Yearly Archives: 2010

Allods Online (US & Europe) Go Into Open Beta!

Allods Online (US & Europe) Go Into Open Beta!

 

Allods Online both in Europe as well as in North America has entered its open beta!

 

After the immensely succesful closed beta (OnRPG gave away nearly 10.000 beta keys!) we expect to see a lot of you enjoy Allods in the time to come!

 

Allods Online - Open Beta

 

Allods Online is a revolutionary sci-fi fantasy MMORPG developed by Astrum Nival, creators of Heroes of Might & Magic V, with a budget of $12 million and four years in development.  Astrum Nival is owned by Mail.Ru, the leading online gaming publisher in Russia.  Two warring factions, League and Empire, vie for control of allods—islands floating in Astral space.  The truly unique aspect of Allods Online is the Astral ship system.  Players can create their own ships, crewed by entire parties where each player has a distinct role, from navigator and helmsman to engineer and gunner.  From their astral ship, players can navigate the randomly generated astral space where they can explore uncharted allods, fight massive Astral demons, and engage in Astral piracy on unwary fellow travelers.  The game features an unprecedented amount of content for a free-to-play MMORPG: 2 factions, 6 races, 8 archetypes, 28 classes, and over 2,000 quests.  The production values are top-notch with full motion-capture animation, top award-wining artists, and a soundtrack by Mark Morgan, composer for the hit TV-series Dexter, Fallout & Fallout 2, and Planescape: Torment.

 

“Allods Online had a phenomenal response from users across all of our closed beta tests!  The positive feedback has been overwhelming, from hundreds of press articles and blog posts, to tens of thousands of emails and forum comments.  Players have been raving about every aspect of the game experience, from astral ships and exploration, to the wonderfully detailed steampunk atmosphere.  Most importantly, however, we’ve had countless players tell us that Allods has demolished the standard for quality in a microtransactional game.  With our open beta, we welcome all newcomers to discover the Allods universe, as they journey from the planet of Sarnaut to the farthest reaches of Astral space.” – Patrick Paik, Marketing Manager, Gala-Net, Inc.

 

Users can join the Open Beta at http://allods.gpotato.com

Deepolis Review: And You Thought They Ran Out Of Ideas

Deepolis Review: And You Thought They Ran Out Of Ideas
By Kei Beneza (dividelife), OnRPG journalist

MMOs have been evolving throughout the years, constantly building variations to let players enjoy more subcategories of this game genre. One amazing example would have to be Deepolis, an MMORPG that takes players deep into the heart of an underwater world. Unlike the more traditional types of MMOs, have a ship instead of a random humanoid character. Well, you’ll still be your own person but most of your escapades will be held via submarines.

 

All hands on deck!

Creating your character couldn’t be simpler as the game asks you to fill in your character’s description rather than customizing them through a graphical interface. After filling in your character bio/profile and customizing your avatar, you’re ready to pick your faction. Each player is entitled to be his or her own marine commander. The three factions are as follows: Scions, Nauts, and Jafnhars. Although there are no exclusive features to each faction, each of them has their own community that helps players in various ways. Nauts for example is the best newbie faction as it provides basic features for the newbies to get used to. Other than that, Scions and Jafnhars are more or less the main protagonists and antagonists of the game.

 

Deepolis Area Combat

Combat in Deepolis

 

Fire the torpedoes! SPARE NO ONE!

As you may have expected, goblins and dragons do not exist in the underwater world, instead the game gives you an array of sea monsters and of course the opposite factions for you to battle with. Combat isn’t flashy but can still be satisfying due to its presentation. Once you target an opponent, you’re free to go all out with torpedoes and heavy artillery until they turn completely into wet rubble. Combat retains its traditional balance revolving on which player is richer instead of which is more skilled. I have nothing against this since it serves as a challenge for players to grind their characters to perfection. As for the games tactical value, need to know the proper chain of firearms in order to hit your opponents effectively. It’s a generic combat feature for almost every MMO, but it’s definitely a staple.

