Fanterview: Ionia Titan

Stick ‘em up! This is an armed robbery!

I wasn’t there. I was in Switzerland.

No - wait - that’s a lie. I’m sorry, this actually isn’t a robbery, it’s an interview. 

Well, hello there! Thank you for you offering your time to be fanterviewed and being a fan and follower of Missing Worlds Media and our first project, City of Titans!

Thank you and to MWM for allowing fans to have these moments

So, enjoying the snow? You mentioned you were getting buried under it.

Not yet. But it is coming. :)

So what’s your name (or internet alias?)

 I am known to most as either Ionia Titan or Mad Vyking. But good friends know me as Tor.

Where in this great wide world do you hail from?

Born in Brooklyn, NY. Lived in the Florida Keys. Now living in the Catskills Mountains of New York.

What was your first experience with videogames or MMO’s?

In video games: Pong the coin op game (old man voice) I remember when using the dial on that game was a skill.

MMO’s City of Heroes. Case of they got it right the first time.

Which is harder - videogames or arcade games?

Nowadays video games - due to the ability to play the game with others who are not next to you to distract or taunt. Don’t say you don’t know someone who did the elbow jab or shouted JINX in middle of the game.

See, I would say arcade games because they eat your money.

Out of all the superhero themed movies out these last few years, any favorites? (The correct answer is: Man of Steel)

OOOH tough one due to I, like many comic book fans, am a stickler to the original story line.

I would have to give credit to Tim Burton’s Batman cause of Jack Nicholson as the Joker (Man of Steel) Avengers (Man of Steel) Thor (Man of Steel) and on a guilty pleasure note Fantastic Four getting the camaraderie right (Man of Steel)

Did I mention Man of Steel?

*nods head*

How did you first hear about City of Titans, Missing Worlds Media’s first project?

It was a little after the day City of Heroes was taken from us. Was reading several articles of various opinions of why it happened and then I saw about the spiritual successors which led to the Missing Worlds Wedia website. Saw the Youtube video and the sketches of what to expect and I saw not only hard work but a passion.

Was it hard losing that MMO? Have you been a part of other MMO’s that have shut down?

It was hard losing the game but more of the access of the people I knew and especially the people who were in Hero Dawn supergroup on Virtue. City of Heroes players are unique that even though there were roleplayers, number crunchers, mission grinders etc. they were also the most helpful and friendly by a landslide when you look at other games. In my group especially there was a bond that to this day is being carried.

As for other games, no this was the first game to close on me under questionable reasons let alone any reason.

Speaking of which - any other MMO’s you’ve been playing or any exciting games?

After COH, I tried DCUO, SWTOR, STO and Champions. At moment on Champions.

It’s been a little over a month since the Kickstarter ended, but what are your thoughts on how it went?

I knew the goal was obtainable in my mind due to the people who played the game are as passionate. I know several people willing to wait til the paycheck to put in $5 for CoT. I still talk to a few people of my group and gave reports on how the Kickstarter was doing and all were wondering if the million was going to hit.

Out of all the updates from the Kickstarter, which was your favorite?

Two out of all of them. Hitting the goal, dare I say in record time and the final one surpassing the naysayers skepticism. Which personally I took a hidden pleasure. For some reason, the videos of the naysayers seem to have disappeared. (sarcastic voice) I don’t know why….

If I was allowed to copy and paste the freak outs the MWM team when we hit our initial goal, I would. Right now they only serve as blackmail. Useless blackmail, really, since everyone on the team has a copy.

Which feature are you most looking forward to, from all the updates you’ve read?

Well all are of course waiting for the final product. I'm interested in the Avatar system for the Android and the Ipod/phone/pad/watch/shoe etc.

What would make the Avatar builder system really stand out for you? Any feature you’d like to see?

The ability to work on costumes when away from the game. I know a few people who would love to work on one if they are out about. They see a billboard, mannequin or somebody with something on and then inspiration hits.

Any other ‘on the fly’ tools you’d like to see available for phones and tablets and whatnot?

While in Hero Dawn on Virtue, we ran costume contests. We also did trivia which I was in charge of. I worried about making it home if the road was iced up. So I on that point would say maybe a way to chat with people on the game. At very least, friends can go “Save a spot for me on task force. I stopped to get donuts.”

*takes notes*
*steals genius ideas*

Do you stop to get donuts or do the donuts stop to get you?

Depending on the mood.

So what kind of system are you running - any nifty hardware to brag about?

Just a basic computer nothing souped up. I get picked on due to loading slow speeds at times but if i can enjoy the game with my friends i’ll take the barbs with a smile.

I’ve been there. I used to experience 5+ minute loading times. It was a running joke that by the time I loaded a mission they’d already be done with the entire arc.

(imitates a president) I feel your pain.

