Kyengen

I was asked for my opinion regarding this event. This was likely a tactical error but here goes; Kyengen's pseudo-review of the Earthclan Elite's celebration. (I would like to point out that I was an outsider on all of this, consideration may well have been given to the points I make, I'm just calling it as I see it)

I'm sort of a fringe member of the group as well a friend of the two leaders, so I elected to watch the festivities from the sidelines. Starting from the beginning I'll touch on organization first. Putting an event like this together takes planning and strategy that your average gamer is incapable of even fathoming. Particularly considering how fickle and impatient some of Paragon's vigilantes have become since AE premiered. The Arena events were pretty much flawless, there isn't a lot of to be said there, but there seemed to be a bit of an oversight where the costume contest was concerned.

Having all the contestants line up at once and letting the judges do their thing is likely the most expedient and efficient way of handling that, but one has to wonder if this did not spark some confusion regarding what the participants were actually going for. I noticed that more than a few people had taken spots next to one another and began to strike similar poses, or activate like powers. Often their costumes didn't 'match' but even so, it seemed like these people were trying for the "Dynamic Duo" category. It's possible the judges were aware of this, but also possible they wrote it off as coincidence, or perhaps didn't notice as there was quite a bit going on. I'm not saying that the Tex couple didn't deserve their prize, just wondering if proper consideration was given. When EE makes it to the top spot on Guardian, as we all know they will, it might be prudent to break up the categories to selected areas or times. This would complicate things a touch, but also serve to avoid bits of confusion like the one described by Agent009 on a different thread.

Then there is the criterion for judging something like this. There really isn't one. Toons that have taken first place in events such as this have gone through other contests without so much as an honorable mention. Still, given the amount of time and effort put in already, and the rather lavish prizes, a set of standards would well be in order. Most of the categories were well met, there may have been better there may not, the judges made their call. But in the case of the "Best Non-Human" and "Best Casual" categories a few things need to be pointed out. The winner of "Best Non-Human" was Ghost Rider. A thoroughly uninteresting Marvel comics character who made appearances in several of his own comics series, and was later played by Nicholas Cage (which should tell you something right there) in his own movie in 2007. I'm not trying to aim the Generic Bat at anyone but really, beyond the oversight that the character is essentially human, there is a searing lack of originality.

Regarding the case of "Best Casual", let me start by citing Webster’s (the 4th definition on the website if you are interested). This states "appropriate for wear or use on informal occasions; not dressy: casual clothes; casual wear.". E'lan's costume, while impressive and certainly worthy of merit, is casual only should the person happen to be the Scarlet Pimpernel. The last thing I am going to say is that while McPeaceBringer's concept is founded on hilarity, the outfit itself is actually terrifying. But that's probably just based on my poor relations with clowns.

Overall the event was brilliant and that it went so smoothly is miraculous given the size. I've indicated the flaws as they appear to me, and am prepared for the angry messages that tend to follow my opinions like a kite tail. Anyway, really great job EE and I'm looking forward to the next one. (Assuming any of you are still talking to me then)

Name: Heroes Unlimited (two spaces there, don't ask why)

Motto: "Through force we achieve change"

Leader(s): Kyengen and Daemon Lady

Contact: @Kyengen and @Striggoi respectivly

Player Type: Very casual to pretty hardcore

RolePlay?: Not roleplay heavy but we tend to put a lot of work into our descriptions. And the base it's self is roleplay friendly

Membership levels: 1-50

SuperGroup Colors: Black and Green

Normal time of Gameplay: At least one member is usually on.

Other information: We are an easy going group that focus' mainly on just helping each other out. We tend to run a lot of TFs and trials, as well as regular content and AE missions. Our base is probably our best feature as we've set up quite a few unique rooms, and allow our members to create and decorate rooms for themselves after a while.

Recruiting?: Always. The more the merrier. Just have to have a decent sense of humor.

Website: http://www.guildportal.com/Guild.asp...473543&SetTz=1

Ah thanks for the links. Didn't even occur to me to check the wiki. Some of that seems a touch dated though.

I've been playing for a while now, but never really strayed from my server. Part of some misguided loyalty concept but that's neither here nor there. My question is this: Is there a system or label for the various servers? Like the most PvP active server, or most Roleplay centered server, or most villain active server. Anything like that. Just curious really. Thanks.

This little argument has been raging in my SG quite a bit lately. I personally started back in issue 6, it took me just under a year to get my blaster to 50 and I was bloody ecstatic when I finally made it. Since all enhancements were about the same then, I decked him out and turned my attention to the support path, an ice/emp controller. It took that toon all of three weeks to hit 50. I didn't try terribly hard, just kept teaming and did what emp toons do. This isn't PLing, but it certainly had very similar qualities.

I made another controller about two months back, an earth/rad. It took that one, with the help of AE, until just a few days ago, more than twice the time of the first troller. Granted I didn't just door sit on farms, but nor did I put in a large amount of work (which I suppose is just how trollers run). I did see some truly horrific missions in that time, such as the one that used Hami's healing nodes as the only enemy, but I also came across quite a few good ones.

The arguments from my group members defend AE for giving the game an outlet for fresh ideas. Grinding the same hunts, rescues and defeat alls can get old fast. AE shines a little light on these seemingly dull and thoroughly exercised options. If you want to abuse the system for some meaningless immediate gratification, that is your business, but you ultimately contribute nothing to the game or community within.

Those opposing touch on the worthless 50's that do run around. While recruiting for an ITF, one person said they couldn't get in, asked for a reinvite and quit the team. Everyone was confused for a moment until it dawned on someone that this person didn't know you could have a Task Force outside AE. The other issue is the impact AE has on the players that choose not to use the system. As the focus shifts more and more to Atlas Park, it becomes harder and harder to find a team, much less a good team with whom to run regular missions. Many have started excluding Atlas from searches when seeking players, others ask questions of people looking for teams to ensure they actually know the game. In a few extreme cases, people have quit, looking to wait till the AE problem is addressed before playing again.

Although I use it a bit myself, I am overall not happy with what AE has done to the game. It is a brilliant concept, but needs a bit of work. Frankly I think making the rest of the game more attractive will go a long way to this, but setting a maximum level for the respective AE buildings might help also. If you could only use the Galaxy or Atlas building until level 12 for instance, but the PI building would be open to anyone who wants to run the risk getting there.

@Kyengen
Guardian server

Our base is pretty sizable, but only set up for decoration. We aren't into raids. You can check out picks of the base here.