Yearly Archives: 2010

LOCO: Land of Chaos Online

Developed by Danal, Land of Chaos Online is a truly next-gen MMO that features high-end graphics, a roster of 30 playable characters with unique skills and personalities, and fast-past online combat. LOCO’s unique combination of RTS, Action, and RPG elements is guaranteed to give players around the world a gaming experience unlike anything they’ve ever seen.

Mo Siang Online Review: Explosive Combat

Mo Siang Online Review: Explosive Combat
By Kei Beneza (dividelife), OnRPG Journalist

 

Looking for an MMO that looks like Dynasty Warriors with elements from Dragon Ball Z? And I thought that Cabal Online had a lot of explosions. Mo Siang is a Massively Multiplayer Online Role Playing Game (MMORPG) that takes the words ‘explosive combat’ to the next level.

 

One look and you know that it’s greatly influenced by the ancient Asian culture. The ingame fighting styles are also composed of ancient Chinese martial arts, complete with ancient weapon usage like bo staffs, twin blades and even Japanese katanas. Although the game looks a lot like a virtual derivation of the ancient Chinese mythology, it’s quite fun to see it being mixed with some ancient Japanese elements (those gate things). Nothing wrong with Hybrid concepts! Not only do your characters explode like crazy, they also fly around even though they’re practically bound to the ground like other MMOs, this looks like a pretty interesting MMO so let’s check it out.

 

A New Warrior Is Born *bows* (GONG!!!)

Unlike most MMOs Mo Siang does NOT respect the basics of character archetypes, instead immersing players into a whole new form of character customization (technically, your weapon type IS your class). After typing in your in-game name and filling up other details, you’ll be taken to the character details interface where you must choose between a few hairstyles and faces to further personalize your character. It lacks selection at some points and may even lead to countless clones; still, I’m quite thankful that the game was nice enough to let us personalize our characters at all. Ok Leo you get the katana… you sure you don’t want the bow?

 

 

Mo Siang Busy

 

Instead of sharing the common archetype feature, the game lets you customize your own class. During the character creation phase, you’ll have to choose which weapon to use. This is merely your start up weapon and does not limit you from using other weapons later in the game. Choosing your weapon is almost the same as choosing your class. Each weapon is enhanced by a certain stat so you tend to have fewer weapon options as your character gets stronger. For example: The spear is the best weapon for splash damage wielders and is enhanced by your STR stat. Once you grow proficient with the spear, you might have some trouble using the bows since it uses the DEX stat. You can raise both stats in order to use both weapons but you won’t be as proficient with each as those who just went through with a single weapon.

 

As for the skills, you can always choose the linear path to success, meaning you’ll be seeing a single skill tree till the end. Hybrid-ing is rather fun in this game due to the non premade character system. What really sucks though is that hybrid characters always end up being weaker than pure classes, the same way hybrid weapon users are weaker than pure ones (so I guess it’s not fun on the long run).

 

Leveling

I have to admit, I was pretty confused when I started leveling since the game had two experience bars. Two? What the hell do we need two for? It then occurred to me that the second exp bar was the games way of making it easier for the players. The second experience bar represents your extra stats. You gain extra stat points whenever you level this on this bar so that should makes things faster for you. The first one is your average MMO experience point bar that levels you up once it is filled. The game is stat based so you might want to think about how to build your character thoroughly, especially since a dead ended weak veteran character is worse than a slow paced newbie. Check your stats and make a good draft of what you want your character to be, so as not to end up like those who hit for thousands but can’t survive to do get their first swing.

 

Mo Siang Combat Leveling

 

More grinding! Great!

One thing I really didn’t like about this game is the Skill grinding system. Your skills don’t really hit harder nor power up when you level. Instead, you have to use them repetitively in order to make them level up. I’ve encountered this system in RF online and it pissed me off at times. Sure there’s nothing better than disregarding the attack button for skill spamming but sometimes, it gets pretty dull when you HAVE to do it just to get stronger.

