Wednesday, August 29, 2012

AirMech (RTS, action)

A recent article in the newspaper introduced to me the game AirMech by Carbon Games. It is an RTS where the player controls one unit while directing an army of creeps to smash the opposition. The game is free but there are unlockables that give more stuff to play with. Paying with real money unlocks stuff faster, though there are also exclusive items that must be bought with real money.

And here's the fun part: that one unit the player controls is an AirMech, a transformable air-ground unit. As an air unit, it is fast, allowing the player to go around the battlefield quickly so he/she will almost always be able to get to the action. Almost, because if the AirMech is destroyed, the player will be stuck staring at the main base as it assembles a new AirMech.

As a ground unit, the AirMech is a robot that deals destruction. Well, some of them do, particularly the AirMechs designed for direct combat.
The AirMech.
In a normal game, the player has to defend his/her main base while attacking that of the opposition. The player directly controls the AirMech. The player may build creeps - tanks, infantry, turrets - to help in the battle. The AirMech can directly transport these creeps to the action. Specialized AirMechs can even carry multiple tanks.

As the player plays, the AirMech gains experience. At each level up, health and fuel/energy is restored (this saved me a number of times). The player also gains a skill point that may be spent on upgrades to improve the AirMech, which may be active skills or passives. A general upgrade available to all AirMech improves the stats of the creeps.

There are also guardians, little orbs that hover close and support the AirMech. However, the AirMech has limited slots for those (starts with 0, zero). Some guardians provide repairs while others attack as the AirMech opens fire.

There is a tutorial to explain the basics of playing the game.

The tutorial does not explain that to activate an AirMech's ability, the right-mouse-click is used. There is also a keyboard button for that, which may be specified in the Settings. Some abilities require the left-mouse-click while the right-mouse-click is held down.

The tutorial does not introduce the guardians either.
Lexi fan club.
Before the battle, the player may set the composition of his/her army. There is the AirMech type to choose, along with the pilot, which give passive bonuses and penalties. There are also the creeps that the player may build in the game.

AirMechs, pilots and creeps have to be purchased with Kudos (in-game currency) or Diamonds (bought with real money). However, there may be trial items which are available for players to use for a limited time, presumably so they may try out those items.

The game does get slow when there is lots of action on screen. Though that is likely because of my old computer.

The main problem with the game at the moment is the lack of online players. There is offline play available, but those only award Kudos and XP for the first 90 minutes of play daily - enough for three games. Online play provides unlimited Kudos and XP - if players on a game with little lag can be found.

Do note that Coop PvE play is also subjected to that 90-minute rule. This makes Survival popular for players who want to buddy-up against the AI.

Overall, AirMech combines the fun of robotic destruction and the joy of, uh, ferrying troops into battle. It is more enjoyable to play with others, that is, if online players may be found. Perhaps, as word of the game spreads, there shall be more players later.
It's really hard to get action screenshots on an old computer with no game pause.
For screenshots with action, look in Carbon Games.

Saturday, August 25, 2012

Buddy Rush: Genzir the Storm's Set (1.7.0)

Genzir the Storm does lots of damage so his raids tend to be painful. After enduring 38 raids, I have finally completed Genzir the Storm's set.
Set complete!
There are four items in Genzir the Storm's set. Each has to be individually looted after beating the raid boss.
Rags of Genzir the Storm
Bracer of Genzir the Storm
Tooth of Genzir the Storm
I accidentally Refined the Tooth of Genzir the Storm. The unRefined version has: Att+44, MP+28, Skill Pow+43.5%, Skill CoolTime-2.4sec, MP Regen+5%.
Hammer of Genzir the Storm
The complete set effect with all four items equipped on the same character is:
Att+290
Def+40
HP+300
HP Regen+10%
MP+28
MP Regen+5%
Critical+11.5%
Evade+5%
Stun+0%
Hit Speed+12%
Skill Pow+114.5%
Skill CoolTime-4sec

It should be noted that Genzir the Storm's set has below average Def. However, it does have good Att, Critical, Hit Speed and Skill Pow, along with reasonable Skill CoolTime. This makes the set good for damage dealing. With zero Stun, it is not suitable for inhibiting the baddies' ability do deal damage.

