Well, I must say that today is the day that many Runescape players have been looking forward to for months. The return of open PKing (player killing) and PvP (player vs player) worlds. Most dedicated readers of my blog will remember that I avoid PKing situations if at all possible. It just isn’t my thing. But I also believe that PKing is an important part of most Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games (MMORPGs) and it should never have been as severely limited as it was last year. But now it’s back and I just have a couple of thoughts I’d like to share.
First of I want it clear that this blog will in the future deal very little with PKing and PvP worlds. Again, I am not interested in PKing and therefore will have little to no experience with it and therefore will not be able to provide much insight into this (re)new aspect of Runescape.
Second, just from a quick glance at one of the PvP worlds I visited I have to say it looks like it will be a hell of a lot of fun for those who are into such things. At Lumbridge Castle the court yard look more like a grave yard with all the skulled players. But I also think this will lead to a dark side of the Runescape universe. In the old days when PKing was allowed in the Wilderness there was still doubt as to what that other player near you had in mind. They may have need to be out in the Wilderness for many reasons other than PKing. But when you land on those PvP Worlds you pretty much know everyone there is out to kill other players and if they can take you down they will. Remember the old saying, “Just because you’re paranoid doesn’t mean they aren’t out to get you.” That is one of the reasons why these world don’t appeal to me. I am more laid back, and PvP worlds are much more cut throat (no pun) than I like. But again, these worlds are very important to the Runescape universe and applaud Jagex for finally bringing them into existence.
Third, Woo Hoo! I’m gonna be rich! Why you ask? Ever since the Jagex announcement that this update would occur I have been hording swordfish. The food market is going to sky rocket! I truly believe you will see the price of the combat staples like swordfish and sharks to double! In fact, expect to see a slight inflation throughout the entire economy. Potions and lower level combat gear should see a steep price increase also. I say lower level gear because it is my assumption that many players will not risk their dragon or better armor and weapons on these PvP worlds. But rune gear is reasonably cheap. There should also be a good increase in the poisoned weapons market. [Don't forget that in the coming weeks I will be adding a whole new section that deals with the Runescape economy.]
Finally, I really hate the new combat level set up. I don’t exactly know why either. Maybe it is because now I need to modify my stat widget to the right. Or maybe it is because when I don’t have a pouch or a familiar that my level looks lower. But I think it is more because it just seems clumsy. If I have a pouch on me I’m combat level 93. If I don’t I’m 87 + 6. Huh? Once again freaking Summoning messing things up. Have I mentioned I hate that skill lately?