 

Graphics and Visuals

The graphics are nothing new though, and are similar to that of Cabal Online. The explosions are just terrific as it spreads through your screen, especially when you have a lot of characters performing them at once. The map is not really that big but definitely bigger than Cabal Online’s <_<. You’ll be going through some diverse terrains which get old after hours of gameplay, though I think most MMOs suffer the same fate. The characters are mainly simple and do not posses anything out of the ordinary. The armor sets look terrific but not as flashy as most games. Perhaps they were trying to keep the sense of realism, which won’t do them any good since we know than the flashier the armor, the better the characters look. Aesthetic-wise, this game doesn’t have much to offer, but the elements do work well together so it’s not that bad (just not so good either).

 

Mo Siang Picnic

 

The verdict

When it comes to explosive combat, I’ve yet to see anything that WHACKS things as hard as this game. Intense combat IS one of the key features to any MMO, and when it comes to that, this game doesn’t lack anything. The music isn’t as invigorating as other MMO BGMS since it lacks the adrenaline to keep up with the action packed combat system. My PC however has a music player so I guess I can improvise. The lack of archetypes doesn’t seem to slow this game down one bit as it lets players immerse themselves further into the aspect of character creation. Hybrid builds may lack on certain parts but it just goes to prove how many more builds players can discover. Instances and Giant bosses are pretty hard to resist so I guess that’s a big plus in my book. All in all, the game is quite amazing! If you’re looking for an MMO that caters nonstop skill butchering, this is it.

 

The good:
– Deep character creation system
– Well rendered skills and environments
– Presentation (it just looks terrific)
– The game is quite lenient when it comes to acquiring stats
– Fast paced gameplay.

 

The bad:
– Lack of character design options
– Graphics are a bit outdated
– Skill grinding gets old over time
– Hybrid builds aren’t recommended (so expect more skilled clones)

Port Galaxy

Port Galaxy is a MMOG based on a virtual space port.  The space port is located in the Milky Way Galaxy and is called “Port Galaxy”.  It is the most widely-used space port in the entire galaxy.  The space port itself has unlimited living quarters, and the ability to travel through space.  It moves to new locations in the galaxy about once a month. 
 
On Port Galaxy you will get the chance to create unique characters, and meet “people” from all over the galaxy.  You will find merchants to trade with, friends from other planets, cool clothes and items from around the galaxy, and you can even create your own personal room.  With so many possibilities, port galaxy can not simply be viewed as a Virtual World- it is a Virtual Galaxy!
 
We try to please the inhabitants of Port Galaxy by creating a fun, safe environment, with many unique and cool features!  One big feature at Port Galaxy is the events!  Virtual Events will occur which will allow you to play mini-games, or collect unique items and clothes.  Event-based mini-games such as an Asteroid-Shooter will show up if the space port enters into a Asteroid belt, or meteor shower.  During these events you will have a chance to compete with each other for high scores, and prizes! 
 
Once a month you will get the opportunity to travel to a nearby planet, where you will find unique items, private rooms themed to the planet you visited, and much more!  The items on planets will be only available for a short time, however the public rooms will always be available via the space ports Virtual Reality Hub!  We also value your safety, and want to help you protect your character and items. 
 
Every person aboard Port Galaxy will be able to set a pin # for their inventory, and also have the option to enter the # before a trade. The pin # will only be recoverable by a staff member, and we can guarantee your items will be safe! 
 
You will also be able to collect ships (space-ships), which are used as two things.  The exterior view of your spaceship is used as a profile for your account!  You can decorate your ships with graffiti, stickers, and also change the docking area.  You will be able to pick what ship you want displayed as well.  Even better, the ships will also be Private Rooms for the owner.  The ship rooms will always remain locked, however if you are the owner you can invite friends, or allow people to enter.

War Rock Interview: Everyone in Attention Sir!

War Rock Interview: Everyone in Attention Sir!
Questions by Vincent Haoson
Answered by Jon-Enée “Neume” Merriex Producer for GamersFirst

 

War Rock is one of the many MMOFPS games out in the market right now and with stiff competition means that you have to pull out all the stops to stay on top. War Rock has been stayed in the forefront of the genre. We got the opportunity to knock at Gamers Firsts door and ask how are they doing it and also of the game’s future plans for players in 2010.

 

OnRPG: Thank you for taking the time for this interview. Could you introduce yourself first of all, please?
Hi, I’m Jon-Enée “Neume” Merriex, the producer of Shooters for GamersFirst. What that basically means is GamersFirst pays me to play my favorite shooters all day, Just kidding J. In reality I am in charge of setting and implementing the strategic vision for Parabellum, War Rock and our future Shooter titles, or as I like to call it “herd kittens”.

