The Semi-Annual MMO Round-Up

Sadly, my lovely computer Seraphim died not too long after my last post. This meant that I was without gaming PC while I tried to figure out if I could a) fix Seraphim without too much muss or fuss, or b) find a decent new computer to buy.

I still have Seraphim kicking around, waiting for me to find the money and energy to fix the hard drive issues, but I now have a lovely new 8gb ram, 1tb hard drive laptop which I decided to name Garuda.

This of course means that I am now obligated to play only games I already have or have already pre-ordered (Bravely Default!), and check out Free-to-Play MMOs since I can't afford a subscription to FFXIV until I've paid myself back for my new laptop.

Thus begins my semi-annual MMO roundup!

The Neverwinter MMO: Somewhat boring. Though the story seemed interesting enough, if incredibly melodramatic, the player completely and totally lacking the desire to explore in an MMO seems like a fatal flaw.

Rift: Interesting, some very good concepts, but the starting areas at the very least were very generic. They were bleak, due to being wartorn, and visually, the game failed to appeal to me. I suspect that other areas are better, but it's tough to slog through hours of boring scenery, ye standard undead, ye standard savior (risen from the dead, if I'm remember correctly, as in, let's see, Elder Scrolls Online, Kingdoms of Amalur, and probably numerous others).

World of Warcraft: Holy WoW. You see what I did there? Ha. Haha. Ha. But really, started as a Goblin. Figured, oh hey, I'll play for a few hours. MORE THAN A FEW HOURS LATER. I only played four hours or so of the other two, but with WoW, I completed the entire Goblin starter questline and am currently in Orgrimmar. I've stopped there for a bit, since Orgrimmar is so confusing to navigate, and also I fear for my wallet since eventually it will stop being free to play. But WoW is a blast, completely worth the 5 million a day that the company nets. I do prefer FFXIV, but I think that's because Final Fantasy IS my childhood, my teenagerdom, and likely my future.

I'm probably going renew my FFXIV subscription next month, so watch out for that. In the meantime, I'll have some Far Cry 3 and Bravely Default upcoming.

PSP FAQ: All You Need To Know to Start Using a Playstation Portable

I have a confession to make.

I adore the PS Vita in all its shiny glory and potential. Yet the PSP was something I missed out on, due to lack of funds and a love of Pokémon over JRPGs. But then I started to hear whispers.

"Final Fantasy VII is in the Playstation Store," the whispers said. "You can get the old PS1 games for the PSP, all of the ones that cost 100+ nowadays."

"But the Vita is $300," I replied. "I can't afford it and the new computer that unfortunate circumstances resulted in my getting. The frequent bluescreening, the inability to play new games... I couldn't deal with my old computer, and that means no PS Vita until its price lowers."

"FFVII... FFVII...." The internet tempted me, but I prevailed.

And then came Black Friday, the blackest of all Fridays, the one where the lure of material things rises from the depths of Hell to seduce the weak.

I knew the PSP would have a major sale on this day, since it is on its way out the door now that the Vita is on its merry way. So after frequent, daily searching and scouring, I finally managed to land an extremely good deal on a PSP. It arrived in the mail, and I russled up a rare hard copy of Persona for it thanks to my friendly neighborhood GameStop, and then it occurred to me that Xmas is only a couple weeks away.

"I should probably wait," I muttered grumpily, and closed Media Go, Playstation's version of Steam, on my computer. I put the PSP materials in a box, and will be waiting until Xmas.

Along the way, I learned a few facts about both the Vita and the PSP that bear discussion, since it required lots of googling and different sources for me to figure them out. There was never one handy source for them, and that's my intention: to make one source for all the necessary information.

PS Vita Fact of the Day: UMD is not supported. This means that the PS Vita will not play your UMD movies or games. In other words, keep your PSP. Although the Playstation Store is good for game downloads, it's not comprehensive. Sony plans on offering a way to transfer UMD to their new format, but it will cost you. Have fun paying twice for your games, kids. Much better to keep your PSP.

