Yearly Archives: 2010

EXCLUSIVE 4Story Interview – Broa… Come Out to Play-ayyy!

EXCLUSIVE 4Story Interview – Broa… Come Out to Play-ayyy!
Questions by Bryan King, OnRPG Journalist
Answered by Sin Hyeon Ho, Chief Project Manager

With the onset of this new 4Story update, players are excited to see how the game can integrate a third faction and be successful in including a new faction in the intense RvR combat the game offers. Today, to reveal the newest update and faction that has come to 4Story, Sin Hyeon Ho sat down with us today in an exclusive interview that will give you the latest details on the Broa faction and what’s hot with 4Story Online.

 

OnRPG: Hello, please introduce yourself to readers.

Hello there, my name is Sin Hyeon Ho and I’m the Chief Project Manager of 4Story development at Zemi interactive. Nice to talk to you.

 

OnRPG: For those who do not know what 4Story is, can you introduce them?

4 Story is a free-to-play MMORPG developed by Zemi Interactive Inc. It is a full 3D world with advanced graphics and invites all styles of gamer to explore the world with more than 2000 quests and the option to take on the large scale warfare that it has to offer. While exploring the ancient world of Lberia you’ll find whatever your fancy, be it: PvP, RvR, Instanced Dungeons, Large Scale Siege Wars, Monster Raids, Diverse Unique Items, Exotic Mounts, Item Enchantment and much more. Based on a unique feature never seen before in MMO’s called RSCS (Real-Time Strategy Command System). RSCS allows players to effectively strategize their group at war by using the mini map interface. Many players often get slaughtered trying to chat in the middle of a battlefield. This is a thing of the past and no longer an issue with 4Story.

 

 

4Story Broa Exclusive Screenshot 4

 

OnRPG: How has 4Story grown since 2008, when the global version was first released?

Suffice to say that I’m very excited that it has already been 2 years. When we began there were a lot of concerns and we had a difficult task to make the game more enjoyable for a world-wide audience with several regions that have very different visions to each other and various cultural habits. However, one thing that was fortunate is that 4Story was a true western MMORPG from the start and a virtual reality that gamers were waiting for. MMORPG’s offer worlds that are definitively different from real life and we are confident that 4story has the attraction of living another life inside our virtual gaming world. It’s been great fun for us to keep the game updated and conjuring up new ideas while listening to feedback from our players who have been living in our world for 2 years now.

 

OnRPG: What actions has Zemi taken since then to attempt to keep and increase the population of the game?

We have been working like bees in order to keep the game enjoyable for all MMO fans. Rather than changing the existing content we have kept focusing on adding new things and spend a lot of time coming up with brand new ideas, especially for our war-system which is the most engaging part of 4Story. We have aggressively attempted to try out various Siege-War features that have yet to be seen in other games and we are proud to announce that one of them is a tournament system where the strongest adventurers will fight against each other surrounded by dozens of spectators.

 

OnRPG: How have your current players received 4Story, and what countries do you guys currently offer gameplay to?

We are the developer and also, a global service provider of 4Story and there are other outstanding publishers that have successfully serviced 4story within their territories together with us. In result, 4story is being published in 16 countries and it is reaching almost 700,000 active users around the world. Each servers in each countries can give you a more seamless gaming experience since it is a local service and 4Story Global is most likely more diverse than those as you can share much deeper friendships and hang out with various nationalities all over the place in the earth.

 

 

4Story Broa Exclusive Screenshot 2

 

OnRPG: Players are extremely excited to see the new update with the Broa race. Can you give readers a short summary of the Broa nation?

Basically, BROA is mercenary kingdom and it allows existing users over lvl 80 to change their current nationality to BROA as well. As a neutral Kingdom, BROA will take on a greater role in sending mercenary troops over to the existing 2 kingdoms. Therefore, players belong to BROA can be active as reinforcements for Craxion or Defugel if they want. If those players do not choose one of kingdoms, they can attack against all of them as a player standing for BROA independently. Also, one of features of BROA characters is a moderator. They can hold bilateral talks with liaising with central figures from Craxion and Defugel and administer transit trading affair between them. In addition, we can reveal the Infinite Duel Zone where users form party versus party duels and get a certain amount of prize as winners and other player in the vicinity are able to tour.

