OK, so I did what I thought I would never do. I started playing a MOBA. Yep, I did. And, you know, it's not that I had anything against MOBAs. I always knew what they were, what they brought to the table. I just never really thought I'd play one let alone buy one.
But I did. One of my good buddies approached me and told me about the early access launch of Epic Game's "Paragon". Like me, he has never really played a MOBA but has long been intrigued. Being fans of Epic, we made the decision to go in on the base-level founder's pack. $20, and access to the closed Beta.
Here we go.
So, as you might guess, things at first were bad. I mean really bad. My first 5-10 matches were mostly me learning how a MOBA even works, let alone, how to survive. Time after time, I got slaughtered. Scores of 0-10-0, 0-9-1 littered my screen. I was frustrated, but learning.
The community was relentless to us both. "Retarded or drunk?" read one chat entry. "Two players have already died five times, it's three against five", "They need a kick button".
And, surely, we weren't trying to be useless. But we were. We were still having a blast, though. And soon, we started to learn the game. We learned the way the game flows, what to do and what not to do, and now, we're respectable. Not MOBA veterans, mind you, but respectable. And having fun. And ultimately, that's what counts. A few of the members of the community would do well to try to learn that one.
With that said, here's a rapid five things that I've taken away from Paragon. Trying to, obviously, stay away from MOBA technicalities. These are thoughts on the game at this stage of development. I obviously can't compare it to other MOBAs.
1. Great characters
Paragon has a slew of awesome characters. Honestly, I like them all. Granted, I like some more than others, but what we have here is a great start. The characters seem well-balanced, for the most part. Some of the characters are a bit overpowered, it seems to me, but they all bring unique traits to the table that can help turn the tide of battle.
As for my main, I'm still working on settling, but I've been playing a lot of matches with Killari. I went through a run of using Howitzer and have messed around with Grux. Both are fine, but perhaps not my cup of tea. I played my first couple of matches with Twin Blast. Not a fan. He looks like a douche bag.
2. That toxicity, though?
Well, I didn't want it to lead off, but damn, the toxicity that is here, I sincerely hope it doesn't carry over into the full release of this game. Those that are familiar with the game should embrace new players-- it's healthy for the game they love so much. I witnessed players other than myself getting bullied for mistakes as I got better and kids, that just can't fly. I posted a rant a few months back on this very blog about elitism in gaming. It's a game. Fucking have fun. If you want to base your life around winning, perhaps you're better suited to another hobby. This isn't the MLG, it's fucking closed beta Paragon. Get real.
3. MOBAs are cool
From a starting MOBA player, I like the concept. I long thought I wouldn't care for this type of game, but I like it. The tug-o-war that is created between defending and pushing creates a nice dichotomy, the likes of which I've not seen before.
4. Building up
With that said, it's cool to be a part of a game in this stage of development. It feels quite polished for a closed beta and I must say, it's really neat to observe the changes as they happen and as we move closer to a full release.
5. What's next?
It's Epic Games and it is going to likely get a lot of positive word of mouth. How well will this game do? Will we see it be the next big thing? I like how console players can play with and against PC players-- how will the sales compare on both platforms? I'm interested in seeing how well Paragon does, specifically on PS4. Outside of Smite, how many MOBAs can you really play right now on the console? It seems to be ushering in new folks (like me and my buddy) which I think is good for the genre. I'm learning, and I've been kicking ass. As more people learn, the community should thrive.
Bonus- play outside your comfort zone
I know, I promised five. But let me say this-- don't be afraid to play games you might not otherwise play. I took a leap of faith diving into early access Paragon and I've had a blast. Sometimes, we need to challenge our own tastes to fully enjoy the hobby we love so much. It doesn't have to be FIFA or Madden, but challenge yourself to try different games. It's like tasting exotic foods-- you never know what you'll like until you try it.
Wednesday, March 23, 2016
Tuesday, March 22, 2016
RIP, WiiU, how will we remember thee?
Game, set, match. The WiiU is done.
A Japanese report released today confirmed what many saw coming- Nintendo will cease production of the WiiU this year.
Surprising? Not so much. Sad? A little bit.
I can't help but feel as if the WiiU was just mismanaged and neglected. Left alone by itself by Nintendo to fend for itself against the mighty Playstation 4 and Xbox One. It seemed doomed from the start.
