Yearly Archives: 2007

Granado Espada Preview

Granado Espada is the latest game from Hak Kyu Kim, who is best known for the widely popular Ragnarok Online. The game itself placed in a 17th century European setting and boasts a new and innovative way to play MMORPGs. While the game is still months from launch, I took a peek at the Singeporean version hosted by Infocomm Asian Holdings, that is in beta as we speak.

The revolutionary control system that was designed for Granado Espada is called Multi-character control or MCC. This allows the player to control up to 3 characters at a single time by setting automated commands for the characters not under active control of the player. The best part is you can swap between characters at will and even trigger skills without having to take control of that character. What I liked about this was the ability to tailor a party to my liking without having to worry about weaknesses in a single character since I can have another character to cover that weakness with their strength.

The graphics are truly breathtaking and are hard to believe. Some localized versions of Granado Espada are free to play while the US version has been confirmed to have a monthly fee, but the graphics would tell you otherwise. They are some of the best, if not the best, graphics in an MMORPG to date. Character models are nice and smooth and feature a variety of clothing options. Monsters are very creatively done and some even pulled right out of nightmares. The effects from spells and skills also look fantastic, but I would have liked to see a little bit of blood when things are being shot at or slashed with a sword.

The gameplay is extremely varied and has very few limitations. With the MCC you can choose to control anywhere from 1 to 3 characters at a time from any of five character types: Fighter, Musketeer, Wizard, Scout and Elementalist. While this may sound limiting, each class has a very large variety of stances which grant them anywhere from a half dozen to a dozen skills to use. Don’t worry though, scouts take the typical place of rogues AND priests and have the abilities to do all of their typical duties in a fantasy game.

Unfortunately the sound is not complete and I can’t give a full breakdown of it. IAH is currently working on having a plethora of different voice actors from different backgrounds put their magic into the game and should serve to draw players in even more. The music in the game is phenomenal and definitely makes you feel like you are in the 17th century. Not once did I ever feel out of touch with the game and it makes me wish more games took the amount of time and attention to detail on the audio portion of a game as IMC Games and HanbitSoft did.

All in all this game is a must try no matter which server set you decide to play. The game will be titled “Sword of the New World” when K2Network releases it this summer and be free to play up until level 20 to try out and will cost only $8.99 per month though you will need to purchase a CD key as well. The servers being hosted in Singapore by IAH have not announced a business model yet, so it is possible that they will make the game free to play with an item mall. Give it a look and be surprised at how fresh it feels.

Myth War Online: New Payment Methods Release and ChildrenÂ’s Day Events Preview

Internet Gaming Gate (I.G.G.) Myth War Group today brings us two exciting news pieces.

One: New Payment Methods Release

In order to provide a most convenient way for players to purchase points card, the official has launched two new payments for you: Google Checkout and Pay By Cash. These two payments provide more purchasing choices and cover even larger areas.

Meanwhile, they also make some amendments to the players paying through PayPal. To know more by visiting the following link:
http://www.mythwaronline.com/modules/news/displaynews.php?parent_id=1&url=/uploadfile/text/20070525/1180091027.htm

Two: Children’s Day Events

As Children’s Day comes around the corner, the official has already prepared a series of wonderful events as usual. The whole carnival contains of two parts, In-game activities and Item Mall sales. Here’s the brief introduction.
In-game Events
1. Drowcrusher quest
Event Period: June 1 to June 3
2. Bounty Quest
Event Period: June 1
3. Fourfold Exp for Beating Mobs
Event Period: 0:00 Server Time June 1, 2007-23:59 Server Time June 3, 2007
4. In-game Quiz Contest
Event Period: June 2-3

Item Mall Events
1. Double Credit Points Given for Buying Item Mall Points
Event Period: The event shall commence on June 1 and the end time will be notified later.
2. New Stuff in Item Mall
Event Period: June 1-10
Event Content: Our item mall will release 2 new items—Chocolate and Cryolite due to players’suggestion. The new stuff will be on sale for 10 days.
Please link to the following URL to get events details:
http://www.mythwaronline.com/modules/news/displaynews.php?parent_id=2&url=/uploadfile/text/20070528/1180409498.htm

Myth War Online: Blog Contest Result and Event Scheme Winner Announced

Internet Gaming Gate (I.G.G.) Myth War Group recently announced the results of two events which had been well-received by players-

Blog Contest Result
After 10 days of voting which expired on May, 23rd, Myth War First Blog Contest has successfully come to the end. Here comes the stirring moment to announce the final winners and their prizes. Please link to the following URL to know more about the winners:
http://www.mythwaronline.com/modules/news/displaynews.php?parent_id=1&url=/uploadfile/text/20070524/1180063879.htm

