Yearly Archives: 2010

Here Comes a New Challenger! Conquer Online’s Monk Interview

Here Comes a New Challenger! Conquer Online’s Monk Interview
Questions by Vincent Haoson, OnRPG Journalist
Answered by Chief Game Designer Peter

 

Conquer Online is currently setting itself up for a brand new sixth class, the Monk. So to give you guys more insight in this new class we here at OnRPG asked the people of Conquer Online on what’s what with the monk.


OnRPG: Hello and thank you for giving us the time to talk with you guys! I know you’re all busy with the upcoming Monk class, but can you give us a brief introduction on this new class coming to Conquer Online?

Stemming from ancient China, the concept of the Kung-fu wielding Monk was first inspired by the legendary Shaolin Monastery, which has always been considered a sacred and powerful order in the oriental world. It’s a sacred class of monk with strong spiritual powers (also known as Chi Kung) and fighting abilities. They can assist you in battle by giving your teammates various extra attributes, while still being able to duke it out with other fighters.

 

Conquer Online Dragon Flame

 

OnRPG: What changes will the Monk class bring in terms of gameplay, once it becomes live in the game?

First of all, of course our players get the chance to try a new class and have a totally different gameplay experience. We have to say, a skilled Monk would be a great back-line supporter, and would greatly enhance your teamwork. It should definitely make group PKing more engaging and fun. That’s probably the biggest benefit a team could receive!


OnRPG: Where is the monk categorized in terms of classes? Is it more of a tanker, nuker, support or healer, since it seems that the class seems to be covering a little bit of everything?

The Monk is a very special profession. It’s different from any other melee class in CO.  It’s a perfect combination of skilled hand-to-hand combat and back-line support.  The Auras can help keep your other fighters in the game, while still being able to take out a few of their own! And the ability to stop the fallen enemies from coming back quickly can turn the tide of the hardest battle.

 

OnRPG: Will the class be complicated to use?

Playing with them won’t be complicated at all! We want the skills to be simple and practical for the users. Monks have their own combat skills, just like the Trojan’s Fast Blade and Hercules, so they can go for the straight and powerful attack style. With these skills, they could be a great damage dealer. They have some different Auras, as well, which add various attributes on the teammates so their attack or defense will be enhanced, or to remove hurtful curses.


OnRPG: Would this mean that the Monk class is for the more advanced users and veterans of the game? Or are Monks better suited for newer players?

Well, actually, I prefer to say that Monks are for people with friends. If you want to help your teammates but you don’t happen to have the greatest gear, then Monk is your best choice. It’s suitable for all kinds of players, not just any one particular group.

 

OnRPG: Are Monks more of a lone wolf class, or are they more suited for sticking with parties?

I think Monks are more suited for parties, than for going out on their own. Their magical auras help add various buffs on teammates, so a lot of their greatest benefits would be overlooked. Could they take on the world by themselves?  Sure, but isn’t it better to rule the world with a few friends?

 

Conquer Online Monk

 

OnRPG: How will Monks fare in PvP?

Almost everyone worries about new classes being OP. The Monk is a class with comprehensive abilities, but that doesn’t mean it will be overpowered. Many of its skills are designed for teamplay, so it’s more geared towards more group based objectives. Besides, we believe the arrival of the Monk will work towards balancing out the classes, a bit. For example, the Ninja’s Toxic Fog will be counteracted by the Monk’s abilities, which will mean some of those Ninja’s out there will need to work out some new strategies!


OnRPG: What kind of skills will the Monk class have? Can you give some of the exact skills that Monks will have?

The Monk’s skills can be divided into 3 types. The first is combat skills, like Whirlwind Kick. It’s a powerful kick that sends a spinning whirlwind out from the caster and hits within a certain range. It has pretty good damage, which makes it a pretty cool and powerful skill to have. The second type is mainly about healing and support. Take the Tyrant Aura, for example. Once activated, all your teammates’ critical strike rates will be increased immediately, which would be very helpful in group PK battles. The last type is pretty special, as they’re used on your opponents. You get skills like the Soul Shackle, which will immobilize the soul of a dead opponent and prevent them from reviving.

