Virtual World Viewers : Zen 3.4.1 ( 0 ) : Very Nice

By Avatar JayR Cela

    I have been following the Zen viewer since day 1, when Zena Juran first decided to start contributing to the TPV initiative in SecondLife. Her goal then, and her goals now are still the same, keep it simple, and allow the ability to access Open Sim grids as well. I have to say, she hits it right on the mark. This viewer is simply a joy to use.

 
 
     It includes a built in Grid Manager, with 21 pre-loaded Open Sim destinations already included. The preferences menu's are pretty much standard LL V3 with some extra added well chosen goodies tossed in as well.

     

 
     Here is a nice touch, you can choose your onscreen notifications to display either in the top or bottom right corner of the screen.

 
      LSL Pre-Processor with Optimizer / Switches / Lazy Lists /  Local Drive #include option's. I must be out of the loop, because this is the first time I have noticed these option's, and I have absolutely no idea what they do.

  (  Please disregard the the floater panel in the upper left hand corner of the screen, I was testing a new screen capture utility while doing the initial testing. )

    Perhaps I have been out of the loop for way to long, but it has been ages since I actually downloaded and used an official LL-SL Viewer, and I could actually care less. The stock LL-SL viewer is a horrible piece of junk as far as the UI is concerned, I will admit it is rock solid as far as crash rates go, we have Oz Linden to thank for that, but it is drab, boring and I refuse to lower myself to using it when there are so many great TPV's available to choose from, so I am not really sure if these features are available or or not in the base SL version.

    The Zen viewer includes a direct link to The SL Market Place via the inventory panel with a button labeled SHOP.

     Also it seems as if some improvements have been made to the Build Menu Tool.

 
 
    Area Search, and built in AO are included also.

   
    The Camera Control is nice and compact with a built in Draw Distance adjustment, and all in all, I have to say. This is what, in my opinion the Stock LL-SL viewer should be. Performance is good, it is easy to use with a very straight forward design, and even includes a Fly Override. The next time I run into a Noob, the Zen Viewer will definitely be the one that I recommend.

    Zena updates her viewer on an incredibly frequent basis, so be sure to check in regularly. Here is a direct link to the download.

https://bitbucket.org/Zena_Juran/zen-viewer/downloads

JayR Cela :_)

Browser Based : Soul Of Guardian : Free To Play Game

By Avatar JayR Cela

        I told ya I'd be back with more Browser Based Gaming coverage, Soul of Guardian has been winning awards left and right lately, and it is easy to see why. I think any one from about 12 years old on up can enjoy this rather laid back Turn Based MMO.

    If you are into FPS or Hack & Slash type stuff, this game is not for you. That much being said if you enjoy exploring and solving puzzles and taking on quest's this may be right up your alley. The initial game play start's off at a deceptively simple pace, and gradually progresses drawing you into the massive story line.

     Another thing that makes this game extremely attractive is the fact that you can log in from your Face Book account, and that is very cool because the official website log-in procedure via the publisher's web-site is a total disaster.

    So here is another wonderful time waster FTP Browser Based game. It is definitely interesting and fun, being that it is turn based, you can relax a lil bit more than some of the other games I have tried lately that are in real time. After spending some time with SOG I have to admit I see no compelling reason to continue playing it. Oh Well :(

    As far as the Best Action RPG of 2012 is concerned, my guess would be that the people polled for this award were in the 12 to 14 year old age bracket. And for them it is an excellent choice, as it does require use of a semi high level of concentration. I would definitely recommend this if you have some young one's.

     Watch out though, as with all FTP games, browser based or otherwise, the publishers want to sell you virtual goods and currency.

    Keeping that in mind, I still feel it is worth taking a look at.

http://advres1.wsgame.com/adv/0/562.html

JayR Cela :_)