And you can view the winners’ works by visiting:
http://mw.igg.com/active/blogvote/

Event Scheme Winner Comes Out
After several days of collection of online event scheme, the official has received many valuable and constructive proposals from our creative players. Here, millions thanks to all the players who take part in this event.
After carefully selection, winners list is finally come out. To know more please head over to
http://www.mythwaronline.com/modules/news/displaynews.php?parent_id=1&url=/uploadfile/text/20070529/1180419257.htm

I.G.G. Announces New Hellenistic MMORPG: Gods War Online

Today, I.G.G. (Internet Gaming Gate) has announced a new 3D Hellenistic MMORPG called Gods War&amp. This excellent game which I.G.G. has made painstaking effort on remained shrouded in secrecy until now.
The various systems, fascinating plots, esthetical scenes, customized character development, exciting combat mode and lively community…Gods War includes all the features that you are expecting from a good MMORPG and will certainly bring you best experience in the joyful virtual game world.
At its core, God’s War Online is a fantasy-themed game based on Greek Mythology which trace back to the Age of the Demigods. Players will fully appreciate the Hellenistic civilization and meet all significant gods of that age in the game. Top-class artists have been working hard to improve the game’s graphics and user interface which gives Gods War amazing visuals. Every scene in game presents a characteristic physiognomy, for instance, majestic Sparta City, isolated desert, forested meadow and creek, gloomy swamp and sunny beach…
The preview website of Gods War Online was launched formally on May 20, 2007. It’s created in such a cute style just like the game itself. Here you’ll find various things, including the latest news and extra pictures about Gods War Online so that the players who would like to pay attention to this game will be able to know the development progress and other newest info about this game. Players will also be able to communicate or interact with others on its forum.
For more information please head over to http://gw.igg.com/

Voyage Century CaptainÂ’s Log #1

I have read many novels about voyage and naval warfare since my childhood, raising the scope, facing the sea breeze at the front of hull with a yataghan around the waist, sailing around the Caribbean as a pirate.
And the deep dark hull, golden Figurehead, also the cursed ship name Black Peal, Pandora…I was enchanted by all of these.
In Voyage Century (http://vc.igg.com ), I play a righteous Captain of the Royal Fleet, but I plan to start an alt as a gallant pirate who does whatever she wants.
As you know, I have a female character in the game…hoho
I plan to write my voyage stories and share them with you to memorialize those glorious days.

Chapter 1: Novice Jan, 16th in First year of Voyage Calendar

The mythology of the mysterious East was wide spread in Mediterranean. I had grown up in the port of Athens, and had heard scholars and scoundrels alike tell elaborate tales of the sights to be seen and the riches to be had. Today, I spoke to the barkeeper in the Athens Port, and we had a long and fascinating discussion about the mystic orient, which kindled my long-standing aspiration to go there. During that conversation, I made it the ultimate goal of my life to travel and explore there. There was something indescribable that connected me to that mystic continent.

I left the tavern and strolled across the busy city of Athens. By this time in the morning, businessmen had already gathered at the trading house and were busy buying and selling goods from all over the world. I met my old friend, the captain of the Mystic Fleet. He invited me back to his ship for a drink. In his office, I told him about my decision in the tavern and my plan to explore the Orient. At first, he was amazed, but he supported my plan to travel there. He told me many of the tales of the Orient that he had heard, and pulled out a voyage log from the bottom the bookcase. This book, he said, he had acquired in an African port while he was serving as First Mate on a navy frigate. He had purchased it for a few trinkets from some natives who didn’t know its value. It was filled with strange letters that, he told me, were the characters of the Chinese imperial court.

The Captain of the Mystic wrote a letter of recommendation for me and asked me to take it to the governor of Seville, in Spain. The governor, he said, was interested in information on sea routes to the Orient, and would be about to find investors for my journey.

I left the Mystic and returned to my ship, the Explorer. I had nearly forgotten to introduce her! She is a fine double-rigged sloop, a fine armed ship and designed and built by the Athens Shipyard. She is an elegant ship with graceful curve and majestic straight lines. Her prow was carved in the shape of a dolphin, the spirit and guide of the sea. The Captain of the Mystic had taken an interest in me two years ago, and had lent me the funds to finance the purchase her.