 

OnRPG: The start of the new year ushers in a lot of things for War Rock, how has the game fared thus far and what can you say about the game’s situation when 2010 started?
We’re looking good right now. We have made major inroads against cheaters and have much more on that front to come in the next few weeks. Additionally, we recently hit our highest concurrent users so everything is looking good. War Rock is about to celebrate its 3rd Anniversary in February so we really don’t have much to complain about.

 

OnRPG: Will you be starting any big events for January and February? 
Oh yes, we have some big stuff planned for February. Beginning Friday, January 29th and leading up to our 3rd Anniversary on February 4th, 2010, we are giving away a free retail code everyday on our Facebook Fan Page and our Twitter page.

 

Our 3rd Anniversary Celebration begins on February 4th, 2010 and kicks off with a live broadcast on XFire where we’ll be showing off details on our next major content patch which includes the release of Siege War. Siege War is a new progressive game mode with destructible environments. Siege War Update is set to launch in February as well.

 

On February 5th we’ll begin our Annual Winter Olympics sponsored by the good people at PlaySpan. We have 8 great events players will battle through; all hosted by our Game Master (GM) team. This year we’re trying something new and will be live broadcasting on XFire the whole time with me (Neume) hosting chat live on XFire during the events. We’ll be giving out special prizes on our XFire chat including PlaySpan gifts, Retail Codes, special weapons and MORE!

 

Finally we’re going to have a huge sale on GamersFirst! We’re introducing a new series of cosmetic items called “Top Gun”. These change the appearance of Fighter Jets when equipped by the player. We’re also going to be offering a host of our best selling items for $1 as well as releasing a brand new Premium Package I think players are really going to love.

 

Sink the Hamina

Special Missions Available

 

OnRPG: What’s the mostly used map right now in War Rock? Why do you think players like using that map?
That one’s easy, Marien. The big reason is because of the map size. It’s a nice size and allows you to start the room with few players as well as the fact that it has an interesting mix of cover, leverage and elevation. It feels right for all of our classes where other maps are more focused on just 2 or 3 classes.

 

OnRPG: How about the missions? Is Death match still the most preferred mode of battle in War Rock? Why do you think so?
I think Death match remains popular because it is the more straight-forward game style. Kill other players and win! Not much to that. Free-For-All is popular as well but it isn’t always as satisfying when you want to team up with your friends and take out some n00bs.

 

OnRPG: What’s the most used service branch as of now for 2010? Why do you think players preferred using that branch among others?
Assault and Medics are the most common branches by far. The Heavy and Engineer are limited in what weapons they can use in Close Quarters Combat, which in turn makes it very popular. The Sniper on the other hand has some great tools but needs a lot of good cover which isn’t always available. Add that to the fact the Assault has the largest weapon selection and the Medic can heal herself (and her allies) and you can see why they are the most played.

 

OnRPG: With two MMOFPS games under one game distributor isn’t it a problem that you get to go against another game under one roof?
I don’t think it’s a problem at all. There are a lot of companies that offer similar products under different brands. Procter & Gamble is a perfect example of that. Take a look at their website and it’s a varitable who’s who of successful brands many of whom are in the same field. Zest, Ivory, Olay; Gillette, Braun; Tag, Dolce & Gabana the list goes on.

 

We see it the same way. Currently we’re fielding War Rock and Parabellum. We’re in the process of signing several more shooter titles as well. I think War Rock and Parabellum are VASTLY different games and our new titles have their own twist on the Shooter concept as well. I don’t think they will even be competition for each other and if they are, good. That means we’re putting out games that are really moving the genre forward.

 

GM Game

Special Environments

 

OnRPG: What steps have you taken in making sure that War Rock is totally different from the other MMOFPS games out there?
To be honest, nothing. War Rock is a unique game by design not type, there is little that we need to do to differentiate it from other games. No other title on the market has the range of gameplay, the host of weapons, vehicles and equipment and diversity of movement that War Rock has. Not to mention the fact that we let players from all over the world play together on our International servers. You can’t find that anywhere and you especially can’t get it for a better price than we’re offering: Free.

