Thursday, October 29, 2009

The "Art" of Catabearing... A Farewell Tribute to a Legend and a dear Friend


The hardest part of loving something is letting go and moving on... Sometimes we find ourselves played by the crossroads of life, decisions and sacrifices have to be made, and part of it, is giving up something we really enjoyed doing. It's for the better, we console ourselves, opportunities only pass once, so grab it while we can.

Although we've been expecting the news for quite sometime now, nothing can still prepare us for the moment when he finally said, "it's over, I am about to go".

For most people, this guy is an icon, a legend in his own right. Time and time again, he redefined the "standard" of what it takes to be a Cata bearer. He isn't afraid to experiment and take chances, and always strives to push his game to the next level. This feat he has accomplished, might take a while to be toppled.

I can still remember those early days when I would see him on 24/7 DSQ, and that he never slept for 3 days on the race from 88 to 89 (afterwhich we heard he got sick). An early proof of his competitiveness.


Needless to say, I watched his character grow up. Rycesa, along with Dray, Suing and Macoiski would form one of the most formidable catapult team of the old time. They reshaped the TW scene and brought the then neglected cata bearers into the limelight. They raised the bar and proved that not all Yao shous can be bearers. The Lotus "kariton" boys as they were fondly called, would often be exchanging thoughts and strategies about what they dubbed as the "art of catapult bearing". They never hesitated to sport a low strength high con build, when most of the yao shous would prefer to be damagers.

The advent of pure Int Fa shi's and the realization that high HP alone can't save them from the wrath of Magic users made them shift from HP to Mdef Stones. They were the first Cata team to use the "MDEF" set, while all the rest sports HP and tend to laugh at them for doing so. Ironically, those who first laughed at them tend to follow the trend later on...

"I love breaking towers and the enemy's central building, as well as that satisfaction you get that you are not easily killed, even if there's a lot of players trying to bring you down". That's what he always say when our conversation touches the topic of catas. He gets euphoric when people say that he's one tough ass to crack in TW, that alone, according to him, is enough to make all the effort seem worthwhile.

"Someday, I will be the ultimate cata bearer" - those words still ring to my ears like they were just said yesterday. It has been more than two years since, and now he has finally achieved that goal. December of 2007, I can still recall our conversation about him sporting a 30k HP and how he plans to do so, and around May of 2008 he shared to me the target of at least 15k MDEF.

Now, I can definitely say that he is the "ultimate catapult bearer". An envy to most of his peers; a source of pride and inspiration for his friends and clan members. As a friend, I am proud not only of what he has accomplished, but he has done so, with integrity.

As Perfect World PH Dragon server says farewell to one of its most respected player, we also wish that you would find success in your new endeavor as you have succeeded in game.

Some people come into our lives and quickly go. Some stay for a while, leave footprints on our hearts, and we are never, ever the same.

Thank you for leaving your footprint and we hope that in the future, we might be able to see you play again.

Monday, October 26, 2009

United We Help! Perfect World Gives Back...


In years to come, I bet nobody would easily forget the ordeal that everyone has to go through during the rage of typhoons Ondoy (Ketsana) and Pepeng (Parma). Thousands lost their homes, possessions and sadly, loved ones. The damage amounted to billions, but the trauma, grief and pain these two caused are far greater...

Some of us were lucky enough to be spared from the rampage of these two storms, however, a lot of people including some of our brothers and sisters in the gaming community are still in the evacuation centers, awaiting help. Relief efforts have been on going, but there's still so much work to be done.

Level Up! Games Incorporated, the Philippines' first and Leading Online Game Publisher, (a staunch advocate of responsible gaming) in cooperation with Gawad Kalinga (a Philippine-based poverty reduction and nation-building movement that cares for worse-off Filipinos and survivors of natural disasters) and Perfect World(PWRD) Beijing LTD, (China's Leading Game Developer and Publisher) is currently conducting Sos Para Sa Mga Biktima Nina Ondoy At Pepeng which will run from October 26,2009 to November 6, 2009. The project aims not only to raise money for the victims of the typhoon, but let gamers like us participate and show compassion in our own little way. All the proceeds generated from Sos Pra sa Mga Biktima ni Ondoy at Pepeng will be donated to GAWAD KALINGA.

