The slacker returns...

It's been a while since I've last posted here. Frankly I haven't been playing any MMO recently, except for small periods of time whenever a given MMO released either a new content update or an event is going on (like Halloween on Rift). I've been a bit tired of MMO and decided I should take some time off it.

But did this pulled me out of gaming?

 No... I end up going through single player games in Steam, like Witcher, Borderlands, Deadlight, some Heroes of Might and Magic or many others (my backlog is HUGE). Even end up playing DOTA 2 (and i hated Mobas, specially League of Legends, due to it's rather unpleasant community).

Recently I acquired through Steam, Defiance game. And now, yesterday I found out that the newest Lord of the Rings Online expansion, Helm's Deep, is out. While I never got much into LOTRO, again, this pulled me some interests and I might dig it up a bit. That and continue playing Defiance, which doesn't seem to be a bad game. Sort of Borderlands online.

Also the tenth Everquest 2 Expansion is out, Tears of Veeshan. I already skipped the previous one, Chains of Eternity, and although I considered give it a try on this new one, there's something holding me back. Well for one, is the really bad F2P system it has. And I'm not really in the mood to fork out 35 euros to an expansion and still have to pay the subscription.

The Secret World issue #8 is out which brings some new content stuff. The augmentation system, which from what I've read it's something related to upgrade your skills, and scenario system which I really don't know what it is yet. Just wondering, do I need to buy this issue to access the augmentation system? Probably will find out quickly today.

I could go own, with the stuff that's been out lately, since I last posted regularly, but I rather try each MMO again and post out the differences. Could be interesting to see how they progressed since I last played them.

In the meanwhile, Steam is at my top choice for gaming. Huge selection of games, and if you are smart enough you can get tons of games for a bargain. Also I leave you this link here from another blog of mine if you happen to have interest with Steam.

Absence of posting, here's why

In the last month and a bit I've I haven't been posting much or nothing at all. To be honest I haven't stop playing MMO games, but I haven't been playing the usual games, like Rift or TSW. Actually I've found myself again, giving a try to Eve Online (yep I said again).

So it went like this. I have an account for Eve since 2009 I think. The thing is I only played it for like 2 month. Not that the game is bad, on the contrary. I want a sandbox MMO and Eve is probably the best option at the moment. I just, back then, didn't had the interest for it as now I do have. And back then I think I was still playing World of Warcraft. 

But recently I re-activate that account, and started a new character. This time, however, I took the miner/crafter path. Why's that? Well, as most will know, one can maintain an Eve account with in-game currency trading it for the PLEX. PLEX is like a monthly sub that players can put up for sale, in exchange of in-game currency. And being miner/crafter is probably the safest (and maybe easy) way to do that. Of course going low security systems would net more profit, but also brings a lot more risks. But, being miner, will mean you have many hours of endless mining grind, which can also turn out to be quite boring for some. 

So for a full month I've created a character, that went that path. Although I was still far from goal, of getting a PLEX sub, I did about half what's needed to get one. So if I'm correct most can get a PLEX sub after 2 months subscription. Of course, this won't be sustainable in the beginning, so my safest bet would be subscribe the game for like 6 month, and get as much ISK (Eve currency) as possible. Afterwards, I assume it can be affordable to keep up using PLEX. I did a lot of mining and crafting, but to be honest, the first month I think it's more profitable to just mine and sell, than to craft stuff. Eventually you will find blueprints (recipes) that are affordable to produce, and generate more profit. But if going this path, initial month the best bet is mining.

Also, is known, that elder Eve players, manage to have multiple accounts running, just using PLEX. That being said, and due to a nice sale at Greenmangaming, I end up getting my second Eve account, getting this package. 

The price was 75% cheaper, plus with a coupon code, it went down to 4 euros. And I created a 21 days trial account, plus that, it gave me a total of 51 days playtime. Curiously, although I got that pack, I end up first trying exploration, but the return profit was very low, so I end up going to combat. Although I didn't played much on the account lately, the overall profit, was lower compared to the miner character I created previously. There was however an added bonus item on that pack. The Prototype Cerebral Accelerator can be sold to other players for about half the price of a PLEX. So I end making some money on that account, not thanks to combat but mostly to the prototype.

By comparison I think mining will be more profitable for starters but will also be the most boring to do. Eventually one will want to combat otherwise will not last long playing the game. But if you don't mind enduring sessions of mining, it should not take long until someone get PLEX subscriptions running on their accounts.

My sub is now off, but I plan to get back to my miner and re-start working on my PLEX goal.

The Secret World, small newbie guide

Today, I was teaching a friend of mine, who just start playing the game, a few early "tricks" to get started. Some were a bit less obvious than others, and some I guess aren't that known (maybe). 

The earliest tip I can give, and I already mentioned this before, is right after the weapons tutorial quest, where we choose one weapon, but we can't pick a second one, is to get outside the quest and then get back in to grab the second weapon (you won't make the tutorial a second time). I think this is handy. 

