Van Hemlock

First let me say that I think you two have an entertaining show. In fact, I would even add the word 'informative' to that description most of the time. I find myself agreeing with many of your commentaries regarding MMO's, and have even adopted the "3 month rule".

I do, however, have a suggestion that I'd like to make. You could almost call it a challenge, save for the fact that it relates to actively pursuing a most enjoyable hobby, so the word "challenge" might be misplaced.

Here it is:

I hear in both of your MMO observations, an obvious longing for something different. I suppose that's why EVE remains one of the few games that you continue to enjoy. In fact, I completely empathize with many of your MMO wishes. The word "sandbox" has been tossed around. I've heard reference to the tiredness of the "hamster wheel" of leveling. There has been one occasion where I think I remember hearing you long for a more persistant and dynamic world.

I'm sure it won't be surprising to you that I'm leading you toward a game suggestion. What I hope is that you are able to toss aside any opinions and pre-concieved notions of the game until you've actually given it a fair shake. I say this, because the game is relatively old. Also, because it is SO VERY different than anything out there, and thus the community is quite small.

The game is Ryzom. Or Saga of Ryzom depending on what the particular site wants to call it. It currently has a 21-day free trial, and there is a nice "sticky" on the MMORPG.com forum that was just added to help you get started (no, I didn't write it...it just was what got me started a few days ago).

The two of you have earned a nice pulpit from which to evaluate games. I say "earned" because I know that podcasting is not an easy thing to do, especially in the manner in which you do it. Very few podcasts are as religious as yours in maintaining a prompt schedule and format. This reader appreciates that very much. That said, Ryzom really is the "little game that could", as it has risen from the ashes thrice it its six years of existance. I know I risk doing it further damage by suggesting you play it, but I don't do it without believing that you will actually find much of the game outstanding.

I'd like emphasize that if and when you do try Ryzom, to immediately turn up all of the graphics to the highest setting, else you might quickly be turned off. Also, be prepared to be immediately underwhelmed by the UI and some of the other idiosyncracies of the game. It IS different. It doesn't lead you by the hand past the first couple intro quests. Instead, it provides you with an amazing, living, breathing world to play in and expects YOU to rise to the occasion and become an active participant in it.

I know the two of you have a completely overflowing plate of games to play. Still, I think your listeners would be served well in hearing your observations concerning on the last few innovatiove MMO's on the market. The good or the bad.

Thanks for your time,

Iowa Steve (sort of like Indiana Jones...less the whip, the doctoral degree in archeology, and the cool hat)