Yearly Archives: 2010

BlackShot Review – BLOOD AND GOOOOOREE!!

BlackShot Review – BLOOD AND GOOOOOREE!!
By Kei Beneza (dividelife), OnRPG Journalist

 

If you’re looking for a good MMOFPS (Massively Multiplayer Online First Person Shooter) game then I suggest you try BlackShot. Much like its counterparts in the FPS genre, Blackshot takes players into an arena of wanton murder and bulletmadness. Not much has changed since the era of Counterstrike and Quake 3. You will be given some scenarios aside from the deathmatch setting, or other scenarios that are merely just renamed or tampered versions of capture the flag and plant the bomb. So what exactly makes Blackshot review stand out among its counterparts, let alone its predecessors?

 

A Land Of No Difference

One thing about these first person shooter games is that they don’t really differ much from one another. Some have better graphics, some have more versionsof the same playstyle, your choice. MMOFPSes are one of the most awesome casual games to have on your PC, giving you non-linear experience of deaths and kills, depending on your enemies (whether they’re that good or not). What’s great about this specific genre is the skill factor involved. This means that even though you have a 1 shot kill sniper rifle on your hands, other people can still beat you with a handgun if you don’t know how to use it. Anyway, instead of focusing on their similarities, let’s see what makes this game different in its own way.

 

Character Creation
Character Creation

 

The Game Modes

Blackshot Online has 4 different gamemodes:

 

1) TDF- TDF is basically capture the flag. In this mode, players must work together in order to take the enemy’s flag to gain points. Note that each kill gives you points as well, but capturing the flag gives you more points than killing people. The team with the most points when time runs out or the first team to reach the given point mark wins.

 

2) SD- The SD scenario is the game’s renamed version of the old plant the bomb scenario. If you’re familiar with Counter-Strike, then you will probably have a big blast with this game mode (no pun intended). So far, nothing has been changed with the system. It’s still the same Plant the Bomb scenario stated 10 years ago.

 

3) DA- Awesome! We seem to have stumbled across a very unique feature. DA mode is the same as horde mode and fire fight in Halo ODST and Gears of War. It feels a lot like Left 4 Dead as well, since you’ll be teaming up with 3 more players (optional) in a first person tower defense scenario. So far, this mode is a Blackshot exclusive. It’s also extremely fun, so you might want to download the game to try it out.

 

(teamspeak with cursing makes it x2 the fun)

 

4) TDM- Finally an acronym that hasn’t been touched. For those of you who don’t know, TDM stands for Team Death Match– the default system in any FPS multiplayer. Just as the name suggests, teams must take part in a glorious battle to attain the most frags. KICK THE FEEDERS!

 

Blackshot Aim Fire Gun
Perfecting Strategies

 

After each game, the points are tallied and you will be presented with the player rankings to see how much you rocked and sucked during the match. I know the game has 4 game modes to choose from, and each of them has a good set of maps to prevent you from experiencing a linear set of matches while playing the game. The game also has a decent number of maps with different sniper points and assault points, so master them all and gain the upper advantage.

 

The MMO Factor

Not contented with your firearms? Are you not comfortable with your MP5? Then come on over to the item shop to find the right gun for you! Much like any other MMOFPS to date, BlackShot online lets players groom their soldiers as they level up through endless combat experience. Note that ranking up or leveling up helps a lot in this game. First of all, it allows you to get additional skills known as TACTICS that will further compliment your playstyle. Take it as the perks (Call of Duty) of Blackshot Online, where you give your character extra gimmicks to make the game more interesting both in group and individual perspectives.

 

Blackshot Tactics
Blackshot Tactics: Kill

 

Some boost your HP, some gives you extra accuracy aimbot like advantages when using sniper rifles, and others boost your grenade radius. It really depends on which one you choose to make your character more formidable so think about which tactic to pursue. Gaining ranks also increases your selection when attaining new weapons, so gear up and fight more. Another factor you should consider is your character’s armor, which prevents you from getting killed fast thus becoming the feeder that eventually leads your team on the losing end.

