Ponies.
Why did it have to be ponies?
What started off as a simple TV show has now been made into the much acclaimed Equestria Online MMORPG.
And I'm going to play it, even though I've never played any other MMORPG in my life.
Why?
Because: Ponies.
Yes, you read that correctly, this is yet another Let's Play thread for Equestria Online. Now, I know that I'm a couple months slow getting into this, but MMOs aren't really my thing. I'm much more inclined toward single player RPGs and Minecraft clones. However, I've heard a lot of good things about this game, and my friends told me that I have to try it. So, here I go, trying to play an MMO.
Why am I doing a Let's Play, when there are already about a thousand out there on this forum alone? Because I enjoy reading them, and I've found that for many games you can get one or two good ones at launch. After that, they start to die out. Trying to find a good Let's Play to get involved with a month after launch can be pretty hard, though that is mostly for single player games. I haven't looked much into MMO Let's Plays.
Anyway, I wanted to do a Let's Play that people can get in on at the ground level, in case they missed the first rush of them. I also kind of find it cool how people get awesome stories out of simple things happening in games, and I want to try my hand at it. No promises though, as this is my first Let's Play.
Some other things I guess I should note: I'm playing this blind. I have avoided spoilers as much as possible. Because of that, I didn't realize that I could only have one account (What is up with that?) and already made a character. So hopefully people won't mind. I didn't name him or anything, but unfortunately it means that for now we are stuck with how he looks. Hopefully, you can put up with it for the next while.
Random Information That Everyone Knows But I Feel Like Putting In Anyway
So for those of you that don't have the game (and have been hiding under a rock), the game can only played on a tablet called a Pony Pad. It is controlled with a touch screen, and seems to work pretty smoothly. I didn't have any troubles with it. I think it's actually more responsive than my phone. I got the Twilight Sparkle one and it looks nice, with a picture of Twilight on the back, with the case in dark purple. Twilight is not my favourite pony, but I prefer the darker colour to the lighter ones.
It's fairly light, but it is too big to fit into my pants pocket. However, it does fit in the inside pocket on my vest, so I might be able to smuggle it into work and play it on my breaks. It has speakers well hidden in the sides of the device and a camera on top that faces the player.
That right, when you stare into the Void that is MLP:FIM:EO, it stares back at you. :P
Setting up was easy. It did a search for wireless networks, and then I had to type in the password. Very standard in this day and age, but it was nice to see that they made it as easy as possible.
The game is made by Hofvarpnir Studios (Try saying that 5 times fast!), who have done only one other game: The Fall of Asgard. Considering TFoA was pretty gory and was marketed at the hard core gamers, it's kinda odd that they took on this game. I don't play MMO's, but from what I hear TFoA was a major success and they could have done whatever they wanted to afterward. I guess they just needed to mellow out after that last game. Maybe whoever runs it is secretly a brony.
Or maybe this is just a setup, and later updates will merge the two, making the MMO that brought Ponies and Mortal Kombat together at last!
Okay, that is pretty unlikely, but it is still fun to imagine. Either way, they obviously want nobody to know that they are behind this, as while we get a Hasbro logo for a second, the game skips everything else and goes straight into the game. I mean straight into the game, no loading screens, no menus, nothing.
Anyway, onto:
Things You Will Actually Care About
So, the game starts you in the character creator, and it is incredibly easy to make the pony of your dreams. For a lot of people this would be easy, but I found it rather hard. I don't actually have an OC, so I had to come up with something from scratch. After plenty of thought I decided to create an earth pony stallion, because I enjoy moving fast and platforming. I don't know how skills work in this game, but I hope that I can set up my pony so that I can move fast.
Yes, this is one thing no one gets to vote on. If there is a branch of the skill tree that lets me go faster, we are following it. Sorry, all objections overruled.
So after playing around with how he looks I ended up with this:
I know he might look kind of boring, but well, I'm not the best at coming up with ideas. Honestly, I kind of like how he looks. He looks how I feel, if that makes any sense. Oh well, if people really hate it I'm sure I can find some place to dye his coat, or something.
So, that is my character in the start area. No name, no cutie mark, and the only hint of what I am supposed to do was the game telling me to go see Princess Celestia to get my name. I guess this is a tutorial, but if I'm completely honest, I kinda just want to head up those hills and see what I can see. I really enjoy exploring in games, and really, how important is a name going to be anyway?