 

Quests? Who would have thought?!

Indeed! The game has quests and a lot of them. No, these aren’t the type of quests that would just point you to your proper leveling grounds; some of them actually feature courier missions, which most MMOs lack. The game has a very impressive array of quests in my opinion.

 

Ship and Quest

Select a ship and go out to complete quests!

 

Fuel! We need fuel!!!

One factor that makes this game quite unique would be the fuel factor. Unlike most games, you’ll need fuel and energy as you progress deep within the watery dome. Helix and Cels can be acquired in different places on the map (Scattered more like). It gets a bit annoying but the price for realism is quite hefty. If you recall demanding games like LOST PLANET, you’ll know what I mean when I say that you need these elements to survive. You also need these minerals not only for purchasing upgrades, but also as a form of ticket to enter the upgrade stores.

 

Graphics and Sounds

One thing to mention about the graphics is the timelessness. You won’t really ask for more since you know it was meant to look that way. The submarines are properly rendered and are detailed to perfection. The monsters don’t look half bad as well, with well-animated movements that are sure to make your underwater battles priceless. The sound on the other hand is rather poor. They do give off that satisfying crunch but there’s definitely a lot of room for improvement. As far as in game music is concerned, this game lacks it. The game does feature a few BGMs (Background Music) but they often standout instead of simply harmonizing with the ambience.

 

The interface is very stable and is light on the eyes. The menu is well placed and easy to remember. There’s also a chat window on the left side of your screen, allowing you to contact or talk to other players while drifting across the ocean.

 

What To Look Forward To

Deepolis is remarkable when it comes to its community value. Journeying across the wide and broad ocean depths with other players has never been this good (well, since it’s the only thing that features this type of gameplay). If you’re looking for a good game that lets you exercise tons of PVP along with your friends, this is the game you’re looking for. Since you’re to be a part of an underwater world at war, hungry PVPers looking to sink your submarine at any given time will be all around you. Yank your friends in to play for your team and enjoy the breathtaking battles between the three factions.

 

Deepolis Map

Factions and Bosses on the Map

 

The exploration factor is also a big plus since you’ll be scrolling through diverse 3D areas that will keep you exploring until your PC overheats and breaks down LOL.

 

Huwaat?! Membership whoring again?!

 

It seems that premium subscriptions have become quite a fad for free to play MMO games. I don’t really have anything against it, but the main fact that paying them would make it a lot easier for you does make the whole “free to play” concept a bit trivial.

 

The verdict

For a unique game, Deepolis displays its features well in almost every aspect. It’s fun, simple and carries high replay value. No one can resist an all out war (thinks about RF Online) so I guess this game is going in the right direction. The map is huge and is filled with diversity, making it exquisite for journeymen who are looking for a worthwhile adventure. As for PVP, I believe Deepolis has acquired the proper elements in order to make it work. Intense submarine battles, constant BOOMs and BAMs, nicely rendered subs, yep! This one awesome game.

 

The good:
– Diverse areas
– PVP
– User-friendly interface
– Excellent community.

 

The bad:
– Needs more music
– Sound effects needs more tweaking
– Needs more monsters
– Subscription whoring. 

Ether Saga Online Gets a “My Little Pony From Hell” Mount!

Ether Saga Online Gets a “My Little Pony From Hell” Mount!

 

Some dreams can come true and for Ether Saga Online player, Monaka, her fiery mount from Hell, otherwise known as Nocturne, came to life in-game when she recently submitted for the “Design a Mount” contest. Monaka’s fan art of Nocturne was submitted to the design wizards in China, who through alchemy and the power of the Internets, brought it to life in-game. The mount was renamed to the Dark Noturno.
 
 
The mount was submitted by Monaka, but she had help with the coloring, from fellow Slayers member, Villette. Her alliance also helped provide constant feedback throughout the process. Nothing beats a good team effort!

Ether Saga Online - My Little Pony From Hell Mount Concept Art

 

Congrats to Monaka and Villette on winning the “Design a Mount” contest.

