Play and playability
December 4, 2013 1:29 AM Subscribe
It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a MMO to play Mr Darcy in. Ever Jane, the massive multiplayer Jane Austen game has been funded and the prototype game can now be downloaded from the Kickstarter page.
I am shouting at my screen in excitement "How do I give you money! I will give you all the money!" How did I miss this, so awesome. My husband has sighed and said he looks forward to talking to me again in a few years.
posted by viggorlijah at 1:47 AM on December 4, 2013 [4 favorites]
posted by viggorlijah at 1:47 AM on December 4, 2013 [4 favorites]
Seriously though, a closed Kickstarter, I can't give them any more money?
posted by viggorlijah at 1:48 AM on December 4, 2013
posted by viggorlijah at 1:48 AM on December 4, 2013
It won't run for me :( I click the .exe, get to the login screen (there is no signup screen?), type a name and password, and try to click the Enter button on-screen but nothing happens.
I am so so so sad.
posted by DarlingBri at 2:01 AM on December 4, 2013
I am so so so sad.
posted by DarlingBri at 2:01 AM on December 4, 2013
In the virtual world of Jane Austen, it is not about kill or be killed, but invite and be invited with gossip our weapon of choice.
Kill or gossip? Damn. I belong to neither world. I'll have to try Walden. My enemies are worms, cool days, and most of all woodchucks. On the other hand, winged cats.
posted by pracowity at 2:31 AM on December 4, 2013 [1 favorite]
Kill or gossip? Damn. I belong to neither world. I'll have to try Walden. My enemies are worms, cool days, and most of all woodchucks. On the other hand, winged cats.
posted by pracowity at 2:31 AM on December 4, 2013 [1 favorite]
...Huh. I may give this a go. MMOs aren't really my thing, but I've enjoyed text-based roleplay since I was 13. Nifty!
posted by Urban Winter at 2:54 AM on December 4, 2013
posted by Urban Winter at 2:54 AM on December 4, 2013
Well played on the title, by the way. Quite.
posted by Celsius1414 at 4:19 AM on December 4, 2013 [1 favorite]
posted by Celsius1414 at 4:19 AM on December 4, 2013 [1 favorite]
Holding out for a Crime and Punishment FPS.
posted by Halloween Jack at 4:38 AM on December 4, 2013 [3 favorites]
posted by Halloween Jack at 4:38 AM on December 4, 2013 [3 favorites]
There is a lot going on here, huh?
Okay, so the game looks kinda janky. Like, slightly over a decade old. Which is bad! That may not be a problem for the target audience, but it's still disconcerting to see in an era where The Elder Scrolls Online is the new upcoming MMO hotness.
I know, it's a different group of people, different likely set of system requirements... I'm just saying: I love Jane Austin more than anyone else I know, and I don't have a great computer, and the first thing I thought when I saw Ever, Jane in motion was, "Eugh. This looks terrible"!
But man, if that Kickstarter video doesn't come from an alternate Earth where games aren't split on gender lines; either in player populations, developer populations, or game-appropriate themes. And I do really dig that. I dig it a lot. I want to see what kinds of video games are made by people when they have an entire world to explore. I want to see what happens when gaming is as universal and identity-neutral as reading or liking pizza.
And so to the Judy L. Tyrer's of the world, the radient OG EverQuest Earth Mammas, I could not be happier to see you make the games you want to play. Even if actually looking at them could be a little more fun.
posted by Poppa Bear at 4:44 AM on December 4, 2013 [4 favorites]
Okay, so the game looks kinda janky. Like, slightly over a decade old. Which is bad! That may not be a problem for the target audience, but it's still disconcerting to see in an era where The Elder Scrolls Online is the new upcoming MMO hotness.
I know, it's a different group of people, different likely set of system requirements... I'm just saying: I love Jane Austin more than anyone else I know, and I don't have a great computer, and the first thing I thought when I saw Ever, Jane in motion was, "Eugh. This looks terrible"!
But man, if that Kickstarter video doesn't come from an alternate Earth where games aren't split on gender lines; either in player populations, developer populations, or game-appropriate themes. And I do really dig that. I dig it a lot. I want to see what kinds of video games are made by people when they have an entire world to explore. I want to see what happens when gaming is as universal and identity-neutral as reading or liking pizza.
