First Beta Day...

It has been a fun couple of hours playing my favorite game again!  Although it is late here, I have been able to run into a few friends and see some new sights (not that anything new is added, but I never had a chance to do the entry quests before).  So far there are very few problems until I tried to travel to Rhubarb Island...thus I decided to take a little break and post some pictures of my beta adventures.

Leaving the Brink...

If you decide to play MilMo when the game opens for all players, this is the portal that continues you through the introductory part of the game.  

And then some friends!!!

Met up with Alinna right away!

A Welcome Back

It has been many long-awaited months, but our MilMo is back!  Well, at least in a trial beta version, but the chance to move around our world is possible again.  Will post more about what is new about the game, but for now I am going to explore The Brink (something I never got to do the first time around because it was added long after I started playing).

The Thing About Dreams

You know how when you first wake up in the morning and you have the moment, just that single moment, when you wonder if those pictures in your mind were just a dream or if you are simply waking up to a reality that you are still trying accept?


Such was the waking moments on Wednesday when the formal announcement that Junebud, creators and developers of Alia's favorite game, had declared bankruptcy.  That sheer sense of disbelief overtook me, and I had to keep wondering if I was still sleeping and have just a really unpleasant nightmare. But as the coffee was brewed (sorry Sara, I wish we could have that coffee together, one that does not bother your constitution), and I was able to backtrack through Twitter, the realization was that yes, my beloved game and its company were looking like they were both going to be no more a part of my life.


All day Wednesday and into Thursday, as friends and fellow players did their own wake up to the news, it was like reliving that bad moment over and over. My blog post on this subject was already writing itself in my head and yet, I still have not been able to fully process all I want to say here.  


But the the analogy of the post-dream moment would not leave me and so, for now, because I will probably post about this again, I want to talk not about the bad dreams of myself and all my friends and fellow players.  What I want to write about are the dreams of the crew about Junebud.  


While we are all distraught, what I have not been able to get out of my mind is what of the dreams of the developers that we have all grown to love so much?  I cannot even contemplate on their behalf how their dream, so full of great ideas and promise, is now lost for the time being.  It is not a death, as such a talented group of people will thrive in new places and in new ways, but as if they have to watch something that they nurtured wither away.  


While many game developers come and go, that very special something that was Junebud is a greater loss to the gaming community than others.  The reason why we are all so distraught on their behalf because what made Junebud special is that they made us all feel included.  Their vision and dream, our reality for a few short years, was that us the players were essential to what they were doing.  The most wonderful and saddest moments have been not so much that the future of the game of was in question, but when the entire community started pouring out with queries on what they could do to help the company stay alive only to be told there was no way to help.  Just to see that tells you all you need to know about what this company has been about and what it means to us players.


I still am unable to fully write all that I am feeling (look for a later post when I am less emotional), but it is with heartfelt emotion that I write this post for all the wonderful people I have come to know through this game: Sara, Ivan, Ola, Wicky, and for those of you I never knew, thanks for making something so unique that you know that its loss has left us with so much sadness, but also so much joyful memories.


Alianore

Alia's Reviews: Feeling Sinister? A New MilMo Update

Now the good folks at Junebud gave Update 51 a different name than my catchy post title...but the new content with this update lets those of the dark and moody bent express themselves with some pretty tough looking gear.  And it all begins with a little lockbox....

The Sinister Lockbox!

When I read up on this new update and started playing to see all the new stuff, I had exactly two thoughts:

• Someone in Sweden must have been listening to my prayers and decided to give us new converters...one of Alia's Favorite Things.
• There was some devilishly smart thinking behind this new update in that it goes a long way to address some of the complaints/problems as of late, but I will get to that later.

Minha Amiga

Being without the Friend List on MilMo has caused several grumbles among players for the last few months.  Now, I both miss the feature and am glad that we do not have it, but the reasons for that are too esoteric for this post.  However, one of the many benefits of being a game GM is our ability to find other players, and it is with great joy that I found my fellow partner-in-game and very good friend Vanny this evening!

