Yearly Archives: 2009

Chronicles of Spellborn Preview: Excellent Game Immersion

By Gabriele Giorgi (Darak), Onrpg writer
You are on a ship sailing through a sea of stars. Abruptly, from the outer void, a sinister creature looms over you, a huge mouth in a gigantic, shapeless body. All around, his minions start appearing out of thin air, their hands like sickles. It’s up to you to fend them off with your weapon. As strange as it may sound, this is not a science-fiction game, but the Chronicles of Spellborn, the new fantasy MMORPG distributed by Acclaim.

A strange new world

 
In tCoS you will be launched in a strange new world like no other you have seen before. It might be classified as a fantasy setting, but just look upwards and you will not see the sky but an uncanny rocky vault with the light leaking through wide holes. Fauna, flora, architecture, they all contribute to create a unique setting that might remind you the works of the great comic-artist Moebius.
The sound is particularly painstaking as well: venture in the wilderness and put your headset on, and you will feel like you are immersed in a forest, with the constant buzzing and chattering of the wildlife, the rustling of leaves and the creaking of wood… quite a remarkable job, the sound is something almost unheard of so far (pun intended).

A character’s style

 
When you create your character, you get to choose between human and daevi race (slightly bigger and more muscular than men, and with horns protruding from their bodies). Daevi are not the usual elves or dwarves, true, and their background is very detailed as well as the world’s, but a wider choice with one or two races more would have been appreciated.
For what regards classes, at the beginning you have to select one of the three main branches: warrior, rogue and spellcaster; once attained level 5, you will be able to choose your specific path, three options for each archetype; this choice is final and cannot be changed later in the game.
So there’s a total of nine classes to choose from, and the concept of each of them is quite innovative and interesting, with some unique skills as well, although in the end their role is the same as in most MMORPGs.
One interesting feature is that you can select your looks right from the beginning, so you don’t have to wait to reach higher levels in order to get the outfit you want: just choose the garments you prefer, along with armor and weapons, and dye them with the colours of your liking… and you do not even need to change it later: should you find “better” equipment, you just need to transfer the “sigils” to the item you like more. It’s somewhat similar to the tailor system of City of Heroes/Villains (with less options… but then, CoX is still unrivaled with it).

Aim your blows

 
The game uses a sort of dynamic combat system: differently from other MMORPGs, you cannot just target an enemy and select the skills you want to use against it; in tCoS you actually have to aim. Of course this is easy in melee, since your opponents are in front of you, but using ranged attacks or spells might be trickier.
Another innovation of this game is the skill cylinder: actually this is an upgrade of the skill chain most people use when playing (many MMORPGs allow to bind it as well), but it makes combat a bit more challenging, since not all the skills are available at every time, and you have to organize your cylinder according to your possible strategies.
Combat is also interesting since it involves not only Health and Power points, but also States like Physique, Morale and Concentration that might increase or decrease during battle, affecting movement speed, damage output and resistances.
It is a bit too early to say if this system will be successful and will gain the players’ favour, but it’s certainly worth trying.
In tCoS there is no real penalty for death; on the other hand, you are rewarded for not dying, in the form of so-called Personal experience Points (PeP): you can gather up to five levels of PeP and, as long as you are not defeated, you will gain increasing bonuses for each level. Of course, when you are killed and forced to respawn, you will have to start from scratch.

Looking for more

 
There’s been a real hype around this title, and many people have been waiting for it for a long time. Someone might remember one of the slogans of tCoS during its development phase: “What lies hidden must be found.” Actually, it seems there are not many “secret contents” just waiting for you to find them, and the quests are similar to many MMORPGs, just as the overall gameplay.
This does not mean you will be disappointed by this game, but maybe it’s not going to be as groundbreaking as it claimed to be in the beginning.
There are still some bugs, but the staff looks very dedicated and they will probably be fixed before launch. Most important, they seem keen to organize events like, for instance, a PvP contest during this Beta phase.
Also keep in mind that you are allowed to play for free until you reach level 8… well, the character advancement will be stopped 100 XP before level 8, actually. This might give you an overview of the game, although a couple of levels more would have been welcome, especially since also your current quests will be completely halted and you will not be able to complete any of them… unless you buy the game, of course.

Conclusions

 
The Chronicles of Spellborn sports a unique fantasy world quite different from the others we have seen so far. Along with some new features in the combat system, this makes this game worth a try, even if the overall gameplay is similar to most MMORPGs.
Pros
• A brand new setting with a detailed world
• Astounding sound
• Many innovations in the combat system
 
Cons
• Only two playable races to choose from
• Gameplay and quests quite standard
• Only 8 levels to try out the game

Samurai of Legend

In a land ruled by the sword, where a person lives or dies by their wits and cunning, each samurai struggles to carve out their place in history. Do you have what it takes to become the best? Live by a code of honor and defeat any who stand in your path in the most amazing text rpg of all time? Travel to the world of the Samurai Game where every choice is crucial, and every battle gets you one step closer to you goal of becoming the top player in the best online text rpg.
 