Ironically, the best opponent for the set is Genzir the Storm since he is immune to Stun. The low Def would not last long against the raid boss' heavy attacks, though.

I equipped the set on Nagne since he could use the high Att and Skill Pow. The moderate Skill CoolTime is not much of a problem if his 'Forgetful Nagne' activates, which is helped by the extra Critical and Hit Speed.
Too bad he cannot dual-wield the sword and hammer.
I also equipped the Titanium Sword set to further boost Nagne's damage-dealing potential. The Titanium Sword set adds lots of Att along with more Critical and Hit Speed. It also gives a little Stun. Nagne's high Hit Speed from the equipment and his Swordmastery passive skill give him plenty of opportunities to Stun.

Update 21 September 2012:
I have completed a second Genzir the Storm's set! I have equipped the set on Skully.
Many bullets will fly with this. :)
I added Skully's Skull Necklace (purple!) and Turtle Shell (red) in order to give Skully more Stun, Skill Pow, Skill CoolTime and a whole lot more Hit Speed. These bonuses will help her deal more damage through skill-spamming. They also increase her potential to Stun since Genzir the Storm's set does not have Stun.

The extra Critical and Evade is helpful too.

Buddy Rush: August 2012 Comedy Screenies

With the Eighth Wave, I hope to get more screenies. So the August screenies have been moved here from the previous collection.
---

Update 13 August 2012:
So close to the Treasure Chest!
Update 25 August 2012:
Remarkably, the map of Mission 2 of Chapter 13 feels a lot like the one in the Prologue.
First time along this path, I expected a giant boulder to roll in from the right.
Betty Jr's new size presents a difficulty.
Betty Jr grew too big to be heard.
Update 27 August 2012:
OMG! Botherella, Wat R U doing!?
Update 28 August 2012:
I forgot something before raiding Genzir the Storm...
What's wrong with this screenie?
Update 30 August 2012:
"Puny little one will now teach me new skills!"

Friday, August 24, 2012

Buddy Rush: The Eighth Wave

The Eighth Wave is here!

The first thing I noticed was the new attendance system, which has a chance to give an accessory on the 20th day.

The second thing I noticed were the missing weapons in the character image. I think this is because the buddies get new weapons on Class Advancement. Class Advancement is the major addition in this wave.
The character images on the right seem plain.
In order to qualify for Class Advancement, the character must be at Level 100 and must master all missions up to Chapter 12. I assume that the Hard missions have to be mastered too. Once the requirements are met, the character may then proceed on a Class Advancement Mission, which is to obtain a Blue Diamond. The mission itself is fairly easy, especially after Genzir the Storm.

By the way, it is said that Genzir the Storm is now immune to Stun.
Why isn't it a sapphire?
Anyway, once I obtained the Blue Diamond, I got the following:
Guess everyone is playing at the time, or they are still patching the game.
After loading the game again, my character has a new class, a new weapon (Att +5%), a new Ultimate Skill, and access to Chapter 13, Doppelia.
New chapter.
Ultimate Skill!
Skully has new guns.
Wolfgang gets a new look too!
The baddies in the new chapter has tons of HP but deal normal damage. Bring lots of firepower. Or bring Boorseye and his 'One Shot One Kill'.

There are also new items in the shop with equipment for lower-level characters and purple equipment that are missing its counterparts. I guess that the missing items are found in missions, or maybe raid.
Purple item missing a partner.
Remember to turn on the Damage Meter after loading the game. Meanwhile, here are more screenshots:
"Mummy?"
Betty Junior grows up.
"Where are the new shoes!?"

