I’ve been watching this one off and on since 2007 and finally got around to joining their official forums and ramping up for play this week. I have to admit, Guild Wars 2 lost me a few months back thanks to no apparent deviation from the usual level-capped grind until you drop raids, etc and since I’m no longer a fan of the infinite expansion approach nor the concept of perks, purchases, or raids as the only “new content” (nods to WoW, LoTRO, and SW:TOR), and I’m increasingly insistent upon some form of solo or small group (i.e., < 3) player content, the only thing “out there” that is appealing to me at all right now is FunCom’s soon to be released “The Secret World“.
Frankly, I think I lost my taste for 8-10 hour stretches of gaming shortly after I started college and began working on buying a house. I simply do not have hours upon hours to play and feeling as if I have to commit more than three hours to make logging in “worthwhile” (i.e., I can actually accomplish something) is just not my cup of tea anymore.
I stayed with SW:TOR in hopes of seeing something (anything!!) come along for small group or solo play, but it isn’t materializing and there is no commentary to indicate it ever will. So, I’m likely packing in the effort as soon as TSW launches. No, actually, I know I am because I’ve removed my payment information and have already pre-ordered and ante’d up for the lifetime subscription to TSW.
If there’s one thing FunCom always gets right, it’s the presentation of truly DEEP and CRUNCHY combat and crafting. This guide from a beta tester on the crafting system combined with this video on combat and the skill system evidences that they haven’t changed their minds (this is A Good Thing):
In fact, I intend to roleplay as a means of both enjoying more social immersion and slowing the otherwise ridiculous climb to the level cap. Frankly, the only thing missing to make me fall utterly in love with this offering is some hint that they’re going to include the mechanics and offerings associated with the old Anarchy Online mission system. If that shows up, well, I may never look for another game again in my life. (This would be quite a happy ending for me.)
June 16th is the big day. Amusingly, we are in the midst of a move over the 16th and 17th so I likely won’t get to put any real attention to this until the following weekend. I’m ok with it; just means I’ll have plenty of folks to ask for insight if/when I get stuck along the way.
