by Karen Hertzberg on Nov 21, 2007
Yes, Some of Us Actually
DO Read Books!
As the skill of guild leadership continues to gain credibility in the
corporate world, it's a little surprising that there aren't
more books that explore the topic firsthand. Sean Stalzer seeks to do
just that in Legend of the Syndicate, a book that's part history, part
memoir for a large, multi-game guild that has successfully maintained
its strength and principles since Ultima Online was in its infancy. Ten
Ton Hammer reads and evaulates a book that may be the first of its kind
in our review of Legend of the Syndicate.
Also enjoyable was the imaginative narration of
several in-game events,
such as the attack on player-killer stronghold in Ultima Online.
Stalzer is at his best when bringing the game to life
from the shifting, bird's eye perspective of a guild leader
coordinating a large-scale event. While the more didactic parts of the
book might come across as overwrought and preachy, Stalzer's retelling
of guild actions is pure enjoyment.