Free Game Alert: Mount & Blade

Mount & Blade is free on GoG.com (Good Old Games) as a promo for their current 2014 DRM-Free Big Fall Sale.  

But be quick, it's only available for a limited time!  There's about 40 hours left on the clock as of this post.  They will be having lots of daily specials, though, so if you miss this deal, you might catch another great price on a game that's been on your wishlist.

GoG is a great place to stock up on PC games from the good ol' days of gaming and even current titles. 

Free Game Alert: Metro 2033

The Humble Store, home of The Humble Bundle, is giving away a free Steam key of Metro 2033 on their site to celebrate the site's first birthday.  There are lots of other deals, so be sure to pick out a few favorites at a deep discount and feel good about it!  10% of every purchase goes to charities which are disclosed on the site.

  You'll receive the Steam key redemption instruction via email.

GET YOUR FREE COPY OF METRO 2033 UNTIL NOV. 8, 2014 10 am PST!

Getting started on Twitch TV in 8 steps

I've been aware of Twitch TV since it's inception but because of my limited data issue where I live, I wasn't really able to watch or broadcast.  Now that my data has been expanded I am able to play WoW again and I considered broadcasting via Twitch as a fun accompaniment to my questing blog.

I started the blog, The Questing Adventurer's Questing Log,  as a space to journal my gaming adventures.  I'd often get absorbed in a game, take a break, and then have trouble figuring out what I was working on quest-wise or story-wise when I returned weeks, or even years, later.  I thought a blog would be a perfect solution and I'd have fun while giving my writing another opportunity to grow.

But how to get started broadcasting?
(Don't want to read all my wordy-words? Handy links at the bottom!)

1.  First I visited my Twitch TV PROFILE.

2.  Changed my profile BANNER from the default Twitch logo to a recommended 900x480px image more my style.

3.  Filled out my Profile BIO.

 4.  Went into my SETTINGS to add a profile pic and to change the capitalization on my display name.  I made a 16:9 video player banner, and selected other options I thought were appropriate for my channel.

Here's my OFFLINE banner

5.  Visited THIS TWITCH HELP PAGE to read about how to broadcast.

6.  Watched THIS short RAPTR VIDEO to clarify the process of broadcasting via Raptr (which I will be doing but there are other broadcasting software available.

7.  Started playing WoW, opened my Raptr app with CTRL+TAB, opened settings, entered my Twitch info to link my acct., clicked the Twitch button, entered a video name, clicked START STREAMING.

8.  When I was finished with a short session. I clicked the Twitch button in my Raptr app again and selected STOP STREAMING.

After watching the....glory(?) that was my first archived Twitch feed, I wrote this stellar tutorial. Ok, really it was my second attempt, but the first was only a few seconds because I didn't think the stream had started so I ended it early.

The quality is pretty horrible but I'm not going to be quick to blame Raptr's AMD Gaming Evolved broadcasting.  I am doing the internetz on AT&T 4G because I live in the mountains and that's the best we get here. Sooo, it's probably just this redneck internet connection. 

Useful links all in one place:

• Twitch TV

• How to Broadcast PC games to Twitch

• Commonly used broadcast tools recommended by Twitch

• Connecting Raptr to Twitch

• Raptr Twitch Streaming 101

• Raptr video showing how to broadcast

• Don't have Raptr? Get it!

Webseries 'Azeroth Choppers' Motorcycle Showdown

A new web-series called Azeroth Choppers starts April 17, 2014 and will pit 'The World of Warcraft' Alliance against the Horde in a motorcycle build-off.

From the Azeroth Choppers site:

Grab a front-row seat for the ultimate road showdown! Legendary custom motorcycle designer Paul Jr. has assembled two handpicked teams of bike experts to bring to life a pair of asphalt-kicking chopper designs inspired by World of Warcraft®’s two warring factions. Joining each crew on their epic quest are members of the World of Warcraft development team, on board to help to infuse the essence of the Horde and the Alliance into each bike. In the end, only one chopper will reign supreme as the undisputed king of Azeroth’s roads in a winner-takes-all showdown voted on by World of Warcraft players around the globe.

Team Alliance is led by Blizzard's chief storyteller, Chris Metzen; aided by Terran Gregory, a legendary WoW lore enthusiast and associate project director; and Monte Krol who is a writer, voice actor, and lead software engineer for WoW.

