Witcher 2 Introduction UPDATED

Witcher 2 is coming out on the PC next month, so you may be interested in this introduction to gameplay.
http://kotaku.com/#!5796174/how-the-witcher-2-tranforms-you-into-a-monster+hunting-machine

UPDATE:  More gameplay information.
http://kotaku.com/#!5798181/12-splendid-things-about-the-witcher-2

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Game Security (or Lack Thereof)

The Playstation 3's network problems are being written about all over the WWW.  Reading a few of these articles from my favorite sources led me to the website below which is all about game security.  It will be of interest to those with technical understanding but not so much for other gamers.
http://www.playnoevil.com/serendipity/

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Rift: Where to Go and What to Do after Level 50

A discussion on what a new Level 50 should be doing.
http://www.riftjunkies.com/forums/showthread.php?2492-Content-Flow

More on endgame progression from an interview with Trion.
http://www.riftjunkies.com/2010/12/17/rifts-endgame-progression-and-raids-explained/

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Rift: Dailies UPDATED

Rift has daily quests but I'm having trouble finding information on them.  Here is a bit about the Tier 1 and 2 daily quests, including where Defiant and Guardian players pick up the quests.
http://www.riftjunkies.com/tag/daily/

UPDATE:  Rift Zone is building a quest database.  It lists the dailies as well as other types of quests.  It is a work in progress but helpful if you are looking for dailies.
http://www.riftzone.nl/quests

Here is a list of the crafting dailies which are found in the main crafting areas of Meridian or Sanctum.  They are listed by profession and show skill level, the reward and where to turn in the quest.
http://www.rift-craft.com/daily-crafting-quests/

Here is a guide to the Defiant daily quest in Scarwood Reach.  This may be a crafting quest.
http://www.progamercity.net/rift-guides/1262-guide-artifacts-farming-scarwood-reach-daily-quest.html

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Rift: Patch 1.2 Set for May 10, 2011

Looks like this will hit May 10th.
http://kotaku.com/#!5798516/next-weeks-rift-update-opens-a-rift-to-the-plane-of-facebook

Here is what is planned for Patch 1.2.
http://news.mmosite.com/content/2011-04-25/rift_patch_1_2_will_introduce_wardrobe_slots_new_dungeons_and_more.shtml

More about Patch 1.2
http://www.riftjunkies.com/2011/05/04/rift-1-12-800am-pdt-5411/

PvP Balance Update included in Patch 1.2
http://rift.ign.com/articles/news/7721/PVP-Balance-Update

http://forums.riftgame.com/showthread.php?178024-Archonix-PVP-Balance-Update-28th-April-2011

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Rift: The Level 50 Rogue

One player's gear lists, rotations, and more for a Level 50 rogue (Nightblade).
http://rift.mmosite.com/guide/rift_rogue_compilation_guide,1.shtml

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Rift: Easter Eggs

In honor of the upcoming Easter holiday,  Inc Gamers has created a list of Rift's pop culture references and Easter Eggs.
http://rift.incgamers.com/guides/Easter_eggs

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Rift: Normal and Level 50 Content List (Tier 1 and Tier 2)

Here's a list of the Normal and Level 50 dungeons (PvE) for both factions.  Note that the Level 50 dungeons are divided into tier 1 and 2 levels.  Disclaimer:  This information is based on the beta.  I don't know if things have changed.
http://www.dawn-guild.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=107:rift-dungeons-and-end-game&catid=47:rift&Itemid=111

Another list of Tier 1 dungeons
http://www.riftbro.com/2011/02/22/rift-expert-dungeon-list-tier-1/

Another list of Tier 2 dungeons
http://www.riftbro.com/2011/02/23/rift-expert-dungeon-list-tier-2/

Just because I have it, here is a list of the normal dungeons.
http://www.riftbro.com/2011/02/22/rift-normal-dungeon-list/

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Rift: World Event Email and Vendors UPDATED

The Solo MMO Player has just received his email from Trion with the goodie bag that is distributed to players due to the world event problems.  Unfortunately, he can't turn in his otherworldly sourcestones as the world event vendors have disappeared.