 

OnRPG: How will the addition of a new faction change the PvP mechanics in 4Story?

As always, if the game is war-driven between opposing factions, topics relating to a siege-war balance can and will be a cause of worry. It can be determined by not only in-game content provided or controlled by developers but also players’ opinions. Therefore, at the beginning, 4story development team decided to fix this problem with introducing separated and instant mercenary group of faction and it now shows up as a form of an additional kingdom, Broa. So, systematically, BROA will be bringing in balance of the forces of the two existing kingdoms. It is expected to solve imbalance population problem between Defuel and Craxion first which means the war between them will be more unpredictable. Additionally, depending on the taste of users, some are expected to, without reinforcement to another kingdom, be a bandit, a robber or like a pirate to engrave their names on a black list. In this balanced and also chaotic fields, new infinite war zone that opens to all users will bring a new form of battle experience.

 

OnRPG: What actions did the development team take in developing the content in this patch, and how will players benefit from it?

Aiming for new comers, the initial starting zone will be changed for BROA where high level users will be mixed with new players. The most attractive spot you have to check out is “Eden Square” where infinite duel arenas take in place. Eden Square will be automatically found as a huge playground where all the strong adventurers gather to fight, new comers show up first and merchants open their shops to bring pedestrians’ attention to their luxurious goods. And this time, the intro section of the game, such as a login screen and a character selection screen will be newly designed with cutting-edge high quality graphics. So the first look at the game will be completely varied from before, we hope that new users will simply join the already massive community of the game. As for existing users, they will see the full unprecedented update and all its new content.

 

 

4Story Broa Exclusive Screenshot

 

OnRPG: There have been many complaints within the community regarding balance issues with classes (Priests and Archers being overpowered, etc.) in 4Story; will this patch or any future patches address this?

Since each class has each different personality, it is not easy for me to pick one of them as the strongest. However, when it comes to personal taste against particular classes, complaints have been made in our community and a lot of it makes sense. In fact, this issue itself has been changed a lot from previous trends and differs among service area over the world too. On our global server, neither the archer nor the priest are seen as overpowered, you can simply face them with mages that defeat other classes beyond strength. We need to take time to analyze more the phenomenon of the unbalancing issue.

 

OnRPG: Will there be any events tied with this new update to keep users entertained?

Starting from the moment that the servers open on the 25th Nov, we will start various in-game events where new and existing users may hang out each other into the newly introduced land. Opening events have been designed to make all 4story players experience the new content naturally. Survivor Duel event will be in action where 3 or 7 players form a party and fight against a equal number of group of players to win a special gift directly handed by GMs and a BROA Castle touring event will be activated as well. As all the new players (up to 10 level) will start and play in the BROA area so, our GM teams will be standing by to distribute fascinating rewards to players who reach level 10 faster than others.

 

OnRPG: Many games lack high-end PvE content so players quit early on. Does 4Story have any PvE content that will keep players entertained through high levels?

All quests of 4story has been developed based on one single huge scenario which is spread but linked to each other. Along with controlling the fundamental story line, we have focused on providing gamers with a fast-phase hunting experience with reducing the power of Monsters a little bit lower than normal. And, each chapter is presenting time-space tour quests and various instant dungeons and more raid dungeons will be introduced as well. Once again, the most interesting content of 4story is siege-war and PVP so even low level players are being driven to stand alone in epic battle fields at a early stage. Along with this concept, we introduced Mission War Maps to allow users to enjoy PVE and PVP at the same time.

 

 

4Story Broa Exclusive Screenshot

 

OnRPG: The new artwork with the Broa race is quite remarkable, I must say. What inspiration did your team utilize to create this?

The main design motif of Bora is Arabian culture. Sculptures in the main castle and market places have Islamic mosques and Persian style ashes are covering all facilities. We hope you all to enjoy beautiful architectures of the Middle East with this update.

