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Blizzard, Real ID, StarCraft II and You

Blizzard, Real ID, and You

I know, just when you thought you wouldn't have to read another post about StarCraft II all weekend, this comes along. Don't worry, soon we'll return you to the world of normal video game news and updates. In fact, why are you even reading this? Don't you have some noobs that need pwning in some online multiplayer?

People have been gnashing their teeth since earlier this month about the whole Real ID debacle. Some people just don't want to identify themselves online, and enjoy living behind the relatively safe shroud of anonymity. You know, just because you play online as NooBToobeR1701 doesn't mean that everyone needs to know your real name, and that you're just a 12-year-old girl in Poughkeepsie.

Earlier in July, Blizzard announced that they were going to force people to use Real ID in order to comment on their community message boards. But, the backlash was so strong and so loud that the lumbering corporate beast actually sat up and listened. In fact, it was so loud that they reversed their position. It's not often that a company so big changes something so quickly, so kudos to everyone being so vocal.

However, that didn't mean that Blizzard would be abandoning Real ID altogether. Oh no. On the contrary, even while backing off, Blizzard CEO and co-founder Mike Morhaime said, "Over time, we will continue to evolve Real ID on Battle.net to add new and exciting functionality within our games for players who decide to use the feature." Sadly, he didn't explain why gaming as BunsofSteel88 would be such a different experience from playing as Bob Smith, but that's corporate-speak for you.

Blizzard, Real ID, StarCraft II and You

Then came StarCraft II earlier this week, where Real ID is prominently featured. In fact, it's so prominently featured that some people think it's the only way to play the game online. This very fact has been keeping some people from picking up a copy. But fear not, you have options. Plus, there are even more problems. But, nothing's perfect, right? We're here to try and clarify some things:

Real ID is not required in the game: You can create an account using a Character Name that you choose, and you have a Character Code associated with your account. People adding you via Character Name will only see your Character Name, and not your real name. For instance, mine name is shazam, and my code is 420. I swear that number was completely random. I didn't get to pick it.
Your Character Name is permanent: So, big warning to you. If you haven't chosen this yet, choose wisely. You don't want to be IHeartKnockers for eternity on Battle.Net. Blizzard hasn't said if you will be able to change this in the future, and right now it's for keeps. Remember, you'll need both your Character Name (prominently featured in the top right corner of the pre-game menus) and Character Code (visible in the "Add A Friend" screen) to give out to others.
Real ID friends can see your other Real ID friends: If you add someone in the game via their Battle.Net email address, or by using the in-game Facebook integration, then you're adding them as a Real ID friend. They'll be able to see your real name (and you can see theirs), and they will be able to browse through your entire friends list. So, if you want to keep your list a secret, set a Character Name and give that out instead of the Character Code. If you've already gone in and set up your account with Real ID only, the good news if that you can add a Character Name at any time and then delete your Real ID friends if you so desire.
Deleting works both ways: If you delete someone off of your list, you'll also vanish off of theirs. Handy, as this keeps you from having to tell your friends to delete you as well if you're in the process of redoing your list as a Character Name, and scrubbing all Real ID clean.
You can use both Real ID and Character Name: If you add someone by their Real ID, you can also add them via their Character Name, and that works the other way around as well. So you can have a friend on your list twice. Once as John Jones, and the other as xxJJBlambotxx. They'll both show up at the same time whenever they're logged on.
Real ID has special features: If you use Real ID, you can cross-game chat, send out broadcasts to every Real ID friend on your list, and get updates on what your friends are playing and get live updates when they earn achievements (via a little pop-up window). Character Name friends can't do this.
Be smart: If you play with someone you don't know, but want to stay in touch, when you send them a friend request (just right-click on their name in the postgame screen), it will use your Character Name, provided you've set that up. Don't give out your Real ID to people unless you're sure you know who they are. Not sure you want to add your ex from Facebook who is still on your friends list somehow? Don't check the box next to their name in the game when you "Add Facebook Friends."

Does that help? Don't let fear of "the man" and losing your anonymity keep you from picking this game up. It's a must-have title, and you're gonna love it. What are you waiting for?

Review: BlazBlue: Continuum Shift - 'A fairly unique take on contemporary versus fighting gameplay'

BlazBlue: Continuum Shift

If you're having some trouble coming down from your EVO high and you just can't spend enough time playing fighting games, then you should check out BlazBlue: Continuum Shift for a fresh take on the genre. Being a purist is all well and good, but it's a shame to limit yourself when you're talking about having fun.