Become part of a clan and unite forces to vanquish your enemies, visit different cities, train to improve your abilities and gain many new skills, forge great weapons to use in combat, and more. There is a lot to do if you want to succeed in the most entertaining Samurai Game. With many rivals you will need to gain allies to survive this text rpg so be ready for anything.

Titan Online trailer

Get introduced to the world of Titan Online! Titan Online is a fusion MMORPG that boasts a unique combination of martial arts and robots that takes place in a spectacular fantasy world. Titan Online is based upon the Korean best-selling novel, “Mo Siang.” Watch the video now!

Neo Steam teaser

Neo Steam is a free MMORPG based on a charming and unusual fantasy steampunk story and aesthetics bring players incredible machines, buildings and creatures. The world of Neo Steam is influenced by the extraordinary steampunk fantasy genre, which incorporates 19th century steam-based technology with modern and futuristic inventions. Watch the video now!

Angels Online Interview: New Expansion

Questions by Eline Stiekema, Onrpg writer
Answered by Joyce Zhou, Project Assistant of Angels Online
 
Angels Online has been expanding once again! Players can now enjoy a new PVP system, called Angel Arena, upgrade to level 130 and customize a house for their character. Also, a lot of new instances have been added to make the game even more exciting. In this interview, project assistent of AO Joyce Zhou gives us her opinion on all this new stuff and gives away what to expect from the game in the (near) future. 
 
 
Onrpg: We’ve been informed that jungle paperdoll, robot and mounts have been added, just like desert robot and mounts. What kind of new possibilities does this bring?
 
Angels Online: In the future, we will be focused on releasing jungle and desert scenes for our players. Meanwhile, we will be adding a series of robots, mounts and paper dolls with this same style.
Players have experienced underground and underwater scenes in Eden and the latest expansion, Lost Atlantis. But the new paper dolls, robots and mounts will be all new to players, because these new items not only have new shapes and styles but also advanced abilities.
 
The graceful Holy Feather SuitOnrpg: Why did you decide to upgrade the highest player level to 130?
 
Angels Online: The last expansion, “The Lost Atlantis”, has been out for more than half a year now and many players have worked hard to reach this higher level. Along with the abundant new content we will release, we will also increase the upper level limit to 130 so that they can experience our new game systems, such as the new PVP system called Angel Arena.
 
 
Onrpg: How exactly does the new PVP-system work?
 
Angels Online: Angel Arena is totally different from the Totem Battle that most of our players know and love. Players can join this PVP system alone and fight to win the highest single honor in game. They can go to one of the four main cities, the Angel Lyceum or Palm Base and find the NPC called Battlefield Angel who will teleport them to the Sign-up Office. There, they sign up at the War Angel Servant and then choose to join or view the battle.
 
1. Primary Arena’s: All players begin their battle for the top PK prize in one of the 4 Primary Arenas. 10 survivors each from the Jungle Arena, Desert Arena, Deep Sea Arena and Underground Arena are then eligible to move on to the Junior Arena’s.
 
2. Junior Arena’s: After moving up to either the Dark Den Arena or the Beach Arena, the 10 survivors from each of these two will move on to the Senior Arena.
 
3. Senior Arena: The last surviving player from the Huge Wood Arena will be the winner of this event and earn the title “Battle Angel”. After the event ends, the system will present the last 10 Angels (including the event winner) with abundant event rewards.
 
Onrpg: How do the two new maps integrate into the Angels Online storyline?
 
Angels Online: Once, thousands of years ago, a vast forest blossomed south of Eden. When the war between Angels and Demons came to the land, fierce battles and brutal conflict left the forest ruined and ravaged. After a time, the souls of the fallen angels nurtured the rebirth of a lush and verdant jungle that became the birthplace of the Beast faction. However, this was not the gentle forest that had flourished before the war. This one had grown from the souls of the fallen and within it a dark swamp festered.
As time passed, this swamp grew, encouraging growth of a different kind. Evil monsters soon began finding their way in, followed by the terrifying Half-Beast Hamlet. The Beast faction found itself being forced ever northward by the slow progression of the swamp and its inhabitants. Disregarding the objections of scared Angels, the courageous Beast Leader, Sharker, declared war on these monsters and vowed to retake the Holy Land that they had peacefully occupied for generations. He organized the South Pioneer Army and ventured back into the swamp. Sensing opportunity, the Evil Lyceum Leader Belia allied herself with the Half-Beast Hamlet and cursed the advancing Army. Upon discovering her treachery, Michael, Leader of the Angel Lyceum, ordered all available Angels to help the Army and protect this holy land from evil.
 