 

OnRPG: What form of weapons, armor and equipment will Monks be able to use?

The Monk will have their own class specific items, like a Frock and Monk’s Cap, while Prayer Beads are their only weapon. The Monk looks more like a bare-handed Kung Fu master, rather than the portly friars of English lore. Far more fitting to a game about combat, wouldn’t you say?

 

OnRPG: What separates Conquer Online’s Monk class from the other Monk class of other MMORPGs?

The Monk is a master of the power of “Chi”, which controls the five elements: metal, wood, water, fire and earth. We also made some special effects on its physical motions and animations, to make it look more unique than the other melee classes, in-game. I think what sets it apart more, is that it’s more about the group benefits, rather than having a muscle-bound brawler class.

 

Conquer Online PK


OnRPG: What made you guys decide to make a Monk class in the game, since you already have five (Trojan, Taoist, Ninja, Warrior, Archer) in your class roster?

Our players love oriental culture, and that’s one of the reasons why they chose to play our game. And they like to experience different types of classes, so they can have more ways to play how they really want to, which is one of our hopes to include more of. We’d like to offer as many playable options as possible, so there are more possibilities in our game for our players to enjoy how they like. We’ve done quite a bit of research after the release of the Ninja, and we believe the Monk is something that they will really enjoy.

 

OnRPG: What can you say is the biggest advantage Monks will have against the other classes in the game?

Like I’ve just mentioned, the Monk is a very helpful class. As long as it stays in a team, it will be able to boost the effectiveness of the team. It plays a vital role in PVE battles, especially when confronted with the bigger bosses. It will enhance teamwork by forcing them to keep more of an eye on teammates, and apply the various attributes at the right times. That can spell the difference between getting wiped, and sitting around TC bragging about how you survived to get that last shot in.

 

OnRPG: Where did you base the Monk class as you were developing it? Do you have specific inspirations for the creation?

Well, the decision to add a new profession was made right after the release of the Ninja, our first new class, back in 2008. Considering the Ninja is a specialized class to play solo, we wanted to make a new class which could bring people together. This class should be very Chinese, and since we are a PVP MMO, it would be better to have a martial arts character. One that is benevolent and merciful, but seen in legends as being the ultimate warrior. Considering all these factors, we finally had the right image, and that is the Kung Fu Monk.

 

OnRPG: What’s in store for Conquer Online players, once the Monk class becomes live?

We hope with the arrival of the new class, players will find more of what they enjoyed when they started; the fun of playing with others. It will certainly change up how people are doing Guild Wars, not to mention making more runs against bosses and enemy groups.

 

Conquer Online Legends Return

 

OnRPG: Can you tell us what you guys will be working on after the new class comes out?

We are currently working on the Achievement System, which contains lots of different achievement goals that cover almost every aspect of gameplay. These self-contained goals will offer new challenges, and help satisfy our more goal-oriented players. The achievements will also come with in-game rewards! We are also designing a new function for Guild members, so that they could build an in-game life together. And we will soon launch an inter-server, skill based PK tournament. It’s a competition completely based on skills and absolutely fair to play, so we’re really looking forward to seeing that in action. Players have been expecting this for years and we’re finally able to bring some of these great ideas to life!

 

OnRPG: Thank you for your time!

TLBB Winter Update

TLBB Winter Update

 

To celebrate the holiday season, the TLBB Emperor has announced a whole host of exciting new winter events.

 

To celebrate the holiday season, the TLBB Emperor has announced a whole host of exciting new winter events

 

From Wednesday 22nd December players level 20 and above can speak to Master Chow 160, 135 in Luo Yang to receive the ‘Christmas Boss Party’ quest. In this quest players must race between x5 NPC bosses situated in Luo Yang to give them Christmas cards before their buff timer runs out.

 

But that’s not all!

 

In TLBB’s brand-new ‘Christmas Eve Event’ players must gather Snowballs of Happiness which they must then launch at the quest NPC to receive fantastic item drop rewards.

