The City Scoop! ~Front Page~ September 21, 2007
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Hi As a Taxibot, one of the requests that I see most often is heroes Wait, what were we talking about? Oh yes, getting to Icon! Heroes There Go through the tunnel in the western wall into Independence Port, While I'm talking about Independence Port, I know what else I'll Also Anyway, the marker is on top of the tower, usually along with a That's it for this column. This is fun, I hope they ask me to do |
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This week we visit Esoteric Singularity, a Hero SG on Triumph, and Supergroup Name: Esoteric Singularity Founded: October 14, 2007 Membership: 25 (Backed by 5 real-life people) Base Cost: We currently clock in at 3,823,610 Favorite Base Item: Telepads! Least Favorite Base Item: ...I have no idea. What would you like to have changed about the base system, and Anything else you'd like to add about your SG, Base, or the |
[Professor Blues continued]
Yes. Set a budget and stick to it. It's WAY too easy to run your bank balance down. Also, you need to have a lot of patience, especially for folks with long queues or lots of stuff going on in their day-to-day lives. Sometimes you'll get your commission back in a few days. With other people, it can take months, even years, not because they're lazy, but because there's so many other projects ahead of yours. You're an artist as well as an art collector. What are your preferred mediums? I'd hesitate to use the word artist, but I dabble a bit in Poser and Bryce and other computer programs. I used to do a lot of stuff with a rendering program called POV-Ray, which is where I learned how hard it is to construct a scene from scratch elements and still make it look decent. There was no GUI to it either, so you literally had to script everything out in a text file and then render, and then cross your fingers that you didn't jack something up. But even there, I'm a tyro; there's POVRAY artists that do mind-blowing things with the program. I also did some perspective studies when I was in school, so I'd like to think I have an eye for such things. I suppose if I hadn't discovered computers in grade school, I might have ended up as an architect or graphic designer. What's your favorite piece that you've done or had done so far? Oh, now that's an unfair question because they're all my favorites! I think right now, it'd have to be "Fatal Error" by Graver. His interpretation of my short story/character biography "Biomechanics" was so visceral and horrific, and yet at the same time, beautifully rendered. The man's a magician. Plus it's one of two that I have the original artwork, and it blows me away every time I look at it or touch it. Any advice for artists out there? Yes. Keep drawing, painting, sculpting, rendering. Writing, too. Every time the muse hits, find time to bang out a sketch or do a test render. There's way too many people like myself who let their artistic talents lie fallow, and the next thing you know we can't put our dreams to paper anymore. But you all CAN. And the more you practice and push your boundaries, the more us art collectors will knock on your door with screenshots and stories, wanting you to realize our visions for us. And yes...we will pay you. Thank you again, Professor. | Artist InterviewJeremy Farlow |
[Jeremy Farlow continued]How did you figure out the pricing on your commissions and how long That's a tricky one. I'll answer the amount of time first. Sometimes, I see nothing wrong with the pencils, and when I As for the pricing, it pretty simple. A friend of mine told me I just hope that my price reflects how much my work is valued by | What's your least favorite part of being an artist? Definitely the procrastination stage. I believe every artist Do you ever get artist's block? How do you alleviate it? Oh, hell, yes! Do I ever. And I hate it when that happens. It's I never really found one thing that will get me out of that funk, What are your favourite materials for drawing/painting/etc? Do you -- I've always said I'm a penciller, so that's my main tools. The I don't really have a preference between digital and traditional What has been the most inspirational moment in your career as an I don't think there has been a truly inspirational moment yet. As for the artists that I admire, there are a lot. Jim Lee is [Continued on next page] |
[Jeremy Farlow continued]What's your favorite thing to draw? I guess its pretty obvious by now. Not a 'thing' mind you. Women. To me, a woman is an enigma. Emotionally, intellectually, If you got stuck on a desert island with three things and one other Ahh, but you didn't say no impossible things. The three things 1. A pencil that never needs sharpening. And as for the person? A girl that I can have an intellectual, Do you have any advice for other artists? Other artists, no. Because if they are true artists, then they To achieve the skills you need to be who you want to be, you have Passion and patience. | Goodbye Yellow Brick RoadSome of our readers may not be aware of who Arctic Sun is. He has Jesse, aka Arctic Sun, has portrayed a profound respect for the It is with great sadness that we announce he is leaving the City We wish him more than just luck with his future endeavors while we /em salute Jesse For those who wish to keep track of him, Jesse has a page Much
