Dungeon Siege is one of my favorite video games of all time. I've replayed it close to a dozen times over the years (probably more). I love customizing my team. I recently played through and beat the game with wizards only. It was not easy. I thought I'd go through and rank each area and town in the game out of 10.
Points will be given for secret areas, things to do besides fighting, and cool bosses. Points will be taken away for being too long and annoying enemies. I'll also give or take away points based on the town's or area's overall aesthetic. In chronological order...
Farmlands - 7/10
It's a solid start to the game. The Krug are a good first enemy to fight. There's a hidden area with a bear that I didn't see on my first couple of playthroughs. I like the basement area where you have to beat a Krug "boss." I have to take points away, however, because in this area, I have to leave items behind on the ground. There are no merchants until Stonebridge, and you typically don't get the Transmute spell early enough. And the inventory is only so much until you can get pack mules.
Crypt of the Sacred Blood - 6/10
Again, I hate having to leave items behind. I'm not going to backtrack for all of them. The skeleton enemies are easy enough if you have a ranged weapon/attack and just keep your distance. I just think it's pretty boring. As you'll see, I'm not the biggest fan of underground areas. I like how you finally get your first companion in Ulora, but until then, this area is a bit of a drag. And of course, the dungeon ends soon after meeting her.
Stonebridge - 8.5/10
I love Stonebridge. There's so much to do. In fact, if I had a critique, it's that there's too much to do. It's the first town in the game, and for beginners, it's easy to miss things. For example, the first few times I played, I missed the Ordus' Axe quest and even missed finding Rusk! As for the aesthetic, it loses a 1/2 point or so with me because everyone in the town is so gloomy and upset about the recent Krug attack.
Ruins of Wesrin Cross - 5.5/10
Another underground part and another part I don't particularly like. My least favorite part of Wesrin Cross is the underground tunnel maze. I hate thinking that there's an area I missed, and it's very difficult to know for sure. Then, of course, there's the giant area with about a hundred enemies, resulting in a giant spider boss at the end. Let's just say I'm always so glad to be done with this area.
Glitterdelve Mines - 6.5/10
I'm not a huge fan of the mines, either. Sure, you get Gloern at the start, but he's okay at best (and typically falls behind guys like Rusk and Kroduk). It's pretty repetitive, with little to no payoff. I don't like the moving platforms and trying to fit my entire party, pack mule(s) and all, on them. The rock beasts are always tough. This rating would be higher if the previous area wasn't also underground. Fortunately, there's a merchant right before this area.
Glacern - 9.5/10
I LOVE Glacern. It's the best town in the game. My favorite part of the game is when I first enter Glacern and hear that awesome music. If you haven't listened, I recommend checking it out. There's so much to do in Glacern: Adding Kroduk and Lorun, talking to the Overseer, talking to Ada. There's even an underground basement area in one of the houses. Also, there's a mini-quest involving finding the three volumes of Fedwyyr's Way. I just love Glacern. It's the perfect size, too. I can't give it a perfect rating because I wish the merchants weren't separate (The spells and potion merchant and the armor and weapons merchant).
Alpine Cavern Ice Caves - 7/10
It's an okay area. The enemies aren't too annoying, although the sound they make sort of is. There is a nice payoff in finding Merik near the end. It can be challenging if you get too many ice beasts fighting you at once, so you must be careful. I just don't like the feeling of being in a cave with no daylight coming through.
Caves - 5.5/10
It's just so dark. The enemies, like lungers, suck. The music and aesthetic is one of the worst in the game. It's not terribly difficult, at least. But there aren't any hidden areas or merchants (you have a rude merchant, Jeriah, beforehand and a merchant after, though). I have never been fond of this area, but they somehow have to transition from snow to a forest.
Traveler Camp/Dark Forest - 8.5/10
I lumped these two together as no defined barriers (walls) separate the camp from the forest. Anyway, I do really enjoy this part. You get merchants at the start and get an archer you can add to your group in Phaedriel. Then there is the forest, where you encounter your only human enemies in the game, the bandits. They are tough but beatable, so long as you take on as few of them at once as possible. And I count three secret areas, from the riverside camp to the secret bandit fortress to the Lost Witch. And the bandit camp where the bandit boss is has a ton of great loot. I only wish I didn't have to go back to the previous merchant as much.