All that are left are a cluster of 10 or so players standing staring at the place where the vendors used to be.

Classic.

UPDATE :  The Solo MMO Player found a Defiant World Event Vendor on  April 30 - Go into Manufactory crafting area, take the ramp up on the left.  Go through the door immediately on the left which takes you to the College of Planar Studies.  The vendor Boularna is standing right in front of you.

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Rift: Guide to Iron Tomb

Zam's wiki has added a walkthrough for the Iron Tomb (Level 19 Defiant).
http://rift.zam.com/wiki/Iron_Tombs_Guide_%28Rift%29

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Rift: World Event Chaos and Response

Rift's world event didn't go off well  Here is a summary of the event.  There's a link to what Trion is going to do to make it up to folks found in the article that I've posted as the second link below.
http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/16/rift-world-event-fizzles-trion-reevaluates-approach/

http://forums.riftgame.com/showthread.php?167307-River-of-Souls-World-Event-Wrapup

Podcast about the above.
http://rift.zam.com/story.html?story=26072

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New Skyrim Information

The latest about Elder Scrolls V.
http://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2011/04/18/20-best-things-about-skyrim/

Landscape is enormous.
http://pc.ign.com/articles/116/1162158p1.html

Top ten gods (Elder Scrolls lore).
http://pc.ign.com/articles/116/1161193p1.html

Changes from Oblivion to Skyrim.
http://pc.ign.com/articles/115/1158651p1.html

Video of fighting a dragon.
http://www.ign.com/videos/2011/04/18/skyrims-dragons-are-serious-business?objectid=93395

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Rift: Rogue Tanks at Level 50

Here is a tanking build for the level 50 rogue.
http://www.riftjunkies.com/2011/03/04/soul-build-library-rogue-tanking-spec/

More rogue tank information.
http://rift.ign.com/articles/reviews/7217/Sprawls-Scrawl-Riftstalker-Rogue-Tanking-in-RIFT

Here's an explanation of "rogue tanking" for those who think the term is an oxymoron.  There are builds and a bit of theory crafting as well.
http://www.progamercity.net/rift-guides/1307-guide-rift-riftstalker-tanking-explanation-beginners.html

By the way, the little testing that the Solo MMO Player did on a rogue tank build doesn't work well.  This wasn't tested completely but there seem to be problems, perhaps because these things were worked out on beta releases.

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Rift: Runecrafting 101

Runecrafting from A to B.
http://rift.incgamers.com/guides/Runecrafting

A table listing rune names, bonuses and slots.
http://telarapedia.com/wiki/Rune

Recipes and where to buy them plus information about transmuting components.
http://telarapedia.com/wiki/Runecrafting

Apparently there are a lot of flaws in how runecrafting works.

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Rift: Mage Build Collection

Here is a collection of mage builds from the official Rift forum.  They are collected into leveling builds, solo, healing, PvP, etc.
http://forums.riftgame.com/showthread.php?45247-Mage-Build-Library&s=f345c9f9c4a9180abfe9acf1915a0012

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Rift: Nailing Those Bags Down

If you are having trouble with your bags floating all over your screen, Detill5869 explains how to lock them into position.  Basically, open the Settings Tab and then hit Edit Layout.  Move your bags to where you want them to be, then save the layout.  When you return to the game the bags seem to stay put.  (However, it looks as if the bags start floating again if you log out of the character.)  Many thanks to Detill5869 for telling us how to fix this minor irritation.
http://forums.riftgame.com/archive/index.php/t-108481.html?s=c8cc95ed8649f5aaf3addc44ff5b37ff

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Rift: Mobile Authenticator for iPhones Available UPDATED

Looks like the mobile authenticator is now available for iPhones, iPads and iPod Touches.  Here is what you do after you download the free app from iTunes.
https://www.riftgame.com/en/products/authenticator.php

 Please note that the random number generated by the iPhone or iPod Touch (or Android phone) changes rapidly.  You only have a short amount of time to type in the letters/numbers before it changes to something else, which can be rough on folks with physical impairments.