Papa's Freezeria (time management, skill)

Since I have been sick the past few days, I spent quite some time playing Papa's Freezeria by Flipline Studios. It was mainly because of the Yo Dawg quest over at Kongregate. Otherwise, I would not have considered playing the game.
Customers in the shop.
Papa's Freezeria is a time-management game where the player prepares sundaes to serve to customers. Putting together a sundae requires reflexes, time-keeping and some cursor-moving skill. The customer judges the quality of the final product and tips accordingly. Tips are used to upgrade the equipment and buy decorations for the shop.
The topping is the hardest part for me.
Basically, the customer comes to the store and makes an order. Some customers take forever to tell their orders - this can be improved by pleasing specific customers repeatedly. Then it is off to creating the sundae according to the customer's specifications.

There are three processes involved in the creation of a sundae. The Build process is a game of reflexes where the player has to select the right items and syrups (the easy part) and push a button when a moving arrow is on the green part of the bar (the hard part, when in a hurry). The next process is the Mix, where the sundae is to be blended a set amount of time according to the customer's order. This can take a while so the player may do something else while waiting. It is a little annoying to forget about a sundae left blending. That is, until alarm upgrades are bought.

The last process is to add the Topping. This is a true test of cursor mastery to squeeze all the toppings on top of the sundae. Evenly, in the specified order and arrangement. And without spilling anything. Needless to say that this step of the process is where I have the most trouble.
The customer approves, despite the lop-sided topping.
The final product is then presented to the customer for approval. Each part of the build process, as well as the time taken, will be considered. Points and tips are awarded based on the final result.

However, it is tougher than it looks. Because the mix process takes time and the customers keep coming, it is best for the player to manage the creation of several sundaes at once.
My favorite customer, because she order's an easy topping!
I find Papa's Freezeria quite interesting because of the skill involved. It is always a challenge to get that sundae just right, while managing the creation of a few others at the same time. It is fun to master the system and it is very satisfying to get a Perfect with a 100% score on each of the four categories.

Besides the sundae creation, there are achievements to fulfill and customers to please. Repeatedly pleased customers will be upgraded to a higher star award, which means more tips and more importantly, they will speak their orders faster. In addition, there are store decorations to buy with the tip money along with upgrades to help with sundae creation.

To summarize, Papa's Freezeria is a game of time-management and skill. It is easy to play, but the fun part is in mastering the game.

I wish I could have one of those sundaes. They really do look yummy!
I got a perfect score and it's not Clair!
Update 20 March 2014:
Here are more screenshots:
Customers blowing gum.
No more stars after Gold.
Special Guest!
It's Ninjoy! (No, she's not the Special Guest.)

Friday, August 10, 2012

Onward to Greater Challenges, Interlude

Hey, there. It's Taciturn Female Healer here in the Narration Room. Well, that's the end of the second story of our heroes who spend a lot of time talking... literally. They did just spend a lot of time talking in the inn after all.

Anyway, it's time for a break. I need a break from playing Taciturn Female Healer for a while. She was kind of fun to play at first, but for a perpetually optimistic cheerful bundle of violence, well, I've to spend the day charging up on 'cheerfulness' to properly voice my character.

Ah, Iona is more suited for the cheerful characters but she's busy with the Wasteland Vixens series. Thankfully Taciturn Female Healer does not talk as much as the other characters.

The next adventure will see our heroes attempting a Dungeon. We shall see how their new tactic works.

***

Onward to Greater Challenges, Part 6: The Dejection

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
I'm bored.

Typical Bespectacled Mage
We can't do any Quest while we're at zero Hit Point anyway.

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
Can't we travel to another place? At least somewhere with a scenery?

Typical Bespectacled Mage
We can't do that. Traveling is considered a Quest. Taciturn Female Healer can take us but she'll get all the Experience and loot.

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
Can't we check the surrounding area for Dungeons?

