So Far, So Good

Initial impressions are in for 1.4 and the new expansions, and all signs point to go.  With the exception of city sieges actually occurring more frequently and lag from the recent onset of new players, the patch has gone off without much of a hitch.

On Iron Rock, the population boost is a very welcome addition.  We all knew that subscribers would come back, but weren't really sure of the numbers.  I would say that we have seen a near doubling of players on IR, just a guestimate though.

There will be some patches in the near future for sure.  Things to address server stability first and foremost.  I've had a few client crashes when around heavily populated keeps, as have others.  They also must address keep difficulty and the rate of which cities are sieged.  I foresee those changes taking place rather quickly.

I kind of wish another week or two of testing on the PTS would have taken place, but I understand the hurry that EA/Mythic is in with Cataclysm due out soon.  They couldn't risk losing more of a population to WoW again.  It was a good choice.

So with that said, good luck in 1.4 and enjoy the plethora of city sieges while they last.  I'm sure that thing's are going to be changing in the near future, and constant city sieges will be a thing of the past.  

Tomorrow, Tomorrow, I love Ya, Tomorrow

It's only a day away!

That's right folks, 1.4 and the RvR Packs are only a single day away.  Tomorrow, I'm assuming after patching, the EA Store will have the RvR Packs available for purchase and we'll be on our way to Rank 100!  Not to mention doing it with snazzy new pets and maybe a face lift for a few of us.

I'd like everyone to keep in mind that while we are all very giddy with anticipation now, tomorrow is still a patch day.  We all know what usually happens with bigger patches, so please do not be glum should there be some issues.  I expect crashes, slow downloads, and lag.  Let's not add to it with whining on blogs and forums, and unsubscribing.

After thinking about it a bit, I've decided I'll be playing my Marauder with the patch.  Then again, I'm a constant flip flopper so we'll see how long that lasts.  We'll also see if the general populations increase at all over the next few days.  I'd expect them to, at least a bit.

So today, everyone enjoy your last experiences with the current renown and scenario systems.  Stock up on any potions, liniments, dyes, or whatever think you will benefit from after we patch.  I'd also recommend checking out the new Renown and Character Builders that are available.  There are going to be a lot of options, and I'd advise at least getting to know them a little bit beforehand.

Oh yah, before I forget.  Carrie mentioned on twitter that "More Sex" was a feature people were looking for, so you never know just what we'll get tomorrow!  I mean how many more positions can we see a damn near naked Witch Elf in?

Decisions Decisions

Decisions decisions.  With 1.4 coming out this Thursday, I have a lot to think about.  Mostly, what in the hell class do I choose?  Here are my options:

• Rank 80 Marauder
• Rank 80 WE
• Rank 60 SH
• Rank 65 Sorc
• Rank 30 Zealot

Recently, I've been leveling and loving the Zealot, but how long will that love affair last?  I mean, he's a healer.  Something I'm not really accustom to playing.  I've also been playing the SH more recently, with the others shelved.  But again I have the dilemma of playing the Marauder with the new buffs they will be receiving, which will be awesome.  

I just can't decide.  From the above, it looks like I've all but ruled out the WE.  She just doesn't interest me as much right now, as I just don't feel as if they bring as much to a group as my other choices.  I also feel like I'm nixxing the Sorc, as I'd much rather play the SH as a ranged dps.  

Only time will tell I suppose, and that time is only a mere few days away.  Who's ready?  

Out with the Old, In with the....Old?

With the onset of the Verminous Horde, there are sure to be more than a few new subscribers over the next few weeks.  Overall, the reviews from the PTS have been on the good side, and forums are giddy with anticipation for the new ORvR content.  Things really are looking on the up and up for the game, and I am very pleased with how things are turning out.

Over the past few months, we have really seen Mythic step up their efforts to lure back old players.  Free T1 play forever, Free 10 days with no cc info, Free transfers for people away for 3 months.  Not to mention all of the press they have been slowly releasing with the upcoming patch.  While I'm sure a there have been a few former subscribers to again pay to play, what about the literally hundreds of thousands that are still out there?  If you all remember, Warhammer Online started with something like 1,000,000 original game sells (please feel free to correct me, this is from memory).....in turn creating that number of accounts.  What is the population now though?  100,000 max?  Obviously EA does not release those numbers, but we are all more than aware of the current state of the realms.

