Ingress... anyone playing?

[cprice12]

So is anyone here playing this?

[youtube][/youtube]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ingress_(game" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;)

A couple of my friends and I started this week.
It takes a while to figure out what to do and how to do it, but once you do, it's kind of addicting.

In short, it's a GPS based game that uses a skinned version of Google Maps. There are two teams, the Enlightened and the Resistance. You pick a team when you sign up after you receive the invite. You are playing against real people who are walking & driving around (there are apparently a lot of people playing). Basically you look for portals that have been created (either by Google or by users who submit portal suggestions) and hack them to get items and points, etc. Portals are either blue (resistance) or green (enlightened) on the map based on who currently owns them.

Here is a screenshot of the Intel map showing some of the portals in St. Louis (more portals are viewable if you zoom in more).
http://www.letsgoblues.com/images/hoste ... ss_stl.png

Ingress was developed by Google for Android phones only...and like everything else Google, it's currently invite only and technically still in beta. (I just did a quick search...apparently an iOS version will be released...not sure when though.)

There are a lot of very dedicated folks who have sites, facebook pages, Google+ pages, etc. with tons of info, maps & codes to help. It's actually scary how into some are.

A few days ago there was apparently a huge battle at Cahokia Mounds over some key portals there.

And I just looked...the Brett Hull statue is a portal, currently controlled by the Resistance.

I am on the Enlightened team.
I kind of like it because you can be as involved as you want...play at your own pace. We'll see how it goes. So far I like it.

You can request an invite here:
http://www.ingress.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
It took a couple weeks to get my invite. (check your spam filters)

[abc789987]

I signed up for an invite a couple weeks ago. Still haven't got anything in my mail though.

[cprice12]

I signed up for an invite a couple weeks ago. Still haven't got anything in my mail though.

It took a couple weeks or so for mine to come through. I'd imagine you'll be getting yours soon...assuming it takes the same amount of time.

[stinkdified]

I started playing a bit ago, maybe a few months.

It takes a while to figure out what to do and how to do it, but once you do, it's kind of addicting.
...
It's actually scary how into some are.

Really didn't get too involved in it till a few weeks ago; I didn't really get it before. It is definitely addicting. Yeah, they have these huge groups that go on battles and all that good stuff. Those guys are a bit crazy.

I'm Enlightened also...if you see me on the scanner my name is JoMomma.
Need moar resonators...MOAR RESONATORS

If anybody needs an invite let me know!

[cprice12]

I started playing a bit ago, maybe a few months.

It takes a while to figure out what to do and how to do it, but once you do, it's kind of addicting.
...
It's actually scary how into some are.

Really didn't get too involved in it till a few weeks ago; I didn't really get it before. It is definitely addicting. Yeah, they have these huge groups that go on battles and all that good stuff. Those guys are a bit crazy.

I'm Enlightened also...if you see me on the scanner my name is JoMomma.
Need moar resonators...MOAR RESONATORS

If anybody needs an invite let me know!

Have you joined the EnlightenedSTL Google+ community?
The folks there are quite helpful if you have questions, or to get intel on things that are going on. If you need inventory, meeting up with some other players will usually net you a bunch of inventory from the higher level players. They'll just give you stuff.
The Ingress Reddit page is also helpful...and interesting.

What level are you?

My cousin and I play. We usually ride together. Having a sidekick when you go out to play is more fun...especially when you are attacking. It really saves on resources.
But since we both achieved Level 8, we haven't played as much...partly due to the fact we've been busy here at work and I've had a lot of stuff to do at home as well...so I haven't had much time for it the past few weeks.
But they just released a new version of the scanner, which gives you achievement medals. That's nice for those who are already at the highest level, 8...it gives them something else to play for.
I'm going to start playing more again.

I have like 10 invites...so if anyone wants to play, let me know.
You can go to http://www.enlightenedstl.com for more info on the local Enlightened group...and FYI...I designed their logo and website...

[stinkdified]

Have you joined the EnlightenedSTL Google+ community?

Yep! They are some crazy mofos. Are you in any of the hangouts? They are serious but are pretty funny at the same time.

What level are you?

6ixer right now (385kAP). Been in Puerto Rico for the past 3 months...usually I try to hold down Clydesdale park but its been all blue latley I'm going to fix that though, coming home tomorrow...time to make some fields bitches!

My handle is ***** in the game.

I'm JoMomma. Usually around the south county area, near affton

[cprice12]

Have you joined the EnlightenedSTL Google+ community?

Yep! They are some crazy mofos. Are you in any of the hangouts? They are serious but are pretty funny at the same time.

What level are you?

6ixer right now (385kAP). Been in Puerto Rico for the past 3 months...usually I try to hold down Clydesdale park but its been all blue latley I'm going to fix that though, coming home tomorrow...time to make some fields bitches!

My handle is ***** in the game.

I'm JoMomma. Usually around the south county area, near affton

I've been at level 8 for a few months.

Trying to find some time to play again...looking to try out the new features they have put in lately.

[SteveO]

I'm level 2 now!

I suck I think.

[cprice12]

I'm level 2 now!

I suck I think.

Everyone sucks at level 2.
When you are at the lower levels, it can take a while to get the hang of things and to level up...it feels like you can't do as much, etc.
When you hit level 5 and 6, that's when it starts to feel like you can really do some damage.
Although, now, since each agent can only place two mods on a portal, you might find more portals with less defense.
The game has changed quite a bit since I started. They are constantly adding new features and tweaking things.