Eastern Swamp - 8/10
I used to hate this area. Now I like it. It's a massive area, and the path becomes less defined. The enemies are fairly annoying. I like the crypt/graveyard area, and man, those corpses can swarm on you quickly. You find a wizard in Andiemus you can add, and soon after, a merchant who is a sight for sore eyes (although she's a creepy old lady). I also like how there's an area where a part of your party can fall through the ground to an area below. It always catches me off guard.
Underground Factory - 6.5/10
There's no official name for this area that I have seen, but it's after the swamp where you find Merik's staff. Anyway, this factory area has a ton of tough enemies that can seem endless, hence the tough rating I gave it. A boss is guarding Merik's staff, who is very tough. But fortunately, he has a ton of good loot. There is a secret area or two, which does help keep things interesting if you can find them.
Temple Ruins - 7.5/10
This includes the preceding forest, as I consider that sizable enough to be included. I like this area. The merchant, Thayne, is a funny dude ("I'm very sure I shall be SEEING you again..."). I'd bet a lot of money his voice actor also voiced Baron Dumas in No One Lives Forever. Anyway, there's a quest where you have to go underground and fight a bunch of lungers and other enemies, which isn't particularly fun. But I love being able to return to Thayne many times to sell the gear I've found.
Fortress Kroth - 7/10
I'm fairly indifferent to this area. It's all right. You stumble across Boryev, who's an interesting solider/sorcerer hybrid you can add to your party. The skeleton enemies are ok to fight as they're extremely slow. I don't like fighting the boss, though. He is tough. But what must be included is the actual Fortress, where you meet two merchants and Rhut at the end. Rhut isn't worth it unless you want a team of all-melee fighters. I love the music at Fortress Kroth though, second best to Glacern. But there's not as much to do.
Cliffs of Fire - 7.5/10
First, you meet Ulfgrim, who is the third dwarf melee fighter (and he costs a lot of gold), so I hardly ever add him to my party. What pushes this rating up for me are the breathtaking views you get as you rise in elevation. I love how the paths intercross each other as you go higher; that was an interesting design concept. The enemies are okay, but they can be tough. I do like the payoff at the end with finding the good Droogs and their leader who you can trade with. It didn't hit me until recently that she is the second-to-last merchant in the game.
Dragon's Rathe - 6.5/10
It's not a big area, but it has perhaps the most memorable boss in the game, the giant dragon. I remember the dragon has over 30,000 hit points, so it always takes a long time to take the dragon down. Fortunately, it's worth it, as the dragon is surrounded by a ton of loot. The battle can be long and tedious as you just repeatedly attack it, so it loses points there.
Castle Ehb - 9/10
First off, you have the area before the castle, which includes a secret area with skeleton fighters and a maze. There's some loot there, but not a ton. You also get the last possible addition to your party in Lord Bolingar. He's a good melee fighter if you need one. Then you get to the castle, which I love exploring. You go through its many rooms, including where the king slept and the throne room. You go all around and above it to find an elevator that takes you below the Castle. Of course, the Seck enemies are very tough and must be cautiously approached.
Underneath Castle Ehb - 8.5/10
Again, no official name, but there's a lot you go through. You get to the King, who gives you a key. You also meet your final merchant of the game, who you interestingly talk to through jail doors. I can just picture each side sending armor and weapons through the bars. After the merchant, there's more fighting, including some weird Cyclops-like prisoner named Swanny. You can get his club if you defeat him. Then you can get to the Chamber of Stars area, which unlocks the absolute best loot in the game if you use the key given to you by the king. Next is the lava area, which leads to the final area and the game's final boss in Gom. This is a very solid finish to the game. The Chamber of Stars is certainly a highlight.