 
Onrpg: Of all the new instances and monsters that were added, which one is your favorite?
 
Angels Online: I love the Giant Wooden Stairs very much. Where most games have players fighting and journeying through mostly level or hilly terrain, these redwood-sized stumps add an amazing fully 3D feeling to what would usually be a simple forest scene. Its details like this that make AO really stand out among all the RPGs out there.
 
As for new BOSS, the Lion Knights are probably the best. After all, battling in the sky is pretty cool!
 
Onrpg: Why did you decide to add the house system?
 
Angels Online: In the first several game versions, players had to level up by either killing a lot of monsters or challenging instances. However, this can get boring and repetitive and we found that players were leaving in search of other games that offered more than this. Seeing an opportunity to inject an aspect that didn’t involve simple point and click battles, but actually got players involved creatively was something that we felt was important. Players have always been able to customize their character’s wardrobe, equipment, and weapons, we felt letting them customize their character’s “house” was the logical next step.
 
 
Onrpg: Were there any particular player requests that have influenced these new developments?
 
Angels Online: Well, if we tried to take credit for coming up with the house system without any player input, we’d be doing our players a disservice. Our community of players can be very vocal in expressing what they see as problems with the design or the direction that the design is going in. Our players can be very passionate and we like to encourage this, because it builds a strong community. So, before we began developing the “House” system, we’d heard from our players extensively about what they liked, disliked, and wanted to see in the future. To stay competitive in this business, you have to give your players what they want, and we do our best to make sure we do that.
 
 
Onrpg: Of which newly added development are you the most proud?
 
Angels Online: The new PVP system, Angel Arena, is probably the best new feature, and we expect it to be the most popular. PK is what many players live for, and with no guild members or strategies to worry about, as in the Totem Battle and Holy Battlefield, the fierce, intense 1 v 1 competition will be something that we expect players to flock to.
Onrpg: Are there elements of the game that were unsuccessful and have disappeared, or will disappear in the future?
 
Angels Online: At present, we haven’t found anything significant that needs to be removed from the current version. Our players seem to be very happy with our game, while at the same time keeping an eye on the horizon for the next big developments we have in store!
 
Onrpg: If you had unlimited time and money, what would you add to or change about Angels Online?
 
Angels Online: We continue to gather feedback from many sources on how to develop and improve our game, but we believe that money and time are not the most important factors in a games development. Sure, more time would help, and more money would be great, but they don’t necessarily add up to a better product. At the end of the day, we do the best with the resources we have and work hard toward giving our players what they want and deserve.
 
 
Onrpg: What’s the biggest improvement that has been made to Angels Online since the first release?
 
Angels Online: The biggest improvements in the game are usually to the PVP system. When the game was initially released there was only the Outpost Battlefield. Later, we released the wildly successful Totem Battle to give players the excitement and feeling of large scale guild wars. In order to attract more new players, we then released “Holy Battlefield”. Again, we were surprised by our player’s enthusiasm, even if we should have been expecting it. Very soon we will be releasing the next big expansion, with another new PVP system called Angel Arena. Even though we are again cautiously optimistic, we think that players will surprise us again with their passion for PK!
 
 
Onrpg: Are there any events in the near future that players can look forward to?
 
Angels Online: The “Special Egg, Special Train” event has been very popular recently. Also, beginning at the end of March and into the first week of April, we will be holding a series of April Fools’ Day events.
 
 
Onrpg: What kind of new developments can players expect of Angels Online in the future?
 
Angels Online: Players can expect us to consistently bring them the best in MMO gaming!
 
Onrpg: Thank you very much!
 