UPDATE:  Here's a detailed essay on protecting yourself as a gamer from hackers.
http://www.riftsocial.com/prevent-hacking

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Rift: Mage Stat Values and Links

Rift Junkies is compiling important mage links on their website.  There are spell stat values, videos, builds, information on PvP, etc.
http://www.riftjunkies.com/forums/showthread.php?1954-Mage-Compendium-Helpful-Links-for-Mages-Builds-Stat-Values

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Rift: Dungeons List

This list of all the dungeons is organized by faction with the faction/level/zone listed and there is a map link which I've listed separately below.
http://www.riftdungeonsguide.com/rift-dungeons-list-locations/

This lists all the five-mans.

http://rift-wire.com/2011/03/01/instance-dungeon-list/

Map with the minimum and average level for the dungeons.
http://www.riftdungeonsguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/world-map-dungeon-locations.jpg

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Rift: Developers Working to Fix Corrupted Souls

Rift Junkies reports that Trion is trying to fix the drop rate of corrupted souls.  It may be that there is a problem with the content that doesn't allow players to get to where these drop.  I'm not sure about that but if you've noticed a problem, here is what the developers say.
http://www.riftjunkies.com/2011/04/07/developer-response-to-corrupted-soul-problem/

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Rift: Mage Casting Sequences/Rotations

Here is a list of casting sequences for Rift mages.  The first rotation document is a discussion of the Archon/Pyromancer/Dominator.
http://forums.riftgame.com/archive/index.php/t-75525.html?s=a21996d169ec5bd63429d657746ff25c

This article gives a casting sequence for the Pryo/Elemental/ Archon mage.
http://rift.zam.com/forum.html?forum=227&mid=1299531248200583443&howmany=50

Rift Junkies has posted a thorough article on the Warlock/ Necromancer/Chloromancer mage.  The recommended rotations are in the middle of the page in a blue table.
http://www.riftjunkies.com/2011/04/04/the-magic-storm-the-necromancer/

The Chloromancer/Achron and/or Warlock discussion (rotations, stats and more).
http://forums.riftgame.com/archive/index.php/t-99001.html?s=335ae7d5fbc6a432347711ecec480517

UPDATE:  Chloromancer spell weaving discussion-
http://forums.riftgame.com/showthread.php?67204-Efficient-Chloromancer-Spell-Weaving&s=c94317d0abbf0f41bd2fddec02db84d2

UPDATE:  Comprehensive Choloromancer/Warlock guide with rotations right up front and video link
http://forums.riftgame.com/showthread.php?108981-VIDEO-A-Comprehensive-Chloromancer-Warlock-Class-Guide-UPDATED&s=c94317d0abbf0f41bd2fddec02db84d2

UPDATE:  Comprehensive Choloromancer/Warlock/Necromancer guide (with video) and spell casting sequence.
http://forums.riftgame.com/showthread.php?101961-How-I-completely-OWN-with-a-mage-Chloro-Warlock-Necro-Guide-VIDEO-INCLUDED&s=c94317d0abbf0f41bd2fddec02db84d2

UPDATE:  Chloromancer Healing Rotation discussion
http://forums.riftgame.com/showthread.php?40645-Chloromancer-Healing-Rotation-Question/page2

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Rift: Rogue Casting Sequences/Rotations UPDATED

As you might have guessed, I'm collecting rotations for rogues.  Note that new information is in bold letters.  Here is the Bladedancer PvE DPS build.  Note this is not meant for solo play.
http://forums.riftgame.com/archive/index.php/t-97726.html?s=335ae7d5fbc6a432347711ecec480517

Another Bladedancer rotation.
http://forums.riftgame.com/showthread.php?132007-Help-with-bladedancer-rotation

A third Bladedancer rotation with discussion of how the build works.
http://forums.riftgame.com/showthread.php?108001-Completeli-s-Bladedancer-Riftstalker-Guide

A Bladedancer solo spec
http://www.dawn-guild.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&layout=blog&id=47&Itemid=111&limitstart=2