Now, for a few PSP basics:

1) The PSP does not have a hard drive. For some reason, I was always under the distinct impression that it did, but this assumption was wrong. Like the PS2, PSP requires a memory card to save games. What the PSP uses is a Memory Stick Duo or Memory Stick Pro Duo. Both Sony and Sandisk make quality products for this. Do not get them in an actual store; they are far too expensive. The best deal is to get the Sandisk 4GB or 8GB from Amazon. If you have extra cash, go for a higher GB size, especially if you plan to download lots of games or store movies/tv shows.

2) The PSP does not come with a USB cable. To download anything from the Playstation Store, you will need a USB cable. The PSP must be attached to the computer while downloading and must have a Memory Stick Duo in at the time of download. The PSP uses a camera cable, with standard USB on one end and smaller USB on the other. I have a Sony e-reader USB cable; this works perfectly.

3) You will want headphones. Though the speakers are excellent, headphones are still the way to go. This is true of pretty much any gaming. Invest in a pair of Skullcandy Chops Buds for super portability and durability. All headphones will break eventually; Skullcandy's warranty is excellent and they will replace them, no questions asked, the moment you send them in.

4) The PSP is extremely prone to pick up fingerprints. I only handled mine briefly to put in the memory card and set it up, but it still bears the scars of my touch. Thus, you will probably want something like a silicone cover as well as a carrying case to keep the screen from scratching. Beware with the silicone cover that I linked-- although I don't mind the things warned in the reviews, you might, so read the reviews first. The crystal case or aluminum case might be more your thing. The PSP 3000 is also extremely light, so anything to give it more bulk is welcome.

And that concludes everything you need to know to get your PSP up and running! Enjoy your new portable gaming lifestyle.

I named the system Cherubim, to match my desktop Seraphim. What'd you name yours? :)

Gaming on the Cheap: Episode 3? Episode 4?

The upgrade is complete. Yesterday, October 25th, I replaced the power supply and added a dedicated graphics card (GeForce GTX 260) into my new computer.

I did not take pictures, because the process was nerve-wracking like you would not believe. I was terrified I was going to wreck something, but fortunately, I did not and all appears to be well.

The power supply that I replaced it with was a 550w Cooler Master PSU. It doesn't seem to be as quiet as my previous one, but it's still not a loud power supply, exactly, so that's okay. Installation was easy once I managed to get the various cords from the previous power supply out of the motherboard-- the 20-pin was particularly hard to get out and required some force. There are far too many bulky cords with the new PSU-- it was hard to get them all situated right so that I could shut the case. However, they are probably useful for something, I assume, so I suppose I shouldn't gripe about it. I used this link to walk me through it, though I needed some outside help on HP computer design and how there's a tab in the upper left corner around the power supply that needs to be pushed to release it.

My graphics card is, as stated, a GeForce GTX 260. Installation was fairly simple (unscrew a panel, insert A into B, screw into place, done), but more nerve-wracking than the power supply installation, simply because at that point it was hard to maneuver around all of the wires. Additionally, it didn't occur to me to disable the built-in graphics card first, so I got a black screen. I had to take out the card, disable the built-in graphics card, reinsert the new card, and then go. After that, I installed the software and then everything was good. I still have to figure out how to stop the built-in graphics card from popping up messages even though it's disabled, though.... I used this link to walk me through installation, as well as some frantic Googling when I couldn't figure something out.

So, just because this was a lot of work for a newbie, meet my new computer! (Yes, I'm a geek and I'm photographing... and naming... my new computer.)

Seraphim, part of the Cult of Cthulhu workgroup of computers along with Leviathan, my previous desktop, and Hyacinth, my Acer Aspire One netbook. (I also have an expansion drive which I have named Marvin. Shut up. Since when is a geek something to be ashamed of? Though perhaps this ventures into nerd territory.)

Oh, and just for extras, these post-its are what occur when one is frantically trying to keep track of rumors in Oblivion. *headdesk* And come 11/11/11, I fully plan to exchange these post-its for new ones. Better ones. Skyrim related ones. Perhaps I will make them snow-themed....

