Yearly Archives: 2012

Early Access: Lime Odyssey Part 1

Early Access: Lime Odyssey Part 1

By Darren Henderson (DizzyPW), OnRPG Editor-in-Chief

 

 

For those of you following OnRPG forums, you’re well aware that I had my third visit to Aeria’s HQ in Santa Clara this week to get some hands on time with their upcoming FPS, Repulse Online, as well as their signature upcoming fantasy MMORPG, Lime Odyssey. As Repulse has already been in testing for a while, I’ll refer you to Mikedot’s impressions article for more information on it. Though I will make one mention; Repulse’s sniper only mode is one of the most frantically fun FPS experiences I’ve had in years. Definitely get together with your buddies and try it out! With that said, now it’s time to look at the product of four years of development by Sirius, a company made up of original programmers from the classic Ragnarok Online!

 

 

Is Lime Odyssey Your Kind of Game?

 

Now on to the exclusive so many of you have been patiently waiting for all these months. For those considering if they should check out this title I have a key questions to help you decide. Do you like exploring? If exploring is one of the key elements you find enjoyable in MMORPGs then you’ll definitely be in luck. Lime Odyssey offers an open world environment that is beyond gigantic. I don’t think I’ve ever played an MMORPG to scale with the world they present, and to top it off I only saw loading screens when teleporting between continents. There are a total of four continents in all with plenty of plans to fill each to the brim with content over the course of the game’s future development. Within those 4 continents is a plethora of content with nearly no instancing with the exception of around 5 epic dungeons connected to the main storyline. Though the continents aren’t completely available yet, just what is going to be there at launch would take you ages to travel from one side to another. You’ll be glad when you get a hold of your first mount!

 

 

Thankfully the developers of Sirius learned how valuable random exploration was to the success of Ragnarok Online and kept true to its culture by doing away with autopathing to quest goals. Instead you are given a general area on your world map to explore with the goal you seek residing somewhere within that frame. This leaves it up to the player to find their own way from point A to point B, and perhaps happen upon point X in the process, the way a fantasy world should be in my view. Now I spent many hours in Ragnarok Online testing the limits of my character to see just how far I could sneak into the dangerous world before monsters put an end to my daring ways. The introduction of three dimensions in Lime Odyssey takes this feeling to another level. This game offers very few invisible walls so just about anywhere within the world is open to you should you use the physics to your advantage. The inclusion of fall damage limits you from getting too crazy, but adds some seriously fun mountain climbing adventures into your exploration. I think the only relevant exploring game I can compare it to is Skyrim.. just with chibi anime characters and dinosaurs instead of dragons.

 

 

Character Breakdown

 

Your character has a lot of customization available to you, so it’s important to plan ahead on how exactly you want to build them. Of course your first major decision will be your race. You have the choice of three races, Human, Turga, and Muris. This is mostly a cosmetic decision however there are a few limitations, namely not all classes are available to all races. The beast-like Turga for instance are apparently too barbaric (and stupid) to be capable of harnessing the elemental forces. Edit: At original posting I thought the Muris were unable to be warrior. This turned out to be incorrect. My apologies for this inaccuracy!

 

 

After making your race selection and going through the pretty detailed character customization options (Turgas and Muris can change their animal ears and tail!), you will make the most important decision in the game. Players must select a battle class and a trade class. Now for those silly people who aren’t swearing off shaving until Lime Odyssey is released and might be unfamiliar with the trade class, I’ll go over this very intricate part of the game.

 

 

The Trade Class

 

Currently there are 3 trade classes in the game, with a fourth one currently barred out as a question mark. An interesting tid bit of info from Aeria’s Lime Odyssey producer though is that there are possibly up to 6 more trade classes in development! But for now your decision of trade class is much simpler, and you only need to choose between blacksmith, tailor, and chef. Unlike most MMORPGs in the past that give the trade professions a second fiddle in development priorities, Lime Odyssey basis a huge portion of your character development on the profession system.