“Welcome back, sir. All preparations are complete, and we await your orders.” So the crew greeted me as I boarded the Explorer. My natural free spirit and a couple months aboard a navy patrol ship have made me dislike the hierarchical command structure aboard ship. Sailors make friends with sailors and officers with officers, but the captain must always be somewhat aloof, and that can make a long voyage a lonely endeavor. But, as the Captain of the Mystic says, the captain is the soul of the whole ship, and must command the ultimate authority and respect. It is always an effort for me to assume the captain’s persona, but it is a skill that I have developed deespite my inclinations. I squared my shoulder, said, “Thank you. Have the First Mate see me in my quarters.” After a while First Mate Hatelor came in and saluted. “Aye, captain, you called.” I squared my shoulder again, and answered him officially. “I have acquired by chance the ship’s log of an Oriental voyage, and I plan to begin a voyage of exploration to the Far East.” I had half expected that Hatelor, a worthy fellow whose experience was limited to the Eastern Mediterranean, would strongly advise against this ridiculous jaunt, but his reply surprised me. “I will give the news to the crew, Captain. If I may speak freely, many of the crew have been taken by the stories of the East that they have heard at the tavern, and have been disappointed that we’ve stayed in know waters. I expect that many will hear this as good news and be pleased to accept the task. Myself included, sir!” I knew there is some flattery in Hatelor’s words, but his support pleased me well.

“Tell the crew to prepare to sail to Seville in Spain,” I told him. “The Captain of the Mystic has offered to support me, and I plan to ask the King of Spain to fund our voyage.”

“Aye, sir,” he replied. “Among the great powers, Spain and Britain are the most likely to fund a voyage of discovery. And the Captain’s recommendation will carry some weight in the Spanish court.”

“Well, then,” I said, “what are we waiting for?”

“Take it easy, sir. I and the crew will buy some provisions and goods first. I heard from the local merchant that Spanish royals are very charmed by paintings, and we could pick up some extra money by bring a few with us.”

Hatelor always had a good head for business. “Okay, Hatelor. Take some crew and make the necessary purchases. And don’t forget to stock up on ammunition; the path between Athens and Spain passes Corsican waters. Tomorrow morning we set sail!”

“Aye, aye, sir!”

To be continued…

Tales of Pirates Celebrates ChildrenÂ’s Day

Since Tales of Pirates (http://top.igg.com) is popular among young people, we’d like to hold 3 Days of Double Exp event for Children’s day from ET (GMT-4) 0:00, June 1st to ET (GMT-4) 24:00, Jun 3rd, hoping that all these young players and others could enjoy this festival to review their naive childhood.
Besides, an Tales Collecting Activity is held in ToP forun from May 28th, 2007. Please find the details as below:
Detailed rules and requirements forTOP Tales Collecting Activity:
1. There is no level or forum posts limitation, that is to say, everyone is welcome to join in and his/her work will be treated 100 equally;
2. The tales/stories must be related to the game (Tales of Pirates);
3. There is no strict limitation for the topics or forms, you could tell a venture, a guild battle, a love story or anything else, you could also narrate your tale with a few vivid pictures, as long as it’s fun, it’s your call!
4. Offensive pictures or languages are strictly prohibited;
5. Plagiary is strictly prohibited;
6. Viewers’ comments will be regarded as important judging reference, authors could also draw a poll to collect opinions.
Awards:
1. Good tales will be honorably selected and quoted on official website!
2. The authors of selected tales will be awarded Item Mall points, and the awards will go from 100 points to 1000 points!
3. Forum will also announce good tales every once in a while, and the authors will also be awarded 20-100 Item Mall points!

NCsoft Unveils Dungeon Runners Game With A Free-to-Download and Play Business Model

AUSTIN, Texas, May 29, 2007 – NCsoft® North America announced it has opened to the public its first free-to-download and play game, Dungeon Runners™, as the company continues to expand its online entertainment offerings. Dungeon Runners is an online, multiplayer role playing game in a fast-paced sword-and-shield setting where defeating monsters and evil enemies results in piles of loot and treasure.
Dungeon Runners, currently available strictly via free digital download, has a play-for-free tier where players can access large chunks of the game’s content, and a “membership level” for $4.99 per month where players are given, among other things, log-in queue priority and access to the most powerful items, weapons and armor. Membership status also includes bank storage for up to 220 loot items and the ability to stack potions in one slot to save room for even more loot.

In Dungeon Runners, there are a variety of character archetypes to choose from including fighter, mage and ranger in a classless RPG system where players are not locked into skills that are usually associated with their specific archetype.