Another solo Bladedancer
http://forums.riftgame.com/showthread.php?130351-Could-use-some-pointers-advice-on-my-Bladedancer-Nightblade-Riftstalker-build

Here is a suggestion for the Assassin/Riftstalker/Nightblade rogue.
http://forums.riftgame.com/archive/index.php/t-119490.html?s=57b67f9b0b87af758b1bb279005f4a87

Bard/Nightblade/Riftstalker raider discussion from Feb. 2011 with rotations.
http://www.riftbards.com/forum/soul-builds-and-theorycrafting/endgame-raiding-pure-bard51-maximum-support-and-healing-soul-build-discussion/

Two-thirds of the way down the page is a rotation for the Ranger/ Marksman/Saboteur in a build the author calls the Nightblade.  Hopefully this collection of builds will be updated to include more casting sequences for other flavors of rogues.
http://www.progamercity.net/rift-guides/1295-guide-rift-rogue-builds-collection.html

The Necromancer (from January 2011)
http://forums.riftgame.com/archive/index.php/t-45148.html?s=a21996d169ec5bd63429d657746ff25c

This website is devoted to Rogue builds.  Some of them list casting sequences.
http://riftroguebuilds.com/

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Rift: Warrior Casting Sequences/Rotations UPDATED

I've started collecting casting sequences (rotations) for warriors.  Note the links at the top for warrior resources.  This is a wonderful resource for two flavors of warriors:  Paladin/ Void Knight/Warlord (rotations for several situations are listed), and a farming AoE build for a RiftBlade/Reaver/WarBlade.
http://forums.riftgame.com/showthread.php?132719-Builds-Rotations-Macros

A full discussion (including rotations) for the dual wielding warrior.
http://rift.zam.com/forum.html?forum=227&mid=1299317817212306240&howmany=50

This is for a Paladin/Reaver/Warlord and besides the spells, this article talks about AoE and things tanks should consider.
http://www.progamercity.net/rift-guides/1240-guide-rift-warrior-tanking.html

Reaver/Paladin/Champion PvE tank rotation
http://www.riftjunkies.com/forums/showthread.php?682-Warrior-Tank-Discussion

Paladin/ Warlord/Void Knight melee tank and Reaver/Paladin/Void Knight magic tank and rotations
http://rift.zam.com/forum.html?forum=227&mid=130093631320167708&howmany=50

UPDATE:  Warrior discussion
http://forums.riftgame.com/archive/index.php/t-74243.html?s=a21996d169ec5bd63429d657746ff25c

Warrior tank build with rotations
http://forums.riftgame.com/archive/index.php/t-132719.html?s=ac848f71ea6a370c3209a8f27ae9367c

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Rift: Cleric Casting Sequences/Rotations

Whether you call the spells you string together casting sequences or call them rotations, players are always looking for recommendations for good macros.  Here are the ones I've found recently, but I can't say how well they work for your flavor of cleric.

Cleric Sentinel Healing Rotation Discussions
http://forums.riftgame.com/archive/index.php/t-107822.html?s=335ae7d5fbc6a432347711ecec480517

Cleric Warden/Sentinel Healing Rotations
http://forums.riftgame.com/archive/index.php/t-97353.html?s=25b09da632721b48ed9e906567ba7c8b

This "collection of cleric builds" has a rotation for the following builds:  Shaman/Druid/Sentinel, for the Cabalist/ Inquisitor/ Sentinel, for the Shaman/Justical/Sentinel tanking build, for a Justicar/Shaman leveling build, and for a Druid/Shaman/Sentinel solo melee leveling build.
http://www.progamercity.net/rift-guides/1270-guide-rift-cleric-builds-collection.html

The Rift Cleric Builds website has a summary page of builds on the home page, some of which have rotations listed.  Those include the Shaman/Druid/Sentinel pet leveling build (to level 35), Cabalist/ Inquisitor/Sentinel DPS leveling build, a Shaman/Justicar/Sentinel tank leveling build, a Justicar/Shaman solo leveling melee build, and a Druid/Shaman/Sentinel solo melee leveling build.  I expect this information to change but the above are what are listed today.
http://riftclericbuilds.com/

This site has a nice explanation of the Cabalist/Inquisitor/Warden build for AoE Damage casting and leveling, including the rotation.
http://thewayofthefish.com/rift/rift-cleric-caster-aoe/

UPDATE:  Cleric discussion
http://forums.riftgame.com/archive/index.php/t-47740.html?s=a15147dbdc6a83bcc52f9d040311ab8d

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Rift: Macros and Rotations (with G15 Info)

While looking for spell rotation recommendations I found this note from Behindya about writing macros for a character's spells.  I wanted to capture it here for those who are writing macros for their rotations.

