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A story has been crusing around the Interwebs regarding one of my favourite games, Second Life. I was going to ignore it, but our good man Darren "The General" Lee pointed me towards it again so I took it as an omen.

It appears that some miscreants in Second Life have taken to virtual terrorism, if there is such a thing. Unhappy with the "establishment" and their inability to have things their way they detonated some virtual nukes outside of some virtual stores. No virtual inhabitants were killed, but the story is virtually everywhere even though it affects virtually noone. I think we'd all be happier if they would just virtually go back to wearing their furry suits in real life rather than in the...virtual one.

I checked out Lord of the Rings Online during the stress test this weekend. It is definately still in beta, but by and large the game looks polished and was a lot of fun to play. My limited play time in no way gave me enough education regarding the title to comment on whether it will be a success or not, but if my first impression holds true it will be a game that is to be played through slowly, savouring the nuances rather than blowing through the contents like Mel Gibson at an open bar. I enjoyed my brief stay in the world that Turbine has crafted. I eagerly await the launch in April.

I also happened upon a picture on Flickr's "Explore" by "Brenlo". The Explore section of Flickr is an area where the most "interesting" pictures are shown. Could it be the same Alan "Brenlo" Crosby of Everquest 2 fame? Of course it could. He is a very talented photographer. Check out his shots here.

Did you check out LotRO this weekend? What did you think?

[Vote, rank, share, comment!]

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Exclusive TenTonHammer.com Content!

02.26.2007

• Dungeons and Dragons Online: Getting The Most Out Of Special Events
  "Don't say this phrase often enough? Darkgolem explains the ins and out of taking advantage of special events with experience and loots bonuses, such as the upcoming DDO Anniversary Event. Happy Looting!"
• EverQuest 2: Estate of Unrest Preview
  "GU32 will be here before you know it, and the crown jewel will be the new instanced zone Estate of Unrest. Filled with traps, spooks, and mysteries galore, it's sure to provide hours of enjoyment to any high end group. Join RadarX as he takes an official tour of the zone."
• EverQuest 2: Brell Serillis Miracles Guide
  "Pledging your life to a Norrathian deity is more than just a lot of hardwork! Your chosen God will grant you some pretty nifty abilities, and Brell is no exception. Come take a peek at this guide to learn what abilities Brell has to offer, this is an excellent way to determine if Brell is the God for you."
• Vanguard: Saga of Heroes - Weather...or Not
  ""It begins to rain." That simple phrase kicked off weather events in EverQuest back in the day. Now, Shayalyn pines for the promised "dynamic weather system" to become reality in Vanguard: Saga of Heroes. Talk about the weather and read all the Vanguard news that fits (and it all fits!) in this week's newsletter and blog."
• Vanguard: Saga of Heroes - Ranger Creation Guide
  "The Ranger is one of the most powerful classes in Vanguard. Ten Ton Hammer's Ranger Specialist takes you through the first 10 levels. See what CRad has to say."
• Vanguard: Saga of Heroes - Wiki Contest Winners
  "The Ten Ton Hammer Vanguard Wiki Contest has come to a close, and we're ready to announce our winners!"
• Warhammer Online: Wiki Update
  "A new update for the WAR wiki including more links; including the Chaos Marauder and new Empire classes."
• World of Warcraft: Priest Guide
  "Our Priest guide gets a fresh new look and feel today, with a brand new main page. Now easier to get around and find everything you need to be the best Priest possible!"

Hot Content

• Vanguard: Saga of Heroes - Wiki Contest Winners
• Vanguard: Saga of Heroes - Kojan Spawn Map
• Vanguard: Saga of Heroes - Wiki Contest Closing
• 2Moons Closed Beta Account Contest
• World of Warcraft: Arena Guide
• Op/Ed: GameStopped
• World of Warcraft: Thrall's Escape From Durnholde Keep
• Aion: New Art
• Vanguard: Saga of Heroes - Wiki Contest
• Vanguard: Saga of Heroes - Hardcore Crafting Guide

Real World News - You Can't Make This Up

• Beer Launching Fridge
  I'll have my beer shaken not stirred.
• Macbook Takes A Bullet - Still Works
  Vista surrenders.
• Gas Sparks Sewer Explosion
  Frat boys exclaim, "I told you so."
• YouTube Breaking Interweb
  The tubes are almost full!

Vin Diesel Fact: Vin Diesel can win a chess match in three moves.

Thanks as always for visiting TenTonHammer.com

- John "Boomjack" Hoskin

You can read previously enjoyed editions of Loading... in the blog archive.