Yearly Archives: 2010

Aeria Games Announces Kingdom Heroes for North America & Europe

Aeria Games Announces Kingdom Heroes for North America & Europe


Aeria Games & Entertainment, one of the fastest growing publishers of free-to-play online games in North America and Europe, has officially unveiled its newest title, Kingdom Heroes. Players interested in testing the game prior to its Spring 2010 release can visit the official site, starting today, and sign up to participate in the upcoming Closed Beta.
Kingdom Heroes (KH) is a massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) that introduces a variety of new, revolutionary features to the MMO genre.
 
In Kingdom Heroes, players will be able to:

• Recruit and customize NPC soldiers to form their own personal armies.
• Organize a crew of players and take to the seas in exciting ship battles.
• Work together to establish, develop, and defend player-controlled cities.
• Conquer enemy strongholds using an impressive arsenal of troops, mounts, ships, and powerful siege engines.
In addition to this unparalleled array of game features, Kingdom Heroes offers numerous character customization options, branching classes and talent trees, mounted combat, a player based economy, instanced battlefields, thousands of quests, and global player-versus-player (PvP) events where rival factions battle for control of player cities and territory.
For more information about Kingdom Heroes, screenshots and video, or to be among the first to register for the Closed Beta period, visit http://kingdomheroes.aeriagames.com.

Altis Gates Interview: What to Expect

Altis Gates Interview: What to Expect
Questions by Vincent Haoson, OnRPG Journalist
Answered by  Edwin Huang, Project Manager

 

Game Background

OnRPG: What is the game’s story?
The story of Altis begins with the Golden Age of the Gods and continues through to the Silver Age dominated by the Gaea Giants. Then the Humans and Elves were born and civilization was established with the construction of the magnificent Altis City during the Copper Age. The differences in cultures and ideologies between the two races brought about conflicts that escalated into a full-scale war that lasted for centuries. Amidst the chaos, the Borgs were created. Just when the 3 races finally came to see the foolishness of their actions and agreed to make peace with each other, the Shadowy Dragon that once ruled the sky of Altis woke from its slumber. The king of Altis commanded all warriors of the land to go on a crusade for peace and liberate the world from the evil grasp of this legendary dragon.

 

This is where our players come in. They will be part of this quest for peace. They will inspire legends and make heroes of themselves by slaying this formidable dragon.

 

OnRPG: What will be the role of players in the games overall story?
There are 3 races: Humans, Elves and Borgs. Players can also choose from 14 different classes in the game based on their preferences. However, once they enter the world of Altis, their objectives will be the same. All champions of the land will have to take on the responsibility of defeating the Shadowy Dragon. That will not be an easy task. Players of the different races and classes must work together to even stand a chance.

 

Sky Glider

Sky Glider Launching Pad

 

Game Background and Environments

OnRPG: Can you describe to us what Altis Gates looks like?
Altis Gates features a crisp and colorful design with dynamic and mesmerizing animations. Players can see the movement of water in streams and the turning of windmills, as well as many other details they will notice as they explore the land of Altis. In addition, the game uses the latest graphics and lighting technologies to add brilliance and realism to the game world.

 

OnRPG: How interactive will the games interface be?
As an MMORPG, interaction among players is very important. On the lower left corner of the screen, players can find the chat window where they can communicate with other players. There are different channels for the different types of messages. In addition, the mail system is Altis Gates is different from traditional designs. Besides normal mail messages, players can also send items and gold to their friends.

  

OnRPG: Does the game environment take inspiration from any other games or genres, or is everything an original concept?
The game itself is a completely original concept. However, we did have a special interest in ancient myths and legends. We use some of these ancient wonders as inspiration when we design locations and structures in the game. What we wanted to achieve was to give players the chance to relive the glory of these wonders they have probably read about but would never get a chance to see.

 

OnRPG: If it does take after other games or genre, can you tell us which ones? Why get inspiration from them?
The sunken civilisation of Alantis is one filled with legends. Ancient records laud the marvels of technologies and prosperity of this island. We felt that this is very similar to that of Altis. So we took Atlantis as a reference point and tried to retain the mysteries surrounding this lost world while creating a new world that will mesmerize our players.

