Yearly Archives: 2009

Karos Online Closed Beta Phase 2 Announced

NHN Corporation has confirmed today that following a period of intense development, the Karos Online team has met several key milestones and the next closed beta weekend for the free-to-play fantasy MMORPG will take place from the 23rd to 25th of October. Many changes have been made to the game, including a significant change to the player-killing system that was spurred by comments from players. “We received a lot of feedback that being subjected to player-killing in the early levels of the game was a problem for new players,” said Heejin Jeong, Senior Overseas Sales Manager at NHN Corporation. “We want everyone to be able to enjoy Karos Online from the beginning, so the game has been changed to restrict player-killing to characters of level ten and above. We believe this will ease many of the issues for new players while still retaining the competitive spirit of Karos Online.”

In the next Karos Online closed beta weekend, players will be able to progress to level 35, explore the new region of Peltrok, and try a new character class: the Mystic. The Mystic joins the previously announced classes of Blader (two-handed melee attacks), Rogue (dual-wielded attacks) and Bowmistress (ranged missile attacks).
Members of the graceful, half-elemental Seroine race, Mystics are an alluring and powerful class of female warriors who use nature magic to launch ranged attacks on opponents. The Mystic’s skills enable her to be very helpful in mass PvP, as well as a valuable addition to adventuring groups. Like the other classes in Karos Online, Mystics can specialise twice during the course of play: at level 15, she can become either a battle-focused Mage, or a Cleric who provides allies with a variety of vital buffs and healing.
Beta signup is now open at the official website and players who have signed up for a previous event are permitted free access to future ones. 
More details and features will be revealed as the closed beta continues. Karos Online is scheduled to be released in English during Q4 2009, with versions in German and Turkish to follow later.

Karos Online

Saga of Ryzom: Patch 1.6.0 released!

We are very proud to announce the release of Patch 1.6.0 for our MMORPG Ryzom this Monday October 12th! The biggest change in this patch is that we have extended the ingame web system.
We have now the opportunity to create web applications that can not only be used in game, but also out of game. To demonstrate the concept, the mail system has been redone and there is a small application for taking notes. Now you can read and write mail both out of game and ingame (SHIFT+W). This is just the begining, and we are planning to add new web applications in the future. To help us do this, we would like to invite players that have PHP knowledge to join our new volunteer team of PHP web developers.
 
We have also modified the graphical design of the user interface to make it more modern and pleasant. Moreover, we have introduced a new font which is easier to read, can handle many more characters, and thus allows you to write in other languages.
 
Seven new tatoos for each race and gender (56 tatoos in total) have been added, but beware — only the really wealthy can afford to wear them.
 
A lot of work has also been done behind the scenes on the event tools to allow the event team to cook up some even more advanced and interesting events.
 
All of the “boss mobs” (with the exception of some special ones like Bodokin, Shooketh, etc) will now appear in several different locations ! These new spawn-locations have been added but we’ll leave them for you to find ;-). We also took advantage of this change in gameplay to clean up the code and make it more easily scalable…
 
We can already tell you that the next patch (1.7.0) will focus on new content for higher level players, so prepare yourself well before then!
 
Release note:
– Added new tatoos
– New interface for web applications (SHIFT+W)
– New user interface design, reticle and font
– New tools for the event team
– Window size wasn’t set to 1024×768 when reselecting a character
– When renaming a landmark, all of the characters of the original name are selected, and not just the first six.
– Fixed some bugs in some missions
– Fixed a small zoom problem in cosmetic window
– Fixed some exploits
– Fixed bad copy pasting when using unicode characters
– Changed the keyboard management to handle more complex key combos and chat in more languages

Saga of Ryzom

PlanetSide

In PlanetSide thousands of players wage war on a planetary scale. A specially designed 3D engine drives PlanetSide’s first-person player-to-player combat and vehicular warfare across ten continents.
It doesn’t matter if you’re an avid RPG gamer or a fanatical FPS player, you’ll find something in PlanetSide that’s just right for you.
The stage has been set, the battle lines drawn, and dropships are ready to deploy you PlanetSide.
Your own player page and stat repository is here at your command. Character stats for yourself and information about other player-characters and outfits, an updated World Map with balance-of-power info, leaderboards and more.
 