 

OnRPG: What gameplay alternatives can War Rock provide for players who are looking for something different in their MMOFPS experience?
Really it’s all about offering players the ability to play Counter Strike one moment and Battlefield the next all without changing games, that’s something you won’t find in Combat Arms or CrossFire. We have monthly updates that bring new maps, vehicles, weapons and more which is something you can’t get with Counter Strike and Battlefield. Finally we have a huge GM team that is constantly running events and logging in to kill… err play with our community.

 

OnRPG: Do you plan on including more weapons in the game’s armory? Are the new weapons strictly for people who pay g1 credits or will you be including new-in-game currency only weapons?
YES! We’re constantly looking at new weapons and vehicles to add to the game. We have a huge list of weapons players have suggested and are going to be working our way through them this year. Last year we focused a lot on new maps. With over 50 maps now, we are switching gears and focusing more on customization options (including a new costume system coming this Spring) and weapons. So player should be ready to see a LOT of those.

 

OnRPG: How big is the in-game community now in War Rock? Will you be planning any live events for players anytime soon? Can you give us an idea what possible events do you have in mind?
We have a big community with over 10 Million registered accounts and over 20 servers worldwide. So we’ve got a ton of people to play against. As I said earlier we even allow players to play other players across the Atlantic on our International Server.

 

As far as live events go, we have weekly GM events. The GM team spends a lot of time in game banning cheaters and running events. We also have our major events like the Winter Olympics happening February 5th. Many of those events are similar to what athletes experience on the ground at the Olympics… but with a War Rock flare.

 

OnRPG: Is the community big enough so that you can eventually make clan wars? If not, what would be the factors that you will have to consider into starting them?
We are in the process of releasing (or I should say re-releasing) our Clan System. This should be released in beta in February. This is a part of a bigger retail expansion due out this Spring War Rock: Clan Warfare. We’ve been very busy behind the scenes making sure we get this clan system right. We’re also preparing to react to our communities needs in the beta and add or adjust features until it’s ready to go live.

 

We’re REALLY excited about the new Clan System and our new world-wide retail expansion War Rock: Clan Warfare. We’ll have many more details to share in the near future.

 

OnRPG: Will players be expecting new service branches coming out this year? Can you tell us the possible branches that may be included in the roster?
At the moment we’ve determined that we’re going to wait on the new Branches. Dream Execution (the developer) is considering this and actually working on it, but we think that should be good stuff to delve into for our 4th or 5th Anniversary. This year, we want to round out the classes we have. Add a bunch of new weapons, vehicles and game modes like Siege War.

 

OnRPG: Are there any patches that players should look forward to this year? Can you give us a bit of a teaser on what possible changes that may occur?
We’ll so far I’ve spilled the beans on our Siege War update and the War Rock: Clan Warfare retail expansion. What else do you want from me?!?! LOL. There is a lot more I suppose. We’ve got several new game modes on the horizon including Capture the General, Hero Mode and more maps with Conquest Mode and Siege War Mode.

 

OnRPG: What’s in Store for War Rock players in the coming weeks?
Come celebrate our 3rd Anniversary with us. There’ll be punch and pie! February 4th – March 8th!

 

OnRPG: Thank you for answering the questions for us!
Thanks for having me. If you want to see the regular updates on War Rock stay in touch with our Facebook and Twitter pages (@WarRock).

Oversoul Review: There’s More Behind It

Oversoul Review: There’s More Behind It
By Vincent Haoson (Vincenthaoson), OnRPG Journalist

 

Oversoul is a 3D oriental game set in a world where there are two warring clans, the Drakhans and the Tantheons. Your part in all of this is to become one of the strongest warriors of your tribe and bring glory and honor to your clan.

 

Oriental meets gaming

Right from the get-go you are welcomed into an oriental themed MMO. The game uses a watercolor style in its visuals. This style is reminiscent of the watercolor style paintings you would see at places that have a heavy oriental theme.The game’s background music, audio and even the sprites also bring about the semi-authentic feel that you are in a mystical place somewhere in Asia.

 

The problem with the game in terms of looks is that if you have already been bombarded by F2Ps (free-to-play games) that have a more concrete and distinct look, Oversoul would look drab and poorly made. It would also take someone who is very familiar with Eastern style of art to fully appreciate how the game looks.