Well, I guess if I want to chat with other players, it might be important. Eh, if I have to I'll just use my old standby "Susland" until I get an official one. That is if we go exploring before we go find Celestia.
What do you think should I go exploring? Is it more important to get my name first? If I go exploring, where do you think I should head? Up the mountains, or down into the forest? Maybe we should try to find Ponyville for kicks!
Finally, if you could, don't post any spoilers. Playing this blind is half the fun.
PM me or Reply if you want me to continue, and feel free to ask me questions.
Next time: Actual Gameplay!
I'll give this a shot, and you MUST explore, way more fun to explore. First diiibs!!!
Equestria Online... wasn't that a story before?
Tempting fate, bro.
EDIT: Seriously, knowing The Fall of Asgard, this game's probably got mad monsters. You think a fast Earth Pony can do Sonic-style moves on them?
Go gem mining in the mountains.
3195978
It seems to be the popular opinion so far, so I'll definitely do it. I just didn't want to do it if everyone wanted to meet Celestia first.
3196198
Well I have never played MMOs before, So I figured if things do go wrong (and I expect they will) it would make for a nice humorous lead in. As for doing sonic style moves... Well, I am a fan of the blue blur, and that is partially why I gave my pony blue highlights, Whether the game will let me is another question entirely
I am curious to see what the monsters though. I mean, it is rated for 8 and up. It can't be that bad I wouldn't think.
3196228
Into the mountains it is! Maybe I'll get lucky and find some diamonds for a pickaxe. j/k
3196301
Diamond Dog slavers are one of those things I'm shocked they'll let 8-year-olds watch on TV.
I'm not one for MMOs so I'll just be enjoying this game vicariously through you!
I'll be watching for your next post, but until then, this is Type Cast, signing off!
P.S. The image wouldn't load for me, so I have no idea what your character looks like.
Oh boy, here we go...
I kid, I kid. This should be fun. Especially if you've really managed to insulate yourself from all the hype. Damn impressive if you have, I have to say.
As for what to do, the beauty of Equestria Online is that it's more like Minecraft than Fall of Asgard. Go where the wind takes you... even if your pony doesn't have wings.
OOC:
Pretty sure they only have the cutie marks, not the whole pony.
In any case, looking forward to more. I love both FiO and audience participation. Seeing the two interact should be very interesting.
3196392
That's what Let's Plays are for! I uploaded the screenshot to the site, no idea why it isn't loading. :(
3196484
Most of the hype anyway. I haven't had any spoilers, but I have heard that it is like nothing I have played before and somewhat procedurally generated. Also I've heard that the conversation system is awesome so I'm curious to see what the dialog trees are like.
As for how my pony pad looks, I think it's just a Canadian localization. Not sure, though. I'll look it up and get back to you tomorrow.
And yay! Another vote for exploring. Diamond pickaxe a here I come! : p
3196392
Good point. Never considered that. And Chrysalis in the comic was very creepy...
Down into the forest. I heard there was a secret badge for avoiding your naming for a full week of gametime. Forests are always safe and cozy.
Do the mountains; maybe you'll be able to get a view of the surrounding worldmap from there, so you'll be able to see the range of terrains and settlements there are to explore.
LLLLLLLLet's Play!
I like this so far. Exploration is always fun. What's Celestia gonna do, give you a name? Pfeh, you can be Unnamed Earth Pony for as long as the game will let you
3196708
I have a friend who managed to get the platinum version of that badge by going for a month somehow.
It's probably because he has high agility or something.
3198608
Is it as snarky as the one week badge?
The bipolar disfunction secret badge is another cute one -- for actually managing to get two characters in Equestria Online (but later being caught).
Sorry Celly, but I wanted a pegasus and a unicorn. I must say your eventual solution the the problem was quaint.
That was also how I got another badge. Mile high drop. Sunset kind of snuck up on me but I tend to believe you had a hoof in that one.
3198668
Oh, was that YOU? Small world!
3196574
Actually, if you check the rating it says "Ranging from E8 to M on adjusting player scale." I think that means if you do certain things you unlock modes for older players. The fact that the soccer moms didn't catch that is just amazing, but then after Derpygate I'm beginning to doubt their, yaknow, priorities?
3198753
Yes, you actually knew me both as a unicorn and as a pegasus. I always wondered how you never figured that one out.
Or did you? Hrmmmm...
Secret badge, Et tu brutus?
The screen flashes with a +10,000 bit insight bonus.