Features:
– Massively Multiplayer first person action game
– Join thousands of persistant global conflict of massive scale
– Player roles to fit the situation: join a team to conquer territory, fortify a base against attack, or support any offensive or defensive maneuver
– Character development and advancement through ranks
– Team tactical combat for control of planetary regions, with real-time territory control updates
– Seamless worlds on a massive scale with large indoor environments
– The ten continents of Auraxis are hostile and active
– Real-time weather and environmental factors
– Full team support
– Vehicle physics and flight model
– “Instant Action” mode – a quick and easy way to get into the battle

Alganon: Quest Online announces exclusive distribution agreement with IGN/Direct2Drive

Arizona online entertainment developer Quest Online LLC (QOL) announces the exclusive distribution agreement for its upcoming Massively Multiplayer Online (MMO) title Alganon with IGN/Direct2Drive.
Players will be able to pre-order Alganon before the October 31, 2009 launch through Direct2Drive, and also through the Alganon website, giving access to the exclusive beta and bonus features which will not be available after launch.
Quest Online (QOL) has been working on Alganon for nearly four years now, and has been in private beta since July. “With less than a month until launch, things are as exciting as ever,” said David Allen, co-founder and President of QOL. “Teaming with the great folks at Direct2Drive will allow us to get Alganon in the hands of many hungry online gamers looking for a quality alternative to the existing MMOGs in the market.”
Those who pre-order Alganon will gain access to bonuses not available after launch, including study bonuses, mounts, character enhancement items, and family heirlooms.
 
“In addition to the pre-order system, IGN/FilePlanet also has exclusive rights to distribute BETA keys between now and launch. So if you want to get into BETA head over to FilePlanet. It’s very important for us to get quality testers that have a vested interest in the game, and we felt the pre-order system and teaming with FilePlanet was the best way to accomplish this goal.

Alganon

Splash Fighters US Interview: About New Updates

Questions by Rick Charbs, Onrpg.com writer
Answered by Ronnie Kim, project manager, NHN USA, Inc.

An interview was held with Ronnie Kim, project manager of NHN USA Inc. We got some wonderful insight on updates the game has received, functions and content in the game, and maybe even a little item-mall controversy! Read on to find out!

Onrpg: You will soon release the season two massive update! When do you plan to release it, and what new functions will players soon have access to?
We just released eight new functions in a massive update on Aug. 13. Some of the new functions added to SplashFighters are:

1. One-on-One Match Mode – The new one-on-one mode is a casual and easy way for players to have fun while fighting in SplashFighters. Players can battle random opponents in an exclusive new map for this mode!

2. Item Combine – Players are able to combine two items to make one totally new weapon. Sometimes you can even make accessories from items!

3. Lucky Shuffle – This is a new selection for Lucky Draw. Players will be given six cards with a prize drawn on it, and will have a maximum of three chances to pick the best card out of them.

4. Accessory Customize – With cards that have secret powers, you can customize your accessories and give them new mystical powers! There are many kinds of card s such as the Nobenore Card, that increases the status, or the dreadful Destorosso Card, which can either increase your powers or completely drain it all away.

Onrpg: Recently added as a new game to your roster, what player feedback have you been receiving for the title throughout the summer season?
People who have played SplashFighters recognize that we are committed to their entertainment.  As a result we always get a stream of compliments from thank for the frequent free items to general encouragement and praise for the gameplay. 

Splash Fighters Arena

Onrpg: What is SplashFighters all about? Is it a game made purely for casual gamers?
We would say that SplashFighters is a semi-casual 3D fighting game with many entertaining options that can fulfill both casual and hardcore needs. There is complaisant “Tutorial mode” ready for all beginners, and demanding “Challenge mode” allowing players to learn controls while having fun fighting with NPCs. And as soon as you are ready to fight with other players, you can enjoy “Tournament Mode” which provides many match-rules to compete with other players.

Onrpg: What sets SplashFighters apart from other fighting games? How is it unique?
Although the game focuses on 3D multi-player combat, SplashFighters also has well-balanced NPC challenges, and extensive customization functions. Other fighting scenarios can be single-player focused by using one of the functions mentioned above.

Onrpg: Could you please briefly explain player skins to us?
The “Skin” allows the player to create its own original avatar, without using any avatar parts. For example, there is no dragon avatar parts sold in shops, but in shops, you can find a “Dragon Skin” – turning the user  into a mighty-looking dragon.

Onrpg: There is known to be a skin editor in the game that allows for a wide variety of customization within the game. How efficient do you find this system?
“Skin Editor” allows the player to create a fully-original avatar by painting body parts and changing the 3D outlook. We think almost all of our players enjoy putting a little love into their own character. Though in other games, it tends to limit the fun of decorating their character by the number of avatar parts. But the skin system allows all player to have infinite possibilities when it comes to decorating their character, and it also helps to create the character into the perfect shape. The SplahFighter’s customization system has proved to be very efficient for players who want their one-and-only character.