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What are your top three songs of all time? "Smells Like Teen Spirit"- Nirvana "What If"- Creed "Toccata and What five TV shows could you not live without? Who needs television? I have CoH and CoV to occupy my time. What was the best book you last read? The Picture of Dorian Grey What is your favorite pop culture quote? Whatever. What other hobbies do you have? I race slot cars and play around with art and read when time Who is your real life hero? The men and women of the Armed Forces. Pants? Totally depends on the style, who's wearing them, and how good What is your home server, and why did you end up picking it as your Justice now, though originally it was Virtue. I jumped when I came How were you drawn to this game? Missed out on the Beta, and I love comics, so the game was a fit What is your favorite aspect of the game? Hmm, besides being a super-powered being, the camaraderie and [Contined next page] |
[Lord Infamy continued]Who is your namesake character, and what are they? War Patriot, a Blaster, no matter which versioneither the Which type of character would you say is your favorite to play and Blasters, hands down. Lots of power, but you have to actually play How do you normally handle new challenges in the game? It really depends on the new challenge, and if I'm soloing or have teammates. The situation is everything before deciding how to attack something. Which zone is your favorite? No real favorite zone, so the one my next mission is in. I could It has been a busy year for the game so far. Do you feel that I9 I got back in about the end of I9, but the inventions seem a What advice do you have for any new players to the game? Pick an AT and stick with it. Nothing in the game is going to be Any closing comments? Just a note of thanks to my new SG, the Legends of Justice, for |
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[Lord Infamy continued]What other hobbies do you have?
Who is your real life hero?
Pants?
What is your home server, and why did you end up picking it as your
How were you drawn to this game? This was my first MMO, and it was down to this or the Matrix What is your favorite aspect of the game?
Who is your namesake character, and what are they?
Which type of character would you say is your favorite to play and
| How do you normally handle
Which zone is your favorite?
What is your favorite storyline in the game?
It has been a busy year for the game so far. Do you feel that I9
What advice do you have for any new players to the game?
Any closing comments?
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| Pants?[/b]
What is your home server, and why did you end up picking it as your I am on Virtue because I am a roleplaying addict. I love it there How were you drawn to this game?[/b] Curiosity... and once I started playing, I knew it was the game What is your favorite aspect of the game?
Who is your namesake character, and what are they?[/b] Skritchie...She is a 10 year old telepathic girl with Panda DNA Which type of character would you say is your favorite to play and Controllers or Masterminds...although, I recently made a How do you normally handle new challenges in the game?[/b] Which zone is your favorite?[/b] Probably Pocket D or the RWZ because of the ability to team up What is your favorite storyline in the game?[/b] I love the new Rikti Invasion...it's sooo dynamic and fun. I also What advice do you have for any new players to the game?[/b] Be social, entertaining...but don't be a loose cannon. And the Any closing comments?
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| How were you drawn to this game?
What is your favorite aspect of the game?
Who is your namesake character, and what are they?
Which type of character would you say is your favorite to play and
How do you normally handle new challenges in the game?
Which zone is your favorite?
What is your favorite storyline in the game?
It has been a busy year for the game so far. Do you feel that I9
What advice do you have for any new players to the game?
Any closing comments? Yes. Thank you to my cousin Camo Fire for telling me how to get |
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Heroscopes | Villainscopes |
~Handwritten page found laying atop the Horoscope submission~ Villain HorrorscopesBrute HeroesController ~Love and Kisses | Recipe of the Week |
Mistress Noire's Guardian Chocolate Chip CookiesSince I am known as Guardian's cookie mistress, I am gonna live up INGREDIENTS |
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The LadyK Have Are Think
| VeronicaVenom is hosting WANTED creative players with excellent video skills to help form a CoX webTV
SELLING life-like mechanical Ravens useful for many tasks such as
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Edition 18 of "The City Scoop a publication for Supers by Supers!
Leading this week with an interview with Positron, Matt Miller, this weeks scoop is full of secrets and surprises. Its another amazing edition of player creation, and we are continually amazed at what a quality publication this is week by week. Enjoy and happy hunting!
If you would like to do a feature article, have an event covered, or join "The City Scoop" team please PM Lemur_Lad or Marcian_Tobay
If you or someone you know should be considered for Behind the Mask Teldon or Encounters please contact MrsAlphaOne
If you need some Advice contact Lady_Athyna or would like to Ask The X contact LiquidX
For a printable version of "The City Scoop" please send an email to the following
Please check back later!