So How do we Help? It's very simple, one just has to buy the "Ondoy Relief Package" (SOS fireworks) special in-game item at the Perfect World Item Mall (Fireworks > Clans).

The item is priced at 100 gold or equivalent to Five (5) pesos. That's a small amount but will definitely be put to good use.

This might just be a small act of kindness but it will definitely go a long way to help rebuild the lives of these people.


Got that feeling that you want to do more than donating? Then join your favorite Level-Up! GMs (Shiro, SkyeMist, SteelWing, DreadFang, SamHok, Tristan, Anael, Krieger, Chastity and many more) at the GK Operation: "Walang Iwanan" after this donation drive.

Help spread the word, and bring back the smile these victims had once upon a time...

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Time Space Warp!!!

This blog is an entry to Perfect World’s Lost Empire blog contest where they are giving away in-game items and the Perfect World iPod.

The long wait is over! The Wheel of Time has been Unlocked, and its secrets spilled across the land of Pangu, faster even before Wei Xiao Bao could shout "According to reliable sources". In no time, thousands of heroes gathered in anticipation, only to be taken aback by what they will discover beyond the great wheel.

Perfect World's Lost Empire takes us to the time of the Dusk Dynasty, hence the tagline "Will You Stand Against the Forces of Evil or Join them". Through these "moments" or "rifts" in time, the tale is finally revealed. Although the difference is that, you can change the course of history.

After the Dusk Patch, I can say Perfect World's Lost Empire is the major update that instantly became a hit among players, old and new alike.

You'll never be bored because it offer tons of stuff to do in game. You can gamble and try your luck at the Cube of Fate, or explore the new maps and gather items to craft your new equipments.

Looking for a new challenge? Well, summon specific bosses via the Boss Card feature and collect all 16 of them to summon the last one. The rewards (aside from experience and of course bragging rights) that can be reaped from this venture is really worth the while.

Once you reach level 100, you can do the Enlightenment Quest which makes your fairy bad ass looking and grants you the ability to learn those additional skills that can turn the tide of war.


Its time to unlock the mystery, feel the thrill, and create your own adventure at the Ancient cities of Heaven Tear, Kylin Forest, Scar Valley and Pagoda of Sand.

And don't forget, it's always fun to grab your friends along and share the journey towards discovering the infinite possibilities that Perfect World's Lost Empire can offer. After all, Perfect World is your world, your game.


Perfect World is locally published by Level Up! Games Inc. The game's official website is at http://www.perfectworld.ph

To know more about the Patch Features, you can visit the Perfect World's Lost Empire Microsite.

Monday, September 7, 2009

The Third (3rd) Fairy Esteem (Part I: The Preliminary Quests)

With only a few hours to go before the Lost Empire patch goes live in Perfect World Philippine servers, everyone is very much excited with what the new Patch brings, specially the third level of Esteem for Demon and Immortal players.

As what was said on the previous blog entry, it is of importance that one finishes the Chrono Wheel Quest since you need access to the ancient Towns to finish the entire quest.

But before going to that, here is the Preliminary Quests for both Demon and Immortal folks after going Infernal and Sublime respectively.

Demon:
1.Talk to Ghost Warden in Devil Dome.

2.Dig up the Devil Sealing Tripod in evil Dragon Lake (Hell Dome) 495, 470 Altitude: 23

3.Kill the boss that will appear.
4.Talk to the Ghost Warden again.
5.This time, go to Heaven Dome and kill the Phoenix Yufei to get the 40 required items. They're located in Samsara Valley (Heaven Dome) 352, 516 Altitude : 32

6.Pass the quest back to the Ghost Warden.
And you're done with the first Part.
the Next Step is Talk to Sage of Force Wan Jun (537,673) in Dragon City.

Immortal:
1.Talk to Cunning Immortal in Heaven Dome.

2.Get the UnStained Stone in Breeding Pools (Heaven Dome) 479,627 Altitude : 18.

3.Kill the boss that will appear.
4.Return to the Cunning Immortal.
5.Go to Devil Dome and kill the Demon Feather in Hunting Mountain (Hell Dome) 347, 529 Altitude:

6.Return to Cunning Immortal.

