Archive for September, 2004

Star Wars Battlefront Second Impressions

Graphics: B
Play: B
Nostalgia: A
Overall: B+

Recommended. But beware, the install of this game can take hours. I had to copy disc 2 and disc 3 to the hard drive before I could get it to install. I will think twice before buying from Lucas Arts again.

Star Wars Battlefront First Impressions

Installation: D
Graphics: C
Play: C
Nostalgia: B
Overall: C

Not Recommended.

Aren’t You A Little Short To Be A Stormtrooper?

DARTH VADER: You are free to use any methods necessary, but I want them alive. No disintegrations.
BOBA FETT: (in a disappointed tone) As you wish.

Against my better judgement, I picked up Star Wars Battlefront today. I’ll fire it up tonight (maybe) and share my first impressions. It is my wife’s birthday, so there is a good chance I won’t have any time to play. If so, you’ll just have to wait.

I’m The King Of The Beta World!

I just got another beta acceptance email. This one has an NDA so I can’t say which one it is. I’ve been curious about this one as I’ve enjoyed games with settings such as this. I can’t say which game it is, but I will say this: Of the MMORPGs I have played, this game’s setting is the closest to Anarchy Online. You can do the rest.

Are Mac Users This Stupid?

This just in from the “I’m a complete idiot!” department:

How to pick up and carry your iMac G5
Don’t know how to pick up and carry your iMac G5? It’s easy. Before moving your computer, make sure all cables and cords are disconnected. Pick up the iMac G5 by grasping both sides of the computer. Carry it to wherever you wish.

Gee, thanks Apple! I wanted to move my iMac from the basement to my office but I couldn’t figure out how to do it. What a relief.

More Wild Weather

At 6:19pm EDT yesterday, the datacenter complex in Virginia that is being used to host the World of Warcraft beta test was hit and damaged by a tornado. Because water was leaking into the building in which our servers were located, we shut down the servers as a precautionary measure and flew out a team of our network engineers to the location to survey the area and provide a preliminary assessment.

This morning, we have confirmed that some hardware has taken on water, so we will need to conduct a careful inspection for damage before we can restore power to the servers. This inspection will take 48 hours or longer to complete, so we encourage you to enjoy the rest of your weekend with other activities, as the World of Warcraft beta test will remain offline for at least that long. We will post another update tomorrow afternoon, and we appreciate your continued patience and support.

There’s No Place Like Home

On 09/17/04, the AT&T Internet Data Center (IDC) in Ashburn, VA was damaged by a tornado at approximately 6:19pm ET. Although the facility was damaged by the tornado, all AT&T Web Hosting services remained operational with no loss of connectivity to the facility. AT&T monitoring systems are in place and the center is operating at its full functionality. AT&T Engineers are closely monitoring the services within the center. To ensure the safety of our clients we are asking that all clients refrain from entering the facility. Local Law Enforcement and Safety officials are working with AT&T to assess the building and provide for a safe environment. If you are currently experiencing trouble with your Web Hosting Service please report the trouble to your Client Support Center.

Possible connection to the WoW announcement?

Stupid People

After the announcement of the WoW servers being shut off due to a tornado related emergency, the official beta forums went crazy. Reactions ranged from “Are you mad? If I had a server farm hosted somewhere, it had better be up 24/7 or I’d see some heads roll.” to “Why aren’t your servers in a bunker underground?” to “A tornado in Irvine, CA? That is where your offices are and I checked the weather and there is no tornado there so you are all liars!”.

OK, read up idiots. This is a beta test. You are not paying for any customer service. You are not paying for anything. They are testing a game and there is no financial loss for them if they shut down for a day. They can do what they want to do. You do not know where the servers are. Perhaps they wanted to send the employees of the server location home to be with their families.

I say shut them down and take care of the important things. Also, you should kick every last person that complained on the forums about it off of the beta. I was disappointed, but I completely understand and support the decision. Carry on.