Team Horde is led by Sam Didier, who has filled various roles at Blizzard for over a decade; joined by Gary Platner, a lead environment artist for WoW; and Jason Hutchins, a senior game producer.

World of Warcraft players will get to watch as the builds unfold and vote on their favorite bike.

First Impression of 'Call of Duty: Ghosts' DLC pack 'Devastation'

The new DLC pack for CoD: Ghosts called "Devastation" got released yesterday, April 3, 2014. I played a bit last night and really early this morning and was happily surprised to recognize one of the map packs.  It was a remake inspired by one of my favorite MW3 maps.  Read my article New 'Call of Duty: Ghosts' DLC pack 'Devastation' content to find out which one!

Activision Publishing, Inc.

I always enjoy the variety of new map packs, and two of the four new maps are ones I enjoy, but the other two will take a while to grow on me.  I really like Unearthed and Collision, but Ruins and Behemoth are not my cup-of-tea.  Behemoth is long and narrow, and I actually like maps that are set up that way like Hijacked from Black Ops 2, but I think I really just don't like its setting.  Ruins reminds me a lot of Jungle from Black Ops which is why I think it'll grow on me; I originally did not like that map either.

Activision Publishing, Inc.

To me, new map packs are like meeting new people; at first I eye them suspiciously but openly, but after a little while they are like good-ol buds that I wish I had met sooner.

‘The Elder Scrolls Online’ Upcoming Release Anticipation

Bethesda The Elder Scrolls Online

Anticipation for the upcoming release of ‘The Elder Scrolls Online’

I spent the morning deciding what I was going to do about ESO.  I am a HUGE fan of the Elder Scrolls series of games and I have the Collector's Editions for The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, and I have the Anthology.  I got accepted into the beta for ESO last August but I had tenuously decided not to purchase the game because of the difficulty I have playing online games; there is a very high cost for data via AT&T 4G where I am living now.

I had heard about a leaked Target ad for next week that promos all video games with a Buy 2, Get 1 Free sale and I was tempted to wait, but there weren't really other similarly-priced games that I wanted, so I decided to redeem some Bing Rewards Points for Amazon giftcards and pre-order the game through Amazon.

P.S. Click that link to go to Bing and sign up through my referral and we'll both get money!  I have used Bing Rewards by doing browser searches through Bing since it's inception and I have earned hundreds of dollars.  I have redeemed most of mine for Xbox points or Amazon giftcards!  I love free money and I love the Bing search anyway, so it's win-win!

I wish I had decided to get the game sooner.  Because I waited so long, the Imperial Edition is already sold out everywhere I thought to look.  I also won't get to use the early-access code because I won't get the game until release day and I'll have to head to a friend's house a few hours away to be able to install and update it. 

I'm looking forward to playing ESO this weekend though and reviewing it for you! Stay tuned ;)

Firefox Browser Version 29 Features Clean Customization

I was intrigued by the new Firefox version 29 update when I turned on my PC this morning.  Everything looked familiar...but better!

The slick, airy tabs are a great feature and the new menu button unclutters the screen.  A clean, but still accessible interface is tops in my book!

When I first opened Firefox, there was a quick, friendly tutorial that introduced me to the new layout.  I'm glad for the few moments of explanation that accompanied the debut of version 29.

I am sure I will take the time to customize my Menu today and play around with the settings, but right out of the box, I am pleased with this newest update.

What do you think? Any must-have browser apps that you recommend?

A Guide to Marvel PuzzleQuest Dark Reign

This popular new Puzzle Quest spin-off has exploded with popularity in the months since its launch October 3, 2013; it's currently available on Steam, iOS, and Android.  This version of Puzzle Quest has a lot of intricacies and more strategy than the other games in the brand and the learning curve is steep.  After recommending the game to several friends and then helping them get started, I decided to create this go-to guide to starting a successful Marvel Puzzle Quest Dark Reign campaign.

Click to visit my Marvel Puzzle Quest Dark Reign Strategy Guide Site

The site will change as the game changes so bookmark it to check back for new and updated content.

Like the Marvel Puzzle Quest Dark Reign Guide page on Facebook!

Follow @MPQDRguide on Twitter!

Sim City Offline (and why that's a good thing)

I was not at all surprised when I got an email from EA directing me to their announcement that they have now made Sim City available to play in Offline Mode.  It might just be the feature that brings me back to my City.

While I wasn't one of the masses who decried EA for not building a single player offline mode into the game from the start,  having that option will allow me to play when my internet is especially slow (which is quite often out here in the country) or when I don't want to use my data for necessary updates, so I welcome the addition.

