Aion

The guys at NCSoft, who brought online RPG gamers Guildwars back in 2005, has scheduled their European and American releases of Aion for September this year. Having participated in two of the recent closed Beta sessions, I decided to do a quick write-up based on the few hours of gameplay experience I had.

Aion uses a modified version of the CryEngine, used originally for Far Cry, and for any of you who have seen Far Cry, I probably don’t have to spend a lot of time going on about the graphical excellence found in Aion. So I’m not going to – I’ll be dropping in a few screenshots later.

When creating your first character Aion gives you a range of character customisation options. First off, there are two playable races – the Elyos and the Asmodeans, and four initial classes. There were rumours of a possible third race, but I haven’t been able to confirm this. I spent a happy half hour playing around with my characters appearance, customising hair style and colour, the face, skin tone and various other bits and pieces. The customisation isn’t quite as extensive as that found in, for example, Oblivion, but anybody should be able to come pretty close to their ideal.

With that being done, I found myself injected into the game. Aion features a world server, which for me, a regular Guildwars player, takes a little adapting to, since I’m used to instance-based play. There are several plusses and minuses to this approach, the major plus being that the area you’re in always has a few players around – and if you’re lucky, some happy cleric will heal you while you’re fighting while on his way somewhere else. Having created a mage myself, I also happily tossed in a firebolt into a fight as I sauntered past.

The negative part though, is this. Everyone is in the same area, which means there is a bit of a competition for resources. Your first few missions usually revolve around kill 5 of these, harvest 10 of those – and when there are about 20 players running around trying to kill/harvest the same thing, finding a target can sometimes become a little problematic.

The first couple of hours seems calculated to get the player used to the interface and the environment. Until you reach level 9, you move around in a relatively confined area, doing a group of quests and side-quests which don’t do much more than reward you with experience and money. Side-quests and storyline quests are easily told apart, with NPC’s carrying the quests using different colours.

I started my character off as an Elyos (yes, I like being the good guy). Once reaching level 9, I was given the chance to do my ascencion mission, and yes, for those of you who were waiting, this is where you go to get your wings. Happily, it doesn’t take too long, and given the nature of the mission, it was surprisingly easy. During this ascension, you are given new options with regards to your class – depending on what your choice was when you created your character:

• A mage can choose to be a spiritmaster or a sorcerer.
• A priest can choose to become a chanter or a cleric.
• A scout can choose to become an assassin or a ranger.
• A warrior can choose to become a templar or a gladiator.

Sadly, I did not have a lot of time to explore around beyond my ascension – so I can’t comment much on armor customisation – something that was definitely lacking in the first 9 levels. Whether this gets addressed between now an the final release I hesitate to say. Differently to Guildwars, there is less focus on skill-builds – you get to drag your skill into the bar at the bottom of your screen, and the skills level up along with you.

If you’re an MMORPG fan, chances are you will like what Aion has to offer, although I venture this opinion on very little actual experience of the game as a whole. It’s entirely possible that it becomes a long grind as you make your way through the game, although I would hope NCSoft has learned enough by this time to avoid this particular pitfall.

The game is unfortunately not subscription free, and the monthly subscription will most likely be set at $14.99. For more detailed info than what I gave in my little runover here – you could do yourself a definite favour by visiting AionSource a fansite for and about the game. Myself, since I have an aversion to paying for a game after I’ve already bought it, I won’t be playing Aion myself, sticking to Guildwars until the arrival of it’s sequel, but if you don’t mind the fee, give Aion a try and see what you think for yourself.

The screenshots in this post are from the AionSource site.

One, perhaps two, smart gadgets to rule them all

I can’t remember when I had last used my camera. Somehow it just happened that I used my camera less and less. It’s a great camera but it feels a bit bulky, yes, even when it isn’t in its case. And I’ll admit that the batteries – Lithium, of course – do not last long.

The Wall Street Journal wrote a story about consumers who, just like me, are consolidating devices; they’re using their smart phones instead of a multitude of other gadgets.

Here is my compelling case for making the switch to one or two devices:

•    You’ll charge fewer batteries every day

Does charging batteries nearly every time you want to use a particular appliance irritate you as much as it irritates me? And it creates a mess, too: cables galore and you have to spend even more money on a USB connector for the extra connections every electronic device needs.

If you only have one or two devices, you need to charge only one or two batteries. That’s awesome, right? And you’ll do your bit for the environment, too.

•    Your pockets and handbags will be lighter

At one stage I used to carry nearly all my gadgets around in my handbag. Oh, and the boyfriend’s gadgets, too. I didn’t feel safe walking around with gadgets that were equal – back then – to at least two months’ salary.

So these days I only carry the cellphone with me. My handbag does still bulge but that’s from the books I carry around.

•    You will save money

You’re not rushing out to buy the latest must-have anymore so that should save you enough money to buy next year’s best gadget that will rival the Kindle – the Papyrus. And then your hands or your handbag will love you because you’re no longer carrying the slightly bulky War and Peace with you.

•    Your life will be simpler

Simple is good. And you don’t need to read inspirational and productivity blogs to know that; do you need 25 to 45 gadgets?