Also, as soon as you get the tutorial done, and you are out of Agartha, and into Solomon Island, Kingsmouth Town, is to check your store (shortcut key ',' - that's a comma), go to the claims tab and see what you can claim. I'm not 100% sure if anyone can claim new weapons off the bat, but if anyone can, you can ignore my first tip.

I advise to pick up a starting deck (build), and follow it up. Sure, I know many people say they aren't as great as for end game, but for a new player, who's learning the game for the first time, following it, wont make the experience much more daunting. Furthermore, as you complete these decks you will be awarded with different cosmetics sets, seen here:

Dragon

Illuminati

Templar

Personally, I also grab any quest I find (as long as I won't overwrite any quest of the same type I'm doing at the moment - you can only have a single quest of each type at a time) and do them. I never repeat any, but it's possible to repeat them averagely once a day (well most of the quests are repeatable).

I wouldn't bother much with crafting, except one thing, disassemble anything you find. I disassemble every single item (except consumables - not even sure one can deconstruct them), and stack the materials. Low grade materials aren't that great for anything, but you can always upgrade them, by stack of 5. Each stack of 5 will give one of the next higher grade. If you don't know, shortcut for crafting window is 'y'. Drag the item in and just disassemble it. My bank/inventory is full of all sorts of materials for crafting.

The '/reset' command, can be the quick travel tool for you. That  command will instantly kill you, and you can resurrect in the nearest anima well, or another one, as long as you have unlocked it (aka get close enough to it, once at least). Whenever I need to travel to somewhere far in map, instead of running to it, risking being attacked by multiple creatures, I just use that command and pick the nearest anima well. Two things to be aware though, 1) be sure you know what anima well you want to go, because once dead you can't check the map and 2) when you are at the selected anima well, be sure to use and don't run to your body! There is however a small down side. When you use this command, your gear will take damage, so just assume this is the fee to pay for the "quick travel".

The first instance (since all the new players want to try it), "The Polaris", is at the first map, "Kingsmouth Town", but it's advisable to try only after your gear and weapons are of quality three average. The dungeon itself is not hard except the last boss, Ur-Draug, which requires a bit of dps and a bit of playing hide and seek. Oh, and tank keep it turn away from group. Whenever you see a fog coming up, just run around the pillars out of sight of the boss. Just be sure to kill it fast, because you will be running out of pillars. The rest of the bosses is just a matter of dps and watch over the circles on ground to avoid them. In resume, quality level of gear average three, mind the circles on ground, and on last boss, play hide and seek of fog phase. Any experienced player from other MMO's won't have much issues doing this instance.

Have always a note book, for the investigations quests, it will be handy. Unless you cheat and follow guides.

The token vendor in Kingsmouth is here:

Overall, these are some of the initial tips I can give for starting up TSW. I might have repeat some, or I might have missed others, but overall, these few tips, will help you out a bit on the initial stages of the game.

Firefall Open Beta

Another game that is almost out is Firefall. Personally I haven't seen much of this title except a few videos, so I can't say much. The good news for me is that, instead of the regular open beta, that goes for a week or two and then everything gets wiped, on this beta is that, at least the xp done and what players spend in the game shop, will carry over to the live release (that's what I've read over the forums). I hate spending time on a beta and have all my effort wiped over, so I guess this is one good thing.

Main features of the game, resumed:

- Team based Action Shooter.

- Open world, persistent game.

- F2P game with micro-transactions/cash shop.

- Influence from Starship Troopers, Planetside, Tribes.

- Game is physics and skill based (more closely to Tera and more recent MMO's then WoW).

- PVP and PVE

- Game will be accessible to all, yet challenging.

I think I'm finally gonna give it a go, and see how it fares.

The Secret World Issue #7 A Dream to a Kill

The latest issue for The Secret World, A Dream to a Kill, is now live on servers. Members should be able to get it right now, while the rest should be getting it in 3 days, on 12th July.

This update features, brings a new chapter on the game story in Transylvania, and sets up the story further in to connect with the future release of Tokyo. You will be able to be a secret agent and find out what is going on. Featured also is the ability to use the snowmobile vehicle, and also a new auxiliary weapon, the flame thrower.

Here's a preview of it:

On personal note, I'm still a bit away from getting to do this with my Dragon character :(

I still have the previous update to play!

Micro transactions in WoW and Ingame Store?

Recently a friend told me he heard somewhere, Blizzard was going to introduce to WoW an in-game store. At first I was a bit skeptic because I thought it wasn't much necessary for a P2P game. But also because Blizzard had for a long time, a browser store for the game, it just wasn't inside the game. Then again this isn't much exceptional, but it's interesting because this could open the doors for some micro transactions for the game.

Update: After looking around I found also this about ingame store.

Now I strongly believe WoW won't be hitting F2P soon, if ever, but after I've read this at Gamespot, I just don't know anymore. Is this the beginning of WoW F2P or is it yet another cash grab for Blizzard?

