Monthly Archives: November 2009

Conquer Online announces classic server!

The TQ team is honored to announce that the 1st Classical Conquerer Online server! Liberty will be launched after the server maintenance at 17:40, November 18 PST. The Classic CO project aims to bring back the original taste of Conquer Online to veterans who are missing the good old days. Based on the community’s suggestions, Classic CO will be run with the updated 2.0 style of graphics and features but with certain features removed to return the game to its original roots. The most critical change is that there will be NO Shopping Mall and Battle Power System in the new Classic CO.

 
 
The major changes for Classic CO are as follows:
   1. No Shopping Mall
   2. No Battle Power System
   3. No DB Leveling
   4. No DB Socketing for “non-weapon” gear or the 2nd socket for weapons
   5. No Talismans
   6. Toxic Fog is removed from the Ninja skills
   7. Gems drop rate from monsters increased
   8. PK is allowed in Twin City.
   9. Equipment Bonus Quests are removed.
 
 
Mentor System, Nobility System and Clan System will become more cosmetic features with the abolishment of Battle Power. Other than this list, the features and functions in the current CO will be available in the upcoming release, including the latest Martial Arsenal & Arena Systems.
 
 
The Liberty server is hosted in America. The release of the Classic CO European server – Royalty will depend on the feedback of the community. Veterans, have you prepared yourselves for the hardship to reclaim the virgin land?

 

Conquer Online - Classic Server Announced

Eudemons introduce their new star, Leo Eudemons

Eudemons are proud to introduce their new star, Leo Eudemons!
 
 
A very strong constellation both mentally and physically, Leo, with its zodiac sign symbolized by Lion, is ruled by the Sun. Leos are born leaders; always dignified, confident and ambitious. Leo Eudemons are no exception. They might look rough, but don’t be fooled into thinking they’re just beasts of brawn. Anyone who underestimates this Eudemon is in for a rude awakening.
 
Astral Eudemon – Leo Berserker(Warrior)
“You don’t need magic if you are strong enough!” This Eudemon is so powerful that nothing can stand in the face of his unending onslaught!
 
Astral Eudemon – Leo Mage
It may look rough around the edges, but Leo Mage possesses a cunning not usually seen in creatures of such physical prowess! It is adept at spell casting. Anyone who judges it by its appearance will learn a dire lesson indeed.
 
Astral Mount – Leo Flame
Once the mount of the gods, this creature was said to set the air ablaze with its speed.
 
Astral Mount – Leo Ice 
In the time before man, this Eudemon served the lord of the oceans as his personal steed.

Eudemons - introducing Leo

OnRPG Weekly News Roundup: November 02 – November 09

By Joshua Temblett (Dontkillmydreams), OnRPG Journalist

World of Warcraft

Micro Transactions

Mini LichLet’s jump straight into this week’s Weekly News Roundup!  Shocking news popped up this month about Blizzards introduction of micro transactions to World of Warcraft.  At the moment, these transactions are only related to buying in-game pets… although I do have to ask, what will it be next? 

 

You have a choice of buying either a panda, or a pretty cool looking mini-lich.  The panda, named the Pandaren Monk, does have something special about it though.  Until the 31st December 2009, anyone who buys this cute pet will have the knowledge that half of the money they spent on the item will go to the Make-a-Wish Foundation.  At least it’s for a good cause, right?  Unfortunately for the Lil’ K.T there, no money is donated to charity when the pet is bought.

 

You can buy the Pandaren Monk here and the Lil’ K.T here.

 

Transaction to Battle.net

 

The move over to Battle.net will be taking place on the 11th November.  Make sure you remember to log in with your Battle.net Username and Password after the 11th November.

 

Tier 10 Armour Sets

 

You can now get a sneak preview of the Tier 10 Armour Sets coming in the next patch, 3.3.  Some of them look really great, so make sure you take a peek.  You can view it all here.

 

Final Fantasy XI

November Version Update

 

Yes, yet another big update hits the world of Vana’diel.  This November Update brings a lot of interesting updates, however those who were waiting for the Synergy and Evolith systems will have to wait a little bit longer, as they won’t be released in until the middle of November. You can find a list of all of the updates made in this patch here.

