Learn about Nadirim’s character classes, quests, maps, zones, music, communication and community.
Yearly Archives: 2010
Vindictus Open Beta Trailer
Vindictus shows off some game graphics of exciting battles within the interactive environments.
Rumble Fighter Review: Hardcore Fighting Game Parading As a Casual One
Rumble Fighter Review: Hardcore Fighting Game Parading As a Casual One
By Michael Sagoe (mikedot), OnRPG Journalist
Rumble Fighter (RF) is a multiplayer online fighting game available for the PC. It has been around since 2007 and many elements of the game have changed since then. What hasn’t changed much is the deep-seated game play mechanic that hardcore fighting game fans can appreciate. While RF is portrayed as a casual fighting game that every gamer and their mother should be able to get the hang of, you can dig deeper into the gameplay and find out there’s more to it than meets the eye.
Select your character
When you first start RF and choose what character class you want to play, the strategic challenge of battles will have already begun. The four starting classes: Strikers, Soul Fighters, Elementalists and Alchemists, each of which can be played as either male or female, have different stats that appeal to different play styles. For example: Soul Fighters are extremely fast, so they’re great for players that enjoy rush-down tactics. Alchemists are very slow, but have high defense, which makes them perfect for defensive players or players that turtle a lot. The Elementalists have poor strength and defense, but can make use of exo-cores (more on this later) that have many ranged attacks. Lastly, the Strikers have high strength with well-rounded stats, so they are typical and good for beginners looking for balance in their fighting styles.
Select your fighting style
No matter what kind of martial art you’re in to, RF has you covered. With over 40 different fighting styles (called “sacred scrolls”,) RF gives players the chance to become the legendary fighter they’ve always dreamed of. The surprising thing about each sacred scroll in RF is how incredibly close they represent each fighting style in real life. Each style is animated fluidly and realistically while properties of their attacks reflect their real world counterparts. RF also has several fictional fighting styles that are homage to characters of popular fighting game series, like Koroshu style from Terry Bogard in Fatal Fury, Bushin nin-jutsu style from Guy in Street Fighter Alpha, and Agent style from Crimson Viper in Street Fighter IV.

There’s also an “exocore” system that lets you transform your fighter into a more badass version of himself/herself. Mixing and matching between fighting styles and exocores adds a big layer of strategy. For example: some sacred scrolls have weaknesses such as not being able to perform ground attacks. You can use the exocore system and give your fighter a special ground attack to make up for it.
Mode Select
Whether you’re a casual player or competitive brawler, game modes in RF will satisfy your needs. Battle modes let up to eight players duke it out on various stages such as rooftops, pirate ships, live volcanoes and even in outer space (with no space helmets, either.) Some stages are scattered with hazards and can be used to your advantage (or disadvantage if you’re not careful.) Rumble mode is a spin on battle mode with extra rules such as potion battle where players must drink as many potions as they can while preventing other players from drinking potions to win. RF also has boss battle mode that lets you team up with other players against NPCs opponents, arcade co-op style.

Anime flavored action.
Ready…? FIGHT!
For new players, gameplay mechanics are easy to grasp. You can punch, kick, guard, grab, counter, transform, etc. Once you get started in higher ranked play, however, RF’s true gameplay mechanics start to show. You’ll have to master techniques such as: Juggle combos, attack delays, tech throwing, I-frame attacks, guard breaking, wakeup game tactics and many others. Even more, players have developed a meta-game of new attacks and moves over the years, making RF’s gameplay even deeper.
Now I’m not much of a fan of meta-gaming, especially meta-games that end up changing the mechanics so much that it would feels as if I were playing a completely different game then it started out as (I’m looking at you, Gunz: the Duel…,) but RF’s meta-game is surprisingly balanced. Almost every new technique found in RF has a check and balance so no new tactic is unbeatable and no new strategy is invincible. If you’re not into learning how the meta-game plays out, you can make on your own through RF’s core gameplay mechanics.