 

Game System

OnRPG: How do players travel in Altis Gates? Is the game an isometric perspective? Why choose this camera system?
There are many modes of transportation in Altis Gates. Players can choose to take the Sky Glider, travel on the elevator, teleport by using the Flying Feather or move around on their special mounts. For long distance travel between 2 maps, players can spend a little cash and enjoy the comfort of the Sky Glider. When they find themselves stranded in the middle of a map and needing to restock their items back in the city, they can use the Flying Feather item that can be bought from game merchants and teleport there instantly. Of course, we would strongly encourage our players to take their time and enjoy the stunning surroundings the game has to offer. If walking on foot is a little tedious, players can increase their movement speeds by using cool in-game mounts.

 

As for the camera system, the game adopts an isometric perspective with a big technological twist. Using advanced graphics technologies, we break from the traditional 2D design to create a 3D virtual world. There is also a zoom in/out function in the game that enables players to zoom in to maps to enjoy a different viewpoint.

 

Combat Battle Interface Altis Gates

Battle Interface

 

OnRPG: Are the battles in Altis Gates turn-based or are they done in real-time? Why use this kind of system?
Altis Gates uses an enhanced turn-based combat system. Players have 30 seconds to select the actions for each turn. From the feedback we received during the alpha test and closed beta, players have responded very well to this system.

 

The reason we adopted a turn-based system is so combat will be more than mere hack and slash; there will be more strategy and planning involved. This adds more dimensions to gameplay in both solo and team battles.

 

OnRPG: Can you share how PVE work in Altis Gates?
Danger lurks in every corner of Altis. Players will enter random encounters when they explore the riches of the land. EXP and attractive items can be obtained when players successfully defeat these monsters. Sometimes players may be faced with a foe too formidable for their current level. In that case, they can choose to run for their lives by using the escape function. However, not all cowardly attempts to flee will be successful. Also, when players die in battle, their equipment will suffer a reduction in durability. They will have to visit in-game NPCs to repair their items before they break.

 

OnRPG: The gameplay videos show characters in groups. Are they all yours to control or are they controlled by other players aside from yourself?
When players party together in Altis Gates, they will still retain control of their respective characters. Each team can have a maximum of 5 players.

 

OnRPG: Does the game utilize a “mercenary-like” system where players can hire NPCs as part of their group?
At the moment, Altis Gates does not have this feature in the game. However, the NPC to player interaction of the game is very unique. Each friendly NPC has a certain amity level with each player. This is reflected by a smiley above the NPC’s head. Players can improve their amity with NPCs by helping them run errands. By making NPCs happy, players will unlock special skills they can learn from them.

 

OnRPG: Would the battle system be similar to Atlantica Online where every player has a party composed of 1-6 people at their disposal?If not, how do parties work in Altis Gates?
Our system is different from Atlantica Online. In normal battles, players can only take one of their pets along to fight with them. However, there are the special Pets Corps quests that enable players to train a few pets at the same time. In these quests, only players’ pets are involved in battles. This is the perfect way for players to train multiple pets at the same time.

 

As for parties, each can consist of a maximum of 5 players. To encourage players to enjoy the fun of teaming up with each other, we introduced an added incentive of 30% additional EXP for party leaders. We also ensure that forming a party itself will not feel like a chore by increasing the range in which players can recruit members. They can invite any player into their group as long as that player is in the same map.

 

Portal Elevator

The Elevators Into New Zones

 

OnRPG: Does the game system allow PvP? If yes, can you explain briefly how the PVP system works? Will it be available during the beta?
Like most MMORPGs, PvP is an integral part of the game. Players can take part in duels to test their skills and equipment. Our system records the results of every PvP battle. Players who have attained a certain number of duel victories will receive a special title.

 

We will be introducing a brand new team dueling system in the upcoming OB, which will add even more gameplay options to the current dueling system.

 

Job Classes & Pets

OnRPG: Is Altis Gates a skill-based or stat-based kind of game?
In Altis Gares, both skills and stats are very important. As players level up, they will gain access to new and more powerful skills. At the same time, for each increment in level, a player will get 4 attribute points they can distribute to their stats as they wish. Each pet will receive 1 free attribute point with each level. Players will have to think strategically as they carefully build their characters into the legendary heroes they envision.

