To view a fascinating interview with Richard Garriott (a.k.a Lord British) (creator of the Ultima series of computer games) that lasts for an hour (where he was interviewed in 2011 by Bajo for the Australian computer game TV series Good Game), click on one of the following links: watch in browser: http://www.abc.net.au/tv/goodgame/webexclusives/ download WMV (222 MB): http://mpegmedia.abc.net.au/tv/goodgame/web_exclusives/Richard_Garriott_Web_Ex_wx.wmv I've been reading about a new MMO called Rift that I believe was released on March 1. Some people think that it might one day replace WoW as the most popular MMO. Rift has a very compelling part of gameplay involving monsters spewing out of rifts. If the players don't repulse the attacks, then eventually the monsters will kill all of the NPCs in towns and take over towns. There are 6 different types of rifts where different types of monsters spew out of the rifts. The 6 different types of elemental rifts are Fire, Water, Air, Earth, Life, and Death. The game has a flexible character development system, so during PvP, it makes it more difficult for enemy players to know the weaknesses of another player's character. I'd be interested to know what other people think of MMORPGs like LotRO (Lord of the Rings Online), WAR (Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning), DDO (Dungeons & Dragons Online), WoW (World of Warcraft), EQ2 (EverQuest II), and Rift. I've only ever played EverQuest and I'm looking to try other MMORPGs. The following are articles from an Australian magazine called atomic: Good news for fans of Dungeons and Dragons on their PCs - a new Neverwinter RPG is coming in 2011. Atari is teaming up with veteran MMO maker Cryptic Studios to deliver a new Neverwinter (not nights, just Neverwinter RPG for PC next year. The game's going to be 'inspired' by the upcoming series from Forgotten Realms writer, RA Salvatore, creator of the beloved (and since endlessly copied) character Drizzt do-Urden. "We're beyond thrilled to develop a brand new version of Neverwinter. It's been years since the original became a gaming icon and we're honored to work with such a great franchise," said Jack Emmert, Cryptic Studios' COO. "We've been working closely with Wizards of the Coast and R.A. Salvatore to create an authentic D&D adventure filled with compelling fiction and exciting gameplay." The new game's set in Neverwinter City, of course, though the city's in a power vacuum following years of upheaval (probably player character related - they're never good for regular government). Players will be able to choose from five classic D&D classes, and the game's based around the classic five-player party system. Players will be able to choose computer-controlled comrades, or hook up with other players online for full co-op play. The game will also ship with a player-content generation system, so far tentatively titled Forge. Neverwinter's set to ship in the fourth quarter of next year, and will be a PC exclusive. The new book from RA Salvatore, Gauntlgrym, will be out this October, and previews events from the game. Diablo III With any Blizzard title, it's difficult to tell when a game is actually going to be released; but if leaked information is to be believed, we'll be playing the latest Diablo game before the year is out. Destructible environments, all-new physics and art design on a custom 3D engine, and a greater depth of combat are just a few of the many features to look forward to in this highly anticipated role-playing game. The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings While the initial release of the original title may have had some Gothic-level bugs, The Witcher Enhanced Edition showed that there was more than just a sprinkling of potential in this new franchise. With reports of an overhaul on the combat system and the promise of multiple approaches to levels, this story-driven hardcore role-playing game has definite potential. Neverwinter Old-school RPG love seems to be the theme of 2011, with this classic Dungeons & Dragons brand set for an interesting revival. Part companion-based RPG and part MMO, Neverwinter encourages players to make their mark on the Dungeons & Dragons universe by creating their own quests in-game. A persistent world, emphasis on cooperative play and a compelling storyline make this game an attractive proposition.