For the total fighting game fanatics out there, you might notice how RF’s gameplay mechanics resembles that of Namco’s Tekken series, especially with all the juggle happy combos you can pull off. I would go as far as to say that its gameplay can feel like a watered down version of Tekken at times, but RF’s exocore system manages to keep things fresh and somewhat original.
My thoughts
Now if the outer elements of RF were balanced to suit both paying and non-paying players, it would have my highest recommendation. RF, however, manages to snag a few quirks that can potentially bog down the experience. Players with bad connections or playing against others over long distances can make from some laggy battles. In a game that requires timing down to each frame of animation, lag simply cannot be an issue. Unfortunately, this will never truly be fixed due to RF using peer-to-peer connections.
RF’s item shop also has exclusive scrolls, exocores, and items that can only be purchased with real money. While there are many items made available to non-paying players that can even the playing field out, cash items such as guardian sets, omni sensors, turtle shells, extra panic attacks and gem enchanting cards can put paying players at a huge advantage. Now don’t get me wrong, the player’s overall skill is still a factor for winning battles in RF, just not as much as it used to be. Now it seems that all you need is a couple of bucks and some button mashing skills and you’ll be good to go. Most non-paying players will eventually become paying players if they wish to stay on a competitive level and keep up with everyone else.
Now I know that fighting games are prone to have grumpy communities, but RF’s player base is filled with some of the most bitter and childish players I’ve ever seen. Ironically, the majority of people playing RF are kids, so finding some mature players may be rare. It’s to be expected that lots of kids would be playing RF since the game’s anime flavored style appeals to them. Fortunately, RF comes with a chat off function, which you may find yourself using from time to time.

“If you don’t have buddies to play with, the chat off button will be your new best friend.”
Battle Over
In conclusion, Rumble Fighter looks to be simple on the outside, but there’s a deep game waiting on the inside. While some aspects of the game might not hold the attention of hardcore fighting game fans for long, they’ll still dig and appreciate how technical the mechanics can be. For anyone that’s new to fighting games, I would recommend this game as a small introduction. That is, if they can get past the sour community and cash shop shenanigans. Despite its flaws, there’s some fun to be had with RF
Pros:
– Full-on eight player battles
– Over 40 different fighting styles (and counting) to choose from
– Exocore system adds an extra layer of strategy
– Deep fighting mechanics with a moderately balanced meta-game
Cons:
– Lag issues due to P2P connections
– Some cash shop items throw gameplay balance out the window
– Community is filled with immature players
LOCO Announces Global Contest!
LOCO Announces Global Contest!
Burda:ic announced a global drawing/screenshot contest for LOCO – Land of Chaos Online that will reward players with plenty of great in-game items and real-world prizes. From now until Nov. 21, players are asked to submit drawings of their favorite LOCO character performing a heroic deed. The more original the ideas, the better your chances at winning, so get those creative juices flowing!

For those who prefer not to draw, a second competition category is also available where contestants can instead submit a screenshot of a funny or interesting moment in the game. Speech bubbles and/or subtitles embedded within the screenshot are not just allowed…they’re highly encouraged.
To participate, players simply need to:
1. Login to the Toonity portal.
2. Click the “Events” button and locate the alaplaya event.
3. Select one of the two categories for your submission:
a. Character drawing
b. In-game screenshot
4. Upload your images!
Prizes for winners include in-game items such as trial hero cards, costumes, skill scrolls, and entry change tickets. Real-world rewards include limited-edition mousepads, posters, and a STABILO pen package.
Good luck! Let’s hope lots of OnRPG readers win!
Afterworld
AfterWorld is a “free market economy” persistent-world massively multiplayer online game set in a science fiction setting of post-apocalyptic Siberia. The game currently features:
– A complex and unusual skills based role-paying system that involves more than a hundred different skills with each of them developing using unique game mechanics.
– An advanced craft system with branchy production chains currently containing thousands different items.
– A real-money trade in-game economic system designed in such a way that the resources farming does not ruin the balance but is a part of the gameplay for high-level characters.
– 18 picturesque locations covering more than 100 square kilometers of Siberian vasts.
Bounty Bay Online Opens Three New Cities For Sieges
Bounty Bay Online Opens Three New Cities For Sieges
Seoul was opened as the first of three new cities to be made available for the popular city sieges in the seafarer’s MMO Bounty Bay Online. On the following two Sundays, Barcelona and Athens will likewise be opened for guild conquest.