The idea for always-on Online functionality was great and it wasn't that bad, but I think it  excluded so many gamers who didn't have access to the internet or just didn't want to play with others.

I played the game for a month or so after release and I haven't touched it since, but I look forward to getting back in there.  My husband will be glad that my need to micro-manage will be fulfilled on my Sim City residents instead of him for a change!

Kate Reviews: Dungeon Siege III

Four heroes with stories of their own.  What will yours be?

GAME DETAILS

Release Date: 6-21-2011

Developer: Obsidian Entertainment

Publisher: Square Enix

Genre: RPG

ESRB Rating: T for Teen (Blood, Violence, Mild Language, Mild Suggestive Themes)

Platform: PS3, Xbox 360, PC

Reviewed On: Xbox 360

Original Sale Price: $59.99

Reviewer Purchase Price:$11.68@Amazon 

Back-of-the-Box Info

• Players 1-2
• Co-Op 2
• 2 MB to save game
• In-game Dolby Digital
• HDTV 720p/1080i/1080p
• Online multiplayer 1-4
• Co-op 2-4
• Voice

Game website: www.dungeonsiege.com 

DLC available at the time this blog is written:

1. Treasures of the Sun (avail 10-25-2011) $9.99

Now, I realize this game was released a long time ago and I am just now playing/reviewing it, but a good game is a good game, right? I got a sweet deal on it and I was a fan of the first in the series on PC in 2002, so I figured it was worth a try.

Starting point in Dungeon Siege III

Starting point in Diablo III

The moment I took control of the character I had chosen and headed up the pathway toward a dilapidated mansion gate, I got the distinct impression that this was a very Diablo-esque game.  Boy, was I right.  From the top-down perspective to the lighting in the dark environment to the join-in-progress cooperative gameplay, this game kept reminding me of Diablo at every turn; not that that's a bad thing.  Even my husband who has only watched me play Diablo III a few times and played the original one himself many years ago, asked if I was playing D3.  It was, in many ways, a departure from the gameplay of the original Dungeon Siege, but not to its detriment.  It kept enough to be discernibly Dungeon Siege but changed up some of the more grueling aspects of the original.  The pack mule and the difficult inventory limits are gone and there was even a comical nod to the beloved mule from the previous games.

"The pitiful corpse of a mule has been left at the roadside.  Other travelers have wandered off with the many suits of armor, sacks of gold, and impractically large battleaxes that collectively crushed the poor beast."

There are four playable characters from which to choose to start the game.  They fall into the typical archetypes:

LUCAS
sword & shield master

ANJALI
elemental magic / melee shape-shifter

REINHART
magic user

KATARINA
long-range huntswoman

This game has some great RPG elements. 

Skills can be upgraded with an easy-to-learn system.  Better weapons, armor, and items are plentiful and are acquired though looting dead enemies, treasure chests, and from item shop vendors.  Each character follows the same overall tale, but the story is personalized to tell how the events have and will affect that character.  Dialog options will appear and will often affect another character's feelings and reactions towards you.  Your choices can also affect events in the game.  Even if you choose a callus or hard-hearted response it never feels like you made the wrong choice.  It feels just as organic to the character and story as if you were to choose a neutral or more positive selection.  I thought the story was pretty well thought out and it was entertaining and had the right level of drama and tension.  I particularly enjoyed the way in which much of the main story was told: with charcoal-type drawings and by a wonderful storyteller.  It was somewhat reminiscent of the storytelling in the Fable series. 

An interesting feature that I haven't been able to delve much into because of the age of the game is the co-op feature.   I did get into a few other players' games and it was pretty fun, however the camera angle becomes locked making it difficult to see exactly where you need to go or treasure chests that might be hiding just out of sight.  It was thoughtful design to make it so that if your partner got too far away or behind, they would be transported to your location.  Co-op was drop in-drop out which was pretty helpful.  Overall I like it, but it was a bit frustrating trying to find a co-op partner.  Local co-op was fun as well. 


 Pros

• Almost no loading
• Nice visual effects
• Decision-based story lines
• Fantastic storyteller
• Superb audio
• No inventory shuffling
• Plenty of replay value
• No wrong choices
• LOOT!

