Last Friday Fileplanet released the Empire Earth III Beta to subscribers. After downloading the 2.4 GB installation file and installing it I was met with a surprise. Sierra, the publishers of this “game” had implemented a system where, prior to actually being able to run the game, you must first download the executable from a website. When prospective gamers visited the site and entered their license key they were greeted with a database error telling them to try back in “some minutes”. After repeated attempts to retrieve the necessary executable from the website, the site locked me out and disabled my serial number. I reviewed the Beta forums to find that this was a common happening and that almost no one could actually play the game.The Beta remained on the Fileplanet home page on Friday and through Saturday until it was finally removed on Sunday. Sierra has...

OK, so Fly for Fun is probably the worst name ever for a MMORPG. Let’s go ahead and move past that. Flyff is an interesting entry into the growing list of MMORPG. What sets it apart is its price tag (it’s free) and the world the game is set it. For a free game there is a lot to do and see, but don’t be mistaken – there are many flaws and issues to be worked out. Like Dungeons & Dragons Online (see my previous previews) this game has a dedicated fan base and a good deal of support and communication from its developers via web and forum postings.Many very strange things occur in Flyff. It snows for no apparent reason. Shouting can be heard by everyone, everywhere. There is no group window to see the stats on your “troupe” mates. The grammar and spelling are the worst I’ve ever seen in a game, ever. The are bugs in nearly every aspect of the...

Round Two! I am happy to report that DDO is even better the second time around. Many minor issues were resolved and the graphics have been improved. There were minor changes to some of the quests (I made it to Level 3, Rank 1), but all in all the experience was the same. I really like the addition of the Rank system, which I won’t discuss in detail due to the Non-Disclosure Agreement. The community is growing stronger and the magnificent developer support is still there. My only gripe – I have submitted a BETA application and participated in no less than three events designed to give players a chance to win a BETA account, yet I have never even seen a GM (Game Master – they came around and gave them out in the game). Boo-hoo.

I have been playing Civilization since the original game was released in 1991. I love the series. Many hours of my life have been happily spent positioning cavalry and capturing enemy tiles. Needless to say I have extremely high expectations for any game in the series and Civ 4 does not disappoint.The best way to describe Civ 4 is to say that it’s the best of all of the previous games and then some. Units and technology that we are so fond of are all present and accounted for, with some additions to mix things up. As with previous versions of Civ things are bigger, better and more polished in the latest release. The new graphics engine provides a clean and attractive interface for governing your people. The game has excellent sound effects as well as music. I feel as if I’m watching The Lion King every time I open the game. Tim Rice and Sir Elton would be proud.Single...

Well folks, I am furious again. After dishing out more dough for the latest whiz-bang game I’ve been disappointed again. After playing the AOE 3 demo I decided to give the full version a whirl when it was released, thinking there would of course be more content in the full version. Wrong. Sure, there are different nationalities and they have unique units, but as far as tech trees and unit types go, you pretty much have them all in the demo. OK, so now that you know that you’re throwing away your money, let me tell you what will really piss you off. Multiplayer blows. AOE 3 is the same rush-fest that all of the other AOE games have been. The forums are full of ways to get the cheapest units the fastest, or to get the best unit to the enemy base before he can mount a defense. Most games don’t last 30 minutes, and an hour long game is considered extraordinary. What a sad...