 

OnRPG: Despite the tough economy and the downfall of many MMOs, 4Story continues to thrive and stay alive. What tips would your team give to aspiring publishers on making the games they publish do well within the MMO community?

Me giving tips to folks is pretty much presumptuous I believe. The feeling that we have felt from the bottom of hearts is just hoping that gamers have enjoyable moments during game play and being relieved of anxieties. Our company name is “Fun” in Korean. I would rather say that if you focus on fun as a primary while servicing and making and fall in love with it, your game will be the best in the world.

 

OnRPG: Are you guys planning any further updates for 4Story?

Much larger scale siege war content that will allow the strongest to be an actual ruler of a kingdom will be introduced. It’s unlikely that we would have a King NPC is standing in the castle not doing anything, you will be able to grab a real chance to be a lord of a kingdom and others will obey you. Addition to this, a mini pet system that will allow you to capture and train monsters and use them as support in PvE or PvP and have them even fight against each other in arenas will be added as well. Please keep your eyes on us, we will provide you all with constant blueprints of development without fail!

 

 

4Story Broa Exclusive Screenshot

 

OnRPG: Where do you see 4Story in the future?

4story has been known as a War and PvP-focused MMORPG which has endless PvE content topped off with a rich storyline. In terms of siege war, we strive to become the best, but honestly, we are not there yet. We will never stop various attempts until gamers are having endless hungers for fights and feel ultimate satisfaction.

 

OnRPG: Anything else you would like to tell readers?

We are super happy to give to you with a new kingdom, BROA which we have been working on for almost 1 year now. It might be such a finishing stroke and completion of 4story bolting up year 2010. As always, next year too, we promise that we will bring you all the most interesting content.

 

Hope you like this update. Thank you!

 

OnRPG: We really appreciate this exclusive interview!

 

 

4Story Broa Exclusive Screenshot

 

4Story Broa Exclusive Screenshot

The Witcher 2

The second instalment in the RPG saga about the Witcher, Geralt of Rivia, features a thoroughly engrossing, mature storyline defining new standards for thought-provoking, non-linear game narration. In addition to an epic story, the game features an original, brutal combat system that uniquely combines tactical elements with dynamic action.

A new, modern game engine, responsible both for beautiful visuals and sophisticated game mechanics puts players in the most lively and believable world ever created in an RPG game. A captivating story, dynamic combat system, beautiful graphics, and everything else that made the original Witcher such a great game are now executed in a much more advanced and sophisticated way.

Pimpin Down Under

Pimpin® Down Under is a Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game (MMORPG), in which players interact with other players all around the world in a “virtual world”.

The world of Pimpin is complete with its own culture and social interaction where you take on the role as a ruthless pimp! Like any pimp you will have under your control a glamourous hoard of hoes, who are protected by your hardcore posse of thugs.

 

Frogster Gains Top New MMORPG License

Frogster Gains Top New MMORPG License

 

After announcing Tera and Mythos earlier this year, Frogster has secured another promising MMORPG project. OnRPG has it from good authority that the “secret” game in question is Magic World Online 2, Shanda’s new dark fantasy MMO. This game features a Diablo like style and the beta for this game in China starts later today.

 

OnRPG has it from good authority that the "secret" game in question is Magic World Online 2, Shanda's new dark fantasy MMO.

 

 

The international publisher of massively multiplayer online games licensed the yet unnamed client-based fantasy MMORPG from Chinese games giant Shanda Games for North America and the whole of Europe (excluding Russia and CIS states). The signing of this license represents the largest cooperation between Shanda Games, which is one the leading online games developers and operators in the rapidly growing Chinese market, and a European partner so far.

 

The licensed MMO game project sets itself apart with its setting developed for Western audiences, and is based on the powerful Gamebryo-Engine that has already been used for role-playing hits such as Fallout 3. Frogster currently plans to launch the game in 2012 using the free-to-play business model with a free client download and game access. The game will be financed in the same way as Frogster’s very successful title ‘Runes of Magic’ through an item shop, where players are able to purchase virtual items and services.

