This is the first trailer for the new free MMO 2029 Online, a sci-fi game which combines RPG and RTS elements. Quests, dungeons, guild competition are some of the feature of the game. Watch the video now!
Monthly Archives: March 2009
Ikariam Review: Let the Gods Decide
By Vincent Haoson
Ikariam is a browser based game from Gameforge. The game revolves around you ruling over a town in one of the numerous islands that are found in the Mediterranean Sea. Your goal is to make yourself the most prosperous among its inhabits through warfare or trade.
Starting the Game
As you start your rule in Ikariam, you are given one town as your base of operations. This town is among the 16 villages that are found on the island you belong to. You have the capacity to rename your town to something that suits your taste.
Every island in Ikariam has two resources. The first one would be lumber. This is the default resource in every island in Ikariam. Lumber would serve as your most important resource as you begin the game. The other resource is the special resource that varies depending on the island that you belong to.
The special resources includes, wine, marble, crystal and sulfur. Each resource has its own specific use in your land. Wine is needed to make your people happy and make them more productive, marble is used for creating structures, while crystal is primarily needed for research and sulfur is basically needed for creation of units.
Ikariam hosts a number of units that are similar to other genres but there are quite a few units that are unique to Ikariam. First and foremost, Ikariam has both air and naval units. Unlike in most games where the units are all land-based, in Ikariam you can research and manufacture units such as the Gyrocopter, while also being able to create ships like the Mortar ship, Catapult ship and the Ram ship to name a few.
The amount of units you can manufacture increases the challenge on how to create suitable defenses that can stop both of these specialized units.
Another war feature of Ikariam is being able to blockade the supplies of an enemy town using your fleet. As long as the enemy is in a blockade whatever passes their borders will either be plundered or damaged by the ships.
Ikariam introduces a different gameplay that encourages players to think outside of the box. The unique units make Ikariam more interesting to play.
Wonders of Ikariam
As an addition to the uniqueness of Ikariam, the game also has wonders that work as an added bonus for those who are under their care.
Every island in Ikariam has a wonder that benefits everyone who is in the same island. The wonders are named after certain gods and that each wonder gives a specific bonus that would help out your town to prosper.
The wonders are as follows, Hephaistos Forge, Temple of Gaia, Garden of Dionysuis, Temple of Athena, Temple of Hermes, Temple of Posiedon and Colossus.
The bonuses vary from, adding an increase to your towns defense to discount and faster manufacture of ships and even an added increase in mining capabilities of certain resources to your workers.
As you continue on playing the game youd learn eventually how to get a hold of everything. When that time comes, you can then maximize your wonder and of whatever resource that you have on hand. It all depends on your cunning and on your strategy.
Conclusion
Ikariam is one of those browser games where any action done by you is tied to how much resources you have. Unlike in other browser games of the same genre where a your actions are restricted to how many action points you have, in Ikariam, youd need to actually count if your resources are able to cope with the actions you are doing. May it be constructing a building, to warfare and even just plain day-to-day activities in your town are dictated by the amount of resources you can manufacture.
This is the most challenging aspect of the game. Though the question now is that if you are up to that challenge? Being able to balance the amount of resource you have to the expenses will be your primary responsibility. However, you would also have to pay attention to the happiness of your citizens or theyll become unproductive and even cause you to lose those preciously needed gold.
The amount of micromanaging in Ikariam is both its strength and weakness. As some players wouldnt want too much micromanaging to happen while others love the fact that you are given free rein on the details your town will have.
What I liked about the game is that the specialty and wood resource of your island is upgradable by those who are in it. This would entail inhabitants to work together for the common good, even if it is self-serving. This kind of setup encourages players to actually communicate and have talks with their fellow neighbors giving a boost to the community-creating spectrum of the game.
Another thing thats unique in Ikariam is the ease players can create their colonies on other islands. Unlike in some games where creating a colony takes lots of resources, Ikariam allows players to create colonies at minimal resources, though of course the drawback of this is that the larger the number of colonies you have, the corruption rate per colony also increases, thus encouraging players to think carefully before setting up a colony elsewhere.
The one thing that Ikariam lacks is a tutorial that pops out immediately after you enter or have your own town to fully explain how things work out in the game. Unlike in other browser games where you are greeted by a clickable tutorial/quest NPC, in Ikariam youd need to click the tutorial link that is found in the upper left hand corner of the page.
It is quite possible that the developers wanted things like this so that players can have the freedom of exploring the game in their own pace and in their own time without having the mentality that they are being forced to follow some preset course the developers want them to take.
In a nutshell, Ikariam is a browser game that needs requires players to have a lot of skill in managing resources on the beginning. The micromanagement of resources may or may not encourage you to play the game. It all depends on your preferred style of playing, though in the end that would eventually make you decide if youd stick with this or move on to other browser games.