 

Oversoul Looks

Graphics in Oversoul

 

When it comes to the game’s audio, Oversoul is not immune to the audio problem F2Ps usually have. The game’s soundtrack becomes redundant because there is a lack of variation to the game’s BGM. After playing the game for about half a day, you would rather mute the game’s BGM and would prefer to play your mp3s instead.

 

Job Classes

Like most MMOs, Oversoul uses the standard job classes you usually find. You have the melee character with the warrior and the necromancer meanwhile you have the ranged attacker with the Wizards and you have the hybrid job class of both melee and range with the guardians.

 

The Necromancer in Oversoul is the one class exclusively unique in the game. People who are familiar to the title necromancer in games would often think of characters that carry skulls and uses wands to summon the undead. Well, Oversoul blew past that stereotype and made its own.

 

The Necromancer without the dead

The most obvious difference Necromancers in Oversoul have is that they’re the melee type. They’re preferred weapon of choice is the fan and the eastern version of a harp. Necromancers in Oversoul still retain the concept that they’re also magic users however, in Oversoul their magic is more of the status ailments and of offensive skills.

 

Admittedly, I was surprised with Oversoul’s version of the Necromancer; I was expecting a dark character, with skulls and bones summoning undead creatures to do my bidding. What I got instead was a character that looks like a girl and who uses fans and string instruments to dish out major damage.

 

Though I did not really like that the job class title misled me to believe on the stereotyped concept of a Necromancer, I do like Oversouls version of it. I liked the idea of going past the preconceived idea of a necromancer and totally giving a job class that revolutionizes the art of fighting fashionably.

 

Double Weapon Goodness

Oversoul has a Diablo-like weapon system where you can switch your weapons with just a press of a button. Each weapon has a different skill set and you can switch between weapons in combat. Therefore adding more mixes in your move list which would be helpful against higher leveled monsters.

 

I like the idea of mixing and matching the different moves set per job class. This gives you more time to think where you should allocate the skill points you earn as you level. Plus, this removes the idea that Oversoul is just another mindless I-press-a-button-I-win type of MMO.

 

The ability to use two different weapons gives the game a more complex approach in the weapons and attack system. This coincides with the game’s adherence to skill-based gameplay.

 

Stats and Skills

Oversoul does not give you the power to allocate points to your character’s stats. The growth of your stats is determined by the job class of your character. That is why it is important that you are sure what kind of gameplay you would be using in the game or you could end up choosing a class which does not fit your gaming style. 

 

Stats

Next to regular gameplay, you can also play mini-games!

 

Oversoul is a skill-based MMO. So basically it means that the one thing which separates your character from the rest would be how you play. This would mean that the game lacks the customization options for your character. This would also mean that everybody is basically on equal footing because there are no “ultimate builds”, which if you look at it is a good thing.

 

Unique Game Features

Oversoul has a lot of unique game features aside from the Necromancer class. One example is that there is an NPC of Divination. For a fee your player can get buffs from the NPC, providing you an increase in stats, drop rates and so on and so forth. You can only do this once a day.

 

Another feature of Oversoul is that it has fishing. You can fish in the pond in your town or outside while you are leveling. Fishing provides you an alternative gold source and even provides you food for your character. Speaking of food, your characters can starve in Oversoul. This is another feature where if your characters hunger reaches zero, your stats decrease, affecting your character’s effectiveness in battle.

 

 

Omok Mini Game

Omok mini-game in Oversoul

 

Aside from the mentioned game features, Oversoul also has two mini-games that you can play with other people. They’re called Omok and Reverse. In Omok, your goal is to make as many lines that are composed of 5 pieces of either black or white in the board, while Reverse is like Othello where you have to make as many pieces of your enemies color into your own on a 8×8 board.

 

Leveling

When you start Oversoul, leveling is really easy. However, as with most F2Ps this is another grind fest especially if your character goes past the level 30 mark. The game does however make up for it by providing premium items that help you level and quests that you can do to give you that experience boost you need.

 

Conclusion

For a free-to-play game, Oversoul does provide a lot of game time for players. Surprisingly, the game’s features are also addictive even if they’re simple. The game has a lot to offer especially right now as it has just gone commercial.

