Yearly Archives: 2009

Hello Kitty Online: Beta for North America announced at PAX

Hello Kitty Online (HKO) will make its first public debut in North America at the 2009 Penny Arcade Expo (PAX) in Seattle, Wash., Sept. 4 – 6. Hello Kitty Online  brings the world of Hello Kitty and Sanrio friends to life in the first free-to-play Massively Multiplayer Online Role Playing Game (MMORPG) based on the global pop-culture icon. Members of the press and PAX attendees are invited to experience a demo of Hello Kitty Online at the Aeria Games booth (# 22).  Hello Kitty Online is currently in closed beta and will transition to open beta later in September.

“Hello Kitty gaming fans have long been looking for the ideal level of online community and engagement, and Hello Kitty Online delivers that in a format that will thrive as the fan base continues to grow,” said Grant Wei, executive producer, Aeria Games. “We are proud to have the opportunity to bring one of the world’s greatest characters into the free-to-play PC online gaming space via Aeria Game’s high-quality publishing platforms.” 

Developed by Sanrio Digital and published in North America by Aeria Games, Hello Kitty Online invites players to create a fully customizable character and engage with other online players in a world rich in adventure and inhabited by more than one hundred original Sanrio characters and other newly-designed creations. Thanks to the innovative social media features of Hello Kitty Online, players are able to share videos, screenshots, blogs and email messages with other players without leaving the game world.

“Hello Kitty Online was designed to be a fun and interactive social gaming experience that brings Hello Kitty and Sanrio fans and friends together in an engaging MMO setting,” said Robert Ferrari, vice president of publishing and business development, Sanrio Digital. “We look forward to bringing Hello Kitty Online and the integrated SanrioTown social networking site to Hello Kitty fans across North America.” 

Hello Kitty Online

Chaos Online Review – For The Casual At Heart

By Rick Charbs (Jammart), OnRPG Journalist

Chaos Online is a classic-styled MMORPG featuring a simplistic style with very easy playability. Set in a world of chaos, in which an awkward balance of modern science, weaponry, and tactics oppose against mystical nature’s forces of wisdom. Currently, there are two races you may join from (coincidentally a race on the modern science side, and a race from the nature oriented ancient civilization).  First, there are the Genotians: modern, civilized, and technologically advanced, and secondly, the Natarian: peace keeping, nature-praising people.

As you may have already found out, the conflict of the game basically revolves around the quarrels of both races-pretty typical. Despite the poor context, the storyline is given a great deal of potential, and Ingle Games is planning on releasing a third race in the future to add twists to the game, and to provide more variety for players, evidently!

General Gameplay

As previously mentioned, Chaos Online plays very simplistically in all terms of gameplay. The controls are very easy to learn, the skills are pretty basic, and everything seems a tad bland. Combat is extremely linear, and the PvP is a little less than captivating. That being said, the game still retains some interesting points. Massive wars between the two races are held quite often, and even though PvP was never my forte, I found the system simple enough for me to be proficient in battle against other players. These Massive State Wars are basically the foundation of the game, and they are extremely popular within the game’s small community.

Chaos Online also features an interesting mount system. Although they do not contribute much to the gameplay, there is a ton of variety in the selection of mounts you can use, in dependency of your race, and they look pretty neat. Various other interesting, and surprisingly unique, features Chaos Online has in store for its players are the following:

-Growing weapons (weapons that level up and gain more strength as you kill monsters)
-An in-game credit card system (system that allows players to purchase expensive items before having the money required to purchase them with physical currency)
-A robot system that allows players to gain experience while they are away from the computer

Chaos Online Plant Attack

Graphics and Sound

I will be very honest as to say I did not enjoy the graphics or sound of this game at all. Unoriginal 2.5D graphics and mediocre background music-needless to say, I was not too impressed. The graphics and sound were both very bland, the sound being barely present or just plainly obnoxious, and the graphics being very outdated and repetitive. However, the style of graphics attracts its players; it is well enjoyed and also allows players with lower end computers to play the game on full settings, without suffering from serious lag constraints. This proves to be the most useful during the more large-scaled State Wars. The music can easily be muted and replaced for one’s personal playlist, which is what I would highly recommend, unless you wish to leave the sound on during important battles or events.

