Yearly Archives: 2008

Granado Espada Review

Many gamers who play Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games (MMORPGs) may have not heard of Hak Kyu Kim, but they may have heard of Ragnarok Online. Hak Kyu Kim left Gravity Co., Ltd. to make a new MMORPG under the corporation IMC Games Co., Ltd. Sword of the New World: Granado Espada is a unique game that whether or not one wants to dungeon crawl, do some quests, or customize the battling style of their “teams”, that player surely will be interested.

The game starts with a Baroque music piece on the server selection screen. One of the appealing features of the game includes the combination of classical Baroque music combined with modern techno and trance music. While the music transitions to different places, each change fits well. For example, a town setting has a relaxed Baroque piece while a field/dungeon map has an upbeat trance or techno piece that motivates the player to fight.

When creating a character, you notice that there are five characters to choose from, Fighter, Scout, Wizard, Elementalist, and Musketeer. The clothing is fixed despite an option to originally change clothing at the creation menu. There are other methods of getting more classes; there was a quest that gave one character, a Reboldoeux Soldier card through a quest, which permits the creation of that class only once.

While in the character creation menu, what you notice is that you can start with a team at a certain location. But, what is a team? The main feature of this game is the Multiple Character Control system, or the MCC. What this feature means is that you make your own “mini-party,” and you actually control it. If this sounds confusing, the Non-player characters or NPCs in the game actually explain how to move and fight with the MCC.

Initially starting Sword of the New World has some bugs. After getting off the ship, the quests, purposely explaining how the User Interface works, are rather misguiding. It seems some NPCs had not been renamed after the new patch updated the game. Though this may be not a hassle if one has played the game before, new players may face conflicts.

The game does explain the battle system very well through a select amount of NPCs. There are five types of attack systems, point and click, assault, harvest, hold, and defend, and two types of formation commands, team summon and team select. Each command of movement and attack has its own strategic value. For example, point and click is best bringing down a single boss monster or luring the monsters into an Area of Effect (AoE) skill.

The graphics are very vivid. Bright colors of realistic buildings and landscape are filled with lavish details. This can be seen when walking in outside environment. In the dungeon, although still detailed, there are instances when the textures are used repeatedly; however, this does not take away from playability, since the enemies are always swarming in with massive amounts.

The game plays in various ways. While this game is mainly point and click, this game has countless strategic value in the combat system. To illustrate, should the player want to kill the stronger enemy with a point or click while getting beat down by the lesser enemies? Should the player want to use defend mode and attack all the enemies? On the other hand, should the player use an AoE skill and then concentrate on the stronger enemy? These questions that are being asked constantly battle the player’s mind while playing the game. A big forefront in strategy is played in Player vs. Player (PvP) matches. In PvP, there are instances where the player has to choose the skills at the right time to dispose or support the party. For example, when I was in one PvP match, I took out the opposing party’s Scout first then their Elementalist, and finally their Musketeer. I attacked in this order because the Scout can heal the whole party, while the Elementalist can hurt the whole party, leaving the Musketeer last since it can only attack far range. To sum up this example, Sword of the New World has traces of Real-time Strategy (RTS).

Another feature of Sword of the New World is “stances.” Stances are the different types of skills build that a character of a certain class can use. They are many different types of stances that can be used, each with different skills, weapons, and ability points/bonuses. The biggest drawback of this feature is that there are some classes that need stances to be unlocked in order to get or acquire some necessary skills, particularly the Musketeer. In particular, it is hard to find which stance the player needs to get due to gameplay error. I found myself having a “confusion attack,” wondering where I can find these skill books. Well after a Google search, I found out those stances were NPC only, wondering why the creators of the game would allow the players to be confused? Another problem with the stances is that some stances require more money than other stances do. The magic casting characters, the Wizards and the Elementalists, need more money for certain stances because they require some items that are used for skills.

