Comments for David Allen

Comment on Played Games by David Allen

David Allen — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 18:00:39 +0000

I wouldn’t say I “analyze” games as much as take in what they offer and the experience they provide. I believe all inspiration comes from some sort of influence. Every time a better game is made, people learn from it, and end up making better games themselves. It’s part of the growth cycle.

I wish you the best of luck with your project! IMO that’s one of the best things you can do – start your own thing, build the game you want to play, and then share it with the world!

Comment on Path of Exile Review by Kevin

Kevin — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 23:38:29 +0000

Under your defenses section:

Armor – the estimated damage % reduction is considering the average hit of a white monster of your level. the % damage reduction is a function of the damage you take, that is a larger hit translates to less damage reduction. For example if a boss has 30% increased physical damage, he will actually be doing approximately 50% more damage after the lower armor reduction is taken into account.

Block: Block works like any other standard dice roll, when a monster attacks, you have an X% chance to block the damage dealt by the monster. However, if the hit was large enough to stun you, and you block the attack, you still get stunned for that duration. For this reason, it’s highly recommended to get Unwavering Stance (cannot be stunned, but cannot evade attacks) when using a high block build, so that you don’t stun lock yourself.

Evasion: Evasion works differently than block. Evasion becomes less effective as the monster misses you more. So on the first hit, if I had 30% evasion, the monster has a 70% chance to hit me. If he hits, the next roll will once again be 70%. But if the monster misses, the monster’s chance to hit the next time will be 70 + 70 = 140% chance, so a definite hit, which will lower it again, etc. Evasion therefore is not truly random like block, and is more systematic.

side note: Evasion and Block cannot block/evade skills. Phase acrobatics allows you a chance to dodge spells, and the unique item “Stone of Lazwhar” (?) applies half your block chance to blocking spells.

Comment on Played Games by Daniel

Daniel — Sun, 14 Apr 2013 10:36:46 +0000

BTW. I have played about 60% of these titles myself, but only completed about 10%… =)

Comment on Played Games by Daniel

Daniel — Sun, 14 Apr 2013 10:34:41 +0000

I just have to ask. When you play all these games, do you analyze them and break them down to find bits to use in your own game creations?

I know I do, and I’m only a programmer/designer wannabe.
It’s hard to complete a game because I have to put interesting bits of them into my own creations.
This is why I ended up on your site. I used to play Mordor & Mordor II. Still have them somewhere…
I’m working on something that will be a lot similar to Mordor with all of its simple graphics and still captivating feel. I hope I some day will release something that someone will like.
Thank you for all of your nice work!

From a fan

Comment on A Review of Fallen Earth (April, 2012) by Amber Myers

Amber Myers — Sat, 09 Mar 2013 23:51:52 +0000

When I first played this game at launch in 2009 I was fraustrated because it was not ATI friendly. Upon reading your review I have returned and I’m enjoying the game immensely. Thank you!!

Comment on The Origins of Modern Online Gaming by Tim

Tim — Wed, 30 Jan 2013 18:21:14 +0000

There are a couple of other options for playing Avatar. One is here (playable in a web browser even):

http://www.javatar.org

Another is NovaNET, information is available here:

http://www.heavyharmonies.com/Avatar/

Comment on The Origins of Modern Online Gaming by David Allen

David Allen — Sat, 26 Jan 2013 20:52:54 +0000

Thanks, Matt! I’ve made adjustments to properly reflect the accurate repercussions of complications.

Comment on The Origins of Modern Online Gaming by Matt

Matt — Sat, 26 Jan 2013 20:42:22 +0000

Great article. I’ve been playing avatar on the Cyber1 system for several years now and it’s amazing how this old game still has so much appeal today. I quit playing for a while and got sucked into World of Warcraft but eventually came back to ‘the cube’. To me, the complexity and randomness just aren’t duplicated in today’s MMOG’s despite the fact that the Avatar world is ‘just’ a 30x30x15 dungeon. Newer games seem very scripted in comparison. One correction concerning ‘complications’ during rez’s…. In the current versions on Cyber1, the penalty is 5 points of constitution and 3 of all other stats in addition to aging you 15 years.

Comment on A Review of Fallen Earth (April, 2012) by Linda

Linda — Mon, 29 Oct 2012 03:02:47 +0000

Thank you for taking the time to write such a valuable, and thoughtful post.

I’m already enjoying the game tremendously, but your review makes me look forward to playing through, with even more enthusiasm and excitement – and I know it will help me avoid some early mistakes.

I will definitely be printing your review for a more thorough read.

Thanks also for the resources sprinkled throughout. Will check ’em out

Comment on A Review of Fallen Earth (April, 2012) by nick

nick — Wed, 03 Oct 2012 05:49:36 +0000

I have played the game for lil over 10 hours and i was on the help channel first 10 mins just tryn to get a feel for the game asking what people thought of it there opinion and likes or dislikes and the only reply i got was “play it yourself and find out were not guna spoon feed you!”, “were all pretty much going to be baked on here”, i guess they took it as i was trying to get them to convince me to play when really all i was din was currous of others opinions ive had my own mind made up else i would tof spent almost 24- hours downloading in the first place you know lol? Great game though other then that minor set back, and excellent review very helpfull!!