 

The Dark Notturno mount is now available for purchase in Ether Saga Online and be sure to keep your eyes out for upcoming contests like this one for your chance to bring your fan art to life!
We managed to speak to Monaka regarding the mount being added to the game. After a long tiring day at work, Monaka got home and was THRILLED about the mount being in game. Although we told her it was coming soon, we never told her the exact date.

Rushing into the game after hearing about the release, she saw was ecstatic couple people in Pokari with the mount that she helped create.

Ether Saga Online - My Little Pony From Hell Mount In Game

 

Here is a brief interview with her regarding the mount that she designed:
Loonie: What did she think when you first saw the mount?

Monaka: It looks lovely. The devs did a nice job. I think it was closely designed to what I imagined.

Loonie: How does it feel that the mount is in the game now?

Monaka: I’m thrilled, because as an artist, this is the first time to see something of mine anywhere in game or in art form for something.

Loonie: Have you been bombarded with messages about the mount you designed?

Monaka: Well no not yet, just a lot of congrats over alliance vent and from my clan. Even on our ventrillo several people were supportive and said grats. Actually just got a PM right now saying “nice mount”

Loonie: For winning the contest, you will receive a mount, what is the first thing you will do when you get it?

Monaka: Well I think i’ll run around on it like crazy and get others to join in and then add it to my art site.

Loonie: Any comments, shoutouts?

Monaka: Wanted to thank Villette most of all, who helped with the coloring of the mount, and also members of our alliance, Slayers. They provided thoughts and suggestions throughout the process. Suggesting things that they liked or didn’t like. Because as an artist I’m always looking for feedback. Because it is something I don’t just want for myself, but for others. And it turned out they wanted something not so bright and cute.

Loonie: We are working on a Design a Fashion Contest, do you plan to enter that as well?

Monaka: Depends on the time I have right now, but I will try, as I do have some ideas for that too.

Loonie: Thank you for your time Monaka, and we all think the mount looks awesome!

 

Pangya Announces New Tournament

Pangya Announces New Tournament

 

Ntreev USA, a leading online game developer and publisher, announced today an all-new tournament for its popular online golf game Pangya which begins today February 16th at 5 PM PST with the registration phase.  Unlike previous tournaments, this competition is for amateur ranks and below with a chance at great prizes including Amazon gift cards up to $300 and more!
 
 
With the playing field leveled to amateur players, Pangya’s Maga Valley will surely test all of those aspiring amateur players!  The first 180 amateur rank players and below who register will face four rounds – Qualifying round, Quarter Final round, Semi-Final round and Final round – which will whittle down competitors from 180 to three battling for top prizes. 
 
Each qualifying round will also feature special in-game prizes including Tiger Comets, Time Boosters, Sweet Love Club Sets, points and more!  Top prizes in the final rounds comprise of:
– $300 Amazon Gift card for 1st place
– $200 Amazon gift card for 2nd 
– $100 Amazon Gift card for 3rd. 
 
In addition, special Luck Awards will be given out randomly to participants on conclusion of the tournament. 
 
“What’s unique about this tournament is that it’s only for amateur players and below.  The tournament levels the playing field and gives beginners a shot at taking home great prizes and recognition,” said Chris Lee, CEO at Ntreev USA.  “Pangya has something for all players, and we want our tournaments to reflect that as well.  By offering this amateur rank tournament, everyone has a chance at taking home a title!”
 
Pangya is a casual online multiplayer golf game that simulates the exciting sport of golf in an anime-inspired style with an immersive fantastical storyline. With varied landscapes from captivating desert backgrounds to lush green tropics, snowy wonderlands and more, players will find that the once peaceful island of Pangya was interrupted by evil forces that vowed to destroy the purity of Pangya’s serene nature.
 
It is finally up to the citizens of Pangya to restore it to its former glory by placing the Comet in its rightful place so that nature can be revived.
 
