I bet not nearly as much as me… at least not in the past week.
For those that fail to understand MMOs, or just fail to admit it with other people present in the room… MMOs are an addiction. Not just playing them, but simply being logged in. And in proving that this past week for myself, outside of raiding, I managed to basically turn WoW into just another instant messenger. =p
Most of you Sargeras originals knew that I was notorious for wasting time, either waiting for things to happen, groups to form, or doing some game research… by sitting on the rock “chair” in Orgrimmar (the one between the main bank and the AH). Occasionally, others would sit with me, hit me with Halloween wands, and even shower me with various AE spells. Since TBC, I moved that time waster to Shatt, specifically, the right side ledge just outside of the Scryers bank. There, the same events happened, only with more people actually sitting due to the size of the ledge. =)
Anywho, enough background stuff…
Over the past week or so, mainly Friday through Wednesday (yesterday), I probably spent roughly 3-4 PER DAY sitting on the ledge, not really doing much… aside from random whispers from people and the occasional “ =/ “ face in guild chat. The reason? Mass Effect on my Xbox 360. The game is so large and immersive that in waiting for something to happen in WoW, I basically didn’t care that I was literally sitting there, on the ledge, doing nothing, for hours at a time. Now, eventually, I had to type something or move around to prevent logging off automatically, but I could not help not letting the game log me out… even though I wasn’t doing a damn thing. Call me crazy, but I like to keep tabs on things in the game, or at least be available in case something would happen or my assistance would be needed (which is already rare =/ )… even if my primary focus is my Xbox.
I’m sure I’m not the only one that sits in WoW doing nothing for extended periods of time. Now some players will just not do anything productive and stand around /moo’ing at people, like Moolicious ( <3 )… but not many literally sit and do nothing. But why do I do it? Like I said before… I like to make myself available whenever possible. Even if I’m really focused on something else, I’ll log in just for the hell of it, and if not to keep tabs on people and see if anything important is planned for later that day. Maybe there’s an alliance version of me that will sit in the same place for a ridiculous amount of time, but I guess I’ll never know. =/
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Preparing for Sunwell
I, for one, am anxious to see Sunwell on the PTR, as well as the rest of our guild, Mob Mentality. This will mark the first time our guild will fully attempt a new raid instance on the PTR, with every intention of learning every fight we can, and destroying every fight we can… preparing for, hopefully, an early full clear of the raid instance.
Not much is currently known about the instance aside from the basic structure and a little bit of the layout (there is more known about the 5-man wing than the 25-man wing at this point). Recently, it was pointed out that the 1st boss of the raid instance will be a similar fight to the 1st boss of the Abomination Wing in Naxx… Patchwerk. I welcome our new potion intensive overlords. I’m not concerned though. We have the tanks to sustain a silly amount of damage from any type of melee boss, provided Blizzard does not add a resistance component to the fight (or any new bosses that are resistance gear heavy fights).
But we need to go into the PTR will the full intention and cooperation of the entire guild to not only want to clear this instance quick, but sneak in some server firsts as well. While Horde firsts on Sargeras are nice, we really aren’t in any danger of not getting them once 2.4 releases. Our primary competition will be Eminence (Alliance), and I have no doubt that they will also be on the PTR, learning and beating Sunwell right along side of us. As long as people show up and do their best, and we get through some of the un-tweaked bosses, we should theoretically blow through Sunwell in 2.4… until maybe the final boss since the game has had a history of making instance final bosses either way OP, or with broken AI.
Several screenshots of “potential” gear/weapons were released into the internet over the past week or so. Blizzard has neither confirmed nor denied if these items and their stats are accurate, but they have said that the instance wings will contain tier 6.5/7 items. The latest screenshot released shows some weapons and trinkets that may or may not be legit. All I have to say is… where are the maces and, *deep breath*, FIST WEAPONS?! Fist weapons continue to be the red headed stepchild of the weapon types in this game. Now I know the items listed may not be real, but if they were fake, at least humor us and put a fist weapon in there. =p And the easy solution due to the fist weapon mounting issue… make it a graphic that is symmetric around the entire hand/forearm, that way only 1 graphic model needs to be made for the item (like if you shoved your hand into a Pringles can and glued nails all around it).
