Yearly Archives: 2010

Darkwind War on Wheels Review: Turn Based Road Rage Anyone?

Darkwind War on Wheels Review: Turn Based Road Rage Anyone?
By Vincent Haoson (Vincenthaoson), OnRPG Journalist

 

I’m a big fan of Twisted Metal from back in the hay day of the PlayStation. Ever since then that game became a personal benchmark in terms of car-violence themed games. With that in mind, I never really thought that there would come a time where  a decent turn-based game like this would turn up.

 

Turn Based Car Game You Say?

Yes, you read it right. Darkwind is a turn-based car war game MMO. It has all the elements that can make any fan of carmageddon (I’m not referring to the old pc game mind you) blush with excitement all wrapped in  glorious turn-based gameplay.

 

Darkwind Turn Based War On Wheels
The Turn (orders phase)

 

The really cool thing about the game is that the turn-based system really  works in Darkwind. Though it may sound odd, the gameplay added a little sense of excitement that you wouldn’t expect in a car themed game. Turns out the game doesn’t need to be in real time to experience that excitement.

 

How It Works

Regardless of any gimmicks a game has, you still need to drive in a car game. That rule still stands in Darkwind. Of course, the normal terms of “driving” are set-aside in Darkwind due to the nature of its gameplay. You still get to drive your car, but you are given “freeze” moments to decide how you want to steer your car. When I say freeze, what I mean is time stops in the game to give you a chance to decide on what direction you steer your car into.

 

Darkwind Fullout
Strategic manouvring required

 

What I liked about this system is that everyone who’s in the match is synchronized with the server. This keeps things interesting especially when the match is picking up. I liked the fact that this kind of gameplay system gives you enough time to do things you could only wish to do if the game was  played in real time. In fact there are moments where a well placed move during the planning stage can seal the whole match in favor of the underdog.

 

Actually the game feels like a fast paced- car version of a Trading Card Game. This feeling is mainly brought upon by two things: the first is of course the freeze time moments where players get to choose their actions. This reminds me of those moments where players get to decide on what course of action they need to take based on their opponents moves. The second is the “stages”  a player has to go through while in actual combat or race. The game has three stages in the actual gameplay, you have order, action and fire stages and it happens in a blur right after the orders have been done. This reminds me of the situations in card games where you prepare for your moves and then attack in the end.

 

Other Things In Between

Another notable feature the game has is its physics engine. For a turn-based game every bounce and jump your car does feels authentic. The damages to the vehicle you are using are also visible during game play, which adds color to the whole car carnage feel.

 

Darkwind Damage War on Wheels
Heavy damage to the vehicles

 

The game also delivers the post-apocalyptic atmosphere both on the tracks where you get to race and the car designs. They seem to be lifted directly from a Mad Max films so you really can’t blame me if I kind of expected to see Mel Gibson come out after the race.

 

Minor Hiccups

Even with the game physics being as cool as they are, I really can’t ignore the fact that the game has a very dated graphics engine in terms of its character sprites. Thankfully the character sprites don’t look like polygon blocks but they do remind me of very old plastic toys. Of course you won’t be seeing them very often because you’ll be glued to the various things you can do in the game.

 

If you’re a person who doesn’t have much patience in time consuming games then I suggest that you don’t try Darkwind. The game really takes a lot of your time. Joining an event takes a few minutes to a couple of hours depending on the place of the event in the event line. You can jump in an event even if it’s still ongoing however more often than not you can only watch.

 

Darkwind Cockpit
Cockpit information at the corner of your screen

 

I haven’t even started on the time it takes to finish an event you happen to join. In one race I was able to watch a TV show while the race is still ongoing. To emphasize this point, I was in fact, leisurely getting off my pc chair and casually walking towards the TV to watch and I never missed a single preparation moment (or if I did I never realized it).

 

If you have tons of time on your hands and you want to burn it having fun, then Darkwind is the game for you.

 

Conclusion

Undeniably Darkwind is in fact a league on its own in terms of interest building and gameplay. However the game’s limitations are also brought upon by its strength. The game is not just for anyone to play and in fact I can go as far as labeling the game as a niche game. However, the title doesn’t bring justice to the amount of fun I had while I was playing the game.

 

The mix of innovation and a good physics engine makes Darkwind a game you can enjoy immensely, however to be able to enjoy the game fully, you must have a lot of time in your hands or you’d only graze what Darkwind has to offer.