Do you mix social media with your gaming?

In more ways than one now. During the gameIi wrote stories of Hero Dawn using players who went above and beyond the call of duty. After the game, several people said I should start writing for real. I am writing episodic books and needless to say have to tell people. I use Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Pinterest

How would you integrate social media with an MMO?

If you mean while the game is on, I can see people wanting to post the triumphant moment when hitting the top level or beating a task force. Maybe the ability to instantly post a screenshot from the game and BANG on the the social media in question.

Of course, one of my favorite topics: PVP. Do you enjoy PVP in an MMO or do you routinely avoid it?

When I PVP’ed I was the guy who went “Hi” (faceplant from one shot johnny, reform) “Wait a sec…” (faceplant) “Let me…” (faceplant)

You see a pattern.

But it’s such a beautiful pattern!

What is your favorite superhero power and why?

At first and currently use the swords. But when I did a warshade with Ionia Titan, I stumbled on (don't ask me how i did it) the combo enhancements to make  Ionia immune to the voids and cysts attack. I always got a giggle when invited to a unknown group , went into task task force, they initially picked on me when they showed up just to fall silent when i plowed through. Even got the Crab form as tough as a tank.

Let’s turn the tables - what’s a question you have for me that I can hopefully answer for you?

What caught my attention is the fact you guys are making sure you are taking time to do this game correctly. I always believed in the old adage “You can either do it fast or do it right.” I know you guys get the HURRY UP shout. What do you want to say to your idea of proving that adage correct?

Soon™

Said out of practice I see!

Lastly: Any favorite quote you want to share?

For all my SG members, Hero Dawn: We don’t die, we diversify!

(I know some will say bad grammar but considering the idea came from the quote used in “BeBe’s Kids” it is faithful to the actual quote.)

Any chance I can plug Hero Dawn book?

Go for it :)

If interested look for Hero Dawn: Rise of the Powers on Amazon.com. I is an episodic chapter to chapter book so files will be small enough to fit on smartphones :) Chapter one is out now and two is coming soon.

And for everyone else look for City of Titans in 2015.

Fanterview: The Grouchybeast

Name or your preferred online alias
The Grouchybeast

Which country (or Country/State) do you hail from?
UK

What do you for work in real life?
Writer - sci fi.

What is your favorite food?
Crispy duck and pancakes.

Favorite movies/tv shows/books?
A random selection of some movies I never get tired of rewatching: Dangerous Liaisons, The Cooler, Tremors, Arsenic and Old Lace, The Damned United, Basic Instinct, Universal Soldier, Labyrinth, Emma, Once Upon a Time in Mexico, The Last Seduction, The Astronaut’s Wife, No Man’s Land, Sleepy Hollow, Grosse Point Blank, Tombstone, Withnail & I.

An even more random selection of TV: Luther, Lewis, CSI, Babylon 5, Rome, Blakes 7, Torchwood, Neverwhere, Yes Minister, The Wire, Drop The Dead Donkey, The Beiderbeck Affair.

Listing favourite books would take forever, but right now I’m rereading The Tenant of Wildfell Hall, and also reading The Cult Files by Chris Mikul.

How did you first hear about Missing Worlds Media (MWM) and their first MMO project?
I’ve been following the efforts on Titan Network from the first time the idea of a spiritual successor to CoX was mooted. I’ve been hugely impressed by MWM’s sticking power - holding together a project made up of dozens of volunteers for a year is an achievement in itself, and it’s given me great confidence in backing the KS.

Why do you think people should support the Kickstarter campaign for MWM’s first MMO project?
For one thing, this is what I think a Kickstarter should be, in essence -- people raising money for something that most likely wouldn’t be funded in any other way, or couldn’t be funded and still stay true to the vision of the creators. It’s a game by the players, for the players. For another, I want to play it, and I can’t pony up the whole $320,000 myself. :-) So get out there and contribute!

What was your reaction to seeing the KS campaign explode in the first three days?
I was very, very excited. I always hoped that the idea of City of Titans would have enough appeal, if the KS pitch was right, and I think MWM nailed it perfectly.

Any specific tier from the KS you look forward to seeing reached?
Personally, the $600,000 looks appealling. I don’t know what power sets are planned for launch, but more is good! Generally, I’d love the pet class stretch goal to be hit, so all the ex-Mastermind players can get their class at launch.

I know we’ve leaked very little so far about the game, City of Titans, but what are things you’d like to know about?
I’m looking forwards to hearing more about PVP. I don’t PVP much myself, but it can have a huge impact on the game play, and be a contentious subject. I’d also like to know more about the launch powersets...or, honestly, will there be fireballs? Because if there are no fireballs, I might have to rethink my pledge. (Kidding!) Ooh, and badges! I was a massive badge...lady of easy virtue in CoX, so I’d love to hear MWM’s plans for badging.