And it's on!

Rift is now officially Free to Play! Time to get my account and see what good does the F2P of Rift.

I have to be honest, I haven't read much about it, so I'm a bit clueless, but from what I've seen, it seems to be decent. There seems to be a system similar to the one in Guild Wars 2 or the Perfect World games, Star Trek Online, Neverwinter and Champions Online, where one can trade in game currency for shop currency, but I haven't seen it, except over here.

Hopefully the game will feature a good F2P as did Aion or Lineage 2 or even the Perfect World games, and not posing virtual barriers to F2P players like what you can find on Everquest 2 or Age of Conan.

I'll post something about it later. Now let me patch up the game.

Update:

Look at the queue! Reminds me of World of Warcraft vanilla.

Did I forgot to mention I reached 85 on LOTRO?

I did, I did... Anyways here's the glorious level 85 ding (That already happened a week ago...)!

Took me what? Around 8 or 9 month from expansion release to make 10 levels. I'm doing at a good rhythm. It's not hard to level, I just don't devout any time to the game. Although I take occasional peaks at it.

Now I have the city of Hytbold to reconstruct. This guide should help.

Hopefully before the next expansion, it's done...

Star Trek Online first expansion is live

Well for two days now. And yet another expansion that I will probably barely look at... I say, it's getting way out of hand the number of MMO games out there and expansions and such. Rift going f2p, to join my huge list of games I already have an account, and now this new expansion, I better just call it and quit...

Anyways, this new expansion brings a new entire faction to the game, Romulans. Also, it improves the Klingon faction, I think to make it more PVE friendly. There are other features, most noticeable the increase on voice overs, new and far better tutorials, better UI. This was what I've been told about, by a friend. Eventually there will be new ships based on the new faction, and also new reputations to work out.

In any case you can always read more about the expansion here.

I assume I will be creating a Romulan character, and hopefully it will level up even if I use only the Duty Officer system (free experience with no work - if they didn't nerf it). Dunno if I'm gonna bother doing much quests. Quests are getting old developers... 

Rift going F2P!

Well I said something about Rift going have some huge changes by summer on this post and guess what here comes the Trion announcement: RIFT GOES F2P!

To be honest, this was more than expected to me. Pay to play either we like it or not, is dying. One because there are way too many MMO's on the market, that subbing a MMO is becoming more of a second hand option. Multiple offers means different games to try out, and paying a sub for different MMO's is something that most don't want to or can't afford. Secondly, world financial crisis means people will probably try to cut on something, MMO's come first. But I think the amount of MMO's at the moment in the market, is more than enough to warrant the end of P2P. I assume World of Warcraft will be the last true P2P MMO in the market. Even EVE Online while being P2P eventually one can turn it F2P due to the Plex system.

Well that being said, I think it's welcomed the change to F2P for Rift, and I will probably get back there when it goes live. 

I haven't looked much about the features for Rift's F2P model. Will look later.

D&D Neverwinter first impressions

Truthfully when I first saw images and videos I got some bad opinions about the game. I know it's wrong to judge something by the appearance, but watching those combat movies, very arcade like to me, made me a feel a bit unease with the game.

Anyways, and partly due to some friends convincing me to try it out, I decided to give it a look.

First thing, character creation. There are 7 races at the moment and 4 classes. Races are Human, Elf, Dwarf, Half-Orc, Half-Elf, Tiefling and Halfling. Classes, we have Cleric, Fighter, Rogue and Wizard (typical for a D&D game). Character customization is a quite big array of options. Long ago are the times where, like in World of Warcraft, we had a couple of differences faces and hair and be done with it. Here you can customize quite a lot of features on your character. Then you customize your stats and re-roll them until you feel you like them. I guess for minmax player this can be an important step.

That being done, we are then taken to the game tutorial. The combat proves to be what I thought. Action type oriented more to arcade. But somehow the videos, in my opinion hurt more what I first thought of the game then actually helped. Seeing the game on videos somehow made me have a wrong idea about the combat. Playing it actually feels fun and interesting. Also, the game doesn't use the typical combat bar with over 9000 skills or spells, like again World of Warcraft or even SWTOR. You have left and right click (in my case left click is main hand sword attack, and right click attack with off hand which is shield). Then Q, E, R have 3 most used skills. Key 1 is related to the daily skill (actually it's not daily but somehow it's called that way), which is sort of a strong ability usable only after certain time. Then there is for me, keys 3 and 4 which are potions related. Although, I still have locked keys. I assume this is all customizable also.

So far, all the activities I did in game were quest related, but this is somewhat expected since it works like a introduction to the game. From what I've seen there several different activities to do in the game. This springs to my mind Star Trek Online. Since I play(ed) STO for a while now, I remember some features of it. The first, and for me one of the most important aspect, is the ability to get in-game currency for the shop in trade with games currency, Astral Diamonds. Like with STO dilithium, you get Astral Diamonds (or Rough Astral Diamonds) while doing quests, or other activities in game. You get them as reward and then refine them (you can only refine 24000 units a day). Then you log into the Astral Diamond Exchange and trade your diamonds for Zen currency.