The style of the game could highly be compared to Conquer Online, in terms of graphics and sound, however they are much less developed  in Chaos Online, and unfortunately, much less popular. One can also quickly recognize the fact that there is little to no customization for players, even though there is a huge variety in the amount of monsters and mounts in the game.

Personal Recommendation

Chaos Online was a so-so MMORPG. I would not imagine it would stand out as an MMO, as nowadays free MMORPGS need to follow a completely unique structure to gain any amount of attention. Chaos Online lacks the attractive element that brings players to yearn for more, but Ingle Games is most definitely working to reach such a goal. With the addition of the new race, and hopefully new exciting updates to the game, Chaos Online is sure to be a hit with the 2.5D gaming crowd.

Chaos Online Art

As a casual game, Chaos Online can be very entertaining; you do not ever have to waste time levelling as the legal in-game bot can do that for you. On the other hand, if you wish to play the game very seriously, this may not be the right spot for you to devote your gaming time. I would definitely not suggest such a thing, but if you enjoy the game’s style and the small community within it, nothing is stopping you. Keep in mind that the in-game bot really does kill the fun if you’re in it for the long run. That being said, you do gain much more experience if you play without it. Chaos Online was one of the few games in which I enjoyed the large scaled battles, because they were so easy to join and participate in. I just love how simple this game is while still being somewhat interesting and indefinitely fun. Consequently, the game can be rather dull and repetitive at times, and often severely lacks in challenge if you do not wish to participate in the Massive State Wars.

With the innovation of the credit system, and the weapons that gain experience alongside you, Chaos Online is not lacking in features. I really enjoyed the crafting and growing weapon systems in the game-something I had never experienced in an MMORPG before-and it kept me very interested in that respect. I have already mentioned that the game has potential, and I believe it will reach that potential so long as there are measures taken to help the community grow: perhaps events, contests, add-ons? I suggest you try this one out if you’re looking for a new (very) casual MMO to play. Happy Gaming!

Pros:
– tight knit community
– various mounts
– growing weapon system
– large scale battles
– easy to play, does not require a lot of your time.

Cons:
– in-game bot (may be a pro for some users)
– lack of customization
– repetitive
– not very challenging
– bland graphics/sound. 

Karos Online: PvP details released

More details have emerged about the PvP gameplay in the upcoming MMORPG Karos Online.
 
Dates of additional Closed Beta Weekend events will be announced shortly here on OnRPG, and players possessing an access code for any Closed Beta Weekend may continue to play in future phases. Karos Online is scheduled to be released in English during Q4 2009, with versions in German and Turkish to follow later.
 
PvP is a strong feature in Karos Online, and is very tightly linked to the social and economic system of the game. Players who enjoy PvP can choose from a variety of experiences, all rich with opportunities to show off their skills and write their own histories in-game.
 
Guild alliances and rivalries: In Karos Online, every guild leader can register other guilds as either allies or enemies. All members of the guild can then immediately recognize these players as friends or foes, and decide to help them or kill them on sight when they meet in the world of Asmara. Expect the game of alliances and rivalries to be intense and political!
 
Fletta mine takeovers: The precious mines where players dig for the magical energy Fletta become vulnerable to takeovers once each week, and guilds can fight over them in massive PvP battles. The victorious guild earns the privilege to control the Fletta resources of the region, and decides when the next takeover will be (within a timeframe of 4 to 7 days).
 
Castle sieges: After commercial launch, regular castle siege battles are planned to be added to Karos.
Karos Online will feature several interesting PvP features

Zodiac Online

Zodiac Online is a colorful, free to play MMO based on the Chinese Zodiac. Its 12 characters are set in a fantasy land born of an amazing legend of allegiance, valiance, and guardianship.

In the game players will act as Zodiac Envoys on a mandate from heaven, which creates an unforeseen and mysterious set of circumstances.

Zero Online: Double EXP? Here We Go!

Need a faster way to level up? Here comes the chance!
 
