Yearly Archives: 2009

Crowns of Power

Game description: Crowns of Power is a completely unique, online 3-D Role-Playing Game of magical spells, magical gear, strategy, alliances, politics and more!

Crowns of Power is Rampid Interactive’s first 3D graphical online MMO for the PC. It features an extensive 3D world, filled with amazing landscapes and environments. The game world is being designed to support hundreds of players simultaneously, with the network capacity to support many game servers. Players will meet up with others from all over the world to fight side by side or opposite one another on the field of battle. Adapt and evolve in this ever changing world, where players self-govern and guide one another. Will you fight for what is just and true, or seek the ultimate desire of man in a quest for absolute power?

In Crowns of Power, players will have the power to govern themselves in a volatile world where PvP (Player vs Player) combat can be engaged in nearly everywhere you go. With smaller world populations, there will be a sense of community unlike any other game on the market. Players will earn their reputation and role on the server, and be held accountable for their actions. Death will come with a steeper price, and make people think twice before committing acts against the community. As guilds develop, they’ll be able to display their power by obtaining Guild Halls that they must maintain and protect, adding another social and contested element to the game.

Global Agenda: Interviewing the Executive Producer

Questions by Rick Charbs, Onrpg writer

Answered by: Todd Harris, Executive Producer of Global Agenda

I have had the pleasure to interview Todd Harris, the executive producer of Global Agenda, a highly anticipated MMORPG. Many unique features their interesting RPG and FPS fusion styled gameplay, a player-run environment, a campaign mode, and many others. The unique jetpacks, an item acquired in the game, are even an enjoyed aspect of the game by its developers: “The other day on our Alpha server I jetpacked up to a roof to surprise a sniping recon and then used a concussion grenade to push him over the ledge!” said Todd Harris. That being said, Global Agenda sure sounds like a breakthrough in the MMO department! For tons of awesome info on this MMO, be sure to take a peek at this interview.

Onrpg: Global Agenda is an upcoming MMORPG using the graphics engine “Unreal® Engine 3”. What brought you to making the decision of using this engine?

Well, we chose Unreal Engine 3 because it supports our fast-paced action combat, while also enabling our artists to deliver an immersive, graphically stunning world. It delivers great aesthetics and great runtime performance.

Beyond combat, our sophisticated database and networking back-end supports character advancement, gear acquisition, agency management, and other MMO aspects of Global Agenda.

Onrpg: It has been said that players will have great control on how the world of Global Agenda is played. How is this so?

Global Agenda is definitely a player-driven world. Traditionally MMOs offer a few, top-down developer created factions and players must choose from one of those preset factions. We do offer NPC factions but we also allow players to create and manage their own in-game agencies and form alliances with other agencies, yielding very dynamic group interaction and politics.

Players joining these player-run agencies compete with other agencies in a technology race for advanced gear and to capture key locations. In fact, the results of an agency versus agency battle in one location can actually influence another location in real-time.

So, we have created the world setting but the ongoing story develops based upon the in-game behaviour of actual players.

Onrpg: What is the main setting of the game?

Global Agenda is set on 22nd-century earth after a worldwide disaster has wiped the slate clean. Most of the familiar countries and cities of today are gone, replaced by new factions battling for control over the limited remaining resources. Wars are no longer fought with massive armies, however. Instead, elite teams of special agents are outfitted with the most advanced technology available and they travel around the world on sub-orbital dropships. You can expect to find yourself and other agents within a variety of exotic and futuristic locations including snow blown arctic bases, dusty desert outposts, mountainous ruins, and futuristic cities.

Onrpg: Global Agenda focuses on RPG and FPS elements. Could you please explain the system of the game?

Certainly. Our dev team really enjoys the action combat and cooperation found in many multiplayer online shooters, but also wanted deep character progression and an immersive, persistent world setting. We didn’t see any games out there with all of the above so we had to build one ourselves! So, Global Agenda is really a hybrid of multiple game types – all within a single MMO.

Global Agenda has elements of an FPS because our in-mission combat plays like a multiplayer online shooter. Yet due to our distinct player classes and other game mechanics, our combat is not decided simply by who has the fastest reflexes. It is more about positioning, team cooperation, and using the appropriate device and counter at the appropriate time. Basically, tactics are more important than twitch.
Global Agenda has elements of an RPG because your character does progress thru a levelling process, advances new skills, acquires gear, and visits cities & vendors, We offer four distinct but broad player agent archetypes and a large set of usable devices including ranged weapons, close-combat weapons, stealth & deception devices, remote controlled robotic pets, turrets, force fields, and many, many more.
Finally, Global Agenda has elements of an RTS (real time strategy) game based upon our episodic Campaigns. The Campaigns give agencies an opportunity to actually gain territory, construct facilities, produce or steal resources, and compete in an approximately 45 day competition to construct a protected complex for your allies before your rivals do.