 

“This deal with Shanda Games adds yet another prominent MMORPG project to our portfolio. By simultaneously licencing the game for North America and Europe, we made another step to establish as one of the leading MMO game publishers in the Western world,” commented Andreas Weidenhaupt, member of the executive board and Chief Licensing Officer of Frogster, on the signing of the license.

4Story reveals its secret

4Story reveals its secret

 

Zemi Interactive has announced today that they are ready to reveal their long prepared secret project “Broa the 3rd nation” to all 4Story  fans worldwide.

 

In the world of 4Story, endless conflicts between 2 kingdoms ‘Craxion’ and ‘Defugel’ have taken place for over 2 years of its service. The title, 4Story stands for 3 kingdoms & 1 hero. Over 700,000 active users worldwide have always wondered about the 3rd Kingdom Broa and Zemi Interactive is finally ready to quench their thirst.

 

4Story has announced that they are ready to reveal their long prepared secret project "Broa the 3rd nation

 

The “3rd Kingdom Broa” update will first be released on November 25th, 2010 through its global service platform. With new force ‘Broa’ joining the chaotic battle grounds of 4Story, all 4Story fans worldwide holds their breath preparing for new coming era. Loyalty, Betrayal, New rising power, this very new chapter will be written by the players of 4Story starting November 25th, 2010.

 

“We have been preparing the ‘The 3rd kingdom Broa update’ for the past 11 months. New weapons, Armors, Siege war, Trade routes, towns, fields, instant dungeon, and more will be introduced with this grand update. We promise this update will bring many unexpected changes to the game. 4Story is a war concentrated MMO. Here at Zemi, we are trying our best put all our creative thoughts together to provide all 4Story fans with more exciting war features to the game. This grand update is just a beginning. We have multiple updates coming your way in 2011.” said the Head developer of 4Story, Mr. Hyunho Shin.

Conquer Online Inter-server PK Tournament Report

Conquer Online Inter-server PK Tournament Report

 

After weeks of anxious waiting, Conquer Online’s inter-server PK tournament final (WEPT) was finally held, just as planned. Over 160 global elite players from 67 different servers participated. The contest went very well, with everything in place and everyone doing their best in the battles! It was a great event, full of excitement and fun. So many enthusiastic and dedicated players get together, trying to fight for their shot at glory.

 

Conquer Online's inter-server PK tournament final was finally held

 

The ultimate winners were revealed! U_Kanasai from the United States has emerged victorious over the strongest and most skilled players from every single server, and has been crowned the Champion of Conquer Online’s WEPT Final! It was an EPIC battle, not any random PK you could see in the game.

 

The ultimate winners of the Conquer Online tournament were revealed! U_Kanasai from the United States has emerged victorious

 

The Conquer Online World Elite PK Tournament (WEPT) is an international MMO PK tournament, featuring 171 players from 67 different servers! The event was held on Nov. 19th, 2010. It’s a contest based on raw PvP skills and lightning fast reflexes! All eligible contestants were the winners of the weekly in-game PK competition. The final match will be held in a brand new server, where all the contestants will enter and compete with their opponents. It is a single-elimination tournament, which is divided into successive rounds. In the Knock-Out phase, only the winner progresses and the loser will be eliminated from the competition. As the rounds finish, the number of competitor decreases, and the final round will consist of the final 2 challengers. The winner of which is the player who earns the right to be called PK Champion!

 

Congratulations U_Kanasai!

MMO Developers: Are They Running Out Of Ideas?

MMO Developers: Are They Running Out Of Ideas?
By Kei Beneza (dividelife), OnRPG Journalist

 

Have you played tons of MMOs hoping to find something different among the linearity? Do MMO storylines feel like nothing but recycled tales? Is the Fighter just a renamed version of the Warrior? For years, MMOs have impressed us with their array of character classes, open sandbox world and immersive questing, but after a long period of time, these games are starting to feel repetitive in almost every way. It’s always exciting to try out different MMORPGs; trying out new features and experimenting with different character builds and dungeon systems, but along the way, I realized that everything was starting to feel like renamed clones of their MMO brethren. With all the carbon-copies lurking around the MMO scene, I just have to ask… Are they running out of ideas?