 

Happy 50th Update!

Now that I have recovered from the spring semester, it is time to enjoy myself with my favorite game.  Luckily, just when I need it the most, there is a new game update!  Launched just today, players can celebrate Junebud's 50th Update, by getting another chance at the Sea Festival event from last year.  Being one of those players, I have already begun and have attired myself accordingly.

There seems to be a walrus in the pool at SeaStar Resort who
only answers to the name Morris.  However, he does approve
of my Tactical Pirate look to assist on completing his tasks.

Oh What Shall We Do?

There have been some grumbles, some questions, and even some interesting speculation about the lack of recent updates to MilMo.  Then before the weekend got into full-swing, the always helpful Sara posted in the game forum why we were experiencing the lack of something new to do.  Due to Junebud's development of a game for the iPad, known as Tuff Tanks, the developers are allocating their human resources to getting this interesting and fun looking game ready for release.  (I am still waiting for a hint that we may see this game in the Google Play store, but so far, mum is the word)

Making Up Your Mind: Should You Start Playing MilMo?

Attention all potential players of MilMo, have you accidentally come across this blog or have seen an advertisement for MilMo and are still undecided whether or not to give the game a try?  Not sure what the game is about and thus have delayed getting yourself started? 

Well, you know can get a better feel of the look of the game with the new improved Home Page for the game.  If you decide to give the game a second look, the new home page offers a great video showing a great snapshot into how the game looks and some of what you can do and find in the game.  

 

You will have to make a small download to get the Unity Web Player plug-in for your browser, but it is just a little thing!  Within minutes you will be playing and discovering the game that yours truly just cannot get enough of! 

Aunty Alianore's Corner, Volume I, Issue 5: Kidding Around

Fun and games often can lead to misinterpretation, which
can cause anger and other conflict.

A while back, I found myself needing to deal with a situation between a few players where an "inside joke" that was being bandied around in the game took a really bad turn.  What had started as playing around a long-standing joke led to anger and hurt feelings.  Through much discussion and investigation, the problems and animosity between the players was resolved, however, as usual, it inspired me write a little bit about player relations.

MilMo Special 90% Off Sale...Or, When There is Just Not Enough Money in the Bank

Just every so often, the wonderful people at Junebud make some of our Cash Shop dreams into realities.  This week, the Cash Shop is featuring a 90% off sale on EVERYTHING!  Like many players, my first thought was....Phoenix Wings!  And then what else?  Well, so far some mystery boxes that yielded some cool stuff for the home, and then I bought a few other decorative items.  But the 24 hour clock is winding down until the sale ends, so I need to make some quick decisions!

Found some Legendary Goggles in one of my purchases
Mystery Boxes, trying to determine if they will be a part
of my "permanent look."

Remember players, while this is a great time to get some new loot that you might have been salivating over for awhile...it is also a great time to buy a membership at a fantastic price!  Membership allows for more quests and access to a few exclusive locations in the game, so go ahead and grab one and I will meet you in the hot tub on the Yacht!

Guest Blogger: iiFlipii and Player Events

Due to my recent hiatus (I was sort of expecting it, as this is my crazy time of the year with work), I have been encouraging my game friends to help contribute to this blog so you don't hear the crickets too often when visiting.  So, without further ado...a message of something exciting from one of our GM's iiFlipii:

Hey guys! It's me Flip.  I finally decided to make a post here : D  What is the point of this post you ask?  Well I just might be planning something for you all.  I might be hosting some player events soon!  Player events are NOT official MilMo events.  They are just events run by the MilMo community!  Prizes?  None yet, but I will figure that part out easily : )

Stay tuned for updates here, on the Forums, and on the Unofficial MilMo FB group! 

And I would like to thank....

