fatman server interested…
Rules
– Timed run challenge begins Sunday August 18th at 8pm EST
– Each group must have a live stream that is active from 7:50pm EST until Operations are complete
– You must kill all bosses
– You do not have to kill all trash but you are not allowed to stealth diectly to bosses
– It is the groups preference which Operation to clear first
– All raid consumables are allowed EXCEPT the Nightmare Pilgrim buff
– Once your operation begins you may only substitute one player for a total roster of 9Sign up information on www.chosen-elite.com
The Secret World: Help Guide
August 4, 2012 by
One of the coolest things about The Secret World is the investigation missions. They require brains instead of finger-mashing, which is why the game has a built in web browser for research. Which is probably what has brought you here. The below answers are ones I found out myself – I’d suggest you do the same but if you want the easy way out, read on:
(this help guide will grow as I progress through the game – bear with me!)
Men in Black Vans: what is the laptop password?
Answer: (non-spoiler) – go to the URL shown on the black suited bodies lying near the van and look up Kitsune’s wife at that URL. (spoiler) ‘sally’ is the password.
Men in Black Vans: where is the tracker I need to use?
Answer: right next to the laptop, adjust your camera angle and you’ll see it just to the left of the laptop in the back of the van. I didn’t see it for ages because I had my camera angle too low.
Men in Black Vans: how do I disassemble the tracker?
Answer: (non-spoiler) there’s a combination you need to do in the right order. If you get it wring you’ll see the component fizzle and hear a noise. It’ll also attract a bigger monster out of the sea so head back up the beach unless you want a fight. (spoiler) Select the component on the East side of the unit (facing the sea), then the South side and then West side. That’s what worked for me anyway.
I Phone Home: how do I give the tablet to Danny?
Answer: just left click on him once. Believe it or not took me a while to work this out.
ATC: how do I use the security keypad to get in to disable the EMP generator?
Answer: (non-spoiler) Kill the draug in the area and just near where he was standing you’ll find your answer. (spoiler) Passcode is 739241. And don’t forget to put on your Orochi uniform from your inventory (it is looted automatically from the body you examine – although you may need to examine both bodies to get one to fit).
Dawn of an Endless Night: what is the password on Dr Bannerman’s computer?
Answer: (non-spoiler) Dr Bannerman likes classical music based on the photo you examine. (spoiler) Google ‘Four Seasons Classical’ and you’ll get your answer.
Dawn of an Endless Night: how do I find the trail left by Beaumont?
Answer: (non-spoiler) You need to search around the airport based on the picture you’re shown. (spoiler) Go to the shed/shack that’s at the furthest west of the airport (just above the scrapyard). It has the same scenic flight sign as in the picture.
Dawn of an Endless Night: how do I unlock the door to the Illuminati tunnel?
Answer: (non-spoiler) Collect the items around the room, read the book on the desk near the door, which gives you the hints. (spoiler) In order, insert the Yin and Yang, Skull, Phoenix, Pyramid and The Eye, then the door will open.
Dawn of an Endless Night: Where is the Illuminati vault?
Answer: (non-spoiler) Find the Order of Great Works book just inside the entrance of the instance. Collect the items from each of the rooms (both levels) and then search for the vault. (spoiler) Find the loose floorboards in the northern end room on the ground floor. Jump down and you’ll come to a door. Same deal as the previous tunnel door – insert (in order) the Star of David, Masonic Symbol, The Eye, skull and finally the Templar Cross.
They Never Stop Coming: where are the Slow and Dry Zombies?
Answer:(non-spoiler) Go to the North West of the main township. (Spoiler) It’s zombies like the Charred Remains and Witch Trial Victims that fit into this category.
They Never Stop Coming: where are the Zombie Cultists?
Answer: (non-spoiler) Have a good wander around the back areas of Kingsmouth and you’ll find them. (Spoiler) Behind Norma’s house.
Tomb Raider: where is Eric and Mindy’s Grave?
Answer: (non-spoiler) Work your way around the graveyard and it’s there, but not in the easiest areas. (Spoiler) With your back to the church, it’s in the second back row on the right half near the fence.
Into Darkness: how do I get to New York?
Answer: via Agartha – I stupidly kept going to the record shop because there was a yellow cross there….
Into Darkness: where is the rendezvous point?
Answer: (non-spoiler) near a truck with flashing lights in a lower level of the parking garage. (Spoiler) Walk right up to the corpses in the corner on the lowest level.