 

If that wasn’t enough to warm your heart this winter, then be sure to check out the TLBB Website for all the very latest news on what will surely be a Kung Fu Christmas in the world of TLBB!

NCsoft Spreads its Yearly Holiday Cheer!

NCsoft Spreads its Yearly Holiday Cheer!

The holidays are here, and it’s time once again to visit friends, eat delicious food, open presents and attend fun holiday events. In honour of the season, NCsoft would like to invite friends, family, dragons, heroes and villains alike to their calendar of in-game holiday events where they can also – visit friends, eat delicious food, open presents and battle the occasional Winter Horde.

 

With new holiday themed events, quests, items and costumes available throughout the season, NCsoft wishes players across all their titles happy holidays!

 

 

Guild Wars – The Battle for Wintersday Continues! (December 16, 2010 to January 2, 2011)

Once again, the fate of the season hangs in the balance as the life goddess Dwayna and the death god Grenth battle for control of Wintersday. This year the war god Balthazar and the goddess of nature Melandru are joining the fray! As these divine beings and their supporters prepare for a Wintersday showdown, players will enjoy festive holiday decorations, special Wintersday treats, PvP snowball fights, and light-hearted quests both new and old. Players can suit up and enjoy the holiday in style with our spectacular new Balthazar and Melandru costumes!

 

See here for more information.

 

 

City of Heroes – The Ice Queen Cometh! (December 17, 2010 to January 3, 2011)

The holiday season usually brings good will and holiday cheer. But this holiday, a cold wind blows through the realms of Paragon City, the Rogue Isles and Praetoria. As Lord Winter and his Winter Horde return, bringing icy mayhem and chilling chaos, this holiday season sees a double dose of sub-zero as he introduces his latest flame – or icicle – the Lady Winter.

 

With Lady Winter at his side, the Lord Winter’s attempts at freezing the world have certainly doubled. But remember, this is the holiday season. Every character that logs in during the event unlocks special holiday items and powers to aid them in stopping these royal “pains in the ice.” And if donning your Fuzzy Earmuff costume piece or spreading The Holiday Cheer power isn’t enough holiday help, you can always seek out the mysterious gifts left by the Gamester for more items. Be wary, as the Gamester knows if you’ve been naughty or nice.

 

See here for more information.

 

 

Aion – Have a Glorious Solorius and a Ribbit New Year!

Solorius Festival December 15,2010 to January 5, 2011
Year of the Ribbit December 22, 2010 to January 12, 2011


Solorius wouldn’t be the same if it weren’t for the socks stuffed with gifts. But this year, someone is out to ruin the midwinter festival and has stolen all the socks! Track down these missing socks and bring some Solorius cheer to the devastated Shugos before the holiday is over. Once the socks are found and all is right with the world, track down the Shugos who helped with the event and give them their rewards! You may just find that helping others during Solorius is its’ own reward, but if not, there will be plenty of holiday items to go around.

 

And what’s a New Year without new presents and clothes? Not very new, that’s what. Ring in the Year of the Ribbit by helping the event staff retrieve their stolen banquet food while earning yourself presents and Ribbit themed clothes in the process. The delicious banquet items are going to help feed the needy, so you can do a good deed while getting decked out in the latest Ribbit gear.

 

See here for more information.

 

 

Lineage II – Winter Wintermelon Woes Whomping Event! (Dec ember 14, 2010 to December 28, 2010)

Any good farmer knows that the food you grow yourself tastes the best, unless that farmer happens to be Puss the Cat. Puss knows that the best food is smashed food, because this holiday season Lineage II players will be helping Puss grow special prize-filled wintermelons that will need to be opened the old fashioned way. By smashing them! Don’t worry if you’re averse to smashing wintermelons, as every character will find a holiday treat in their private warehouse. Smashing or no smashing.

 

See here for more information.

 

 

Lineage I – Annual Lineage Holiday Event (December 22, 2010 to January 5. 2011)

This year, Lineage fans will be treated to true double drops, holiday themed event bags, and in-game holiday decorations. Come celebrate the season and see what surprises are in store.

 

See here for more information and event dates.