Typical Bespectacled Mage
That's a Quest too.

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
What about making a delivery?

Typical Bespectacled Mage
Quest.

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
Part-time job?

Typical Bespectacled Mage
Quest, too.

Noisy Boy
Taciturn Female Healer single-handedly defeated Random Goblin Party!

***

Typical Bespectacled Mage
Explain to me something...

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
Ask away, fellow member of our depressing gathering of zero Hit Point unfortunates.

Typical Bespectacled Mage
Where did you get an Epic Name? As I understand, an Epic Name requires either an Epic Class or a parent who's in an Epic Class.

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
Oh, my name's given by my mummy. She's the Scarlet-Wrapped Maiden of the Burning Arrow.

Typical Bespectacled Mage
Scarlet... your mother is the Scarlet-Wrapped Maiden of the Burning Arrow!?

Cliched Spikey-Haired Swordsman
Privileged am I to be in the presence of the progeny of such a famous heroine!

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
Wait, Cliched Spikey-Haired Swordsman was here the whole time?

Typical Bespectacled Mage
Scarlet-Wrapped Maiden of the Burning Arrow is at least a Level-2000 Deadly-Eye Mummy! And that's an Epic Class!

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
Level 2425, last she told me.

Cliched Spikey-Haired Swordsman
I do wonder what man could have sired a child with a lady of such greatness.

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
Oh, uh, I don't really like to talk about daddy.

Typical Bespectacled Mage
Why not?

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
He kind of knocked-off mummy, ran away and left me as a souvenir.

Cliched Spikey-Haired Swordsman
What man would dare offend an Epic-Class lady in such a manner!? What wrath could she visit upon so audacious a man!?

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
Heavenly Bronze Narcissus.

Typical Bespectacled Mage
You're joking.

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
No, I'm not.

Cliched Spikey-Haired Swordsman
Correct me if I am mistaken but is not Heavenly Bronze Narcissus a Level-9999 Demigod of Glory?

Typical Bespectacled Mage
Demigod of Glory is an Immortal class!

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
That's him.

Typical Bespectacled Mage
At least we now know where you've got your charming personality from.

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
What was that?

Typical Bespectacled Mage
I said, 'we now know where you've got your charm from'.

That Annoying Interrupting Man
Taciturn Female Healer just beat Emerald-Scaled Dragon of Dizzy Cliff Roost.

Cliched Spikey-Haired Swordsman
I must announce that my patience has reached its end!

***

Cliched Spikey-Haired Swordsman
Though there are only three days left before we are restored of our condition of Out, I shall pay for Ressurrects for each of us so we may adventure again!

Typical Bespectacled Mage
That's nice, except that we need a Hospital for that and, as we've discovered when we arrived, there's none in this settlement.

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
And there's no Healer capable of Resurrect among the travelers. I checked, everyday.

Typical Bespectacled Mage
There should be a Hospital at That Other Town.

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
But as you say, it's a Quest to travel there.

***

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
Two days left to positive Hit Points...

Hey, could Taciturn Female Healer have done that?

Typical Bespectacled Mage
Done what?

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
Beat Emerald-Scaled Dragon of Dizzy Cliff Roost?

Typical Bespectacled Mage
Think about it. Emerald-Scaled Dragon of Dizzy Cliff Roost is a level 500+ F-Rank Forest Dragon. That is a Prestige Class. Taciturn Female Healer is only in a Basic Class. She would have to be at least level 1000 in her present class to take on that thing alone.

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
Then what about what That Annoying Interrupting Man shouted in our faces earlier?

Typical Bespectacled Mage
Oh, that? I noticed that he only told that news to us and no one else. Also, there's no other mention of this among the rumors and we've lots of time to listen to rumors.

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
So... Taciturn Female Healer sent him to taunt us.

Typical Bespectacled Mage
Correct.

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
I hate her.

****

Taciturn Female Healer
Hey, everyone, I'm back!