 

Pros:
– Innovative combat system
– Easy to install and download
– If you have problems you can either go to the wiki page or ask the people on  the game lobby.

 

Cons:
– It takes time to do things
– Battles take forever to finish
– Character graphics isn’t too hot looking.

 

 

Conquer Online: Socket Your Gear And Mine Treasure

Conquer Online: Socket Your Gear And Mine Treasure

 

Since unveiled in 2003, Conquer Online has attracted millions of players from around the world, to immerse themselves in a fabulous world of ancient Chinese mythology. As a PvP Oriented MMO, Conquer Online was always famous for its unique PvP system, with which players can experience dynamic and furious combat with other skillful opponents. However, after 7-years of development, the TQ team has also noticed the problem of the the gear gap between players becoming wider and wider, which has a serious negative impact on CO’s PvP gameplay.

 

Conquer Online Socket Gem 
Click the socket-button to socket your gear

 

To balance the gear gap and enhance the competition for PvP combat, Conquer Online will soon execute some important modifications on the Item Socketing & Mining systems, to provide common players with a greater opportunity to obtain those rare and powerful items. With the adjusted socketing system, players will have a higher chance to make sockets on their gear when they use a Meteor to upgrade it.

 

Conquer Online Mining
Mining in Conquer Online

 

Meanwhile, the items available to dig up in the Mines will include various types of rare items. You may even be able to find powerful items like Dragon Balls and all types of Gems from piles of ordinary ore!

 

Rainbow Gem Conquer Online Phoenix Gem
Rainbow Gem and Phoenix Gem

Conquer Online Moon Gem Conquer Online Moon Gem
Moon Gem and Tortoise Gem

 

Another modification, increasing minimum damage, is under adjusting, and will be delivered to the community for the discusssion. Our aim is clear – enhance and balance the gameplay for all players, and return the fun back to PKing!

 

Adventurers, it’s time to bring the honor and glory back to the world of CO, with the Legends Return!

Dungeon Fighter Online Launches June 9

Dungeon Fighter Online Launches June 9

 

Deadly Female Gunner, Epic Items and Hell Dungeons are part of official launch

 

Fight hordes of monsters or fight other players in Dungeon Fighter Online. Nexon America announced it will officially launch the action-adventure, multiplayer online game on June 9th, 2010, offering to a North American audience the amazing experience already enjoyed by more than 200 million Dungeon Fighters worldwide. 

 

Developed by Nexon’s Neople studio, Dungeon Fighter Online is a 2D, side-scrolling action game, in which players fight their way through dungeons, either on their own or in a party with up to three other players. Advanced players can also take part in intense player-versus-player competition, where each opponent can mean a wholly unique fighting challenge.

 

Dungeon Fighter

 

And like all Nexon America titles, Dungeon Fighter Online is free to download and play though the company’s Web site.

 

“Few games offer as much as Dungeon Fighter Online for so little,” said Min Kim, vice president of marketing for Nexon America. “Gamers will feel nostalgic with Dungeon Fighter’s retro art style and arcade style action. Hardcore RPG fans will immediately sense the deep and structured character advancement opportunities and be surprised by the quantity of items in the game. And PVP players will be floored at the diversity of competition made possible through the unique character builds. Each element could make up a great game on its own – but Dungeon Fighter Online offers all three in one experience for free.”

 

With the official launch, beta players will be able to keep their beta characters intact, while new players will be able to create new incredible characters. But both will be able to enjoy the excitement of creating a Female Gunner, the game’s newest character class, which joins the Fighter, Gunner, Mage, Priest and Slayer currently available.

 

The Female Gunner may have less HP than her male counterpart, but she moves faster. She can also advance into the same four subclasses as the Male Gunner- Launcher, Mechanic, Ranger and Spitfire-but for each, the Female Gunner has access to specialized skills unavailable in the game before. Players can choose one of these four subclasses once they’ve reached level 18 and completed a series of subclass quests.

 

Dungeon Fighter Nen Master

 

While Nexon America prepares for Dungeon Fighter Online’s official launch on June 9, it continues to offer its open beta service of the game, where players will be able to engage in an event that ties in directly with the arrival of the Female Gunner. The official launch will also introduce into the game the dangerous Hell Dungeons, where players can gain access to highly coveted Epic Items.