Mass Effect 3 To Launch On All 3 Platforms at Once!

Mass Effect 3 To Launch On All 3 Platforms at Once!

 

At the Spike VGAs last week EA Bioware has officially announced Mass Effect 3. What wasn’t clear until they confirmed it was that they plan to release it worldwide on the PC, Xbox 360 AND Playstation 3 at the same time.

 

“Mass Effect 3 is set to launch globally in holiday 2011 on the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system, the PlayStation3 computer entertainment system and the PC – this marks the first time the Mass Effect franchise will launch on all three major platforms simultaneously.”


Mass Effect 3 is set to launch globally in holiday 2011 on the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system, the PlayStation3 computer entertainment system and the PC

 

In reaction to Mass Effect 2 winning the “Best RPG” and “Best Xbox 360 Game” of the year awards and BioWare being named “Studio of the Year” at the Spike VGA Dr. Ray Muzyka, Group General Manager and Co-Founder of BioWare, said the following:

 

“At BioWare, we are always driving ourselves to improve and I firmly believe our best work is still ahead of us. We could not be prouder of the team’s accomplishments with Mass Effect 2, and are excited and humbled by all of the recognition the game has received so far. We can’t wait to show you what the team is doing to make Mass Effect 3 an even bigger success.”


We can’t wait to hear more on Mass Effect 3!

Preview: Fantasy Online Almost Final, But Not Quite

Preview: Fantasy Online Almost Final, But Not Quite

By Vincent Haoson, OnRPG Journalist

 

Fantasy Online is a MMORPG game that is reminiscent of old console 8-bit RPGs, more specifically, Final Fantasy (see the connection? Fantasy Online? Final Fantasy-  online?) The game uses the usual route of RPGs, with an unnamed adventurer taking on the world with his uh… bare essentials.

 

First Impressions

Yeah, you heard that right, you start the game…. Naked. Before you get all high and mighty about “nudity in games”, you have to remember that the game runs on a 8-bit visuals so the nakedness you expect to see is muddled by pixelated imagery (so parents put down those pitchforks).

 

Fantasy Onlinr MMORPG Creation

 

The first thing that I noticed upon entering the game is that the game doesn’t take itself too seriously. Who would even think that an adventurer starting of butt naked with a farmer NPC happily snickering beside you while he sends you off to menial errands while lying about who has your clothes.

 

RPG Elements

Fantasy Online has all the basic elements you can find in any RPG game. You have quests, towns, stats, equipment and monsters. The game uses all the novelties found on RPGs and creates itself its own sassy version of it.

 

Fantasy Online MMORPG Rest

 

As an RPG, this game is pretty solid specially if you want to play an old-school RPG which makes you see real people playing it with you at the same time. However I must say that the game’s appeal is isn’t for the general public specially for those who are used to seeing their MMORPGs in 3D and stunning visuals that can blind a blind man (yes pun intended).

 

The Game’s Sass

Graphics-wise, Fantasy Online is definitely going to be chewed out by it’s MMORPG competitors even of the simplest F2P MMORPGs. However the game takes on this limitation by becoming sassy beyond compare.

 

Fantasy Online MMORPG Crazy quests

 

The sass is the game’s attitude and it’d be the one thing that separates this game from the rest, even with its graphics limitations notwithstanding. The question of “will it be enough to keep me playing” however is highly dependent on your tolerance of such games. Personally, my tolerance to the game is longer because its pretty fun to play. I don’t personally weigh narrative, graphics or gameplay as long as it doesn’t eddle with the game’s fun factor, which Fantasy Online definitely brings.

 

Facebook Integration

As another “endearing” feature, Fantasy Online is integrated on Facebook. For those who are crazy for bragging their l33t skills over their walls are gratified with the in-game integrated share system. Aside from that, the game also allows you to take screenshots of your game and post a gallery directly on your wall (as if the updates are not open enough).

 

Fantasy Online Facebook MMORPg

 

I personally, think this is a great way for the game to be marketed to people of course with the addition of providing you with more reasons to play the game (I’m referring to those who want their FB wall littered with game updates).