 

Visuals

Blackshot graphics are bearable but not as impressive as its counterparts. If I must compare, Blackshot’s visuals are like a toned down version of Combat Arms. The graphics aren’t that bad and the game still plays well (just wanna clear that up) regardless of the nerfed graphics. Even if you’re the graphic type of player, the game still isn’t that bad to keep you from admiring the view.

 

The Verdict

MMOFPSes are no longer new, nor do they differ that much from one another. In my opinion, each game attains loyalty either by community or loyalty, definitely not through their systems (in my opinion at least). Blackshot online does have a few perks that separates it from other games like Combat Arms and Warrock, but it definitely provides the same experience catered by the other games in its respective genre. This isn’t really something that should prevent you from playing the game; in fact, I’d like to encourage you to try it out. It’s a good casual game, and perhaps a good way to relieve stress…. KILL EM ALL!

 

The good:
– Lots of arenas
– DA mode is still awesome
– Lots of wepons to choose from
– Healthy community.

 

The bad:
– Old graphics
– Nothing here is that new to consider it DIFFERENT
– A few bugs here and there.

First Content Leaked from Final Fantasy XIV Alpha

First Content Leaked from Final Fantasy XIV Alpha
 
The highly anticipated Final Fantasy XIV Alpha tests began yesterday, and already the first information has made its way to various pages, despite the strict NDA. Anyone posting information or images and getting caught, is banned from the Alpha.
Square Enix’ intention with the Alpha testing is to release the game world one part at a time, and then continue development in between, after receiving player feedback. An interview (http://ffxiv.zam.com/story.html?story=22055) with producer Hiromichi Tanaka and director Nobuaki Komoto reveals more information about the Alpha, Guildleve and about when it will be playable on the PS3.
We have found a YouTube video of an ingame FFXIV cutscene (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=akEn5xSDi6A) as well as some of the first Final Fantasy XIV screenshots, take a look below!

Final Fantasy XIV Character Creation

 

Final Fantasy XIV Miqote Moon Character

 

Final Fantasy XIV Chocobo

 

Final Fantasy XIV Bunch of Pirates

 

Final Fantasy XIV Roegadyn Captain Ship

 

Final Fantasy XIV Grinding Mobs

 

Final Fantasy XIV Gear Inventory Screen”]

 

Final Fantasy XIV Lalafell Ship Event CGI

 

Final Fantasy XIV Game Graphics

 

Final Fantasy XIV Combat Battle

 

Final Fantasy XIV Seamonster Leviathan

 

Final Fantasy XIV Ingame Team

 

Final Fantasy XIV Outfit Pirate

 

Final Fantasy XIV Ingame Map

 

Final Fantasy XIV Gunner Lalafell

 

Final Fantasy XIV Enemies Combat

 

Final Fantasy XIV Bar Shops Repair

Funtasy Online (Chinese)

From the creator who brought you memorable games such as Fairyland, Mystina, and King of Kings series, Funtasy Online is the newest project in development.
 
Set in the time 100 years after Fairyland, the game provides players with refreshing rainbow-themed interface in 3D environment, multi-pet system, and hundreds of selections to choose from for avatar wardrobe and item use.

Former Nexon boss starts new company!

 

Former Nexon boss starts new company!
You may not know him, yet but John H. Chi was the CEO and President of Nexon America from 2006 to 2008 establishing Nexon’s Group operations in North America. In those two years, with John at the helm, Nexon brought in more than $50MM in total combined revenue with such games as Maplestory, Audition, and Mabinogi.

Now John has assembled a team consisting of the some of the most experienced online game operators in North America, many with years of experience from Nexon, as well as other U.S. game companies. With this new group, John is looking to take on the vast chasm between online game users: one between the hardcore gamers that play the huge, big client-based massively multiplayer online games and the casual gamers that play the single-player, light flash games, and now “social” games on Facebook.

Social game companies are currently searching for the next step in the evolution of their products. As well, client based online games are reaching a level of saturation in North America. John’s group is looking to launch by aggregating and publishing games across the broad spectrum of F2P online – from light flash, to social games, to browser-based games to client-based games, hitting all demographics up and down the gamer food chain – a FIRST in the online game world. Ultimately, they’ll focus on and also develop games that best represent the future of F2P online – browser based games.
Keep your eyes on this guys!

