Today, and other revelations
So, first off. I've been playing Enchanted Arms, having bored myself of Mass Effect (which, while excellent in story, is fairly short, and there are only 3 or 4 actual side quests, but you spend 70% of the game solving them 30 times). And, my main problem with Enchanted Arms, other than the fact that the manual does NOT outline the most important part of the plot, is this: it's almost entirely linear. Not just the story, which is par for the course (although it is a bit upsetting to me that characters not only say where to go, but tell you the quickest way there, ie. often the only way not conveniently blocked by falling rocks, etc.) but the DUNGEONS are linear. I mean, the sewer dungeon in most games is a terrible, complex maze of evil. This game? A path with 3 side paths, all of which can be traversed in a half minute fully. And the mini-map shows you where the dead-ends are (ie. where the treasure probably is) BEFORE you explore there.
That being said, I found myself realising that this is what I've been WANTING from RPGs for a while now. That is: sensible, realistic dungeon design. Regarding said sewer for example: why SHOULD it be a friggin maze? Don't the maintenance workers have to find their ways around? SHOULDN'T it be a sensible pathway? Perhaps more extensive than here presented, but sensible none the less?
So, it's got sensible design, and now I see why most RPGs don't do that. It gets dull running along pre-defined paths and fighting random encounters. It's like a rail-shooter (ie. Nights Into Dreams), but rail-RPG instead.
THAT being said, at least the battles are fun (although sometimes terrible unbalanced), and the plot so far is good, even if the start of the game WAS totally friggin random. This, btw folks, is what happens when FROM Software (makers of one of the better Mech games out there) is allowed input into an RPG. It makes sense. And who wants SENSE in their fantasy?
Ok, new topic. So, two Aldrich (chemical company) reps showed up today, and needed to talk to somebody, and I was volunteered since I wasn't actively doing work at the moment. One, whom I shall refer to as guy A, wanted to sell me analytical HPLC columns and such. The other, guy B, wanted to update me on prices of stuff in the stock room (a topic I care rediculously little about). Anyways. Guy B introduces himself, says who he works for, then asks "So, do you do any chemistry up here?" My response: "No, never." Him: "Anyone in your lab do this kind of stuff?" I look around, at the fume hoods full of apparati, chemicals on benches, many with Aldrich labels, random catalogs strewn about, and deadpan "Nope." Him: "Alright. sorry for wasting your time then" And he turns to leave!!! Unfortunately, guy A clued him in that I was joking with him, and that, as we were all currently sitting in what was clearly a chemistry lab, in a chemistry building, and chemicals sitting around attended and otherwise, we did, in fact, most likely do chemistry here.
Lesson to be learned from this: know your client. If you walk into a doctor's office, just assume the people working there do doctoring, nursing, and other related tasks. No need to ask them.
Further new topic. Conversation on the softball field:
Nature: *shazaaaam* and some lightning.
Catcher: *squeak!*
Me: What are you afraid of? I'm the guy standing here holding a big metal stick...
We won by a point, btw. Go Periodic Athletes!
In final news, if for whatever reason you read this and HAVEN'T heard from me: there is a game being run at Connecticon 2008. It is called Nexus. It cannot be described as good, as good describes mundane things like chocolate, true love, and semi-sentient mutant coconut supersoldiers bent upon world domination. However, it IS friggin' awesome, and enjoyable, and something you should TOTALLY do if you've got any reason to be at Connecticon. If you DON'T have a reason, guess what: you do now. And the reason is Nexus, and Nexus is the reason. Seriously: August 1-3, free to all con attendees. Space still available, terribly fun. http://nexus.foambrain.com for more details. If that doesn't work, due to me mistyping, or a general conspiracy of evil spirits, get in touch and I'll get you details some other way.
And THAT all being said: cookie dough is in the fridge. Tomorrow begins: experiments!
Ok, that's it!
That being said, I found myself realising that this is what I've been WANTING from RPGs for a while now. That is: sensible, realistic dungeon design. Regarding said sewer for example: why SHOULD it be a friggin maze? Don't the maintenance workers have to find their ways around? SHOULDN'T it be a sensible pathway? Perhaps more extensive than here presented, but sensible none the less?
So, it's got sensible design, and now I see why most RPGs don't do that. It gets dull running along pre-defined paths and fighting random encounters. It's like a rail-shooter (ie. Nights Into Dreams), but rail-RPG instead.
THAT being said, at least the battles are fun (although sometimes terrible unbalanced), and the plot so far is good, even if the start of the game WAS totally friggin random. This, btw folks, is what happens when FROM Software (makers of one of the better Mech games out there) is allowed input into an RPG. It makes sense. And who wants SENSE in their fantasy?
Ok, new topic. So, two Aldrich (chemical company) reps showed up today, and needed to talk to somebody, and I was volunteered since I wasn't actively doing work at the moment. One, whom I shall refer to as guy A, wanted to sell me analytical HPLC columns and such. The other, guy B, wanted to update me on prices of stuff in the stock room (a topic I care rediculously little about). Anyways. Guy B introduces himself, says who he works for, then asks "So, do you do any chemistry up here?" My response: "No, never." Him: "Anyone in your lab do this kind of stuff?" I look around, at the fume hoods full of apparati, chemicals on benches, many with Aldrich labels, random catalogs strewn about, and deadpan "Nope." Him: "Alright. sorry for wasting your time then" And he turns to leave!!! Unfortunately, guy A clued him in that I was joking with him, and that, as we were all currently sitting in what was clearly a chemistry lab, in a chemistry building, and chemicals sitting around attended and otherwise, we did, in fact, most likely do chemistry here.
Lesson to be learned from this: know your client. If you walk into a doctor's office, just assume the people working there do doctoring, nursing, and other related tasks. No need to ask them.
Further new topic. Conversation on the softball field:
Nature: *shazaaaam* and some lightning.
Catcher: *squeak!*
Me: What are you afraid of? I'm the guy standing here holding a big metal stick...
We won by a point, btw. Go Periodic Athletes!
In final news, if for whatever reason you read this and HAVEN'T heard from me: there is a game being run at Connecticon 2008. It is called Nexus. It cannot be described as good, as good describes mundane things like chocolate, true love, and semi-sentient mutant coconut supersoldiers bent upon world domination. However, it IS friggin' awesome, and enjoyable, and something you should TOTALLY do if you've got any reason to be at Connecticon. If you DON'T have a reason, guess what: you do now. And the reason is Nexus, and Nexus is the reason. Seriously: August 1-3, free to all con attendees. Space still available, terribly fun. http://nexus.foambrain.com for more details. If that doesn't work, due to me mistyping, or a general conspiracy of evil spirits, get in touch and I'll get you details some other way.
And THAT all being said: cookie dough is in the fridge. Tomorrow begins: experiments!
Ok, that's it!