 

The good thing about the Facebook integration is that it’s not required to play. While the game developers encourage you to play the game over at Facebook you can still play the game on their own site.

 

Jobless Wonder

The game is one of those rare MMOGs where there is no designated “job classes” to choose from. The game still adheres to the RPG class stereotype of the melee, ranged and magic classes but there’s no official title for it.

 

In exchange for this “freedom” from the usual job classes you are given free rein on which stats you want to allocate. The stats system however is crucial in Fantasy Online because most of the weapons you can use have stat requirements.

 

Fantasy Online Stats MMORPG

 

Stat allocation in Fantasy Online requires a prior knowledge of RPGs if you want your first experiences with the character free from problems caused by bad decisions in stat allocation. The good thing about this is that at later stages if you grow tired of the ranged weapons you can switch to melee or even magic as long as you have invested enough stats on it.

 

Skill System

Fantasy Online’s skill system is also free from any restriction of a designated job class. However, the skills also follow the stat requirement in place. You have the capacity to provide support or kill monsters with various skills ranging from the strength, agility, stamina or intellect variety as long as you meet the requirement.

 

Fantasy Online Skills

 

Grind Fest

Fantasy Online MMORPG SKills

With all the game’s novelty, the one thing I found irksome with Fantasy Online is that it’s one big tedious grindfest. True to form, the game follows the vanilla RPGs of PVEing or questing to get stronger, better and faster. However, with the lack of any semblance of a story, you may eventually think that all this questing and PVEing as downright pointless.

 

Conclusion

Overall, Fantasy Online is one fun game to play. Even though the game’s not as graphically advanced as the rest of the MMORPGs out there, it’s has at least rekindled the joys of going through areas of green-uh pixels in a world that’s so unprepared for a butt naked hero or heroine.

 

What I liked about the game is that it provides players total freedom on how they want their characters to turn out. With the removal of prescribed classes and the freedom to get skills without any restriction save for the stats, the game provides you with a very customizable character to play on.

 

Fantasy Online Dead

 

The game’s sassiness is pretty fun and refreshing to see, but once the novelty wears off it’d become a cheap gimmick to give players the necessary half-second smirk whenever you click on an NPC.

 

My main issue with Fantasy Online is that it’s a very tiresome grindfest of game. While it does complete the atmosphere that this is in fact a game that hails back to my Final Fantasy roots, its tediousness is a stark reminder of why I wasted hours in front of my console. Also, in today’s standards, grindfests are more or less shunned upon by the gaming public unless its one great game and Fantasy Online, while being fun fails to reach the “great” status enough to warrant the tedious grind (even if it’s not a problem for me personally).

 

I hope the game improves more, and I know it has potential to be a better game. With it still on OBT I believe the game can become one of the better Facebook connected games out, it just needs more tweaking.

Sherwood Dungeon Gets New Allies and Pet Features

 Sherwood Dungeon Gets New Allies and Pet Features

 

Maid Marian Entertainment Inc. and Gene Endrody, sole creator of the indie hit MMORPG, Sherwood Dungeon, today announced that, just in time for the holidays, two new allies are available – the Shadowfey Knight and Priestess.

 

The Shadowfey are lost descendants of the Picts, an ancient Celtic tribe. Possessing ominous white skin and a dark mysterious gaze, this race of warriors will battle alongside players as they crawl through Sherwood’s perilous dungeons.

 

An additional feature for those who purchase pets in Sherwood is the ability for players to transform their characters into the form of their pets. Explore the world and fight monsters while transformed into a Dragon, Unicorn, Spider, Shadowfey, and more. If that wasn’t enough, the Wolf and Lion pets can now be ridden as mounts. Along with the Horse and Unicorn mounts, players now have plenty of options for striking fear into Sherwood’s minions while leading the charge mounted on these ferocious beasts.

 

To check out the new allies and features, or just play in the snow at the holiday themed Sherwood Castle, head over to the official website.