What will be the first thing you do in Titan City when the game launches?
Recreate my main, a fire blaster, and fly around the city. (Maybe with a tear or two in my eyes.) I’ll also go and take a look at ‘my’ skyscraper -- I’m hoping to be able to name it after my dad, who passed away a couple of years ago.

What feature are you most excited for in City of Titans?
The new alignment system sounds intriguing! I’m also looking forwards to the serverless environment, and hopefully being able to play with people who I knew from the old forums, but never teamed with.

Heroes or villains - which is more fun to play?
They can both be fun, but I tend to play more heroes, because I’m a softy at heart.

What is your favorite quote and why?
"Creating something is not a democracy. The people have no say. The artist does. It doesn't matter what the people witter on about: they and their response come after. They're not there for the creation." (Russell T Davies)

To me, that encapsulates how writing (or any other kind of creative art) should be approached. The vision should be pure. Even though MWM, by its volunteer nature, has a lot of community involvement, I hope there’s an overall plan for the game, tone and content, that will hold it together and make it a coherent and unique gaming experience.

In the fight against Bacon and Chocolate who would win?
If bacon and chocolate need taking down, I always win ;-)

Fanterview: Kile

Kile aka Raging Nova aka Major Patriot

Name: Kile aka Raging Nova aka Major Patriot

What do you for work in real life?
Network Engineer

What is your favorite food?
Japanese Curry

Favorite movies?
Just about anything in the Action and Horror genre.

Any big events in your life this year you want to give a shout out about?
I left the Marine Corps after 10 years of service in April.

How did you first hear about Missing Worlds Media (MWM) and their first MMO project?
Through Victory Global, which is one of the CoH pages I’m a member of.  We keep each other up to speed on the on going projects and other matters going on in our lives.

What would boundaries do you think MWM can push with their first MMO project?
Having a truly interactive combat experience.  By that I mean being able to move while attacking and being able to dodge or counter attacks.  Being rooted to the ground, or in the air, while performing an attack doesn’t make sense.  As much as I loved CoH that was the one thing that bothered me about the game.

Why do you think people should support the Kickstarter campaign for MWM’s first MMO project?
From what I’ve seen MWM has been the most transparent about the goings on out of the three projects trying to recreate our home.  MWM has kept everyone up to date on everything and really allows us to voice our opinions and give advice.  Having those opinions and advice taken seriously and implemented shows that their potential customers are truly appreciated.

Besides if anyone has seen or played the other two super hero MMO’s currently out there they know that the genre is in serious need of attention.  MWM is going to bring something fresh to the table and give the players something they will love to play.

What is it that attracts you to the Superhero genre?
Everyone at some point in their life has imagined what it would be like to have powers and do incredible feats.  Being able to play a hero, or villain, allows me to live in that fantasy.  Plus punching people in the face and watching them fly across the room is bonus.

What do you think defines a hero (or a villain?)
Being a hero means doing what is right at all times, even when no one is watching.  As for villains, all you have to do is have crazy schemes.  Those schemes can involve world domination, science projects aimed at causing horrific damage or death.  The list that can define a villain is much longer than for being a hero.

If you had them, do you think having super powers would be a blessing or a burden?
Certainly would have been a blessing during my time in the Marine Corps.  Possibly could have prevented the deaths of some of my fellow Marines.

What other games, including MMO’s, do you play?
Currently I play Starwars the Old Republic, Neverwinter, and WoW.

Do you prefer to play in groups or solo?
While leveling I like to go solo just so I don’t feel rushed when trying to read or listen to the story.  After hitting max level then I really enjoy playing in groups.

What makes a game “fun” for you?
Having a great story and great mechanics.  Also knowing that once I reach max level that there is more to do and will continue having things to do as time goes on.  I tend to become attached to one or two characters and I play them a lot.  Another thing is not having to worry about playing the auction house in order to gain in game currency or having professions for that matter.

What do you think builds a strong community in an MMO?
It depends on the game really I believe.  City of Heroes attracted people who wanted to be heroes and we all shared that bond.  Some of the other games I play you just don’t venture into their forums because the trolls are just waiting to pounce on you.

Do you enjoy PvP? If so - do you prefer open world pvp, PvP matches, or PvP minigames?
I really do enjoy PvP.  I loved how CoH had the zones so that if you wanted to PvP you could go and do so and not having to worry about being jumped while leveling.  With that said I hated the travel suppression implemented later in the game.  Being able to queue up for PvP matches is also fun and I’d like to see that incorporated in TPP.  In the other games I play I avoid PvP servers because there are so many griefers that ruin the fun for me.