Horror Show: where is the camera at the mining museum?
Answer: (non-spoiler) it’s in the top half of the building. (Spoiler) You climb the ladder on the building behind the mining museum, jump across to the museum and you’ll find the camera at the front of the musuem on the little overhang.
The League of Monster Slayers: what is the order of initiation?
Answer: here’s the map – click on it for the full-size version:
The League of Monster Slayers: where is the body I need to poke?
Answer: (non-spoiler) Look around the immediate area after you discover Dead Man’s Canyon. (spoiler) There;s a small dark head poking out of the ground. Mouse over that and it’ll be labelled as ‘The Body’ – right click to poke it.
Science And The Arts: where are the blueprints in the headmaster’s office?
Answer: (non-spoiler) Don’t make the mistake like I did of thinking the headmaster’s office is where you talk to him. (spoiler) The blueprints are on the wall in the headmaster’s office which is directly on the floor above where you talk to him.
Doom 3: BFG Edition – Eight Unseen Levels
August 3, 2012 by
Ahhh, Doom. I still count one of my favourite gaming memories being Doom 2 death matches with my brother-in-law, connecting modem to modem. I pretty much missed Doom 3, so I’m really interested in Doom 3: BFG Edition and what it holds.
The latest trailer video shows off some of the previously unseen levels in the game, and I have to admit I very much like what I see:
The details on game availability and contents:
DOOM 3 BFG Edition is slated for release in North America on October 16, 2012 and throughout Europe on October 19, 2012. DOOM 3 BFG Edition will feature re-mastered versions of both DOOM 3 and the Resurrection of Evil add-on pack, as well seven new levels of content entitled ‘The Lost Mission.’ DOOM 3 BFG Edition will be available in North America on PC for $29.99 and on Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 for $39.99.
Over to you: is this on your buy list?
SWTOR Suggestion Box: F2P as saviour?
August 3, 2012 by
Ok I promise this will be the last SWTOR Free to Play post for this week, but it’s an obvious topic for some more discussion. Specifically, is the change going to affect your relationship with SWTOR? Will you be playing more, less, don’t care about the change?
My best guess is that there will be some growth as a result, but a guess is all it is. So educamate me: do you think this is a new dawn or the start of the sunset. Jump in!
Comparing SWTOR F2P Versus Subscription
August 1, 2012 by
It’s been a big day for SWTOR, with the announcement of the game going free-to-play. Although I’m extremely cynical about the framing of the announcement of a great positive sign for the game, I do think the move is likely to grow the game somewhat. Not purely because of the change broadly, but because of the way BioWare have drawn a nice line between what F2P’ers and ongoing subscribers can access. Let’s take a look at the key ones:
1. Everyone can play right through to Level 50
This is an unavoidable move if you want to attract new players and it’s a good move when you factor in the other differences between the two player types.
2. Limited character creation options for F2P’ers
Only subscribers will get to choose species. It’s a good differentiation, as any RP’ers or other Star Wars devotees that love a particular species will be driven to subscribe. More casual players won’t be fazed most likely, so it’s not a huge issue.
3. Warzones
F2P’ers will have a lesser number of Warzones they can complete each week. There’s no confirmation of what the exact limitation is at this stage. Rabid PvP’ers will probably maintain a subscription anyways, while everyone else can really check out if they like SWTOR PvP.
4. Flashpoints and Space Combat
Again, only subscribers will have unlimited times they can play Flashpoints or space missions. What will be interesting here is the number F2P’ers can play – if the number is relatively high then there actually won’t be that big a difference. No-one sane plays dozens of Flashpoints a week. Do they?
5. Operations
This is probably the firmest line in the sand between the two player types. If you want to raid, you need to be a subscriber. That said, the F2P players should be welcome additions to guilds, as they can level up and gear up on F2P and if they decide they want that last step, they can pay up then. The cynic in me says that F2P’ers will get some Operation access in the future though.
6. Travel Features and GTN
Again, less access for those who go F2P. GTN access is apparently going to be ‘extremely’ limited, with full subscribers able to have 50 simultaneous listings. There’s no clarity on exactly what falls within ‘travel features’ – perhaps there’ll be longer cooldowns on Quick Travel for those who go F2P.
