Yearly Archives: 2010

Duels Review: Awesomely Awesome!

Duels Review: Awesomely Awesome!
By Vincent Haoson (Vincenthaoson), OnRPG Journalist

 

In Role playing games, character speech often adheres to the setting the game is following. So it is generally safe to assume that most games which have an arena as the setting would use old style English. However, Duels begs to differ.

 

Welcome to the world, boy

It was surprising to see characters that are set in the Roman/barbaric setting using the word ‘awesome’ in a lot of the items found in the game. What’s more surprising is that the game, being a PVP-centric browser game, has in fact a very unique and immersive story telling device. It uses comic book panels as a means of narrating your entrance into the world of arena fighting. The game is like a visual novel that gives you the control of how your story is told. A choose your own adventure game if you will.

 

Visuals

As part of the game’s emphasis on integrating in-game visuals to the overall gameplay, you often get to see your character in the story through the character card. The character card works like a paper doll of your character. This is where you get to see the equipment your character has on. This is rare for a browser game because too many graphics overload the game server and affecting the gameplay. Surprisingly, this is not a problem in Duels as the game is still runs smoothly even though your interface is smothered with images.

 

Duels Armory

Duels Armory

 

Gameplay

Duels gameplay is similar to the usual RPG system. Your character gains experience points per battle and levels up if the required amount of exp points is reached. Each level up also means you gain stat points which you can then allocate into your character. The stat point based system is not really new, but works well with the overall gameplay of Duels. This gives you the chance to hone your character in a way that suits your gaming style.

 

Quests and Battles

You gain experience points in Duels by completing quests and participating in battles in the arena. There are no limits on the amount of battles you can do. Your character regains its life after each battle so you won’t have to worry about going from one battle to another. Aside from the experience points, gold and possible loot, battles affect your rankings. This gives battles more meaning especially to those who are rank-conscious. Battles are done in flash style and in real-time, so you can really see how things fare for your character. However, you can’t control what your character does so it’s all about how you nurtured your character.

 

Skirmishes

Duels also provide an alternative to battles. In the arena you are given a choice to either challenge the enemy or have a skirmish. Challenging the opponent means you are going to do battle with the enemy. Skirmishes on the other hand give you a chance to see how a battle turns out without the risk of affecting your record. Though the rewards are lesser in skirmishes, at least this gives you a way to scout your enemy so when you battle him for real you are better prepared. Skirmishes serves as the games scouting system, although this takes more time than the usual spying, it gives you an idea how the battle would go. This is one of the many interesting features the game has.

 

Character Sheet Duels

Character Screen in Duels

 

Adventures

Aside from battling, your character may also go on adventures. NPCs hire your character to do odd jobs for various people or creatures. The rewards are in the form of resources that you can exchange in the shop of the person who sent you on the adventure. The items you get in the exchange are unique and therefore are not usually found in the armories or other shops. Though of course this takes more time but the payout is great and it is worth it. Adventures are narrated and when you do one, you don’t have any control over what happens. You just have to sit back and let the story unfold.

 

Conclusion

Surprisingly, I first assumed that Duels would be like any other PVP-centered browser game. Never did I think that the game would also be one of hell of a good story telling experience. Using comic book panels as a way to bring your character to life is a great way of providing the basic background without being too boring. The extensive use of Flash in the game is a very good idea as the games concept must have a very smooth and steady flow. You won’t get bored as you play the game, and everything is such a visual experience that there would be times where you have to ask if this is a browser game. Everything just fits well with Duels. From the visuals to the battles and even to the story, this is one of those games that is very well done and that the people behind the game really gave a critical eye down to the last detail.

 

I must say that Duels gave me more than I expected. As far as games go, this is a sign that a game is done well. Of course, Duels isn’t without its faults, like you do not really have a choice on how your character moves in the battles or that your character is just a silhouette fights. However they’re just minor inconveniences that have been overshadowed by a lot of good things. The game really has pushed the limits when it comes to PVP-centric gaming and therefore I must say this is a game worth your while.