However, there were some bright points-- I promise, there were! I owned a WiiU on two separate occasions. My first was one of the spiffy Wind Waker HD versions. The gamepad was decorated around the edge with gold trim-- it was gorgeous. My second was a 32 gig black model. Simple, it was a Christmas gift. Both times, I lost interest and traded it in, both times, I made some memories. Here's a few of my favorite personal WiiU memories as we prepare to say RIP for good to the little guy that never could.
Are yours similar? Do you have any at all?
1. Seeing Wind Waker HD for the first time:
OK, OK, so in all fairness, this was my first WiiU game. It came bundled with my system but, damn, was I impressed. The game looked stunning. Far more vibrant than I remembered it on GameCube way back when.
And the controls were so streamlined. The game was a joy to control and remains one of my favorite entries the console has to offer.
Also, consider that using the gamepad to manage your inventory and drag and drop items is genius.
Wind Waker is a classic and, as far as I'm concerned, required gaming for anyone who considers themselves a fan of Zelda or games in general. Whether it's the GameCube version or the remaster, do yourself a favor and trek through it.
2. Mario Kart 8's chaotic mayhem
Mario Kart 8 was a great game. Let's face it- one of a handful of must play gems on the system.
It controlled well, it had everything we love about Mario Kart, especially multiplayer fun.
I was a senior in college when this launched. I had my WiiU and routinely fired it up with a couple of my buddies. On one particular night, we had several friends over and played the crap out of this.
Man, most of them weren't good, but item drops and the general chaos of Mario Kart kept them all close to me and a couple of my buddies who are also seasoned gamers.
Oh, the booze probably didn't help.
3. Smashing again in Super Smash
I'm hitting all the obvious choices here, but Super Smash WiiU was a fantastic entry into the series.
It had everything. The unlocks, the great stages, the music, you know, the "everything" that Nintendo delivers when they're firing on all cylinders.
4. Playing through 3D World
Super Mario 3D world was to my 22-year-old self what Mario 64 was to my 5-year-old self- magic.
It delivered that magic feeling again. It had it's moments of frustration, but wasn't particularly tough. What it was, however, was a true love letter to anyone who has loved Mario and his 3D platforming escapades.
I played a bit with friends in the dorm, but 3D world is a dish best enjoyed solo. And what a fine dish it is.
5. Charging the gamepad
Yep, you always had to charge the sucker.
Particularly when you least wanted to.
Smack dab in the middle of a Mario Kart race? (low batt., please charge)
A lot was weird about the gamepad, but damn, thankfully it didn't take double As.
6. Dropping the gamepad
I knew it was inevitable. Eventually, I'd drop the gamepad. Would the screen shatter on impact? Would a button be rendered useless?
The thing feels fragile. And my room was tile. I knew this couldn't be good.
I was a couple hours into a late-night session on a Friday night at college. Couple hours, couple beers? Maybe. I had it on my thigh while I checked my phone.
Time seemed to slow as the gamepad crashed onto the tile floor.
CLACK. No damage, though. Breathe.
Now, where's that charging cable?
7. Feeling Nintendo again
I don't consider myself a fan boy of any developer, publisher or company.
But, I'll level with you-- Nintendo has a special place in my heart. They represent my ascension into the hobby I love so much (or descension, as I'd argue some days). My Nintendo 64 was a gift when I was four years old, and I never looked back. I felt magic the first time I held an N64 controller (as awkward as it always will be) and at times with the WiiU, I felt that magic again.
As I guided Mario and Link through some of their best adventures in recent memory, I thought "this is why I love games".
Those moments were few and far between. There was no Metroid. No f-Zero. No Banjo Kazooie-like wonder.
There were glimmers. Brief sparkles in the night sky.
I don't know what is next for Nintendo. The NX may flop, or it may be Nintendo's mighty punch they've been waiting to unleash while taking their licks in the rings from the current industry leaders.
Whatever it is, all we can do is wait. Wait, and reflect on the WiiU- a largely forgotten and abandoned little piece of gaming history that has none the less marked my memories, as fleeting as they may be.
A Japanese report released today confirmed what many saw coming- Nintendo will cease production of the WiiU this year.
Surprising? Not so much. Sad? A little bit.