 

OnRPG: The gameplay trailer shows about seven job classes that are available in Altis Gates. Can you explain briefly how each job class works?
Actually, there are a total of 14 different classes in Altis Gates. The classes shown in the game trailer are 8 level 80 classes. Each class has its own unique role and abilities. For example, a Priest is like a medic in the field and can provide healing power to a party. Borgs can deal sustained damage to targets. There is just too much to talk about to cover each class here. Players can head over to our official website to find all the information they need on what each class has to offer.

 

OnRPG: What kind of  advancement system does Altis Gates use?
They are 2 major categories in Altis Gates: Warrior and Mage. The rest of the classes branch out from these 2 main groups. There are 2 stages of job advancement. The first is at level 40, when Warriors can choose the path of Gladiator or Combatant and Mages can choose between Black Mage and White Mage. When players advance to level 80, they will have a chance to choose an even more specialized class.

 

OnRPG: Can you briefly explain the Altis Gates pet system?
We feel the pet system is a specialty of the game. Each pet has its own personality and attributes. There are a total of 60 different pet designs, 42 different personalities and 9 different attributes. In our revolutionary system, players can interact with their pets and trigger different random events by talking to them. When the amity level of a pet reaches 2 Big Hearts, the pet can begin to learn skills from the player, monsters, or even bosses in combat. Altis Gates has made pets a lot more than just mere accessories.

 

OnRPG: Are the pets controlled by the player or do they have their own AI?
Although players still have control over their pets in battle, their actions are affected by their personalities. For example, a timid pet may grow afraid of monsters and run away even though the player did not ask it to do so. This is just one example of the unique reactions of pets in the game. There are many more that players can discover for themselves.

 

Magma Beast

Magma Chamber

 

Game Updates

OnRPG: Is the Open Beta Test open to new players? If it’s open to new players, how can players take part in the OB?
The OB was initially scheduled to begin on March 7th. However, with so much content being overhauled for the test, we were forced to push back the start date. We want to make sure that we have an amazing game ready for players when the OB starts, and we expect to deliver on that, even if it means making players wait just a bit longer.

 

OnRPG: What can players expect when OB arrives?
There is a lot of new and exciting content that will be released in OB. For example, during the other test phases all 3 races looked the same. The true appearances of the Elves and Borgs will finally debut in OB. In addition to that, we will also be releasing unique mounts and wings for each race. We’ve already mentioned the new party dueling system for players who like to challenge themselves against others. Furthermore, there is a truckload of new quests for players to enjoy. With so much new content, OB is set to be an exhilarating experience for everyone.

 

OnRPG: Thank you for your time!
Thank you for giving us a chance to present players with this sneak peek into the game. We appreciate the support Onrpg.com has given us over the years and hope to have even more exciting news for your readers in the coming days.

BlackShot Europe

Blackshot is a post-modern mercenary first person shooter. You are one of the Blackshot, a hired gun who fights for big corporations in their control for resources in a war-torn world. Published for the PC, Blackshot is an action-packed first person shooter that is free to play and accessible to anyone looking for thrilling action.

Note: Blackshot Europe is now part of Blackshot Global.

Features:

Five Intense Gameplay Modes: Battle in Team Death Match, Team Flag Match, Search & Destroy (and SD Infinite), Unlimited Battle Arena, and Bunker Defense.

Customizable Characters: Choose one of several base characters, then customize your loadout, gear, and skills to fit your playstyle.

Deep Ranking System: Earn points as you play and gain in the ranks. As you progress, you gain new weapons and tactics.

Weapon Mastery: Use a weapon frequently? As you gain experience with weapons you will unlock new items to reward your prowess.

Perfect World Entertainment hints to new game!

Perfect World Entertainment hints to new game!

 

The Perfect World Entertainment development blog posted about an upcoming game on March the 1st. They’re not going beyond the basic hints and showing a video. The mystery begins!

 

What game do you think it is? We’re putting our bets on Red Cliff, NA version! But maybe they’re just putting us on the wrong track?