Dungeon Runners focuses mainly on action and battles with limited death penalties and endless gold, weapons, armor and magic items available to claim after defeating hordes of monsters. The game also features a lighter side, with subtle and not-so-subtle humor sprinkled throughout the game including names of many items in the game. For example, one particularly dangerous sword is called “Shifty’s Crystal Sword of the Hypersonic Monkey” and a very helpful magic item called the “Pulsating Dragon Eye Amulet of the Thorny Donkey.”
“Dungeon Runners is a lot of fun and doesn’t take itself too seriously. But the game will take players into an action packed-adventure, where they blaze through a maze of dungeons, face fierce monsters and formidable opponents to become a hero,” said Stephen Nichols, NCsoft’s producer and lead programmer for Dungeon Runners. “Regardless if a player pays to be a member or plays for free, Dungeon Runners will deliver more than 200 hours of game play and a continually growing number of missions and quests. The game is also designed to appeal to gamers who have limited time to give to a game, but it will have the content to keep players adventuring for hours at a time.”

While NCsoft presents Dungeon Runners as a scaled down version of its other online games, Dungeon Runners is far superior to other “free with membership” type games due to the high standards NCsoft’s development team applies to all the products it creates, regardless of business model.

“Dungeon Runners is a bold leap into a new business model for NCsoft and it is taking us into a new direction in terms of the kind of games we can provide our customers,” said Robert Garriott, CEO of NCsoft North America. “There are plenty of other ‘free’ games available for online RPG fans, but none that packs as many features as Dungeon Runners has or comes with the NCsoft stamp of quality. We expect that players will receive this game warmly because it is fast, fun and free. It is hard to beat that deal.”

Deicide

It is much like any other MMO. You set your characters hair, armor colors, face. When you first come into the game, they give you a two sets of armor, a bow, sword, and a few skills to start out with. You can choose between melee or magic, and hone your skills. Game play is slow when you start out, the reaction time between hit time is about 3 seconds (which is pretty slow for a hardcore gamer like myself) and also same for the magic based attacks. Overall this MMO would be great if it had better skill-time and melee-based attacks. If you are looking for some hard hitting, fast leveling game experience this is not for you.

Graphics: 5/10
Game play: 3/10
Some God aweful music in the background: 0/10

New Content

Ntreev USA, Inc. announced today that Trickster Online: Links to Fantasy has recently released new content for their popular 2D fantasy MMORPG.

A brand new mini-game like feature has recently been added to the game. The new feature, called Gacha, allows players to collect unique in-game items that are otherwise not available, either in-game or through My Shop. To play Gacha, players must purchase Gacha Coins through My Shop, then they can click the new Gacha tab in the My Shop window to begin playing.
A new, permanent quest has been added to the game. The Card Girl Quest is a multiple part quest meant for players of all level ranges. Players must find Card Girl in one of her eleven locations and solve her riddles to receive quest rewards, including TM Exp.

With the release of 2nd Jobs for Trickster Characters, more and more new Skills are being released. With this most recent release the focus has been made on the higher level players (Lv 100+). One of these new Skills allows a character to morph into a beast, with a completely new appearance and prowess. This release also marks the coming completion of the 2nd Job Skill release. The last of the 2nd Job Skills is scheduled to be released very soon.

Since its release from Closed and Open Beta and now in its full commercial incarnation, more and more content has become available for Trickster Online. To continue this trend that has already included a website, forum redesign, the release of My Shop, My Camp, 2nd Jobs and more, Trickster Online will be updating the massive amount of content already available on a new regular schedule. New additions to all things Trickster Online will be made now on a bi-weekly basis. This new content will be announced on the official website as well as in the Trickster Online Newsletter.

Hardcore Set Proxy for VCO

Only the game with top quality could attract true players. Voyage Century (http://www.voyagecenturyonline.com) is highly popular by massive players since its final has been launched, not only for the first-class 3D technology and considerate live support service, but also the stirring announcement of forever free operation rule.

Player of ID Pirate191 is one of the loyal VCO fans. He said, he had noticed this charmed 3D nautical game since VCO Alpha Test, but due to the network operation problem he was limited to play VCO. He was so fascinated by this game but not able to play it fluently, which worried him a lot. Recently he got a way to solve the problem caused by network operation problem. With the help of his friends, he newly set a proxy on his own exclusively for playing VCO. After continuous testing and efforts, now he can play VCO fluently without any lag and block even when hundreds of players PK in Siege War together or walk forward in the hustle and bustle of Seville Port He also said, VCO is a so amazing game that he can’t ever imagine with delicate picture and profound voyage culture. The amount of players who use his proxy to access VCO has reaches 20 so far and this number keeps coming up. These players are also bothered by the problem of network operation and they are thankful for the efforts. It is advisable that other players who also have this kind of problem could try to set a proxy.

As one of the Highest Ranked MMORPGs ranked on MMORPG.com, VCO has attracted more and more players to come and enjoy. Not to mention the progress accomplished in the way, we believe that in near future VCO will continue to improve our game quality and service passionately.