And so to the Judy L. Tyrer's of the world, the radient OG EverQuest Earth Mammas, I could not be happier to see you make the games you want to play. Even if actually looking at them could be a little more fun.
posted by Poppa Bear at 4:44 AM on December 4, 2013 [4 favorites]
Sure, they say it's free-to-play, but all the really pretty gowns and bonnets are only available through microtransactions, or by grinding embroidery for, like, 10 hours.
posted by TheWhiteSkull at 4:49 AM on December 4, 2013 [18 favorites]
posted by TheWhiteSkull at 4:49 AM on December 4, 2013 [18 favorites]
What does a gentleman have to do to rise tho the rank of "Horrid?"
posted by GenjiandProust at 5:06 AM on December 4, 2013 [1 favorite]
posted by GenjiandProust at 5:06 AM on December 4, 2013 [1 favorite]
SOLD SO HARD.
posted by corb at 5:10 AM on December 4, 2013 [1 favorite]
posted by corb at 5:10 AM on December 4, 2013 [1 favorite]
I'm afraid I'd never get very far in the actual game because I'd be just standing around describing clothes to the other players all day.
posted by The Underpants Monster at 5:13 AM on December 4, 2013 [3 favorites]
posted by The Underpants Monster at 5:13 AM on December 4, 2013 [3 favorites]
Seriously though, a closed Kickstarter, I can't give them any more money?
Open Kickstarters aren't okay for Metafilter posts.
I'm not going to judge the graphics too hard at this point. Those sorts of graphics require a budget. Not a $100k kind of budget. Elder Scrolls Online is supposedly costing like $300 million. If it goes well, I'll hope the next version is prettier.
posted by Sequence at 6:18 AM on December 4, 2013 [1 favorite]
Open Kickstarters aren't okay for Metafilter posts.
I'm not going to judge the graphics too hard at this point. Those sorts of graphics require a budget. Not a $100k kind of budget. Elder Scrolls Online is supposedly costing like $300 million. If it goes well, I'll hope the next version is prettier.
posted by Sequence at 6:18 AM on December 4, 2013 [1 favorite]
I love Jane Austin more than anyone else I know
Oh man, I love "Calamity" Jane Austin too.
posted by MartinWisse at 6:23 AM on December 4, 2013 [2 favorites]
Oh man, I love "Calamity" Jane Austin too.
posted by MartinWisse at 6:23 AM on December 4, 2013 [2 favorites]
I'm just saying: I love Jane Austin more than anyone else I know
I suppose I must conclude that neither you nor any of your circle love my dear friend Jane sufficiently to spell her name properly. I shall keep this in mind when preparing invitations to the midsummer's ball. She will, of course, be invited, and I should hate to cause her embarrassment...
;-)
posted by Naberius at 6:28 AM on December 4, 2013 [3 favorites]
I suppose I must conclude that neither you nor any of your circle love my dear friend Jane sufficiently to spell her name properly. I shall keep this in mind when preparing invitations to the midsummer's ball. She will, of course, be invited, and I should hate to cause her embarrassment...
;-)
posted by Naberius at 6:28 AM on December 4, 2013 [3 favorites]
This has the stench of Linden Lab all over it. This isn't a game, it's a place for people to roleplay.
I for one, am looking forward to 'roleplaying' a balding ruddy faced pipe smoking monocled obese toff who just shouts "What?"
posted by Sphinx at 6:41 AM on December 4, 2013 [13 favorites]
I for one, am looking forward to 'roleplaying' a balding ruddy faced pipe smoking monocled obese toff who just shouts "What?"
posted by Sphinx at 6:41 AM on December 4, 2013 [13 favorites]
Kill or gossip? Damn. I belong to neither world. I'll have to try Walden. My enemies are worms, cool days, and most of all woodchucks.
I gave up on the Walden video game when I found out they weren't licensing Far Cry 2's fire propagation technology.
posted by straight at 6:43 AM on December 4, 2013 [4 favorites]
I gave up on the Walden video game when I found out they weren't licensing Far Cry 2's fire propagation technology.
posted by straight at 6:43 AM on December 4, 2013 [4 favorites]
Also, I'm playing the beta of the Brontë sisters MMO, but I can't get off the moor to start the single player campaign. Does anyone have a good walkthrough?