 

So things can still go better or they can go worse for the game. However, as of right now I can say that the game does look good, especially if you want to have that semi-authentic oriental feel for the game. If you want a game that has a lot of nifty features that can take you away from the level grind then Oversoul is the game for you, however if you want something more out of your F2Ps there are far better games you can play.

 

Pros:
– The game has a lot of features that you can spend time on
– It provides the semi-authentic oriental experience in games
– The Necromancer class blows the stereotype away.

 

Cons:
– This is a level grinding game
– You would find the game theme to be dull
– Some of the mini-games would need another person to play with, which is hard to find.

Next chapter of Runes of Magic to appear in May

Next chapter of Runes of Magic to appear in May

 

Frogster today announced that it will serve up the third chapter of Runes of Magic, titled ‘The Elder Kingdoms’ this May. Players can expect a new continent with unexplored regions, dungeons, a new skill system and an increase in the level cap to 60. Guild wars in the game will also be expanded with the addition of siege weapons.
 
‘Chapter III – The Elder Kingdoms’ will take players to a newly rediscovered continent. Here the old kingdom of Dalanis lies in chaos and turmoil with plotters scheming behind the throne of the child-king Callaway. Little remains of the old glory of the ruling dynasty from the time of the legendary King Kalume. In total desperation, the people long for the return of the old heroes. So now it is down to all brave adventurers to support the young regent and bring order to the chaos.
 
Level 55 and above adventurers will be able to take their first steps into a kingdom full of intrigue and uprisings when they enter the ‘Thunderhoof Hills’, the first territory in the ‘The Elder Kingdoms’.
 
This is where a new zone concept comes into play in Runes of Magic. The design template for the new continent has moved away from closed, themed territories and has evolved into extensive, versatile and varied landscapes. So players who journey to the ‘Thunderhoof Hills’ will first enter the forests and pass by waterfalls and then enter one of the three new cities to trade and meet other players. Within the same zone, players can explore a mystery shrouded graveyard of long dead kings. One of the new instances, the ‘Dungeon of Dalanis’, leads adventurers into the world of shadows beneath the ‘Thunderhoof Hills’. Here terrors lurk that are of such a dreadful nature they can only be overcome by utilizing every power from your group.
 
The history of the old kingdoms of Runes of Magic will be told in Chapter III through many new quests. Level 55 and above adventurers will become familiar with a new skill system where they can select from a pool of special abilities which will then be available to them in combat. There will also be plenty of opportunities to try out these new abilities in the new chapter, including in conflicts with other guilds.
 
‘The Elder Kingdoms’ also expands on the existing opportunities which guilds have to equip their castles with new buildings. Rival guilds will also be able to lay their hands on siege weapons. Quests for whole player communities, Player vs. Player rankings and reward systems, as well as a new battlefield – the ‘Tyrefen Mountains’ – bring additional depth to the PvP game. Three further mini-games have also been built into the game.
 
Frogster is already releasing some initial content from the third chapter in the run-up to launch in May. A zone from the new continent, as well as various opportunities for guilds to upgrade their castles, will be released in April to get people geared up for the official launch. Runes of Magic ‘Chapter III – The Elder Kingdoms’ will be a free download and free-to-play.
 
 
Polish language version on the starting blocks – Frogster is also continuing the  localization of Runes of Magic and the Polish open beta begins on 16th February. The official release date in Poland is 2nd March.

New Chapter Release Runes of Magic

Zodiac Online Interview: How Is Your Kung Fu?

Zodiac Online Interview: How Is Your Kung Fu?
Questions by Vincent Haoson, OnRPG Journalist
Answered by GM Blackout

 

With its open beta stage just a few hours away, we here on OnRPG got a chance to talk with GM Blackout on the current status of Zodiac Online’s test operations especially after going through a lot of closed beta stages.

 

OnRPG: Thank you for having this interview with us. Could you introduce yourself, please?
It’s my pleasure. I’m GM Blackout, also the Media Relations Officer for Zodiac Online.