 

Pros:
– The comic style interface makes the game an interesting game to play
– The game is easy enough to understand that you can pick it up on the get go
– You get to see the exchange of blows as it happens.

 

Cons:
– The game finds it hard to load in some browsers
– You only get to watch your character fight
– Your character in battles is just a silhouette.

Be Wise and Maximize Revenue in Business Tycoon Online

Be Wise and Maximize Revenue in Business Tycoon Online

 

Business Tycoon Online is a MMO business simulation browser game. In Business Tycoon Online, a player will act as a CEO and start his business in Liberty City. After severe competitions and challenges, one will finally establish his own business empire. Wealth, which comes from stores, is one significant embodiment of a player’s strength. The problem is how to earn the most? The article here lists some key points about increasing store revenue.

 

First of All, Find out the Reason for Low Revenue

All factors that related with store revenue will be revealed when one move his Mouse over to the name of a store. The daily revenue is comprised of Store Basic Revenue, various bonuses and negative effects. For example, Employees, Vehicles and Medals will cause an increase in store revenue while Store Rent, Tax and Storage fee will take away some of your revenue.

 

BTO Low Revenue

 

Higher Level Creates More Revenue

The stores’ level rises along with the upgrading of company level. In Business Tycoon Online, stores are divided into 5 grades according to their Business Level. Only stores of higher levels can establish in zones besides Residential Zone. Otherwise, stores of low level will be influenced by “Zone Effect”. Usually, players can only establish their Business Level 1 and 2 stores in Residential Zone, Business Level 3 store in Downtown Zone and Business Level 4 and 5 stores in Commercial Zone.

 

Business Tycoon More Revenue

 

Try to Avoid Competition Effect

Two same stores in the same block will cause negative “Competition Effect”, which would reduce stores’ revenue. For example, two Luxurious Casino in the same block will compete with each other. The best solution is to establish stores in the block where there is only one vacancy left and where there is no stores same as the one to establish. Competition Effect can be removed if the one of the two same stores is moved to other blocks by “Moving Company”.

 

BTO Competition Effects

 

Store and Purchase Goods Carefully

Stores out of stock will close automatically. Thus, pay attention to the stock. Try the best to keep stores in stock. Players who have little time can purchase at a “Super Amount” at a time, but correspondingly he has to pay more for the goods and storage fees. One best way is to purchase a small amount of goods every day and transport fast. Thus, one could not only avoid much storage fee, but also could get daily rewards. What’s more, no transport needs if one sells goods produced by his factory.

 

BTO Purchase Goods

 

Join a Guild to Boost Revenue

Business Tycoon Online stresses much more on team work than individual’s ability. Besides bonuses brought by employees, medals and vehicles, one can also get bonuses from joining a guild. A higher guild brings more revenue bonuses, and even more if it holds a landmark. At the beginning, one can join in a prosperous guild. Don’t forget to donate TCN and Bricks to help guild upgrade.

 

BTO Boost Revenue

 

Start on Business Tycoon Online and make dreams come true! Take the opportunity in Business Tycoon Online.

 

4Story Movie Making Contest!

4Story Movie Making Contest!

 

1. Create a game play trailer of 4story and upload it on both Youtube, and the 4Story official community page on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/pages/4Story-online-Official-Community/169296962857?ref=mf)
2. Upload the link on the forum, (4Story film festival section) with a short introduction of your video.

Period:
Feb. 19th to Mar. 2nd before the regular maintenance (3rd)
 

Conditions:
1. The game play trailer must include the game site domain www.4story.com, and the title must include ‘4Story’.
2. The length of game play trailer must be 30 ~ 60 seconds.
3. The game play trailer must only contain 4Story contents, and any other external contents will be disqualified Example: Screenshot of Playboy Miss November
4. Make sure to Input your character name in the post.

How to win the contest:
It will be fair and simple. The contestant with the most views recorded will win the contest.

The winner will be selected during the maintenance on Mar. 2nd and will be announced on Mar. 3rd.

Rewards:
1. First Place: $200 Cash points
2. Second Place: $100 Cash points
3. Third Place: $75 Cash points
4. Participant reward: Race Horse 7 Days Ticket.