 

We’ll have to wait and see!

 

 

Fallen Sword Review: Check and Mate

Fallen Sword Review: Check and Mate
By Vincent Haoson (Vincenthaoson), OnRPG Journalist

 

You rarely find a story that ends a bad way. When it does end negatively you expect it to be a very tightly done story. However, there have always been exceptions and for Fallen Sword I must say that their attempt on creating drama in the back-story has failed.

 

A Way Out

It is the story that should carry the bulk of the reason why your character is alive and in Fallen Sword there are a lot of holes, although it does provide a solid game, as far as browser games are concerned. Fallen Sword is your typical RPG where you start out in nowhere and then you start picking off monsters randomly till you find yourself in a town.

 

How it looks and feels

Fallen Swords interface uses the bird’s eye view perspective, where you are a dot in the map and to move around you need to click on the different arrows found in the main interface.

 

To those who are not familiar with this type of browser game, Fallen Sword is a decent example for RPGs of this type. To new players this is a good way for them to experience playing RPGs in this way while providing enough variation so that browser game veterans can still enjoy the game.

 

Fallen Sword does however fail in providing a beautiful visual experience. At the very least the game has decent graphics if you compare it to other similarly themed browser games.

 

Gameplay and updates

There’s nothing new or significant added to the overall gameplay of Fallen Sword. However, Fallen Sword uses stamina points in the actions you do and this makes you cautious of which actions you use and this adds to the interest.

 

Even with the overused gameplay of Fallen Sword the game is still addicting. One of the reasons for this is that the level cap reaches up to the 700s. Thus providing you a lot of breathing room to move and play.

 

The other reason is that the game updates and adds more dungeons and campaigns on a regular basis. The regular updates provide the variations and the steady buildup of support from its players. This keeps you both happy and encouraged to keep playing the game because you look forward to something new being introduced.

 

Character Build-up

Fallen Sword follows the usual RPG character build-up, as you kill monsters you earn experience points and you level up. Every level up gives you stat points that you can allocate on stats for your character. All characters have the same starting stats regardless of the race you choose, as the races only determine your home base. The allocation of stat points basically dictates how you go along your quests and also serve as your customization of your character.

 

Aside from the stat point allocation the only other thing you can do to “build” your character is done through role playing, primarily on the game forums. The game also allows you to allocate skill points, craft materials and do trade, but all of this is already a tie-in to the RPG aspect of Fallen Sword.

 

Bestiary

With the game’s level cap reaching up to the 700s, it should be expected that the games bestiary should also follow suit. Fallen Sword does not disappoint in this as the game has one of the biggest bestiaries I have ever seen in a browser game. The game’s monster clusters are separated by 10, so you won’t have to face the same monsters all over again as your level increases.

 

The variation of monsters you get to fight adds flavor to your Fallen Sword experience, and as you play you get a feeling of anticipation of what’s next. However, this variety of monsters can be quite irritating especially if you are farming or hunting a specific monster.

 

Dungeons Galore

 Not only is the games Bestiary one of the biggest, it also has tons of dungeons and campaigns for you to explore. You can either go on quests so that you have a purpose for visiting the dungeons or just enter and explore it out of curiosity.

 

This is one of the good things about Fallen Sword. A lot of browser games tend to stop adding more dungeons in the later stages of operation. The game’s regular addition of dungeons and campaigns makes it all the more interesting to play.

 

Conclusion

While Fallen Sword may not be the best example of an RPG browser game, the game is stable and decent enough that I can recommend playing it. If the large bestiary doesn’t get you to at least try the game, the regular updates should at pique your interest.

 

Fallen Sword is a game that’s alive and thriving. The community is the best measure for this. Even if the system seems dated and the gameplay overused the game has enough merits to keep its players interested.

 

It is rare to find a game that allows itself to change and evolve and even listen to what the players want. This is one of the reasons why Fallen Sword is a good game to play. The mods and admins maintain a presence in the forums which means that the people behind the game pay attention and put player satisfaction first above anything else

 

For those who still don’t have that RPG browser game they can spend their time on I can suggest Fallen Sword for you.