A spiritual successor to the Guilty Gear franchise, Arc System Works has provided an anime-infused offensive fest alternative to the ruling king of fighting games, Street Fighter IV. Alexandra Hall has the review:

"If you enjoyed Guilty Gear, you’ll feel at home in BlazBlue, which values offense above all else. If you’re not attacking you probably should be. The characters walk slowly but can run and air-dash with quickness, opening the door to many different attack vectors. Standard blows chain effortlessly into multiple hit combos, deemphasizing strict input execution in favor of more freeform combo creativity. That’s not to say that BlazBlue is easy, it’s just that its primary challenge doesn’t come from nailing two-frame links ala SFIV."

Gear Up For Your First StarCraft II Weekend

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Many of you probably picked up StarCraft II this week, and many more of you might be rushing to get it right now. If you're trying to hold down a job or finish school, you might not have been able to spend some serious time with the game yet. Until now. The StarCraft II inaugural weekend begins ... right now.

Our intrepid soldier has beefed up his provisions bag with everything needed for a non-stop 48 jag through the Koprulu Sector in order to kick some Zerg and Protoss butt. For the record, check out what we're packing:

Alienware M15X: This made-for-gaming laptop weighs a billion pounds, but it makes the game look amazing. Just keep a chiropractor on-call if you plan on lugging it around. When you need a break, it also plays Blu-rays. I recommend the excellent Road to Perdition which just made its Blu-ray debut this week.
Razer Marauder: It lights up. It measures your Actions Per Minute and gives you feedback on them via an integrated lighting system. It records macros. It's branded with the StarCraft II logo. Plus it's stocky and robust, and just looks like a tough keyboard. I don't know if most Marauder pilots are smart enough to use keyboards, but if they were, this is what they'd pound away on.
Razer Spectre: Another officially licensed StarCraft peripheral, this mouse features the same APM lighting system as the Marauder, and it has five programmable buttons than even let you adjust the force needed to push them. Basically, it's mouse overkill because it features something called 1000Hz Ultrapolling. I have no idea what that even means, but I'm in love with the braided cord, because I've broken more mice cables than I can count.
Razer Banshee: Because you're going to want to talk to all the new friends you're making, you need a quality microphone on your head. Plus, it wouldn't hurt if that microphone came along with a powerful sounding headset. The Banshee has all your head-holes covered, pumping out the screams of dying Zerg and sucking out your words via the detachable boom mike. Plus, since Razer loves lights, it also has the APM lighting system. Aural-rific.
Gamer Grub: The package on these things claim that they are chock full of vitamins and neurotransmitters, which hopefully means I won't go brain-dead by the end of the weekend. The flavors are surprisingly accurate, meaning that PB&J actually tastes like peanut butter and jelly. It comes packaged in easy to open (and reseal) pouches, promises not to get your hands greasy, and will sustain your all-weekend gaming binge. Personally, I recommend BBQ or Pizza for maximum savor.
Mana Energy and Mana Health Potions: You're going to need liquid to keep you going, but the problem is that with a Ginormo-Gulp from the convenience store down the street, you're going to have to go to the bathroom. A lot. Nothing can kill a multiplayer match faster than the pause button, and your bladder doesn't need that sort of pressure. Instead, maximize your liquid libations with Mana drinks. These quench your thirst, and give you SCV-loads of energy. Or 5 to 8 hours worth. Your mileage may vary.
Adult Diapers: As mentioned above, you're going to have to go to the bathroom at some point. But does that mean you need to get up from your chair? Why, not at all! In fact, you don't have to get up at all. With one of these tucked beneath your clothes (or if you're very brave, the only thing you have on), you can game away without having to take a break for the call of nature. I'm not sure what the max load on these things is, but if you pace yourself you should be able to make 'em last.
Ghost Messenger Bag: Although Starcraft: Ghost might have vanished forever from the development arena, that doesn't mean you can't carry on the legend. This stylish messenger bag features voluminous pockets, StarCraft II branding, and has one interior panel dedicated to a huge screenshot from the game. It'll carry your laptop, your gear, a change of clothes, some sort of body spray, and your dignity extremely well. Just don't use it for transporting your adult diapers. Please.

That's what we'll have nearby while we power through the game. What are you stocking up on? Got a favorite piece of gear? Have you canceled an important event to spend time with this game over the weekend? Looking forward to anything particular in the game? Sound off below to let us know, and hit me up on Battle.Net if you want to get some game on. My Character Name is Shazam, and my Number is 420. And I swear, that just got assigned to me randomly.

SCV good to go!