7. Priority Login for Subscribers
Ok, I feel bad, but I laughed when I read this one. Subscribers will always jump the login queue ahead of F2P’ers. That’s reasonable and handy – if there were queues. Can anyone tell me the last time they had a queue? 1.3 update maybe?
Over to you: are the subscription features enough to stop you going to F2P? Let us know!
SWTOR Goes Free to Play
August 1, 2012 by
In one of the biggest non-surprises of the year, BioWare have announced that SWTOR has gone free-to-play.
Even though in recent weeks there have been more layoffs, including departures of some of the big names involved in the development of the game, it hasn’t stopped BioWare plastering their front page with the excited “The Old Republic Is Expanding!” as the lead for the F2P announcement. Cynicism aside, there’s a bunch of related content announced with the change:
1. Players can still choose to pay a subscription, which gives them access to everything and also earns them ‘Cartel Points’
2. The F2P option will go live in August, when you can buy the game for only $14.99 which includes 30 days of game time.
3. A range of new content is coming as well:
The full press release from BioWare/EA:
BioWare™, a Label of Electronic Arts (NASDAQ: EA), announced today that it will be expanding the story-driven, massively multiplayer online game Star Wars™: The Old Republic™ by adding a new Free-to-Play option this fall. This option will give players access to each of the eight iconic Star Wars character class storylines, all the way up to level 50, with certain restrictions*. Unlimited game access, including new higher-level game content and new features will be made available through individual purchases or through a subscription option.
“Players want flexibility and choice. The subscription-only model presented a major barrier for a lot of people who wanted to become part of The Old Republic™ universe,” said Matthew Bromberg, GM of BioWare Austin.
Jeff Hickman, Executive Producer of Star Wars: The Old Republic added, “Since launch we have been adding new content and refining The Old Republic at a breakneck pace based on the feedback from our fans. We believe we are in a position to help improve the service even more, not only by continuing to add new content, but also by expanding the game to many more Star Wars fans, increasing the populations on worlds and the vibrancy of the community.”
Starting this fall, there will be two different ways to play Star Wars: The Old Republic:
Subscription – A service designed for players who want unrestricted access to all the game features via ongoing subscription or by redeeming a Game Time Card. In addition to gaining access to all game content as our current subscribers do now, Subscribers will receive ongoing monthly grants of Cartel Coins*, the new virtual currency that will be introduced later this fall. Cartel Coins can be used to purchase valuable items including customizable gear and convenience features that will enhance the game play experience.
Free-to-Play –The first 50 levels will be free-to-play, with some restrictions on access to new content and advanced player features. Some restrictions can be “unlocked” with Cartel Coins.
As the first step towards adding the new Free-to-Play option this fall, in August at retail Star Wars: The Old Republic will go on sale for $14.99 USD, including one-month of free subscription.Current and former players will also find additional benefits as part of this program. BioWare will be increasing the frequency of game content updates, with the first of many new releases coming in August. In addition, current subscribers will receive Cartel Coin grants and qualify for access to special in-game items. Even former players who re-activate now will qualify for special benefits. To learn more about these rewards, please visit www.StarWarstheOldRepublic.com/FREE.
We’ll be covering this is more detail today as our team of writers dissect things. In the meantime, what’s your take? A great move that will grow the game, a desperate measure to keep the game viable, or somewhere in the middle?
Play The Secret World Free In August
July 31, 2012 by
So many MMOs, not enough time! Believe it or not it’s been a month since A Secret World launched, and to celebrate Funcom are offering some free play time coming up in early August (From Friday, August 3rd at 4pm GMT until Monday, August 6th at 7am GMT).
That means from 2am Saturday morning the 4th August to 5pm on Monday 6th August at 5pm AEST. Here’s the full details:
We want to share the joy with as many people as possible! Any player, who has any type of The Secret World account, may join us over the weekend to celebrate our first month! Early Access, Inactive Accounts, and Beta Accounts may all join in! If you do not currently have an account for The Secret World, you may register to participate starting today, Friday, July 27th, to have open access to this special celebration weekend! You can find the celebration event registration on the right side of the official website! You may download the game here.
So if you’ve got an inactive account, now might be the time to jump back in. Or like me, you might want to give the game a go for the first time.
While we’re talking TSW, if you’re a dedicated player that would like to write about the game, why not join our team?
Looking to make your own GW2 Email/Forum signature?
