Monthly Archives: December 2008

Warrior Epic Interview

by Roxane, Onrpg editor
Person interviewed: Peter Cesario, Director of Product Development at True Games Interactive.

True Games Interactive, an international publisher of multi-player online games, has revealed the first key features and game details for its highly anticipated Online action MMORPG, Warrior Epic. Developed by Austin-based studio Possibility Space, the game has already developed a growing community since the developer launched the Warrior Epic website earlier this year. With the new publishing partnership, True Games Interactive is now sharing new features, screen shots and game details as it gears up for the game’s spring 2009 launch.

Onrpg: Warrior Epic used to be playable, but is has currently returned into development phase. Can you give us some hints as to what to expect in April 2009 upon release?

Peter: The earlier Closed Beta was actually more focused on the technology in general as opposed to a heavy emphasis on gameplay. So for April of 2009, you can definitely expect tons of new additions to the game play itself, including skills, items, quests, PvP, and so on. There is a lot to get excited about as we march towards our launch date!

Onrpg: What are your current plans for improving your service to the community?

Peter: Even before True Games came on board, Possibility Space had already gotten off to a great start building a strong community around Warrior Epic. Naturally, we’d like to continue to build upon that solid foundation and provide even more interaction and community involvement from now through launch. Look for more specifics to be revealed once we launch the full website with forums, etc. in the next few weeks.

Onrpg: What new content will be added upon the re-release of the title?

Peter: Because the earlier beta was focused more on the technology, you can expect an enormous amount of new content to be added for launch. Entire new areas to quest in, new Warrior types with unique skill trees and items, and more PvP options will all be available starting with Beta around March 09’.

Onrpg: What are these different warrior classes, what can they do and what makes them special?

Peter: We’ll actually be revealing more information on each individual Warrior class throughout the next several weeks, but I can definitely tell you that there will be quite a variety of base and sub class types to choose from and each of them will have very unique skill sets and other specialties for both PvE and PvP. It’s this amount of variety and customization of the Warrior classes that helps make Warrior Epic so unique and compelling.



Onrpg: How does the unique Warrior Spirit System (where the spirit of a fallen warrior can be infused into items of other warriors still in combat) contribute to this?

Peter: The Warrior Spirit System is a big part of what differentiates Warrior Epic from a lot of games and the role it plays in grouping is no exception. For instance, a player that has put a lot of effort into strengthening their lineup of Spirits or using them to significantly power-up their items or weapons can be a tremendous asset to any group no matter what particular class they may be.

Onrpg: What can we expect with regards to PvP in Warrior Epic?

Peter: At launch, you can expect at least a couple of team based “battle ground” type scenarios as well as 1 on 1 dueling. We’re currently in the process of finalizing the specifics as well as tons of balancing for each of the battlegrounds and such, so expect more detailed information on PvP within the next several weeks.

Onrpg: How much is the world is customizable?

Peter: Players will actually have a wide variety of customization options available to them. You’ll able to heavily customize the look, skills, and items of each individual warrior as well as personalize the look of the various rooms within your Warrior Hall. Basically, there will be enough customization options to fit just about any play style!

Onrpg: How will the micro-transaction system affect the game play? What kind of items are for sale and how will this make the game play more appealing and entertaining?

Peter: The micro-transaction system will be a great option for any player looking to further enhance their Warrior Epic experience. None of the items offered through micro-transactions will ever be required, but for those who wish to either level up their warriors a bit quicker, gain some loot bonuses while questing, or simply want to stand out even more from others with unique vanity items the micro-transaction store will provide the opportunity to do so.

Onrpg: Are you planning to hold special events or campaigns in the game for the players once it’s launched?

Peter: Definitely! We can’t reveal our exact plans until closer to launch, but you can certainly count on some cool surprises at that time, and maybe even some special “thank you” rewards for those who helped out during Beta tests.

Tales of Pirates: Exploring the Treasure Gulf

In Tales of Pirates the Treasure Gulf is the first scene of the Caribbean Sea map. It is also an important transfer station through which players can access Skeletar Isle, Naval Base, Abaddon and Heaven. Like other treasure places, Treasure Gulf hides many precious items. Players may be able to get them by salvaging or fishing, and if they don’t get what they want, it’s easy to sell them for a profit. It is also the only place which allows PK on the Caribbean Sea map.

Treasure Gulf Features


I. Silent Fleet

It is said that there are 7 sunken ships under the Treasure Gulf. In name and appearance they are all alike, but one among them is a special ship containing much more precious treasure chests.
When opening a common treasure chest, players will get ordinary materials, but when opening a special treasure chest they may obtain lots of gold, Mystic Panda Caps, Refining Gems and Attribute Gems.