In the initial stages of traveling, there is not much need for potions, since all the weaker monsters drop instant health consumables to heal the party. However, as the levels go higher, the biggest limitation I felt while traveling in Sword of the New World is that I always have to carry a Scout. Because the game AI always sends enemies to amass my party, I often die, unless a Scout is present. Even if one carries potions or takes the health consumable, Scouts are indispensable to the party. This problem carries on throughout the game, such as trying to train characters and a vital party member is not used.

There is not much of a community in Sword of the New World. Since the majority of the lower levels are busy grinding, while the higher levels are having clan wars, taking colonies, or PvPing, the player might feel rather lonely unless the player brings some friends to play. As for the quality of the community, there was only one instance when I refused to join one’s clan, that player took only character, who was over-leveled, and killed all of my players.

The last complaint that I hold is that the game does not explain some of the NPCs or game functions. Until my friend told me, I did not know about a Jukebox function, which switches up the music of the game according to the area you are located. The most important matter, the auction house function was not known until that same friend scolded me for selling an item that was worth millions. These examples can demonstrate that, unless a casual player does not know the whereabouts and the functions of the NPCs, the player may have a hard time playing the actual game.

Overall, the game is a standstill between good or bad. Personally, I found this game to be pleasant at points, but unmemorable at other points. However, for something completely different, Sword of the New World does a great job by putting new features in an MMORPG.

By Kelvin Cheung, Onrpg writer

will be launched soon to serve ALL the Chinese

As a new online game operating compnay, Sanco NetWork Co., Ltd. launch its first large ethical online game named SKZL ONLINE. This game is in a magic true-life style,and it is very popular with game players. Recently,Sanco NetWork co.,ltd declare that <SKZL ONLINE— International Edition > which is research and develop for the Chinese all over the world will be operated by Rich China Co., Ltd. <SKZL ONLINE— International Edition > will enter the global Chinese market .

<SKZL ONLINE> is a massively multiplayer online role playing game that researched and developed by Sanco NetWork Co., Ltd. The game combine the original eastern culture, the western miracle and the mordern technique together,then play the game you will experience three completely different worlds.
The main gut is round the stone of the world—-SKZL.There are three phyles ,nine professions hundreds of wizardry skills in the game world. There are also many characteristic systems such as national battle,break barrier,search treasure,PK and so on. SKZL always try its best to finish all minutias in order to give the players a perfect experience.

Research and develop <SKZL ONLINE> based on the local culture,serve overseas Chinese.The purpose is to make the Chinese all over the world taste the centuries-old brilliant Chinese culture through playing the game and prove Chinese have ability to research and develop our own excellent online games . This time the <SKZL ONLINE— International Edition > enter overseas Chinese market indicates that we have made a big progress of the Chinese online games’ internationalization.

<SKZL ONLINE— International Edition > has its own excellent attribute,then we believe that it can become a popular and choice online game with the support and the encouragement by Chinese game players and the innovation and good service of Sanco NetWork Co., Ltd. and Rich China Co., Ltd.

NeoSteam Open Beta on May 20

NeoSteam Open Beta on May 20!
The wait is finally over. After the successful CBT and CBT 2, Hanbitsoft, together with JoyImpact, is proud to announce that NeoSteam will now enter its OBT phase this coming May 20 (10:00 (+9GMT)).

Get set for the coming OBT and experience new events that will surely pump adrenaline more into your NeoSteam gaming experience. You can now play with your friends and other gamers in this lush steampunk-based world and explore the uncharted regions of NeoSteam. Wage war to enemy nation and eliminate all those in your way.

As an opening salvo for all the Steamers, we have prepared 5 events to further raise your gaming experience:

Neo Community Contest!

  1. Create all kinds of communities (ex. Fansite, Blogs, social community) and send the URL to us.

Rush for the Top

  1. The first 30 to reach the highest level for 2 weeks will win in-game prizes!

Neo Shout!

  1. Post topics/threads about Neosteam with atleast 2 keywords at any Forum site
  2. Send us the link of your topics/thread through our customer center.
  3. Keywords will be announced on the event section of Neosteam

Neo Guild Country!!!