As far as the boss fights go, I am optimistic that Blizzard will create more unique style fights, but doesn’t make them insanely difficult in doing so. Make them creative and fun, yet still a challenge and at least possible to beat with enough practice. Please don’t make suppression room fights or have a really long string of trash mobs before the boss room. That got annoying quick with Kael’Thas trash in a hurry since the fight had one of the largest learning curves in the game… if not the longest, second only to maybe Archimonde. But at least he has no trash mobs to deal with. If he had trash waves like the other bosses in Hyjal did, I’m sure that it wouldn’t just be my head spinning off of my shoulders. =p
Now if you don’t mind, I’m back to work. And then later, off to spread my ramblings on the Blizzard Rogue boards, harp the “class leaders”, and continue on the long road to 1850 on my 3v3 team… hopefully.
Not much is currently known about the instance aside from the basic structure and a little bit of the layout (there is more known about the 5-man wing than the 25-man wing at this point). Recently, it was pointed out that the 1st boss of the raid instance will be a similar fight to the 1st boss of the Abomination Wing in Naxx… Patchwerk. I welcome our new potion intensive overlords. I’m not concerned though. We have the tanks to sustain a silly amount of damage from any type of melee boss, provided Blizzard does not add a resistance component to the fight (or any new bosses that are resistance gear heavy fights).
But we need to go into the PTR will the full intention and cooperation of the entire guild to not only want to clear this instance quick, but sneak in some server firsts as well. While Horde firsts on Sargeras are nice, we really aren’t in any danger of not getting them once 2.4 releases. Our primary competition will be Eminence (Alliance), and I have no doubt that they will also be on the PTR, learning and beating Sunwell right along side of us. As long as people show up and do their best, and we get through some of the un-tweaked bosses, we should theoretically blow through Sunwell in 2.4… until maybe the final boss since the game has had a history of making instance final bosses either way OP, or with broken AI.
Several screenshots of “potential” gear/weapons were released into the internet over the past week or so. Blizzard has neither confirmed nor denied if these items and their stats are accurate, but they have said that the instance wings will contain tier 6.5/7 items. The latest screenshot released shows some weapons and trinkets that may or may not be legit. All I have to say is… where are the maces and, *deep breath*, FIST WEAPONS?! Fist weapons continue to be the red headed stepchild of the weapon types in this game. Now I know the items listed may not be real, but if they were fake, at least humor us and put a fist weapon in there. =p And the easy solution due to the fist weapon mounting issue… make it a graphic that is symmetric around the entire hand/forearm, that way only 1 graphic model needs to be made for the item (like if you shoved your hand into a Pringles can and glued nails all around it).
As far as the boss fights go, I am optimistic that Blizzard will create more unique style fights, but doesn’t make them insanely difficult in doing so. Make them creative and fun, yet still a challenge and at least possible to beat with enough practice. Please don’t make suppression room fights or have a really long string of trash mobs before the boss room. That got annoying quick with Kael’Thas trash in a hurry since the fight had one of the largest learning curves in the game… if not the longest, second only to maybe Archimonde. But at least he has no trash mobs to deal with. If he had trash waves like the other bosses in Hyjal did, I’m sure that it wouldn’t just be my head spinning off of my shoulders. =p
Now if you don’t mind, I’m back to work. And then later, off to spread my ramblings on the Blizzard Rogue boards, harp the “class leaders”, and continue on the long road to 1850 on my 3v3 team… hopefully.
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Should I Make a PvP Video?
Now I could make this the shortest blog entry ever and just say “MAYBE”, but I’ll flesh it out a bit more to explain why I’m on the fence.
Positives:
- I would be editing the video in a way that 99% of the videos aren’t… with some form of commentary. Just like the instructional PvE videos I have been making for the better part of a year, I like to add some text here and there to better explain what is going on, and how it should be handled. With a PvP video, it would probably be easier to just add my voice to explain my thoughts during the fights… but do I really want tons of people to hear my (sexy) voice? =p
- There would be all kinds of fights… world PvP, duels, and arena matches. And it wouldn’t just be a gigantic highlight reel of massive crits and clutch performances… there would also be complete screw-ups and brain farts littered throughout the video. Because, let’s be realistic, even the so-called best players are prone to making silly mistakes or using the wrong keybind or ability.
- The Festive Pink Dress. Enough said.
Neutrals:
- I’m a decent/good PvP’er. I haven’t been in any arena bracket higher than 2000 for more than 1 week… but that doesn’t necessarily mean that I’m a bad Rogue. I may not have found a team yet that functions seamlessly, or has the same playing schedule that I do. My gear is good/great in terms of stats, but I am missing a few key pieces thanks to not reaching 1850 this season yet (see reasons above). I’m always looking for ways to improve and to fight certain classes and teams more effectively, so I plan on completing my set in the next month or so.