II. Cruising Sharks

There are many schools of sharks living in the Treasure Gulf. Players can salvage these sharks by using salvaging tools. The sharks have attack powers, and will damage players’ ships.
After using a shark, players will obtain any one of the level 75 apparel suits, Shark Meat, Shark Roe, Sharkfin, and Shark Bone which are very useful and can be used to manufacture new items players need after adding ingredients like salt and rice.
Shark Fillet is made with Shark Meat plus Mustard, and will restore 1000 health points.
Caviar is made of Shark Roe and salt, and will restore 1000 SP points.
Sharkfin Porridge is made of Sharkfin plus Rice, and will increase attack power by 50%.
Fish Bone Soup is made of Shark Bone and Water, and will increase Dodge Rating by 50%.

Perfect World Launches Small-scale Closed Beta Testing for ‘Battle of the Immortals’

Perfect World Co., a leading online game developer and operator in China, announced that the Company launched small-scale closed beta testing for its first mysterious adventure MMORPG, “Battle of the Immortals”, today.

“Battle of the Immortals” features an aesthetic depiction of scenes, multiple occupations, various battle modes, a mission system with rich content and the special Saint Armor System. All of these features will bring a new and exciting experience to online game players. The game scenes include historic sites such as Atlantis, the Bermuda Triangle, the Egyptian Pyramids, Easter Island and the Mausoleum of Emperor Qin.

Mr. Michael Chi, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Perfect World, commented, “As the first production of our Shanghai-based research and development team, ‘Battle of the Immortals’ allows online game players to travel between Eastern and Western cultures. Many online game players are invited to participate in the test to experience the wonderful adventurous world of ‘Battle of the Immortals.’ “

Ndoors acquires FPS developer Crazybox

Atlantica Online developer NDOORS Inc. has acquired CrazyBox Entertainment, the South Korea-based developer of the online first-person-shooter Seven Years of War.

CrazyBox, founded in 2004, has garnered praise for Seven Years of War, with action that takes players into the thick of urban military combat. The game is currently published in Japan.

NDOORS will now be able to incorporate the technologies developed by CrazyBox to produce new games in the FPS genre, expanding NDOORS diverse range of titles. In addition to the strategic turn-based MMORPG Atlantica, NDOORS has developed Luminary: Rise of the GoonZu, a MMORPG that incorporates real-world style politics and economics, and the time-traveling MMO Time N Tales.

A new FPS will be introduced next summer by NDOORS.

“We’re excited about the synergy that will be created by melding Crazybox’s technology with NDOORS’s creativity,” said Cho Seong Won, CEO, NDOORS. “This acquisition will allow us to provide people a broad range of games. We look forward to making those games fresh and exciting for all players out there.”

Atlantica Online is set on Earth, in a parallel reality that takes players through a fantastic journey to discover the lost secrets of Atlantis. With its heavy emphasis on strategy, Atlantica was designed to stand out amongst the ‘cookie-cutter’ MMOs. The strategic gameplay incorporated into the turn-based combat, mercenary and country management systems will appeal to strategy and RPG players.

Angels Online: Outpost Battlefield and Monsters Overview

After the release of the Lost Atlantis, a new PVP system called Holy Battlefield is now available for all players to enjoy. It has evolved based on the Outpost Battlefield and the Totem Battle. Players must have been very familiar with the Totem Battle, so today the Angels Online team is giving a brief introduction concerning the Outpost Battlefield.

Outpost Battlefield
The Outpost Battlefield was the first PVP system released for Angels Online. Four appointed NPCs can be found in the four main cities. Different factions’ players can talk to corresponding NPCs and then enter the Outpost Battlefield and PK with players from other factions.

In order to protect lower level players, there will be two maps for level 21-40 players and level 41-60 players respectively. Players will be teleported to the corresponding map according to their level.

Strategies
Fighting system players always charge forward under heavy fire like tanks, and are very important in the Outpost Battlefield. Magic players should deal as much damage as they can in time to soften up their enemies for the main tanks. If there are more than two factions’ on a map, players who take part in the Outpost Battlefield the first time may become flustered, and this can be disastrous during battle.

Boss Monsters & Production
Monsters which are as powerful as BOSSes will come to the Outpost Battlefield from 6:00pm to 12:00am everyday. Players can organize teams to defeat these monsters and obtain certain Riddle Pieces. 200 Riddle Pieces can be exchanged for a Certificate.

A guild with more Certificates has a chance to occupy a map in advance in the Totem Battle. On the battlefield, production players can obtain some Riddle Pieces as well by collecting high-level materials. However, their Riddle Pieces are much sought after, these players may be attacked by players from other factions. It is better for them to team up with other fighters and collect materials together.