Once you're done with these, you can proceed to Talk to the Great Sage of Light (567,633) in Dragon City South.

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

An Opinion of the Issues that Plagues Dragon Server of PW PH



Lately, Dragon server (my home server) has been plagued by so many intrigues and rumors that it not only affect the persons involved, but the whole community itself. A lot of people have expressed dissatisfaction from the way things are going, some of them are leaving for another game. It can't be help, since the situation is really disheartening. But whose to blame?

On the natural order of things, Clans rise and inevitably fall. If it's their time, just let them be. After all, Perfect World isn't just about TW. there's a lot of things to do aside from that.

But the more important question is, during their time, what have they contributed to the game? Or are they the one to further funnel the source of dissatisfaction among the players?

Throwing out accusations without any solid evidence (despite the overwhelming suggestiveness of the situation) might just be discarded as plain bitterness and bickering. Albeit we see some things happen that is hard to explain, isn't it always best to probe first and ask before assuming things?

Problem is, people are being labeled before they are even judged. It doesn't really matter how clean one does things, when he's already labeled a cheater, he will always be a cheater in the eyes of everyone. Sad, but true... People have this notion to label and group things around them, and their opinion about them, is determined by the which group they belonged to.

Doesn't really matter how one's Items are acquired, legally or illegally, but what matters is at the end of the day, how we feel about ourselves. Am I feeling this way because I think there is injustice happening or am I doing this because I am envious of the things that they have?

Fact is, Life is really never fair, and even Online games are no exception. Imbalance will always exist, because some people have more resources at their disposal. And most of the time, game handlers never really cared as long as the game brings profit in. Just like in any other business, it's all about the money.

What we can do is work on what we have, although it's disappointing sometimes that we toil and labor hunting materials for our equipments, while others get theirs in a snap of a finger. When these moments pass us, what we can always look at is our reason for playing. Surely, everyone has different reasons, why they still stay despite of it all. I mean, one can just easily give up everything and walk away when we had enough, but why are we still here? Is it because we've already invested so much in the game? Or is it because our friends are still here? Or is it because we still hope that the game will eventually be better? Whatever your reason is, its only for you to know, after all, each game is meant to be enjoyed, and not to further stress us out...

Sure having godly equipments eats a chunk out of our game experience, but It's not the end all be all of every game.

For me, the Pride that comes from Integrity is something more fulfilling from the one that comes from being powerful, wealthy and strong. Godly equipments have their price tags, but the Respect you earn from other players is priceless.

Friday, August 14, 2009

Demystifying The Cube of Fate


As the patching of the Lost Empire draws near, here's a very interesting feature along with the Patch. The Cube of Fate Daily Quest.

The Cube of Fate is a solo dungeon (shared instance) in Perfect World that you can enter starting at level 40. There are 50 rooms in the puzzle dungeon, each with its own unique challenge to complete. Once you complete a room's challenge, you will receive a random six sided die that will move you forward throughout the dungeon. The objective is to reach room 50, however if you fail a challenge or are killed along the way, you will respawn back in room 1 with the option to either exit the Cube, or start the puzzle all over again.

While the Cube can be very frustrating at times, it can also be very rewarding. You could spend a few million yuans and come out empty handed, or you could spend 100k and come out 10 million richer, along with 20 Mysterious Chips, and over 350,000 EXP!

REMINDER: It's completely Random and a lot of Patience and Determination Needed. THIS IS A DAILY QUEST

Requirements

* Level 40+ to enter
* 1 Badge of Honor, which you can get once per day from the Property Official / Wolf Cub in each of the 6 major cities.
* 10-30 Immortal Stones. Each IMMO can be exchanged for 2 Dice Tickets, and each room requires 1 Dice Ticket to begin the challenge. Some rooms have very difficult challenges, and can be bypassed by paying additional Dice Tickets
* 400-600k yuan. Several rooms require 100-200k yuans to pass, although usually you are given a chance to win additional coins back
* Patience. Some days it's going to be really easy, and some days it will be impossible to finish. Understand that going in, the Cube is completely random