 

Fallen Earth

Fallen Earth iPhone ApplicationFallen Earth

 

“Through the new iPhone application, players will have constant access to Fallen Earth, which has been one of the most critically acclaimed releases this year. Through its interactive features, the application will allow Fallen Earth players to view their in-game character stats, mutations and trade skills as well as provide access to equipped and stored items. Players will also have the capacity to view maps for each of the three sectors in the 1,000 square kilometers of the game’s landscape.”

 

Unfortunately, you won’t be able to get your hands on this little application until the first quarter of 2010. 

 

Asheron’s Call

Massively’s Interview with Asheron’s Call former Lead Designer

 

In the wake of Asheron’s Call 10th Anniversary, Massively.com have managed to talk to former Lead Designer Toby Ragaini, who gives his insight about various things, such as how he thinks the MMORPG genre will expand in the near future.  You can find the interview right here, it’s a great read.

 

Timeline

You can also find a really well made Asheron’s Call timeline on the official website.  Click here, to view it.

 

Warhammer

Free Unlimited Trial

 

The Free Unlimited Trial has been released for Warhammer Online.  You’ll now be allowed to play up until level 10, and the first Tier.  Here’s a small section of the press briefing:

 

“The new WAR endless free trial replaces the original 10-day time-limited trial program, and gives new and returning players the opportunity to create and play any of the 24 different careers to find their perfect character match for use during extended gameplay if they purchase the game and/or subscribe. The endless free trial limits players to progress through character level 10 as they explore the tier one Empire vs. Chaos zones of Nordland and Norsca. In addition, players can explore the newly added tier one dungeon, Hunter’s Vale, or battle other players in the instanced scenarios Nordenwatch, Khaine’s Embrace and Gates of Ekrund.”

 

If that hasn’t inspired you to pop onto the website and start downloading, then maybe the full press announcement will.

 

Patch 1.3.2 Interviews

 

With the new patch arriving, some interviews about the newest patch have popped up.  Massively are offering you a video interview, and the fansite Warhammer Alliance have a small interview which you can view here.

 

Allods Online

Closed Beta

 

The closed beta for gPotato’s newest game, Allods Online, has now started (10th November) and will be running until the 24th November.  This is only the first Closed Beta Test, there should be more to come.  Make sure to keep your eyes peeled for any beta keys.

 

Aion

New Information for Patch1.5.1

 

Some new information regarding Aion’s up and coming patch can be found here.  Please remember, that this patch is still in the test phases and changes can and will be made to this list.

 

Champions Online

Champedia

“We are pleased to announce Champedia, a central database for all Champions Online in-game data. You can use Champedia to search for Characters, Super Groups, Missions and Powers.  This update also includes guild pages with integrated web-based guild management. Guild leaders and officers will find extra options on the guild page that will enable them to update the Message of the Day, add / remove members or promote / demote users. Please note that Champedia is in beta right now and will only improve with time. Enjoy!”

 

You can click here to check it out.

 

Antlantica Online

New Lite Client

 

For those of you who found the game a bit too big to install all in one blow, you’ll be happy with the announcement of a newer client. 

 

The Lite Client works by letting the user to download a small portion of the game in order to begin experiencing the early stages of the game. While player are enjoying the first level 1-20 level areas that are included in this Lite Client, the Lite Client will continually be downloading the rest of the game in the background to allow players to keep progressing into later parts of the game.”

 

The Lite Client isn’t designed for players above level 20, so if you are then there’s no point in downloading it.  If you are just starting the game however, then I fully recommend you download the new client so you can start playing as soon as possible.

 

Star Trek Online

Star Trek Online Release Date

 

The game will be coming out on February the 2nd 2010 in America, and February the 5th in Europe.  Need I say anything more?

 

Guild Wars 2

2011?

 

Gamers have been waiting years for Guild Wars 2, ever since it was announced at the same time as the Guild Wars expansion Eye of the North.   Well now it turns out that the game might be released in 2011, and that there will be a beta in 2010.  Here’s a quote from the NCsoft  CEO, Jaeho Lee:

 

“I believe there will be certain public events in the year 2010… at least a closed beta test for those titles (ED: also referring to Blade and Soul). Commercialisation will be expected, at this point, probably some time in the year 2011” I think all we can do is wait and see.