With these new additions, a total of 16 cities will be available for conquest. They are divided into three categories: trade cities, martial cities, and resource cities (Seoul, Barcelona, and Athens belong to the latter). These three types are available for guild conquest at certain times, always Friday to Sunday. For the city sieges, both attacking and defending guilds may recruit up to 100 players for additional support. So there may be up to 500 players engaged in battle during a siege. Before the cities can be stormed, assailants must first battle naval forces and artillery in the heavily defended coastal waters. City defenders also present a challenge on land, trying to prevent the attacking forces from destroying their fortress’ flag within a certain time period. If the defenders aren’t able to hold their ground, the siege is considered a success and the winning guild receives useful items. For example, resource cities like Seoul, Barcelona, and Athens reward conquerors with valuable resources.
Why MMOs Rock
Why MMOs Rock
By Kei Beneza (dividelife), OnRPG Journalist
As you may know MMO games have been around and hooking players for more than a decade. If I were to compare this addiction factor to other genres, I’d say the other gaming categories are way behind. The MMO industry has been rapidly evolving (andgrowing) since the MUD1 interface (one of the first MMOs) made its debut in 1978, and now, the population of MMO gamers knows no bounds. So what makes this genre addictive to begin with? Is it the epic mount that epically flies you around the epic valley of epic snow? Or is it the fact that you’re living in a moving and breathing virtual world? Many have invested their cash on single player games, saying the ultimate gaming experience can be found in a small box that gives you pinches of online content along with online versus mode.
I SAY NAY FIEND! Today we’re going to talk about what makes MMOs rock and how they are superior in their own way… *mind controls your eyes to scroll down*
Persistence
When it comes to player-to-player interaction, nothing beats the persistence of MMO gaming. As much as I would want to, I think it’s irrelevant to compare MMOs with single player games, especially since the word SINGLE pretty much proves my point already. Don’t get me wrong though, single playergames like Call of Duty, Demon Souls, and Fat Princess also have their own multiplayer options, allowing gamers to interact with other players in an instanced stage. Well, they may have multiplayer… but we have the word MASSIVELY backing us up. Seeing other players is always a treat as it gives you the benefit of company. If a dungeon is too hard for you, you can always just ask the dancing Orc next to the summoning stone.

Persistence
The Difference of Living and Playing
Another thing that single player games are not able to establish is the bond between the player and their virtual character. I guess single player applications can still hook them with a few hot characters, but know that you’re still playing as an EXISTING character that most players have used. In MMOs, you play as yourself, or at least a cooler, braver, and extremely tougher version of yourself. The level of immersion in MMO games is quite different in my opinion. The main fact that you’re able to eat, travel, raid, and choose your NON-PREMADE path makes it an unbeatable experience.
Social Networking On Steroids
What makes MMOs rock? Well, it’s literally a social network on steroids. Gaming zen aside, MMOs serve as a great way to make friends. You’ll be meeting different individuals from different parts of the globe as you work your way through the game. If you think about it, it’s like Facebook, only with dungeons and dragons (no pun intended) and not stupid 2d cows.

Want to be my friend??
It’s Your Story
Yes, I’m sure other genres let you experience open-ended scenarios like that of Dragon Age, but it’s still a lot different than that. There’s no doubt that Dragon Age (a singleplayer game for the PS3, 360 and PC) is a very interactive game, and living as one of the Grey Wardens is a marvelous experience, but it’s still somewhat linear in a way. Let’s see, the difference between your life as a character in a single player game and your life as an MMO gamer is the role factor involved. In MMOs, you can wander around the world and still make progress, even if you separate yourself from the storyline or your current objective. There is no WRONG WAY here my friend. In single player games you focus on things that matter to AI characters, and stuff that is essential for you to finish the game, while in MMOs, you offer your services to REAL people. I guess it’s a lot different when you contribute your skills to real people who THANK you in real life… not a programmed thanks that most players who have played the game have received.
In MMOs, your virtual life story is yours alone, and not a single soul has gone through the same experience. Here you are presented with your own life, possibly your own rival, and your own virtual dramathon. Hmm… no wonder peeps turn into bums.

My story: I’m a sexy elf looking for some adventure. Oh, you too??
Drama-thon FTW
Oh yes, the drama… There’s always drama in MMOs, and I’m not talking about the poor farmer who sends you on a quest to get back his daughter. I’m talking about Guild dramas, PVP dramas, and race chat bombarding XD. Like I said, no one will ever play the game the same way you did. Dramas are generally a part of MMO games, especially since you’re stuck with a bunch of individuals who also have ideas of their own. Although it’s as noobish as hell, it does add up to the game’s immersion level, thus taking you deeper into the game.

Who hasn’t had drama in an MMO?
Virtual Roleplaying
If I’m right, Virtual Roleplaying is exclusive to the MMO world, unless you’re into tabletop games. Virtual Roleplaying is a subcategory of the noob drama you see above. I myself have tried numerous RP servers and I’m rather impressed with the whole fantasy world thing. Here, there are no pre-made speech choices that will eventually lead to the next pile of AI banter; just you, your keyboard and other players (voice chat if you’re interested, though that would be pretty awkward). Isn’t it great, being able to create and live your own script? Nothing says RPG better than actual role-playing. It does mean ROLE PLAYING GAME after all.
It’s EXTREMELY COMPETITIVE
If you think that Street Fighter is the only thing that can provide you with tons of competition, then you’re dead wrong. What’s great about MMOs is that you have tons of people to prove your skills to, and believe me, it does get pretty competitive in PVP. Unlike single player games that instantly dub you as the next big thing since Chuck Norris, giving you all sorts of special treatment, you really have to work your way to the top when playing MMO games. In order to gain your party’s approval, you really have to strive hard. Want to be a real hero? Build your character well and perform adequately. You’re not exactly the last Demon Slayer on this side of gaming.

