Technabob » beta test

Starcraft 2 Gives Noobs the Gift of Destructible Rocks

Lambert Varias — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 13:21:48 +0000

There are rocks blocking the way, reports Ars Technica’s Ben Kuchera from the beta testing battlefield of the highly anticipated RTS StarCraft 2. These destructible rocks have 2000 hit points and intentionally block chokepoints or base entrances in order to prevent, or at least discourage early game rushing, since small fry like zergling will have to chip away at the rocks for quite a while before they reach the enemy base. Bigger units will most likely trample them to dust though.

It’s important to note that the rocks are an optional feature in maps, theoretically to give newbies more time to explore and test the game, or perhaps as an added challenge for veterans. So keep your cool, hardcore Starcraft fan. The rocks are optional.

The reactions of Ars commenters to the new add-on are varied; one said that the rocks caused a lot of matches to devolve into air versus air battles. Others said that the feature isn’t new at all, citing some maps in StarCraft 1 that had minerals blocking the paths. Still others cited rival RTS Total Annihilation, which not only had destructible walls that served the same function but also gave players a “No Rush” option; i.e. units are confined to their spawn points for a limited amount of time right after the battle starts.

I don’t really like RTS games, so all I know is that if this makes it to the final version of the game, “destructible rock” will be the perfect nickname for players who suck, like me: we only last the first few minutes, and are nothing but cannon fodder.

[via Ars Technica]

Microsoft Looking for Video Game Testers, Offers Free Software

Lambert Varias — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 12:51:17 +0000

Citizens of the United States of America, young and old, noob or hardcore, Xbox loyalist, Wii fanatic or PS3 fanboy, hear ye hear ye! Microsoft is looking for video game testers! The most likely location of the “Playtest facility” will be in Microsoft’s Seattle compound, but they’re encouraging everyone from the USA to sign up.

Even minors can be part of Microsoft’s program, as long as their parent or guardian consents. As is standard procedure, Microsoft didn’t say what games will be tested, but the Playtest webpage does say that there will be a variety of games on a variety of platforms. The FAQ also says that Playtesters have to arrive early so they can secure a parking space. Awesome.

No word on the “free software” though. Let’s hope it’s not MS Word. Or Vista.

[via Site of the Gaming Dead]

Watch Out for the Grue: Legend of Zork Needs Beta Testers

Alisha K. — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 12:05:01 +0000

The classic adventure Zork is making its way back in a browser-based form, thanks to Jolt Online Games, and the Irish company has put out a call for more beta testers to take up the adventurer’s mantle and descend into a place of horrors, grue, and text commands.

To get in on the action, just type:

mail lozbeta@joltonline.com

Though, since such basic commands usually don’t work in the real world (alas), you might try sending an e-mail regarding your request in a more conventional manner. Legends of Zork is being billed as an online (non-MMO) game for casual, timewasting play.

[Game|Life via GayGamer]