 

To help prepare the game for official launch, Nexon has set up a Dungeon Fighter Online Public Test Server, which will allow select Beta players the opportunity to preview the new content before its release offer their feedback. This allows Nexon America to fine tune everything before the launch date.

Mytheon Launches iPhone Game: Assault of Gaia

Mytheon Launches iPhone Game: Assault of Gaia

 

True Games Interactive, an international multi-player online game developer and publisher,announced today that it has launched Mytheon: Assault of Gaia for the iPhone.  The game is now available in the Apple App Store worldwide at a price of $2.99.

 

Mytheon: Assault of Gaia is a Line Tower Defense game in which the player is challenged with protecting the Temple of Gaia from the powerful forces of Poseidon, Hades, and eventually, Zeus himself!  At the end of each successful level, players will receive a new tower to help defeat the ever increasing waves of mythical foes. There are three different settings including: the Kraken: set within temple ruins, Hades: a lava filled underworld, and the Greek Parthenon.

 

Strategy is ever-important in Assault of Gaia, as the various environments, numerous tower combinations, and unique enemy types will keep the player constantly maneuvering and managing as they strive to defend Gaia’s temple from desecration and ensure humanity’s freedom from the petty gods!

 

There aren’t many opportunities on the iPhone to battle Poseidon, Zeus, Hades and more, so the Mytheon brand is a great fit for the iPhone player,” said Peter Cesario, Director of New Business and Product Development at True Games Interactive. “Even though the online game and Mytheon: Assault of Gaia aren’t connected other than storyline it gives players a chance to experience the world of Mytheon in two totally different ways.

 

Mytheon Gaia

 

About Mytheon: Assault of Gaia

Gathering in huddled masses, the legions speak only in whispers about the wrath of the mighty gods.  An utterance too loud may summon imminent suffering and devastation.or worse.  The king of gods does not take kindly to mere mortals who dare to defy him, or dream of overthrowing his power-for Zeus fears no human, his fellow gods, nor any beast.  Some say he fears nothing.but they are wrong.  There is a fear.  Buried deep beneath his unjustified rule over all beings; it is the fear of losing his omnipotence.

 

Gaia, mother of all earthly beings, has long been searching for a human who might triumph over the tyrant’s rule.  In Mytheon: Assault of Gaia she puts her faith in the player to do just that. Gaia wants Zeus to finally recognize his own humanity and justly rule with righteousness rather than suspicion.

 

The quest will not be easy.  Before facing Zeus, the player must first overcome the challenges set forth by his brothers Poseidon and Hades.

 

Benevolent Gaia will protect the earth with all her powers, but she cannot lend strength or skill-her only gift is the sword.  The rest is up to the player.

 

Mytheon Assault of Gaia is a complement to the online, multiplayer Action RPG with strategic game play that is currently in open beta.  Developed by Petroglyph, players of Mytheon experience classic mythology come to life and challenge legendary gods to define their own fate. Players, or “Stonecasters,” are powerful humans imbued with the ability to cast spells, summon minions, and erect structures that aid them in battle. An assortment of classes are available that approach combat differently and offer a range of unique, cinematic abilities.

The Meaning of Evil for MMO Villains

The Meaning of Evil for MMO Villains
By Kei Beneza (dividelife), OnRPG Journalist

 

Evil manifests in many ways. Some come from space asteroids that bring forth black alien costumes that also shoots web strings by coincidence, some come from gigantic green balls that call themselves “The Green Ball of Evil”, I’m sure you get the idea. Anyway, here we will discuss the epitomes of evil in the world of MMOs. Unlike the EVIL we know and love, MMOs also have their own definition of evil in the online planes. Let’s dive in and see what horrors these MMO villains can unleash. One thing though, these individuals understand more than your average “destroy the world” concept.

 

World Domination MMO Evil 
One MILLION Dollars!

 

The concept of world domination

While some villains try to build weapons of mass destruction that inevitably, MMO villains never fail to take casualties during their first wave. For some, world domination revolves around everyone bowing to you, or at least to your doomsday device that’s pointed at the sun (or something like that). You have to give credit to MMO villains though because they tend to launch the attack before making their demands. They are actually hell-bent on world domination, not World Bank domination. Take Arthas for example. Here we have a former Prince who killed his father and sat down in an air-conditioned chair located on top of an icy castle. I suppose he took the “you’re as cold as ice” line a little to seriously. Arthas pillaged a lot of towns, transforming the villagers into mindless zombies that follow his every whim. Evil? The whole “turn everyone into mindless zombies” is a bit normal, but for him to sit down in an air-conditioned chair while everyone suffers? That’s just evil man. It’s like nobody “Forks” with him.