  1. GMs will create guilds by country and recruit members of each guild
  2. At the end of the event, GMs will check TOP 3 guilds by the number and level of members.

Special Key Giveaway!

  1. Must be a registered users of NeoSteam and partner sites
  2. Special keys will be distributed to different partner sites
  3. Users will get prizes upon getting the Special key

For more information about the upcoming OBT and events, visit www.neosteam.com.

Shadow of Legend VIP Event Items have Arrived!

Tired of always having to wait for the event times to start, so you can finally participate in them? Are the event times set at an inconvenient time for you? Frustrated about not getting enough experience from the events? Well, you’re in luck! The SmartCell development team has heard your calls to do something about the event times and the experience, and has brought you something better!

The Platinum Spore Nest and the Super Turtle Transformation Lotion are new items in the game that will allow you to play the Plant a Mushroom event outside of its event times and the Turtle Sunbathe Island event for even more experience!

The Platinum Spore Nest
Players who acquire the “Platinum Spore Nest” will have the chance to plant a mushroom at anytime in the event area. You will gain experience points once you successfully harvest your mushroom with fertilizer and protect it from hungry monsters.
Note: Only players above level 15 can participate in the event.

Super Turtle Transformation Lotion
After acquiring the Super Turtle Transformation Lotion, a player can talk with the Turtle Sunbathe Island event NPC, and he will give you the option to transform into a gold turtle and reap 6x more experience during the event!
Note: Players can host this event outside of the original event’s time brackets, whereas each event last for 30 minutes long.

The introduction of these two new items into the Shadow of Legend Item Mall is already making the game more fun for its players. You don’t want to miss out!

Tales of Pirates: Update Introduction

Tales of Pirates (http://top.igg.com/) will be updating their client next week. The updated content includes,

1. Taurus Palace is now available.
2. Study system is now available.

Also they fixed a few bugs that came up.
A. Rebirth quest
B. Quest rewards for Sailor in Aries Palace
C. Players can make a team now during the Chaos Argent.
D. Rebirth skills of Cleric and Seal Master
E. Players can catch Dotted Codfish in Magical Ocean now.

For more information about the update visit the official website: http://top.igg.com

Wonderland Online:Restored and Manufacturing in Wonderland

In Wonderland Online (http://wl.igg.com), the recovery items are very significant for players’ upgrading. And now they want to introduce the recovery items and manufacture methods.

How to get?
1. Compound
The unique compound system in WL can provide very interesting experience for players. It’s great idea that players don’t abandon the items obtained by fishing or killing monsters. Players can try to compound them. The outcomes may be materials, weapons, armors and even the recovery items. For example: Level 1 fruit+barley may be the juice (can restore HP or SP). If players have higher alchemy skill, they can get better success rate.

2. Manufacture
The items made in the tent: Manual Blender, Kitchen Range and Glaze Table. Maybe it’s a better method to get items to restore HP and SP, because the success rate is 100%.

Items for Manufacturing:
a. Manual Blender: it can be made by the Bench Saw and it is used to make juice.
b. Kitchen Range: it can be made by the Low-Temperature Kiln and it is used to cook. But it should also consume firewood.
c. Glaze Table: it can be made by the Grinding Equipment and it is used to cook. But it should also consume gas.

3. How to obtain materials
a. Fishing
Fishing can help players get various items, including fish. Character at level 1 can get common fishing rod through completing the quest of Let’s Make Up in Welling Village or buy classic fishing rod in market. If players do not master fishing skill, you can only get low level fish or other items through fishing. If you want to get high level fish or items, you must complete the quest of Fish Food in Holy Village. Besides, low level fish can be turned into high level fish through compound.
b. kill monsters
While killing monster, players will get many drop items which can t processed into something to recover your HP or SP.
c. purchase
If players have enough money or luck, they can buy materials or ready-made item in market.

4. How to use
Different supplies function differently which are mainly divided into three aspects: HP recover, SP recover, as well as HP and SP recover. Making reasonable use of them will benefit players a lot.

