In the beta!

July 13th, 2007

I haven’t beta-tested an MMORPG in some time, but I just received word that I’m the Tabula Rasa beta. I know it’s been around for a while, and I know it’s probably not a WoW killer. (I don’t know if there’s a WoW killer on the horizon yet.)

But I’m excited anyway. My first-ever beta test for anything was Ultima Online, and I still think some of the best aspects of UO haven’t ever been reproduced. So Richard Garriott’s attachment to this is somewhat intriguing.

I especially appreciate the emphasis on storytelling. I’m not saying I’m optimistic that the vision will live up to my dreams—or even be realized as it is, for that matter. But I’m willing and even eager to see what results.

As far as I can tell, the NDA permits me to do nothing more than admit I’m in the beta. I can’t post screenshots or even describe gameplay and character creation. There are other sites out there that do with impunity, though, so I’ll take another look.

The game is downloading now, and I’ll spin it up as soon as my daughter goes to bed. And I’ll post whatever the NDA allows about my impressions as soon as I have them, even if it’s as simple as “whoopie” or “oh no!”

Entry Filed under: Video Games, Massively Multiplayer