- Music… ooaahh the music. Most of the PvP videos I’ve been exposed to (Rogues mostly) have used the clichéd death metal, rap, or techno/trance music for their fights. It doesn’t matter what music I put in this thing, someone somewhere will hate it and others will love it. Despite being a cliché, I listen to metal anyway… so that’s what you’ll be getting if I choose to make a video. ENDAC SMASH!!!! /dance
Negatives:
- I’m a keyboard turner. Ugh, I know... at least I don’t click too. My reaction timing isn’t the issue, it’s the fact that I’ve never learned to turn with the mouse AND use all my abilities. You see, the way my current keybind layout is prevents me from using my mouse for anything but targeting for the most part. I use the standard WASD for movement, and then have core abilities and finishers using 7-0 up top, as well as F5-F8. My numpad on the right side houses all my cooldown abilities and pots/bandages/trinkets… as well as a couple other choice abilities. I have a Nostromo n52 gamepad, but it messed up on my old computer (would not retain the settings after closing WoW)… so I shelved it with my other computer parts at home. Maybe with my new computer, I can bring it back from the dead and force myself to use it until it becomes second nature. That will at least increase my mobility.
- I have never made a PvP video before, so my experience is limited on that regard and for what to show and how to show it. I also have limited experience on how flashy I can make things (like the opening sequence) look, but I don’t think that will become a main issue… players seem to care more about the fights rather than the special effects.
So you see, I’m kind of on the fence in making a PvP video. I don’t know how it will turn out, or how the Rogue community at the very least will accept it. Who knows, it could be a hit and I would need to make another one… make it into a series even. OOAAHH!!!
Or it could suck hard and I would be shunned by the community. =/
Positives:
- I would be editing the video in a way that 99% of the videos aren’t… with some form of commentary. Just like the instructional PvE videos I have been making for the better part of a year, I like to add some text here and there to better explain what is going on, and how it should be handled. With a PvP video, it would probably be easier to just add my voice to explain my thoughts during the fights… but do I really want tons of people to hear my (sexy) voice? =p
- There would be all kinds of fights… world PvP, duels, and arena matches. And it wouldn’t just be a gigantic highlight reel of massive crits and clutch performances… there would also be complete screw-ups and brain farts littered throughout the video. Because, let’s be realistic, even the so-called best players are prone to making silly mistakes or using the wrong keybind or ability.
- The Festive Pink Dress. Enough said.
Neutrals:
- I’m a decent/good PvP’er. I haven’t been in any arena bracket higher than 2000 for more than 1 week… but that doesn’t necessarily mean that I’m a bad Rogue. I may not have found a team yet that functions seamlessly, or has the same playing schedule that I do. My gear is good/great in terms of stats, but I am missing a few key pieces thanks to not reaching 1850 this season yet (see reasons above). I’m always looking for ways to improve and to fight certain classes and teams more effectively, so I plan on completing my set in the next month or so.
- Music… ooaahh the music. Most of the PvP videos I’ve been exposed to (Rogues mostly) have used the clichéd death metal, rap, or techno/trance music for their fights. It doesn’t matter what music I put in this thing, someone somewhere will hate it and others will love it. Despite being a cliché, I listen to metal anyway… so that’s what you’ll be getting if I choose to make a video. ENDAC SMASH!!!! /dance
Negatives:
- I’m a keyboard turner. Ugh, I know... at least I don’t click too. My reaction timing isn’t the issue, it’s the fact that I’ve never learned to turn with the mouse AND use all my abilities. You see, the way my current keybind layout is prevents me from using my mouse for anything but targeting for the most part. I use the standard WASD for movement, and then have core abilities and finishers using 7-0 up top, as well as F5-F8. My numpad on the right side houses all my cooldown abilities and pots/bandages/trinkets… as well as a couple other choice abilities. I have a Nostromo n52 gamepad, but it messed up on my old computer (would not retain the settings after closing WoW)… so I shelved it with my other computer parts at home. Maybe with my new computer, I can bring it back from the dead and force myself to use it until it becomes second nature. That will at least increase my mobility.
- I have never made a PvP video before, so my experience is limited on that regard and for what to show and how to show it. I also have limited experience on how flashy I can make things (like the opening sequence) look, but I don’t think that will become a main issue… players seem to care more about the fights rather than the special effects.
So you see, I’m kind of on the fence in making a PvP video. I don’t know how it will turn out, or how the Rogue community at the very least will accept it. Who knows, it could be a hit and I would need to make another one… make it into a series even. OOAAHH!!!