Basically this gives the player a certain liberty of playing the game without worrying too much on putting real money on it. Of course this requires some time before reaping some "profit", but it's a very welcome system, in my opinion.

There are dungeons and skirmish activities (I think the skirmish is similar to LOTRO skirmish system, fight against wave of enemies). There's also PVP, of course. And there is the Foundry, which is the user created content much like the one we can find again on STO. 

Afterall the game is from Perfect World and Cryptic Studio, it's expected they use these ideas on their games. And I like it. Isn't it better when leveling to be able to do different sort of activities, instead of the usual run of the mill quest grind?

Also there is always a sort of event running at each hour. For example, during certain times of day there's an event that whenever a player runs a dungeon will receive an extra loot box, or another event when you do a Foundry quest you get more experience out of it. This works to incite players to do difference things during their playtime.

Graphically the game is quite satisfying. It doesn't boost the quality level of either GW2 or even TSW (which I really like the graphics) but it's quite good nevertheless. But usually graphics come second, when you are enjoying something.

As it's well known the game is Free to Play, and as with STO, at least at first sight the game really seems free. Of course there will be things that will need some investment, but with the system I mentioned before about Astral Diamond Exchange, players can get what they need with ingame currency if that's their option.

For first impressions the game seems quite good. I would encourage those that have interest over it to give it a try. At least I was sceptic at first but after what I saw today, I end up enjoying it.

Where's the Dragon?

Like two month ago I've posted something about my newest TSW character, this time a Dragon born. I also mentioned I would be posting something while playing with it, but after that, and past over this two month I didn't post anything. I did play with it but wasn't as much as expected. He is still on the first area of Solomon Island, but nearly done there.

So resuming what I did with it. I picked the deck of skills Maverick that uses Pistol and Blade. This is a starter deck and is easy to complete. After that I picked another deck, Polarizer. Why did I do instead of just developing first the two original weapons (getting the advanced skills)? Because of the Ninja deck. So lets see, the Ninja uses Blade and Elementalist, so I pick the Blade from Maverick or Polarizer and the Elementalist from Polarizer. That way I can quickly get to that deck with the minimum of skill and abilities used. Obviously, I will still have to raise three weapon skills instead of one, but that I think won't be much of a problem.

So far I haven't noticed much difference from Illuminati side for the Dragon, except of course the conversation with NPCs from our faction, quest resume when you finish and a slightly adaptation for the class quest at rank 3. It's the same quest from Illuminati but has some differences.

I did played a bit of PVP too, but I think since I'm so low skill I probably hurt more my team then help them. I do get a boost at stats but I still have poor gear to play it properly. Need to get better quality level gear before venturing on it again.

I haven't looked much on crafting yet. I did that on my main recently, basically just to upgrade all the materials to the highest I could. I can say that is a daunting work... When I say upgrading, I mean, let's suppose I deconstruct a quality level 1 gear and get the base material out of it. To upgrade it I need 5 of that base material to make one of the superior rank. There are like 5 or 6 ranks, being Pure the last. And there are like 4 types of material (Fire, Water, Dust, Metal) and 7 runes (Yggdrasil, Wheel, Trinity, Denkyem, Pentagram, Wedjat, Lu). One can imagine the work it gives when there several of each type to transform...

As I said before I'm almost done on this first area, but it's taking a bit longer because as with my first character I'm considering doing every quest at least once. Otherwise I probably would be on the second zone by now.

Sometimes I wish I would spend more time on the game, because recently a friend took me to check some of the dungeons and the art graphic on some were quite nice, not to mention some of the fights were interesting to try out. And to be honest it's not hard to get to get where I want, just a little time.

LittleLamb Dragon will be back on this space again.

Rise of the Hutt Cartel, first opinions

I, as most that were actually interested on it, finally got into the first expansion of SWTOR, Rise of the Hutt Cartel. Since I didn't do the pre-order business I had to wait for more days for it. That wasn't a problem.

What so far I think of it? Well first off, and this is something I think Blizzard should apply on World of Warcraft, each time we buy an expansion they could give us a month subscription included. Bioware/EA did it with this expansion, why can't you too Blizzard? 

A side note about WoW. Doing the math on World of Warcraft right now, if for example, I don't buy the current expansion (which I haven't) and only decide to go play the game on the next one, I will always have to buy this expansion, plus the new one, plus the subscription, overall that will be more then 70 euros for an expansion access... One can pay 10 euros plus subscription (you have to be subscribed first before buying it) for the expansion and subscription for SWTOR. I would have to pay 40 or 50 euro to get WoW expansion plus subscription. A BIG difference... Also, either we like it or not, pay to play model is getting seriously outdated, with better free to play or buy to play models.