Rewards

* EXP! At level 70-79, it's worth 350,000 XP and 70,000 souls IF you reach room 50, at 80+ it's 400k/80k
* Money. Several rooms have a chance to win either 1 million or 5 million yuans
* Mysterious Chips. Up to 20 per run (5 per room, 4 chip rooms)
* A Legendary Gear (2 Star Orange Item). At 80+ you get a chance to enter the Cube Lottery, but it's still not translated into English, so I'm unsure what the rewards are though database sites do show some legendary gear that comes from the lottery
* Mystic Pages. At level 90+, you don't get EXP reward for completing the Cube of Fate, but you do get Mystic pages that you can trade for your Heaven / Hell Skill books


Challenge Rooms


[1] Fate's Beginning
Trade your Duty Badge for a Puzzle Cube at the Room 1 Teleport Master
Use the Forge beside him to repair, buy potions, and exchange Immortal Stones for Dice Tickets
Choose 'Start the Challenge' to exchange your Puzzle Cube and 1 Dice Ticket, for a random dice (1-6)
Right click on the dice, and you'll move forward that many rooms i.e. if you get a 5 dice and you're in room 1, you'll end up in room 6

[2] Chest of Mystery
Open 5 chests for quest items, get a dice.

[3] Slaughterhouse
Kill 5 monsters, get a dice.

[4] Mice Bashing
Kill 10 monsters, 1 hit each, use auto attack, get a dice.

[5] Count the Apples
Count either the red, white, or blue wisps. Choose correctly, get a dice.

[6] Open Sesame
Kill the boss mob in this room, who does a very weak AOE dmg (~100 every few seconds)
When he dies a Teleport Master will spawn, talk to him to get a dice
The boss will respawn in about 20 seconds, so make it fast and don't AFK on auto attack for too long

[7] Have a Listen
Talk to the butterfly NPC to start the challenge
The goal is to find out which monsters have sound effects, the ones with the fire noise will 1 hit kill you, so slowly approach them until you find the monsters with no sound, and run through them to the other side
TIP: Try the 2 mobs against the left hand wall

[8] Try Your Luck
Costs 100k, open 10 chests and receive either a Sadness Card (sells for 1 yuan), or a Ecstasy Card (sells for 1,000,000 yuan)

[9] 100 Second Stand
Stay alive for 100 seconds
The mob in the center does AOE dmg, while the moving mobs do weak physical
TIP: Run to the corner of the room and kill any monsters that follow you, then just tank the AOE dmg

[10] Bombs Away!
A time bomb is attached to you and will detonate in 10 minutes
Once you reach the NPC in room 17 (or higher) ask him to diffuse the bomb
If you fail before the bomb goes off, make sure you have the NPC in room 1 diffuse the bomb

[11] Bored ...
Jail room, simply wait 3 minutes and you'll get a dice
TIP: This room is PK enabled (whether you're blue or not), so don't go AFK here

[12] Choices of Fate
Receive a random token, either 1 room back, or 1-6 rooms forward
Right click to use it like a dice

[13] Party of Six
Either talk to the NPC while having 5 partymates in the room, or pay 3 Dice Tickets to bypass the challenge

[14] I Don't Wanna Leave
The objective of this room is to get a dice once someone in the room dies, so, you can either wait for someone to enter and then PK them
Or simply get yourself killed and start over at room 1
TIP: To kill yourself, run into the corner with the plant mob, which will debuff your HP by 80%, then attack the mob in the middle

[15] Mystical Messenger
First of four rooms where you can get Mysterious Chips (up to 5 per room)
You have 60 seconds to kill as many mobs as you can
You must turn the quest in at the middle NPC before the timer runs out, or you get 0 chips
You can only do the Kill for Thrills quest once per day, in each of the four rooms, for a maximum of 20 Mysterious Chips per run

[16] Fight the Demon
Must kill a very tough mob, only possible with a group of people in the same room
Or you can pay X dice tickets to bypass the challenge and get a dice

[17] Ecstasy or Sadness
Another chest room, pay 100k, open 10 chests, can either win 1 yuan, or 1,000,000 yuan

[18] Not Enough Yet
When you enter, you're given 9 Robber cards, but you need 10 to complete the quest and move on.
TIP: You can either wait for someone else to come in and give you one of their cards, or Use your Town Portal skill to go back to room 1

[19] Happy Hold-up
Talk to the NPC, get 5 extra Dice Tickets, and a dice

[20] Another Choice of Fate
Receive a random token, either 1-3 rooms back, or 1-6 rooms forward
Right click to use it like a dice

[21] Beast Hunter
Kill 2 mobs in 2 minutes, can be difficult depending on your level
For example, level 70-79 have to kill level 75 mobs, easier at higher levels.