TLBB – European Open Beta phase is here!

TLBB – European Open Beta phase is here!

 

Over the past few months, gamers throughout Europe have accompanied ChangYou.com during the Pre-Closed beta, Closed beta and Limited Open beta stages of one of China’s most successful MMO games ever – TLBB. Players have come across beautiful places such as Assassin’s Peak, Mountain Emei, Royal Temple and the Shaolin Temple whilst experiencing exciting in-game activities such as Lucky Bingo, Thief Raid, Herb Wars and Martial Battles in a world that brings loyal and skillful pets alongside warriors who brave the adventures of these exciting lands. 
 
The TLBB Limited Open Beta phase has now ended and ChangYou.com, one of the most recognized MMORPG publishers in Far East Asia, announces the Open Beta test period, launching at 2:00PM (GMT) 1st April, 2010 until 11:00PM (GMT) 30th April, 2010.
 
Whilst ChangYou.com goals remain the same; to provide players with a wonderful and magical martial arts experience, the behind-the-scenes in-game preparations continue to deliver as much excitement in this ongoing MMO journey.
 
So, to celebrate this special moment and to make sure players have access to the ultimate TLBB experience, there are a number of interesting events taking place, including:
 
A Trip to China Event.
TLBB give you an opportunity not only to visit China but a possibility to learn Kung Fu from a real Chinese Martial arts master! Yes, that’s right! So why not enter to be in with a chance of this once in a lifetime opportunity that you’ll never forget!
Want To Be a Real Kung Fu Master? Play TLBB Today and Win a Trip to China!
 
 

TLBB Europe Win Trip China


Treasure hunt 

Treasure Hunt TLBB Europe Event

In order to help players get to know each other and the TLBB team during TLBB’s Open beta, the Treasure Hunt activity will be organized solely for the players inside the game. The TLBB team is offering a friendly and classic game of Hide and Seek where players will be guided (live on Twitter) to find a Games Master (GM) inside TLBB. So why not have a chat with the ‘Kung Fu Master Live’ and win a ‘special skills’ book to help improve your loyal pet!
 
 
TLBB Comics Competition
Over the past few months, players have been exploring the martial arts world of TLBB and have had the chance to travel across beautiful environments, experiencing exciting in-game events and enjoying the super mounts on offer whilst fighting the fiercest of enemies with their trusty pets. For all those aspiring comic makers, TLBB is offering an excellent way for players to show off their talents. The winner will be rewarded with an expensive mount, with the ‘Bloody Plate’ fashion garment going to 5 of the best runners-up.  Win whilst having fun!
 
For more information, please visit the TLBB Event Page.

Ether Saga Online: The Obscurity Preview

 

The Ether Saga “Land of Obscurity” dungeon has been available for raid sized groups of players for a while, but now The land of Obscurity is finally coming for smaller groups to explore if you dare.

Ether Saga Online - Obscurity now available for smaller groups

Obscurity is now redesigned to allow up to 6 players to enter the land of the underworld, but you need a minimum of 4 to enter. You can obtain a map from the Dweller of Vacuity once per day. You can also obtain maps from completing the Pit of Champions. Use the map at the Queen of Amaz to enter the instance.

Obscurity has always been a challenge for the protagonists in the Journey to the West, and now you can explore the lands that have terrified even the mightiest of heroes. Obscurity will feature 5 different boss fights to test your skills. Zappah has taken over Obscurity, it is up to you and your party to restore order to the underworld of Obscurity.

The very first boss fight will have you fighting the fearsome guardians of Obscurity in Chinese mythology, Ox Head and Horse Face. In the classic mythology, they are the first creatures that a dead soul meets upon arriving in the underworld. They even tried to capture Sun Wu Kong, the Monkey King, but were overpowered by his might. Can you fight them off and break into the Obscurity like the Monkey King before you?