 

OnRPG: Without any new or updates coming from your site, we’d like to know if the game is still in its final closed beta stage? If it is how is the game faring now? (alternative question-if its not when will OBT begin?)
The game is still in its final closed beta phase. It’s getting better every day, now the server is going to be over crowded. I think it’s time to launch Open-beta along with another new server. Open-beta will open on PST 00:00 Feb. 10th.

 

OnRPG: Has the game’s current status reached your expectations on how it will be welcomed? Why or why not?
I’m very glad to tell you that yes the game’s current status has reached our expectations, the population on the Closed-beta server has not stopped growing up until now. But anyway this is only a temporary achievement; it’s not the time for us to become overly proud. In the coming Open-beta, we’ll set many new goals for ourselves to reach. I think if some day our game is well-known by almost all game fans, then that will be the right time for us to celebrate.

 

 

Zodiac Chinese Market

Busy market in Zodiac Online

 

OnRPG: Zodiac Online seems to be heavenly inspired by the Chinese zodiac-what other things that people don’t usually know about in the Chinese zodiac that you incorporated into the game?
Zodiac Signs are 12 animal signs representing 12 years in a cycle. In China, every person has a sign, the sign goes with their birth year. Sometimes the zodiac signs are used as signs in Chinese horoscopes, people may divine their luck or fate on their love, career or friendship.

 

OnRPG: How deeply ingrained is the Chinese zodiac and the Chinese horoscope culture in the game systems in Zodiac Online? Why go to such lengths?
Players in Zodiac Online play as a zodiac envoy from the heaven that are about to be sent to the mortal world. Players can choose a character from the 24 characters of 12 zodiac signs (12 males and 12 females). In some days, the characters of a certain zodiac sign will be lucky (having a bigger success chance than usual in many events that has a success rate) and others will be unfortunate. This is called the Zodiac System. Besides, in the beginning of the game, all players will receive a zodiac pet from a quest. The pet, of course, is the animal of his/her zodiac sign. But don’t worry, the pets can be traded so you still can get any pet you want. As you can see, the zodiac signs are involved in the game but it never restricts players too much. We think this is the best way.

  

New Character Zodiac Online

Creating a new character

 

OnRPG: Do you think this theme can appeal to the western culture especially to those who have no idea about the Chinese zodiacs or even Chinese culture for that matter? Why do you think so?
Since many western cultural elements can attract eastern people a lot, we don’t worry about this. We’re sure the reverse is as valid a theory! Generally speaking, unknown things may arouse people’s curiosity more easily, especially the zodiac signs which are very interesting and entertaining. 

 

OnRPG: What do you think is Zodiac Online’s edge against the numerous MMORPGs out there right now?
It’s not a real-time game like most of the other MMOs you can find nowadays but a turn-based one instead. You don’t have to decide what to do in battles in a hurry. So I think most players even those who don’t have any experience on playing games can handle this game easily. Also there’re many interesting features like the marriage system and video chat function. And you can hold a Chinese style wedding ceremony with your in-game fated love and even video-chat with him/her to see the real face. That sounds very interesting, doesn’t it?

 

Road Zodiac Online

The crossroad

 

OnRPG: What do you think is the game’s main attraction for players both in the east and the west?
The game has colorful graphics and cute cartoon characters; you know this appeals to everybody. This is just on the surface of the game that attracts all players. Furthermore, the game has a complex but exciting growing equipment system without wasting lower level equipments when your level goes up; and a very big pet taming/evolving system. Do you know that the pets in Zodiac Online have their own skills, stat points and even their own equipment? I don’t think it’s a common feature among all MMOs nowadays. It’s hard to say what the main attraction is, because there’re too many big attractions.

 

OnRPG: One of the game’s unique system is the fate system-how integrated is this fate system to the Zodiac Online’s overall gameplay?
This system informs you of the compatibility between you and the person running by. This is a clue for you to find out your fated friends, opponents and even your pre-life love. This system does not affect the gameplay much, but it’s a nice, fun feature..