Onrpg: How long is the learning curve for the game?
You can start having fun right away with either a challenge or fight as soon as you learn the controls through the provided tutorial. To progress to higher levels in the game, it might take you one or two more weeks, depending on your particular skill level.

Racing in Splash Fighters

Onrpg: How many areas can players duke it out in?
There are about 20 match-areas where players can duke it out in with other players. We add a new map about once a month, and we will continue to provide more and more challenging areas so that players can enjoy fresh and new situations every single game.

Onrpg: What updates have you planned for the future of this game? Are there any extensive add-ons to be made in the late future after this season two update?
We have found out that many people belong to a guild, and to vitalize the community, we are planning of adding a Guild Battle system which will allow Guild vs Guild battle. Also we plan to add more customization variety into the game, with a My Room system. This enables players to create rooms of their own, decorate them and invite friends.

Onrpg: What can players purchase in the item mall?
Players can purchase accessories, weapons, lucky draw cards and other optional items such as emotion-addition, guild-foundation, etc. There are more than 200 accessories players are able to purchase at shop. These accessories will help your character use unique or strong skills to defeat their enemies. Weapons will give players critical advantages during battles, and lucky draw cards will allow users to try their luck to gain rare accessories. There are many other items that players can purchase through the shop, and additional products will continue to pop up in the shops weekly.

Onrpg: Do players who purchase item mall currency have a distinctive advantage over non-paying players?
Although players can play and enjoy the game for free, items that users can purchase in the item mall will add more enjoyment to their gaming experience. For example, there are several accessories that players are able to buy with in- game currency, though item mall that will open a path to a variety of different accessories with massive powers and cool effects. Also Elite Styles, which is a character that has very powerful skills, can be purchased only in the item mall. To get an advantage over other players, the item mall is definitely the best way.

Onrpg: What do you do to promote social networking in Splash Fighters?
Guild system in the game, which we believe is the best networking community for SplashFighters and we are currently working on a tournament mode for guild users.

Splash Fighters Tournament

Onrpg: What do you enjoy most about the game?
As a player myself, I enjoy becoming friends with the player who had a great match with me. Since it is well balanced game, the matches are always a great time, and you will be able to make many friends if you wish to 🙂 Also, we hold events nearly once a month, and it is awesome to see players having a great time fighting with others, teaching techniques, and watching the breathtaking matches.

Onrpg: What character is your favorite, and why?
<y favorite character is Swordmaster. Swordmaster is the style that can use the Japanese blade, Katana, to slash enemies down. It has magnificent blade-work images of a real-samurai, and it is just nice looking at your cool outlook with edged-blade on its hand when you are the only one left standing in the arena.

Onrpg: Thank you for your time!

MMORPG Weekly News Roundup: October 5 – October 11

Well it’s been another week and here’s another round of news that you may, or may not, have missed.  I hope you enjoy this week’s news roundup! 

Final Fantasy XIV

Quite a few things have been announced this week, such as various class types within the “Disciplines”.  Most of this news comes from Eastern magazines and has been translated thanks to the guys at ffxivcore.com.  What’s more interesting is that the majority of the news about Square’s new MMORPG has come from Japanese media, rather than American or European outlets.  Is there a reason for this, or is it coincidence?  I guess we’ll find out soon enough, anyway here’s the news.

Armoury System

As you know, the “Armoury” system is what you use to change “Class”, which replaces the “Job” System from Final Fantasy XI.  Now instead of going to see a cute moogle to change “Job” you just change your weapon and then “BOOM!” instant Class change.  For example you’re a Marauder when you hold an axe and a Blacksmith when you hold a hammer.  So baring that in mind, Square Enix announced some new classes this week.

Discipline of War (Physical Fighter)

Lancer

The Lancer was announced this week, these guys and gals use a two handed spear to attack from a distance.  They have various types of attack, such as stabbing and cutting.  They can also throw weapons like javelins.  It would appear that this Class can attack from a distant to stay away from, although presumable not too far away from, the enemy.  A great Class for those who enjoy giving backup to fellow team mates in need.

Archer

As you can imagine Archers use bow and arrows to hit from afar.  It is believed that they will have to calculate the distance and direction from the enemy when attacking.   They also have to decide on what types of arrows will be the most effective given the situation.  These arrows are presumed to have elemental effects, such as ice and fire.  It’ll be very interesting to see what this Class turns out like, as it seems to evolve a lot of strategy and thought process.

