My Alternate Reality

The Ultimate MMO - My Quest Continues

A few days ago, some friends online in WoW told me about an MMO that is currently going through beta called Aion.

At first, I was a bit meh... But after watching the developer podcasts and taking in some of the video footage that this MMO is going to inject into this mystical realm, my tune changed a bit.

After absorbing everything that I witnessed, I'm blown away at what this title is going to offer the player!

Aion is definitely going on my top 5 list of MMOs to trial. Trust me, head over to their site, watch the video footage! The cinematics are unbelievable and there is a fair amount of actual gameplay footage to really give you a feel of what 'in game' is going to be like.

In a nutshell, the story takes place on (errr... "in" rather?) a world named Atreia. The world has been shattered into two halves. The inhabitants of this world live on the inside of either half. Obviously one side represents one faction and the other side houses the others. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to realize that due to this, great wars ensue and combat is at it's finest!

The graphic details are nothing short of AMAZING! Character customization is off the hook. The goal, the developers say, is to have "not one single character look exactly alike". Your avatar will truly be unique to the realm!

Alright, enough of my rambling. GO WATCH THAT FOOTAGE! After which, I'm sure I will be seeing you too in the wonderful world of AION!!

~SjN

Behold! A WoW-Killer in our Midst...

Yes, I said it. The evil words that should never, ever be spoken by a World of Warcraft fan. But I tell it like it is.

Sure, any MMO will have the fight of it's life to unseat a phenomenon that is the World of Warcraft from it's perch high in the lofts of MMO history.

But to this end, I give you - Star Wars: The Old Republic.

I've been keeping a close eye on this title ever since I first heard of it. Its had an uphill battle since its inception due to the horrendous deeds done to SWG at the hands of LucasArts and Sony. But what is done is done. Many a Star Wars fan are watching this title with caution. As am I.

But just this past week, a series of online video Developer Walkthroughs were posted on their site. It basically gives you an idea of the game mechanics to come. I gotta tell you, what I saw left me salivating for some hardcore Star Wars goodness!

It starts out with the Bounty Hunter class and its mechanics. Gameplay looked extremely smooth and the battles looked well thought out. Next came the Smuggler class. All I have to say about that is - WHOA! During this segment, the developers details a really cool mechanic called the 'cover mechanic'. Your toon can actually take cover behind trees, rocks etc, reaching around to fire off blaster rounds. I am so loving this game right now!

Part of my love affair with SWTOR is not only my deep rooted love for the Star Wars Universe but also because well, WoW is starting to really weigh on me. I just don't have the fun that I used to have back in the day. I yearn for change. I'm thinking Star Wars: The Old Republic is just what the doctor ordered!

Oh, did I mention that this title is being developed by none other than Bioware? Yes, the company that brought you titles to the tune of Baldur's Gate, Icewind Dale and Neverwinter Nights! Yep, with Bioware involved, only good things can come of this!

Go ahead and check it out! Watch the Developer's Walkthroughs! You won't be disappointed!

- Peace