September 5th and 6th, all online players can enjoy double experience getting 200% experience for killing enemies. The more you kill, the more extra experience you gain. This is not the time to show mercy!
 
If you use a Double EXP Potion during this weekend. You will gain Quad experience! You can never imagine how fast you can level up!
 
Enjoy the Double XP

Fast and Furious FIG

Only the boldest, most daring people in the world can handle the high intensity of street racing and live to tell the tale. On the streets you either win their respect or get out of the way.

This free-to-play game pits players against other players all over the world. After building, modifying and painting their cars, they must prove that they have what it takes to rule the road.

Eudemons: Events!

On the upcoming first Saturday of September, Eudemons will hold Mount Races from 18:00 to 20:00. There are 3 kinds of races:
– Reborn Sphere Rally (3 maps)
– Red Stone Rally
– Gold Rally
 
Two of the above three rallies will be held during the event time, each lasting 1 hour. 18:00 – 19:00 is the first round and 19:00-20:00 is the second round. There is only one rule; be the first to reach the destination. Ammo (Cronus 212,573) will tell you more about it.
 
Time and Duration
The 1st Saturday of every month
18:00-19:00 First Round
19:00-20:00 Second Round
 
Rewards
Reborn Spheres, Red Stones, Gold, Exp
 
Requirement
a 10-Star Mount
 
Location
Cronus
 
Key NPC
Ammo (Cronus 212,573): Introduces the quest details and sends you to the Mount Race map.
 
2nd Weekend Event: Legion Snowman
On the second Saturday, let’s have some snowy fun during this hot, hot summer! Come to Snow Valley and build the most glorious snowman Yartland has ever seen!
 
Enter Snow Valley. Legion leaders have to purchase a snowman site first. Then hunt monsters for the materials you need to build the snowman. Legions will be handsomely rewarded according to their snowman ranking.
 
More details will be coming soon! Make sure you don’t miss out!
 
3rd Weekend Event: Fairy Day
The third weekend will be great because the Demon Lords will drop lots of sweet stuff! But you need to hurry up as they are on the material plane for only 2 hours. Collect the quest items and then you will be able to swap with the NPC for your rewards every 20 minutes!
 
4th Weekend Event: XP Tournament
The 4th weekend, enter the event zone and challenge your XP limit! Winners will be handsomely rewarded according to their ranking. And the top character of each class will receive extra prizes for their outstanding performance!

Eudemons - Mount Race

Free Realms: Next Big Thing in MMOs

By Kei Beneza (Dividelife), OnRPG Journalist

If you’re looking for the next big thing in MMO history, then this is it. Free Realms, a new MMO developed by Sony Online Entertainment has made its mark as one of the most Unique MMORPGs ever made. Free Realms takes players through a whole new experience as they uncover hidden places, play mini games, and do quests. First of all, Free Realms isn’t only an MMO game but a social network as well. This game is probably the first MMO that makes combat optional. Yes, that’s right! Combat is completely optional for there are more ways to level up your character than just quests and grinding.

Free Realms would probably be an MMO gamer’s idea of having a good time. Aside from having its own ingame Trading Card Game (TCG), the game lets you watch or host in game events like live concert streaming and destruction derby racing (yeah… it has an ingame racing game). Now if that’s not role playing at its finest, then I don’t know what is. 

Wait… You’re confusing me…. what are the characters?

Much like any other MMORPG, you’ll start off by creating your first character. I was rather impressed by the game’s variety of faces and hairstyles. It’s almost like you can actually make a character than looks like you. You’ll also end up picking one of two races (human or pixie). After creating your name and fixing your features, you’re ready to go. 

Unlike other MMOs, Free realms lets you switch your class anytime in the game. This means that you wont ever have to stick with one class for the rest of that character’s lifespan. You can be a Ninja, Explorer, Chef, Brawler, Archer, Miner, Mailman, Wizard, Pet trainer or even a demolition derby driver (no it doesn’t end there). As you can see, some classes don’t compliment your combat skills but rather your fantasy life. Since combat is optional, the game lets you secure a purpose while doing what your desired class does best. There are lots of things to do in the game. Being a renowned Chef and an Indiana Jones persona is merely just a part of it.