Or it could suck hard and I would be shunned by the community. =/
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Current State of the Rogue Class
I’m back, and filled with scorn, /hugs, Skittles, and a slight odor… so I thought it would be fitting to return to the fold talking about what I know a little bit more than the next guy.
The current state of the Rogue class is in confusion and a general pissed off nature. Mainly, this was due to the fact that after Hemo recently received a much needed buff to compete with Sinister Strike in damage, not only was it toned back down a little bit (which it needed, I’ll admit), but Preparation was changed to not include AR anymore. Why was it changed? Was it because a large majority of all arena Rogues were using the new cookie cutter 0/31/30 build (or some form of AR/Prep/Hemo), or because of the incessant bitching from other classes that we were now too strong?
I couldn’t honestly tell you or anyone else why… and neither could any other Rogue as we are still asking Blizzard devs for a reason behind this kind of change. The last time I checked, nearly every class is basically pigeon-holed into a specific type of spec for arena, regardless of how strong it is… so when are those specs going to be looked at? Warlocks were very briefly looked at in terms of SL/SL last patch… the same patch our nerf happened. What about Resto Druids? MS Warriors? Frost Mages? I’m I hitting any nerves yet?
Like I said before, I’ll be the first to admit that yes, the AR/Prep spec was quite strong, but it didn’t deserve the kind of nerf it did. It was nerfed because of Hemo in my opinion, since we’ve always had AR/Prep since TBC was released and the arenas were the new AV. Why didn’t they just nerf Hemo? Not a clue. But changing Sinister Calling and fixing Cheat Death to get us to spec Shadowstep was not a healthy alternative.
All of my current Shadowstep experience has been in the 2v2 bracket, which is 90% Resto Druid teams, paired with Warriors, SL/SL Warlocks, and Rogues. The burst and control needed just isn’t there. Yay! We can’t really be kited anymore! That should make up for something, right? Not really. Against many teams, I found myself rarely using Shadowstep until I tried to get fancy and Shiv Crippling Poison on the other target and using it to get back on the primary target. Whoopdy-doo. I have yet to be in a consistent 3v3 team with Shadowstep for testing, and have yet to be in a decent 5v5 team period since Season 1… GG Rogue usefulness in the 5v5 bracket. But it’s too late now, because it’s either going to be Combat Maces or the same nerfed 0/31/30 build for all arenas now… depending on which day it is due to my raiding schedule of course. =p
What other specs can we really go? There are a few, but not as many as there were in the past seasons. Mutilate is probably the most difficult to play now, more than it was in Season 1 due to everyone and their friend’s grandmother having at least 250-300 resilience. It can still be played effectively, but I would go another spec before even considering that again. Combat Maces has always been steady in terms of effectiveness across all seasons, before making a huge wave in Season 2. I’ve even seen some off the wall builds used pretty well, but required a specific play style and arena team partners to make it work. Bleh.
Oh, and we still don’t have viable Fist weapons that can be attained outside of the arena system. GG devs. I understand that you have to really make 2 models for each Fist due to the character mounting, but come on. The best one outside the arena is still lower in power than the Season 2 rewards (I’m referring to the “salad fingers” maces from Al’ar in TK).
PvE-wise, Rogues are Rogues still… thank god. Our DPS is still second to none in boss fights and we have remained where we should for instance utilization. The problem comes into PvP. This was predicted, not only by me, but other Rogues on the boards when the resilience system was introduced… that our effectiveness and usefulness in certain brackets would plunge. And oh look, it did. Did you know that the #1 class across all arena brackets is the Warrior? I bet you did. Amazing how much more use that class has over all others in all 3 brackets than say… a Shaman or a Paladin. But that’s another post down the road… and I didn’t forget about you either, Druids. ><
The Rogues’ anger is more from our confusion over the past couple patches and the changes made to them, and not to other classes. We still have no real reason as to why we were buffed in 1 tree, then nerfed in 2 trees in 2 consecutive patches. We had an idea that Hemo would be nerfed as in its first buffed form, it was actually stronger than Sinister Strike… but the Prep change took us by surprise. I still remember when Prep refreshed ALL Rogue cooldowns… then it was limited and Blade Flurry, Blind and now AR were all removed. Of course, I also remember when WotF was passive and made undead immune to polymorph… that’s how spiffy I am. Amazing how I have no other 60 or 70 character in the game… that’s my kind of dedication… or laziness. =p
Our biggest frustration is that none of us really know what Blizzard has in store for our class in terms of PvP. Maybe we will get some answers soon… otherwise, I will be looking forward to creating a DPS Death Knight in the next expansion.