Fallen Earth Review – The Post-Apocalyptic Sandbox MMO

Fallen Earth Review – The Post-Apocalyptic Sandbox MMO
By Kat (Sareini) Miller , OnRPG Game Journalist

 

The apocalypse has come and gone, rage-infected monkeys or zombies didn’t cause it, it wasn’t super-heroes and it wasn’t some jumped-up hippy blue dragon. It was caused by Icarus Studios in the form of the game, Fallen Earth, and now we just have to survive it.

 

Fallen Earth Opening

 

Fallen Earth (FE) has been out for about ten months now, and during this time it’s gone from being a small MMO from an indy developer that was only available to buy online to being available in shops in physical form (along with various perks in-game depending on where you bought your copy). Recently, the devs behind the game at Icarus Studios released their “State of the Game” for FE, which included their upcoming plans for improving PvP, the ability to customizing vehicles and armor, a limited respec and more, all coming in their upcoming patch. Despite these things as well as a small but solid player base, FE seems to have slipped under the radar of many.

 

THE GAME

The year is 2156, and the human race is in ruins. Some time in the past, a virus known as Shiva ravaged every living thing on Earth, causing massive, fatal mutations to the majority of people and animals and leaving most of the survivorsdrastically changed. In the aftermath of all this, society collapsed, and when the dust settled the survivors were left to scrape out an existence in shanty towns and ruins dotted throughout the Grand Canyon where the game is set. You enter the game as a clone, spawned by LifeNet to help defend Hoover Dam in the game’s opening tutorial, and later you are ‘re-cloned’ as a kind of ‘thank you’ for your actions there. After that, the only real aim given to you by the game is to survive, and it’s up to you as to how you do that.

 

Fallen Earth Hanging Man

 

With that in mind, FE is very much a sandbox MMO. From whether you choose to use melee weapons or guns, to what areas of crafting you focus on (if any) – just about everything is a valid choice in FE. Rifles, pistols, swords, big poles with lumps of concrete on one end – these are just some of the weapon options available to you, and all of them are effective. Furthermore, FE is unusual in MMO circles in its method of combat – instead of targeting your opponent and hitting auto-attack and a series of buttons while standing still, you actually use an FPS method of combat, adding an extra layer of skill in keeping your target in your crosshairs while you’re attacking (and yes, headshots do bonus damage).

 

THE FACTIONS

In later levels of the game you get to ally with one of six factions, which include the Lightbearers, who are best described as tea-drinking ninjas and healers; the Vistas, who are hippies with rifles; and the Enforcers, the last vestiges of the military forces from before the Fall. Each faction gives you access to particular abilities and powers in the form of mutations. Of course, once you pick one faction, their enemies become yours, and that includes their opposite numbers in the factions, who will attack you on sight. If you’re willing to do some reputation grinding for each faction, however, you can get hold of the mutations for all six factions. Other than the factions, though, FE is very much a classless game – you can choose what you want to do and who you want to do it with, and you’re not penalized by the game for it.

 

Crafting is also a big part of FE. And by ‘big’ I mean that just about everything you can and will use can be crafted by you. The food you eat to buff yourself before a fight? Made by you. Your gun and its ammo? Made by you. Your cavalry sword? Made by you. Your armor (be it a reinforced kevlar vest or a checked lumberjack shirt)? Made by you. In FE, crafting really does mean something – it’s usually far cheaper to gather the various ingredients and make things yourself than it is to just buy them, even if it might sometimes take a little longer.

 

Fallen Earth Horses

 

Regarding the technical stuff, FE’s graphics are very good indeed. Some may say that they seem rather repetitive in their choice of colors and textures, but that has more to do with the size of the world map which means you spend a lot of time riding round in a post-apocalyptic desert, than any limitations on the game’s part. The mobs also have  very intuitive AI – when you fight human mobs they will duck your shots and blows when they can, and move around to try to keep you from getting a bead on them. It can be challenging, but well worth it in the end.

 

THE FLAWS

Of course, it’s not a perfect game. There are still bugs that pop up from time to time, necessitating a reboot of the game or help from one of the GMs. There is also no fast travel in the game (apart from a bus service between each of the three sectors of the game world), and the game world is very large indeed, so you can often find yourself riding (or driving) for fifteen minutes or even more to get from one town to another.