May the best film maker win!

4Story - Want to be a film star, now is your chance!

Karos Online Updates with New Zones, Level Increas to 60 and more!

Karos Online Updates with New Zones, Level Increas to 60 and more!

 

NHN Corporation is very pleased to announce some major changes and additions to their free-to-play fantasy MMORPG Karos Online! The game has been extensively updated over the past two weeks, and players will be able to level up to 60, explore the new zone of Bhalasong, choose a second character class specialization and test their new skills in a thrilling new floor of the Antcave dungeon.

 
 

Many bug fixes and gameplay improvements have been added, with particular attention given to early levelling. “We want new Karos Online players to have the best possible experience while coming to grips with the game,” said Heejin Jeong, Senior Overseas Sales Manager at NHN Corporation. “Taking into account what players have told us, we’ve refined the starting area, and we believe that now the new player experience is smoother and more fun than ever. We hope you’ll enjoy it, and please let us know what you think!”

 

The second class specialization is a much-anticipated addition planned to go live next week, which will take combat to a whole new level for experienced players. For each class, two additional specialization options will become available upon completion of a special quest chain at level 55, which sends players to the brand new Sentryheil Tower Entrance. For their second specialization, players can choose to focus on targeting single allies/opponents for maximum impact, or specialize in area-of-effect skills that protect or threaten groups. A comprehensive list of specializations for each class can be found on the Karos Online website.

 

Bhalasong is a wild and dangerous zone designed for players at or above level 44.  It is a land of lethal contrasts, with luxurious jungles, sinister forests and scorched lava lands. The creatures of Bhalasong, from brutal gorillas to deceptively beautiful dryads, will test even the strongest warriors.

 

Also, players brave enough to enter the Antcave will now be able to face its fearsome fourth floor (if they survive that long!), where even deadlier dangers and more wonderful treasures await.

 

 

Karos Update Level Bhalasong

Time for some more leveling in Karos Online!

Seven Souls Online

Explore sophisticated crossover fantasy worlds and exploit the exciting and dynamic action of full 3D MMORPG ‘Project S’.
Two moons have always gleamed over nights of Eath. But a heavenly catastrophe has shattered Blue Moon. Such devastation started a new era on Eath as it opened a path joining two continents that have been separated before times of recording. Explore two worlds and set order against mysterious force that shadows over Eath.

Features:

Rage Mode – With the push of a button, players can turn their characters into gruesome monsters for increased attack strength and critical attack chance.

 

 

 

Book of Lost Souls – This book is one of the game’s most distinctive features. It not only tells the background story, but also differentiates each class from others by providing distinctive skills and power-ups.

 

 

Enchant and Cube Systems – Players can enjoy easy-to-use Enchant and Cube Systems to enforce or dismantle their items and weapons. The randomness aspect allows players to acquire extremely rare items.

 

 

Anti-Bot – Seven Souls Online does not welcome hunting bots. The anti-bot system will penalize excessive hunters while rewarding loyal, quest-completing players.

MMO Addiction Needs to be Recognized by Clinics Worldwide

MMO Addiction Needs to be Recognized by Clinics Worldwide
By Kei Beneza (dividelife), OnRPG Journalist

 

No, unfortunately we’re not here to talk about the status ailment your paladin suffered from that encounter with the Dark Lord. Massively Multiplayer Online Role Playing Games have gotten people hooked to the point where in the term addiction no longer suffices. This is an illness my friend, and a very severe one at that. There are a bunch of symptoms that takes place prior to each stage of the illness. For this theory we have acquired a test subject by the name of Andrew Hernandez.

 

Andrew Hernandez is a casual gamer; this means that he knows how to play game she knows how to walk away. From here, he will be monitored closely as he undergoes the metamorphosis of a lifetime. To begin with, we introduced Mr. Hernandez to one of the most addictive MMO games to ever hit the shelves, World of Warcraft. Note that upon account creation, our test subject has already been exposed to the virus.

 

MMO Gaming Addiction

We’ve all been there.