Showing posts with label Computer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Computer. Show all posts
Friday, December 2, 2022
Rating Dungeon Siege Areas and Towns
Monday, April 13, 2020
Fortnite Stereotypes
I'm a huge fan of Dude Perfect's "Stereotypes" series, so I thought it would be cool to describe some Fortnite gamer stereotypes. These are obviously exaggerated, just like the ones Dude Perfect does. Some of these, I will admit to being at one time or another. And I will say after each one if I ever am that stereotype when playing Fortnite. And hey, maybe Dude Perfect (or someone else) could make this into a video one day. Here are the Fortnite stereotypes:
The Hardcore sweat: A player that is button-mashing like crazy, spamming 90's and just has to kill as many people as possible. Shows him killing everyone he can, even people that are emoting or trying to get away. And of course, sweat is pouring down his face the whole time.
Is this ever me? No. One, I'm not skilled enough, and two, even if I was skilled enough, I think it's just kinda sad IMO.
The Architect: All they do during games is build things. They show a player having built the Taj Mahal or something similar. Or a player that's constantly in Creative mode making new maps.
Is this ever me? Rarely. I'm not hugely creative. When I first got into Fortnite I built a few things in the now-defunct Playground mode.
The Mobile Player: Someone who gets made fun of for playing on mobile. They explain how they don't own a good enough PC or current console. They constantly struggle with building and aiming.
Is this ever me? I have played Fortnite on mobile, but only to accomplish challenges that require two players (i.e. revive a friend in a match). But I relate to the gamers that don't own a PC or new enough console, as that used to be me.
The dancer: All they do during a match is dance and emote. They get into a squads game and their teammates get frustrated with them. This person also encourages others to emote with them.
Is this ever me? Only if I'm bored in a match and waiting for something to happen.
Moneybags: Someone who buys all the skins and everything else in the item shop. They get asked when they're ever going to use a certain skin, and they just reply "I dunno, I just like having it."
Is this ever me? I've probably bought more skins than I need, but I really do limit myself. I only have 50-some skins, mostly from the Battle Passes I've purchased.
The Rage Monster: If you watch Dude Perfect's stereotypes, you knew this was coming. This is someone that rages at the end of every match. They throw their controller (perhaps into the TV). Or if they're on a PC, they smash their keyboard against the wall, throw their monitor, and chuck their PC out a window.
Is this ever me? Yes, and more often than I'd care to admit. Although I don't damage my possessions... much.
The AFK but somehow ends up winning: The player that is away from their game for most of the match, but at the end they finally pay attention and they win.
Is this ever me? Sometimes I'll start a game, hide, and get something done like chores. I have won one or two of those types of games, so yes, this can be me.
The person who always dies early: They go for a chest at the same time as someone else but can never get the gun. Perhaps someone asks them why they don't land somewhere less crowded. They just respond saying, "Nah, man, you gotta land in those hot zones. That's where it's at."
Is this ever me? I try to avoid those kinds of places, so not really. But on occasion I will die early, regardless.
The Challenge Completer: Players who just play to accomplish challenges. It shows someone going to ridiculous lengths to complete a challenge, perhaps ignoring their squad.
Is this ever me? Yes, quite often. As I usually play solo and don't really care if I win or not, I often go for the challenge even if it hurts my chances of winning.
The Camper: Shows a player who camps in a bush the entire match. They get asked, "How is that even fun?" And they just respond, "Well, I always get top 10, do you?"
Is this ever me? Yes, but really only when I go off to do chores or other tasks.
The Sneak: They sneak around like some kind of stealthy secret agent. When they see another player they instantly hide until they can no longer see them.
Is this ever me? Yes, fairly often. Part of the fun to Fortnite (IMO) is being sneaky. I get a bit of a thrill when I'm able to sneak past or hide and some other player doesn't notice me.
The Hardcore sweat: A player that is button-mashing like crazy, spamming 90's and just has to kill as many people as possible. Shows him killing everyone he can, even people that are emoting or trying to get away. And of course, sweat is pouring down his face the whole time.
Is this ever me? No. One, I'm not skilled enough, and two, even if I was skilled enough, I think it's just kinda sad IMO.
