WIHILA D&D Next (Accessibility)

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After a series of diversions, I’d like to return to form with this column. WIHILA is kind of my way to deliver a hypothesis about a game before I’ve played or finished playing it. This hypothesis is generally prompted by the questions ‘What do I hope I’m going to like about this specific game?’ or ‘What is this game in a position to do, from which I might learn?’ This week, that game is Dungeons & Dragons, and more specifically D&D Next (the next iteration of D&D, currently in open playtesting).

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Playing with Odds (Part I)

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Link Eyes

Playing games has helped me grasp the variety of settings where applying probability can be valuable. More specifically, it has aided me in getting a handle on how to use probability to assess acceptable risks and then accept losses given these risks. Continue reading →

WILA Extra Credits (Core Aesthetics)

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Though a shout-out on its own is not really this column’s style, there’s a lot to be learned from the many sources of insight and information out there on the expansive and noisy internet. This is a bit of a departure from the usual, but I’d like to touch upon one general game design concept (Core Aesthetics) that a weekly webseries titled Extra Credits has covered quite well with their own experiences and examples.

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WIHILA FFXIV: A Realm Reborn AND Elder Scrolls Online Part IV (Pacing)

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You have probably gotten accustomed to my formula by now. What do I expect from Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn? Stuff a lot like previous Final Fantasies and similar games, but with an MMO twist. What do I expect from Elder Scrolls Online? Stuff a lot like previous Elder Scrolls games, but with an MMO twist. What do I hope for from both of them? That they do it well, as has been demonstrated is possible by successful examples mixed and matched from said previous games. Might the games have shots of creative brilliance? Of course, and I hope they do, but I’ll leave that as a task for the developers, and be pleasantly surprised if they deliver. Continue reading →

WIHILA Elder Scrolls Online Part III (Combat)

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Welcome to Part III of a four-parter about the elements I hope I like in two big upcoming MMORPGs: Final Fantasy 14: A Realm Reborn, and Elder Scrolls Online. Part I introduced my overall expectations, perspective, and the topics I wanted to discuss, while Part II delved into Character Customisation.

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WIHILA FFXIV: A Realm Reborn Part III (Combat)

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Welcome to Part III of a four-parter about the elements I hope I like in two big upcoming MMORPGs: Final Fantasy 14: A Realm Reborn, and Elder Scrolls Online. Part I introduced my overall expectations, perspective, and the topics I wanted to discuss, while Part II delved into Character Customisation.

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Seeing Random Walks in Speed Runs (Part II)

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Link Eyes

Understanding that the path to success has its ups and downs has been an integral part in keeping a positive attitude during times of scattered results… there are always peaks and troughs in the path to a happy and fulfilling life.

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Seeing Random Walks in Speed Runs (Part I)

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Link Eyes

3…2…1… GO!!! And the race is off. Got the boost. Looking good. Drift the corner and…. WO!?!? there goes my ghost from last run. An unforgettable and befuzzling event that seems to be a motif of speed runs and time trials. Continue reading →