 
If you were able to best the guardians of the gates of Obscurity, your next challenge will be the Fallen Deity. Once a powerful Deity who has fallen from grace, the once proud Deity is now one of the leaders of Zappah’s army.

If you can defeat the Fallen Deity you will be able to advance into the Underworld to face the many horrors that await you.
Once you defeat him, you can advance to the slumbering dragon. Make sure you are ready for the battle if you dare awaken the beast known as the God-Slaying Dragon

After slaying the mighty God-Slaying Dragon, you will advance pass a series of platforms filled with mobs who will attempt to slow you down. Fight pass the mobs and you will see a horrific beast standing at the end of a platform. This three headed monster, with what looks to be six lets is known as the Archdemon of Emptiness. This is your last obstacle from the dragon Zappah.   

As you approach the great waterfall you will see a dragon hiding behind it. The final challenge with Zappah will commence, fighting in the waterfalls, can you defeat the mighty dragon in his own territory? Zappah will not go down without a fight, so make sure you are prepared for a gruesome fight!

Ether Saga Online - Fight the mighty Zappah


Zappah
Survivors of the Obscurity will be rewarded with epic drops from the bosses they take them. Drops include various jades for crafting Diplomatic and Dragon Slayer Gear and much more. The 6 Man Obscurity will be coming very soon.

Kingdom Heroes Interview: Ancient Warfare Comes to Life

Kingdom Heroes Interview: Ancient Warfare Comes to Life
Questions by Chen Fo Po (cinderboy), OnRPG Journalist
Answered by Keith Kawahata, Aeria Games Producer

 

Kingdom Heroes is an upcoming large scale war MMORPG to be published by Aeria Games. The game is based on Romance of the Three Kingdoms, one of China’s Four Great Classical Novels. With the detailed and immersing storyline found in the novel, not forgetting the various battles fought, what can players look forward to in this game?

 

The Closed Beta signup is now available at Kingdom Heroes official website.

 

OnRPG: Hello, I am Fo Po, journalist at OnRPG. Can you please introduce yourself to the readers?
Aeria:
Hi, Fo Po. I’m Keith, a producer at Aeria Games. Great to meet you.

 

OnRPG: Why the decision to bring Kingdom Heroes into Aeria Games’ stable of MMORPGs?
Aeria: We’re always on the lookout for outstanding games to add to our portfolio. Userjoy, the developer behind Kingdom Heroes, has a strong track record of creating stable, high quality games, and we’re very excited to be partnering with them. Kingdom Heroes offers a number of unique features including guild controlled battleships, tactical soldier formations, and transforming siege weapons, as well as a compelling storyline.

 

Kingdom Heroes Army
Kingdom Heroes Army

 

OnRPG: There are several MMORPGs on the market now with large scale wars and also based on Romance of the Three Kingdoms. Can briefly tell us what sets Kingdom Heroes apart?
Aeria: The Three Kingdoms era is a rich and storied period in the history of Ancient China. Kingdom Heroes is actually based on the earlier sections of Romance of the Three Kingdoms, near the height of the Yellow Turban Rebellion.

 

What differentiates Kingdom Heroes from the rest of the pack is its unique set of primary game features. Where else can you team up with your guild and attack an opposing kingdom’s port with a fully-manned battleship? Where else can a well-placed transforming siege engine tip the scale of an important battle? It’s these and other major features in Kingdom Heroes that separate it from other similarly themed MMORPG’s on the market.

 

OnRPG: I have seen one of the most iconic figures, Guan Yu, in the teaser trailer. What roles do famous people from the storyline play? Will they just plainly be NPCs?
Aeria: These legendary figures play an important role in the world of Kingdom Heroes. Players will be able track them down and take them on. If successful, a player can capture the essence of one of these heroes, gaining special abilities and enhancements, even becoming one of them at crucial moments in the game. We’re looking at around 12 of these characters at launch, with many more to follow.