 

EVIL MMO staying one place
Aircooling Harbls Before World Domination

 

Evil means: staying in one place

One of the most common (and stupid) villainous traits of all time is the camping phase. After a series of actions done by our melodramatic masters of mayhem (commonly found in MMO’s), you can bet your arse they’re bound to settle down in an uncharted (actually, mostly charted) part of the world. They don’t really require a time limit and always wait for our heroes to get level capped (and geared). Not the brightest option, but whatever makes their boat rock right? MMO villains also suffer from this stupidity. Why must they always wait for the Hero to appear (in MMO’s case, HEROES)? Other MMO villains play it smart by relocating at times, but that’s only after they get beaten up bad in their first lair.

 

EVIL MMO staying one place
You know how hard it is to walk in these shoes?!

 

Evil means: rewarding the heroes?

Yes, you read right. It’s a known fact that MMO villains always reward heroes after being beaten down to a pulp (wait, that’s not evil). Not Evil? THINK AGAIN! If you’re familiar with Lord of the Rings, everyone fought over Sauron’s ring the moment it dropped on the floor yes? That’s the whole point of this looting phase. Here players are corrupted into taking the loot for themselves, hence the birth of Ninjas (or loot stealers). MMO villains never fail to bring forth that last sin of greed upon death, and that my friends… IS EVIL.

 

Evil means: being bigger

In most cases, MMO villains are always bigger than the player. I would understand if we’re talking about demons and dragons, but for a regular human to actually stand more than eight feet tall is quite absurd. I suppose it’s a way to intimidate players, but does it really work? If you think about it, why bother becoming a mad scientist if you can just be a gigantic mad scientist right? That totally makes sense.

 

MMO Evil Being Bigger

 

Evil means: looking cooler than everyone else

Curse your coolness! One thing about MMO villains is their awesome fashion sense. Some grow demon wings, some wear awesome armor that make them look like a dark lord, some even transform into beings far different from their origin. Seriously… must evil always have the good stuff? WHY DO ANGEL WINGS SUCK COMPARED TO DEMON WINGS anyway? Their weapons are extraordinary as well, at least compared to the crap they sell back in town. Come to think about it, does anyone even buy those things? I really want to know if there’s a seamstress or tailor exclusively for villains, because I really want to know where they get their threads.

 

MMO Evil Cooler
So cool it’s hot!

 

Evil means: MINIONS! And a lot of them

Unlike most villains who actually have a right hand man or a team of special forces, MMO villains have minions (commonly referred to as adds) who are also tailored for to match a specific boss. Let’s see… we have Baphomet and Baphomet jr (Ragnarok Online), The Caliana Queen and her Caliana Amazons (RF Online), Arthas and his undead scourge (WoW), I’m sure you get the idea. Villains must have their own shop for minions as well. Maybe a shop where you can look at the mirror while standing next to the minion of your choice to make sure you guys match or something. Think about it! All the bosses match their adds for some reason. Maybe EVIL has vanity issues.

 

Evil never dies

The biggest difference between a regular villain and an MMO villain is their persistence. You’d think the world could finally rest after the dark lord has been slain; unfortunately, evil never dies. In other words, EVIL will always respawn no matter how bad they get beaten up. These villains are pretty masochistic, quite similar to Castlevania’s very own “Dracula” who respawns every century to get a good dish of BDSM Belmont whippin. The only difference is that these dudes tend to respawn every day (some every minute). I am aware that they just keep coming back to get hurt, but you can’t blame anyone for being this driven.

 

Final remarks

And there you have it. MMO villains are actually quite similar to comic book/anime villains, except they don’t tend to lose track of their objectives. These villains will never die and will continue to show their blazing hot (or icy cold) armor. If ever you’re in need of a villain to pursue, you’ll know where to find them… it seems that the only thing wrong about them is their method of secrecy.

Cue Online Preview: BREAK!

Cue Online Preview: BREAK!
By Vincent Haoson (Vincenthaoson), OnRPG Journalist

 

Cue Online is an online billiard game from Games Campus, the company who has brought us games like Manga Fighter, Tank Ace, Shot Online and Asda Story. As the name suggests, you go head to head with other players in a series of billiard matches.

