Horse Isle 2

[ December 14, 2009 ] Horse Isle 2 Issues:
Hey all. We've decided to focus on some HI1 updates for December. It's also become apparent that HI2 will not replace HI1. It's much more of a different game than a sequel. Originally I had thought it could just swoop in and replace much of HI1, but here I will list some of what players may find troublesome with HI2.


Subscription moving - I had mentioned this as a possibility nearly a year ago before realizing how different of a system this new game is, and also before realizing how long it would take to release. While we may still consider moving subscriptions that have over 10 months remaining or so. We will not be able to move monthly subs etc.

Computer Speed - HI2 Is running slower than I hoped. The graphics, etc. require a faster computer than HI1. Dialup also will almost certainly not work with HI2.

Chat Filter - HI2 will have a growing dictionary of valid words that may be spoken, as opposed to a list of words blocked. What this means is no one can get around the chat filter, but it also means players will have to spell correctly for their chats to be accepted Which, for some, may be annoying.

No Global Chat - HI2 will feel a little more isolated. More players will be within the same game world, but there will no longer be global communication.

Unsubscribers Limited - HI2 will limit non-subscribers from interacting with other players in any way which would allow value to transfer. This is to prevent multiple-account cheating completely, but it also blocks trading/auctioning/etc between non-subscribers.

Less Charming? - I look back at the little pixel graphics of HI1 and sometimes wonder if HI2's more realistic 2d graphics will be appreciated...

So, these are some of the major trouble points some may have with HI2. Now, there are also hundreds of improvements and upgrades over HI1, but I thought it would be good to get these sticking points out of the way first.
January we will be running a closed beta, where we will randomly offer HI1 players to log onto HI2. After a few months, HI2 should hopefully, finally be live. In the meantime though, look for some HI1 updates soon!

Thanks!
-Joe