Just bum around and level up

Yes, combat is indeed optional which is why you should stick with your class’ task in order to level him up. Leveling up isn’t so hard here since combat is not only optional but instanced as well. This means that you have to go to secluded part of the map in order to fight monsters. Like I said, the game is not only an MMORPG but a social network as well. If I must explain, the game is pretty much like Facebook on steroids. Don’t ever think that everything else is boring compared to combat. Bumping cars with other drivers and playing card games could get you deep into the game as well. I guess it’s all about preferences, and this game lets you switch when bored.

Beautiful World of Free Realms

The combat system is similar to that of any other MMO. You’ll basically get a bunch of hotkeys assigned to their corresponding skill. Combat experience is also gained in the traditional way so PVE lovers can do what they do best. The game also has a bunch of quests to keep you busy, so I guess the combat system doesn’t fully rely on grinding after all.

Ok ok! But what about the armor?!

Haha! Here’s the good bit. Instead of buying armors, your equipment levels up with you. No need to worry though, cause they change their color, shapes and sizes once leveled further. You’ll be surprised to see your vintage Ninja armor turn into that of Dead or Alive’s Hayabusa as you level it further.

Visuals and sounds

The visuals are rather cartoony but is not too shabby. I guess this game doesn’t quite blend with the graphic war, cause the style they use seems rather timeless. You wouldn’t criticize a game’s graphics, you know that it was meant to be that way (or something like that). The background looks a lot WoW being taken over by Walt Disney, giving it a rather happy and wholesome feel. The interface looks a bit console-ish for an MMO. If you’ve played Final Fantasy games then you’re bound to see some familiar features. Since the game provides more than just combat, other HUDS and systems are implemented differently. I mean, who would want hot keys when playing Trading card games or racing right? I guess they pretty much got what they wanted, Free realms is indeed a world of its own.

Free Realms City

The music and soundeffects are awesome and really enhances the mood. Whether it’s a hard hitting duel or a drive to explore, the music is sure to boost your in game experience. The sound effects are quite superb. You’ll often hear a lot of grunts and battle shouts as weapons clash in battle.

I guess there’s no PVP

No not really… Free realms also has a duel system if ever you’re in a drive to prove that you’re better than the rest. Whack it out and cleave all you want. Combat does look pretty satisfying regardless of it being optional. I dont know if racing can be considered as PVP but it does feel good when you outrun em.

The verdict

Free realms is an all-in-one game, and there’s no doubt about that. You’re basically taken into another world where you can meet with your friends or meet new ones. If this is not the next big thing in MMO history then probably it can work as the next big thing in Social networking. Since the game is quite wholesome, violence has been toned down. It doesn’t really matter though since the game pretty much delivers the satisfaction of combat even without the blood and gore. If you’re looking for a game that can take you out of your everyday MMO life, then I suggest you give this a shot. Mark my words… you wont regret it.


The Good:
– Excellent character creation
– Wide variety of features
– Good graphics and sounds
– Tons of gaming modes to fit your desired gameplay.

The Bad:
– Not much PVP (but then again, this isn’t one of those games)
– Definitely not for the hardcore players (debatable)
– Could use more races
– Changing classes anytime is good. But that removes a player’s specialty or individuality for that matter.

Atlantica Online Enters Europe

Atlantica Online will be published in Europe, in the German language, with a closed beta starting today. Extensive efforts in localization and support have been underway for several months leading up to the German launch. Ndoors looks forward to entering the European landscape and has long-term plans to eventually provide service for additional languages.
 
In the past twelve months, Atlantica Online has successfully expanded from Korea into North America, Japan, Taiwan, Vietnam, and China. With the addition of Europe, Ndoors will soon be operating globally.
 
“Players around the world have embraced the accessibility and uniqueness of Atlantica Online,” said Peter Kang, CEO of Ndoors Interactive. “The gameplay has proven to be universally enjoyed and we look forward to tailoring additional releases and content for European players.”
Atlantica Online - Original Painting