Light the passion, share the dream

Light the passion, share the dream

When Olympic flame relayed throughout the globe, everyone’s passion has been ignited by it. No matter where we are or go; No matter what we hope for or know; No matter how we word our prayer. There is one dream we share, that is, forever friends in harmony.

This story also been performed in Elf Online (http://elf.happymmo.com/) all the time. Here, you’ll see all races and faces you’ve never seen. You’ll meet people from parts of the world where you’ve never been. You’ve tasted bitter defeat and the sweet success. You want it all and you settle for nothing less. You’ve tried harder than the rest. You’ve become one of the best. And you’ll feel it in your heart though we spent too much time apart. This is the time you’ll remember for all your life. This is the time when all dreams come alive.

Forever friends through the years in harmony; Forever friends through the years in Dreamland of Elf Online. As the whole world joins and sees the days of unity and peace, we’ll hear the cheers and laughter everywhere! We’re together here to share One World One Dream, forever friends!

More information about Elf Online please visit http://elf.happymmo.com/
Official forum http://forum.happymmo.com/

Voyage Century: New Bosses Coming Soon

With the new bosses of Voyage Century (http://vc.igg.com) coming soon, the VCO team is going to give their players a little preview of these bosses..
How to play:
Alternative 1: Lighters Aboard Ship, or LASH ship
There are some LASH lighters generated every few seconds beside LASH ships to crash players. LASH lighters have one point Durability and will suck after attacking players. They have high Ship Ramming Force. Players must wear the Ram Proof Shield, or destroy the LASH lighters before getting too close to them. Players can greatly reduce the damage wrought by LASH lighters through rational division of their duties.
Alternative 2: Carvel.
After a BOSS ship is killed, four boats are generated that will run away in four directions (similar to the NPC merchant ships sailing toward one direction). Only one of them is carrying the Treasure Chest to escape. Players can detect it by themselves or cooperate with other players to get the Treasure Chest.
Alternative 3: Gunboat
Gunfire on the right side of this BOSS ship is more powerful than the left side. The killing difficulty will be greatly reduced if players choose the right standpoint to attack.
All BOSSES can’t be grappled and have high Level ramming protection.
In order to prevent high Level players from taking over resources belonging to BOSSes, the location where BOSSes are refreshed will be constantly changed. Besides, there will be Level limits to enter fights against BOSSes of low and middle Level.
Low Level BOSSes: sea battle<Level 80 Middle Level BOSS: sea battle<Level105
Refresh regulations:
Bosses are divided into three Levels. Low and middle Level bosses will be refreshed at the Eur-African Outer Coast. While high Level bosses will be refreshed at the Afro-Asian Outer Coast.
Only three BOSS generators to generate bosses at each of the three different Levels are added this time. Each generator will randomly generate a BOSS whenever the refresh requirement is met.
Lighters Aboard Ship: 30% Carvel: 30% Gunboat: 40%
There is a server announcement when a BOSS is refreshed with detailed coordinates to indicate where bosses are. One of the trade routes will be randomly selected to be a refresh location.
Low Level BOSS refresh time: 3 hours
Middle Level BOSS refresh time: 6 hours
High Level BOSS refresh time: 9 hours
Refreshed BOSSes can’t be grappled and will drop no high Level items but Treasure Chests after sunk. The Treasure Chests dropped include the Refined Copper Treasure Chest, Silver Luster Treasure Chest and Deep Colored Gold from low Level to high Level. Refer to the item weight list for more detailed information about Treasure Chests.
There is server announcement for killing BOSSes in the following format: Player XX killed Pirate XXX.
BOSS
Low Level Lighters Aboard Ship: Ran. De. Bellive’s Lioness Ship
refreshed at Eur-African Outer Coast every 3 hours, the appearance of the level 7 Battle Ship and yellowish sail.
two LASH lighters generated every 15 seconds
Mid-Level Lighters Aboard Ship: Henry. Ivelli’s Fantasy Ship
refreshed at the Eur-African Outer Coast every 6 hours, the appearance of the level 10 Battle Ship (Arab style) with a titian sail
Two LASH lighters generated every 15 seconds
High Level Lighters Aboard Ship: Wansaofen’s Cracking Lighter Aboard Ship
refreshed at the Afro-Asian Outer Coast every 9 hours, the appearance of the level 10 Battle Ship with a Blue sail
Two LASH lighters generated every 15 seconds
Other bosses sharing the same look and refresh rules as lighters aboard ships at the same Level include:
Low Level carvel: George. Ansheen’s Urniknio Ship
Mid-Level carvel: Savage henry. Morgan’s Flagship
High Level carvel: Laboos’ Eagle Ship
Low Level gunboat: Edward. Davids’ Flagship
Mid- Level gunboat: Bloodblade Nibeto. Bonito’s Flagship
High Level gunboat: Tippi. Tipoo’s Flagship
Read the whole article here: http://vc.igg.com/content.php?news_id=890.