I can't help but feel as if the WiiU was just mismanaged and neglected. Left alone by itself by Nintendo to fend for itself against the mighty Playstation 4 and Xbox One. It seemed doomed from the start.
However, there were some bright points-- I promise, there were! I owned a WiiU on two separate occasions. My first was one of the spiffy Wind Waker HD versions. The gamepad was decorated around the edge with gold trim-- it was gorgeous. My second was a 32 gig black model. Simple, it was a Christmas gift. Both times, I lost interest and traded it in, both times, I made some memories. Here's a few of my favorite personal WiiU memories as we prepare to say RIP for good to the little guy that never could.
Are yours similar? Do you have any at all?
1. Seeing Wind Waker HD for the first time:
OK, OK, so in all fairness, this was my first WiiU game. It came bundled with my system but, damn, was I impressed. The game looked stunning. Far more vibrant than I remembered it on GameCube way back when.
And the controls were so streamlined. The game was a joy to control and remains one of my favorite entries the console has to offer.
Also, consider that using the gamepad to manage your inventory and drag and drop items is genius.
Wind Waker is a classic and, as far as I'm concerned, required gaming for anyone who considers themselves a fan of Zelda or games in general. Whether it's the GameCube version or the remaster, do yourself a favor and trek through it.
2. Mario Kart 8's chaotic mayhem
Mario Kart 8 was a great game. Let's face it- one of a handful of must play gems on the system.
It controlled well, it had everything we love about Mario Kart, especially multiplayer fun.
I was a senior in college when this launched. I had my WiiU and routinely fired it up with a couple of my buddies. On one particular night, we had several friends over and played the crap out of this.
Man, most of them weren't good, but item drops and the general chaos of Mario Kart kept them all close to me and a couple of my buddies who are also seasoned gamers.
Oh, the booze probably didn't help.
3. Smashing again in Super Smash
I'm hitting all the obvious choices here, but Super Smash WiiU was a fantastic entry into the series.
It had everything. The unlocks, the great stages, the music, you know, the "everything" that Nintendo delivers when they're firing on all cylinders.
4. Playing through 3D World
Super Mario 3D world was to my 22-year-old self what Mario 64 was to my 5-year-old self- magic.
It delivered that magic feeling again. It had it's moments of frustration, but wasn't particularly tough. What it was, however, was a true love letter to anyone who has loved Mario and his 3D platforming escapades.
I played a bit with friends in the dorm, but 3D world is a dish best enjoyed solo. And what a fine dish it is.
5. Charging the gamepad
Yep, you always had to charge the sucker.
Particularly when you least wanted to.
Smack dab in the middle of a Mario Kart race? (low batt., please charge)
A lot was weird about the gamepad, but damn, thankfully it didn't take double As.
6. Dropping the gamepad
I knew it was inevitable. Eventually, I'd drop the gamepad. Would the screen shatter on impact? Would a button be rendered useless?
The thing feels fragile. And my room was tile. I knew this couldn't be good.
I was a couple hours into a late-night session on a Friday night at college. Couple hours, couple beers? Maybe. I had it on my thigh while I checked my phone.
Time seemed to slow as the gamepad crashed onto the tile floor.
CLACK. No damage, though. Breathe.
Now, where's that charging cable?
7. Feeling Nintendo again
I don't consider myself a fan boy of any developer, publisher or company.
But, I'll level with you-- Nintendo has a special place in my heart. They represent my ascension into the hobby I love so much (or descension, as I'd argue some days). My Nintendo 64 was a gift when I was four years old, and I never looked back. I felt magic the first time I held an N64 controller (as awkward as it always will be) and at times with the WiiU, I felt that magic again.
As I guided Mario and Link through some of their best adventures in recent memory, I thought "this is why I love games".
Those moments were few and far between. There was no Metroid. No f-Zero. No Banjo Kazooie-like wonder.
There were glimmers. Brief sparkles in the night sky.
I don't know what is next for Nintendo. The NX may flop, or it may be Nintendo's mighty punch they've been waiting to unleash while taking their licks in the rings from the current industry leaders.
Whatever it is, all we can do is wait. Wait, and reflect on the WiiU- a largely forgotten and abandoned little piece of gaming history that has none the less marked my memories, as fleeting as they may be.
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