Back to the expansion. I haven't done much, maybe like 20% of it. I'm halfway to 55, but that's because I was nearly 51 before getting the expansion (players with no expansion can get exp until 99,99% of the bar). The gameplay doesn't change much from previously. Still it's a quest based game, where NPC's will handle you the quest and go to where you must do the quest. Main difference here, is there is a lot less side quests. There are still some, but I haven't got the journal full with like 10 side quests to do everywhere I go. It's mostly a planet story quests. Which is good, I think. 

The few other things I gave a look, was crafting, which can be raised pretty fast. Also, since they implemented reputation system in game, each quest here now gives an item to gain reputation, so this is new compared to old planets. Also since they changed the type of planet currency type, you be getting a lot of planet commendation while playing, and also the new basic commendation to get level 55 gear. 

The annoying parts of this expansion? Well, right off the bat, the currency weekly cap... It's so easy to get to the currency cap, that eventually you will be wasting tokens due to that cap. 

It's also not a BIG expansion. More of a DLC then a expansion. Sure it brings a big planet, and new operation, but that's about it. Oh and the seeker droid and macro binoculars, but I haven't seen those yet. The new flashpoints, are rehash of the normal version of those that didn't had a Hard Mode, and the highest level operation at 50 was pulled up to 55. I don't think it will put the world on fire, but it's always something new to give a go.

For what it's worth, and if for any reason, you are interested in the game, won't hurt much playing it. Otherwise if you didn't like the game before, you won't like it now.

Let's see what Bioware can pull out from now on.

SWTOR: Early access for Rise of the Hutt Cartel is now open

For any of those who pre-order in January (before 7th), the early access to the first SWTOR expansion (Rise of the Hutt Cartel) is now active. As was known, those that pre-order it by then, would have a 5 day access ahead compared to other players.

But for those, like me, who are waiting for the 14th of April, there is always new stuff to do. The update 2.0, Scum and Villainy is now up, and that will bring some changes to game mechanics, tokens consolidation, or many gear changes. However the most notorious change on this update, besides of course, the expansion itself, is the introduction of the Legacy Achievements, that besides the usual achievement hunt that it will bring, also features the ability to gain some cartel coins.

Anyways, one can read a bit more here.

Some curiosities from Rift

Yesterday I was browsing my folders and end up stumbling upon a video I made in Rift, of a bugged event on Storm Legion expansion, featuring Volan. Somehow the event just crashed and left an unmovable statue of Volan for everyone to see.

  

I also uploaded the video on Youtube.

SWTOR: Rise of Hutt Cartel released at 14 April

The official date for the first SWTOR expansion to be released has been announced on 14th April. For those that pre-order it before 7 of January, a early access will be awarded so they'll start 5 days sooner, at 9 of April. The announcement can be read here.

Also, this date will mark the release of update 2.0. More information is also available here.

Here is two videos of the making off for Rise of the Hutt Cartel.

See you all in Makeb!

The Secret World Issue 6 goes Live

The Secret World must be one of the most underrated MMO game in the market currently. Maybe it's because it doesn't feature the typical kill 10 rats quests or the typical rush level up to cap level and start doing end game. Maybe it's that... Personally, I admit I haven't played as much as this title would deserve, do the reasons mentioned on another post, but in any case this game really deserves more attention.

In any case, the latest issue (you can call it latest game update) is out. Issue 6, The last train to Cairo, features Indiana Jones style questline (from what I've seen on the video) and also Indiana Jones weapon of choice, the whip. Besides that, there's a new raid and a revamp on the PVP system (damn those armors on the video do look great). Also there's a new system for veteran players (for those that subscribe the game, because you aren't obliged to subscribe it), that offer nifty cosmetics and other stuff to players.

Watch the video:

Talking about subscribing. For those that aren't subscribed, to get this Issue you will need to buy it at the games shop. The price is around 10 euros (1200 funcom coins), but if for any reason you decide to subscribe the game, I think from what I've read, you are awarded enough points to buy this Issue with no further expense.

Time to go play it. Queue up the Indiana Jones main theme.

The Secret World - Rise of a Dragon

In my humble opinion, The Secret World is probably one of the few MMO I've played that I don't feel like doing an alt. The main reason is because, except for some faction quest, the rest is exactly the same from faction to faction. Zone quests, skills, gear, etc. Even crafting doesn't require to have a multitude of alts to have every profession covered. It doesn't give a big incentive to create alts. On the other hand, the game doesn't need you to have tons of alt, because your main can be a jack of all trades, as long as you get all those skills and abilities. This can be a no for those who suffer of "altcoholism", but on the other hand is a good thing so we don't spread all our attention to "over 9000" different characters.

That being said, I've made an alt. :P

But my main reason is simple. My "main" is a Illuminatti, and I've only played it with a friend, and not often that friend or me are available, so it defeats the purpose of it being a main. So I created a Dragon to give it a few kicks alone, and as a given bonus, to create some sort of in-game progress of it. It will not be a diary.