 

 

For starters, characters are able to wear two different sets of armors. One set focuses on improving your battle stats, while the other focusing on improving your profession stats. The list of trade stats is as follows:

 

Creativity: Affect your chance of collecting additional items.

 

Smarts: Affects your chance of success when attempting to collect.

 

Drive: Increases gathering and crafting speed.

 

Attention: Affects your maximum trade stamina (used for collecting material as well as crafting items. Can be replenished via potions, sleeping at an inn, or max stamina can be increased via gear)

 

Focus: Affects your chance of success when crafting

 

Judgment: Affect your chance of hitting a jackpot (a jackpot is when you create something a level higher than the expected result, and how crafted items can be even greater than some of the best drops from boss monsters)

 

 

As you level up your trade class, you will gain the ability to allocate points into these various categories. As such you can specialize yourself into a very successful crafter, or focus merely on being super efficient at collecting materials. However being exceptional at both is an impossibility without some legendary crafting armor bonuses. This methodology has an economic goal behind it in which the developers want to force players to interact and spend gold with each other or through the auction house in order to create a prosperous crafting economy. If you’re a pro craftsman but want to craft your own gear, it is far easier to simply charge others gold to craft items for them and then spend that gold in the auction house to buy materials for your desired craft than it would be to gather the materials yourself. On the reverse side, if you’re very efficient at gathering materials, you can sell your excess in the auction house and then use the profits to pay to have your desired gear crafted.

 

 

The other point of interest with crafting is that there are two diverging paths under each trade profession. For instance, a tailor can specialize in crafting for heavy armor or lighter armors. A Blacksmith will have to choose his weapon specialization. And finally a chef can go the route of cooking food (offering long term buffs) or potions (offering more immediate short term effects).

 

 

Now in my personal experience out of those three options the chef would be considered an underdog in the hierarchy of useful trade professions. The Lime Odyssey devs seemed to have recognized this and implemented a farming/ranching system to counteract the weakness of only producing temporary items like food or potions.

 

 

Players are able to visit one of a few open world farming areas where it’s possible to raise 5 different kinds of animals and four different varieties of plants. Raising these animals and plants requires feed, affection, and time, and offers rewards for each of the three professions, making it a vital part of the crafting system. This is where the chef shines as they can create food and potions that can improve the mood of the plant/animal in question, or potions that offer various benefits like faster respawn speed of the pet/plant’s harvestable good. As an example, if you’re a light armor tailor who wishes to make wizard robes, you will be in need of a sheep’s wool. If you trade with a chef, you can obtain a potion that makes your sheep grow wool much faster, allowing you to harvest faster and craft the desired mage robes much sooner. Of course the side benefit of the ranching/farming system is watching 20 guys compete to raise the best panda in the farming zone while a girl stands on the side swooning at the spectacle. On a side note, the chef is also capable of cooking up a valuable meal that reduces the debuff associated with dying and respawning, so definitely visit one before tackling any of the challenging dungeons in this game!

 

 

Well that concludes part 1 of our Early Access coverage of Lime Odyssey. I’ll be back at the end of today for a follow up column in which I discuss material collection, guild functions, battle professions, and the many nuances that make Lime Odyssey stand out as a contender in the competitive 2012 MMO industry.

Rusty Hearts Reveals Upcoming Requiem Update

Rusty Hearts Reveals Upcoming Requiem Update

 

 

Perfect World Entertainment delighted fans today with the reveal of their next Rusty Hearts content update, Requiem! Players will now delve deeper in the engrossing tale of Frantz search for his lost lover Amelia. And there will be clowns… The most horrifying clowns ever…

 

 

Of course the part of this update that really has players excited is the introduction of Rosalle Vergerius as a cash shop alternative to Frantz. Rosalle offers a sleek succubis styled alternative to Frantz and is well worth the purchase in my opinion.