 

Transformation 

During the first week, Andrews’s transformation started to take place. The first thing about this metamorphosis would be his skipping meals or at least not eating on time. This isn’t really that much of a mystery since unlike other single player games, MMOs cannot be paused. Going AFK on raids would probably get you kicked from a party, making you miss your chance at acquiring better gear. Understandable, but having a game take you away from your NORMAL state of living is definitely considered as abnormal.

 

Other than the money you pay for premium subscriptions, MMOs have the opportunity to make players spend more for ingame items. Believe it or not, online gold and item dealers earn more than the average managerial pay per year, all because people have become too hooked for their own good.

 

Looking back, Andrew Hernandez had his share of these transactions, buying gold with real money in order to gain the advantage without any form of grinding. This can also be a disorder as people tend to forget the value of their money for something that can’t be held through physical means.

 

In other cases, MMO addiction can also bring forth a violent reaction from hardcore players. Here’s a good example [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K8hfK3RQs2g]. Judging from this video, violence and splurging isn’t the only thing you can pick up from massive MMO addiction. In this case, the boy even developed his own American accent Insomnia would definitely be one of the biggest problems a gamer would be facing when immersed into these fantasy role-playing games. Some stay up for hours, most of them even stay online for more than 14 hours. FOURTEEN HOURS?! That worse than a full time job. Most people claim that quitting the game would be a breeze, but much like any other drug, it’s bound to be tricky.

 

Southpark WoW Addiction

People joke about addiction, but it should be recognized.

 

Upon reaching the second week, Mr. Hernandez was already level 40, which was pretty fast as he stayed up for days trying to reach this benchmark. He also made a lot of friends and was already recruited by a Guild. Once players enter a guild, their online responsibilities increase. From here, scheduled raids and guild activities start to spawn. This was really a big problem as Andrew was living in Asia but was forced to follow PST just so he could raid with his new buddies.

 

Sleeping is no joke as it allows the body to regenerate after a long days work. In this case, not only was Drew body clock all screwed up, he was also technically staying up late in PST as the game’s dungeons take hours and hours to complete depending on how many times you die in the process.

 

It’s evident through these examples alone that MMO addiction should be recognized by most clinics as a form of illness or disease. The scary part is that it is eating up a large number of children worldwide, dragging them into the fiery pits of fantasy unaware that their bodies are already starting to deplete.

 

The Result

Over a span of a month, Mr. Andrew Hernandez has developed Insomnia, loss of appetite, headaches (probably brought about by pressure and stress in game), and reckless spending. Some of my friends even acquired Peptic Ulcers just by playing. You can’t deny that playing these games become stressful as you go up a notch. It’s as though they have completely lost their hold over reality and are constantly seeking ways to strengthen their digital selves.

 

Studies as conducted by Dr. Sherry Turkle also prove that a player’s emotional range develops higher when playing their favorite MMOs. This is done by other modes of exploration such as gender switching and role-playing.

 

Some also state that MMO addiction takes a toll on the individual’s social well being. I don’t need any form of research to prove this theory as I have gone through this ordeal myself. You could say that one could miss out on a lot of things while locked inside his room playing the same game for more than 14 hours a day, 7 days a week.

 

The point stated? MMOs are quite frankly one of the most enjoyable games any gamer could get his hands on. The online world, the diverse areas, it’s as though you’re actually there. One thing that’s wrong however is how it treats people and the consequences gained from playing it PROPERLY. Playing it for 3 hours a day isn’t enough! You’ll probably be the lowest character there after a week. They were designed to be this way, and people take the bait pretty well. China took immediate action to control this outbreak, but what about the rest of the world? This illness must be monitored.

Bright Shadow Interview: The Story Finally Begins

Bright Shadow Interview: The Story Finally Begins
Questions by: Vincent Haoson, OnRPG Journalist
Answered by: David Yuh

 

GamepotUSA has just released the latest installation for their MMORPG Bright Shadow last feb 9. We were were given a chance to ask the people at GamepotUSA on some tidbits about the Bright Shadow’s episode 1. Here’s what they have to say.