[22] Mystical Messenger
Second of four rooms you can get Mysterious Chips in, same challenge, 60 seconds to kill 1-5 mobs

[23] Real or Fake
Must kill 1 mob, some are weak (never met one), most are hard.

[24] Consequence
Open 5 chests, get a dice
You can change the amount of chests required to complete the challenge, to either 5, 20, or 100 chests
TIP: Leave it at 5, otherwise Karma will bite you in the ass

[25] Dragon Gate
Run through the exploding hands, simply wait for them to explode them move through the circle. Reach the opposite corner and talk to the NPC for your die

[26] Death Judge
Must loot 5 chests, guarded by a mob that will 1 hit kill you
TIP: The mob moves very, very slow, so you can have him chase you to the corner of the room, then run back and loot 2 chests, rinse, repeat

[27] Try to Listen EX
Same as the previous listen room, try the 2 mobs 2nd from the right wall

[28] Count the Apples EX
Same as the first room, count either the red, white, or blue wisps (it's random which one the NPC will ask for)

[29] Slaughterhouse EX
Kill 5 mobs, no time limit

[30] 100 Second Stand EX
Stay alive for 100 seconds, the AOE does more damage in this room, fairly easy with an Amulet

[31] Mystical Messenger
Third of the four Mysterious Chip rooms

[32] So Bored
Jail room, simply wait 5 minutes and you'll receive a dice, PK enabled so don't AFK

[33] Monster Trapper
Kill 2 mobs in 2 minutes

[34] Steadfast
Same as room 14, either kill another player, or kill yourself and start over. If you do manage to kill another player here, walk along to wall to the opposite corner of the room to avoid agressing the middle ball, and make sure you talk to the NPC twice. The corner mobs only do a debuff which you can relog to clear (once you use the dice)

[35] Life Diverged, Again
Receive a random token, either 3 rooms back, or 1-6 rooms forward
Right click to use it like a dice

[36] Crazy Chest
Loot 10 chests, get a dice

[37] Great Luck
Pay 200,000 yuan, get a box with random goodies inside
Can include 1-3 Immortal Stones, 5-10 Dice Tickets, or 2 Do-All Cards (can be made into Robber or Bully Cards)

[38] Dragon Gate EX
Same as room 25, except little insects run around that can 1 hit kill you, need to avoid both them and the exploding hands.
TIP: For an easy time hug the walls tightly to avoid the insect patrols

[39] Consequence II
Open 20 chests, get a dice
You can change the amount of chests required to complete the challenge, to either 5, 20, or 100 chests
TIP: Leave it at 5, otherwise Karma will bite you in the ass

[40] Sadness or Ecstasy
Pay 100,000 coins, open 10 chests, either win 1 yuan, or 5,000,000 yuan

[41] Party of Three
Create a party of 3 players in the same room, or pay 10 Dice Tickets to bypass the challenge

[42] Mystical Messenger
The final Mysterious Chip room, kill 5 mobs in 60 seconds

[43] Take Down the Demon
Need a party to kill these mobs, pay 10 Dice Tickets to bypass the challenge

[44] Bomber Mania
A time bomb is attached to you, must reach room 50 in 10 minutes or less
Talk to the NPC in room 50 to diffuse the bomb

[45] Open, open sesame!
Same as room 6, kill a boss mob (weak, 100 dmg AOE) that has tons of hit points, takes 20-40 minutes depending on class and level, pray you don't hit the previous room and roll a 1

[46] Still not Enough
Same as room 18, get 9 Bully Cards, need 10
Either hope someone comes in and gives you one of theirs, or Town Portal back to room 1 and start over

[47] 100 Seconds, Bring It On!
Stay alive for 100 seconds, same as the previous two 100 second rooms
Mob in the middle does significatly more AOE dmg (impossible for a 80+ Character)
If you don't have High HP, just die and start over
If you want to try it make sure you have an Amulet, both HP pots, and possibly damage reduction charms, the mobs unleashes both Magic and Physical attacks

[48] Chest Unlocker Hardcore
Open 10 chests, get a dice

[49] Prize Raid
Have 2 minutes to kill as many mobs as you can, each mob is worth 5000 EXP and 1000 Soul

[50] Fate's End
The final room, receive your EXP, Soul, (Mystic Page in case of 90++) and a chest that contains 1-3 Immortal Stones, with a 5% chance to get a Badge of Skill.