It is cold here, and I fear there may be wolves.
posted by TheWhiteSkull at 6:44 AM on December 4, 2013 [10 favorites]
It is cold here, and I fear there may be wolves.
posted by TheWhiteSkull at 6:44 AM on December 4, 2013 [10 favorites]
Also, I'm playing the beta of the Brontë sisters MMO, but I can't get off the moor to start the single player campaign.
You don't get off the moor until you have raise your Brooding stat to the highest possible level. You then get to exit the moor to a cold and damp house where you ruin someone's (or, preferably, several someones') life. It's a laugh riot, so grind away on the Brooding. Facing into the wind helps, as does staring out over the bleak visa from a high vantage.
posted by GenjiandProust at 7:13 AM on December 4, 2013 [14 favorites]
You don't get off the moor until you have raise your Brooding stat to the highest possible level. You then get to exit the moor to a cold and damp house where you ruin someone's (or, preferably, several someones') life. It's a laugh riot, so grind away on the Brooding. Facing into the wind helps, as does staring out over the bleak visa from a high vantage.
posted by GenjiandProust at 7:13 AM on December 4, 2013 [14 favorites]
How much do I have to drop in Charisma to get the Mr. Darcy prestige class?
I will keep my cravat on.
posted by Ghostride The Whip at 7:23 AM on December 4, 2013 [4 favorites]
I will keep my cravat on.
posted by Ghostride The Whip at 7:23 AM on December 4, 2013 [4 favorites]
I'm getting this just for the "...And Zombies" expansion.
posted by Strange Interlude at 7:39 AM on December 4, 2013 [6 favorites]
posted by Strange Interlude at 7:39 AM on December 4, 2013 [6 favorites]
THIS OWNS SO MUCH
I'm getting this just for the "...And Zombies" expansion.
helllll no. i hope to god nothing like that ever happens
posted by Quart at 8:11 AM on December 4, 2013 [2 favorites]
I'm getting this just for the "...And Zombies" expansion.
helllll no. i hope to god nothing like that ever happens
posted by Quart at 8:11 AM on December 4, 2013 [2 favorites]
Ooh, I want to be a scheming penniless cousin! That is, any cousin.
posted by theweasel at 8:21 AM on December 4, 2013 [7 favorites]
posted by theweasel at 8:21 AM on December 4, 2013 [7 favorites]
> Welcome to The World of Jane Austin!
>Mr. Darcy stands here.
>xxMr. Darcyxx stands here.
>mR. DArcy leaves west.
>Mister DarcY has arrived.
>You say, "The more I know of the world, the more I am convinced that I shall never see a man whom I can really love. I require so much!"
>xxxMR. DarCYxxx whispers: r u really a girl?
>JohnxxWilloughby has arrived.
>You are eaten by a grue.
posted by Pudhoho at 8:24 AM on December 4, 2013 [14 favorites]
>Mr. Darcy stands here.
>xxMr. Darcyxx stands here.
>mR. DArcy leaves west.
>Mister DarcY has arrived.
>You say, "The more I know of the world, the more I am convinced that I shall never see a man whom I can really love. I require so much!"
>xxxMR. DarCYxxx whispers: r u really a girl?
>JohnxxWilloughby has arrived.
>You are eaten by a grue.
posted by Pudhoho at 8:24 AM on December 4, 2013 [14 favorites]
I'm going to be a vicar with a humble rural benefice.
Should me leave plenty of free time to play this game.
posted by Iridic at 8:25 AM on December 4, 2013 [7 favorites]
Should me leave plenty of free time to play this game.
posted by Iridic at 8:25 AM on December 4, 2013 [7 favorites]
The fan newsletter will be called The BombaZine.
posted by The Underpants Monster at 8:26 AM on December 4, 2013 [1 favorite]
posted by The Underpants Monster at 8:26 AM on December 4, 2013 [1 favorite]
Ooh, I want to be a scheming penniless cousin! That is, any cousin.
posted by theweasel at 8:21 on December 4 [+] [!]
Spot on + eponysterical.
posted by Pudhoho at 8:39 AM on December 4, 2013
posted by theweasel at 8:21 on December 4 [+] [!]
Spot on + eponysterical.
posted by Pudhoho at 8:39 AM on December 4, 2013
I was interested in this game until I read their pricing scheme. I just don't want to play a game where how you can succeed at the game is based on how much you pay for the game. I don't mind people having the ability to buy flash for their characters or even better equipment/weapons/whatever the game requires, but if your outright ability to advance in the game is limited by what you spend, that just seems shitty.