"I'm with the OP on this one. I really enjoy writing Macros, it's like a mini game for me. I find it almost impossible to move and hit the number keys in the heat of battle; I much prefer to come up with a solid rotation and put it in a macro.

At the moment, instant cast abilities can't be used in a macro unless they are at the end (because they will always pop and thus end the macro). Instead of a cast sequence, what I'd like to see is this kind of syntax:

cast

RecastWaitTime = (optional) Number of seconds to wait before re-casting.

A cast sequence has limitations, especially when trying to efficiently keep DOT's on a target or trying to pop something that uses combo points of some sort. This syntax is simple and provides flexibility to come up with some creative macros. Also, nerds like me will find it fun."
http://forums.riftgame.com/showthread.php?142791-Suggestion-Cast-Sequence-Macro

I also found this answer to a request for helping setting up Rift rotations on a G15 game pad.

http://www.logitechusers.com/showthread.php?t=10936

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Rift: Tracking News and Solving Problems

Here's the link to the official Rift forum for technical issues.  This is the place to go for help if you are constantly disconnected, experience constant lag, etc.
http://forums.riftgame.com/forumdisplay.php?64-Technical-Discussions

This site has tidbits from the developers about downtimes, updates, etc.
http://www.riftjunkies.com/dev-tracker/

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Rift: PvP and Role Play Sites

This website is devoted to PvP and Realm Versus Realm (RvR) play.
http://www.riftrvr.com/

There are warfront strategy guides, an article about UI and interface settings for PvP, etc.  If you are interested in versus play, you'll want to explore this site.
http://www.riftrvr.com/2011/03/30/ui-and-interface-settings-for-pvp/

Thanks to IGN's Rift Kingdom, I found this site with PvP-specific settings.
http://www.thetelaran.com/2011/03/29/settings-for-a-better-pvp-experience/

If role playing is your thing, you'll want to explore this website which has a database of players, a forum, and online role play (public and private).
http://rift-legends.com/

Here's an article to spark debate on how to structure role play in Rift.
http://forums.riftgame.com/showthread.php?1148-Roleplaying-in-Rift-how-to-make-it-happen

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Rift: Banks (and Guild Banks)

Guardian players can find their bank in Sanctum while Defiant players' bank is in Meridan.  Here is a bit of information about bank basics.
http://rift.zam.com/wiki/Bank_(Rift)

There are no guild banks right now but they seem to be on the way.
http://rift.zam.com/story.html?story=25802

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Rift: Meridian Guide (Defiant)

This two page article is a guide to navigating Meridian, with an explanation of where to find various vendors, the bank, where to buy a guild charter, etc.
http://www.brighthub.com/video-games/mmo/articles/111057.aspx

http://www.brighthub.com/video-games/mmo/articles/111057.aspx?p=2

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Rift: Porticulum Locations

A good map of all the proticulum (i.e., portal) locations.  It is color coded as to whether each is neutral, Defiant or Guardian portal.
http://rift.incgamers.com/guides/Porticulum_map

A map of all the porticulum locations for Defiant players.
http://www.lotd.org/showthread.php?t=31203

A list of all porticulums.
http://telarapedia.com/wiki/Porticulum

Another
http://rift.zam.com/wiki/Transportation_%28Rift%29

I found a list of porticulum masters here.
http://rift.ign.com/wiki/Porticulum_Master

There is an interactive map with porticulums listed you can download here but I can't say how safe this is.
http://drakkashi.com/rift/map.html

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