GlitchFollow

New article up by yours truly!

http://www.zam.com/story.html?story=26231

Feel free to check it out! The game is maddeningly addictive, probably the second favorite game I've played while working for ZAM. The game plays like... well, like nothing I've really tried before. First of all, unlike most MMOs, there's no actual combat. I suppose you can compete economically with other players, but it's primarily a game of exploration, crafting, and social interaction. Players control "glitches," avatars in the game that are rogue thoughts in the minds of 11 giants. The game is a flash-using, side-scrolling, browser-based MMO; meaning you can play it anywhere probably on any PC from the last few years without issue.

It's addictive for a few reasons. First, it's just a ton of fun to craft new items. I remember some of our users asking about a crafting based game a while ago - here's one for you. Not only do you have MMO staples like gardening, cooking, and alchemy, but the developers are adding in block-making and engineering, allowing players to create their own buildings and potentially other structures like subway stations. Also, players can buy their own houses, which can be visited by friends. The skills are learned in real time, so before logging off for the night it's advisable to research a skill that will take several hours.

Only real issues for me right now:
1. It's still in Beta, and is down about 50% of the time. The president, Stewart Butterfield, said that by the end of the Beta they're aiming for 100% uptime.
2. I don't really know what the end-game goal is. It seems like right now the goal is "Have fun with friends, and nibble piggies in the meantime." New content is being added, but part of me really wants a story, or a mission, instead of just scattered quests.
3. There's a waiting to join the Beta, and though new people are added every time the game comes up, it might take a long time. BUT! Once the game is live, everyone is on the same server. Believe me, there's more than enough space! As is, right now I typically only see 1-2 people per page, if that... and there are 10,000 people with Beta access!

I highly recommend trying it out. It's not a "hardcore" game, more like a game you play for a few hours here and there, or hop on to chat with your buddies. It's definitely something new for me. Try it!