When I wrote the designer about that issue, her response was that it was in keeping with how things were in the Austen era, as well. Which is sort of missing the point of it being a game.
posted by jacquilynne at 8:45 AM on December 4, 2013 [2 favorites]
When I wrote the designer about that issue, her response was that it was in keeping with how things were in the Austen era, as well. Which is sort of missing the point of it being a game.
posted by jacquilynne at 8:45 AM on December 4, 2013 [2 favorites]
Bah. I'll be sticking with The Crimson Petal & The White MMO, griefing noobs by giving them syphilis.
posted by prize bull octorok at 8:55 AM on December 4, 2013 [5 favorites]
posted by prize bull octorok at 8:55 AM on December 4, 2013 [5 favorites]
This has the stench of Linden Lab all over it.
If it had LindenLab all over it, the avatars would be better and not walk like they were doing the bunny hop.
posted by DarlingBri at 9:08 AM on December 4, 2013 [2 favorites]
If it had LindenLab all over it, the avatars would be better and not walk like they were doing the bunny hop.
posted by DarlingBri at 9:08 AM on December 4, 2013 [2 favorites]
The Bronte game only lets me play as Branwell. I worked out how to shag the Vicar's wife and get drunk but then I just die standing up.
posted by w0mbat at 9:25 AM on December 4, 2013 [4 favorites]
posted by w0mbat at 9:25 AM on December 4, 2013 [4 favorites]
So your complaint, if I understand it, is the Jane Austen MMO is TOO authentic? That may be a new one.
posted by Ghostride The Whip at 10:20 AM on December 4, 2013 [1 favorite]
posted by Ghostride The Whip at 10:20 AM on December 4, 2013 [1 favorite]
Well, there's a difference between in-game authenticity and using "authenticity" as a cover for a kind of shitty business model. I'm at least 80% sure that raising your level cap in World of Warcraft doesn't require wandering around Irvine every day until you can find a group of people to storm Blizzard Entertainment's offices with you.
posted by kagredon at 12:51 PM on December 4, 2013
posted by kagredon at 12:51 PM on December 4, 2013
What is wrong with me that I would rather grind embroidery for 15 hours than actually learn how to embroider and do it for 15 hours and make some kind of pillowcase or something?
posted by Sara C. at 1:51 PM on December 4, 2013 [3 favorites]
posted by Sara C. at 1:51 PM on December 4, 2013 [3 favorites]
BTW totes playing the homely poor relation who ends up marrying the vicar.
posted by Sara C. at 2:07 PM on December 4, 2013 [2 favorites]
posted by Sara C. at 2:07 PM on December 4, 2013 [2 favorites]
QUEST COMPLETED: Matchmake 10 rats with honourable and rich potential husbands.
Quest rewards:
+100 XP
Durable Silk Morning Dress of Matchmaking (+10 Demureness, +5 Harpsichord skill, +1 piercing damage vs rodents)
LEVEL UP!
You are now a Level 7 Daughter Of A Country Gentleman
You have gained:
+1 Matchmaking skill
+1 Romance skill
+5 Hitpoints
You have gained the ability: Outspoken Views On Poetry
NEW QUEST RECEIVED: Embroider 10 images of rats.posted by EndsOfInvention at 3:29 PM on December 4, 2013 [6 favorites]
You have entered Public Chat (London server)
Austen1962>> LFG lvl8 Widow
fanny_lol>> Camping Darcy at the lake, need healer + seduction mage, send tell for invite
xXx_harpsichord_masta_xXx>> which zone does mr rochester spawn in?
spinster69>> LOL
iluvcolinfirth>> that's bronte, n00b, gtfo
2Pride2Prejudiced>> Can't believe how much latest patch nerfed Niece Of Impoverished Neighbour. 45s cooldown on Reveal Secret Engagement makes it practically useless now ffsposted by EndsOfInvention at 3:41 PM on December 4, 2013 [6 favorites]
I have just downloaded and am eagerly opening this now, cannot wait to report back.
posted by corb at 3:42 PM on December 4, 2013 [1 favorite]
posted by corb at 3:42 PM on December 4, 2013 [1 favorite]
Oh god, who would have known picking up an envelope would be so hard? I don't know if the server is slow, or the clicking is clunky, but reading this letter seems harder than it has any right to be.