 

There’s also the issue of PvP. Currently in FE, PVP is limited to PvP zones in each sector and instanced PvP matches brought in by the Blood Sports free expansion. This is a point of contention for some players who feel that there isn’t enough PvP in the game, particularly between the six factions. This may change when the option to flag yourself for PvP anywhere in the world is added in the next couple of months, and there are apparently plans to look at factions in relation to PvP in the future. In the meantime, however, PvP seems to be only really happening in the high levels and end game, whilst the PvP zones in Sector One are almost deserted.

 

As for the end game… well, truthfully there isn’t much. Currently the level cap is 50, and while there are plans to raise that, add more zones to the game (they potentially want to have ten zones in the game) and raise the level cap along with that, at the moment those who have hit the level cap are quite limited in what they can do. Then again, FE is not the sort of game where you really need to rush to the level cap; indeed, the game seems to encourage you to take your own meandering path to 50.

 

THE COMMUNITY

I cannot do a review of FE without including a mention of the game’s community. Although small compared to other MMOs (there is only one game server, or shard), the community is solid, and the majority of players are happy to help out new players. There is a dedicated Help channel (actually the only global channel in the whole game, another point of contention for some who would like a more general global channel as well to talk to other players) and there is nearly always a GM “on duty”, or a member of a player volunteer group who are there to help new players as well. The players and staff of FE really do work hard to make the game as welcoming as possible for new players. The players and GMs also work together to organize a lot of events such as PvP nights or crafters’ markets, to help new and old players alike and to just generally have fun.

Fallen Earth Guns Pointing

THE CONCLUSION

Overall, FE is not going to be a game for everyone’s tastes. Things like the limited PvP and the lack of fast travel are bound to put some people off, and the game admittedly does have a learning curve that is less “intuitive” than other MMOs. The fact that it is not as linear as other games is a factor as well, and of course there is the inevitable comparisons to Fallout 3. In the end, however, FE stands out from many other MMOs because it’s different, and if you are looking for a new or different experience in your MMOs, it is certainly worth a look.

 

 

PROS:

Freedom in choosing what you want to do in the game

Excellent graphics

Strong community

 

CONS:

Limited PvP at the moment

Lack of fast travel

Not very much in the way of an end game at the moment

 

 

CABAL Releases Mercenary Expansion

CABAL Releases Mercenary Expansion

 

The latest update to the free-to-play online role-playing game CABAL Online is now live in the United States and Europe. Episode V: Mercenaries continues the recent explosion of new content into the fast-paced online game, introducing the Mercenary system, which gives players the ability to summon a powerful NPC-controlled character to fight by their side, in addition to a whole host of other new features to improve overall gameplay.

 

The Mercenary system is a significant new addition to the game and while group-play and teamwork will remain essential, the new feature will assist players in creating balanced parties to take on the most challenging encounters. Players will need to find and recruit those mercenaries they wish to use, with a whole variety available from quests and dungeon drops. Mercenaries will be summonable inside any of the game’s dungeons, acting as a fully functional team member and will join in by attacking monsters that either damage, or are damaged by, their summoner.

 

Dungeons have received a complete overhaul in this update, with the introduction of a bind-on-equip equipment status allowing for the increased drop rate of many of the rarest items. The increase in the drop rate of rare items is not the only change; the introduction of a leader-board display for each dungeon will add a new goal for players to complete dungeons in the fastest times, with pride, rather than any actual reward, at stake.

Episode V adds a whole host of new content for all types of players, and other notable new features include: 

 

– The ability to send mails, including items and gold, to other players inside of the game.
– Dual-pet system, allowing for players to equip two pets at the same time.
– New quests to explore, with rare rewards to be gained. This includes the ‘Ring of Tyrant’, a new ring sure to be sought after by most players inside of the game.
– The option to switch channels without needing to log in and out.
– New costumes to wear, including Pirate and Sailor outfits.

 

The update is now available for free download from the official Cabal website. More information can be found at the United States or European website.