The strangest thing happened, for some reason I was nominated for player of the month!  No, really, it is such an incredible honor!  If you wish to read my interview, please visit the MilMo Dev Blog.

The Longest Two Weeks of My Life....

As some of you may have noticed, I have been noticeably absent from the MilMo forum, the Unofficial MilMo Group on Facebook, and on Twitter.  This has a great deal to do with the fact that life occasionally has that tendency to overwhelm you just a bit and those times you take to enjoy yourself...say to play your favorite game...do not exist for a certain time.  

Island Survey, Part I: Summertide Saga

In a continuing vein of thought regarding Junebud's brainstorming last week**, one of the Twitter queries posed was in regard to player thoughts regarding which game islands we did or did not like and why.  My response was that I think all of the the islands have both pros and cons, and that I needed to blog on the topic as Twitter has that nasty character limit that frustrates the hyber-verbose (yours truly).  Although the developers have probably moved on to other issues, I still want to put in my two cents....

Monday Fun: Hanging out with the Rockers

Just a short picture montage of some of my favorite people in MilMo...they looked so cute grouped together I had to stage photo shoot.

The Stairway to Heaven....

Happy Anniversary!

So today marks the one-month anniversary of All About Milmo...this is such a fun small achievement for me, I mean before I was married I dated people for shorter periods of time!


I will mark the occasion with a little something special, a contest with a free game giveaway...let me get a little rest and I will think on it and post later in the day.

Alia's Interviews: Trolling Lessons with the King

Since I decided to go public with my blog I started hounding my game friends to help out with guest blogging or other types of submissions...when that made a few nervous, the persistent Aunty A decided she was going to run people down to the ground and make them talk!  Some force was used, maybe a few bribes, and now results are starting to trickle in...


While I have the "Mother of all Interviews" to appear soon, I am going to start this blog segment with the "Son of all Interviews."  Victim #1: im ur king.


As one of the few players who have a working friend list at the moment, im ur king was able to show up to my "pad" (new phrase he learned from me today) where the grilling could begin.

Like any good gamer, im ur king was distracted by the
Retro Console so I had to get him back on track!

A Few of My Favorite Things, Installment 5: Event Reruns

One of the things that always makes me a little blue is the thought that I have missed out on something that everyone (or so it seems) got to see and/or do.  And for much of the time last calendar year, I was unable to complete some of the game's special events due to life circumstances, etc.

So empty!  The void in my medal count
is a like a void in my heart.

The Talent of MilMo Players

In the game forum and in Facebook's Unofficial Group, so many players show their love of the game through their creative talents.  I so enjoy the creative-types and their posts...mostly because I admire their talent but also because I could not draw a thing that would anyone would recognize if my life depended upon it.  


One of our group's most talented artists, who I personally refer to as "my Miss Kazey Kat" has graciously agreed to let me share some of her artwork with the greater internet community.  Look for my exclusive interview with Kaz in a later post, but for right now let me just say that she is  one of the best people I have made friends with in the game and I am one of her biggest cheerleaders in her quest to someday have a career in animation.

Kazey's MilMo avatar, Anime-style!
(Copyright Kazey J.F.)

Look for more of Kazey's art to be regularly shown here!

Can't Wait, Can't Wait...Can You?

Update 47...coming our way...


Video preview

The Idea File: Player Retention & Incentives

As Aunty A was gulping her morning coffee this past Wednesday in attempt to jolt herself awake for another day at the salt mines, the fabulous Devs at Junebud were in full brainstorming mode with ideas and questions about our favorite game.  

Alia's Reviews: Update 46 The Sun Parade

As promised nearly a month ago, I have finally committed myself to writing up my review of the Update 46: The Sun Parade.  A nod to our many Brazilian players, this update is for all MilMo players (both EN and BR) to experience a little of the fun of Brazil's Carnival now matter where in the world you may be.  The Sun Parade Update is the best of what any game update for MilMo can be...a new NPC (Bella), a new limited-time monster, new medals to add to our medal tally, and my personal favorite: a converter! 