July 31, 2012 by
Then here’s a pretty nifty option. There’s a huge range of options you can choose and you can easily test out a bunch of things and cancel them individually. Best of all, you can download the end result without needing to give away your email address or any other info.
[Thanks to Peter over at GW2 Gamers of Oceania Facebook Page]
Solo Malgus Kill: Go The Assassin!
July 29, 2012 by
I’m sure it’s not unique, but I’m always fascinated by solo kills and this SWTOR solo kill is no different.
This time it’s a Sith Assassin called Stevoo on the Master Dar’Nala Server, knocking over Darth Malgus in the False Emperor Flashpoint – in hard mode no less.
Having a healer companion doesn’t hurt obviously, but it’s still an impressive feat.
Have a look for yourself:
Over to you: have you pulled off a similar feat or does it seem a little too much like hard work? Post your thoughts below!
[Thanks to Jedi Consulars for the heads-up]
SWTOR Community Q&A: 27th July 2012
July 28, 2012 by
A short few days after the delayed Q&A from last week, BioWare have covered off answers to another handful of questions. This week, there’s even some lore thrown in for good measure!
The Q&A in full for you:
Skendra: Question about Legacy! Under Character Perks -> Travel, at 1.2 there was buff for Sprint Speed but locked and now in 1.3 it was changed to Priority Transport. Why?
Will Wallace (Senior Designer): There were both internal and external balance concerns about allowing players to purchase upgrades to Sprint speed, especially as it related to advantages in Warzones. We don’t want someone to feel like they have to have an optional purchase to be competitive in PvP. The Priority Transport perks were created as a replacement since they are beneficial for all players without upsetting the balance of the game.
Char_Ell: What is the backstory of the seven pillars on Corellia commemorating the heroes of The Jedi Civil War in BTC 303 (Revan, Bastila, Carth, Canderous, Juhani, Mission, Zaalbar)? How did the people of Corellia arrive at the decision to build the pillars?
Hall Hood (Lead Writer): Monuments to these great heroes who saved the entire Republic were constructed on multiple Core Worlds after the war’s end. The motivations behind these memorials differed from planet to planet. Some were built by politicians cynically displaying their patriotism, while others were created by artists and refugees seeking to honor their saviors. Corellia’s pillars, like its many museums, were built as much for tourism as a sincere display of Republic solidarity. Trivia note: a beautiful monument to the heroes stood outside Coruscant’s Galactic Senate building for nearly three centuries, but was destroyed by Sith Empire forces during the planet’s sacking.
Republicmeat: When the in-game event of the Rise of the Rakghoul plague was taking place, there was that vendor in Tatooine who you could sell DNA samples to. Will we ever get to sell our remaining DNA samples if we still have some or are they obsolete from now on since the vendor was removed?
Rick Burton (World Designer): I’ll give the nebulous answer of “It is certainly possible that the DNA samples will be spendable again” with the caveat of “We have no plans at this time to reuse the DNA samples.” While this does not help you decide what you should do with your left over DNA samples, it is the most honestly accurate answer to the question. I’ll throw in one slightly less vague bit of relevant information. For future events, we have made tweaks to the design based on player feedback that should lower the odds players are unexpectedly stuck with “no longer spendable” event currency.
LNSSnorkle: We know players that don’t migrate by themselves will have their chars automatically moved. The thing is, how can we know where they will end up?
Damion Schubert (Principal Lead Systems Designer): Once we do automatic transfers, we will be doing everything possible in order to maintain the basics of the current ruleset as possible – PvE vs PvP, regional choice, language (for Europe); so in many cases, you should have a good idea of which populations you are likely to end up with. Another top concern is trying to help the populations that result have a good factional balance. We will give out a specific list once we are closer to implementation of this plan – watch for more info soon!
MayoJar: Lately you have been implementing “Server stability” fixes. Can you explain what exactly that is? I keep visualizing some intern sliding napkin shims under a corner of the server. Is this to fix lag issues, log in times, or transition screen load times?
Damion: I can see how this might be confusing to some players – SW:TOR servers, since launch, have enjoyed a reliability of greater than 99%, and since 1.3 went live, we’ve actually improved that to be greater than 99.97%, which means our servers pretty much never crash. However, Game Update 1.3 introduced a server bug that resulted in some players disconnecting randomly from the game, and the server team worked diligently after 1.3 went live to find this issue and stamp it out. This patch note refers (in vague terms, admittedly) to those fixes.
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