The Architect: All they do during games is build things. They show a player having built the Taj Mahal or something similar. Or a player that's constantly in Creative mode making new maps.
Is this ever me? Rarely. I'm not hugely creative. When I first got into Fortnite I built a few things in the now-defunct Playground mode.
The Mobile Player: Someone who gets made fun of for playing on mobile. They explain how they don't own a good enough PC or current console. They constantly struggle with building and aiming.
Is this ever me? I have played Fortnite on mobile, but only to accomplish challenges that require two players (i.e. revive a friend in a match). But I relate to the gamers that don't own a PC or new enough console, as that used to be me.
The dancer: All they do during a match is dance and emote. They get into a squads game and their teammates get frustrated with them. This person also encourages others to emote with them.
Is this ever me? Only if I'm bored in a match and waiting for something to happen.
Moneybags: Someone who buys all the skins and everything else in the item shop. They get asked when they're ever going to use a certain skin, and they just reply "I dunno, I just like having it."
Is this ever me? I've probably bought more skins than I need, but I really do limit myself. I only have 50-some skins, mostly from the Battle Passes I've purchased.
The Rage Monster: If you watch Dude Perfect's stereotypes, you knew this was coming. This is someone that rages at the end of every match. They throw their controller (perhaps into the TV). Or if they're on a PC, they smash their keyboard against the wall, throw their monitor, and chuck their PC out a window.
Is this ever me? Yes, and more often than I'd care to admit. Although I don't damage my possessions... much.
The AFK but somehow ends up winning: The player that is away from their game for most of the match, but at the end they finally pay attention and they win.
Is this ever me? Sometimes I'll start a game, hide, and get something done like chores. I have won one or two of those types of games, so yes, this can be me.
The person who always dies early: They go for a chest at the same time as someone else but can never get the gun. Perhaps someone asks them why they don't land somewhere less crowded. They just respond saying, "Nah, man, you gotta land in those hot zones. That's where it's at."
Is this ever me? I try to avoid those kinds of places, so not really. But on occasion I will die early, regardless.
The Challenge Completer: Players who just play to accomplish challenges. It shows someone going to ridiculous lengths to complete a challenge, perhaps ignoring their squad.
Is this ever me? Yes, quite often. As I usually play solo and don't really care if I win or not, I often go for the challenge even if it hurts my chances of winning.
The Camper: Shows a player who camps in a bush the entire match. They get asked, "How is that even fun?" And they just respond, "Well, I always get top 10, do you?"
Is this ever me? Yes, but really only when I go off to do chores or other tasks.
The Sneak: They sneak around like some kind of stealthy secret agent. When they see another player they instantly hide until they can no longer see them.
Is this ever me? Yes, fairly often. Part of the fun to Fortnite (IMO) is being sneaky. I get a bit of a thrill when I'm able to sneak past or hide and some other player doesn't notice me.
Thursday, July 18, 2013
All of the Careers I have ever considered and why I haven't done them
Right now, I am at a point in my life where I need to figure out what I want to do for a career. I currently work at Safeway as a food clerk, but I can't work there forever (unless I decided I wanted to be a manager there). One of the things I get from my mother is not knowing what I want to do with my life for a career. She got a job as an 18 year old with a telephone company (Pacific Northwest Bell which became US-West which became Qwest which became Century Link). She worked there for about 30 years. I know I don't wanna be stuck in the same job for 30 years, and I do plan on going back to school, but what for? Here's a look at what I've considered for careers, in (somewhat) chronological order:
- Fireman
As a kid, I never really expressed it to anyone, but I wanted to be a fireman. I heard once my dad almost became a fireman but didn't because of his horrible vision, so I wanted to maybe do what he didn't. However, I was always short for my age and I felt a good firefighter is someone who can lift and carry the average sized man, which I can not. Maybe I"ll get in shape and become a volunteer firefighter someday. That would fulfill this passion. But I don't think I could ever become a full-time fireman.