 

 

Other key features of this update include a level cap increase to 45, over 200 new skills, new items to accompany the new content, and a new hub world known as the Training Camp. Requiem will also throw players into the most intense dungeon experience to date, in which 8 players total must form up as an Expedition to challenge “The Altar,” featuring a gauntlet in which Margoras throws every challenge you’ve faced up to this point at your team in an all out war of attrition. One mistake and it’s all over so choose your allies wisely before jumping into this new mode.

 

 

In addition to the Expedition, four new dungeons will be offered including:

 

Opera House: Robust acoustics, perfect sound insulation and throngs of minions, the Opera House is the first dungeon available as you enter the Training Camp and it’ll having you screaming in falsetto. Welcome to Cirque De La Mort, or Circus of Death. The clowns, marionettes and vocalists residing in this abandoned Opera House are no laughing matter. Fight your way through a variety of new foes and encounter the graceful thespian boss, Baron.

 

 

Catwalks: Think you’re too sexy for Catwalks? Think again! The Golden Seal team will have to navigate their way through the dangerous wing of the Opera House and encounter Nobleman, Knights, Bishops and more. Don’t think just because you’re traversing the catwalks that you’ll be stuck in the rafters; rumor has it there is a secret underground lair filled with mysterious and gargantuan monsters.

 

 

Gallery: As a haven for art connoisseurs the gallery is known for immaculate and awe inspiring masterpieces. Unfortunately you’ll find more than just impressionism, pointillism or cubism in this gallery… Watch out for Eel-lusionists, Templars, Prankers and the egomaniacal dungeon boss, Joker, as you get a massive dose of surrealism.

 

 

 

Ramparts: As a heavily fortified embankment this stone fort stands between you and the fire-breathing bull, Chimera. One does not simply walk in to Ramparts; you will need to brawl your way in to the castle’s stone defenses to defeat Gargoyles, Lion Statues, Grave Keepers and Fallen Wizards.

 

 

Be sure to check out the new teaser trailer showing off some of the finer points of Requiem!

Carte iTCG Announces Closed Beta Test Date

Carte Online Announces Closed Beta Test Date

 

 

Armies, Heroes, Signature Weapons, Storyline Events, and more await you and your deck of 64 precious cards in Carte: Cogito Ergo Sumis, an iTCG being published by GamesCampus. Registration is now open and bonefide card carriers can start planning to become among the first to experience all of the card-slinging action when Carte enters beta on February 23rd.

 

 

“Carte is based on a real card game – the most successful trading card game of all time,” said Chris Ahn, Head of Marketing at GamesCampus. “Amazing illustrations bring every card to life, allowing players to build decks that shout their personalities in an unforgettable way.”

 

 

Starting in just four weeks, players will have the opportunity to leap into an exquisite world filled with lush story and encompassing lore.  Players joining Carte will almost immediately gain a starter deck for each nation, so they can explore both the deck building possibilities and the underlying story expressed through the cards. Each nation in Arcadia has its own heroes, villains, and plots to be unveiled as the game progresses.

 

 

The continent of Arcadia is entering the bloodiest conflict it has ever seen, and the battles will play out on the card table of Carte. Each deck is led by a Hero card of the player’s choice, with heroes from the storyline such as the elf Serya Tasdelen or the Evil King Belial available. Players then build a 64-card deck around their hero, with cards representing not only the armies of their nation but also important storyline events or signature weapons.

Pow! MicroVolts Launches the All-New Knox Pow Wow Update

Pow! MicroVolts Launches The All-New Knox Pow Wow Update

 

 

MicroVolts Chief Knox

 

Rock Hippo Productions Ltd. announced today the launch of its Knox Pow Wow update for the popular cartoon style third-person shooter, MicroVolts. This latest update features exciting new parts for the hip hop action figure, Knox, plus a peek inside the developers’ office with the new map: “Bitmap”! MicroVolts’ new trailer and screenshots highlight these exciting updates to the game and players can visit www.MicroVolts.com for all the details!