Discipline of Hand (crafters)

Blacksmith

These guys forge metals to create tools and weapons; they also repair items (as weapons and armour do get worn out over time in Final Fantasy XIV).  Their main weapon is a hammer.  I assume that they will have a very important impact on the economy and on general gameplay.  Simply put, you’re going to be using these guys a lot.

Tanner

They produce leather based items such as belts, by sewing up tanned leathers.  Their main tool is the head knife.  Maybe these guys will focus much more on creating armour for lighter classes (who won’t require metal armour), such as Archers.

Culinarian

I know what you’re thinking, “Culinarian!  That’s not a word!!”, and you’re right but always remember Square can make up their own words because they’re that awesome.  Anyway these guys have a deep knowledge of food ingredients and how to cook them; their meals also have elemental properties such as water or fire.  Their main tools are skillets.

Alchemists

Through the use of rocks materials and spirits, they create medicines which have various effects.  Whether these effects are of the curing kind or the afflicting kind, I do not know.  One would presume it’s both.  Will you be able to sneak up behind your enemies and poison them?  I can’t wait to find out.

Weaver

This Class use fabric to make clothes.  I think the general thought about this class is that they will have the ability to change the colour of clothes and make them look more fashionable.  Not a lot was really said about them.

Whew, so that’s it…I think you’ll agree with me when I say that was quite a lot of information.  There was also a diary posted up which followed the daily life of a Culinarian, which shed some light on what to expect from the Class.  Well, that’s it for Final Fantasy XIV; let’s hope Square can keep the news coming.

Fallen Earth

There was a “State of the Game” address from Fallen Earth from developer Colin Dwan.  The address went through some of the concerns players have had and also discussed what gamers can expect from the latest patches, including more content for levels 32-35 and various things to boost social activities.

A topic that was also raised were character respecs and as Dwan adeptly put it, “[We] would like to help the people who spend a few points wrong and want to fix those mistakes, not folks who want to rebuild their whole character. The specifics are still up in the air, but it will be expensive, slow, and limited.”.

Transportation methods are also in the works.

Star Trek Online

Eurogamer recently held an interview with Craig Zinkievick which released some very interesting information.  Probably one of the most exciting pieces of news is that gamers will be able to play as the Klingons.  From what I can understand you will have to unlock them first, which will only take a few hours, and then you can level them up as you would normal character. 

The game will be shipped with two factions; however the developers do intend to add more after launch.  They also have rough ideas about what they content will be coming after the initial release.  There will also be lots of “rewards” for the player throughout the game and during the endgame.  

With regards to combat it sounds like the developer has got space combat nailed, however they are still working out some of the problems with the normal land combat.

There will be a closed beta very soon.  As most of you should know they were taking beta applications at the beginning of September.  The game is slated for an early 2010 release, which the developer seems focused on achieving.  Star Trek is also penned for a release on consoles, although which ones and when has yet to be announced.

You can view more of the interview [link=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/star-trek-online-interview_9]here[/link].

Star Wars: The Old Republic

A video was released, The Making of Coruscant, in which the developers discussed the challenges that popped up when making the huge Republic capital city.  For those that can’t remember/don’t know, Coruscant is a planet which is, basically, just a giant city.  The area is host to the Jedi Council among other things.

You can watch the whole video here: http://www.gametrailers.com/video/the-making-star-wars/57513.

Final Fantasy XI

Wow!  Square Enix is really pilling on the news for their MMOs this week.  Information included details about new Wings of the Goddess quests in the coming patch, a Shantotto Fan Art Contest and information about the Harvest Festival.  It seems there’s an eventful winter for Final Fantasy XI players.

Runes of Magic

The “Aotulia Vulcano” patch was released on the 7th of October.  “The newest patch delivers a new zone, the “Cave of the Water Dragon” and many new NPCs, Quests and enemies of course.”, and of course many fixes and improved features were added to the game, which you can view here.  The update also included the new “Cross Server PVP Battlefield” and the Oktoberfest.

So there we have it, a brief roundup on MMORPG news.  I can’t wait to see what’s in store for us next week.  I leave you with some of this non MMO news…

Non MMORPG News

Kingdom Hearts 328/2 Days was released on the 9th October in Europe.  If you have a Nintendo DS, make sure you pick this baby up.

Operation Flashpoint: Dragon Rising was released on the 9th October in Europe and on the 6th in the US.  The game has received good reviews, however the multiplayer on the PC is flawed somewhat and requires a patch (which is well on the way).

Reggie Fils-Aime (Nintendo America’s Head Honcho) commented on the PSP Go and asked, “What’s the benefit?”. 

Modern Warfare 2’s Spec Ops mode was also shown off for the first time ever on this week’s Gametrailers TV, click here to view.

