I’m one of those people that reminisce about the good old days of gaming. Had an old IBM, then a Vic 20, Commodore 64, Commodore 128, etc. Started computing when my dad needed spreadsheets made in Multiplan and typed machine code from magazines to make games and messed around with basic code, sprites, and 8-bit sound.
My online life started when my parents got on Prodigy…Spending time in the trivia rooms and poking around there. Eventually I found the joys of Bulletin Board Systems and joined one called Odyssey. Played with people all over the US in text adventures, InFiNiTy CoMpLeX, and War of the Worlds. People use to call me in the middle of the night to take my turn in the game to try and force it to the next day before the leader could take his turn.
Next stop was the world of MUDs. I found a home in one, and became an immortal. I spent many many hours designing text areas, NPCs and monsters for the masses to enjoy. If anyone remembers the tickle bug and the names Lotus and Cynders…That was ME! While designing MUDs, the first real graphical MMO came out: Ultima Online! I was in love with the original series of Ultima games, and HAD to get this…but I was still doing dial-up, so I couldn’t get it right away, until 2001, when I got high speed internet!
Since I started true MMO gaming, I have played quite a few. Listing off the games I lasted more than a week playing…. Ultima Online, Anarchy Online, City of Heroes/Villians, Dark Age of Camelot, World of Warcraft, EVE, Guild Wars, Everquest II, Fallen Earth, Warhammer, Rift, Vindictus, Hellgate, League of Legends, Dragon Nest, SWTOR…and the list will go on!
There are a bunch of others that I tried but just didn’t stay or didn’t like. That’s one reason for this blog…to let others know whats out there and how an everyday gamer feels about the games that come out.
I also dabble in virtual worlds like Second Life and OpenSim designing buildings, furniture and items for others to enjoy and use. I help out with a handful of educators who use virtual worlds as part of their teaching toolbox.
In real life I work for a book publisher laying out books and catalogs, making ads, and keeping the office running smoothly. I have a son in his upper teens who loves to game with me as much as possible and who is more of a game hopper than I am.