So with no further delays, here's my new Dragon born character, LethalLamb.

After a quick intro, and a unexpected video sequence, this is where we go to try out all different sort of weapons. It's a sort of tutorial to allow players to see what they enjoy most. And to have an idea on what is what. I'm gonna call from now on to weapons, skills.

So, the skills for the game are as followed:

Each weapon has a array of abilities that players will need to unlock as they get ability points. The ability wheel, which is what it's called, is where players will work out there builds, which abilities they can pick.

The inner circle where Range, Melee and Magic words are, are related to basic skills to each type of weapon. In this case I have shotgun selected. To the left there are all the available abilities for the basic shotgun skills, and it's respective cost, from 1 ability point to 7. The outside wheel, is related to all advanced abilities, again for each type of weapon. The abilities at the outside wheel are more expensive.

There are some specific templates to help newcomers built a more typical build. But the sheer amount of abilities, can still make it a bit daunting at first.
On my highest toon, I already have an big amount of abilities unlock, and I got to a point that I'm unlocking them just for the fact of not stacking much abilities points. Ah yes, if for any reason you stack more than 40 skills and/or 175 ability points, you will start "loosing" points since you are capped. So if you have where to spend them, just do it.

After picking the weapon of choice, move out of the training ground. A small tip: each character will always have two weapon equip, of different type, so let's say, you pick, as I did, Blade and Pistol, do the tutorial, pick the Pistol, come outside and get back in to get the Blade. The first time you are inside the training ground, you will only be able to bring one weapon out, so going in a second time, will allow you to bring what else you pick (or even all).

After this part, you are sent to Agartha. Agartha works like a main hub which connects every zone of the game. Here you can access the three main cities of the game, London, New York, Seoul, or the different zones for questing, like Solomon Island, Egypt or Transilvania.

You will also be given an item that works much like World of Warcraft soulstone, that will teleport you to Agartha in case of need.

Besides linking the zones in the game world, I haven't seen any other utility for it.

All done here, and it's time to move out and start working - ahem questing. Solomon Island is the place to go. It seems some odd fog attacked the island, and start turning it's inhabitants into zombies and other creatures. Guess the Dragons want to figure what is going out.

By the way, as most should know, unlike other mmo games, The Secret World, doesn't have a quest journal where we can fill it up with all the quests we get on our way. Here we have slots for quests of specific type. So one type is the story mission, which is taken by the zone main quest. Second we have the dungeon quest, which you got it, it's related to the dungeon. The main quest, is next and it's related to most quests in the zone, that range from Action, Sabotage or Investigation. And finally the side missions, which you can have up to three.
So let's suppose you get one Action quest (typically a red button). If you go and try to pick up right after another Action (or Sabotage or Investigation) quest, it will replace your current Action quest for the new one you are picking. Also, I'm not 100% sure but if any case you have any progress done on a previous main quest done, and you replace it with a new main quest, I think the progress from the old one will be saved. You just need to get it back again. In any case, I always complete what I'm doing before getting a new one.

Also, most quests are repeatable on a daily basis, but until now, I haven't repeat any quest. It can be interesting to repeat some, because quests will give tokens that can be used to get better equipment, Weapons or Talisman. There are no armors like other games. Most armor, like jackets or helms are all cosmetic and players can acquire them either from completing quests, completing pre-made ability builds, buying from npc vendors or shopping on the in-game shop. The only gear in game are Talismans, which are basically a sort of rings, belt or necks (and other pieces). And as for weapons, they have skills requirement. But comparing to weapons, they are simpler. Just need to get more skills on it to use better gear.

So wrapping up for now, LethalLamb is on Solomon Island and kicking zombies ass out. He will come back again. Until then, Dark Days are coming.

SWTOR 2.0 is live on PTS

I'm sure everyone knows the news by now, but in any case I'm posting something about it.

As expected the 2.0 update is related to the first expansion to The Old Republic, entitled Rise of the Hutt Cartel. It brings several new features, like:

- Level increase to 55, with all the new gear, class abilities, skill trees, crew skill cap to 450 and such for the new level.

- A new operation: Scum and Villainy. This operation brings 5 new bosses, from what I've read.

- Old flashpoints that previously didn't had a hard mode, will get one now. So the new hard mode flashpoints are: Hammer Station, Athiss, Mandalorian Raiders, and Cademimu.

- The most recent operation now available in game, Terror from Beyond, will get a new nightmare difficulty.

- New legacy achievements.

Also note, that for the time being, Makeb (the new planet) is not available.

Seems pretty standard expansion. The really interesting thing about this expansion, at first sight (besides obviously the new content), is the new legacy achievements. It will be a typical achievement system, not like the codex we have at the moment, and some achievements will actually reward Cartel Coins! As an example, a class will receive 20 Cartel Coins, for each act they finish, so doing math, that's 60 coins per character, and if we multiply it by 8, we will have 480. Not bad. Of course this is legacy wide, so if you want to get yet another 480, I assume you can by doing a different legacy on a different server. In somewhat it resembles with the DDO or LOTRO system where you get Turbine Points by doing in game activities. Will see how this can affect positively the Free-to-Play.