In this way, your character actions affect the outcome of a single mission (like an FPS), the career of your agent (like an RPG); AND the long-term Campaign goals of your agency (like a giant strategy game).

Onrpg: How deeply can a player customize their agent (character)?

We offer very deep customization. A player starts by selecting from one of our four broad agent archetypes – Assault, Medic, Recon, or Robotics, and customizes his skills and equipment over time. For example, a Medic within Global Agenda could spec to maximize healing of a single target or healing of multiple targets or distance healing by lobbing grenades or debuffing targets via poison or even doing significant direct damage or damage over time via ranged weapons or close combat. So, each archetype supports a variety of skills, gear and play styles.

Visually, players can really customize the look of their agent as well. We have a large library of suits and apparel, custom dies & patterns, and a very sophisticated face customization system.

Onrpg: Could you please briefly explain some of the unique features this game will offer?

Sure. One very unique feature for the MMO genre is true action-oriented combat. Players are actually aiming their gun via a free reticule and evading oncoming projectile fire rather than the traditional, tab-target, button-mashing. As mentioned previously, we have been inspired by combat systems found in modern multiplayer online shooters. But rather than try to describe the combat system I’d encourage your readers to visit our website and check out the gameplay trailer for themselves. To date we’ve received very enthusiastic feedback from MMO players looking for a combat system such as ours.

Secondly, we’ve chosen a “spy-fi” setting which we feel is a nice change of pace from fantasy. In general this setting allows us to incorporate standard MMO features such as player levelling, skills, achievements, social areas, vendors, PvE content, agencies (akin to guilds in other MMOs), but each implemented in a slightly unique manner given our futuristic setting.

Also, we’ve spent a lot of time on features that make it easy for you to group and play with your friends within Global Agenda. There are a hundred little design details that support this concept, but one basic example is that we do not have separate servers you have to join by name when you create your character. So there is no need to transfer servers in the future if you find a group of friends you want to play with, or against!

Finally, the most unique feature of Global Agenda would have to be the Campaign mode I mentioned before. Player agency leaders are engaged in a high level game of territory control and expansion, like a board game of global domination, but with the actual conflicts being resolved by other player agent combatants.

Onrpg: Do you consider Global Agenda to be a highly PVP focused game?

Yep – lots of PvP! But PvE and co-op PvE play a very significant role as well.

Onrpg: What is your favourite aspect of the game so far?

That’s a tough question because the game has so many different layers that it’s hard to pick a single favourite. I love that our game design allows agencies to leave a lasting impression on the world. It allows you to feel like you’re really working toward something meaningful.

My favourite aspect of the in-mission gameplay would have to be our jetpacks! I’ve always enjoyed flying within other MMOs, and we spent a lot of time making sure our jetpacks were well integrated into the overall control and combat system. They support very fluid player movement and enable rooftop battles which are an absolute blast! The other day on our Alpha server I jetpacked up to a roof to surprise a sniping recon and then used a concussion grenade to push him over the ledge!

Onrpg: Will users require very powerful systems to run this game? What do you expect the minimum requirements will seem like?

Users will be able to customize in-game video settings to accommodate a wide range of hardware configurations. In general, we expect the game to run very well on PCs that play other Unreal 3 engine based games.

Onrpg: When do you assume the game will be prepared for closed beta release?

We are currently in closed alpha with an active community of well over 1000 players. We will begin the closed beta in the second quarter of 2009 and are accepting applications for this beta now. So come apply to join the fun and play Global Agenda. I’m looking forward to seeing many of you there!

Combat Arms trailer

Combat Arms is a free MMO FPS. . Experience fierce battles online with up to 15 your friends (and enemies) in dense jungles, frozen tundras, industrial wastelands, and more! Watch the video and get into action!

GodsWar Online: The Spies are arriving!

GodsWar Online is a game that will enrich your life with its historical battles and fun events. Everyday is something different for players to try. Today the GodsWar Online team is going to introduce us to a perplexing new event: The Spies Invaded! 
The Athenians and Spartans have fought against each other several times, and both have suffered great losses. As a result, they need to change their battle strategy… suddenly, a group of hostile forces have appeared in each main city – it’s an invasion of spies! Warriors! It’s time to safeguard your city!
During this event, players will be rewarded with rich Exp and Talent Points when they succeed in killing hostile spies in their main city. Men of valor will be respected and remembered forever. Come fight for your homeland and be a true hero!
Event Time
10:30pm-10:40pm and 5:30pm-5:40pm every day
Event Content
A large number of spies, spy captains and spy masters will appear in both main cities and will drop various EXP Stones and Talent Stones if they are killed.
Event Notes
1.The spies are called Spartan Spy, Spartan Spy Captain, Spartan Spy Master, Athenian Spy, Athenian Spy Captain and Athenian Spy Master. They are passive monsters with the appearance of soldiers.
2. The Athenian Spy Masters will say "Hah… I am a good guardian to defend our homeland" when they are spawned.
3. A Spy’s HP is 10; it will cause the equivalent damage of a common level 20 monster.
4. A Spy Captain’s HP is 20; it will cause the equivalent damage of a common level 80 monster.
5. A Spy Master’s HP is 100; it will cause the equivalent damage of a common level 100 monster.
6. All spies are single-attack monsters with 100000 defense. Players will reduce 1 HP while attacking them.