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
Oh, look who's decided to join us!

Typical Bespectacled Mage
Is that a new Steel Battle Ax I'm seeing? Been harassing the local population, I guess.

Taciturn Female Healer
Oh, I haven't just been fighting. I've explored the area and found several Dungeons we can try once everyone's back to positive Hit Points tomorrow.

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
We love you!

***

Onward to Greater Challenges, Part 5: The Stopover

Typical Bespectacled Mage
Today, let me explain what Reclassification is.

Reclassification is when a character chooses to start over in a new class, either a different one or one that is better than the one he was in. For example, my Class is known as Mage. However, I am not stuck as a Mage forever. I can, after some time of adventuring, choose to Reclassify myself as a new, different Class. Maybe a Healer.

When I Reclassify myself, I become a Level 1 Healer. However, I keep any Skills from my previous Mage class that I have invested Skill Points into. Thus, I can be a Healer who is able to cast damage-dealing spells in addition to being able to Heal.

With Reclassification, I can grow stronger by adding more and more Skills. In addition, there are greater Classes out there. The Mage is only a Basic Class. After that, there are Advanced, Prestige, Epic and Legendary Classes. When I meet the requirements, I can Reclassify myself in a better class and gain the benefits of better Stats and Skills.

Now does anyone have any questions?

Obnoxious Kid
Why are you wearing that dorky-looking Cardboard with Crossed-Eyed Smiley?

Typical Bespectacled Mage
Oh, uh, that's because I'm Out.

Obnoxious Kid
Out?

Typical Bespectacled Mage
I've Zero Hit Points, okay?

***

Cliched Spikey-Haired Swordsman
Shackled by the status of Out with no Hit Points, there is no feat that I may perform. And thus do I, Cliched Spikey-Haired Swordsman, and my fellow companions, Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace and Typical Bespectacled Mage, rest within these walls of Reasonably Comfortable Inn at Some Backwater Crossroad, still a ways from our destination of That Other Town.

Typical Bespectacled Mage
Explain to me something...

Cliched Spikey-Haired Swordsman
Yes, Typical Bespectacled Mage!

Typical Bespectacled Mage
Taciturn Female Healer is more experienced than the rest of us. Why recruit her?

Cliched Spikey-Haired Swordsman
I had hoped that with Taciturn Female Healer on our side, we might challenge greater foes and attempt greater Quests and as such reap greater rewards in gold and experience!

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
I'd like to point out one little problem with that plan...

Typical Bespectacled Mage
The one where Taciturn Female Healer is out there beating greater foes while we're stuck here with zero Hit Points?

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
That's the one.

***

Typical Bespectacled Mage
If I may make a suggestion concerning our future battle tactics...

Cliched Spikey-Haired Swordsman
I shall always have an ear for words of wisdom!

Typical Bespectacled Mage
Let Taciturn Female Healer be the tank. She's got more Hit Points and Toughness than you do, and she has Regeneration!

Cliched Spikey-Haired Swordsman
But the leader should always be at the vanguard to meet the foe! He must lead at the front to inspire his party with his bravery! He must show his defiance at the forces of the opposing side!

Typical Bespectacled Mage
I'd like to point out that you won't be doing much inspiring or defying if you're Out.

***

Typical Bespectacled Mage
Okay, so we've ourselves a new party tactic. We pick a fight against a party with a high-level opponent and a few lower-level ones.

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
We'll set Taciturn Female Healer loose on the high-level one on the other side.

Typical Bespectacled Mage
Right. Meanwhile, the rest of us mop up the lower-level combatants. Once we're done, we'll take potshots on that high-level opponent for extra Experience.

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
And collect the increased loot at the end of it all!

Cliched Spikey-Haired Swordsman
It is with reluctance that I accept these changes to the way we battle!

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
I'd like to point out one little problem with our plan...