 

OnRPG: What will be the learning curve of the game like? Will there be an in-depth tutorial when players first start out?
Aeria: The tutorial is very well designed; it’s both quick and thorough. After character creation, players find themselves in a small village where they have the option of learning about basic game mechanics including combat. Within the first few minutes, players should have a strong grasp of controls and the UI. Once players leave the introductory area, they must fight their way through a dangerous war zone before entering the larger world of Kingdom Heroes.

 

Kingdom Heroes Drums
The Dangerous World in Kingdom Heroes

 

OnRPG: Let’s discuss the game features. There will be 3 kingdoms for players to pledge their loyalty to, Wei, Shu and Wu. Will there be any difference in choosing from either of the 3 kingdoms?
Aeria: It really depends on the server you choose to join. Each kingdom has a starting city that serves as a base of operations for all players within the faction. The remaining cities, villages, strongholds, and ports that make up 99% of the map are dynamically controlled by one faction or another, depending on the affiliation of the guild that controls it. It’s entirely possible that the Shu might have the upper hand on one server, while the Wei and the Wu might be more powerful on others. It all depends on which faction comes out on top during Kingdom Wars. We’ll be releasing more information on the kingdom system later on. 

 

OnRPG: In ancient China, which the game is based on, there will be an Imperial Court with various ministers and magistrates within. Will there be such a system in Kingdom Heroes for players to become an officer serving the court?
Aeria: There exists a very robust political system inside Kingdom Heroes in which guilds and alliances will control cities, ports and villages growing the power and influence of their kingdom.  Players can be appointed to various government positions, construct and upgrade buildings, manage resources and collect taxes. 

 

Yes. Kingdom Heroes offers a robust political system in which guilds can form alliances and work together towards capturing and controlling cities, expanding the influence of their kingdom. Players can be appointed to various government positions, construct and upgrade buildings, manage resources, and earn salaries from merchant taxes.

 

OnRPG: What are the requirements needed for players to take part in the massive PvP wars? How many players can the sever hold for each war?
Aeria: One of the core features of Kingdom Heroes is the Kingdom War. All players have the option of joining their guild and faction during a war and can collaborate with other guilds to conquer strategic locations, cities, and other territory. The front lines are in constant flux as factions battle with mounts, player controlled NPC troops, siege weapons, and battleships. The recurring Kingdom Wars are open to anyone on each server and can support thousands of players at any given time.

 

OnRPG: Will Aeria Games have measures to prevent either one of the 3 kingdoms from being overpopulated which will most likely to cause an imbalance during the PvP wars?
Aeria: There are a number of built-in mechanics that maintain a level playing field between the factions. As a kingdom grows more powerful, prestige rewards for defeating one of its members increases. As a result, players, at times, may have some motivation to switch sides and betray their former kingdom for greater rewards. Planned future content includes the ability for very powerful guilds to break away from the three factions and even form their own kingdom.

 

OnRPG: It is seen on the game’s teaser website that players will have the ability to control an army of their own to aid them in their battles. Does this hint that there will be some sort of Real Time Strategy (RTS) element in the game?
Aeria: The player controlled NPC system is one of the most exciting features in Kingdom Heroes.  Soldier classes, upgrades, and specializations offer virtually limitless customization of a player’s personal army. Formations will also play a key role in PVP and PVE combat with different soldier/formation combinations supporting different play styles.  Combinations as simple as ranged classes in the rear and melee units up front, to more complex wedge formations will make strategy a key component to life and death in the game.

 

OnRPG: What are the few types of mounts which will be available? Will Kingdom Heroes be supporting mounted battles?
Aeria: We aren’t quite prepared to release a full mount list at this time; however, there will be a number of different mount types available at launch, including horses, wolves and tigers. Mounts become available to players within the first couple of hours of game play with different types and upgraded mounts becoming critical to success in battle.  Mounted combat is also part of Kingdom Heroes with players able to cut down their foes from atop their mighty steeds.

 

Mounted combat Kingdom Heroes 
Mounted Combat

 

OnRPG: From viewing the trailer, many eager players have been discussing about 2 things, one of which is the siege weapon. What are the requirements needed for players to use this weapon? What role does it play during PvP wars?
Aeria: There are a large number of available siege weapons all serving different functions.  Players will be able to man siege weapons on top of city walls to defend from invading kingdoms, lay siege to enemy ports with ship mounted cannons and lay waste to hordes of enemies with large ballistae.  There are different requirements for the different types of siege weapons depending on the power and function of the siege weapon.