 

OnRPG: How excited are the people there in Gamepot with Bright Shadow finally releasing episode I Feb. 9?
Everyone here in the office is excited for the Episode I update. Especially as we leveled up to 40 to prepare for the 2nd class advancement in Episode I.

 

OnRPG: Why did you start Episode I with the 2nd chapter of the Bright Shadow Lore? When normally in the usual story telling the first chapter is the first episode?
It’s because the 1st chapter of the Bright Shadow Lore acts more as a prologue. Episode I is where the real story begins. While the 1st chapter briefly explains Luciena and the Four Societies, Episode I gets deeper into the lore.

 

OnRPG: What serves as your basis and inspiration for the lore of Bright Shadow?
At its core, Bright Shadow is about harnessing your soul’s power without falling victim to it. We know that theme is prevalent, so we added some light, humor-infused horror to keep things interesting.

 

OnRPG: How does the new job class that will be open for players in Episode I tie-in to the whole story of Bright Shadow? Is there a possibility that heroes will finally emerge in the Bright Shadow continuity? The four societies continue to train themselves for future attacks from the Umbra. Now that the new continent filled with Umbra has been discovered, the four societies have gathered again to bring peace to Luciena. The four societies are using this chance to test to see if all of their training has paid off. That is how the six new classes were born from the four societies.

 

OnRPG: Can you describe to us the possible paths players may take with the new job classes?
There are many different paths that the users can take with the 2nd job classes. For example, a Warrior can become a Knight to fight for justice or become a Demon Slayer that will fight for evil.

 

OnRPG: What do you think is the most sought after new job class in the Bright Shadow Episode I roster? Why do you think so?
I would probably say it’s the Demon Slayer class. Demon Slayer uses two types of new weapons: Rapiers and Dual Swords. The Demon Slayers are also known for being massive damage dealers. The Demon Slayer is easily the most sought class with its dual swords and damage dealing skills.

 

OnRPG: One of the biggest problems with incorporating new job classes into a game is the balance issue especially in terms of PvP, do you think this will come up alongside the second classes?
Fortunately, Bright Shadow does not have a PvP currently. Therefore, game balance will not be an issue. However, the six new classes have their strengths and weaknesses. For example, the Archers have farther range, but are a bit weaker. However, the Gunslingers can deal a great amount of damage at a shorter distance.

 

OnRPG: Whenever new job classes are released parties are sure to love having the new classes along with them in dungeons. In Episode I’s new job class roster what aspects of the new job classes will add bonuses in the dungeons, can you describe them? Is any of the classes expected to be “party’s choice”?
The healers are usually the most wanted classes in a party. In Episode I, Shamans will be able to change into Mystics. The Mystics can provide helpful buffs, heal, and resurrect. The Mystics can also brighten up darkened areas by using the spell, “Sunlight.”

 

OnRPG: How are the new areas present in episode I tied to the game’s story?
When the four societies thought they have taken control of the Umbra, a new continent called, “Abraxia” was discovered. In this new continent were never explored dungeons that were crawling with new Umbra. Now the four societies are venturing off to Abraxia for another new adventure.

 

OnRPG: What dungeon do you expect players will be frequenting for Soloing and party runs when Episode I comes out? Why do you think so?
The two dungeons most players will be visiting are the “Inferno Castle” and the “Ice Cave.” There will be lots of new quests in these two dungeons. The highest level monsters in Episode I will be dwelling in these two dungeons.

 

OnRPG: How difficult will the new dungeons be?
The new dungeons can be fairly easy and extremely difficult. The dungeons are split into different floors and the difficulties increase as you travel deeper into the dungeon. If you go alone, the dungeons may be difficult, but if you go with other party members, then the dungeon may be manageable. For those who are seeking challenge, there are very difficult monsters in the deeper levels of the Inferno Castle. The monsters in here may even be difficult with a party of four level 70 characters!