- Computer Scientist/Technician
In my late high school years and early college years, I wanted to do something with computers. I was fascinated by them. So as my "major" at Bellevue Community College, I chose Computer Science. My first Computer Science class, CS101, was a blast. I did well and I had a great instructor. However, my next Computer Science Class was nowhere near what I was expecting. It involved a lot of programming (including Javascript and C++), something I couldn't get my mind to understand, no matter how hard I tried. The instructor was not helpful and I ended up doing pretty poorly in the class, as well as not enjoying it. After that class, I gave up on computers, because I don't think I'll ever be able to learn programming and coding.
- Math Teacher
Shortly after giving up Computer Science, I thought about teaching Math because I like math so much. And BCC had an Associate's for Mathematical Education. However, after some thinking, I decided not to do it. I do like teaching, but I get easily frustrated when someone doesn't understand, and I'm still not good speaking in front of groups. Plus, teachers have never been paid well (although they should be).
- Professional singer/entertainer/comedian
I never seriously considered these careers, but if I had the talent, I so would. If I worked hard enough I could be a decent enough of a comedian, but not anyone real well-known. I'd love to be a singer, but my vocal range is very limited (thanks puberty) and my lack of confidence can get to me at times.
- Sports marketing
I would love a career that has to do with sports, because sports is one of my passions. So, I looked into it and I found a school (Full Sail) that offers a Sports Marketing Online degree. I applied and even went through all of the enrollment processes and tasks, but I couldn't officially start, because my heart wasn't in it. Why? Because I just couldn't see myself in it. I also realized that I didn't want to ever dislike sports. I felt like if I got a job in sports marketing and I didn't like it for some reason, then I would start to dislike sports. Sports are something that I can enjoy outside of my work and personal life and I want it to stay that way.
- Professional YouTuber/LP'er
One of the things I really think I could do is being a professional YouTuber. Yeah, I know I harped on Google/YouTube in an earlier post, but I think I would certainly enjoy this and be good at it. I've already put out some LP's (Let's Play's--You play through a game in hopes of having your viewers play along with you), but I would like to do other things, such as pranks, vlogs, and comedy/sketch videos. And it is certainly possible to make a living off of YouTube. One YouTuber I'm subscribed to, Jonathan Paula, makes a living solely off the views and subscribers he gets on YouTube. It helps to have a show ("Is it a Good Idea to Microwave This?") that has a total amount of views over 20 million, but you get my point. However, it's hard to get started and make enough money to support yourself. Also, many would not see this as a smart or viable career choice. It's not something that I've completely shut the book on like other career choices. I'm thinking I'll just keep this as a hobby until one day I do an LP that gets me a boatload of subscribers.
- Writer
One of the more recent careers I've considered is writing. Which type? Hard to say. I feel like I could write anything I needed to, whether it be newspaper/magazine articles, screenwriting, or even novelizations. The thing that's kept me from pursuing this career is I read from a former writer that when he started writing for a newspaper that writing lost its interesting and became a chore more than a hobby. You have to meet deadlines and you have to keep readers interested. Much more stressful a career than it seems. I've watched Californication on Showtime and the character of Hank Moody (played by David Duchovny) is a writer and he seems to hate it. I think I can be a decent enough of a writer, but not so talented that it would get me through all the stress and deadlines.
One of my problems is that I've never striven to be extraordinary. A huge part of me just wants to be ordinary. I want an ordinary family, job, house, life, you name it. I want a normal 9-5 job in a cubicle somewhere, if it'll be enough to get me by. I do feel like I'll make a name for myself someday. What I really want to be more than anything is to be an amazing father. I want my kids to call me the best dad in the world. I want to make them into really incredible people. But in order to do that, I have to get a career where I can afford kids, so that is what I will work on. I want to be a father more than anything, but unfortunately that job doesn't pay. But it pays in terms of life fulfillment, which is something money can't buy. I'll just have to wait until that day comes.
- Fireman
As a kid, I never really expressed it to anyone, but I wanted to be a fireman. I heard once my dad almost became a fireman but didn't because of his horrible vision, so I wanted to maybe do what he didn't. However, I was always short for my age and I felt a good firefighter is someone who can lift and carry the average sized man, which I can not. Maybe I"ll get in shape and become a volunteer firefighter someday. That would fulfill this passion. But I don't think I could ever become a full-time fireman.