Further reading here.

SWTOR Crew Skills and Companions skill bonus

I'm always looking for information on what my class companions skill bonus, what's their main stats or what gifts they like to get affections up. So I collected a bit of information on each companion and took note on a file on their most important information. At least saves me the work to go all over the internet or the codex to see what they can wear. Or also helps me to plan out what crew skills I should pick, considering the companions of my class. 

Besides the information about the companions, I think it's also important to know what each crew skill does and what they require, i.e. what gathering skills should one pick. So I also compiled a small information about it:

After considering the dependencies over each crew skill and knowing which bonus each of my companion gives to a certain crew skill, I can decide which I should pick. Like for example, the Trooper for the Republic, have companions that give bonus to Biochem, and also the gathering counterpart of it Diplomacy and Bioanalysis. So picking Biochem for it, would be interesting. The same thing happens for Agent on the empire side

This is not mandatory, but can help players pick what they really want, and take advantage of it.

So for the Republic side:

And the Empire:

There's also information about what weapons they use, what's their main stat (endurance is always second stat for any companion) and what gift types they prefer. Hope this helps somewhat.

Tera Free to Play starts today

Tera Free to Play doors opens today to everyone who is willing to give it a try. A cinematic trailer has been released to mark this event. Watch it below:

Also is expected to be released on this update new content, like a new dungeon and a new pvp battleground. There also be new servers being created for this occasion like Lake of Tears or Ascension Valley (note this is for the US version).

But for a new player what matters is what a f2p player gets and the you can see the features for the f2p model here(eu) or here(us). The features for a f2p player seems decent at first sight.

F2p players, give it a try.

SWTOR Resumed Planets Quest Progression

I'm sure there are hundred of guides to the game, some more concretes over a certain topic, while others might go through different topics. This one, will be one more but I hope it brings some help to some.

First and foremost, I'm trying to consider this guide for those that opt to play the game as Free to Play.

First thing to be aware are the main differences between each type of profile in the game. There are three profiles, Free-to-Play, Prefered Status and Subscription. The last one we don't need to discuss it, that's the normal profile for those that pay the subscription every month. They will gain each month also 500 Cartel coins that they can spend on the ingame store. 

The Prefered Status, is directed to those that previously made some expense over the game, either old time subscribers, or someone who spent some money on the Cartel Store. They will get 6 character slots, 4 quick bars, and some other perks.

The last option, Free-to-Play, will be directed to those that haven't spent anything in the game, and will be reduced to 2 character slots, 2 quick bars and some other features will be non-available.

A more detailed version can be seen here.

The Free-to-Play model is a bit restrictive, but I think it's possible to level from 1 to 50. In any case my advice would be at least to pick the Prefered Status. It's 5 euros, which will give 450 cartel coins, that you can use to purchase some small perks.

Leveling

Being a Free-to-Play player, carries a few burdens. The most notorious, is the reduced amount of experience gained, and the fact that you can't stack rested experience. As a result, leveling will be longer than a subscriber (note that this also affects players with Prefered Status). As leveling comes, while questing, there is nothing a Free to Play player won't have access. The quests are the same, the planets are all the same, nothing is blocked.

The current path from each faction, planet wise is the following:

Starting Planets

Korriban (Sith Inquisitor and Sith Warrior) and Hutta (Imperial Agent and Bounty Hunter). This will be the starting ground for each player. Here you will be introduced to the game, will start your class story and you will get your first companion. These companions will prove very useful while leveling. Progression will go from level 1 to 10 on average. Also when you finish the planet this will mark the end of act one, and as a final reward you may choose your class advancement. Sith Inquisitor will branch into Sith Sorcerer (Range Damage or Healer) and Sith Assassin (Melee Damage or Melee Tank)  while the Warrior will branch into Marauder (Melee Damage) or Juggernaut (Melee Damage or Melee Tank). For the Imperial Agent it will branch to Sniper (Range Damage) and Operative (Melee and Stealth combat or Healer). The Bounty Hunter divides into Powertech (Range Tank or Range Damage with some melee abilities) or Mercenary (Range Damage or Healer).

Also here you will be able to pick your crew skills for the first time, after you finish the planet.

Level 10-16. The Capital Planet of the Empire. This will be the second planet, and probably the second longest, in terms of levels it lasts. Typically a quest planet, and when you finish you will have access to your personal spaceship.

Level 16-20. Just a regular level planet. Nothing major happens here. A mix of industrial, plains and mountains on this planet.

Level 20-24. Nar Shaddaa is an city planet, much like Coruscant, and with a high proliferation on crime. This will be the first planet you will actually see opposite faction. Yet another regular leveling planet.