 

There are a large number of siege weapons in the game, all serving a variety of functions. Players can defend their strongholds against invading forces by manning these weapons from atop city walls, use mounted cannons to lay siege on rival ports, and lay waste to hordes of enemies with large ballistae and catapults. There are different requirements for each type of siege engine, depending on the power and function of the weapon.

 

OnRPG: The second most anticipated feature of the PvP wars will be the naval combat. How many ships can each guild own? What are some of the features players can enjoy when onboard the ship? Will players “drown” when their ships are destroyed?
Aeria: Battleships are an exciting and unique feature of Kingdom Heroes. The restrictions on ownership are still in development therefore we will have to hold off on the specific details until they are complete.  While on board a battleship players can man mounted siege weapons, fire off ranged attacks, board enemy ships and invade enemy ports.  The specifics of each battle will determine the best use of a battleship be it part of a large invading flotilla or a small covert invasion force.

 

Battleships are definitely an exciting and unique feature in Kingdom Heroes. Guilds can own multiple ships, depending on how they allocate their resources. While on board a vessel, players can steer the ship; man mounted crossbows, cannons, and other weapons; fire off ranged attacks while moving about on deck; board enemy ships, and invade enemy ports. The specifics of each battle will the determine the best use of a battleship, be it part of large, invading flotilla or a small, covert invasion force.

 

So far, when I’ve played, I’ve yet to be sunk, so I’m not quite sure if drowning is part of the equation during ship battles. I’ll swallow my pride and allow my battleship to sink next time and get back to you with the results.

 

OnRPG: I have read that certain players who occupy a city after the PvP wars can claim it as theirs, hence the ability to upgrade and build the city possibly into an impregnable fortress. What more can you tell us with regards to this feature?
Aeria: City ownership and management will be part of the spoils of conquest for powerful guilds and kingdoms. As mentioned previously, taxes, government appointments, and upgrades are just some of the features available to the rulers of a city.  Salaries will be available for government appointees and taxes can be levied to improve city defenses and upgrade NPC merchants. Different territory types, like cities, ports, and villages, will offer varying benefits.

 

OnRPG: After going through some, if not most of the features, will there be an features unique to Aeria Games’ version?
Aeria: We are working closely with UserJoy to bring specific content to the Aeria Games version of Kingdom Heroes.  I’m not at liberty to name all of these unique features, but some of them include special character customization options and UI changes.

 

OnRPG: What are some of the activities and events planned leading up to Kingdom Heroes’ official release?
A
eria: We have a number of events scheduled to celebrate the launch of Kingdom Heroes with special rewards for closed beta and open beta participants. The Kingdom Heroes community is growing rapidly and we look forward to giving back to our players with rewarding prizes and events.

 

OnRPG: Thank you for your time! I am sure many players will be looking forward to the game!
Aeria:
Thank you, Fo Po. It’s been a pleasure.

Heroes of Might and Magic Online

Heroes of Might and Magic Online (HoMM Online) is an MMORPG licensed by UBISOFT and developed by TQ digital. It is an online game that combines the classic elements of HoMM III with the updated graphics of HoMM V to present a unique gameplay. HoMM Online is also a turn based online game that puts the emphasis on strategic planning and tactical skill while allowing players to socialize and create their own stories. You will take on the role of a hero and improve your castle with resources gained from your adventures all the while gathering armies and preparing alliances for the inevitable wars of domination that lie ahead! Your legend is only beginning.
 
Below are some features found in Heroes of Might and Magic Online.

* First Persistent World Turn-Based Strategy MMO
* 8 towns, 16 classes and 56 creatures
* Hundreds of campaigns with epic storylines
* Unique Anima and Dragon Scale Forge System
* Glorious Guild Building & Exciting Guild Wars
* Challenging Arena and PK Tournaments
* Heroes can build towns of different factions