Welcome to your Monday Loading... You can read previously enjoyed editions of Loading... in the blog archive. (For the navigation impaired that means you click the link and then look in the right menu.)
The 459th edition of Loading... is brought to you by...
Free game trials! Drop 'n Play technology! Buying and downloading PC games has never been easier! DISCover all this and more with My Games today!
A big round of clap for the courageous few who took over Loading... last week and fought the good fight. We set a record for the receipt of complimentary e-mails. They literally flooded in, crushing my previous record of two, ever. Thanks a pantload readers. Thanks a pantload.
Please remain standing and give yourselves a big round of clap as well. The five most visited stories from Friday were all MMOG related. The "Real World" stories didn't make the cut. You were a serious, focused bunch last week. It must be the virtual Tai Chi classes that you are taking.
The most visited stories from Friday were:
- The Burning Crusade: Eversong Woods [Exclusive MMOG Content]
- Trick or Treat With An Ogre [Exclusive MMOG Content]
- Vanguard: Weekly Poll: Love Stinks [Exclusive MMOG Content]
- Vanguard: Saga of Heroes Unicorn Mount Video [Fresh MMOG Content]
- DDO: Tempest's Spine Quest Guide [Exclusive MMOG Content]
I spent last week in meetings (interrogations) discussing (listening to) the future of the MMOG market, MMOG development companies (Folks with the jobs you want) and TenTonHammer.com (You are here!). Writing about the industry every day puts me in a position of not being able to see (comprehend) the forest for the trees. Games are thrown (arrive by Fedex) in my face regularly that were I not sitting in this chair (with a broken seat) I would never take a minute to even consider playing.
It was refreshing (soul trampling) to take a week away from the games themselves, focus on the industry and ruminate (act pensive) over what is in the pipe for players in the next 6-12 months. The WoW and EQ2 expansions (don't forget to put subliminal ad here -Ed) are obvious high-points (only choices) for the "living" games. Gods and Heroes: Rome Rising remains at or near the top of my "Can't be released soon enough for me" list.
I also had time to reflect (mirror mirror on the wall) on what aspects of older games entertained (just one more level) and stimulated (in a non-cyber way) me, which in my jet-lagged state had me wondering if there were Seven Wonders of MMOGs.
For me, the most memorable zone/gameplay experience has to be from EverQuest. That zone was Temple of Veeshan and in particular North Temple of Veeshan. A zone filled with more dragons than Anna Nicole Smith has plastic body parts, their kin (the dragons not the body parts) and bag loads of loot, was in its day, a completely immersive and entertaining experience.
So there you have it, my suggestion for one of the seven wonders of MMOGs, North Temple of Veeshan. What zones, geographic landmarks or other game features do you think should make this enormously important and tremendously significant Top Seven?
Do tell, either in the forum or at the bottom of this blog. If you are shy (or female and sending in naughty pictures) you can E-Mail me.
Every good guild needs a home. A home free of gold ads and secondary market farmers. Look no further than GuildPortal.com.
Exclusive new TenTonHammer.com Content!
Let us entertain you or at the very least waste some of your time at work.10.30.2006 Exclusive Content
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Dungeons and Dragons Online: What Do You Think Of Module 3?
"Turbine has been lauding the features of its third content module addition to Dungeons & Dragons Online for quite some time. Tonight, Ralsu asks readers to share their thoughts on Module 3, called The Demon Sands." -
Vanguard: Saga of Heroes - Scary Moments In MMOGs
"Just in time for Halloween, it's an editorial about things that go boo in the night. Have you ever been truly scared while playing an online game? Shayalyn loves the boo factor in MMOGs, and describes a moment that made her heart pound. She also muses about why MMOGs frighten us, and how Vanguard: Saga of Heroes will bring fear into the hearts of the citizens of Telon." -
World of Warcraft: Beta Journal
"The buildings and landscaping are a clear reflection of a society which oozes magic. Brooms sweep up on their own; mops dip themselves into buckets and wring themselves out before mopping the floors. Alchemy jars hang suspended in the air over floating blue flames. Cats prowl around the inside and outside of buildings. The blood elves' taste in decorating exhibits an almost careless blend of luxury and convenience."
Vin Diesel Fact of the Day - Peanuts are allergic to Vin Diesel.
Now from the real world. You can't make this stuff up.
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Doctors Worried About Energy Drinks
Shaking hands, caffeine cravings making it hard to operate. -
Gaming First: Interracial Gay Kissing
Sara Andrews slaps forehead, how could she have missed her chance? -
MySpace Losing Its Novelty
Apparently crappy songs and emotional junkyards were just a fad. -
FireFox 2.0 Is Easy To Use
For those who find web browsers, water faucets and chairs confusing. -
Cuddly Killer Robot Only $20
All hail our affordable, robotic plush overlords.
As always, thanks for visiting TenTonHammer.com,
-- John "Boomjack" Hoskin