I hope this article helps you to get any news that you may have missed in this busy week.  You can expect a news roundup the same time next week.  I look forward to seeing you again.

Allods Online Europe Preview

By Gabriele Giorgie (Darak), OnRPG Journalist

The developing studios gPotato, already well known for titles like Flyff, Rappelz and Dragonica, is now preparing a new MMORPG that promises to be quite peculiar in many of his features. We are talking about Allods Online.

This is not a “first game”, but it’s the third incarnation of a brand quite well-known in Russia, the first two chapters being fantasy-style RPGs. At the GamesCom in Cologne we had the chance to speak with Jamie McCormick, who showed us some of the more suggestive ideas of this new title.

The setting hangs in balance between different genres, like fantasy, science-fiction and steampunk, and the characters will journey through huge floating islands; to get there, it will be necessary to have a ship to travel the surrounding space in specific conduits. This simple assumption is what will bring the characters to experience certain intriguing features and game modes.

The ships, huge vessels of wood and metal that recall ancient galleons in many a way, will need to be managed by many people to operate at their fullest: while someone is at the wheel, someone else will have to take care of navigation, looking on a radar for obstacles and potential enemies, letting know everything to the helm quickly… and when the ship is under attack, one or more people will be needed to fire the cannons, obviously with the essential support of the helmsman, who will be in charge to manoeuvre in order to keep the flanks (where the cannons are positioned) towards the opponents.

Let’s talk about repairs; granted, there is a team of goblins trained especially for it, but we all know they are not very bright creatures: some will have to tell them what to do, won’t he? And those who have no particular task will be needed as well, should the enemy manage to board the ship, in order to defend the hold with the treasure.

In conclusion, a real cooperative game mode, conceived to promote teamplay and coordination among the crewmembers (you will be wise to use applications like TeamSpeak or similar). And should you stumble upon the most dangerous “astral demons”, one ship alone will not be enough, but you will need the coordinated efforts of at least three of them to take just one of those huge monsters down.

Of course the game will take place on land as well, where our avatar will be able to walk around and explore different “Allods”, with unique themes and neat graphics. As usual, here you will have options like buying and selling goods, embark on quests or even relax with games like, for example, “goblinball”… What is that? Well, it’s quite simple, you see: just take football, and replace the ball with a goblin!

We will find something new in the races as well: there will be usual humans and semi-humans, orc-like creatures and undeads, but also floating beings and, most of all, the funniest race in the game: the gibberlings. They are three cute little creatures that will act in each and every aspect like one. To give you an example, imagine them shooting with a bow: one holds the weapon, the other hands him the arrow and the third one aims!

Everything will be made in a sort of manga-style: after all, gPotato is quite renowned for it, with its titles. Oh, and, last but not least, like the other games in their catalogue, Allods Online will be Free to Play, with a micro-transaction system inside the game itself.

If this preview intrigued you, just try and sign up to the Closed Beta.

Aurora Blade: Brand Spanking new PK System introduced

Get ready for the most intense PK action ever as the Aurora Blade team from IGG prepares to release their brand spanking new PK system. Once the system is complete, players will have the chance to experience the totally re-designed punishment system and a newly balanced combat mode.
 
Seeking to increase the ease with which players can tell what kind of opponent they’re facing, Blue, Pink and Red Names have been added that represent a player’s Violence. Violence “levels” are increased when players kill others or assist in killing, however if the target is a “red” player, they’re fair game with no repercussions. While any target is available for attack, Violence points are handed out in greater numbers to those that attack lower level players or players with a white name. Players with Blue or Pink names, or are a higher level will still garner Violence points but in smaller amounts.
 
Any player that is killed runs the risk of losing items and exp when they fall, though players can feel safe knowing they will not lose IM items, quest items, or AB points. Bound items and bound non-equipment items can also be dropped, but cannot be picked up by the killer…instead they can be destroyed.
 
If you find your name is dripping in the blood of innocents and don’t want to be known as a monster, then simply stay online and you’ll drop 1 Violence point each minute you’re on. If this isn’t enough to wash the blood from your hands, then visit the Priest in Aurora Seaport and make a donation. The priest is a tricky guy though, he’ll accept as many donations as you’d like to leave, but he’ll only cleanse Violence from you once a day.
 
With these latest modifications to the PK system, players no longer have to fear being placed in Mondo Weirdo’s Room after getting a Red Name. Also, the item “Messenger of Justice” will be taken off the shelves of the Item Mall and will no longer be available for purchase from NPCs.

Aurora Blade - Brand Spanking New PK System introduced