 

Non MMORPG News

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 Releases

 

Modern Warfare 2 (the latest game in the Call of Duty series) has now been released for the PC, Xbox 360 and the Playstation 3.  There have been a few bugs with the PS3 version, more specifically a bug for PS3’s multiplayer.  The response to the PC version has been varied, as the lack of dedicated servers, mod support, console support, command console support, higher price tag and lack of community support has dragged it down a few notches, with PC gamers (rightly so) still being annoyed about the lack of features.

 

Regardless of these problems the game has been receiving a lot of positive reviews. 

 Battlefield

Battlefield: Bad Company 2 Producer Appears On Bashandslash.com

Yes, bashandslash.com, the website in which Rob Bowling appeared and told PC gamers that there would be no dedicated servers in Modern Warfare 2 (basically destroying the game), has now played host to another gaming celebrity.

 

Gordon Van Dyke, the producer of Battlefield: Bad Company 2, appeared on a podcast and told gamers about the new Battlefield game.  He was greeted with a very positive response, and he did much to clam PC gamers.  The main thing that he highlighted in the interview is that gamers should just give the game a try, through either the Beta or the Demo (which be available for free to everyone on the 360, PS3 and the PC), instead of Infinity Wards statement of “Buy it, and try it out”. 

 

Well done Gordon Van Dyke!  I suggest everyone take a listen to the interview, which can be found here.

 

Now that’s a wrap!  I’ll see you next time for some more weekly news!  Keep gaming, and keep coming back to Onrpg.com for your MMORPG fix. 

Destiny Online and OnRPG create Ingame Guild Meeting with Goodies

An invitation to all!!
 
Next weekend you are invited to join the OnRPG Ingame Meeting in Destiny Online, and join the ingame OnRPG Guild. All participants who join the events this weekend will receive an exclusive gift pack for their character!
 
Instructions:
We will all be playing on the new server called Zebra, and you can already sign up for the game! A guild can only be created by characters once they reach level 30, so I’d like to ask one of you to create the Onrpg guild for us once they reach that level! Players reach Lv.40 and Lv.50 will receive awesome extra bonus (Be sure you are in the OnRPG guild). Some fun events (still secret!!) will be held throughout the weekend. Don’t miss it!
 
Sign up for the Meeting:
If you’re interested to join the OnRPG Ingame Meeting in Destiny Online, leave a note here! If you are going to start playing, or already have a character on the Zebra server, then leave your ingame name for people to poke you ingame!

Destiny Online Ingame meeting

Warrior Epic Expansion: Battlegrounds goes into open beta

 

True Games, an international publisher of multi-player online games announced today that it has launched an open beta test for Warrior Epic: Battlegrounds, the game’s first expansion with a vast amount of all- new content. The expansion includes brand new PVP gameplay, an all-new HUB City, a New Region (Trogken Swamps), dozens of new items and much more.  
 
 
This new expansion marks the first project for True Games Interactive’s new development studio located in Beijing, China.  The second new studio that True Games has opened this year, the Beijing studio has been working on the latest Warrior Epic content, while the Austin, Texas studio is developing a new IP for the publisher.  The new Beijing studio will continue to work on future updates of Warrior Epic and will also be looking for new content to develop. 
 
 
 “We are thrilled that the new studio has done such great work on the new expansion, and when players get a chance to check out the new content we think they will agree,” said Peter Cesario, Director of New Business and Product Development at True Games. “Now for the first time our community can experience Co-Op PVP gameplay and the all-new HUB City of Providence where they can meet up, socialize and show off all the cool gear they have earned.” 
 
 
The beta test for Warrior Epic: Battlegrounds starts today and current and new players are invited to test out the new features.  The new expansion will officially launch in December of this year.
Some of the key features players can expect in Warrior Epic:
Battlegrounds include:
– ALL NEW PVP GAMEPLAY – Warrior Epic now offers four all-new objective-based PVP enabled maps for players to do battle on- Welkin Warrens (a mountainous underground), Ruins of Aberas (a fierce jungle), Faustus Estate (the mysterious mansion) and the newest addition: Trogken Swamps.
NEW HUB CITY GIVES THE COMMUNITY A PLACE TO SOCIALIZE – Warrior Epic now offers a true central HUB for players to meet and form groups and guilds, while also showing off their dance skills and cool gear earned from quests.
ALL-NEW SWAMP REGION – The grand region known as the Trogken Swamps is
an all-new environment, and like the other regions in the game will now offer full PVP gameplay.  With over 50 new quests, monsters and items you can acquire, players can spend a great deal of time adventuring through the deadly marshes.  
– DOZENS OF NEW PVP ITEMS – During PVP matches, players can earn currency
for purchasing all new items and upgrades ;to help reinforce their castle and towers, summon boss monsters and spirits against the opposing team, and many more! 
 