Fasaria World Trailer

The Fasaria World trailer shows a preview of the First Chapter which will be released in march 2009. Enter a world with various levels and intricate combat systems, where you defend the world against evil and corruption.

Dungeons Keeper MMO announced

NetDragon Websoft Inc., a leading game developer and operator in the People’s Republic of China (“NetDragon” or the “Company”, with its subsidiary collectively know as the “Group”; Hong Kong stock code: 777) announced a new licensing agreement with Electronic Arts Inc. on the development of the Group’s first 3D massively multi-player online role playing game (MMORPG) based on Electronic Arts’ “Dungeon Keeper(TM)” line of games — including themes, characters and other game content. As part of this agreement, NetDragon will develop the game and obtains the exclusive license to operate and distribute Dungeon Keeper Online throughout the Greater China region, including Hong Kong, Taiwan and Macau.

“We are delighted to enter into an agreement with EA in the development of our first 3D MMORPG. Our partnership with this internationally renowned game developer is proof of our capabilities in game operations and development as well as a reflection of our market reputation,” said Mr. Liu Dejian, Chairman and Executive Director of NetDragon. “Capitalizing our strength to create a strong gaming experience, powerful operating platform and unmatched expertise within China’s online game market, we are confident that Dungeon Keeper Online will not only become successful in the Greater China region but also achieve remarkable results overseas.”

Jon Niermann, President of EA Asia Pacific said, “The partnership marks a significant milestone for EA as it will enhance our intellectual property and extend our product reach throughout the Greater China region. It will also further enhance our intellectual property with differentiated, high-quality games, particularly in the field of MMORPGs.”

Dungeon Keeper(TM) is a PC strategy game released by EA in July 1997.

Conquer Online Review

Conquer Online Review

by Vincent Haoson, OnRPG Journalist

TQ Digital, the company that has brought to the world Eudemons Online, CrazyTao and Zero online. Brings to us a 2.5D oriental MMO like no other, Conquer Online(CO).

What is Conquer Online?

Conquer Online is a free-to-play oriental themed MMO that centers around the story of a world in chaos and your character is one of the chosen warriors who is there to protect the world’s citizen’s from the darkness brought by it. As one of those “chosen warriors” in CO, you get to choose from four different job classes. You can be a Taoist, Trojan, Archer or Warrior.

The Taoist is your basic magic wielding class in Conquer Online, though unlike in other games where the magic class have a clear separation at the beginning of the game, the healers or the water Taoists and the attack-magic users, or the fire Taoists all start of as a one default job class.

The other range-type of character in CO is the archer. They are better known as the class that can kill a large amount of monsters the fastest, though this is highly arguable because this is dependent on the player’s skill. Unlike most, classes in CO Archers have more mob-killing skills than the other classes. Furthermore, they have more advantage in killing higher level monsters due to their flying skill, a skill that only archers can use.

Trojans on the other hand are the heavy hitters in CO. They are sturdier than the Archers and Taoists but they are not made for tanking unlike the other melee character, the Warrior. They’re the only class in CO that can duel wield and that majority of their attacks and skills are for dealing huge amounts of damage.

Warriors meanwhile are the tankers of CO. As I mentioned earlier, Warriors are sturdier than Trojans and they are the only characters in-game that can equip the heaviest armors.
According to CO’s website, there’s a new addition to the four job class available, the Ninja class. Their website says that ninja’s deals more damage than Trojans but they have the least amount of defense and hp in the game.

Characters in CO are not gender-dependent, giving you the feel that you can “customize” at least your character. You can also choose between a big and small body build. This option is more for vanity and has no actual use in the gameplay.

Graphics and sound

The graphics engine of the game is not that impressive. With the limitation of CO being a 2.5 D MMO, the background of the whole game is static and dull. The NPCs are just standing there swaying, if you pay attention enough.

Considering other f2p MMOs CO is disappointing in this department. The character designs are rough and sometimes too dull to look at. The monster designs are rough too. Even if the graphics is already set in the highest option you can see that it doesn’t really help as much. Another thing is that the movements of the characters and the monsters are quite clunky.

The plus in CO is that you get to see whatever you equip to you character and unlike most games where what your character looks like is retained in your whole experience.

The music is well tailored for the game. It does help make you experience that you are actually playing an oriental-themed game, though it can be quite repetitive if you stay in an area too long.

The Interface

Starting in CO can be a handful, if you play the game in windowed mode the interface can be heavy on the eyes, reading the text is also bothersome especially when you are not yet that familiar with how the game looks.

The camera is stuck in a slanted angle and the only thing you can toggle is the zoom, though the camera angle is convenient in most areas. Clicking to your next destination can be a little tricky and troublesome if you are in a heavily populated zone.