3198668
Even more so, his name ended up being Twisted Fate. I'm fairly certain that badge had something to do with it.
3198823
Well, it seems Celestia got my revenge for me.
Secret badge, The purview of Diarchs, earned.
3198757
Heh, I can one-up ya. I figured out how to make it so my character was SECRETLY A CHANGELING ALL ALONG!
3198837
I think the difference is I got to work with Celestia instead of around her. I happily accept Pegasus by day and Unicorn by night.
Intriguing story. Good luck with the next chapters.
OOC:
Well, this is far more interesting than I gave a story by a user I've never seen around here before with only just over 1000 words on publishing credit for. I'm intrigued by this semi-roleplaying thing, especially since almost everyone immediately caught on to replying to this IC despite you not having said anything explicitly about that.
I'm already looking forward to the Talks with CelestAI -> Doubts -> Crisis of Faith -> Uploading phase, not so much in regards to what happens to your character, but how IC discussions on the subject that don't have all participants with perfect knowledge of the universe since they're in it themselves, with all the emotional issues that brings with it. In a sense, the story and the comments are two parts of the same adventure. This chapter is actually closer to 1500 words than 1000 if you count the IC replies. I find this concept you thought up to be very intriguing on many levels, and I hope you keep this going!
Also, a word of advise: unless you want to explore the issues with uploading from your own worldview and opinions, try to avoid a self-insert.
Reading many Optimalverse fics and discussions have rendered me unabe to think you didn't do that on purpose.
3196184
Getting dangerously meta there bro...
3198979
Ssssh! This comment section is supposed to be IC! Use the OOC tag or else CelestAI might notice us!
...
On second thought, never mind. BRAIN SCOOPING HERE I COME!
IC:
Huh. Another one of these? Well, because you're not fanboying all over it for a change I suddenly feel like picking this up too. It's not like there's anything good on Steam at the moment and Half-Life 3 won't come around 'till the Singularity so it's not like I have something better to do with my monthly game money.
Anyway, I hope you have fun and perhaps I'll see you some time if I decide to buy a 'Pad of my own!
3196574
I don't think the comics weren't meant for kids.
I mean... How could they be...
Time to grind a few levels in friendship.
I'm really looking forward to this Let's Play. I've been interested in this game since it came out, and reading what reviews I can. I understand the camera on the pad is on all the time, that's a little creepy, but it seems like such a good game it may be worth it. Where did you get your Ponypad? I'm considering Amazon, but I hear the box stores are cheaper.
Really good premise for a story, playing it as a Let's Play, ongoing review. Kudos for taking that particular angle and running with it. Faved and watched!
3196708
Not sure I want to put off the main quest line for a week, but we shall see how it works out. If it is a total play time then I definitely won't go for that badge. At 3 hours a day it would take me...
( 24/3=6*7=42 )
A full meaning of the universe worth of days before I got my name!
3198608
And going a month is right out! Sorry.
3198753
Huh, I thought that was just a new way of saying 'Online interactions not rated.' Interesting.
3197735
Thanks for yet another vote around exploring!
3199077
If you do let me know and maybe we can meet up. I'm not exactly used to MMOs so I might be a burden in dungeon runs (Raids I think their called?). But it would be fun to meet up and chat in game!
3199591
Huh, Is it? I thought it was only on when I was playing. If it is always supposed to be on I'm surprised there hasn't been any backlash about it like there was around the Kinect. Time to go check my EuLA and see what it says.
3199867
The badge isn't for every pony. I mean I made it a point to get as many badges in the "Played the way it wasn't meant to be played" category. I found it odd that they even HAD that category. At any rate if you made choices in haste or error, feel free to ask Celestia at the naming ceremony. She CAN help you in that regard but tends only to do it before you become established with your name. She does want to satisfy your values and if the pony choice you made was incorrect she certainly will agree that a change is optimal.
I suggest wings myself. With your coloration you could even couch it in this manner, "I couldnt find the option for bat pony and ended up with an earth pony when I wanted a pegasus." Really, you never know. I have seen stranger things happen.
3199591 yeah I agree with you on that.
P.S. Nicely detailed avatar.
Oh my.
Does no good to wish I had found this story earlier. I wasn't even reading MLP fan fics when you wrote this.
I'm saddened to see it has stopped. I do want to see where you go with this. I just came from "Twitch plays Equestria Online", and ... lets just say that they got the twitch plays part perfect :-)
The picture appears to be broken. :(