 

Order Fighter Zodiac

Give orders in combat

 

OnRPG: Zodiac Online also has a pet system-is this game’s pet system more important to the player’s overall gameplay or can players just forgo the pets and play their characters without one? Why?
Trust me the pet system in Zodiac Online is great. Like I’ve said, pets can have their own skills, stat points and equipments. So they’re not only pets but also your good partners. Players can control every move of their pets, so if you have a pet, you can do 2 things in a turn in battles instead of only 1 all by yourself without a pet. I’m very sure that the pets play a very important part in Zodiac Online, you can’t handle the game without one. Besides, the pets can evolve into generation 2 pets at level 30, and evolve into generation 3 pets at level 60. You even have a chance to get an advanced or rare gene. 3 pet. These kinds of gene. 3 pets will be very powerful and attractive. I’m sure other players will envy you a lot if you have a rare one.

 

OnRPG: How integrated are pets to Zodiac Online’s gameplay?
Pets can help players to fight with mobs in battles and heal players. Actually they’re just like good partners that always stand in front of you to protect you. Also you can set a pet booth to sell stuff in cities and villages when you need to go out. You don’t need to stay near the booth to look after it.

 

 Pet Panel Zodiac

The Pet Panel and Talents

 

OnRPG: Upon character creation you are asked to choose what aptitude your character has-how is this connected to Zodiac Online’s gameplay? 
Different aptitudes have different advantages and penalties. For example if a player chooses the D&H aptitude, he/she will get more Defense and Hit Points after gaining a level at a price of getting less Hit Rate and Magical Attack. Obviously this aptitude is designed for tanks. And the M&M aptitude stands for Magical Attack and Magical Defense, it is a mage/healer type. You’ll gain more Magical Attack and Magical Defense but less Hit Points and Physical Defense. As you can see, aptitudes are class-oriented but never a real restriction. You can choose D&H aptitude but learn healing skills to be a steely healer. Everything’s up to you, everyone can use their imaginations to create their own build-ups.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            

 

OnRPG: What does it mean that there is no class limitation in Zodiac Online? Can you be more detailed on how aptitude is connected with this?
In Zodiac Online we only have aptitudes which are class-oriented but not real class limitations. In other games if you choose to be a warrior then maybe you can never cast a spell, also mages will never have high defense and high hit points. But in Zodiac Online the situation is totally different. Aptitude choices, skill choices and stat point allocations are free and independent. Like I’ve said above, players can choose a D&H aptitude which is designed for tanks, but learn healing skills. Such a healer has a relatively high physical defense and hit points at a price of having less healing effects and magical defense. Comparing with common healers with M&M aptitude, this healer will be strong against a physical attacker but may be a little weak against mages. Maybe you can say in Zodiac Online we have unlimited numbers of different classes. Your combination goes with your imagination. Besides, when you’re tired of your current build-up, you just need to reset your stat points and skills to create a totally new character in another “Class” instead of making another new character and re-gaining the levels again.

 

OnRPG: Can you explain to us the Horoscope system in the game? Is this connected to the actual horoscope in real life or is it all just within the game’s borders?
This system is not open yet, but I still can tell something about it. I think the horoscope system is only within the game’s borders since the horoscopes are done basing on your chosen zodiac sign and something else. The horoscope will be weekly, if a player has a very good fortune (Rank A) in this week he will receive a very good gift sent by the system after a thanks to the Fairy of Wish. Different things will happen to players at different fortune ranks.

 

OnRPG: Will you be including new features to the game once the game goes into commercial release? Why or why not?
I can’t say too much about how the game will be in its commercial release, because we’re still planning and designing new things. All we’re supposed to do right now is to bring our players a successful Open-beta. I think I can answer this question well when the commercial release comes.

 

Bride Zodiac

Of course: cute valentine’s day events!

 

OnRPG: What’s in store for Zodiac Online in the weeks ahead?
The biggest coming feature is the Character Marriage System. If a player find his/her fated love (maybe the one he/she loved in pre-life?) and they want to stay together in the game, they can marry each other. However, the marriage won’t go very smoothly because, there’re many demons in the mortal world in the game, demons never believe in faithful love, they only like cute girls. Some demon may try to take the bride away from the groom, so players will be asked dash to across through a maze and defeat the demon to complete their marriage. That will be the time for the groom to show the bride how true his love is. After the demon is beaten up, players can hold a Chinese style wedding ceremony. Besides, in Open-beta we’ll set the maximum available level from 60 to 70, followed by many new elements like new quests, new mobs, new maps, new equipments etc.

 

OnRPG: Thank you for your time!
Not a problem. You’re welcome to chat with us any time!