My apologies for a late and an even more sparse update than usual this week. I have had to spend what computer time I have had on collating evidence for a report for a medical appeal regarding my condition of M.E. Any time I spend using a computer I have to judge carefully so I do not overdo it and exacerbate my condition. Having to compile a couple of reports meant no time left for any real modding this week.
The little I did manage to do involved adding a couple of lines to the "NPC seating" code so that they no longer move or get bumped out of position when spoken to (thanks to Eguintir and Shaughn for that) and editing a few more spells to work with my new crafting system. (See last week's comments for the functions involved.)
I did manage to do a little of Misery Stone at the start of the week, but this too has been placed on hold until I have more time. From my initial impression, it was a superbly designed game with respect to its area designs and had some excellent atmosphere. However, I cannot agree with most current voters of 10 because of one or two other aspects that do not match up. Don't get me wrong, it's not bad at all, but does fall short of "masterpiece" because of them. Perhaps it is just me being extra picky, but I must stick to the same standards as I have judged others, or else it would be unfair on them. I will leave my final comments until I have finished the game and vote on the Vault.
Subject to how much more report collating I have to do and tests I have to have carried out, I may or may not get the chance to do anything new on the mod for a little while. Don't worry, I am continuing, but I have to pace myself between what I need to do and what I am able to do.
4 comments:
Very interesting reading about M.E. on that link. I'm currently studying within the healthcare field so it's always good to gather as much knowledge as possible.
I have to agree with you on Misery Stone as well. I have not finished it yet, and while the mod is great and one of the best NWN2 ones so far in my opinion, I also find the numerous 10 votes to be pretty excessive.
In fact, it kind of reminds me of the reviews of Mass Effect 2, which is also garnering 10/10 reviews left and right. I have no problem with recognizing these games and mods as great but when I read a review of something, it's the one that employs a critical eye that will make me excited about it. Because then I can trust the reviewer with presenting accurate information.
That said, I'm also glad that Misery Stone is a success because it is excellent in many regards. Once I find the time to finish it, I'll also post my complete thoughts on the Vault. :)
Hi Starwars,
Yes, M.E. is an peculiar problem and one I have suffered with for a number of years. However, I believe there may be a connection with "thoracic herniation" in my case as well, as I have had some excruciating back pains that until just recently have always been put down to my M.E. Whether the two are connected in some way, I do not know, but I am having more tests.
I'm glad I am not alone in the consideration of MS. As you say, in some ways it could be considered a "masterpiece". However, only a mod that pushes the buttons in "every" way ... or ... is in some way extremely innovative/new in its approach (and still very well done), gets a ten from me. And while aspects of MS are definitely in that score, it has not (to the point I have played so far), either fully satisfied my character development yearning or produced much in the way of actual new or innovative gameplay.
As I say, I may be being extra picky, and the game may surprise me yet, and make me change my mind and agree with everybody else. ;) However, it would have to make a detour from its current style to do that, and I suspect that won't be the case.
Having said all that, this may turn out to be the best NWN game I have played to date. I will have to wait and see.
I certainly look forward to reading your comments on MS as well.
Lance.
Actually thought it was _M_ass _E_ffect that was interfering with your mod building when I read the title! Hope you feel better soon.
Haven't spent much time with MS myself (_not_ Multiple Sclerosis ;) ), but what I saw so far of the visual design and atmosphere is second to none.
Hi E.C. Patterson,
Hehe! Mass Effect does interfere now and again, when I get the chance to have a bash at it. However, M.E. (the disability) is pretty much permanent for me now. It is something I have to manage the best I can. I even gave up work in Feb 2008 due to the symptoms and pain caused by working. And I am still trying to win an appeal from an insurance company for loss of earnings due to it.
Misery Stone is fun, without a doubt, and the graphics/atmosphere are very well done. However, there are some aspects (that I will send up on the Vault when finished) that stop it from reaching a 9 or 10. I still have some more to play, and so I will wait until I have finished before giving my final report. ;)
Lance.
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