I’ll get you for that!
It’s Basically All Genres with Pimped Up Multiplayer
What’s great about MMOs is that it’s not really limited to MMORPGs like most people think. There are various sub-genres in the MMO category. If you want to race, then there’s a long line of racing MMOs to choose from; each with their own respective communities that will grant you specific challenges, which you must face to get better. So whether it’s fighting, shooters, rpgs, racing, puzzle, or even browser games, you’ll always have a community to join in. Also, an MMO game doesn’t necessarily focus on one specific play style. Unlike some single player games that are separated into genre, MMOs can feature other genres inside their virtual world. A good example would have to be World of Warcraft, which lets you experience different genres through instances and dungeons. For instance, there’s the ram racing event which lets you race against other players, and the Ulduar tank system which sort of feels like a semi shooter. As for the pimped up multiplayer part, it’s not called Massively Multiplayer for nothing. Once you enter a game, you can bet your axe there will be someone playing with you.

A good reason to gank someone.
Updates
One of the features I think is exclusive to the MMO genre is the rapid updates. Unlike single player games, these updates are not necessarily there for bug and glitch fixes. Some updates actually add new content. Some patches add new skills for players to use, while others contain new locations and various dungeons. If you think the current world is big enough, then you would be happy to know that MMO worlds expand through time. This means that there will always be something new to look forward to be it in game or on your MMO’s online marketplace. These are not minor patches my friend.
A Living And Breathing World
Another thing that makes MMOs rock hard is the way the story is presented. Unlike single player games, MMO events don’t need you to press the “I’m ready” button for them to take place. It’s a living and breathing world, meaning you are but a character in a world that moves on its own. One good example would be Granado Espada, a free to play MMORPG by IMC Games., Co., Ltd,. Much like any other game, MMOs are not stuck in a specific time loop. Once certain conditions are met, the game undergoes another update for the story to progress. This by far is one of the best features in MMO gaming. It’s a bit troublesome if you have slow internet, but heck, it’s always a treat to see new changes. WoW itself could also be a good example as it updates regularly and even features a trailer of the latest chapter upon patching. It’s amazing how these new chapters come out as it sort of gives you an idea how long your character has been alive and what hardships he or she hath endured over time. It’s actually a very great story to tell newbies who are interested in the game, especially since being there to witness these changes occur can also be considered as a personal achievement for most games. It’s like you’re some kind of war veteran, only tougher XD.
Probably the Best Part Of All
So what’s better immersion, drama, role-play, and variety combined? The fact that most are free to play of course. YES! Buying a game often forces you to commit instantly. In an attempt to feel your money’s worth, you’ll most probably spend your time finishing a crappy game you just bought for the sheer purpose of not wasting cash. Well, that’s where the MMO goodness comes in. Here, you no longer need to worry about mixed reviews and 10 day trials, because you’re free to judge the game on your own. Just download a game, and if you like it, COMMIT THYSELF!!!
So Why Again?
I’m not sure if I stated everything there is to know about ROCKIN features, but damn! That sure is a lot of content. When you play Final Fantasy 13 (may it rest in peace lol), do you actually feel your worth? When you talk to Leliana in Dragon Age (or ask her to sleep with you), does it actually feel REAL? Hell no. Playing a video game is much different from living in one. Why settle for less when you’re basically given a FREE ticket to a virtual world where you can meet new people? Tired of finishing the same game and seeing the same ending? In the MMO world, there are no endings (unless you decide to try another game). There are times when finishing a game takes a lot out of you. If you’re searching for an eternal adventure with tons of UNIQUE characters, rapid content, and a continuous storyline, then MMO games are what you’re looking for. Pseudo-real-life noobzor drama, interactivity, massive player population, and a variety of genres, all mixed into an epic concoction of dragon slaying goodness… My friends, this is exactly why MMOs ROCK!
Lord of Ages
In the Middle Ages, wars after wars are waged, creeks are crying wtih blood, buildings are burned down and babies are left without fathers. The world is missing a true leader to build a prosperous country and counter the evil warlords. The world is counting on you, my lord.
WoW Cataclysm Cinematic Intro
Deathwing is set to shatter the world in a destructive return from the Elemental Plane.
Lunia US Perspective Video
An introduction to new perspectives available in Lunia Online.