 

 

Knox, a super poseable hip hop action figure, uses his street smarts and heavy build to defend himself in the toy battlegrounds. As a constant jokester, comic relief is always a part of his gameplay but with Knox’s tough exterior  comes a heart of gold. This new update centers around this favorite MicroVolts character and features all-new Chief and Warrior costume sets inspired by traditional Native American outfits! Players can also get excited about the new Katana melee weapons as well as the three new rare rifles and a brand new costume set for Pandora, all of which are available exclusively in MicroVolts’ Capsule Machine!

 

MicroVolts Bitmap Battle

 

Another cool component of the update is the new map, “Bitmap”, based on the developers’ actual office space! This challenging new battlefield takes place on top of office desks, behind computer screens and various other office  supplies. Players can finally become part of the developers’ world as they fend off enemies to reign supreme in this  ultimate toy battle!

 

 

“Knox is a MicroVolts fan favorite, and players are going to love the new parts for this street wise, super flexible figure that always keeps his fans and opponents in stitches,” said Howard He, President and CEO of Rock Hippo Productions. “MicroVolters are like one big family so it’s also fun that they can now get a sneak peek into the developers’ office in the new “Bitmap” map.”

 

 

Players can get a glimpse of what’s in store with the latest trailer featuring the Knox Pow Wow in full effect.

Luvinia Marriage Interview

Luvinia Marriage Interview

Interview Questions Provided by Jaime Skelton (MissyS), OnRPG/MMOHuts News Correspondent
Answers Provided by GM_Refresh, Outspark Representative

 

 

 

Today, Outspark announced an exciting new marriage system for their brand new free-to-play fantasy MMORPG, Luvinia, which is expected to launch just after Valentine’s Day. MissyS, OnRPG’s newest team member was offered a tour of Luvinia’s new map region, Zendo Hunter’s Camp, and had a chance to do some Q&A with GM_Refresh on the detailed marriage system:

 

MissyS: Luvinia is now getting a marriage system at the best time of the year. Is there any reason players have had to wait until this date? 

GM_Refresh:  When the game first launched, our focus was on creating fantastic social experiences that would build a warm and inviting community around meaningful friendships. Since then, deep bonds have formed and players have started to enjoy romantic courtships.  We thought what better timing than to offer dream weddings around Valentine’s Day.

 

 

MissyS: Will there be a special couple to be the first to share their vows in Luvinia?

GM_Refresh:  The first to get married?  We’re leaving that honor for the community as it will be in the wee hours of the morning once the game emerges from scheduled maintenance.  I am excited that I’ll be getting married in a GM ceremony on launch day and there will be many exciting events for all to attend.  We’ll be posting our plans weekdays at 4pm PT on Facebook at www.facebook.com/outsparkluvinia for those who want to follow.

 

 

MissyS: What kind of courtship will players have to go through before they get married?

GM_Refresh: For players who wish to get married in Luvinia, they’ll need to form a 2-person team in order to receive Marriage Quests at the Marriage NPC in Aurora. Once they obtain and use the item “Love Vine” they’ll become engaged lovers, then they’ll be allowed to register for and book a wedding venue.  The groom will need to buy a pair of wedding rings and dress up before the ceremony.  The bride will enjoy dressing too.  When the couple is finished with their vows and exchanging rings, they will be announced husband and wife.  The bride and groom can then hug and kiss.  They’ll be able to party with their invited guests and from that moment on they’ll have the title “Newlywed.”

 

 

MissyS: How expensive will it be to tie the knot?

GM_Refresh: Players have the option to pay for the weddings using either Gold or Planar Essence both of which can be obtained in game. The cost varies depending on factors including but not limited to the amount of decoration, different types of rings and wedding dress.  Planar Essence can also be earned in our Share The Luv promotion where those who refer 3 friends receive 10 non-tradable Planar Essence and the top referrer, from now until Valentine’s Day, will also win a complete wedding package with cake, confetti, fireworks, venue, rings and more.  Details are at luvinia.outspark.com.