 

OnRPG: Are there going to be changes in the old maps when episode I is released? Is there any possibility that the old maps will change in the succeeding episodes?
The old maps will remain same. However, there will be some new content in the old regions as well. Previous maps such as Deep Lab contained quests and monsters that required characters over level 40. The Episode I update increases the level cap from 40 to 70 allowing many inaccessible quests to now be available in the older maps.

 

OnRPG: How often will episodes come out for Bright Shadow? Can you give us an estimate of how many will you be planning to release this 2010?
We can’t specify an exact date, but we have several episodes coming out in the future. There will be many more updates besides the Episode updates. These updates will also include new content.

 

OnRPG: What new features are coming out with Episode I? Can you give us your reasons for releasing them?
The main feature will be the level cap increase. Many high level users have been telling us that they’re dying for a level increase. We listened. Therefore, we are increasing the level cap from 40 to 70 and releasing tons of new quests and monsters to go with it. On top of that, we’re adding six new classes with a set of brand new skills. To top it off, these new skills can now be combined up to four classes. Four users can cast combination skills by casting four different spells in certain orders.

 

OnRPG: What more can players expect during the release of Bright Shadow’s Episode I?
The players will now be able to venture to an all-new continent and experience a whole new world filled with Umbra. Hundreds of quests are available in the new continent to keep the players busy. Episode I is just another beginning. New content and new updates will be available frequently to keep the users fighting for Luciena.

Dragon Oath: New Weapons Screenshots

Dragon Oath: New Weapons Screenshots

 

What would Star Wars have been without lightsabers? How about Lord of the Rings without swords or arrows? Every great warrior needs great weapons, weapons worthy of their masters and capable of defeating the forces of evil. Dragon Oath: Age of Destiny brings you all new powerful weapons, available to anyone who is willing to dedicate themselves to becoming legendary. That is what you will need to wield these amazing artifacts.

 

There are four new artifact weapons in the expansion Age of Destiny. They are: the Melting Falchion, Traceless Sword, Windstone Fan, and Blue Silver Circle. If a player wields any of these items, they will surely have an advantage over just about everyone else on the battlefield. In addition to enhancing attack damage, these items each have unique effects that can be discovered only by obtaining them and using them in battle.

 
Flashy Weapons Sword Fan Falchion Dragon Oath
 

In order to get these weapons, players need not spend a penny of their hard-earned money! Each of the four legendary artifacts may be created by combining a number of other items, known as “Flawed Pendants” and “Divine Fragments.”

 

These items won’t be easy to obtain, and gamers will have to search for them while on many of the new quests included in the expansion. This will make it so that only the truly worthy will have access to the most powerful arsenal in Dragon Oath.

 

Check out the new Dragon Oath weapon screenshots, and stay tuned for the upcoming video!

 

 

New Weapons Age of Destiny Dragon Oath

Camon Hero

Camon Hero is a new online free-to-play, control action MMORPG with a unique card summoning system.  Developed by T3 Entertainment and published by Uforia, Camon Hero is a unique trading card game that lets player’s battle alongside their friends and creatures as they journey to save the land of Aria from the forces of darkness. 
 
Players can create their own unique deck to battle with and find powerful monsters and allies to fight alongside and support their team.  The unique card based skill system, in combination with stat points, are used to create unique classes. Like a good TCG the possibilities are endless!
Camon Hero features a unique card summoning system that allows players to find and collect hundreds of Summon Cards and use them to create allies that will fight alongside players till the death!  Ranging from healers to magicians to guardians, a player’s success depends on how they utilize this vast array of potential companions. 
Key Features:
Upgrades, Item Dismantling, and Crafting — Dismantle unwanted equipment and cards, and use them as materials to upgrade and customize your favorite skills and cards.
Card Creation — Find hundreds of rare card recipes and create unique personal bodyguards!  Player’s creations will not only help their friends but also set them apart from the crowd.
Countless Instances — Players can join “Instances” that only they can join, or play with friends for one-of-a-kind rewards and challenges.  Not only can players adjust the difficulty level based on how many friends they have, but they can also participate in unique PvP battles and rankings!
Never Ending Quests — Camon Hero features numerous zones and maps in addition to a multitude of quests.  No grinding required; quest your way to the top!