Something new has arrived in Seastar Resort...to
transport players to the fun of Carnival!

A Few of My Favorite Things, Installment 4: Swamp Island

When I first started playing MilMo one of the very best things was getting to advance to a new island to see what new mysteries were awaiting me.  Now that I have been everywhere that is available to date in the Summertide Saga, Mice & Maniax, and Air World...the fun is now in hunting around these familiar places for coins and maybe working on some of those monster and weapon medals.

Each island and world has its own challenges and things to do, but I have to admit one island is my very favorite place to visit each time I play: Swamp Island.

Despite the fog and bubbling pools of ooze, such a pretty vista!

A New Addition to the Panda Girls' Club

In the game, many players often come together because of shared interests, "inside jokes" that they have, or for general friendship and camaraderie.  Often you might see players refer to each other in familial terms (mom, dad, sister, etc.) or by issuing a rally call to their friends.  I too have a few groups of friends, but one of the most special of them to me is the Panda Girl's Club.  


This club, which I have mentioned before, is formed of three women who are bound by our love of the game, our *ahem* similar ages, and by the fact that our busy lives lead us to have very long days to squeeze it all in.  We are all women who work, have families, and find time every day to play a little MilMo.  We also all happen to be game GMs.    


If you follow any of us on Twitter, you may from time to time see our rally calls/ shout outs to each other (sticky, sticky sweetness), and it is because of one such communication that the perennially adorable and helpful GM SrEdu was feeling a little left out.  Well, even though SrEdu does not meet the membership requirements (being a male can be a disadvantage sometimes!), us girls feverishly worked together to find a place for such a favorite person to each of us!

Guest Blogger: A Day in the Life of Sobe

Ok, so, Sobe had a grand time diving in real life for 4 days……….

When she crawled into Milmo… her hands were shivering, she dropped her V Axe many times.

Hmmmmm that is the effect of Milmo Withdrawal Symptoms….. at least that is what I think Doctor Quack told Sobe.

Sigh….. Sobe had to dive on the day after the release of Carnival Event…… so, she would need to catch up on the event.

But first things first……. Grab my box from home…….=D

Taking It To The Streets...And A Very Good Idea

BR's newest GM willdoug is thinking he may take me up on my
Guest Blogging challenge, Painnaski is a little harder to convince,
but I am making some headway!

So in addition to today's coin run and a little GM activity, I was busy hitting up my MilMo friends to come join the fun and share a little of their MilMo love with our readers.  I have had a nibble from the fabulous iiFlipii, so I am anxiously awaiting that submission!

Busy, Busy, Busy...Help!

Fellow MilMo friends...I have been away from the game for a few days and will continue to be so because it is exam week for my students.  Thus, I am busy coordinating and grading my students and am ruthlessly denied the time to play my favorite game (sadness).

Fear not!  For I will be back in short bits this week, and please look out for my coming review on Update 46.  And the information mill has let us know that we look forward to a new update tomorrow!  Holy moly!  It is Christmas in February.

But I am sending out another appeal to my readers...I could really use some guest bloggers to help out in these busy times.  I know you all out there have something to say about the game, so send me your ideas about what you would like to submit.  Send me an email (link found in my profile).

Best,

Aunty A

A Few of My Favorite Things, Installment 3: Retro Console

I have had the Retro Console Converter for about 2 months now (dropped by those mean 'ol crabs on The Eternal Monument) and I thought I would never get it done!  What was taking so long was getting my hands on those pesky Iron Scrap Converters.  But today I was able to finally complete this groovy sound machine.

Aunty Alianore's Corner, Volume I, Issue 4: Negative to Postive

I will write a review of Update 46: The Sun Parade! in a later post, but for now I want to discuss the very best and slightly not-so-best things about a new game update.  


