The Final Frontier: soon to be released Star Trek Online shows the great animation in this trailer, of the adventures on strange planets and combat available in this new Sci-Fi MMO.
Monthly Archives: November 2008
Cronous US Review
by Adam Williams, Onrpg writer
I recently sat down to play CroNous-US, an MMO that was originally created in Korea until Aeria Games, a North American game company purchased the right to open a US version with their touches on it. Its still in its Open Beta phase.
Gameplay
There are four classes, named Fighter, Valkyrie, Magician, and Savage. The first thing you notice when you start CroNous, is the limited customization in the character creation system. During character creation, you pick class, sex, and thats it, so you come out looking like every other person who ever created a character. If you ever played Diablo 2, you’ll recognize the character types. Savage is very reminiscent of Diablos barbarian class, Valkyrie is a combination of the usual RPG thief/rogue classes, and Fighter is a new melding of Savage and Magician.
The light at the end of the tunnel for customization however is shone upon you with the skill tree of the game. The skill system for CroNous is very detailed and varied. Almost no two characters will have the same skill sets yet, at least until the game has been out long enough for the longtime players to define the ‘uber’ skillset.
There were however many glaring annoyances to the game that may or may not get fixed, as Aeria has limited control of what they can change in the game code.
The biggest annoyance is that CroNous has a fixed camera angle that you can never change or move at all. Its held at a set point directly above the character, and other than spinning left or right, you can’t shift it for different perspectives of the battlefield, or even move it closer to your character. This is made even more annoying by the method of moving it. The only method of attacking or using special abilities against enemies is with the mouse, but movement is shared between the mouse and the keyboard, and you can’t toggle which one you prefer leading to weird conflicts where you slightly mis-click and go charging up to the enemy whether you mean to or not (this causes very large annoyances if you try to be a bow Valkyrie and want to shoot from a distance and perform a Leeroy Jenkins into a crowd of enemies).
Secondly the quest system is about as bare-bones as you can imagine it. As far as I could see, there were three quest types in total. Go talk to person Z; Go kill X monsters; or Go kill X monsters for Y items. There are also time limits imposed on the quests that while they aren’t irritatingly short, they do cause problems if you’re a new player and have no idea where to find the monsters.
The collision system for players and players versus mobs is one of the more annoying I’ve ever encountered. You cannot move through players or monsters at all, meaning that in very crowded spots it becomes an exercise in maze completion to get by, and if someone happens to be away from keyboard in a small doorway, you have no way to get by them to try and reach whatever you’re after.
And finally, there is no way to rest in this game at all to recover hp/mp, and there is no cure spells at all that I ever encountered or even heard about, leading everyone of all jobs to have to spam hp and mp potions like a crack fiend with a trust fund. Potions are cheap, but this still isn’t a very enjoyable way to run around, just quaffing potions over and over and over.
Graphics
The graphics of CroNous are rather simple quality so far, in an older 2.5D Style. The limited graphics also make it confusing trying to differentiate between the three to four different types of the same monsters outside cities and in other areas. They all look exactly the same until you move your mouse over them to see what they are.
Sound
The music of CroNous however is very good. Its very fitting to the areas I thought, and was one of the better sound layouts I’ve seen. The fighting noises and monster noises were the usual grunts and explosions, but once you turn those off its much more enjoyable.
PvP
Ah, the real point of CroNous, the PvP system. I wasn’t able to personally participate in the PvP system, but according to other players its very fun and balanced. Theres also a virtue system in place where people who like to go around and gank lower level people end up so low in virtue that if they happen to die, they’ll drop some of their more valuable gear.
Summary
CroNous seems like it will be a very fun game once it receives a little bit of love and polish from Aeria. It has some quirks right now, but the depth of the skill trees and the friendly people will likely have you coming back.
Enlist in the CROSS FIRE Closed Beta!
Be Among the First to Experience the Intensity of Warfare in the Closed Beta for G4BOX’S New Online FPS
G4BOX Inc, a North American publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment media, today announced that the highly-anticipated, free-to-play, online military first-person shooter Cross Fire has entered closed beta. The closed beta test begins today and will run for approximately one month, offering gamers an opportunity to play-test one of four high adrenaline game modes prior to the shooter’s official launch later this year.
With its addictive pick up and play game play, simple learning curve, and high intensity fire-fights, Cross Fire has the appeal to captivate the first-person shooter community throughout North America and the United Kingdom,” said Howard He, CEO and Co-founder of G4BOX. “Players have read about its success in Korea and China, have seen the awesome screens and trailers, and now finally they get a chance to check it out for themselves!”