Glee. You can find the specs for Skyrim on PC on Bethesda's blog. The Unofficial "Will My Computer Run Skyrim?" Discussion is pretty good if you're planning an upgrade, by the by, and was one of the things I used as a reference while choosing my graphics card. If you are planning on upgrade, remember the two important things: what graphics card slots you have on your motherboard and what wattage the graphics card requires-- and is your power supply has high enough wattage.

HP Pavilion p7-1037c and Buy.com

What is this? Why, it's a box.


 It's an HP box. (Hint, it belongs to me.) I woke up this morning to find that the computer I ordered from Buy.com on the 16th was already at my doorstep. After finishing walking the dog, I scurried back upstairs with my coffee and my extremely heavy box.

But what's this? I clearly remember ordering a p7-1057. WTF? I said, eyebrows furrowing. The specs seem to be exactly the same, but... hey, there's more ram! Best mistake ever.

That being said, despite quick service and having an unexpected upgrade, it's probably not good that they didn't send me the right computer. Well, I knew what I was getting into when I ordered from them, and this is probably the best mistake they could possibly make.

I have a rather profound love of box opening, thus why I took pictures. But the computer is kind of awesome. It was pretty cheap and has an AMD Athlon II 645 Quad-Core Processor, 8GB ram, 1TB hard drive, and an ATI Radeon HD 4200 integrated graphics. It can, by the way, actually run Fable III, even though it's at Very Low. (Yes, I'm updating the graphics card as soon as it arrives, whereupon it will be a GeForce GTX 260. Oh. Wait. Hey, UPS says it's at the door. BRB.)

Gawd damn it, why didn't I think to check the wattage requirements beforehand? Moreover, why weren't they anywhere on the specs? >:(

Anyway. I am in love with Windows 7 and this computer. It runs quietly and everything loads very quickly. The built-in wireless makes everything super convenient.

Now, if only the wattage was higher than 250w power supply when I need 550w for the graphics card, I would be overjoyed.

Gaming on the Cheap: Episode 2 in the Crappy Computer Saga

It requires some effort to come to terms with one's own lack of money. When one factors in the current economy, the lack of jobs and rich parents, and student loans, one is faced with problems. But one can prevail if one tries. (One, in case you're not getting this, is me. Hi!)

So here comes The Plan. The Plan is important. It has capital letters. Hopefully, it will make me money.

Over the following week, I will launch an Etsy shop. It will include geekery and awesomeness, and perhaps a little bit of Steampunk. And someday soon, I hope, I will be able to afford my new computer.

In the mean time, I need to learn to game on the cheap. I am putting a lock on all expenditures that are not gas and accumulating what I can from my paychecks. (Skyrim is already preordered, thank gawd.) I think that a new graphics card will probably bandage the gaping wound that is my computer, since by using Can You Run It? I learned that my computer can decently run things like Witcher 2 and Fable III... if not for the graphics card.

Can You Run It? is a valuable tool when trying to figure out what needs to happen to extend the life of your computer. It also helps if you don't know if your computer will run certain games, so provided that you aren't preordering, you'll know before you spend the money. Note that Can You Run It? is not always correct. For example, it says that I fail for Dragon Age: Origins, when in fact I can run DAO on High at a high resolution. So let it advise you, but take what it says with a grain of salt.

When I'm able to do the upgrading, I'll post about it, how to select a graphics card compatible with your computer, etc.

New Computers, I.E. Expensive Thoughts

I don't think I've ever fully comprehended how much it costs to get a decent new computer. I think some part of me assumed that the price would always go down rather than up. Or maybe it's just that I have more specific wants now than I used to. Because a girl can get a decent computer for $300, but she can't get the kind she wants for less than $700-- if it's self-built-- or $900+ if it's not.

Bummer.