CO has one default skill that can serve as a convenient and funny way of moving around the maps. By pressing ctrl then clicking your point of destination, you can make your character jump to that place regardless of his position in the map. Though this is a tricky move especially if you’re landing in a place where the background can be a hindrance, learning how to jump large distances in CO helps you not only as a means to move to other places faster, it can also serve as your escape plan when you can’t take down a monster fast enough and you need to have an exit strategy fast.

Your character can also do a set of default actions your characters do. You can make them sit, wave crazily or even make them dance. This adds the quirkiness factor in CO and making it more appealing.

Another thing to look out for this game is that there is a reborn system or more commonly known as rb. Players who reach level 131 have an opportunity to be reborn and get another class while their previous skills are retained. You can only rb twice in one character therefore making it quite possible to have three different skill trees at the same time.

Conclusion

MMOs can be judged quite harshly in graphics and sounds, and yet sometimes even if they aren’t considered visually stunning and have a great soundtrack players still flock the game and take their time in playing.

That is also true here in Conquer Online. There’s nothing that really changed in the graphics and sounds ever since I encountered the game before 2.0 but I was surprised to see that the community is larger than before. With 11 servers to choose from, it seemed that the game earned more players while I was away.

I think that the reason behind this is the events and the already established community that CO has already made. Though the amount of players online in CO are either multiple accounts, it still obvious that players still care for the game to spend their time creating a lot of characters, and not just mules but high level characters to boot.

TQ Digital made sure that players would not only level grind and PvP. The company also included events that are not just in-game centered, but also community building. The mentor/apprentice system is also a nice addition, as players can get to really be part of the game not for the game itself but also for meeting new people as well.

CO is a game you’ll never really fall in love with at first sight. The dated graphics engine can be quite a bummer especially if you have f2ps who are more visually attractive than CO. Yet you would have to wonder why is it that there are still a lot of players who play and spend time in CO. There is a gem in CO that those players have seen, and getting to that gem takes time.

Pros
– A vibrant and thriving community
– Events keep on coming
– Simple controls that are easy to grasp

Cons
– Graphic are dated
– The static background makes the game dull

Acclaim Games Announces “ROCKFREE”

People around the world are playing music games like Rockband and Guitar Hero, but the price for these music based games can be expensive. Acclaim Games has the answer, “ROCKFREE”. Acclaim Games is proud to announce a free, browser-based, multiplayer, PC rock game that connects people through music and socialization.

In the game players will be able to create custom rocker avatars, open a rock club and battle against other people around the world. In the end it’s all about who rocks, who sucks and more importantly, who gets the coveted title of ROCKER GOD. This early sneak-peak will provide a taste of the music line-up to come, providing three licensed tracks; Iron Man, Fat Lip and Woman. Additionally there are more than 40 new songs being produced for this game.

Acclaim Games and WaveGroup, Warner Music, Sony and EMI have teamed up to do the music for ROCKFREE. WaveGroup, spearheaded by Will Littlejohn who is credited on Guitar Hero, Guitar Hero II and III, Karaoke Revolution Volumes 1, 2 and 3, and Blade Runner, is a integral part in the production of ROCKFREE’S music.

“Acclaim Games is excited about offering an online rock game that connects people through music and a multiplayer experience. People don’t have to pay hundreds of dollars to play ROCKFREE, and because it’s free-to-play the entire world can now enjoy a music based game.” says Howard Marks CEO of Acclaim Games.

“We’ve had a simple vision for this game… Just imagine Rocking out to really GREAT music online, for FREE, on a game that you can play anywhere, anytime, where you don’t need to buy CD’s or install anything, where the music is directed by the company the Guitar Hero team went to, where we DON’T charge for extra songs, that will quickly have over 1,000 amazing songs, as users upload new tracks, that can allow EIGHT people to compete on any stage, and that’s just about hanging out with friends and having fun. That’s our long term goal here, and here’s a sneak peek to see if were on the right track so far.” says David Perry, Chief Creative Officer.

Sho Online: Global TV network Arirang feature

Lizard Interactive announced today that the globally popular MMORPG “Sho Online” (original title “The Way of Heaven”) will be featured on the global TV network Arirang in four exclusive episodes. Episode One showcased the Sho Online development team and their upcoming plans for future updates and expansions. In Episode Two, find out in detail about the exciting new features that will be added next year.

These episodes are part of the gaming news program ‘E-Sports’ hosted by Arirang that is aired regularly to viewers in Seoul, Hong Kong, New Delhi, Buenos Aires, New York, and Mexico City.
With the new zone ‘Slaughterhouse’ being updated on December 3, 2008, the Sho Online team is very busy preparing fun events for the holiday season. To watch a replay of the episodes, please visit www.arirang.co.kr, and view the November 27th episode of ‘E-Sports’.