Zero Online: VIP Services Open On April 11

An update for Zero Online from TQ:
To reward our valuable players for their continued support, we have decided to open the VIP service for the Zero Online players as of April 11, 2009.
If you have credited $150 US or more in TQ points cards since Jan. 01, 2008, you will be eligible to become a VIP member. The more cards you have credited, the better services you can enjoy.
As one of our very important people, you are able to use the following services, designed especially for VIP players:
Level 1 VIPs
. Remotely open the Warehouse.
. Purchase items from the Super Mall.
. Upgrade your gear’s level 2 grades at most with a Meteor.
. Directly teleport to Blaze Ocean and Earth Scar for 3 times a day.
Level 2 VIPs
. Remotely open the Warehouse.
. Purchase items from the Super Mall.
. Upgrade your gear’s level 3 grades at most with a Meteor.
. Directly teleport to Blaze Ocean, Earth Scar, and Mars Wasteland up to 4 times a day.
Level 3 VIPs
. Remotely open the Warehouse.
. Purchase items from the Super Mall.
. Upgrade your gear’s level 4 grades at most with a Meteor.
. Directly teleport to Blaze Ocean, Earth Scar, Mars Wasteland, and Moon Fortress up to 5 times a day.
Level 4 VIPs
. Remotely open the Warehouse.
. Purchase items from the Super Mall.
. Use of the VIP Warehouse.
. Remotely repair items and Hangar access.
. Upgrade your gear’s level 5 grades at most with a Meteor.
. Join in the Spacecraft Missions without level or member restrictions.
. Directly teleport to Blaze Ocean, Earth Scar, Mars Wasteland, Moon Fortress, and Neptune Orbit up to 6 times a day.
Level 5 VIPs
. Remotely open the Warehouse.
. Purchase items from the Super Mall.
. Use of the VIP Warehouse.
. Remotely repair items and open the Hangar.
. Upgrade your gear’s level 6 grades at most with a Meteor.
. Join in the Spacecraft Missions without level or member restrictions.
. Directly teleport to Blaze Ocean, Earth Scar, Mars Wasteland, Moon Fortress and Neptune Orbit and Titan Icefield for 7 times a day.
Level 6 VIPs
. Remotely open the Warehouse.
. Purchase items from the Super Mall.
. Use of the VIP Warehouse.
. Remotely repair items and open the Hangar.
. Freely upgrade your gear’s level with a Meteor.
. Join in the Spacecraft Missions without level or member restrictions.
. Directly teleport to Blaze Ocean, Earth Scar, Mars Wasteland, Moon Fortress and Neptune Orbit, Titan Icefield, Seafloor, and Titan Dungeon up to 8 times a day.

Dragonica details announced

 

Heralding the launch of its new online games platform, THQ*ICE today revealed details about its first product, Dragonica Online with the debut of the game’s web site located at dragonica.thqice.com. Dragonica Online is being introduced as part of the joint venture with between THQ Inc. (NASDAQ: THQI) and ICE Entertainment (“ICE”), an operator of online games located in Shanghai, China, to create micro-transaction-based massively multiplayer online (“MMO”) games that will be available at www.thqice.com.
 
Recently available in China under the name Dream Dragon, where it has already become one of the most popular MMOs, Dragonica Online merges innovative 3D side-scrolling, fast-paced combat and a comical, yet devastating, skill system into a single free-to-play MMO offering. The game is being developed by Barunson Interactive and is scheduled to launch online and at retail this fall, but fans can get a hands-on preview of the game when it opens for beta testing, currently scheduled for summer.
“Our new online game platform integrates ICE’s online operating experience with THQ’s product development and retail publishing expertise to develop and deliver innovative game content to consumers,” said Eddie Chen, CEO of THQ*ICE. “Dragonica Online exemplifies the original and entertaining casual MMO experiences that we plan to offer via our platform and we believe its distinct perspective and pacing will excite a broad audience of online action fans.”

Stargate Worlds

After the doubts concerning Stargate Worlds released expressed by Stargate Executive Producer Brad Wright (you can read the news here), yesterday FireSky Senior Marketing Manager Kevin Balentine gave an official response to IGN. Here it is:
 
“Our official response is that the lights here are still on and the development team is working hard every day to get this game built. Team members are in the office seven days a week to deliver Stargate Worlds. Brad Wright is the Stargate expert and a creative consultant on Stargate Worlds who advises us on the story; unfortunately we had not recently updated him on our progress or the impact from the current global economic crisis, and he was not fully aware of the continuing progress on our game. We are currently negotiating several deals that will cover our financial responsibilities and fund the remainder of development. When we sign those deals, you’ll hear about it. Until then, we’ll keep building Stargate Worlds, because right now, that’s the only thing that matters to us.”

Myth War II Online: Easter Egg Spree

Have you tried to claim one of the specially decorated Easter Eggs in the game yet?
In Myth War II, Easter Eggs are being given away to celebrate Easter this year! Beautiful Easter Eggs are a symbol of life and renewal. When they’re enchanted, players will get epic pets by removing the seals. Below is how the flow goes:
 
1.        Claim Easter Eggs: Go to Blython and talk to an NPC to claim one Easter Egg.
2.        Enchant Easter Eggs: Kill monsters in Revive Arena,Snow Ridge and the Sunset Plains to enchant Easter Eggs with magic power collected from dead monsters. The process will go faster if players partner with a newbie.
3.        Receive Blessings: Talk to the Bless Fairy to receive enough blessings to hatch the Easter Eggs.
4.        Unseal Easter Eggs: After one Easter Egg is hatched, the seal on it will be automatically removed. Players will then get an epic pet. It may even be a Deity Beast. To make this even more exciting, players can claim as many Easter Eggs as they like until the event is closed.