 
Warrior Epic is an online, action role-playing game set in an original fantasy universe. In the game, players will assume command of a Warrior Hall from which they manage their characters’ adventures. They can recruit from a wide array of Warrior Classes, each with its own style of play. The Classes and the Hall itself can be upgraded visually as well as functionally. Players adventure together in multiplayer campaigns, adventure mode, solo quests and soon, PVP.
 
 
One of the most unique aspects of Warrior Epic is that death does not mean the end of a warrior. Instead, it opens totally new and strategic options for players. The game’s unique Warrior Spirits System enables fallen warriors to not only be revived at any time at their hall, but also to be transformed into Spirits that can be bound to weapons to increase and open weapon abilities and skills, or they can be called out to inflict massive damage depending on player needs.

Warrior Epic Expansion goes into Beta

X-Kings Review: I am Spartan!

X-Kings Review: I am Spartan!
By Vincent Haoson (Vincenthaoson), OnRPG Journalist

 

No don’t let the game image fool you, you will not control Leonidas and his merry 300 men to an online war of swords against the hordes of the Persians. What X-Kings offers you is a kingdom that you run against the hordes of “greedy” humans all hell bent in getting their gold from your weak little country.

 

So better stock up on your pickaxes, swords, staves or whatever you peasants can scrounge up for defense, because it’s war on your hands.

 

X-Kings Cover

I’m a king!

X-Kings is the usual resource-centered game that you would normally find in other games in the genre. Your goal here however is to get enough points through the acquisition and enhancement of your military power and technology to be on top.

 

The unique feature in X-Kings when it comes to the gameplay is that the resources you earn are only a stepping stone for you to be on top. This is a welcome difference compared to other browser games where the amount of your resources is a huge factor in dominance.

 

This puts things in a different perspective because the game focuses more on military action and tactics rather than the usual resource-military might mix found in most browser based games. This gives you at least a very tactical military experience old-school style that is hard to find in browser games these days.

 

The Interface

X-Kings Soldier ImageNothing much is expected when it comes to browser games in terms of visual extravagance. X-Kings is no different. The game sprites are pixelized cutesy images that remind you of final fantasy games of old. Though they do help filling the black empty spaces that exist throughout the game’s visual design. The color coding of the text boxes and even the texts can be quite an eyeful because the intensity of the font colors is a contrasting mix that can make you see double. So playing the game in long periods of time is a risk for your eyes.

 

Aside from that as I mentioned before the game does have a lot of bare areas. This is only noticeable if you play it with the browser being maximized. This can be a turn-off for players who are used to browser games that utilize the whole browser area to its maximum, but this is just a minor inconvenience because it does not really affect the whole gameplay. The Lack of many flashy graphics is a good thing because the loading time is fast. You barely notice the intervals between acts whenever you click a button.

 

Playing the game

X-Kings interface is easy to get aside from the too flashy imagery and font colors. What you click is what you get – and its that easy to understand. Everything is self-explanatory and to add to the game’s newbie friendliness is the tutorial system that practically teaches you everything. This tutorial system in X-Kings is something unique because the game does in fact simulate the whole “live” gameplay so that you get to experience how things are done in “live” action. The amount of helpful measures the game has is something that cannot be ignored because it is in terms of browser games, newbie friendly games of this caliber are a rare sight.

 

However, everything that is “new” in X-Kings is experienced in the few hours of your overallX-Kings Worker gameplay. In the long run X-Kings becomes too generic and redundant fast. This is the problem with these types of games and serves as the this game’s pitfall. Little is done on this matter because the game focuses on new players and offers nothing really new to the old players. You can only do so much with a military based game that everything is already juiced out of the game after playing for it a day or two.

 

Conclusion

One thing that I can say I liked about the game is the smooth interface it has. I’ve only experienced a few games of this type and I’ve enjoyed every one of them. Also the game tutorial system may be a troublesome task especially if you want to experience the game’s action on the onset, but its a fitting feature that really sets up any new player for the whole game ahead.