What do you think could be done to make PvP enjoyable and less griefy?
If world PvP is going to be a factor in TPP the best way that I can think to keep griefers at bay is to put a cap on what levels people can attack one another.  Say max level is 50, they wouldn’t be able to attack someone lower than level 45.

Do you think mini-games (non-PvP) can work in MMO without distracting from the “main” game?
Very much so.  In World of Warcraft they came out with timed runs of certain dungeons that award special cosmetic armor.  The times are kept track of so people can compete to see who can get the best times.

What has been the funniest moment you’ve experience in an MMO?
Probably while farming on my Fire/Fire Blaster with my buddy on his Fire/Kin Controller.  I’d always end up killing his anchors for his transference and fulcrum shift and over vent nerd rage would ensue.  Some colorful language would always be thrown my way and all I could do was laugh because he was far from serious when he raged.

What is your favorite quote and why?
Don’t let the accent fool you.  -By me

I have used that quote for years because as I’ve travelled around the world people were quick to make fun of my southern accent and assume that I was stupid.  Time and time again I’ve proven that being from the south doesn’t inherently make one stupid.

Fanterview: Kaxiya and Vaidyaila

Name: Kaxiya and Vaidyaila

What do you for work in real life?
Massage Therapist (me)  Retail Paint Specialist (Wife)

Favorite movies?
Lord of the rings, Avatar, SuckerPunch, Benny & Joon, Incredibles

Any favorite authors you like to follow?
J.D. Robb, Mercedes Lackey, Robin Hobb, Robert Asprin, Tamora Pierce, P.C. Cast, Andre Norton, Anne McCaffrey, Katherine Kurtz, Robert Jordan

How did you first hear about Missing Worlds Media (MWM) and their first MMO project?
We follow Misty’s (Mercedes Lackey) sites and came across a reference to COH and became intrigued with the community and its love and support over the loss of its game. We then researched around the internet until we found the Titan Network, followed it to MWM and finally over to TPP. Where we currently camp.

What boundaries do you think MWM can push with their first MMO project?
As far as pushing the boundaries of the game go, what I would like to see is options. Overwhelming mind numbing options available in all aspects of the game. I want to enjoy to play regardless of the type of hero/villain I have in mind. From the lowliest thug up to and including world shattering super types. I would love to see “costumes” that were available to non-human depicted characters (animals, demonic, elemental, etc) with “clothing” made of crystals, scales, elements, etc. Personally, I want to appear as a vaguely human shaped character without any obvious sex involved (Amorphic I think is the term) made up of a chaotic mass of fire with electricity shooting throughout. Such a character is not going to have a need for traditional clothing. Such a character probably would have no need for a secret identity, they just exist in their hero/villain form (perhaps over time they could “learn” to mimic a more human appearance.)

I also think objects should be interactive; I want to be able to pick up a phone or play a juke box if desired. I want to be able to order a pizza (or send one over to a known villains hideout!) send flowers to a friend. In short I want a world I can LIVE in. I want to socialize in and outside of hero/villain work. I want my best friend to be a major villain/hero and not know it!

Why do you think people should support the Kickstarter campaign for MWM’s first MMO project?
I joined Kickstarter to be able to provide independent developers the chance to make those projects they would not otherwise have a venue to make. After following the closure of COH and the outpouring of community to bring back that sense of family. I feel this endeavor to be just what I want to back

What is your favorite super power and why?
Flight! always has been. Again, Freedom.

What first got you into the wonderful world of gaming and how long have the two of you been playing games?
Oh my, I know my first game experience was summer of 1975. While camping, I met a young boy who gave me a copy of “Chainmail” a 25mm stratagy game by a then unknown E.Gary Gygax ;) and have been gaming ever since. My wife started playing in 1973 in a literature class for Sci-Fi/Fantasy. Her teacher would have her class roleplay scenarios. She says it was presented to her as a LARP type experience and she has been gaming ever since.

How important is an online social community within a game for you and what do you think a game can do to help foster one?
Exceedingly important to us as it was the primary reason for searching out and following MWM and their current project.

What makes a game “fun” for you?
To feel like what we do matters. Our choices, good or bad, have an effect. That and keeping the disruptive influences out of a game. (as in PvP snerts who join, just to cause havoc, without caring if their behavior is unpleasant to fellow gamers)

Do you think PVP mini-games can be fun? Like PVP Capture the Flag or PVP Soccer?
Never been a big fan of PvP. I have had some very negative experiences with it. Having said that, the PvP soccer or some such “sport” sounds like a fun diversion ;) Maybe a “SuperBowl” type event with real Super players!

What is your favorite quote and why?
“Perception, is reality in the making!”  It was something I made up after taking a philosophy class in college. We had this huge debate on truth and whether it was a system in an object naturally, or if it was just our perceptions of the object that made it real, and thus truth. It really stuck with me and got me to think, hence the slogan.