Originally I was not going to play the Singapore Malaysia founders beta but I am a bit impatient waiting for Aeria games to move to beta and release. Since the game is in English, I had no problem playing.
Downloading was a pain, it we ether using horribly slow peer to peer torrent, the technology is worst than old BBS protocols. Direct download problem was I get could not get a download with no CRC errors in the file. After somebody posted in smaller files I was able to download and install. The SG/My version gave me a chance to sample the new changes to the game since the Happy Hearts event.
First I went incognito so I do not look like the ugly American. The clothing has a South East Asian look to them.
Me joining the order of funny hats.
Somebody needs to do something about the accessories given; a squeaky hammer! Come on folks, a nary heavy metal battle axe or at least a cricket bat would be better.
The game play is different; the Non- playing shop owners boys with big hats have been replaced by funny bunny looking characters. The quests are now more complex requiring gathering multiple items and visiting multiple charters. Mini gamers are now integrated into the quest. One Kappi’s Big Surf Mini Game was a major pain to get the need 80,000 + score to complete the task while the Tuxedo Sam’ Big Pond Fishing Mini Game was very easy. One quirk of the game is by completing the Sanrio Quest, I was able to purchase clothing in Florapolis that offers more protection than given in the quest, perhaps too good of protect; it took the sport away from monster bashing.
Where the sport folks, the hunter boy and a monster locked in mortal combat to see who is victorious and who takes a nap. The other big change is moving farming quest to start in Forapolis and at a lower level.
The beta ended on 22 Jul at 23:59 but being in the US, I did not get the message, I was able to log on at 6:00am Singapore time to find I was only player. I now wonder how the GM feels playing between betas. Instead of chancing it and continue pay, I decide to park myself at the dock, where it all started.
Over all I give the game thumbs up. It will be a good place to play until Aeria get is act together and bring HKO to North America. I wish Gloot success in the Commercial Preview. I will be there.