 

MissyS: Let’s talk weddings – what will Luvinia offer to the special couple to make their ceremony event special, for both the couple and their guests?

GM_Refresh: There are tons of beautiful and interesting items available in-game to make one’s wedding special.  From different wedding rings to invitation cards, balloons, fireworks and decorations, players will be able to pick and choose what will appear in their wedding venue.  The shopping aspect of the wedding for the couple will be an incredibly fun experience.  The couple can also be joined by up to 100 friends and family for the ceremony which can be customized with special events like the Wedding Cake Collection where guests can collect wedding cake slices as items and redeem them for SP and Gold, Wedding Bouquet Monsters, where guests can kill Bouquet Monsters to obtain SP and Gold as rewards, and Wedding Candies, provided by NPC Emcee which can be used to receive time buffs such as higher EXP, critical hit points, etc.

 

 

MissyS: What kind of boosts will married players get?

GM_Refresh: They don’t really get boosts but they do get the title of “Newlywed” upon the completion of Marriage Quest and wear certain rings that unlock special effects around the character.

 

 

MissyS: Will there be an option for same-sex marriages?

GM_Refresh: Yes, there will not be any gender restriction.

 

 

MissyS: What if love goes sour – will players be able to say their “I don’ts”?

GM_Refresh: Definitely, there will be Collaborative Divorce and Forced Divorce.

 

 

MissyS: Are there any other special relationships that players can enter besides marriage?

GM_Refresh: Players can be engaged before the real marriage.

 

 

MissyS: We’re looking forward to seeing what comes from this next chapter in the beautiful fairytale world of Luvinia. Thanks again for taking the time to answer these questions!

 

LOTRO Unveils Riders of Rohan Expansion Details

LOTRO Unveils Riders of Rohan Expansion Details

 

 

Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment unveiled today The Lord of the Rings Online: Riders of Rohan, the latest expansion to the award-winning free-to-play MMORPG developed by Turbine. Riders of Rohan expands the online world of Middle-earth while offering a brand new way to play.. on horseback! Riders of Rohan launches in the Fall of 2012 with an increased level cap, the vast plains of Rohan including iconic locations such as Amon Hen and Fangorn Forest, a new Mounted Combat system and much more!

 

 

“2011 was another banner year for The Lord of the Rings Online with consistent growth for the game, a successful unification of our European and North American services and the success of Rise of Isengard, our best selling expansion to date.” said Kate Paiz, Executive Producer of The Lord of the Rings Online.  “This is going to be another outstanding year as we celebrate our fifth anniversary and introduce a wealth of new content throughout the year, ending with our arrival in Rohan.  One of our largest expansions ever, Rohan is expected to be twice the size of the recent Rise of Isengard expansion and includes the most new game systems and technology we’ve introduced since 2008’s Mines of Moria.”

 

 

NEW FEATURES:

 

Experience the Riders of Rohan: Join with the Rohirrim and ride across the sprawling Plains of Rohan; witness the breaking of the Fellowship at Amon Hen; forge alliances with the Ents of Fangorn; and aid Éomer, adopted son of Théoden, as he seeks to protect his homeland from the growing Shadow.

 

 

Introducing Mounted Combat: Ride into Combat atop your loyal War-steed as you defend the people of Rohan from the forces of Isengard and Mordor. Customize your War-steed’s armor and level its skills over time to aid you in mounted defense of King Theoden’s lands. Mount your steed and gather your fellows to fight against Warbands, contingents of roving warg riders that have been scouted all over the Plains of Rohan! It falls to you to head off and defeat this new threat before they over take the land.

 


Advance to level 85: Continue your legend in the next chapter of The Lord of the Rings Online. Experience new adventures in the epic story, and gain new skills and deeds as you face new challenges on your journey to 85!