Players will find themselves deeply submerged into a competitive field where they will experience a surge of emotions from excitement to heart-stopping determination of putting the last critical shot amidst mystical elements such as fire-breathing dragons to save Pangya.  Players can go head to head in Tournament, Pang Battle, Team Match or Family Mode. Join Pangya and escape to paradise and swing for the heavens! 
 
Pangya is free for players to download and play. For more information on Pangya, please visit Pangya’s official website.

Pangya Event Win Prizes Golf MMO

Runes of Magic: The 6,000 Euros Challenge

Runes of Magic: The 6,000 Euros Challenge

 

Frogster is offering six lucky Runes of Magic players the chance to receive a cheque for 1,000 Euros.
 
Last week, Frogster announced the new chapter for Runes of Magic, ‘Chapter III – The Elder Kingdoms’. To celebrate this announcement, all players are invited to participate in a large-scale hunt from Monday, 15th February through to Friday, 19th February. Six chosen ones among the opponents of a mighty sorcerer who appeared today in the fantasy online game will be each rewarded with 1,000 Euros.
 
A new threat looms over Taborea. Rumours of the presence of a powerful Zurhidon mage in some of the most remote regions of the kingdom reached Varanas. The Eye of Wisdom seems to be concerned about the machinations of the dangerous character after reports of its observers: he is supposed to attack the heroes to strip them of all their runes. Yarandor, First Mage of the Eye, issued wanted posters and put a price on the head of the villain, promising the moon and the stars to the player who can defeat the dark sorcerer’s projects.
 
A new community event called ‘The 6,000 Euros Challenge’ will send players on the trail of this rising Zurhidon evil in order to face him one to one in a terrible battle. Every day until Friday, on all servers, the first player to challenge the terrible magician in a duel will be offered a bundle of items from the game’s Item Shop which will help his progression in the world of Taborea.
 
But the rewards will not only be virtual objects. Every day, Frogster will offer 1,000 Euros to one of the most courageous who manages to find and engage in a duel with the Runewalker. The winner will be randomly selected once a day amongst players from all European servers who have challenged the Zurhidon sorcerer, whether they defeat him or not. But that is not the only to win, on Friday Frogster will draw lots among the Runes of Magic accounts which have logged into the game Monday – Friday and award 1,000 Euros to the winner.
 
It is now up to players to start the hunt to find the lair of the Runewalker and to discover what his evil plans are. For more information and the terms of contest, visit the Runes of Magic official website.

Runes of Magic Win 1000 Euros Prize Event Runewalker

Order of War: Challenge

Order of War: Challenge is a multiplayer stand-alone add-on for ORDER OF WAR, packing even more intense World War II real-time strategy action. With 6 extended modes, 12 unique maps, and hundreds of units under player control Order of War: Challenge gives players a battlefield experience of epic scale.
With a focus on fast-action gameplay, and featuring exclusive bonus content, Order of War: Challenge is the ultimate way to experience online RTS gaming. With a new advanced gameplay system, Order of War: Challenge redefines combat mechanics and gives players a tense battlefield experience with plenty of room for wide-ranging tactics.

Dragon Tide Review: Bringing Old in Old School

Dragon Tide Review: Bringing Old in Old School
By Vincent Haoson (Vincenthaoson), OnRPG Journalist

 

During the heyday of old consoles, role playing games were just pixilated sprites. Those boxy looking characters you played was your portal to another world, slaying monsters, using spells and saving the day. Now, with the invention of the next gen consoles, we get to experience games that have surpassed our imaginations and the old pixilated chaps are soon forgotten. Dragon Tide, a browser game that uses that same system we grew to love and reminds us of the good ol’ days of RPGs. However, it seems that the good ol’ days should have been left in the past.

 

Where It Begins

Your character is a hero in a world where dragons have taken over. Dragon Tide, as the name suggests revolves around your journey to become stronger so that you can rid of the world of the menace of the dragons. Sounds good right? The game does have a certain flair for storytelling. The brief history of the game does bring the mood of your goal and your quest in the game however this is the only place where the game really makes you feel like part of the story.