Shadow of Legend v.0.8.3.0 set to release on May 14th!

You can almost tell when a major update for Shadow of Legend is coming. It’s almost like forecasting the weather. A lack of recent updates, or a dry spell, is a foreboding of things to come. Our development team has been working hard around the clock to bring to you Shadow of Legend v.0.8.3.0, and we promise you that you won’t be disappointed. Below, you will find a list and details of the new features available in the new version:

Reputation System
Constant warring between the two camps can help you build up your reputation points. As you accumulate your reputation points, you may have them converted via designated NPC into experience points or traded for honorary equipment. The best part about the Reputation System is that players possessing a high enough reputation will be further credited with honorary titles.
(Note: Reputation points and honorary titles will only be calculated during this version release, but the full operation of the system will be completed in the following version.)

Matching System
This system is designed to promote the exchange and discussion of skills between friends or teammates, without any risks to either side.

Frontline Freight
A quest that can be found in the main city, you will be required to leave your mount behind as you escort a carriage to its destination. Successful completion of the quest will grant you crafting materials on different levels and experience points. It’s crucial that you keep on high alert against other players when crossing the neutral zone and protect the carriage from having its goods robbed.

Teleport System
The teleport stone will allow you to teleport from the main city to a chosen point on the map.

Super Turtle
The Super Turtle is the fifth and newest option available for the Turtle Sunbathe Event. A player possessing the Charmed Lotion will morph into the golden Super Turtle, and will get to tour the entire Turtle Sunbathe Island, harvesting experience points and treasures at a speed faster than the hare’s!

Platinum Spore Nest
Attaining the Platinum Spore Nest will allow the players to plant mushrooms, just as if they were participating in the Plant a Mushroom Event, at anytime of the day and most everywhere. There is no time limit for VIP mushrooms, and you are allowed to plant six times a day using the Platinum Spore Nest.

SmartCell wishes you happy playing, and thanks all its fans for their continued support in the Shadow of Legend Beta.

About SmartCell

SmartCell Technology, LLC, is a leading developer of mobile platform technology, mobile applications, and mobile online gaming solutions. Headquartered in Irvine, CA, with a research and development center in Shanghai, China; SmartCell Technology is currently working on Shadow of Legend, the world’s first 2D MMORPG that can realize game play on both PC and mobile devices. More information about SmartCell Technology, LLC and its products can be found at http://www.smartcell.com/. More information about Shadow of Legend can be found at http://www.shadowoflegend.com/.

Angels Online: New Marriage System Arouses Great Excitement

The long-awaited Eden expansion for Angels Online (http://ao.igg.com) has been finally released, and with its release comes the brand new Marriage System.

Since the Marriage System has been released, it has become the hottest topic among AO players. Today the official team brings us a grand wedding which has been witnessed by some player. He wrote:

“Your wedding was the most luxurious I have ever seen; Just can’t believe that a wedding in game could be so grand. Red carpet, white wedding dress, florid fireworks, exciting audiences, all out of my imagination, just so sweet…”

Please visit the below link for more:
http://forum.ao.igg.com/viewthread.php?tid=11910&extra=page%3D1