One thing all MilMonauts love is a game update.  A new update means new quests, new avatar bling, sometimes some new critters to kill, maybe a new island or world area, and if we are very lucky (as is the case of this event) some new medals to earn.  And when a update is launched, an inevitable flurry of activity occurs in game.  You see regular players in and out of the islands pursing the next quest and the more casual players logging back in to take part because they were waiting for something new to do in the game.  In many ways, a new update is like a family reunion of sorts...the return of friends new and old, all back to take part.  Aside from the anticipation of seeing what the new update provides players, it is the reunion that can also make an update something to look forward to.

Distractions for an Unwell Girl

Stuck at home again today with a stomach/flu bug, and the good people have Junebud have so graciously released Update 46 for the EN players!  Aunty A is going to be busy today distracting herself from her the icky feelings by playing and updating the Unofficial Wiki.  Hope you all have fun too!

Secret Confessions of a GM-in-Training

If you read my maiden blog post, then you should know that I am a Junior GM for MilMo and that I consider it to be such a wonderful honor to be considered for such a responsibility.  

Level, GM Badge, &  Membership  Icons

Happy Valentine's Day!

Golly Junebud, how did you know my favorite Valentine's gift was jewelry?  Now if I had a converter I could fashion it into a ring!  

A Few of My Favorite Things, Installment 2: Coin Runs

Collecting coins on Water Lily Island, now if we could get a Piranha medal... 

I love a daily reward and we get that in MilMo in the form of gold coins that we can spend in the cash shop.  Unlike other games, you can miss a day of game-play and you will not lose out on an extra bonus because gold coins are not progressive.  The only thing you miss is your 8 gold coin/island a day collection.  

Top 9 Signs that you Might be Addicted to MilMo

The creative juices were trickling rather than flowing this afternoon, so I could not make the list a standard "Top 10."  Regardless, 

Support, Support...

There might problems today....

I have been using computers since about the moment everyday folk could purchase them and put them in their homes, and because a lady should never have disclose her age...let us just say that these were the days when your screens were black and your cursor was a flashing, bright green underscore.  

Mobile MilMo Woes

During the work week, Aunty A will not be posting as much about her fave game, mostly because she has to earn money, feed people in her household, drive the mom taxi, and so the list goes on.  Often, during the week, Alianore finds herself spending countless hours twiddling her thumbs waiting outside some institution that is improving my child's abilities in the Fine Arts.  (BTW she is a MilMo fiend as well, because I am like the best mom evah!)

About two months ago I bought a super phone, one that lets me connect to all manner of online content whether I am at home or backpacking in the Pyrenees.  It is wonderful, but there are downsides...no Unity Mobile plug-in, I cannot seem to write blog posts, and navigating the forum is a bit of a trial.  So how does a MilMo addict deal with the separation anxiety from an available laptop?  Suggestions are kindly accepted in the comments.

Sharing the Limelight

I am pretty certain that it is immediately obvious, good 'ol Aunty A has plenty to say about MilMo.  But this old girl would love to hear other voices as I know we all have some pretty awesome things to say and editorialize about our favorite game.  So, if you would like to be a contributor, drop me an email with your ideas be they of the written or graphic variety and I can host your musings (if you are shy) or let you have at it with our audience.  

Aunty Alianore's Corner, Volume I, Issue 3: Cultural Bridges & Language

Now the challenge is to learn how to saying these greetings properly...

As with many online games, MilMo attracts players from around the world leading to a incredibly cool international community.  A great part of my personality loves this aspect of gaming in general because I am perennially curious.  I love to learn about other's cultures, traditional foods, and if I am very lucky...someone will teach me a new phrase in a language I do not speak.  When I first began to play the game, most of the players used English, and over the past year more and more foreign languages are seen in game.  For me, this is very cool because I have studied many languages (many solely for reading comprehension purposes related to my studies) and I like to see how much I can reason out of what is being discussed in the game chat.***  Of course, not everyone who plays feels the same way as I do and that has sometimes caused conflict among players.