Please don't get me wrong here, I am in no way trying to bash the game.  Tonight I was talking to my brother-in-law who previously played a Rune Priest on Phoenix Throne.  I always try to pressure him to come back, and of course I told him about the new stuff coming in.  Unfortunately though, the beginning of Warhammer really tainted the game for him.  Thus, I truly believe he will never again play.  He, like many others, really hated Warhammer originally.  Justifiably so, as there was not much to offer.  But there is so much more to the game now, and it has grown by leaps and bounds recently.  So much has been added over the past year, and I really feel terrible for those who did not stick through till now.  I know without a shadow of a doubt that my brother-in-law, and others, would surely love the new content.  The RvR is great, and getting better.  The renown abilities will be completely game changing.  Time-To-Kill is slower.  Scenario matchmaking.  More attainable gear.  More customizations.  Just so much more coming into the ever changing world of Warhammer.  How else can Mythic get back a larger part of those old subscribers?

I definitely foresee a jump in the numbers over the next few weeks and months.  Maybe as many as 10,000 even.  How though can Mythic go beyond that, to say 500,000?   What other ideas can they come up with to entice players back?  A free month?  A free rank 40/40?  A free "re-enlistment" weapon?  Maybe something that can be traded between characters on an account?  I know they are doing a lot, but I believe more can be done.  I'm not putting this out there to bash, but putting it out there to garner some positive feedback which is hopefully seen by someone in a position to change things.  So with all that said, all ideas are welcome.  Please leave a comment or send some tweets to @Andy_Mythic with ideas.  Let's get this game the attention it deserves.

@Andy_Mythic - Scenario Matchmaking

Well if any of you follow Twitter, you may want to add @Andy_Mythic to your following list.  Today he tweeted the following:

Coming in 1.4: Scenario Matchmaking system...more details soon!

Dun Dun Dun!  What could it mean?  Who really knows?  My guess is something to level out the Renown Rank of players who join a given scenario.  Hopefully it also involves cross server queuing.  Only time will tell I guess. 

icon New Account Entitlements come to WAR!

Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning proudly introduces an all new service for our players; Account Entitlements!  These services are available now for purchase from the EA store and include the following features offered at special introductory prices:

• Server Transfer - $19.99 USD, this will grant you a code that can be redeemed for one server transfer for a single character. 
• Starter Mount Pack – $8.99 USD, all characters on an account will receive a deed to obtain a mount usable at level 2 giving players a 25% speed boost and have a 100% chance to dismount upon damage.
• Trusty Mount Pack – $9.99 USD, all characters on an account will receive a deed to obtain your choice of a new mount usable at level 20 giving players mounts of up to 60% speed boost and have a 55% chance to dismount upon damage
• Trinkets of the World Pack – $4.99 USD, all characters on an account will receive two tokens to spend at the new Trophy Vendor in the capital cities. Each token can be used to purchase one of 14 different trophies.
• Specialized Training Pack – $9.99 USD, all characters on an account will recieve one War Tract that will allow them to immediately advance one full level when used
• Herald Pet Pack – $9.99 USD, all characters on an account will be granted adoption papers to the Snotling Herald vanity pet. This pet will follow you around and give you a boost!

For a list a Frequently Asked Questions, please read here!

Account entitlements are now available, so be sure to visit the EA Store today to check them out! 

(Prices may vary by region, please refer to the EA Store for pricing)

 

Not to sure how I feel about these yet.  $10 for a single level is crazy.  I can go buy a rank 80 for $50 should I want to.  I don't really find anything to appealing here I guess.  

 

 

 

The Week That Was

We've seen a lot this past week with Warhammer.  The PTS events are taking place, new mounts, changes to the guard mechanic and so much more.  It's been a busy week for me and unfortunately I haven't been able to check out all the amazing things.  Check out Werits video for more on the PTS server. 

• Lokax brings us Gorbad Ironclaw
• Kruelhand breaks down the guard changes
• WWGD this week?
• More guard discussion with Bruglir.
• Hypothetical breaks down ToVL

There is a lot more going on right now with Warhammer, and I strongly encourage everyone to check it out.  At the moment, I'm short on time and I have to keep the post as such.  Don't worry, all is well, and I hope to be back in my normal form next week. 

1.3.6 and the Future

Well so far so good it seems for 1.3.6. Only time will really tell just how effective the new bonus to renown / xp / influence system is. As it is right now, I don't feel it has really done much to improve the so called balance we are looking for on Iron Rock.

The appearance system is a nice addition, but as I am currently playing a marauder I honestly can't find to many different looking pieces. That said it isn't really something that is going to affect me at the moment. Perhaps with the system in place it will shed some light on just how little, different looking armor there really is. I'd predict that everyone is going to be wearing the same thing, which really will make those looks stale after a while.

The patch itself went in pretty smoothly, with servers only coming down for a quick maintenance afterwards. I've noticed a little more lag around IC, but that could just be me.

We've also had some news from Gamescon in regards to the future of WAR. Looks like an increased renown cap and skaven are the biggest additions as of now. Should be some more on the near horizon though. It almost seems as if skaven will not be playable, at least playable in the way we are used to anyway. More details will be forthcoming though so we shall see.