Pros
– Players are welcomed by easy-on-the-eye sprites
– Gods system makes the gameplay interesting
– Making colonies do not require huge amounts of resources
Cons
– The games tutorial menu doesnt appear at the beginning leaving you to figure things out on the start
– A big aspect of the resources upgrades is based on a islands inhabitance, the problem would be if you are the only one on the island
– Going to war requires a ton of resources
Atlantica opens 6th official server
NDOORS Interactive, creators of the strategic turn-based MMORPG, Atlantica Online, today announced that they will be opening their 6th server, Delphi, to meet growing consumer demand. Each day brings new players into the world of Atlantica Online and the increase in server capacity improves the games performance and provides the best online experience possible. The expansion follows a major content update for the award-winning free-to-play MMO. With a 6th server online, Atlantica is prepared to welcome thousands of new users with a smooth gaming experience and allow veteran players the opportunity to start anew and tryout the new character classes. To celebrate the success of Atlantica Online and herald in the new server, NDOORS will be hosting the Fortnight of the Oracle, a series of power-leveling festivities.
For a two-week period following the Delphi servers opening on March 6, 2009, every player will receive a 120% experience boost, increased to 150% on weekends. In addition to the universal experience boost, players will have the opportunity to participate in:
* Level-up Race -More than 100 players will receive 1,000 Gcoins for reaching a designated level the fastest.
* Screenshot Contest – Players who submit the best screenshots will receive Gcoin prizes.
* Quiz Bowl – Players who correctly answer questions from GMs will receive in-game item prizes.
* Monster Hunts – Unique enemies will be spawned at various sites for new players to battle and earn rewards.
* Treasure Hunts and Item Giveaways – New players will have more opportunities to find crystals and scroll boxes and receive other free in-game items.
During the Fortnight of the Oracle new players and veterans alike will be able to level up faster than ever. New players will have an edge in their development and veterans will have even more reason to try the new Musician class. Then they can make it to level 100 and unlock the new Maniac class.
Watchmen MMO game to be released for iPhone
* Create your own Watchmen avatar with unique look, skills, and costumes
* Battle online foes through strategic 3D combat engine
* Socialize with other online characters with in-game chat feature
* Unique player identity with persistent game-play progress and stats
* Adventure through 5 vast environments completing story objectives (Downtown, Red Light District, Cemetery, Financial District, City Park)
2029 Online: Races Introduction
In the world of 2029 Online, there are three races on the Helen Continent which is the main activity place for players, Humans, Dryad and Electronic Elves. Each race has its unique cultural, Character traits, profile and owns different technology and advantages. Also, different race is good for using different weapons. Here below is the introduction for each race from the game:
Humans
Humans were forced to leave their motherland behind which was destroyed in a massive explosion and then travelled to Helen Continent to carve out a new existence. As for technology, they have a blind faith in the fuel propulsion system. Compared with other races, Humans take a pretty reserved attitude towards developing high tech industries.
Humans have an average height of 1.6 to 1.8 meters. Their weight varies from 50KG to 80KG. They commonly wear fiber clothes or some sort of metal armor. Some Humans prefer to be distinct in their makeup or clothing by making changes to their hairstyle, wearing jewelry, painting tattoos or piercing their bodies.
Dryad
Dryads are powerful because they are ardent disciples of natures power. In Dryads society, biotechnology has been developed thoroughly, and their research into genetics has impacted on their manufacturing capabilities. They have devised a number of products that use genetics as their basis, using and altering natural substances to produce what they need.
Male Dryads are 2 to 2.5 meters tall. But they look smaller because they always hunch their bodies while walking. They weigh approximately 130kg. Female Dryads have an average height of 1.5 meters and weight around 55kg. The large difference in body size between male and female Dryads produces diversification in their physical appearances. Male Dryads have rubbery skin and are muscular green giants with curly hair, sturdy shoulders and big hands with solid fingers. Female Dryads are attractive and feminine. All Dryads like to wear tight fitting clothes made of metal, which represents longevity and will outlive many other forest residents.
Electronic Elves
Electronic Elves are conceited and gloomy and their disdainful attitude often engenders hostility from other races. However, their superior ability means that despite their frustration, other races do not often cause aggression. Electricity and magnetism defines Electronic Elves’ technology. They widely use electromagnetic power in daily life, production and even in battles with magnetic materials.
Electronic Elves are about 2 meters in height, but nobody knows their weight as they always float in air. Besides their slim figure and animal hair, a pair of huge ears is the biggest feature of their appearance. Since they seldom do sports, their legs are weak and thin. Electronic Elves love wearing robes and big earrings and also like flaunting the sound produced by the continuous collision of their robes and earrings when they move.
Myth War III – Spotlight Overview
Myth War III, a new sequel to Myth War Online is being made, and will soon be published by IGG. The Myth War series has been a smash hit with MMO fans since the classic version was released several years ago. Today, the people from the Myth War team will be telling us what new content there is in the new version:
1. 3D turn-based combat
2. AVATAR customization
3. Diver battle system. Defense is bolstered with deployment and formation control. Magic Ball and Summon Beas will help to empower your gaming experience.