 

The game

Cue Online goes past any attempt of putting players in a story mode to explain why they’re in the game. What Cue Online does do is immediately thrust you in the center of the action by showing you the ropes in the form of a tutorial.

 

Cue Table Overview
Tutorial Menu on the Right Side

 

After the tutorial, you are left to fend for yourself in the game. You can choose to either go with the rooms that were made by other players or create a room of your own. On creation, you can choose from four game modes that are based on real life pool games. They are namely 8-ball, 9-ball, 14-1 and snooker.

 

There are no customized Cue Online rules in the various game modes and if you forget the rules, the game’s tutorial does provide a brief lecture (yes lecture) on the basics of each game. Actually it’s a requirement to go through the mini-lecture on the rules of the game or you can’t progress through the tutorial.

 

Cue Online Shift Camera
Playing Billiard

 

Item

Bearing in mind that the game uses the F2P system, I expected that the game items (aside from the beginner items) have a usage limit, so I wasn’t surprised when I saw that the different cue sticks, gloves, clothes and chalk have their usage limit. What surprised me was the presence of the chalk in the store.

 

In the many billiard games I’ve played (console mostly), there was never an inclusion of chalk in the game system. The only things players can control on those games were spin, power and angle. However, in real life pool there’s another important component in the game, and that’s the chalk. The chalk makes the tip of the cue stick less slippery so that it won’t slip when it connects with the cue ball. So it was a surprising change for me that Cue Online had this important factor in the game.

 

Item Shop Cue Online 
Purchase various cues and other items

 

So aside from the chalk, you can purchase gloves, cue sticks, Cue Online Academies and even trophies. All of these items help boost your in-game stats and can be really helpful in your gameplay.

 

MMORPG Elements

Stats!? STATS!? Yes, I did say that there are stats in the game. In fact you’re not just a faceless dude who’s trying to be the best billiard player in the game. In the game’s character creation you get to choose from a roster of players who have their own strengths and weaknesses. You can associate the character types to the ones you can find in Pangya, however that’s not the only thing that’s present in terms of character growth.

 

Cue Online also incorporates a stat-based system for the characters. Every time you level up you can allocate points on the different stats on your character. I think this helps balancing things out in terms of the pre-set stats of the characters you’ll choose in the character creation stage of the game.

 

Cue ONline 
Stats improve your character’s play

 

However, what I liked about the stat system is that it changed the overall game concept of pool. What I mean is, players who don’t have an eye on how things work on the pool table can compensate with the stats of your character and items. However the items don’t tip the balance too much so players still need to be skilled to maximize the advantage the stat boost items give.

 

Personally, I don’t really like the inclusion of the stat based system in a skill game. However, I’m giving Cue Online a little leeway because Pool is only interesting for a certain amount of time. Players need something to encourage them to keep on playing and I think that leveling is a good motivator for prolonged gaming.

 

Multiplayer Goodness

It’s a fun fact that it’s easy to create and join in games in Cue Online. Joining a room is a really smooth experience. Upon entering all you need to do is click on ready while the room creator is playing a practice game to start the match. There’s not much lag and the transition between two players is smooth. It feels like you’re playing a match on a console rather than just playing online.

 

Cue Room Based Game
Creating a room

 

The game has a lot of social systems included that foster social interaction more than just beating each other in pool. There’s a messenger system that provides an easy way for friends to find each other and go head to head. There’s also a clan system included in the game.

 

Moves and all that

All the moves you can do in real life pool are doable in Cue Online. You can jump the ball and do a masse. However, you need to have a certain amount of points allocated in the corresponding stat category connected to the move.

 

Still a Skill-based Game

As I mentioned earlier, Cue Online is a game that’s easy to learn but hard to master. Similarly to real life pool, you have to keep on practicing to be able to adjust and increase your skills and not just your level in the game.

 

Cue Online SKill Ability Abilities 
Three ability points to spend

 

Even with the inclusion of the stat items in the shop, doesn’t eliminate the fact that Pool (regardless of its game type) is in fact a skill based game. So bear in mind that Cue Online is similar to it. I liked the fact that the game is kind of similar to real life in terms of growth. The more you keep on playing in Cue Online the more that you earn experience points and eventually level, that’s so much like how you improve your game in real life pool too.