•    You do not need professional products

So you’re not a professional photographer but you use a 10-megapixel camera. Your car has a CD-player, you do not gym, and your colleagues entertain you so much that you never notice how fast the time flies. Then why do you insist on buying an iPod?

Do we buy the products because of their status, or do we buy because they are useful?

So which smart phone is it, then? There are many to choose from but the smart phone that wins will be the one with the features you’re looking for. Or it has the potential to hold all those features.

There is no one definition of a smart phone but there are a few criteria that can help you spot such a phone: powerful processors, abundant memories, large screens and open operating systems.

Quick gadgets roundup

ASUS TV Stick

In today’s technologically modern times, many people are moving away from the traditional television. And why not? Most television viewing can be done online anyway.

But ASUS, a leading name in computing, has decided that television viewing is far from over. They are preparing to introduce a whole new level of what some regard as an essential pastime to many people. The ASUS Express TV Stick is a device that gets plugged into your spare USB port. This then provides you with access to its auto installation software for high quality digital and analog TV reception.

And if you are spoilt for choice on which programme to watch, don’t worry – a nifty pop up feature allows you to save a show and watch at a later stage. Then, when you do want to watch it, all you need is a USB port and a computer and voila! Quick and convenient television viewing.

HP ProBook s-series Laptop

HP has launched a new range of low-priced notebooks, ideal for businesspeople looking for affordability, functionality and fresh features. The new ProBook s-series boasts sophisticated business functionality and features HD graphics and Blu-ray drives. You can even enjoy the option of selecting either an Intel processor or an AMD processor. You can also choose either a 14-inch, 15.6-inch or 17.3-inch diagonal HD widescreen with an aspect ratio of 16:9.

Other exceptional features include an optional Linux-based operating system pre-installed. The Novell Inc’s SuSE Linux Enterprise Desktop 11 is perfect for users who are looking for a change from the overriding Windows platform from Microsoft. Additionally, you get a nifty 3D DriveGuard which protects your hard drive, as well as a convenient spill resistant keyboard. What more could you ask for?

GoateeSaver

If you are a modern man who likes his facial hair trimmed to perfection, this may be the ideal gift for you. The GoateeSaver is a wacky but nifty device and great for keeping you looking neat and trimmed at all times, while knocking crucial minutes off your daily shaving regime.

So what does the GoateeSaver do? This quirky device is an adjustable mouthpiece capable of keeping your facial hair straight and even. It also shaves hard to reach places, allowing you to get the pattern you want. And even though your wife, friends and even kids might tease you, perfect facial hair is well worth the jibes.

The Dual Action Electronic Lightsaber

Face it guys. Most of you have at one stage fantasised about partaking in a lightsaber battle in outerspace – a la Star Wars. And now you may be able to do just that, while keeping your feet firmly on the ground. The Dual Action Electronic Lightsaber is a new toy which puts a twist on the traditional, now somewhat boring lightsabers of yore.

This new, updated lightsaber offers something that the older models do not – a second, smaller lightsaber hidden within the hilt. This makes defeating your opponent easier, especially if they are still trying to play catch up with their older models. Hold the extra lightsaber as a dagger, or attach it to the hilt for an uber-lightsaber. Your opponent will definitely have no chance now. But don’t go running to the toy stores just yet, as this lightsaber is only available as from August. Until then, may the force be with you.

Snooper – Track your pet

If you have spent many a night frantically searching for your beloved pet pooch who has decided to go walkies, the Snooper is just what you need. This doggy tracking device allows you to locate your missing dog at record speeds, without having to go through the pressure and stress of actually sending out a search party to track down your furry friend. This also prevents your kids from going through unnecessary heartache over their missing pet.

So how does this nifty little device work? The Snooper uses global positioning satellites (GPS) in conjunction with GPRS and GSM technology to accurately locate your pet within about 2.3 metres at any time during the day or night. The GRS and GSN features also allow you to use your handy cell phone (with suitable Google maps application installed) as a locator as well. How? You call the Snooper on its unique phone number and it will send you an instant text message with the GPS coordinates. How cool is that? And the best part of it all – there are no monthly fees.

The built in rechargeable battery provides up to 15 hours of continuous monitoring. The downside, however, is that the Snooper carries a hefty US$279 price tag. But then again, surely you can’t put a price on the safety of your pet?

Virtual Pet Yuruppy

Move over Tamagotchi, there is a new virtual pet in town, ideal for those wanting to keep up with the tech Joneses. Just like the other fake pets out there, theYuruppy, as its known, needs some attention in the hope that it will ‘live’ to ‘see’ another day.

But, unlike the classic Tamagotchi, the Yuruppy requires some touch screen recognition, as well as training and feeding. And you have the choice of a puppy, kitten or, wait for it, a chicken. And even though most people are not used to petting a chicken, this is great preparation for those of you who plan to.

Even though the classic Bandai Tamagotchi got upgraded to colour, competition is now stiff with the introduction of the Yuruppy. Developed by Takara Tomy, the Yuruppy is the modern man’s answer to virtual pets. Takara Tomy have even thrown in 14 mini games to keep you and Yuruppy entertained.

Japan will be the first country to get the Yuruppy in June, with many other countries likely to follow suit. The standard version will retail for USD21, while a bigger, deluxe version will set you back USD38.