 

Visuals

Right off the bat, Dragon Tide is a game that is not visually spectacular. You get a little sprite that symbolizes your character. The sprite you have doesn’t change regardless of the race and career class you choose, so that’s another minus point for the game. Aside from the map you don’t get any other visuals in the game. So it’s really a letdown that the only graphics you see are a pixilated character, which reminds you of the 8-bit, characters of old school RPGs.

 

Dragon Tide Zuramar

 

Gameplay and Controls

There’s nothing revolutionary in the gameplay of Dragon Tide. It has all the elements of an RPG game however in Dragon Tide everything is done in a slower pace than a lot of us would like. You control your character by clicking on the directional buttons found on the game’s interface. Your character moves inch by inch per click so it takes ages for you to get where you want to go to. The inventory and even attacks are also done by clicking on the links that are found in your main page.

 

While the controls do provide you a little nostalgia for the old RPGs, the games controls are very inconvenient. The response time between clicking the direction you want your character to move to the actual movement of your character is delayed.

 

Job Classes and Races

Dragon Tide follows the standards when it comes to its Job classes and character races. You have the standard races such as the dwarves and elves and the job classes you can find in most RPGs and MMOs. That would mean that there is nothing new going on in Dragon Tide. What you have is the same old races and the same old job class that online games have in spades. So it would really make you think twice in playing the game.

 

Mobile Playing

I would say that this is the only feature the game has that would set it above the other browser games available on the market. Being able to play the game while you’re on the go is something that browser games don’t really look into, especially those that have the same game system as Dragon Tide. I’ve tried playing the game with my PSP and it runs the same way as it runs on a computer. As I continued playing the game, it felt as if Dragon Tide is more suited for mobile playing. Of course the gameplay does not really improve when you play it on a mobile device, it just feels right. I was actually able to spend more time playing Dragon Tide in my PSP rather than my computer. Mobile playing however is not really exclusive for Dragon Tide as other games such as Travian are available as well, so it’s not really an achievement that you can play the game on a mobile device.

 

Dragon Tide Stats

 

Updates Still Being Done

The other thing that keeps the game running is the game updates. It is surprising to see that Dragon Tide has a steady stream of updates. Though it might not be too much, the constant updates show that the game is not dead. You have something to look forward to every month.

 

Conclusion

Dragon Tide is a game that is definitely at a disadvantage against other browser games of the same theme. Visually the game definitely lacks a lot of things, from the pixilated images to the lack of anything graphic in the interface. When it comes to the gameplay and controls, the game has nothing new to add to the genre. What you have is a game that takes time to play and majority of it would be due to the delay in-between actions which really defeats the purpose of the game being an RPG. 

 

The game only has the mobile device compatibility and the steady stream of updates going for it, and this really doesn’t make the game more appealing. Once the novelty of being able to play an old school RPG wears off, what is left is a bitter taste of time wasted and the question, why did you even bother. There are definitely more games out there that are worth your time. Though I must say that the game is not the worst I’ve played, it really is near the bottom of the ladder.

 

Pros:
– It has a decent storyline
– There are a variety of races that you can use
– You get to see your character moving
– You can play the game on mobile devices.

 

Cons:
– Game graphics is old
– It takes ages for you to control your character
– Game interface is dull. 

Aika Online to Enter Closed Beta Test #2 on February 24th

Aika Online to Enter Closed Beta Test #2 on February 24th

 

Gala-Net, Inc., a leading free-to-play online game publisher, has announced today its second Closed Beta Test (CBT) for Aika Online in the North American market.  The second CBT will run from February 24th through March 2nd and will allow players access to all available in-game zones, new player vs. player scenarios, and character levels 1 through 50.


Rush to level 50 Aika CBT2

Rush to level 50 in Aika CBT2

 

New and returning Aika enthusiasts alike will discover a wealth of exciting new ways to explore the world of Arcan and to interact with fellow players.  CBT #2 will feature the first ever Castle Sieges in the Western hemisphere, giving players the opportunity to fight with and against one another to achieve ultimate control over one of Aika’s five nations. 
 