The current state of the Rogue class is in confusion and a general pissed off nature. Mainly, this was due to the fact that after Hemo recently received a much needed buff to compete with Sinister Strike in damage, not only was it toned back down a little bit (which it needed, I’ll admit), but Preparation was changed to not include AR anymore. Why was it changed? Was it because a large majority of all arena Rogues were using the new cookie cutter 0/31/30 build (or some form of AR/Prep/Hemo), or because of the incessant bitching from other classes that we were now too strong?
I couldn’t honestly tell you or anyone else why… and neither could any other Rogue as we are still asking Blizzard devs for a reason behind this kind of change. The last time I checked, nearly every class is basically pigeon-holed into a specific type of spec for arena, regardless of how strong it is… so when are those specs going to be looked at? Warlocks were very briefly looked at in terms of SL/SL last patch… the same patch our nerf happened. What about Resto Druids? MS Warriors? Frost Mages? I’m I hitting any nerves yet?
Like I said before, I’ll be the first to admit that yes, the AR/Prep spec was quite strong, but it didn’t deserve the kind of nerf it did. It was nerfed because of Hemo in my opinion, since we’ve always had AR/Prep since TBC was released and the arenas were the new AV. Why didn’t they just nerf Hemo? Not a clue. But changing Sinister Calling and fixing Cheat Death to get us to spec Shadowstep was not a healthy alternative.
All of my current Shadowstep experience has been in the 2v2 bracket, which is 90% Resto Druid teams, paired with Warriors, SL/SL Warlocks, and Rogues. The burst and control needed just isn’t there. Yay! We can’t really be kited anymore! That should make up for something, right? Not really. Against many teams, I found myself rarely using Shadowstep until I tried to get fancy and Shiv Crippling Poison on the other target and using it to get back on the primary target. Whoopdy-doo. I have yet to be in a consistent 3v3 team with Shadowstep for testing, and have yet to be in a decent 5v5 team period since Season 1… GG Rogue usefulness in the 5v5 bracket. But it’s too late now, because it’s either going to be Combat Maces or the same nerfed 0/31/30 build for all arenas now… depending on which day it is due to my raiding schedule of course. =p
What other specs can we really go? There are a few, but not as many as there were in the past seasons. Mutilate is probably the most difficult to play now, more than it was in Season 1 due to everyone and their friend’s grandmother having at least 250-300 resilience. It can still be played effectively, but I would go another spec before even considering that again. Combat Maces has always been steady in terms of effectiveness across all seasons, before making a huge wave in Season 2. I’ve even seen some off the wall builds used pretty well, but required a specific play style and arena team partners to make it work. Bleh.
Oh, and we still don’t have viable Fist weapons that can be attained outside of the arena system. GG devs. I understand that you have to really make 2 models for each Fist due to the character mounting, but come on. The best one outside the arena is still lower in power than the Season 2 rewards (I’m referring to the “salad fingers” maces from Al’ar in TK).
PvE-wise, Rogues are Rogues still… thank god. Our DPS is still second to none in boss fights and we have remained where we should for instance utilization. The problem comes into PvP. This was predicted, not only by me, but other Rogues on the boards when the resilience system was introduced… that our effectiveness and usefulness in certain brackets would plunge. And oh look, it did. Did you know that the #1 class across all arena brackets is the Warrior? I bet you did. Amazing how much more use that class has over all others in all 3 brackets than say… a Shaman or a Paladin. But that’s another post down the road… and I didn’t forget about you either, Druids. ><
The Rogues’ anger is more from our confusion over the past couple patches and the changes made to them, and not to other classes. We still have no real reason as to why we were buffed in 1 tree, then nerfed in 2 trees in 2 consecutive patches. We had an idea that Hemo would be nerfed as in its first buffed form, it was actually stronger than Sinister Strike… but the Prep change took us by surprise. I still remember when Prep refreshed ALL Rogue cooldowns… then it was limited and Blade Flurry, Blind and now AR were all removed. Of course, I also remember when WotF was passive and made undead immune to polymorph… that’s how spiffy I am. Amazing how I have no other 60 or 70 character in the game… that’s my kind of dedication… or laziness. =p
Our biggest frustration is that none of us really know what Blizzard has in store for our class in terms of PvP. Maybe we will get some answers soon… otherwise, I will be looking forward to creating a DPS Death Knight in the next expansion.
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