Tried it out

Installed the 600+MB patch tonight, and loaded it up. The main screen loaded a bit slowly, so I heard things before I actually say that there was a dragon. But it's a Beta, so I'll mention it.

But before I go any further, I want it documented that I've mentioned that they change the indicated phrase in this screenshot to "Fighting against monsters that are too strong won't help increase your level, so try to start out fighting against (slimes) and (mushrooms)."

Right, first impressions? The umm... Beginners Guide released by Outspark isn't the best. It took me a few minutes to figure out that holding right click an dragging the mouse is what you do to move the camera. Though how to move it away from your character? Not a clue. It's a little close for me...

Having it at 800x640 resolution is a nightmare - there's not enough space in the full screen. And no windowed mode option. So if you want a goos experience, you need it 1040 or higher.

The wasd movement controls are good, the mouse camera is simple (bear in mind I'm on a laptop) and the game looks good. I'm looking at every piece of text I see just to see if it's an error that I can post up about. When I've done a load of that, I'll move onto running into random walls at all angles. Get my gaming quality control muscles into use.

So, first impression? Looks fun. Nice, bright graphics. But certain parts are a little bit too much like Flyff for it to be a coincidence.

Fiesta - Pre-Closed Beta

The first game I will talk about is Fiesta, by Outspark.

The closed beta starts on Wednesday the 20th of June 2007. I'm part of the CB, of course. We havn't been told the official numbers, but we're guessing at the 1,500 user mark. As the start time will be 11pm GMT, I doubt I will play it until 6am ish GMT on the 21st.

In the game, we've so far been told (More can also be found here)

• It will be semi-self perpetuating (which means it will load most things up as you're running around, with certain areas being dungeon-like - like Flyff).
• There are PvP guild wars (not one on one), which take place in large areas.
• There are 4 classes, each with 2 class advancements - the races are class specific: Fighter and Cleric- Human, Mage- Darkelf, Archer- Elf.

I've joined with the Panties guild (not the same on as on GunZ, apparently), mainly because I'm not into hardcore Player vs Player battles, and I enjoy a clan with an odd name.

More news as I get it. Definately something on Thursday, at some point.

The beginning

I thought it about time to actually put up a post, after 4 years of waiting.

Welcome! This WAS going to be a place where I would post up information about the PlayStation 2 Network Beta Trials that took place in Europe. It's now, however, going to be a place where I talk about the other games I beta test. And on a slow day, maybe some rememberances of things from that bygone age, starting with SOCOM: US Navy SEALS.

Of course, if I take place in any tests that require me to sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement, I will not be able to mention the games, nor take any screenshots. That would just be rude.

About this blog:

• I aim to report errors to the developers, and to the public, just to keep everyone informed and honest. Can't have a dev pleading that we find errors, if they ignore them.
• I will group every game by separate catagories, for ease of reading about what interests you.
• I will make no secret of this blog, and keep links to it in my beta forum signatures.
• I will try to keep things as unbiased as I can - just because I don't like something doesn't mean it's bad.
• If NDA's allow, I will report all about how tests went when they have finished.
• Comments that are left by fellow testers will be put into main posts, if I believe they are suitable. They may be edited for legnth, but not for content.
• I will accept other people as staff, if I believe they will make a valid contribution. This includes, of course, if they are part of a closed beta that I am not.

That's subject to change, of course.