Aggi's Diary of The Realm

  Monday, February 09, 2004

 

The drawing tablet has arrived! I've been playing with it. And practicing. Lots. I have the feeling you'll be able to see my progress in the comics. Panel by panel progress. It's rather embarassing. However I'm starting to like what I see as I draw. Best of all, I'm learning a lot about shading, proportions and placement. I'd love to hear your input. Or at least see you sign the guestbook. Suggestions are welcome. *begs for some sign of people at her web site*

posted by Aggi 2:23 PM

  Wednesday, February 04, 2004

 

Annee posted on the Realm message boards, asking if anyone was actually happy with the game, as she was tired of reading complaint after complaint on the boards. I don't often post on the forums, but I started thinking about why I play the game. This is what I posted in reply:


You're not alone, Annee, I'm happy with the game, too. I've tried out many online RPGs over the years, and the Realm is still my favorite. I'll give you my reasons why.
Please note - I'm comparing the Realm to several other games (unnamed in this post) and not to different versions/ownership of The Realm itself.

1. It's not 3D.
I can't handle 3D games. I wish I could, but they give me awful headaches. This problem cuts out some of the bigger, more popular games. I don't get lost, dizzy, or confused here. (for those that know me, hush up!) :-P

2. I can afford it.
I can afford to have multiple accounts if I like, but I choose not to. The game itself is free to download.

3. The Interface.
I can see what I'm doing. I can see what other people are doing. I can see objects, doors, text. Some games have a small window, of which the actual playing field takes place in one quarter of that window. The rest is devoted to inventory/conversation/help/ads. In the Realm, my toon is not a quarter of an inch tall, and I don't spend my time wondering if that green blob is a tree, a bush, or some sort of monster. I can read what people are posting, and if I do miss something I can easily scroll back. I also understand what all the buttons are for and can access them easily.

4. The Background.
Yes, there is a storyline. No, we're not required to participate. I've been in other games where there's no storyline, all you do is kill stuff. It gets BORING. I've also been in games where there's no hunting, and the players just participate in the storyline. All chatter. Also gets boring, especially when you don't know anyone, and they decide they don't want you joining in to "their" story. Here I have a choice - I can participate in the storyline, I can join a group of friends for a cave run, or I can go off by myself and hunt. If I wanted, I'm sure I could also participate in the non-Realm related roleplaying that takes place. Yes, there's been a lot of storyline related updates lately. I think it makes it more entertaining to have a reason for new items/monsters to be introduced to the game. Isn't that why we're here? Entertainment? If not for the storyline, stuff just . . . appears one day. Or disappears. Or else, nothing ever happens. You could go away for three years and come back, and everything would be exactly the same. Think back three/four years. No Fin items, no Maze, no Anvil, no helms, no Bonecrushers, no SoTs, no Misties. Without the dynamic storyline, the Realm would be kind of like playing an old computer game over and over and over. Yes, not all the new things that have been added have been storyline related, but I think it enhances the features of the game. I've always enjoyed finding the little details. (I've always wondered what Crow writes in his diary!)

5. The Players.
I've made many friends here over the years. It's one of the main reasons I'm on so often. Some have left, and they're missed. I've interacted in trivia and other games Realm sponsored and not, I've watched Channel 5 with fascination, I've helped complete strangers and been helped by complete strangers. I've also been scammed and treated rudely. This has happened to me in real life, too. It takes many types to make a world, good, bad and just plain wierd, and I expect to see those same types in a game where real people are playing. If I'm feeling antisocial, I have the option of going /busy, turning off channels, and taking out my aggressions on unsuspecting NPCs. I can play the game without interacting with others, or I can choose not to hunt and spend the evening townie-ing with friends. If I'm tired of the crowds I can go enjoy some peace and quiet on the Test server.

This has gotten really long, and probably more than a dollar's worth of my input. I like the Realm for its diversity and options. In comparison to other games I've played, it's still a favorite for me. Things will always need fixing, in ANY game. This game has had so many patches and fixes and additions and deletions that it probably resembles some sort of patchwork quilt to the programmers. Aren't you glad they're willing to actually make changes?

posted by Aggi 4:59 PM