Cross Fire is an online, military-themed, first-person shooter for the PC platform. The game features two International Mercenary Forces Corporations locked in a global struggle. Players assume the role of either a Black List terrorist or Global Risk mercenary, and then join an online team that must work together to complete objective-based scenarios. There are four online modes in the game including, Team Death Match, Team Match, Annihilation Match and the all-new Ghost Match. Based on their performance in-game, players will receive experience points and be promoted through various Military Ranks. Players will also have the ability to customize their character’s equipment and appearance through Cross Fire’s in-game item shop.
Outspark Prepaid Card Scratch Away Event!
To celebrate the launch of Outspark Prepaid Card at Best Buy and Target, Outspark will be running the Prepaid Card Scratch Away Event and giving away more than 20 awesome prizes for each of their game, Fiesta and Secret of the Solstice.
How to Participate:
– Purchase a $25 Outspark Prepaid Card from Best Buy or Target stores between November 2nd, 2008 – November 30th, 2008
– Use the SparkCash to purchase a Fiesta Item or Solstice item and you’ll automatically be entered a raffle drawing. (The in-game items you win will be determined on where you spend your SparkCash.)
1st Place Grand Prize – One Winner (for each game):
– 8GB iPod Nano (Your choice of color and custom engraving) and
– [Critical] White Tiger Costume (Top,Bottom,Shoes,Tail)(30 Days) or
– One Cowboy Set (30 Days)
2nd Place – One Winner (for each game):
– PNY 9600GT 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 Graphic Card and
– [Critical] White Tiger Costume (Top,Bottom,Shoes,Tail)(30 Days) or
– One Cowboy Set (30 Days)
3rd Place – One Winner (for each game):
– Logitech G5 Laser Mouse and
– [Critical] White Tiger Costume (Top,Bottom,Shoes,Tail)(30 Days) or
– One Cowboy Set (30 Days)
4th Place – 15 Winners (for each game):
– [Critical] White Tiger Costume (Top,Bottom,Shoes,Tail)(30 Days) or
– One Cowboy Set (30 Days)
Tales of Pirates: New “Frozen Sea” Server
Tales of Pirates will release a new server Frozen Sea to cope with the ever-increasing number of players joining TOP. A new world and a new start await those who want to experience it, as well as new friends. IGG will also hold a 10-day double experience event for the players in the new server. Who will finally take the thrown of the new server and emerge after the Leveling Contest this time? Go check it out!
In order to celebrate the new server release, IGG has prepared many cool activities, Come join and have the fun!
Zu Online: A Story of Stone Golems
When you come across an unfamiliar monster, you can imagine it is a Boss. But many players are unaware of the history and legends behind some of the mysterious Zu Online monsters.
Most monsters in Zu Online are based on legends in ancient Chinese mythology. Many of you will have seen the Stone Golems wandering around Miracle Town, but how many people know the myth of Shi Chi, the father and creator of them all?
Shi Chi was a tragic man. As a young boy, he was orphaned by his parents and sent away to a Taoist temple to be raised. He was a quiet boy, spending his time isolated and obsessively carving stones. After a long time observing the strict Taoist rituals and sermons, one day he could not bear it anymore and stole away to the Evil Stone Cave. There, he perfected his stone carving skill and finally created 365 gruesome Stone Golems. Despite their terrifying appearance, he was comforted by their presence and carried them with him wherever he went.
However, the Stone Golems were soon bewitched by Viper Scholars and began to wreak havoc, eventually killing the poor, lonely Shi Chi. After that, the Stone Golems became minions of Evil forces around the world, and an obstacle to the forces of Good trying to recapture Miracle Town.
The shape of the Stone Golems is designed according to traditional Chinese records, and their age-old features evoke a lost era of ancient Chinese culture. Their faces, savage and brave, are both solemn and stirring at the same time.
Each monster in Zu Online has its own story and background. Behind each monster you can find a tale that will teach you a little bit more about traditional Chinese culture and help you enjoy the game much more. Stay tuned for more legends and myths from Zu Online.
Jumpgate Evolution Blasts Beyond 150k BETA Signup Milestone
Upcoming Elite Space Combat MMO Gains Momentum as BETA Approaches
Codemasters Online & NetDevil today announced that BETA signups for the highly anticipated elite space combat MMO, Jumpgate Evolution have now exceeded 150,000 with numbers climbing rapidly! Gamers can continue signing up for the chance to participate in the upcoming BETA.
