Problem with comments Not fixed
Erk, sorry, but there still seems to be a problem with comments. I will check it out again when I get back to sydney in a couple of weeks.
Sorry.
No More forums
Hi all,
Our web host changed hands and that resulted in a price increase which makes no sense since this is a dead site anyway,, as a result I have been forced off my lazy butt into finally doing something.
As a result I have changed to a budget operator, more in keeping with the sites traffic and importance. Originally I was going to drop the site altogether, but the domain hosts my email and so I needed to keep it active. A small web presence is no more costs, and not much more effort.
My first thought was just a placeholder page with a few links, and I indeed had that up for a week or so. But it felt more like a news or blog site so I have installed some software, cobbled together a similar look and will experiment with this for a bit.
I will put a few relevant links and news items, for old timers who come back for a visit or anyone who stumbles across the site.
I will also broaden the scope to include more than just NWN. Other Computer RPGs such as Dragon Age, actual Pen and Paper RPGs, board games and whatever takes my fancy.
If you have any links or community news you think may be of interest drop a note to admin at nwndownunder dot net. or leave a comment below.
I am going away for a couple of weeks starting Saturday, so if things are quiet or go pear shaped thats why.
Cheers & thanks,
Orca
Dragon Age thoughts
I have been playing through Dragon Age: Origins and have to say I am really enjoying it. Bioware are generally good at stories and this one started out at a cracking pace, although has necessarily slowed down a bit.
Lots of cut scenes and voice acting gives the NPC’s plenty of personality and there is a fair bit of interaction available, although probably slightly less than in previous games.
It’s also HARD. Combat is challenging, at least in the PC version. In some cases I thought impossible, but so far I have managed to get through them all, although not always on the first try. There have been a number of very close calls, making combat quite exciting.
With only 4 in the party you struggle to cover all the options, I have pretty much given up on locked chests, because I cant afford the lock picking rogue in combat. Potions are not an infinite resource, you can’t simply drop into any shop and buy as many as you need. Right now I am VERY low on potions and will really struggle if I can’t find some more before the next big encounter.
Its a nice alternative to the the NWN campaigns which I felt were geared to the lowest common denominator because they were afraid of losing the chunk of their market who did not want to use their brain. If you just wanted to follow the story through, I am sure the Easy level would ensure that was achievable.
I have not looked at the toolkit at all so can’t comment on it, after I have a look I may post some further thoughts but, if it’s accessible, the the lack of multi player will really be a major loss.
The other thing which is disappointing is the price point. A$110!! Now DA:O is a great game but why are we continually being asked to pay such obscene prices for video games? Fortunately I managed to get it for $89 from Game, which still seems to be asking that price form their online store.
Note, this game retails for US$50 in the US which is about A$55. So $110 is exactly double that price. I am not going to turn this into a rant about the the extortionate practices of distributors in this country, however are we really asked to believe that the AU offices are really so poorly run that they need that much mark up? Its insulting.
That aside, I thoroughly recommend this game for all NWN/Balder’s Gate/Bioware fans. Just try and pay as little as possible for it to send a message that they are taking the piss and we know it.
NWN is still the Bomb
For pure enjoyment the original NWN is still amazing value. My boys (8 & 10) have just discovered the NWN toolset and are having a ball making areas and the playing together in their mods. There is no story or balance, but they are having a blast and learning heaps.
My daughter (13) joined them a couple of nights ago and the excitement and joy emanating from the room (at times very loudly) was wonderful. She has now gotten the bug and has started playing the campaign.
Almost 8 years down the track and its still going strong. In straight price per hour of enjoyment, NWN has to have been the best entertainment investment I have ever made by a country mile.