 

Character Class-ics

Whenever I log into an MMO for the first time, I always make it a point to select the most UNIQUE class available. Maybe it’s because I’m just sick of seeing MAGE, WARRIOR, and ROGUE/THIEF all the time. Regardless of how many times they rename their characters, the archetypes will always be the same. This is exactly why I ended up picking the gunslinging girl in Aika Online. As far as character classes go, it’s the same thing for almost every MMO out there. I’m not saying that the archetypes should be ignored, but there are various ways to alter playstyles while giving the same class effect. A good example would have to be the Warrior in World of Warcraft, which relies on the RAGE meter that fills up each time they fight rather than a mana bar or a RENAMED mana bar found in numerous MMO games. Anyway, must MMOs always contain these archetypes? City of Heroes did a good job of implementing a class system, but when it comes to other MMOs, the class selection screen always seem to be quite generic. Creating something new is a hard task, but surely they could comeup with a good class if ONLY they tried, right?

 

Running Out of Ideas?

 

Theme- “This game has dragons” “hah! so does this game—and this game–“

First of all, the medieval theme is getting really old, and the Oriental theme is soon to follow. For sure, the age of chivalry is EPIC, and being a part of an Ancient Chinese dynasty in the midst of war is extremely radical; however, there are other themes with tons of potential that are left in the cold. Must developers always farm and milk the same theme just because it sells? Requiem: the Bloodymare gave us a horror-themed game. It’s not that scary, but at least it served as a big break from all the cloning.

 

Running Out of Ideas Theme

 

The Story- Interesting! The gods destroyed the world…. AGAIN

Let’s start with Humans and Orcs. Apparently, the existence of these two races spells death for the entire world. Once you put these two races in the game, it will be wanton murder until the end of time. There’s also this story about an evil god who ends up destroying the world. There’s always one good deity among a line of evil ones, thus recreating the world an giving mankind a second chance. These storylines have been used by countless games for over a decade (and don’t even get me started on Ancient Chinese storylines). Don’t you think it’s about time we get something a bit more original than interacial chaos?

 

The Gameplay- Awesome! New Game! Now to grind to level 999

It’s great that developers were able to incorporate other genres into the MMO scene, giving birth to MMOFPSes, MMOShmups (Shoot em’ ups), Arena-type fighting games, and more variations of MMORPGs. Little by little, I can see these genres evolving for the better, but once one of them features something new, five more games with the SAME feature follow. When an MMO gives quests, the other gives more quests. Maybe it’s like a competition of who can present it better, but honestly, I would rather see something. Wolf Team Online managed to take MMOFPSes to the next level by featuring a transformation option that allows players to turn into werewolves in the middle of combat. After seeing a series of knives in other Counterstrike-like MMOs, it was absolutely REFRESHING to see something different from WarRock and Special Force Online. Free Realms also broke free from the linearity of leveling as it “Wowed” us with a different levelling system, allowing players to gain experience by satisfying their job descriptions instead of just hacking and slashing outside the town walls.

 

MMOs are one of the most highly played genres today, catering to different individuals with their massively multiplayer goodness and action-packed gameplay. I was really happy at how the MMO industry managed to supply us with different playstyles as more MMOs came to light. From RF Online’s Chip Wars to Granado Espada’s team of three, and from WoW’s epic gear to Guild Wars’ skill dependent combos… it really seemed like the possibilities were endless, but now, the evolution seems to have reached a state of hiatus.

 

 

Running out of ideas?

 

My Two Cents

If console games can evolve, then surely MMOs can reach new heights. As for the class system, I know that there are limited medieval classes to choose from, but there are various ways to put them in your game without making them feel like another generic class type. The same goes for the gameplay, which currently revolves on a single system of grinding and questing. In my opinion, the MMO industry is capable of so much more that what we have seen so far. After brushing through a library of generic storylines and an array of copied gimmicks, I could say that the MMO scene hasn’t emerged from its previous state just yet. Is this the end? Are they permanently out of ideas?