A Few of My Favorite Things, Installment 1: Converters

While many players eagerly hope a monster drops a red, silver, or gold lock box, my favorite monster drops are Converters.  I love crafting new clothing, household items, and weapons.  

As far as I am concerned, there just needs to be more converters in the game.  In fact, my next post in the Game Suggestions thread is going to be for a Design-a-Converter contest.  

Membership has its rewards...

I hope I do not get in trouble for advertising copyright infringement with my title, but there is much controversy over one of new member quests offered in Update  45.  As I have stated my opinion on the controversy in this forum post, there is no need to revisit the topic here. 

Frankly, I love the new quest!  I gladly paid my $25US for a Lifetime Membership a month ago because it was a good investment for me as I love the game and will play it as long as it lives (or I do)!  Now, this new quest, upon completion has a lucrative reward: 50 gold coins and is repeatable to boot!  Whereas there is some players questioning the "fairness" of the quest, I would rather think of it as the game developers rewarding the players who support the game both by our playing and our financial support.  

As much as I love the free-to-play aspect of the game, and because I have opted to spend some of my hard-earned money...I have never lost sight of the fact that the very awesome Junebud that brings us MilMo is a business that employs people.  So, thanks for the rewarding quest!  

Aunty Alianore's Corner: Volume I, Issue 2: Instant Gratification vs. Achievement

One of my worst qualities, as a gamer, is that I am not terribly competitive.  I have never been attracted to PvP games and you will rarely, if ever, see me in MilMo's Arena.  This does not mean that I do not like to win or kill a game critter, but I am more about interested in goals and achieving them.  This is one of the primary reasons why I loved MilMo from the beginning...the quests, the medals...something always to do in the game and unless it is a special game event, I can complete the goals in my own time.  And when I earn a new medal, I will promptly and proudly change my game title to reflect it.  I love the feeling of achievement, even if it is virtual achievement.  As I love to currently brandish my new Legendary Bow and Legendary Axe, I do remember how proud I was when I finally earned my Heroic Sword (a paltry weapon by comparison).  

Lacking the Creative Gene...

I actually have marked on my calendar the latest game contest.  The final date is coming soon, and I have had an idea since the day it was announced.  But have I completed it...NOOOOOO.  Why?  Largely self-doubt and the realization that I am not as witty or creative as I need to be.

Aunty Alianore's Corner: Volume I, Issue 1: Game Gifts

For my first editorial, I would like to address an issue that has been writing itself in my head for a few months...the asking and giving of in-game gifts.


As is the case with many online games, the player is sorely tempted by the offerings in a premium shop.  In these shops you find ultra-cool weapons that will slay any foe, clothing that makes other players exclaim "where did you get that, you look awesome!," and other various power-ups and abilities.  In this aspect MilMo is no different.  With gold coins found in game, a player can save up and buy all manner of really excellent stuff.  There have been several complaints that in the game Cash Shop--in a game is targeted toward younger players--that it is "unfair" that some of the cool stuff requires actual cash to purchase.  Aunty A has some things to say about that, but look for that editorial later...

My MilMo Beginnings and the Purpose of this Blog

This blog is dedicated to one of my favorite online games: MilMo.  

About a year ago, I was on Facebook playing the social games that keep me diverted when I need a little downtime and noticed a sidebar ad for a game called MilMo.  Normally I ignore Facebook advertisements because they are frankly annoying by always wanting me to pursue another degree, take care of my unwanted body fat, or encouraging me to "like" some processed food product.  Now, I cannot say why I even noticed the ad for this game proclaiming itself to be "the first 3D game on Facebook!" but what I do know is that when I navigated to another Facebook link there was that ad again.  And as my crops were still growing, the food was still cooking on the stoves, and I had addressed all my friend requests...I thought, "hmmm, maybe I will check this out."