SwagVault MMO Blog

Number one

As long as you have a fairly new PC, the most important factor is having a decent video card.

My PC is an Intel Core 2 Duo at 2.66 Ghz w/ 4GB ram. This PC came with the nVidia 8500GT video card, which is really not made for gaming. With this setup I was getting 5-15 frames per second (FPS) on the very lowest settings.

I made a small investment in a new video card, and I now get 20-60 FPS on very high settings. I bought the nVidia 8800GTS (512MB @ $260), but there are many other cards that will make a big difference as well. My top 3 video card recommendations based on price and performance:

1. EVGA 8800GTS

2. EVGA 8800GT

3. 9600GT

All way under $300 and the 9600 is well under $200

The 8800GTS is a big card, and it was a bit hard to install, make sure you can fit the new card in your case, and that your motherboard supports it prior to spending the money.

There is also a good thread on the AoC forums on making sure you have the latest video card drivers, which is VERY important for dcent FPS.

Number two

I love the game, but I see room for improvements in some areas. My biggest gripe right now is the map. I have a hard time locating party members on the map, and also navigating using the map in some places. Paths and obstacles could be clearer.

Number three

Minimal lag and downtime so far! A few hiccups, but nothing major. I am very pleased with this aspect as I had some fears initially

Number four

Classes and quests. I love my main character. It is a bear shaman, and it is great fun to play. It starts out a bit rough in the early levels, but one you get to lvl 25 it is very hard to die. Great combos and heals!

Quests are also well designed and fun for the most part. However, there are still some WoW-like quests, and the map issues mentioned above do annoy me sometimes when questing.

Conclusion

So far (at level 27) this game rocks! I have only seen a small part of the world, and I have yet to be bored, wish I was playing right now!

I have yet to try much PvP and I can’t craft yet, so more info on those items to follow.

Feel free to message me on the Dagoth server, my Shaman is named Kacyn