So there you have it, Am pretty Much Excited with this one since i do like to Gamble a lot haha.

Source

Wednesday, July 8, 2009

Dark Beast City Event; Reward - Crafted Stamp



Ok, before I proceed, let me rant first. It is really annoying for some people not to think before opening their mouths. What they don't know doesn't mean others can't too... Just because they don't know how something is done they would immediately assume somebody is cheating or a "GM's Pet". How would they know? They sulk up all their lives in arena and PK, never trying to discover other things to do in game aside from killing and trash talking other players or pawning weaker opponents in the arena. They live in self worship of their not so strong characters, whom they think are Gods, and that all they do in game is show the world how strong they are, PKing and talking nonsense on the world chat. No wonder that when someone was able to craft a Stamp in game, eyebrows were raised, accusations flooded, and all kinds of harsh words were thrown into that person. Duh! Grow up... You know who you guys are...

These people you bickered, accused and harassed were the same one who have dedicated their game time building up a database that is very useful for everyone. You sucked up all the information that is available, and yet, no word of gratitude, instead you were the first one to throw the stones... Translating from Chinese is already hard, let alone figuring things out in game. So, if you have some sense left in your shallow nutshell, remember this : THINK FIRST BEFORE YOU SPEAK. If you don't want others to get ahead of you, then do some RESEARCH not just be a lazy parasite that sit and waits for somebody else's discoveries.

With that said, lets proceed.

Dark Beast City is an event every Wednesday. The gates open exactly 8:50 in the evening and closes at 9:00PM, after which, monsters will respawn.

To access the Dark Beast City event, just click on any Property Official Located in Key Major Cities (Sword, Feather, Beast, Dragon, Dreamport) and choose the THIRD Option.


You will be then ported inside. Please do note that you guys will spawn in random locations inside the Dark Beast City, even if you are all in a party.

The event runs for 1 Hour, after which, you can exchange the drops into an NPC that will appear.

Here are some monsters that you will meet once inside.

These monsters differ in abilities as well as immunities to various elements such as fire, water, earth, metal and wood, as well as physical and magic immunity. Sometimes these immunities will combine in 1 monster like these guys.

Here are some tips you might want to take note once inside:

1. Do Not Click on the the NPC with a Buy/Sell/Fix option, unless you want to go out. Clicking the quest and the green box that follows kicks you out of the Dungeon, and you will never be able to go back.
2. Mobs RESPAWN after a short period of time. So be very careful

3. The NPC that trades the chips for items will only appear once the Event is finished.


Here are the rewards list

06 pcs of the item = War Soul Tablet
10 pcs of the item = 1 Mysterious Chip
150 pcs of the Item = 1 Badge of Courage
150 pcs of the item = 1 Badge of Power
600 Pcs of the item = 1 Badge of Valor
600 Pcs of the item = 1 Stamp of Eternal Solitude

I Hope its clear with everyone now.

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

New Maps - The Perfect World Lost Empire Expansion


There will be new Maps that will surface once the Perfect World Expansion: Lost Empire sets in. These are the Valley of the Scarred, Unicorn Forest, Old Heaven Tear, and Desert Tower.

The new zones provide a good deal of new content for players. They are all part of Perfect World’s history and will give one a better view of the overall narrative present in Perfect World.

Here's a quick Preview of these Maps. I'm still researching on how to get to these maps though. I'll update it once I have those information.

Old Heaven Tear









The Unicorn Forest





The Scarred Valley






The Desert Tower






It is said that for one to enter these Maps, he/she should be at least level 90. More updates coming up as Perfect World PH gears up to welcome the Lost Empire...