If you have an event you would like covered by The City Scoop please post your events under the event forum located here: Event Forum
Discussion on the latest edition of "The City Scoop" is located here.
The City Scoop
Interview with Lead Designer, Matt Miller
by City Scoop Staff
Vol. I, Issue XVIII
September 21st, 2007
Even
though Positron's helmet is off, Matt Miller is still a man of many hats. He
graciously consented to answer some questions for the City Scoop, admitting
that he loves a good Q and A. Our only constraints were that the dead horses
had to stay in the barn, and what the future holds is unknowable (for now). So
if you come looking for tidbits about Issue 11, we're sorry in advance. However
there are some Easter Eggs unhidden, and a long held myth busted. Enjoy!
Matt Miller, the regular guy
Q: Have you ever been recognized, either in-game or on the street?
Matt Miller: Never on the street, but one person
successfully nailed me during a double XP weekend. He knew I was a Dominator,
and what server I played on (and my approximate level), and I got a tell saying
Posi? I played dumb and asked who that was, and that I didnt read the forums
so I had no idea what he was talking about. He apologized and left me alone
after that.
Q: Wife Aggro is a popular term of endearment around here. How big a deal is it in your home when you want to pursue the geekier side of your nature? Are you a gaming couple?
Matt Miller:
Its a trade off. I try to give my wife as much free time as she gives me. Ill
watch the kid a couple nights, and I never make full weekend plans. I try to
give her plenty of notice on when I am doing stuff so she can plan around it.
She used to game a bunch (RPGs and video games), she betaed CoV for us and
really enjoyed it.
Q: What is your Junk Food of choice?
Matt Miller:
Hmm. I am not a chocolate fan, so I tend to go more for the fruit snacks. Beef
jerky is good, as are pretzels. Oh, yeah, Emperor Nortons Sourdough Chips.
Those are my favorite. I got hooked on those when I was aero-commuting to
Burbank from San Jose every week. Id get to the airport and buy a bag while I
waited for my plane to arrive.
[Continued on next page]
[Matt Miller Interview continued]
Q: Do you like to cook? How complex
does that get? Now that Positron can eat, where would he go to eat out in
Paragon City?
Matt Miller:
I love to cook. I can get pretty complex. I like to think of myself as a
semi-serious barbequer Ive smoked a turkey, Ive done beer-can chicken a
bunch, as well as homemade fried chicken. If you are at all interested in
grilling, I cant recommend this book enough: How to Grill by Stephen
Raichlen. I am a coal user because I prefer the taste over gas.
If Positron were to eat, hed probably be spotted at El Super
Mexicano.
Q: What comic books are your
favorites? Do you prefer the more mainstream books like Marvel and DC, or
are we looking at Strangers in Paradise and Johnny the Homicidal Maniac?
Matt Miller:
The comics I have been buying regularly: Action Comics, Countdown, Avengers:
Initiative, Black Panther, Cable/Deadpool, Fantastic Four, World War Hulk,
Booster Gold, Checkmate, JLA, Shadowpact, Superman/Batman, Captain America, New
Avengers, New X-Men, Sub-Mariner, Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, Star
Wars: Legacy, Star Wars: Rebellion, Star Wars: Dark Times, Blue Beetle, Green
Lantern Corps, Green Lantern, JSA, JLA Classified, Superman, Astonishing X-Men,
Thunderbolts, X-Men, All Star Superman, Incredible Hulk, Supergirl, Ms. Marvel,
New Warriors, Stormwatch PHD, Mighty Avengers, New Excalibur, and World War
Hulk Front Line.
As you can tell, I am more of a spandex guy. I am currently loving
the Sinestro War going down in all the Green Lantern books.
Matt
Miller, the CoH player
Q: A lot of CoH players have pet
peevesPuGs, Influence begging, Blind Invites, bad behavior in PvP zones,
RMT spamming, etc. Do you have any? Do you sometimes wish you could break
out the magic wand and "fix" it?
Matt Miller:
My biggest pet peeve is sometimes not being able to invite a friend into a
group because everyone has sidekicks/exemplars already and that friend doesnt
have a character of the appropriate level.
Ladeehawk - Resolve by Sixy
Q: What are your favorite Story
Arcs to play through?