 

Pros:
The game has a huge bestiary
– The level cap is high
– The game community is alive and thriving

 

Cons:
– The game feels like you are controlling a chess piece
– There has been issues with lag recently
– The game may feel daunting for new players specially with the level cap and the community a tight knit group.

Uforia Announces Closed Beta Test For Camon Hero

Uforia Announces Closed Beta Test For Camon Hero

 

Beginning March 2nd, Players Will Collect Hundreds Of Summon Cards And Use Them In A Fight To The Death!
 
Uforia, Inc., an online game publisher specializing in massively multiplayer online games, announced today that it will launch a closed beta test for its upcoming Trading Card MMORPG, Camon Hero.  The closed beta test will launch tomorrow, Tuesday, March 2nd and will run through Friday, March 5th.
 
Camon Hero is the latest multi-control MMORPG which focuses on strategy and micromanagement as players lead their army of summons into battle.  The game, set to launch this spring, uses a unique card system that allows players to create their own unique play style.  With over 12 trillion unique summon hand combinations, players will always have new strategies to try.
 
Players can also enter into PVP battles, try on various costumes and hats, and engage in a countless number of exciting events. But, the fun does not stop there! Players can explore the dangerous new world as they hunt for companions to aide them as they battle to save the land from darkness!
 
“Camon Hero manages to blend the best elements of Trading Card Games with MMORPGs giving players a unique gameplay experience in an MMORPG,” said JK Kim, CEO of Uforia.  “We are eager to open the game up to players during the closed beta and look forward to their insightful feedback.”
 
In celebration of the closed beta test, Uforia will offer several events up for players.  The first will be a leveling event where players who reach level 25 during the Beta Test will be given the Private Store Guard Card(30days), an item that will offered in the item mall at launch.
 
The “Search for Incorrect Spelling and Grammar Event” challenges players to help find any errors in the game and the top 3 players who submit the most spelling and grammar corrections for the game client first, will win a large amount of Meso (in game currency) that they can use at launch.

Camon Hero NPC Welcome Event

 

The “Keep Your Name” event will give players who reach at least level 12 the opportunity to keep their chosen character names at launch, while the “Survey Event” gives players who participate in the Closed Beta survey, a chance to win a Special Wing Item which will be awarded in open beta. 
 
Finally, the “GM Guerrilla Events” will take place during the closed beta test.  The GMs will make a number of special events to be announced throughout the Beta Test with some great in-game items as prizes! Events can include anything from games of Special Monster Summon, Hide and Seek to random Pop Quizzes, with special gifts handed out to the lucky winners!

 

Tales of Fantasy: Alpha Test Client Available

Tales of Fantasy: Alpha Test Client Available

 

The game client for IGG’s latest MMORPG-Tales of Fantasy will be available for download on 3rd March 5:00am EST(GMT-5). You can visit the official website to get a free Alpha Test activation key!
 
How to get an Alpha Test activation key
Invite 1 number of friends to register an account with IGG and you’ll receive a free activation key. For more details, please visit the Buzz Page.
 
How to use the Alpha Test activation key?
Players will be able to use the key to activate their accounts for the official Alpha Test, which will be launched on 9th March 8:00pm EST(GMT-5). Be amongst the first to enjoy the stunning graphics and amazing adventures that await in Tales of Fantasy!
Download
Fight While Riding
In TOF, players are able to cast spells and use their abilities to strike at their enemies from astride a galloping beast.
A Myriad of Beasts to Tame and Mount
TOF has a whole variety of mounts to suit even the most discriminating warriors taste. From mighty War Steeds with their thundering hoofs, to mythic Holy Beasts that radiate magic and energy, there’s something for everyone! Mount up and charge into battle at anytime, switch beasts mid stride to confuse defenders, and attack without dismounting!
 
Get your Alpha Test Key and join the battle!

Tale of Fantasy Beta Test Key Available

Grecca

Grecca is a realtime 2D side-scrolling MMORPG that was built by gamers for gamers. It is based in an alternate version of antiquity, offering four unique cultures all with different player classes. Rather than have hours and hours worth of the usual MMO grind, the emphasis is placed on developing character skills throughout the game.