- Computer Scientist/Technician
In my late high school years and early college years, I wanted to do something with computers. I was fascinated by them. So as my "major" at Bellevue Community College, I chose Computer Science. My first Computer Science class, CS101, was a blast. I did well and I had a great instructor. However, my next Computer Science Class was nowhere near what I was expecting. It involved a lot of programming (including Javascript and C++), something I couldn't get my mind to understand, no matter how hard I tried. The instructor was not helpful and I ended up doing pretty poorly in the class, as well as not enjoying it. After that class, I gave up on computers, because I don't think I'll ever be able to learn programming and coding.
- Math Teacher
Shortly after giving up Computer Science, I thought about teaching Math because I like math so much. And BCC had an Associate's for Mathematical Education. However, after some thinking, I decided not to do it. I do like teaching, but I get easily frustrated when someone doesn't understand, and I'm still not good speaking in front of groups. Plus, teachers have never been paid well (although they should be).
- Professional singer/entertainer/comedian
I never seriously considered these careers, but if I had the talent, I so would. If I worked hard enough I could be a decent enough of a comedian, but not anyone real well-known. I'd love to be a singer, but my vocal range is very limited (thanks puberty) and my lack of confidence can get to me at times.
- Sports marketing
I would love a career that has to do with sports, because sports is one of my passions. So, I looked into it and I found a school (Full Sail) that offers a Sports Marketing Online degree. I applied and even went through all of the enrollment processes and tasks, but I couldn't officially start, because my heart wasn't in it. Why? Because I just couldn't see myself in it. I also realized that I didn't want to ever dislike sports. I felt like if I got a job in sports marketing and I didn't like it for some reason, then I would start to dislike sports. Sports are something that I can enjoy outside of my work and personal life and I want it to stay that way.
- Professional YouTuber/LP'er
One of the things I really think I could do is being a professional YouTuber. Yeah, I know I harped on Google/YouTube in an earlier post, but I think I would certainly enjoy this and be good at it. I've already put out some LP's (Let's Play's--You play through a game in hopes of having your viewers play along with you), but I would like to do other things, such as pranks, vlogs, and comedy/sketch videos. And it is certainly possible to make a living off of YouTube. One YouTuber I'm subscribed to, Jonathan Paula, makes a living solely off the views and subscribers he gets on YouTube. It helps to have a show ("Is it a Good Idea to Microwave This?") that has a total amount of views over 20 million, but you get my point. However, it's hard to get started and make enough money to support yourself. Also, many would not see this as a smart or viable career choice. It's not something that I've completely shut the book on like other career choices. I'm thinking I'll just keep this as a hobby until one day I do an LP that gets me a boatload of subscribers.
- Writer
One of the more recent careers I've considered is writing. Which type? Hard to say. I feel like I could write anything I needed to, whether it be newspaper/magazine articles, screenwriting, or even novelizations. The thing that's kept me from pursuing this career is I read from a former writer that when he started writing for a newspaper that writing lost its interesting and became a chore more than a hobby. You have to meet deadlines and you have to keep readers interested. Much more stressful a career than it seems. I've watched Californication on Showtime and the character of Hank Moody (played by David Duchovny) is a writer and he seems to hate it. I think I can be a decent enough of a writer, but not so talented that it would get me through all the stress and deadlines.
One of my problems is that I've never striven to be extraordinary. A huge part of me just wants to be ordinary. I want an ordinary family, job, house, life, you name it. I want a normal 9-5 job in a cubicle somewhere, if it'll be enough to get me by. I do feel like I'll make a name for myself someday. What I really want to be more than anything is to be an amazing father. I want my kids to call me the best dad in the world. I want to make them into really incredible people. But in order to do that, I have to get a career where I can afford kids, so that is what I will work on. I want to be a father more than anything, but unfortunately that job doesn't pay. But it pays in terms of life fulfillment, which is something money can't buy. I'll just have to wait until that day comes.
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