Introductions and Mount and Blade

I'm also a new contributor. And following suit with some others an introduction of sorts is a good way to start. First off, I'm not going to be the one to come to ask about hardware problems. I can install some things here and there, but I am by no means a savant when it comes to fixing/building computers and such. I'm a gamer. I enjoy the story. I enjoy how much fun it is to play. Graphics are important, but I'm not willing to sacrifice story and playability for fun screen candy. I'm from the original NES days, and the "no-mom/dad-Mortal-Kombat-isn't-violent-at-all" persuasive routine. I like sports games, racing, and, as stated earlier, games with a good story.

Here is a game that has been getting a bit of buzz around the internet, but I figure all the publicity it can get the better.

MOUNT & BLADE:

This game is all about the fun part of playing. It has elements of FPS, RTS, and RPG. It was made independently by a married Turkish couple. Two words are what grabbed me from the start--mounted combat. This game has the best mounted combat system I have seen in any game, not that it is hard considering the massive amounts of games that actually offer it; however, it is fluid and there is just something to say about being able to ride in on a horse full speed and impale someone with a lance. You can't call yourself a medieval enthusiast if that doesn't create some saliva for your destructive taste buds.

You travel around a semi-large map where you will come across cities, towns, and roaming war parties and bandits. You will be able to level up your character in various skills that fall under a few basic groups: archery/ranged weapons; melee weapons; riding horses/fighting on horses; monetary use; leadership; and healing/advancement. Another big aspect of this game is choice. You can build the heavy armored knight on the best steed you can find, or the almost naked berserker with the huge axe running on the ground.

This game has been in beta for awhile and Pardox Interactive has recently picked this game up for production. The graphics are not the highest end, but I do believe the actual fun of the game more than makes up for it. Mount and Blade is still not in it's final form, but is still finished enough to have an enjoyable gaming experience. Another good option is that the makers allow for a free trial (always a good thing for a game to have) so you can see if the game is for you. You can play up through level 6. I've played the game with a character now at level 30 and have enjoyed every minute of it. If you like the type of game that leads to believe, "just one more battle and I'll be done for the night" then check it out.