We are pleased to announce this exciting landmark for Jumpgate Evolution, commented Edward Relf, Director, Marketing, Codemasters Online. Since the commencement of the BETA signup program three months ago, we have seen overwhelming support for the game and look forward to inviting players into the BETA in the coming months. We encourage everyone looking to get into BETA to sign up as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
Jumpgate Evolution is the definitive elite space combat MMO published by Codemasters Online and developed by the US-based NetDevil. This unique new title will allow players to choose from one of three playable Nations and engage in an intense action experience featuring ship-to-ship combat in a persistent online universe. Gamers can embark on an immersive and accessible space adventure where they can trade valuable commodities, take part in dangerous large-scale intergalactic battles, meet and play with friends and live out the dream to become an elite space hero. Jumpgate Evolution features both a rich and varied universe to explore and has been designed for experienced and novice MMO players alike.
Jumpgate is set for release in 2009 with closed BETA due to go live soon.
For more screenshots from the Jumpgate Evolution Beta, please visit the Jumpgate Evolution Screenshot Gallery.
Three Rings announces Whirled is ‘Open for Business’
Indie MMO Leader Calls Upon Game Developers and Flash Designers to Hop Aboard the Whirled Platform to Create and Sell Virtual Goods, Custom Multi-player Games, Virtual Worlds.
Three Rings, a leading independent developer of casual massively multi-player games, has opened Whirled, its player-created virtual world, for business. A full suite of rich APIs, example code and a growing audience of players await monetization by skilled developers. Players can explore a rich catalog of games, customize social areas and begin uploading games and other content to the official Whirled homepage today.
“Whirled delivers a complete platform for Flash games and virtual worlds” said Daniel James, CEO, Three Rings. “Our proven infrastructure is now officially open for business and developers are making money. Join them!”
Whirled is an in-browser virtual world that is open to player creations and customizations; anything can be uploaded to the Whirled, from simple image furniture to mini-MMO games. Sophisticated avatars, pets, toys and games are coded to Whirled’s Flash ActionScript APIs, which support multi-player games with arbitrary numbers of players driven by client or server-side code.
“Three Rings is taking a ‘ridiculously open’ approach to Whirled by publishing metrics, transparent business terms and a large part of the code-base as open-source” said Michael Bayne, CTO and co-founder. “To kick-start creativity, Three Rings offers the source code and assets for all Three Rings’ original games and other content as examples for developers to explore and modify to their own nefarious ends.”
Whirled’s library of over 12 complete, multi-player example games includes the hit ‘Corpse Craft’ described by Penny Arcade as “… f*cking banging, and may even bang off the hook.” To learn more, visit wiki.whirled.com
Gamers play Whirled games to earn Coins, and may purchase a second currency, Bars for U.S. currency using credit cards, paypal, SMS, Target pre-paid cards and other payment methods. Whirled emulates aspects of the success of Puzzle Pirates: part of the power of the business model is that it provides a seamless exchange between player’s time and this cash currency, thus effectively monetizing virtually the entire player base, rather than a small fraction. Creators’ sales in the Whirled Shop accumulate a third currency, Bling, which can be cashed out for real-world money. Three Rings’ Whirled infrastructure is fully operational today: creators are making money from avatars, interactive toys, game items and level packs.
“Not only can you make money selling virtual goods, but also Whirled offers a lifetime revenue share on new players referred to the game – you can simply embed a game or Whirled room into your blog or website, or tell a friend, and we’ll take care of the rest,” added James. He pointed out that “hit content will generate revenue not only from initial sales, but developers will also continue to earn from the players they bring to the party. And here at Three Rings, we like to party!”
Today, Three Rings is also rolling out its Flash Game Developer challenge and the Whirled Game Developer Bonus Bling Pool. Flash game developers who create games using the Whirled APIs stand to participate in $25,000 of prizes each quarter, and share a monthly pool of $10,000 divided up each day according to hours of gameplay on the site.
“Join premier game developers like Brad Borne of FancyPants Adventures, Skunk Studios of QBeez, and others who see the wisdom of getting on board early,” urged James.
Voyage Century: Trade Around the World
Today the folks at Voyage Century are going to talk to you about trade.
In Voyage Century, there is a trade center for businessmen to trade with each other. During your stay in a city, you can not only learn about the special local products and culture, but also can spread the culture and special objects to your own country.
