If this isn’t clear by now, let me state my personal situation once more:
- I’ve got a baby, and
- I’m saving money for a new laptop
Both these conditions have put me in a position where I need to be far more discerning about my game purchases, and my expenditure in general. iOS games are valid purchases (because of its general low prices), and free-to-play games have great appeal. Any full-retail console (or PC) game must be exceptional before I can really consider putting my money down.
So... we're just gonna hang out here, or what?
So it’s great luck that 2012 is shaping up to be the year where F2P games don’t automatically garner immediate disdain or dismissal. I’ve made clear my intentions for MechWarrior Online on multiple occasions. And there are a number of other tasty treats coming along too: MS Flight, Ghost Recon Online, Hawken, World of Warplanes, Settlers Online, Firefall.
But I think there’s one within the pile that has got people riled up more than any other, and that is Tribes: Ascend.
I never had an opportunity with the original Tribes games, due to a lack of suitable hardware (a repetitive theme in my gaming history). But I know that there are legions of fans, especially for the second game in that series. I know that people loved the high level of FPS skill required to play the game well, the emphasis on team-work, the scale of the environments, and the crazy antics that players were able to accomplish.
So I’m going to give this game a try (and hopefully my current laptop won’t protest too much). It’s currently in beta, but general opinions have been favourable. Tribes: Ascend seem to be hitting all the right notes for fans, in the ways that Vengeance, and even Instant Action, weren’t able to. I may need some hand holding, but I’m sure I’ll be able to find my way.
Tribes: Ascend is currently in beta (though it’s not hard to get access), but will be free-to-play when it is eventually released this year.