WAR: new patch, new careers, new forums!

Mythic Entertainment today announced the start of Bitter Rivals, the first in-game event marking the start of the new Call to Arms live expansion for its award-winning MMORPG, Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning (WAR). Bitter Rivals, which takes place from March 3rd to March 10th, gives players a chance to earn valuable in-game rewards and unlock the new Dwarf Slayer and Orc Choppa careers for head start play.

The live event includes the new Twisting Tower, an exclusive Realm vs. Realm Scenario which will only be available during Bitter Rivals. The scenario, which takes place in a ruined Chaos temple above a perilous vortex in the Chaos Wastes, pits Order against Destruction as they battle for control of the temple while avoiding the purging fires of a vengeful god.

Bitter Rivals marks the start of the massive Call to Arms live expansion that will continue over the next few months with additional live events and new in-game content. The Call to Arms culminates with the launch of the Land of the Dead, a massive new dungeon zone set in the deserts of the Tomb Kings.

To further spread the Call to Arms far and wide, Mythic has launched the official WAR forums. Open to members of the community, the official WAR forums are a place where players can congregate to find information about the game, provide feedback, interact with the development team, talk RvR strategy and celebrate their love of WAR.

Conquer online: Equipment Bonus Quest

Superior equipment is the adventurers’ ultimate pursuit in the world of Conquer Online. Without it, you will never be the best! The Equipment Bonus Quests provide players with an opportunity to obtain those rare, epic items, as well as lots of experience and silver.

Since the series is highly appreciated by the CO community, the TQ team has decided to complete the follow-up quests. In the new additions, you will experience more immersive storylines, go through tougher ordeals, and obtain even more fabulous pieces of equipment! For the release date, please pay attention to our official announcement.

Join the Equipment Bonus Quests, and pursue the equipment you’ve always dreamed of!

Galaxy Online: Item Mall Opening

The Galaxy Online in-game Item Mall was formally opened at 12:00 am, March 3rd. Players should first purchase IGG points cards on the official IGG website and then choose the type of points you want to exchange for Galaxy points. When you’ve exchanged successfully, you can use the Galaxy Points to activate the Planet Trusteeship service for the server to help develop your planets automatically, even when you are not online, or activate other service in game. Also, GO officials will be holding a series of events later to help players familiarize themselves with the Item Mall.

Runes of Magic: new dungeon!

A few weeks before the launch of the award-winning online role-play game Runes of Magic, Frogster is releasing information about new content being built into the release version. This includes the high-level dungeon ‘Kalin Shrine‘, a mysterious place where the dark mage Regin has taken possession and where he sets players some huge challenges.

Located in the dusty wastes of the Dust Devil Canyon, the ‘Kalin Shrine’ was built back in the mists of time, even before the blossoming of the of the old kingdoms. Ancient knowledge resides in the heart of the Shrine and there once was a time when Regin kept this knowledge safe for his own followers, but now he is using the power of the shrine for his own dark purposes. Well armed players are now being requested to drive him out of the sanctuary. This is no simple task; it can only be undertaken by warriors who have the maximum Level 50, since the passages and levels of this lost shrine are populated by ghosts, rune guardians and grave robbers.

In addition, boss level opponents also support the powerful magician in his sinister works. They all demand a special tactical approach from the six man group of adventurers. Just one of the obstacles for players to over come in this struggle is a crystal tortoise which can bind players in solid ice for ten minutes.

However, the most testing battle lies at the heart of the shrine: In order to defend his power, any means is justifiable to the End Boss Regin. Using black magic, he is able to summon some of the already slain bosses back to life and bring them to his aid. Should adventurers master this quest and free the shrine from the evil influence, their troubles will be rewarded with booty in the form of rare armour. Moreover, many more quests are entwined around the ‘Kalin Shrine’ and so continue to lead the story of the Runes of Magic ever onward.