As a businessman, you probably need to shuttle among the cities to do business, so its very important for you to have a good understanding of the current trade market. The best fish is in Istanbul, the best bananas are in Athens, the best whiskey is in Venice, and much more
There are over 160 kinds of products at 10 different levels to choose from. Its interesting to note that the design of the market environment is based on the history of that area.
Where is the most suitable place for newbie players to trade? There are actually many places where newbie players can earn some easy money without being disturbed by ferocious monsters and greedy pirates, such as Istanbul.
After you have saved a little bit of money, you should transform your little lugger into a merchant ship which can help you carry more goods. Its also worth mentioning that as a businessman you should maintain a good relationship with the countries where you mainly trade, in doing so you will pay fewer trade taxes.
If you think its easy to trade in Voyage Century, then you are definitely wrong, because the market in Voyage Century is like a real market which can be very complicated. Most of you time will probably be spent figuring out which trade routes are best, which goods to sell as well as what product levels will bring you the most profit.
Lets start our journey to fame, and more importantly fortune now!
CCP and Atari announce retail box distribution of EVE Online
Atari and CCP, one of the worlds leading independent game developers, today announced a partnership which will see Atari exclusively distribute boxed versions of CCP’s award winning PC MMOG, EVE Online. The game will be available in retail outlets in North America, Europe and Asia Pacific regions beginning March 2009. In addition, Atari will provide trade marketing services to augment CCP’s consumer marketing initiatives for EVE Online. This venture will enable CCP to reach a wider audience and increase the visibility and awareness of the wildly popular franchise, which has grown steadily year-on-year since its release in 2003.
The establishment of a retail distribution channel for EVE Online comes at a time of rapid subscriber growth and technical advancements. The game has attracted nearly 250,000 loyal, active subscribers. Its single shard universe has evolved technically to support massive battles of 1,000+ players with minimal lag, due to CCP’s StacklessIO (TM) and EVE64 initiatives. In addition, CCP will enhance gameplay within EVE Online by rolling out a series of content rich free expansions in 2009.
“Intrepid pioneering is the very foundation upon which EVE Online was built and our digital publishing strategy is an example of how innovation has been a key factor in our success. With Atari, we have found a like-minded partner and a premiere brand that is not only strong globally but also shares our vision in how retail and online services can reinforce each other,” said Hilmar Veigar Petursson, CEO of CCP. “This partnership comes at a great time in the history of EVE where, through a series of technical breakthroughs, we are able to support a vast increase in the number of concurrent players in our single shard persistent world.”
“At Atari we’re working to grow our relationships with the world’s leading online gaming companies and to use our distribution strength to help grow the category for both consumers and retailers. This relationship with CCP is an example of how we can work commercially and creatively to expand the market,” said David Gardner, CEO of Atari. “I have spent time with the creative and commercial leaders of CCP in Iceland and they have built a world class group of dedicated internet game visionaries. I’m honoured that Atari is entrusted with the mission of expanding the CCP universe on earth.”
The boxed version of EVE Online will include the game client, 60 days of subscription time and exclusive extras. It will also include all nine previously released EVE Online expansions. All new expansions will be free of charge to all subscribers, continuing CCP’s release policies.
Launched in 2003, EVE Online has been available exclusively as a direct download from the Web since March 2003. Petursson officially announced the Atari partnership at CCP’s annual Fanfest event, which took place in Reykjavik, Iceland from November 6-8, 2008.
About EVE Online
Set tens of thousands of years in the future, EVE Online is a breathtaking journey to the stars, to an immersive experience filled with adventure, riches, danger and glory. With nearly a quarter of a million subscribers worldwide inhabiting the same virtual universe, EVE features a vast player-run economy where your greatest asset is the starship, designed to accommodate your specific needs, skills and ambitions. EVE offers professions ranging from commodities trader to mercenary, industrial entrepreneur to pirate, mining engineer to battle fleet commander or any combination of these and much more. From brokering business deals to waging war, you will have access to a diverse array of sophisticated tools and interfaces to forge your own destiny in EVE. Learn more and sign up for a free trial at.
Definition of Subscribers
EVE Online subscribers include individuals who have paid a subscription fee or have an active electronic time code (ETC) to play EVE Online, as well as those who have purchased the game and are within their free month of access. The above definition excludes all players under free promotional subscriptions, expired or cancelled subscriptions and expired ETCs.