 

While this game may never be a hit, I think fans of pool or anyone who’s looking for a fun alternative to MMORPG games may enjoy Cue Online. More so when the game goes commercial when a lot of game features will then be open for players.

 

Ninja Trick Interview: Looking Into The Ninja Scene

Ninja Trick Interview: Looking Into The Ninja Scene
Questions by Vincent Haoson, OnRPG Journalist
Answered by: Toshimichi Namba, CEO of CyberAgent America

 

OnRPG: How has the game been since its commercial release late last year?
First of all, I would like to thank you to all the customers / players that been supporting NinjaTrick over a year.  It was our first title in United State and there was lot of challenges and trials. We have learned a lot from players opinions and we want to keep growing  it with our players. Recently, we have launched ComicWorld, the virtual world community service. Hoping to grow this as a central(hub) community for NinjaTrick and upcoming game titles.

 

OnRPG: How’s the player support of the game?
Since the game is PvP, player is everything for us.

 

Ninja Trick Gem GEt

 

OnRPG: What would you say is Ninja Trick’s advantage against the competition?
This is hard question. We are still seeking what will be the advantage. One thing I can say for sure is, its browser base and easy and quick to play, compared to huge MMORPGs.

 

OnRPG: What’s the main feature of Ninja Trick that attracts players?
I would say casualness. Easy to play, fast pace and quick game, but also has a depth requiring strategies and techniques.

 

OnRPG: Where did you get the idea to include the new gacha outfit, ninja assassin to the outfits in the game?
All of our staff has grown up in Japan. Anime/Manga is something we are always familiar with, and usually idea comes from what we were addicted in the past.

 

OnRPG: What’s the target amount of clothes you plan on releasing in the game?
We will try to release outfits in a weekly basis.

 

Ninja Trick Ice

 

OnRPG: With the game being updated on a weekly basis, how do you measure what needs to be updated?
We look in to three metrics, player’s activeness, virality and monetization. First we need to have players that have fun playing the game and keep coming back, second as a facebook application virality is another consideration and last monetization is also needed for us to keep running the business.  We look those metrics and decide the priority of updates.

 

OnRPG: It seems that you have been releasing a lot of Gacha outfits lately, are you worried it will affect the game balance between those who play for free and those who pay?
Player can earn some status items by playing daily gacha(free), which is balancing the paying user and non-paying users.

 

OnRPG: Is the game’s business model more attuned to income garnering or to more balanced gameplay?
Balanced Game play is most important but I understand this question is always a big theme for PvP games.

 

Ninja Trick Versus

 

OnRPG: There have been comments within your site that your customer support is not replying to requests, what’s your say about it?
My apologies. As a content distributer we understand this shouldn’t have happened.  Currently, I myself been taking action to this situation and should be able to improve it in next month.

 

OnRPG: Can you elaborate on the reason why you closed the game’s forum and when are you planning to reopen the forum
I don’t want to write an excuse, will make sure to improve the environment and proof that we are stepping in to this situation and taking it seriously.

 

OnRPG: What’s in store for players for the succeeding months?
We are adding more community features around ComicWorld and NinjaTrick.

 

OnRPG: Thank you for taking the time to answer our questions!
Thank you very much!

If You Can’t Beat ‘Em, Why Keep Trying?

If You Can’t Beat ‘Em, Why Keep Trying?
By Neil Kewn (Murxidon), OnRPG Journalist

 

A year doesn’t go by without several MMORPGs being released for public consumption. Ever since the phenomenal success of World of Warcraft, developers have become increasingly aware of the MMO genre and how easily consumers will part with their cash just to experience fantastical new worlds. With Warcraft celebrating its five-year anniversary, the persistent world juggernaut has obliterated everything that tried to reduce its subscription numbers. Most of the time, Blizzard hasn’t had to lift a finger. New MMOs are announced, hyped and acclaimed. Yet, players prised away from their beloved Azeroth seem to always find a way back. Why are developers throwing millions of dollars at their own MMO ventures in an effort to compete with World of Warcraft, and how is it affecting their business?

 

 Beaten WoW Login
A common sight for eleven million of us

 

Fighting a losing battle

Warhammer Online was deemed by many to be the WoW killer. The game that will finally topple Blizzard’s cash cow. It didn’t, and as player numbers crashed through the floor, World of Warcraft’s subscription numbers continued to climb. There have been a number of high profile releases that have failed to set the virtual world alight (Age of Conan: Hyborian Adventures, The Lord of the Rings Online, Tabula Rasa, AION). What happened? The games aren’t necessarily bad, and usually sell a truck load of copies upon release. More often than not, player numbers just begin to dwindle several months after launch, which is bad news for consumers and investors.