I found that it's a lot better & more fun to have a partner with you when you play...especially when attacking. One can drive, the other can map out where you are going next and keep tabs on any other players in the area.

There are usually more folks playing in the evening/at night. It's kinda fun when you're out and about, playing the game, and others are also playing in town and keeping tabs on what they are doing, trying to prevent them from taking your stuff or taking back what they just took, etc.

Belleville, Collinsville, Edwardsville... tons of portals in those towns. And if you are ever on SIUE's campus, there is a ton there as well...most of which are pretty close together.

[SteveO]

Still quasi addicted to this. Lots of fun when I travel especially. Disney was insane with portals.

Btw, the G+ group booted me but I think in getting added back in.

[cprice12]

Still quasi addicted to this. Lots of fun when I travel especially. Disney was insane with portals.

Btw, the G+ group booted me but I think in getting added back in.

Yep, it is certainly addictive...especially once you get the hang of it and get to level 5+ when you can really start doing stuff.
It also helps to have a portal I can reach from my desk...and now that I have a new phone (HTC One), I no longer have the goofy WIFI GPS issue I had with my last phone...so my signal in my office is always good.

I'm at Level 10 now. Got a ways to go before 11... two more gold medals and I am there, but it's going to take a while.

I wish you could still recharge when going faster than 40mph. When traveling, if I'm not driving, I could leave the game on and collect XM and then recharge portals every now and then. Can't do that anymore. Blah.

[cardsfan04]

Do you actually have to physically go to these sites to play? Or is it something you can do from a computer/phone? Could I play from work?

[SteveO]

Do you actually have to physically go to these sites to play? Or is it something you can do from a computer/phone? Could I play from work?

Yeah, you have to physically go to the sites.

Curt, they booted me again from the community. I think it's ridiculous to have to "justify myself" to these people about a game. I'll just continue to do my own thing I guess. You'd think they could use all the active players they can get.

Oh well!

[cprice12]

Do you actually have to physically go to these sites to play? Or is it something you can do from a computer/phone? Could I play from work?

Yeah, you have to physically go to the sites.

Curt, they booted me again from the community. I think it's ridiculous to have to "justify myself" to these people about a game. I'll just continue to do my own thing I guess. You'd think they could use all the active players they can get.

Oh well!

What is your ingress name? I can vouch for you.
They are crazy strict about users because of spies. It's a problem. Folks creating accounts for both factions and trying to gain access to the other team's community and whatnot. If ops are planned, they can/will be ruined if we have spies or moles.

It's a pain in the ass...but I understand why they have to be careful. I don't understand why they keep booting you though.

[cprice12]

Do you actually have to physically go to these sites to play? Or is it something you can do from a computer/phone? Could I play from work?

You have to be physically at the sites to do most things, but you can view the intel map on a computer to see where the locations (portals), who owns them, plan ops, etc.
You can do some things from anywhere, like recharge a portal...as long as you have a key for that portal. That helps when someone is attacking one of your portals...you can defend it, somewhat, from home.

You should join...if you do, join the Enlightened (green). The Resistance (blue) is dominating most of St. Louis...it's more balanced on the east side.

Go to http://www.enlightenedstl.com for more info.

[cprice12]

For you Apple folks...

Ingress now available on the iPhone.
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/ingress ... ?ls=1&mt=8

Here's a writeup on it.
http://www.cnet.com/news/ingress-invade ... ts-iphone/

If you join....consider joining the Enlightened. And if you have questions...feel free to ask.

[cardsfan04]

Do you actually have to physically go to these sites to play? Or is it something you can do from a computer/phone? Could I play from work?

You have to be physically at the sites to do most things, but you can view the intel map on a computer to see where the locations (portals), who owns them, plan ops, etc.
You can do some things from anywhere, like recharge a portal...as long as you have a key for that portal. That helps when someone is attacking one of your portals...you can defend it, somewhat, from home.

You should join...if you do, join the Enlightened (green). The Resistance (blue) is dominating most of St. Louis...it's more balanced on the east side.

Go to http://www.enlightenedstl.com for more info.

I'll check it out. Sounds like something I would like, but I was hoping it was something to do at work.

[cprice12]

Do you actually have to physically go to these sites to play? Or is it something you can do from a computer/phone? Could I play from work?

You have to be physically at the sites to do most things, but you can view the intel map on a computer to see where the locations (portals), who owns them, plan ops, etc.
You can do some things from anywhere, like recharge a portal...as long as you have a key for that portal. That helps when someone is attacking one of your portals...you can defend it, somewhat, from home.

You should join...if you do, join the Enlightened (green). The Resistance (blue) is dominating most of St. Louis...it's more balanced on the east side.

Go to http://www.enlightenedstl.com for more info.

I'll check it out. Sounds like something I would like, but I was hoping it was something to do at work.

Well, you can certainly play at work if you have a portal(s) nearby. (I can reach one from my office...and depending on where gps pinpoints me, I might be able to reach two)
Check the intel map after you sign up... www.ingress.com/intel
You may have to zoom in to see the lower level portals.
And any portal you have a key to, you can recharge and defend from anywhere...so long as it belongs to your faction. But as far as defending goes, it is much more effective to defend when on site as opposed to remotely recharging.

You can do other little things besides recharge when not physically at a portal...such as send secure or public messages in the COMM, transfer/share gear with someone else, plan OPS on the Intel map & in the G+ community. But yeah, the game is primarily played by moving around town.