I'm in the market for a new computer, since mine is old, crappy, refuses to run certain games (see the Fable III disaster), and has the BSOD with a fair amount of frequency. Additionally, the graphics card is pretty much fried and pops up errors at start up. But with my job (roughly $87 per week, $40 of which is eaten by gas) and the fact that I can't find a second job anywhere, my budget is... shall we say, limited? My best options at the moment is to build my own computer (probably the Budget Box, without monitor, keyboard/mouse, and speakers since I have those) or buy the Acer Predator. The Acer Predator is a fairly decent PC, but the graphics card is less than ideal: it has the NVidia GeForce GT 520, and I would prefer something like the Radeon HD 6850. Well, I would prefer even better than that, but better is $200.

I'm not very picky... except I am. At least 2GHz processor, at least 4GB ram, upwards of 500GB hard drive (preferentially, 750GB or more), and a price range of $750, give or take. It's the price range that's killing me, since $750 is theoretically out of it, and any decent gaming computer is more than that, even.

Your friendly blogger, I fear, is very broke.

<-- If I could, I would get this, the HP Pavilion HPE h8t. It customizes to have a NVidia GeForce GTX 550 Ti. It would also cost about $1000 if it had it.

You might be able to tell that I have been stewing over this all day. The signs are technobabble: all that can be learned in one day of Vigorous Googling.

It's just so hard to get a cheap computer that doesn't have an Integrated Intel graphics card! Why do they all have this? Who would want it? ANGER! I'm not sure if I'm willing to try to figure out how to build a computer, but otherwise, I don't foresee getting what I want in my price range. The Acer Predator would be all right, but it's the same price as building one that has far better parts. The Budget Box would be a no-brainer winner, if I didn't have to buy an operating system. ($180? Why, Windows, why?)

Oh, decisions, decisions, which wouldn't be so difficult if I could just afford to buy any of them.

Stupid gaming habit. If only I switched to console, it would be cheaper.

And isn't that strange. It always seemed like consoles were so expensive, but a comparative computer costs gawdawful amounts.

The Steam Summer Camp Sale

STOP THE PRESSES! The Steam Summer Camp Sale is here. Yesterday I netted me a sweet Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, Game of the Year Deluxe Edition for only 8.50 -- note, that's base game, two expansion packs, and a whole lot of extra content. Also, Recettear: The Item Shop. The JRPG fan in me could not resist.

Next day's deals begin in, oh, 57 minutes and 20 seconds. Yes, I've been stalking Steam.

On the note of Elder Scrolls IV, I can't believe I can call myself an RPG fan and I haven't played Elder Scrolls, or mentioned that Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim will be out on 11/11/11. I saw Skyrim and basically had a minor joygasm. This game is IT. This is THE RPG. (I will be preordering it even if I have to sell a kidney to pay for it.) This game is big and beautiful and rocks my socks.

This is the link that The Border House blog has for Skyrim and is the best vid, since there is commentary and awesomeness and... I am incoherent over this game, yes. You will want it to. Just... yes. @_@

F.E.A.R. Sale on Steam and Books

Either Steam needs to stop having deals (nopleaseno) or I need to stop hearing that they've been having deals.

In related news, Steam is having a sale on the F.E.A.R. games, which I have actually had a hankering for since they came out. (I have a thing about being frightened in video games... I want it to happen.) They are only $9.99 for the entire collection. I will have them. I will play them. Hopefully, I will love them.

Since when am I turning into an FPS girl?

To change the subject, though I graduated college in May, I'll still be taking a class come fall. More particularly, an independent study with my favorite professor on storytelling through video games. She assigned two books to read over the summer - The Game Design Reader: A Rules of Play Anthology and First Person: New Media as Story, Performance, and Game. I only have the first book so far. I'm on page 49 in a 900+ page book, but it's just excellent. I often require something to structure the way that I think about things, and The Game Design Reader does just that by asking questions like, why do we enjoy video games? What influences the way they're made? How do players change games after they've been released? And I haven't even gotten into the material that they're actually anthologizing yet.... So, if anyone is interested, I can safely say that The Game Design Reader, at the very least, is a very good book, or so it seems from the first 49 pages. We'll see if that keeps up when I have to read articles that have Byzantine language structure.