Case in point would be Age of Conan: Hyborian Adventures. AoC is flat lining after it was revealed to have a surprisingly low number of monthly subscriptions, with several gaming outlets reporting that the user base had fallen below 100,000. The game, released in 2007, was highly anticipated by many and had a relatively successful launch, with over 400,000 subscribers after the first week of release. Developers Funcom have taken drastic measures to try and boost the player base. One of which was practically giving the game away. I was one of 1000 people to grab a free copy of the game with one month’s subscription by just visiting Eurogamer. Slightly less desperate tactics included the slashing of subscription costs, and December saw the introduction of a “free forever” trial feature which gave new players unlimited access to game content up to level twenty.

 

Funcom ended 2008 by recording the worst quarterly losses in the company’s history, and although profits rose last year, it is rather unlikely that the Hyborian Kindoms will topple Azeroth as the fantasy world players wish to populate. Later this year will hopefully see the release of Age of Conan’s first expansion pack, which Funcom hope will bring some much needed publicity to the game.

 

Age Of Conan Female
Age of Conan – On a downward slope

 

When living up to the hype isn’t enough

Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning is in the same boat as AoC, struggling with fewer than 300,000 active subscriptions. Mythic Entertainment enjoyed the positive reception Warhammer received upon release back in 2008. Players and critics alike praised its player-vs-player combat, with many labelling the game as the MMO to jump ship to. Publisher Electronic Arts has culled most of the game’s servers in response to the game’s declining popularity. Like its shipmate, WAR’s creators have heavily promoted an “endless trial” scheme to try and interest players in coughing up the monthly fee. It is a disappointing fall from grace two years on.

 

To some, 300,000 payments of $14.99 may seem like a lot, and it could appear that the project is still worthwhile for EA. But it hasn’t done much to lessen the company’s financial woes, with losses totalling almost 1.1 billion dollars last year. Electronic Arts has already canned a number of projects and axed over fifteen hundred jobs. Could the development of Warhammer suffer as Frank Gibeau strives to cut back on spending?

 

Blizzard enjoys eleven and a half million active subscribers, and currently has over sixty per cent of the P2P MMORPG market share. It is virtually unrivalled in the West, but companies continue to see this genre of gaming as a lucrative money spinner and a sound investment.  Unfortunately, it is usually the player that gets the short end of the stick when subscriptions slide. Content updates become a rarity, servers merge or disappear, and in extreme cases the game closes down altogether.

 

A huge licence, but little growth

MMO Subs Chart
World of Warcraft subscriptions have never dropped in its half decade existence

 

Only one of the proposed “WoW Killers” of the last three years has a shown a constant growth in the number of active subscriptions. That being The Lord of the Rings Online: Shadow of Angmar. LOTRO is a curious case. Its launch wasn’t as successful as AoC or WAR, but gradually a stable player base has formed and its two expansions have been well received. Having a license as huge as Lord of the Rings has been of great benefit to developers Turbine Inc., and a game based in a fully realised, living, breathing Middle Earth is a dream for many. Fortunately for non-fans, LOTRO is an excellent game in its own right. A polished, balanced multiplayer experience with a breadth of constantly updated content set in a hugely detailed world.

 

Breaking the cycle

It is unlikely that the number of MMO releases will decrease anytime soon. Although the popularity of World of Warcraft is at an all-time high, players are constantly seeking alternatives, and companies like BioWare hope their AAA title will be the one to entice players. The hype for Star Wars: The Old Republic is certainly there, and it has already been labelled the WoW Killer by many, but I personally can’t help but feel that we are merely going through the new MMO cycle we’ve seen many times before. Developing, updating and sustaining a massively multiplayer game is not cheap, so it is surprising that so many MMOs come to fruition when countless before them practically evaporate within a year. If Star Wars falls flat on its face, and Cataclysm breathes new life into a drastically redesigned Azeroth, would it be so bad if the stream of MMO releases dried up? It would seem wise to wait until WoWs inevitable stagnation, before trying to grab jaded players with a completely new world to invest their time and money in. After all, Blizzard’s marketing gurus can’t keep eleven million players interested for another five years, can they?