Level 24-28. The first familiar planet, for most Star Wars fans. This desert planet offers players quests and first open world pvp area, Outlaw's Den. To be fair, the only pvp I got there was back at the Rakghoul event, where we had to kill a champion enemy for the lore entry and title.

Level 28-32. Meet Alderaan before the Death Star blows it to pieces! (That will take place 3000 years later). Mostly snow, mountains and some green areas, this is the scenario for this planet. Another quest planet.

Level 32-36. Meet the Star Wars zombie version, Rakghoul. Taris is a dying planet, where plague and virus spreads. The Empire wants to finish the job. Quests here again.

Level 36-37. The smallest planet in the game. Questline is so fast here, when you think it's getting interesting, it's over.

Level 37-41. The frozen planet Hoth also makes an appearance over SWTOR. Longer questlines again, and a bigger planet than average. But mostly everything is frozen solid. Be sure to bring warm clothing. Was here I did my first world boss, more than a year ago.

Level 41-44. A prison homeworld. The worst of the galaxy are exiled here, and in some cases put in some isolation cells, for galaxy safety. You would expect the interest of the empire over this planet. You will have access to dailies when you reach 50, in Section X.

Level 44-47. Getting there. The mystical Voss are being fought over by the Empire and the Republic. Each faction is trying to prove they are the best ally. It's up to you to convince them.

Level 47-50. Finally you got there. The business world of Corellia will mark the end of your path to 50. Being a Republic planet, you will have to fight over this planet to make it fall to the Empire. There will be also dailies available on this planet, on Black Hole, when you reach 50.

Level 50. Ilum was suppose to be the open world planet for PVP. But due to bugs and issues with it, Bioware end up to take away the PVP features for this planet. Still this planet offers some daily quest activities.

The difference between factions, over planets, lies at the first 20 levels.

Level 1-10. Tython is the home planet of the Jedis, Knight and Consular, while on Old Mantell will be hosting the Smuggler and the Trooper.It works similarly to the Empire version, with the same ideas to companions and class specializations. So for a Jedi Knight, he can opt between Guardian (Melee Damage or Tank) and Sentinel (Melee Damage). The Consular either picks the Sage (Range Damage or Healer) or Shadow (Melee damage or Tank). The Trooper specializes either on Vanguard (Range Tank or Range Damage with some melee abilities) or Commando (Healer or Range Damage with some melee abilities). Finally the Smuggler can either be the Scoundrel (Healer or Close Range Damage) or the Gunslinger (Long Range Damage). Overall the classes share similarities in how they operate for each faction.

Level  10-16. Coruscant is the Capital Planet for the Republic. And as much as the Empire side, by the end of the planet, the players will have access to their personal spaceship.

From here on things are almost similar to each faction, except for Taris and Balmorra. While the Empire plays on Balmorra from 16 to 20, the Republic will only come here at level 32, and the reverse situation happens for the Republic. Taris is level 16 to 20 for the Republic and Balmorra is level 32-36. Of course each planet quest line will adapt to the current faction. So you might be fighting over a planet on one faction, and defending it if you do it with the opposite faction. Let it be noted, my highest Republic is character is on its level ~20. 

Note: due to the fact that the in-game quest helper is so effective, I felt it wasn't necessary to post any information on the quests themselves.

The path to 50 is always the same for all classes. But for instance, if you feel too bored of repeating everything over and over again, there are alternatives ways of leveling. Flashpoints is one idea, another is doing space missions and probably the best is joining PVP. It won't net you more experience than questing but it's a different approach. In any case, you will always need to do planets to progress at least your class quest.  I do know, however, that some activities are reduced, like doing Flashpoints for 3 a week or Warzones for 5 a week, for F2P. There are passes for that, but for a new player they are expensive.
Be also aware that on each planet, class quest line will reward you differently. So you may end up getting, lets say a new companion sooner with one class then with another one.

As I said before,  a F2P player will get less experience as a subscriber. I can give you as an example, when you finish Dromund Kaas, you will be averagely a level lower than a subscriber (I've tried that). My advice is, if you can get, get the experience boosters whenever possible, either for PVP or Flashpoints, which are cheaper in the GTN, or if you can afford get the boosters for normal quests. Probably as a first character it will be impossible for you to buy them at the GTN, but for a second and third character this is possible. Also, every heroic quest in game, is repeatable in a daily basis, so if you can do them often.
My take would be level maybe one character to 50. Don't focus too much on lots of different alts at the start, unless you are looking for the class the suits your gameplay style. Only now did I got a second character to 50, almost a year after I got the first one. It's true I was absent of the game for some time, and it's possible that I won't have another 50 anytime soon, but if you focus too much on several characters at the same time, it might burn you out.


In resume, pick a class you would like to play, focus on it, enjoy the storyline (specially your class story), don't rush it, join any group activity (you will see on every planet people asking members for heroic quests), try different builds and learn the ropes of the game. Again, don't rush it. Rushing a game it's what ruins them. Personal opinion, tanking as a Powertech is really fun.