4. State-of-the-art shape-shifting
5. Guild and country construction
6. Collection and production system.
7. Verified PVP modes, including individual PK, dueling, Mine War and Siege Warfare
8. Fool proof operation
9. Massive dungeons.
MLB Dugout Heroes
MLB Dugout Heroes’ unique and realistic leveling system allows players to grow stronger and better as they continue through the game. Points are given to players as they complete baseball missions given daily or weekly, and these points can be used to purchase new players, uniforms, items, and more!
MLB Dugout Heroes is sure to be a smash hit for all baseball fans young and old.
Features
– Draft and create your favorite players from any MLB year – Choose your favorite players from any MLB era and create the best team!
– Play Online or practice by yourself – Play against your friends online to see who’s the best!
– Level up your team and players – By playing against people online, your players level up and become stronger and trained!
– Unique items – Users will be able to purchase new player draft cards, uniforms, bats, pitches, and much more!
– Features animated versions of real MLB players – See your favorite players as cartoon versions of themselves!
– Easy learning curve – Fun for both beginner and expert gamers alike!
Archlord Review: Above All Pretty Graphics
Archlord Review: Above All Pretty Graphics
By Shahrin Chowdhury (Sahat), OnRPG Journalist
The title sums up this game nicely. The game is pretty with sparkly graphics and fantastic armor designs but there is no real depth to the game. But first things first. Let’s start by further explaining the good things about this game.
The Good Sides
The graphics are fantastic. Armor sets, even the low level ones, are really well made. I found myself stopping many a times to just admire my armor and weapons. The skill animations and scenery were just as amazing. It was pretty surprising that it would it even run on my computer, let alone run with this much beauty.
There is a limited variety of races to choose from with also not as many archetype classes. These are humans, orcs, and night elves with their respective mage, warrior, scout classes. The only reason this is going under well is that it shows some customization in choosing races. However the actual customization of the game is pretty bland and without much variety. This makes me uncertain about the replay value of the game.
Amass godlike powers and rule over everything, including the weather, and reign terror over everything. The game is a giant competition to be the best (and become the archlord) in the game and rule over everything. It seems to be the only reason to play this game: to become the Archlord, get a gigantic awesome dragon mount, and control the weather for about four weeks before getting kicked off the throne. This sounds pretty awesome, you would be respected and feared by all the other players. That’s the theory.
Getting to this point however, is a real pain. It takes dedication, skill with a mouse, lots of free time, and the patience of a Tibetan monk. In short, anyone who under takes this quest will be grinding on monsters from dawn to the wee hours of the night to even hope to mount that dragon.
The Bad
That patience of a Tibetan monk thing was not a joke. This game is pure generic grinding. From the start until whenever the player collapses, it’s a pure grind. A typical gaming experience will include a trip to the village/town to get potions, go out into the field and kill things until either A) your potions run out or B) your potions run out. Then it’s back to the village/town to re-stock, sell the loot, and repeat. You’ll be doing this for level after level, getting slightly stronger weapons (although they do look pretty), slightly stronger armor (again, so spiffy looking) and that’s pretty much it.
The PK penalties or “villian” points, as they’re called, are extremely painful to accumulate. Villian points are earned by killing players 4 levels below or killing someone who does not fight back. There are 3 stages of being Villian:
Level 1 – 40 Villain Points:
– Trading between players is disabled
– Guards will attack you
– You will drop more items upon PvP death
– Partying with other players is disabled
Level 2 – 60 Villain Points:
– All Level 1 Rogue disadvantages
– Trading with all NPC’s and the Auction House is disabled
Level 3 – 100 Villain Points
– All Level 1 & 2 Rogue disadvantages
– 9% xp loss upon death
– 50% decrease in xp gain
– You can not be the 1st attacker
Did you see level 2? No trading with NPCs. That is way more harsh than level 3, as most of your game interaction is going to be buying potions and what not.
Recommendation
Unless you are someone who enjoys a repetitive cycle of attack, potion, loot, and repeat then this is one game you will want to avoid. On the upside, the graphics are really pretty.
Lords of Evil gameplay trailer
Lords of Evil is a complex browser based game of strategy and power. As you strive to become a top player in LoE you must allocate your resources and military forces strategically. Watch this video to be introduced to its interesting gameplay!
Freaky Creatures goes Open Beta
Abandon Intercative Entertainment is now accepting sign-ups for the Freaky Creatures Open Beta.
Players can try out the game by visiting the Freaky Creatures beta page. Once in the game, you can create your creature – which has a whopping 3.2 billion build combinations – choose your powers and show them off by using them against other creatures. But it’s not all about combat; You can also build a lair, furnish it and invite others – if your abode doesn’t impress your friends, you can try out some quirky emotes.
“We’ve received a tremendous amount of support and buzz for Freaky Creatures, which is very promising,” said Jamie Ottilie, President and COO of Abandon Interactive Entertainment.
“There are a lot of eager players who want to get their hands on this exciting, new MMO game, and we are delighted to give them the first look.”
Players can also purchase a starter pack for the game, which will be available for $19.99 USD. It contains two action figures and a 1GB reusable flash drive.
If you want to learn more about Freaky Creatures, then take a look at the Freaky Creatures game profile.