 

Grecca Features:
– Randomly generated maps
– Weather system and day/night cycles
– Play with Gamepad or Keyboard
– Player built towns
– Hunting System
– Cooking/forging/crafting and skills galore
– Several different weapon types
– Player run governments
– Fully customizable characters
– Marriage and death systems
– And much, much more… 

 

The primary difference between Grecca and other existing MMORPG’s is that the world in Grecca is almost entirely player driven. There are no indestructible static towns. There are no magical banks to store your gear. There are no safety zones where other players can’t harass or attack you. There are no guarantees.

 

The world of Grecca is highly competitive, and there will be a strong emphasis on Player vs. Player (PvP) action. This action is not limited to combat. Every aspect of Grecca is geared toward fierce (and often times unforgiving) competition between players. Some of this competition will take place on an individual level, and some will take place on a faction level.

 

The key word is ‘Survival’. Every piece of gear you own is precious for the time that you own it. It may be lost when you fall; taken by other players or by the elements. Possessions are fleeting; safety, always temporary. Players will have to depend on themselves and one another in order to survive in a world of harsh adversity.

N.E.O Online Now Grand Open Beta

N.E.O Online Now Grand Open Beta

 

PlayOMG’s free-to-play MMORPG game has launched. N.E.O Online brings a brand new experience to players. N.E.O Online enable players to change in-game actions and environments by the interaction among players themselves. This is truly an unique feature that sets N.E.O apart from any other MMO games. Players are able to play N.E.O Online simply with a PlayOMG/Facebook/Yahoo/Myspace account and password.
 
The class-free system gives players the chance to choose from different paths for developing unique characters with various skills. With the chaos system, players will be able to change the world status between peace and chaos. The chaos mode allows players to freely join PvP battles fighting against others of the same region. It is also possible that players can earn better items dropped from chaos monsters.

 

 

N.E.O Online simply makes trading more efficient by offering many ways for players to choose from. The trading system includes general store and grade stores. In most brokers’ merchandise, players can find general items at original prices. Random items are available in a grade store. Different from other MMOs, featured consignment sale agency allows players to join an auction and bid for nice items.
 
Along with N.E.O’s official release, the game’s item mall has opened. The item mall contains many exclusive outfits for players to show off personal style. Players can choose from a variety of aid items including power-up spells, licenses, potions and more. In addition, players can also take advantage of the open beta event. Players who create character will receive a N.E.O Power Kit consisting of helpful cash items. More information on the release event can be found here
 
For the latest update on N.E.O Online feel free to visit the official website here

 

Fallas Festival: Join in the Fire Carnival

Fallas Festival: Join in the Fire Carnival

 

Chinese-based online game publisher TQ Digital is glad to inform their players a Fallas Festival Event is to be launched in their renowned Kungfu-themed MMORPG, Conquer Online. During this Spanish festival event, players can craft various types of magical wood carvings, and exchange these carvings for the various Blazing Packs in this epic free-to-play MMO!
 
Fallas, the festival of fire, is a traditional celebration in Valencia, Spain, that was began back in the Middle Ages. Between the 15th and 19th of March, local folks have a custom to burn up elaborated ninots, puppets or dolls with a well-known local personality, to celebrate the onset of spring. With time, people of the neighborhood started organizing the process of the creation of the Fallas and monuments of various figures were created as part of the celebration.

Join Conquer Onlines version of the Spanish Festival of Fire

 

Time: 0:00, Mar 6th – 7:00, Mar 19th
Requirement: Level 20 or above
 
Several years back, a group of foreign merchants arrived in the middle kingdom from across the sea, and brought this grand festival to the residents of Twin City. This March, the bright blaze of this celebration will light up the universe of Conquer Online!
The event is divided into 2 steps. First, to participate in the carnival, players are required to prepare some special wood carvings. You can obtain the material from the carpenters and monsters scattered around the world of CO. Second, hand in the elaborate wood carvings to Fallas Mercury, and you can obtain one of four types of Blaze Packs. With the Transformation Brands inside the packs, players can join the Fallas parade and receive some special gifts!
 
For the detailed quest guide, please click here.