Cons

• Square-Enix registration doesn't work (at the time of this review)
• I didn't buy this sooner when more people were online to play Co-op with

The Wrap Up

This game was worth every penny of the almost $12 I paid for it and then some.  One of my biggest complaints is not really being able to play co-op which held the promise of fun adventures.  I absolutely recommend this game to RPG fans and gamers who just like a good story.  With 3 difficulty levels, this is a challenging adventure for most everyone.  Oh, and I definitely recommend playing it with your headphones on.  Even the main menu screen sounds amazing.

Kate Reviews: CastleStorm

 

Knights Vs. Vikings

FIGHT!

GAME DETAILS

Release Date:  5/29/2013

Developer:  ZEN Studios Ltd.

Publisher:  Microsoft Studios

Genre:  Action & Adventure, Strategy, Simulation
ESRB Rating: T for Teen (blood, violence)

Platform: Xbox Live Arcade, PS3, PC, Vita, WinPhone, iPhone, Wii U
Reviewed on: XBLA
Original Sale Price: $9.99
Reviewer purchase price: $4.99

Features

• Offline Players 1-2
• Offline Co-op
• Stereoscopic 3D

Online Features

• Online Multiplayer 1-2
•  Online Co-op 2
• DLC
• Leaderboards
• Voice Chat

I wasn't sure what I was getting when I downloaded CastleStorm on XBL.  It was on sale for half off of the regular price of $9.99 and seemed different from everything else in my collection.  Here's how the XBL description sold it:

It’s Knights vs. Vikings in CastleStorm, where medieval warfare meets 2D physics-based destruction! Controlling the battle in real time, players will harness the power of medieval artillery, manage a fearsome ground attack, and cast powerful spells! CastleStorm features a story-driven solo campaign, a custom castle editor, online multiplayer, co-op modes, and more. Building castles and knocking them down has never been so much fun!

Really all I read was medieval, destruction, and castle editor.  I was sold already; the rest was filler.  The description and the sale price were intriguing enough for a purchase.  As soon as the game loads it asks if I want to enable Stereoscopic 3D.  Hells YES!  I wasn't even aware it was 3D-enabled so this was a cool bonus as I don't have many good 3D games.  A first-world problem, amiright?

It starts slow since there are varied methods of play to learn and accompanying controls to master. 
Control a Ballista and use different types of upgradeable ammunition to knock down the opposition's castle.  It's physics based so if you are unfamiliar with the play-type, think Angry Birds and Wreckateer. The aiming is a bit hard to master, but crushing the Vikings' castle is so satisfying.

Control Ground Troops like swordsmen, paladins, archers, dragons, and priests.  That mechanic is a bit like a tower defense game where picking the correct types and leveling them can affect the results on the battlefield.  They aren't controlled directly; they are purchased using a renewing pool of resources and are set out at the foot of the castle where they traverse the path between the two castles and fight any enemy in their way.

Magic spells and the summoning of a hero (who looks strangely a bit like my brother) can be chosen to aid in battle.  Controlling the hero is quite a bit of hack-and-slack fun as he, like the magic spells, can be leveled up to do a great deal of damage.

These elements are interchangeable at any time and can be selected to carry out the strategy desired.

Pros

• So freaking funny
• Different ways to play the game
• Some of the best 3D I've seen yet
• Customizable castle, troops, spells, and ammo to perfect a strategy

Cons

• Accurately aiming the ballista is more tedious than it should be

The Wrap Up

This game has a lot of corny humor that completely delighted me and was reminiscent of the Deathspank series which are some of my favorite XBLA games.  It jokingly referenced other games like Angry Birds and The Elder Scrolls: Skyrim.  I really enjoyed playing this in 3D and it looked spectacular.  I'm having fun playing this game and am really glad I got it.
Interested? Check it out and buy it on XBL HERE.

Diablog: Diablo III- A Monk's Tale (Storyline Spoiler-free!)

     I am surprised that I am taking time out from playing Diablo III to write this blog to tell you all about my journey so far as a Monk!  I definitely have some opinions about it and I really wanted to share a bit more about my first foray into the world of Diablo.

Diablog: Diablo III Launch

     Diablo III launched Tuesday, May 15, 2012 at 3AM EST.  It is now exactly 52 hours later, and I have logged almost 23 hours of play...and I couldn't even log in to create a character until the afternoon of launch due to server time outs and error code 37.  To say I am engrossed is an understatement.  Diablo III is the most engaging game launch I have been part of.

     Even though Diablo III is the first in the series I have played, I got a good idea of what to expect as I was beta testing it last year and earlier this year.  I most closely  compared it to