While it's true that electronic gaming is close to my heart -- the grade I had for my undergraduate thesis on that topic would be some proof to that -- I was not, am not, nor will ever be, good at it.I would classify myself somewhere in the "casual gamer" or "play-when-it's-free-during- absolutely-free-time" category, opposite the "hardcore gamers" and "hobbyists" at the other end of the scale.
In my recent visits to the online world, I think I crossed another threshold that may be worth noting (more for my own benefit).
My first mention of Perfect World (PW) in this blog was six months ago. Back then I was already feeling the first signs of boredom due to the somewhat repetitive scenarios and increasingly slow development at higher stages typical of MMORPGs.
Until my online character passed a certain level when something in the game’s system kicks in.
PW has a certain scheme that assures players, after reaching a certain level, a daily supply of that precious experience and soul points, thus allowing us to level-up with minimal effort.
Gain points without breaking a sweat? And with every level comes new scenarios, new stories, better things to do?
It was a sweet deal for casual players like myself who sorely lack internet connection speed and the time to go online.
And so... the game stayed in my hard disk.
This scheme proved to be beneficial. After several months, during occasional insomnia attacks, my online character managed to reach level 60.
Reaching 60 in PW opened up a lot of things. Most significant of which, in my opinion, would be getting invitations from relatively more established and more organized Clans.
It was a refreshing change. Such Clans have recruiting officers who usually know how to politely reply to my typical response, "Thanks, but sorry I'm not very active," when my character gets invited. And they usually do so in correct English or Filipino, and (thank goodness) with correct spelling.
Over three months ago, I had an invitation from a clan officer who was more earnest and persuasive than anyone before.
And so I joined, and became the Clan's resident "lurker/AFK (away from keyboard)" member (I'm such a useless member, I know). Being a healer class, when time allows it, I try to do support and "ambulance" duties.But certain pressures stirred within (I was afraid of this): I want to keep up with everyone. I wish I could be as good as the rest, if not better. Most of all, I wish I could do more for the clan (I can't help it -- they're such a helpful and jolly crowd. Though tuning in to their chats sometimes drive me nuts).
Someday, maybe...
After passing another threshold.
I don't think I'd be moving anywhere in the gamers' scale soon.
***
The Beijing Olympics on TV...I was left in awe by the deluge of ads celebrating the Olympic spirit -- images of human power, pain, joy, fun, and victory.
Simply inspiring.
4 comments:
More time spent playing is always a big factor for power gamers. I prefer single player RPGs these days because of the Save Game feature (I can start and end playing anytime and no peer pressure). Perfect World looks interesting though :D
Do you remember what level you are referring to on this post (where you gain xp/points without breaking a sweat)? It might take me a while to get to this level you mentioned but good to know otherwise.
Speaking of PSOne, I downloaded an emulator and played FFVI on my PC late last year. The disc was just gathering dust with the rest of the other PS1 games and I have never played it before. The game was great although I never finished it (i think i only played 25% of the game). One good thing that came out of it was finding out that Uematsu's greatest work on the series might have been compiled on that one game.
That would be level 30, mig. You'll have a repeatable quest (you can do it once a day) where you buy (mura lang), refine, and distribute stones. It's called "Crazy Stone Quest" here, it could be different there.
Happy levelling, dude. Wag ma-adik haha!
Go PSOne!
Cool! 4 more levels to go.
Post a Comment