 

The smoothness of the gameplay is really rare for browser games where you would immediately notice on the onset the refreshes or even the transitions per action done. This makes the whole gameplay faster and even fun because there everything is transitioning in a seamless fashion.

 

The problem with the game though is that there is a limited set of “strategies” you can use, either go production type, offensive type or defensive type and that’s basically how you play the game.

 

However, there is nothing really new in X-kings aside from the nice gameplay transition and the gameplay tutorial. What you have in X-kings is a browser game that is all to familiar coated in a different skin (and sprites) that offers whatever the other games are offering.

 

All in All, X-kings is a game that can be a nice experience on the first few hours of your game but then becomes boring fast. There is little motivation from the cutesy sprites and the competitiveness of the game is in fact a laugh. If you have the patience and the time then I can suggest the game to you. However if you want something better than a military-centric browser game of this theme I do suggest you to try others out first before settling with X-Kings.

 

Pros:
– The game offers a tutorial for new players so that they can get used to the interface
– The game has a lot of cutesy pixelized sprites that serves as eye candy for an otherwise text heavy game
– The game is easy to pick up.

Cons:
– The interface color coding can be really hurtful for the eyes
– The game feels generic
– The game offers nothing new nor innovative to the genre.

Seal Online: New Events – Grabbit

After all the Halloween festivities in October, we’re continuing the fun into November with the new mini game Grabbit, the Turkey Trot Event, and many more Autumn surprises!  Here’s a sneak peak of what’s to come.
 
Grabbit
Evolution has a new mini game Grabbit, where you Grab a Rabbit to receive exclusive prizes for your character!  It’s easy to play!  First you get tokens with your Blynks, then use your tokens to play Grabbit (1 token = 1 game).  Best of all, everyone wins every time!  Most Grabbit prizes are exclusive, meaning they aren’t available anywhere else! Visit the Grabbit page to view all the prizes you can get
 
Turkey Trot
All throughout the month of November, join us at the Autumn Turkey Trot! Collect items and receive prizes. There are 5 Tiers to choose from.  Check out the prizes by visiting the Turkey Trot page!
Seal Online

Jade Dynasty 2 (Zhu Xian 2)

Zhu Xian 2 is the prequel of Zhu Xian, which is also known as Jade Dynasty in America. The game is not a totally standalone game, but rather a huge update/patch to the original game. The graphics engine has been updated, more areas added and many more new features. After the war ended in the original storyline, peace was thought to have finally arrived in the war torn world. However, the mysterious race known as Gods’ Descendants appeared.
 
They are the descendants of gods who once ruled over the world, living far away and unseen by the Humans. But as generations passed, the descendants gradually lost the powers their forefathers once had. The war between the 2 races started when the Gods’ Descendants heard of a Human (main character of the Zhu Xian novels, Xiao Fan, who also stopped the first war in Jade Dynasty) who has a sacred manual called the “5 Scrolls Heavenly Book”, which they believe has the power to restore their original power and once again conquer the lands.
 
Why is it hot:
Perfect World Entertainment has always delivered in terms of frequent content updates, and this time its no different. The company also hired popular China actress, Zhou Xun, who is well-known throughout Asia, as the game’s official spokesperson. Various marketing posters with her image were produced, including the game’s theme song and music video, which was sung by her.
 
Game features:
– The game has a player controlled questing system. Different options chosen by all players when undertaking any quests will have an effect on the continuing quests, rewards and outcome of the storyline.
– The best feature should be the aerial mounted PvP. Although restricted to certain areas, players can ride on a flying sword, soaring through the air and engage in large scale wars.
– There will be various new mounts, new instances, new mobs and hundreds of new equipments. Not to forget, the new starting area for the new race, Gods’ Descendants.
– Not to forget, the trademark feature found in almost all Perfect World games, the indepth pet system. Some bosses are available to be captured, but only the strongest players will be able to do it!
– There will be 2 races as mentioned, with 6 clans available for each race. Even if there are massive wars between the 2 races, the harmony between the 6 clans in each side isn’t really that much better. Yes, there will be clan wars within each race!

Lunia Chronicles Europe

Lunia Chronicles is designed to be an action packed title that combines the fun of an arcade game with the strategies and development of an MMORPG. Lunia Chronicles will feature keyboard controls that will allow players to produce combinations of attack moves and the game tries to offer a harmony between MMORPG and arcade elements!