KingsIsle released a "making of" video for Wizard 101. It's only 2 minutes long, so it's obvious that it doesn't go into much depth. I wanted to post it here anyway because these guys are relatively unknown right now and the tens of people that visit my site might actually watch the video and spread the word. Hey, every little bit helps.
If you're a player, I'll see you in Krokotopia!
Tuesday, June 24. 2008
Wizard 101 beta test

Oh, another MMO... But wait, this one is actually fun!
About 2 weeks ago I signed up for the beta of yet another MMOG. I try to play all online games I find out about, just to see what's out there and stay on top of things... but most of the games I get to beta test are usually a serious disappointment. After 5 minutes, most are abandoned, never to be played again.
Enter Wizard 101, a MMO lite targeted at tween players. I got into the beta 2 days after I signed up, and I logged in, expecting another horrendous attempt at a MMOG. However, I was pleasantly surprised to find.... a well-designed game! I played for hours the first day, and two weeks later, I'm still playing. Although I am bound by NDA and can't say anything about the actual gameplay and all the other things that are super cool, I will say this: This game is going to be very successful when it ships. Rock on, KingsIsle.
I have many friends playing in the beta as well, and yes... we've actually set a time later today to tackle an instanced dungeon. I'm even setting up a Wizard 101 ventrilo server. Now that's commitment. If you want to try the game out as well (and you should), sign up for the beta.
Wizard 101 is seriously good. Sure, it's got its problems here and there, but none have been so horrible that I wanted to stop playing. And that's saying a lot since I have the patience of a jaded game designer. Oh wait, I might actually be one.
Friday, June 20. 2008
I am going to marry the SPORE Creature Creator
I can't get enough of the SPORE Creature Creator. Yep, we have a relationship going. It's looking pretty serious.
Honestly... It's absolutely fantastic! A fun, easy-to-use editor, a free webpage to share my creations, and complete youtube integration, what more could I want? I think I'm in trouble -- this isn't even the full game, it's just the editor, and I've been completely sucked in. SPORE PWNZ ME. But that's okay, SPORE, I don't mind.
I could go on and on about how super cool the creature creator is and what a great job that team has done with not only the tool itself but with all the creature-sharing pipelines & social networking, but I'm too busy watching my creatures do the Hippity Hop dance. So I'll keep this short and sweet. It's awesome. And I'm not just saying this because I work at EA, I swear. Get it. You have no excuse for not trying it, the trial version is free!
Honestly... It's absolutely fantastic! A fun, easy-to-use editor, a free webpage to share my creations, and complete youtube integration, what more could I want? I think I'm in trouble -- this isn't even the full game, it's just the editor, and I've been completely sucked in. SPORE PWNZ ME. But that's okay, SPORE, I don't mind.
I could go on and on about how super cool the creature creator is and what a great job that team has done with not only the tool itself but with all the creature-sharing pipelines & social networking, but I'm too busy watching my creatures do the Hippity Hop dance. So I'll keep this short and sweet. It's awesome. And I'm not just saying this because I work at EA, I swear. Get it. You have no excuse for not trying it, the trial version is free!