The guildmaster of the strongest guild or of the leading guild in the strongest alliance in each Castle Siege will attain the rank of Lord Marshal—the position with the most political, military, and economic power in the game.  Unified under their Lord Marshals’ regimes, nations will organize and campaign as never before to clash in battles of massive scale and to plunder each others’ treasures in an expanded Relic War.

Aika Beta Test Fight

 

CBT #2 will also offer a great deal to players looking for a heightened single player experience.  New, intriguing zones and dungeons include the cloud-nestled city of Cirrugor, the eerie crags of Mt. Hessian, and the cobra-infested Tabazra Desert. 
 
Players will be able to follow the story of Aika through new twists and turns, learn higher level skill attacks, and watch as their characters’ Pran evolve into new forms.

Level Up Kill Grind Fight Aika

 

Players can look forward to engaging community and in-game events during CBT #2, just as CBT #1 featured the successful DOMINATION tournament to determine the most formidable guild in every nation.  Ignited by the fires of national pride and competitive passion, Aika players have continued to gather on the official forums to discuss battles won and lost and to plot for when they tread upon Lakia’s dynamic soil once more. 
 
The new elements of CBT #2 will only further establish Aika as a compelling, game-changing MMORPG for the ages.

 

Business Tycoon Online Opens its fourth server “Las Vegas”

Business Tycoon Online Opens its fourth server “Las Vegas”

 

Want your dreams to come true? Come to Las Vegas! Want to be rich overnight? Come to Las Vegas! Want extravagant enjoyment? Come to Las Vegas! At 8:00 am, Feb. 16, DOVOGAME will release the fourth server “Las Vegas”. Start on your adventure now!
 
 
To express their gratitude for players’ support, 7 activities will keep going on in “Las Vegas”. Grasp your chance! 
 
 
Activity 1 Three Registration Gifts
As long as they finished creating their in-game character, players will receive 50,000 TCN, a VIP Card (30 days) and a cool Motorcycle and another 50 Gratis Gold if they finish rookie tasks. Besides, in the first three days, every rookie will get up to 100 Gratis Gold in Welfare.
 
 
Activity 2 Top Rewards for Top Ranks
During the activity, the top 10 companies in “Company Ranking” will get different amount of gold according to their rankings. The top three will receive 1,000 Gold, 600 Gold and 400 Gold respectively.
 
 
Activity 3 Double Store Upgrade Points
The Store Upgrade Point increases 1 point every 2 hours rather than every 4 hours. Your business expands faster. 
 
 
Activity 4 Double Routine Rewards
Players’ rewards for finishing daily tasks doubles in the first three days after Las Vegas launched.
 
 
Activity 5 Win the Campaign in City Hall
Undoubtedly, events such as elections and impeachments will be drastically heated during this activity. As long as one succeed in keeping his position in the City Hall, the player will be rewarded various precious items including Voting Tickets, Bricks, and Medals that will bring you Revenue Bonus. 
 
 
Activity 6 Super Rewards for Guild Upgrade
To thanks for their contributions to Liberty City, Mayor Brain has prepared abundant rewards for guild presidents and their members. Upgrade the guild as soon as possible and the president and his men will probably get Bricks, Diamond Keys and other valuable gifts.
 
 
Activity 7 Luxury Company Upgrade Package
Every time he upgrades his company, a player will receive Company Upgrade Package from DOVOGAME which contains a large amount of Tycoin, Gold Contracts, Moving Companies, Loyal Employee Card, etc. All of them help you a lot. The higher grade the company goes up to, the more rewards the player gets. Don’t hesitate. Rush now.
 
 
Start your dream on Business Tycoon Online. Spend your night on “Las Vegas”. Be here at 8:00 am, Feb. 16.

Business Tycoon Online - Sailboat Hotel