NB, two minutes later: the mouse can't simply be over the button, it has to be over the button and glowing faintly.
Finally! Out the door. Why look, a fetching young gentleman! I look forward to coolly nodding to him. No! He has bowed, so I must curtsy, so sayeth the game. Ah well. I look forward to acquiring my lace at the shop.
But wait! The game covers the entire screen, even my bottom toolbar, so I can't confirm the trade. To my settings, Batman! Phew, lace in hand, I can return.
Wait, I am informed the dashing young man was Mr. Darcy? Already? So soon! I am unprepared, and vaguely mistrustful. I would have thought I would have had to grind something in order to meet him. Hmm. He wants to invite me somewhere? We shall see about this.
OH I SEE THIS IS WHY PICKING UP ENVELOPES IS SO HARD.
*cries bitter tears*
posted by corb at 4:03 PM on December 4, 2013
NB, two minutes later: the mouse can't simply be over the button, it has to be over the button and glowing faintly.
Finally! Out the door. Why look, a fetching young gentleman! I look forward to coolly nodding to him. No! He has bowed, so I must curtsy, so sayeth the game. Ah well. I look forward to acquiring my lace at the shop.
But wait! The game covers the entire screen, even my bottom toolbar, so I can't confirm the trade. To my settings, Batman! Phew, lace in hand, I can return.
Wait, I am informed the dashing young man was Mr. Darcy? Already? So soon! I am unprepared, and vaguely mistrustful. I would have thought I would have had to grind something in order to meet him. Hmm. He wants to invite me somewhere? We shall see about this.
OH I SEE THIS IS WHY PICKING UP ENVELOPES IS SO HARD.
*cries bitter tears*
posted by corb at 4:03 PM on December 4, 2013
YOU STRUMPET YOU
(Is the prototype available for Mac at all?)
posted by Sara C. at 4:16 PM on December 4, 2013
(Is the prototype available for Mac at all?)
posted by Sara C. at 4:16 PM on December 4, 2013
Wait! Somehow through my manic clicking, I have arrived real time with other people! Already we have a couple who are flirting and taking a walk together. I'm...still not sure how to get to Darcy's envelope, but this is looking more promising - though it kind of looks more like a MUSH than anything else. OH GOD PEOPLE ARE LANDING ON MY HEAD.
This is hilarious. Everyone should come!
posted by corb at 4:17 PM on December 4, 2013
This is hilarious. Everyone should come!
posted by corb at 4:17 PM on December 4, 2013
Apparently the envelopes are inside your inventory? I still can't click on Darcy's name successfully, though. Woe.
posted by corb at 4:20 PM on December 4, 2013
posted by corb at 4:20 PM on December 4, 2013
Oh god, I am still failing to do this. Is there a help file anywhere? This is maddening.
posted by corb at 4:36 PM on December 4, 2013
posted by corb at 4:36 PM on December 4, 2013
Okay, guys. I suffer so you don't have to.
The tutorial, at the moment, is incredibly, incredibly, finicky. If you are going through the tutorial, do not give in to your natural urge to explore, move anywhere they don't tell you to move, or say anything they don't tell you to say. It will break the tutorial, leaving you stranded. If it does, there is nothing you can do to fix it. Exit and come back.
Once the tutorial is over, nothing is implemented. You're not doing anything wrong, nothing is currently implemented beyond a chatroom. This is probably because the kickstarter just got funded.
At the moment, there's a lot of flirting and talking about social issues. People are at least making an effort to use Austenese.
I suspect this will radically improve in about a few weeks or so.
posted by corb at 5:54 PM on December 4, 2013
The tutorial, at the moment, is incredibly, incredibly, finicky. If you are going through the tutorial, do not give in to your natural urge to explore, move anywhere they don't tell you to move, or say anything they don't tell you to say. It will break the tutorial, leaving you stranded. If it does, there is nothing you can do to fix it. Exit and come back.
Once the tutorial is over, nothing is implemented. You're not doing anything wrong, nothing is currently implemented beyond a chatroom. This is probably because the kickstarter just got funded.
At the moment, there's a lot of flirting and talking about social issues. People are at least making an effort to use Austenese.
I suspect this will radically improve in about a few weeks or so.
posted by corb at 5:54 PM on December 4, 2013
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