Matt Miller:
A couple of the Villain strike forces I enjoyed very much. I also enjoyed the
Radio missions quite a bit.
Q: Atlas Park, Galaxy City, or
Mercy Island?
Matt Miller:
Mercy, Galaxy, then Atlas (reverse order of which zones I am sick of the
most, since I have been playing this game for longer than even our earliest
beta testers).
[Continued on next page]
Events:
September 22nd
Infinity, Freedom, & Pinnacle
*
Mr./Ms. Paragon City & Mr./Ms. Rogue Isles Semi-Finals
Champion
*
All Kheld Statesman TF
Protector
*
In the Hive again...
Justice
*
PvPEC Melee Event
Victory
*
Moonfire & Citadel TFs
September 23rd
Triumph
*
Sunday Night Smackdown
Virtue
*
Artful Dodgers 1st Anniversary! Party!
*
Silver Mantis SF
September 29th
Justice, Champion, & Liberty
*
Mr./Ms. Paragon City & Mr./Ms. Rogue Isles Semi-Finals
Pinnacle
*
Level 4 Battle Royal
Test Server
*
Offical VG Ladder Match
[Matt Miller Interview continued]
Matt Miller, the Lead Designer
Q: Weve received two notes
recently. The first is that you, personally, dont agree with the forum
communitys collective desire for Street Fighting. The second is that Statesman
(Jack Emmert) has explicitly stated that Street Fighting will be in the game
eventually. For the Street Fighting fans, can you explain why you disagree with
it?
Matt Miller:
I dont disagree with it. It should probably go in at some point, but we got
complaints about yet another lethal/weapon set with Dual Blades. Street
Fighting would be yet another Smashing set. In addition it was third place in
the poll, behind Dual Blades and Psionic Weaponry, so if we truly wanted to do
what the players wanted, Psi Weapons would be before Street Fighting.
Q: The vision of what City of Heroes and City of Villains were originally supposed to be, and what they are today, are all but entirely different games. What changes and additions are your favorites? What do you wish the Cryptic team could have followed through on?
Matt Miller:
I must say I enjoy the Invention system quite a bit. Jack and I always were at
an impasse on how to include loot into the game in a friendly, and yet comic
book way. Comic book heroes didnt loot the bodies of their fallen foes for
gadgets or devices, but a creative-type hero might not pass up the opportunity
at collecting some special salvage from a downed opponent, since he could make
something good with that and a couple other things.
I really wish we could have done more with Epic Archetypes. I
think we put in Kheldians too soon because we didnt have a solid plan on
following them up with more EATs, which is now painfully obvious to the
playerbase.
Q: People often look for Easter Eggs and hidden references in the game. Whats a reference youve put in the game about which most people do not know? (Example: A certain NPC is named for a best friend, etc.)
Matt Miller:
Detective Wright (who was replaced by Coyote in the tutorial) was a reference
to an old roommate. Derek Amberson and Gregor Richardson (Galaxy City starter
contacts) are mine and Sean Fishs Amber characters from the Amber diceless
RPG. My father-in-law was put in as one of the random names of people you need
to rescue one mission. He likes to google his name every now and then, and gets
a kick (annoyed?) at all the CoH sites that reference the mission that ends up
in his search results.
Q: The names of Issues being chapters of novelswhose idea was it, and how hard are they to come up with? There hasn't been a comprehensive list of correct answers in the forums yet, but they are tricky to figure out. Have you ever considered making a contest out of it?
Matt Miller:
I am not even sure I should answer this one, but I will. The names of Issues
are NOT chapters of novels. Never have been, never will be. The fact that the
users have found novel chapter titles that match, or are similar to, our Issue
names is a testament to the tenacity of our users. I wont say we havent been
amused by this, because we have, but we dont go out of our way to find a
chapter title that matches our issue in theme and content. We name the issue
something cool, thats it.
Q: If there's nothing out there, then what was that noise?
Matt Miller:
I dunno. You go check. I am going to dial 911.
Events:
October 2nd
Champion
*
Tanker Tuesday 3rd Anniversary
October 5th
Justice
*
Amazing Race II
Virtue
*
Superfest 2
October 6th
Triumph, Guardian, & Virtue
*
Mr./Ms. Paragon City & Mr./Ms. Rogue Isles Semi-Finals
Make sure to list your event threads in the
forum calendar to be listed in the Scoop!
Perfect Kichi´s Team by HugoHugo