(source: http://gamezig.com/)

Pirate Galaxy Interview: What’s Up In The World Of Space Pirates

Questions by Vincent Haoson, Onrpg writer
Answered by Gustaf Stechmann, Splitscreen Studios

It is always a pleasure for us here in Onrpg to hear from companies who are eager to share what goes on behind the closed doors of their “think tanks”. It’s just so happens that the people behind the new sci-fi space game Pirate Galaxy opened their doors for us to let us know what’s happening with their Closed Beta Test.

We have Gustaf Stechmann from Splitscreen Studios giving us the what’s up with the world of Space Pirates.

Onrpg: How is the Closed Beta Test going?

Pretty good! We had problems with the database but the game itself is running like a breeze. We are getting some very positive feedback from the community, as well as some valuable bugreports and suggestions which we are working hard to incorporate into the game.

Onrpg: What can improvements do players can expect to see as the game progresses in its closed beta stage?

We are working on lots of smaller tweaks and UI improvements, but most notably we want to make sure the overall stability is up to snuff.

Onrpg: We noticed that in one of the recent updates you finally included the W,A,S,D controls to the game system. Was part of the plan or was it thought off as the closed beta test?

That was something we added because so many players requested it. We would have added it earlier but it took us a while to figure out how to do it right so that it harmonizes with the more indirect point-and-click control system that we have. I think we have found a pretty good compromise – the WASD controls now give you a good degree of control over your ship, while at the same time not making the game too “skill”-driven.

Onrpg: Will you include more game system, or system tweaks before closed beta ends?

We are launching a new starsystem, ANTARES, very soon now. You will see some very exciting new missions (our mission system is getting better and better as we speak), as well as a cool new feature called CONQUEST. The conquest system allows clans to take control of planets, defending it against other clans and gaining exclusive access to the Kryonite crystals to be found on that planet. We expect that our players will have loads of fun with this new feature!

Onrpg: Will you include more ship choices? Where did you get the idea for the designs of the current roster?

In the Antares starsystem you will be able to access to a whole lot of new ships, as well as new customization options. The ideas for what’s in the game come from many different places… Asimov novels, watching Battlestar Galactica, drinking beer, smoking bits of the houseplants in our office while watching Galactica and drinking beer…. 😉

Onrpg: Will there be more customization choices come commercial launch? Can you give us an idea what the players can expect?

We are working on items that let you modify your ship, weapons, shields and other onboard systems. There will also be an editor to create your individual logo, which you can then also use as Clan insignia.

Onrpg: Will you include more planets where players can explore? Will it be integrated into the terran’s war against the mantis?

Definitely. We are looking to roll out a new starsystem every 2 weeks now. Much of the material already exists, we just need to put it together and polish it to a degree where it is good enough to put it into the game.

Onrpg: How would the PVP system work in Pirate Galaxy? Will it be implemented anytime soon?

The PVP system, called PIRATE MODE, was in fact launched just yesterday! It’s pretty straightforward – just click on the large skull icon on the top of the screen to activate Pirate Mode. When in Pirate Mode, you can fight other players. You also get more XP with PM on. Check the in-game help system for details.

Onrpg: Will Pirate Galaxy include Guilds in the game? What will they be called? And will they become an important part to the whole storyline?

Yes, we have a Clan system that allows you to team up with other players. This will become very important in later phases of the game when you journey towards the Mantis homeworld. But I don’t want to give away too much of the story at this time. 😉

Onrpg: How big do you expect the community will take part in Pirate Galaxy?

The first planets are very story-driven. But as you progress in the game, it becomes more and more open and player-driven. The Conquest system mentioned earlier is the best example.

Onrpg: How did you manage to make the browser gamers connect with those who are playing through the client?

What issues will you be expecting when more players join the game? Our software is completely programmed in JAVA. This allows us to run from a browser or off the desktop. It is the exact same client in both cases, so from a technical perspective it makes no difference. We could even run the game as an applet inside an HTML page if we wanted. Whether you run off a browser or permanently install the game on your PC is really a question of taste – the experience is always the same.

Onrpg: Did you consider browser compatibility issues and how it would affect the game? How did you handle problems like this?

We have issues launching the game from some of the more exotic browsers, such as Chrome and Opera. But we will fix those in due time. The game itself will not be affected, it only affects the start-up process.

Onrpg: There has been bug and glitch issues with the mission system how are things fixing those issues?

Fixing the glitches is usually very swift – finding them is the problem. That why it is important for us to work hand in hand with the community. Keep in mind that our team is fairly small – we simply don’t have the resources to test all the missions as thoroughly as we would want to.

Onrpg: Would you include a tutorial guide for new players? Or would you put in more Missions that can help players get more familiar into playing the game?

Yes we are thinking about ways to make the first 15 minutes even more pleasant and accessible.

Onrpg: What’s in store for Pirate Galaxy in the succeeding weeks?

We’re working very hard to go into Open Beta as soon as possible, so that even more players can try the game and provide feedback.