Typical Bespectacled Mage
The one where Taciturn Female Healer is out there gaining Experience and looting gold while we're stuck here with zero Hit Points?

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
That's the one.

Loud Passing Youth
Taciturn Female Healer just defeated Unfortunate Forest Giant!

***

Onward to Greater Challenges, Part 4: The Aftermath

Cliched Spikey-Haired Swordsman
I must admit that the battle could have gone better.

Typical Bespectacled Mage
Yes, it could, seeing how Taciturn Female Healer is the only one left with positive Hit Points.

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
Let's start with the three of you charging at a sizable higher-level opponent without me.

Cliched Spikey-Haired Swordsman
Ah, but Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace, I had been certain that the three of us would be sufficient for the battle with Tougher Lesser Giant as we have Taciturn Female Healer on our side!

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
What makes you so confident in her abilities anyway?

Cliched Spikey-Haired Swordsman
Unlike you, me or Typical Bespectacled Mage, who are fresh into the world of adventure, Taciturn Female Healer has walked the road of battle before! Taciturn Female Healer had achieved level 100 as a Healer before she Reclassified herself as the Barbarian she is at present.

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
Wait a minute, we HAD a Healer!?

***

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
Explain to me something...

Taciturn Female Healer
If I can.

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
You were a Healer.

Taciturn Female Healer
Yes.

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
But you can't cast any Healing now.

Taciturn Female Healer
Yes.

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
Didn't you invest any Skill Points into Healing!?

Taciturn Female Healer
Oh, no. I invested my Skill Points into Stat Growth for Hit Points, Dexterity and Toughness. The two Regeneration Skills also took a chunk. Those were the skills I need to stay longer in a battle!

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
So basically you've invested in healing for yourself!

***

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
Explain to me something...

Typical Bespectacled Mage
If I may.

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
After Cliched Spikey-Haired Swordsman hit zero Hit Points, why did you charge up next to Tougher Lesser Giant?

Typical Bespectacled Mage
It seemed like a good idea at that time. I was out of Mana Points. All I could do was hit him with my Cedar Walking Staff. So I thought I might as well score myself some Experience Points seeing that he was of higher level. Besides, Taciturn Female Healer was the greater threat and I'm hardly doing any damage.

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
And that's when he backhanded you to zero Hit Points.

Typical Bespectacled Mage
Tougher Lesser Giant had no reason too! He should be concentrating on the greater threat!

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
Do you seriously expect everyone to think as rationally as you?

***

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
Taciturn Female Healer, do you want me to hold your purse? Since I'm Out, no one can challenge me for my gold.

Taciturn Female Healer
That's nice of you to offer, but no thanks.

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
Don't you trust me?

Taciturn Female Healer
It's not that. I need my gold with me to maintain my Booty. People may not want to fight me if I've no Booty reward on me.

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
Wait, you still wish another fight!?

Taciturn Female Healer
Hey, look! Unlucky Common Bear! Battle!

***

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
Let's just get to That Other Town and get Resurrected.

Cliched Spikey-Haired Swordsman
Sad am I to say that our journey shall have to be delayed. For being burdened by Out, we may only advance to the nearest settlement.

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
Uh, you're joking! You mean we can only go to Some Backwater Crossroad while we're Out!?

Typical Bespectacled Mage
Unfortunately, that's true. Unless Taciturn Female Healer were to take us the rest of the way to That Other Town, we may only travel to the nearest settlement. However, she's busy playing.

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
This sucks.

Typical Bespectacled Mage
Just be grateful. In the old days, before The Rules were changed, a party of Out characters may only await rescue. They couldn't even put up a tent if it rained!

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
Okay, let's get to Some Backwater Crossroad and get Resurrected.

Typical Bespectacled Mage
By the way, can you afford your Resurrect? You paid all your gold to Goblin Warlord earlier and your Booty from that one fight today isn't enough.

Gorgeous Lady Archer of Epic Grace
Damn it!

***