Monthly Archives: February 2011

One Lukewarm FPS Serving in the Form of Project Blackout

One Lukewarm FPS Serving in the Form of Project Blackout
By Mitch Baylosis-Benesa (Syllica)

 

There are types of food that doesn’t taste quite right at the first bite. But as soon as you swallow the measly portion in your mouth, the aftertaste begins to resurface. But although there is no strong craving for it, there is still that consistent pull that makes you throw caution to the wind and just shamelessly dig in. To stop beating around the bush, the free-to-play online tactical FPS Project Blackout is simply like that. It looks unappealing, and the features are nothing you haven’t seen in other FPS games. It doesn’t fall into the “gourmet” group, but it certainly doesn’t taste like trash food either.

 

Project Blackout Lukewarm FPS

Project Blackout is simple and somewhat bland, but it is rather unpretentious–something that can be a good and bad thing at the same time. It doesn’t offer anything extraordinary, innovative, or something refreshing yet there is a certain charm to its mediocrity that hits the right spot. It is easy for anyone to forget how time passes flies once they get to play Project Blackout.

 

It’s All In The Title

Project Blackout takes place in the fictional country of Korogese that is currently rife with civil disorder and political instability. Aegis Inc. (Blue Team) is formed by a group of corporations who want to “support” and be part of the government, while The Corps (Red Team) is a group of citizens who resist the Aegis. At the start of the game, it will not matter whether you have chosen to be uphold The Corps’ ideals or support the Aegis’ movements. You will have access to both characters. Project Blackout doesn’t offer any options to customize its looks, but you can add more playable characters–an additional male and female for each team–should you decide to purchase them via its item mall.

 

Project Blackout MMORPG FPS

Like most FPS games, the most you can do to your character is to upgrade its arsenal and armor. Some items can be purchased via ingame currency called Credits, but some items would require Points (credits paid for by the player) or a title. A Title is different from a rank in Project Blackout. You gain your rank by reaching the required experience, but earning a title means having to reach a certain amount of experience, rank, credits, and items that you received mostly for finishing a mission. Missions in Project Blackout are not simply just eliminate, search and destroy, and deathmatches. Missions can also be for individuals, like a personal achievement thing. Completing personal missions such as getting two headshot kills in one round, or using a specialized item during a mission yield good rewards especially when you get to complete a POINTBLANK mission set. You can upgrade your title on your avatar’s skill tree and you will also gain benefits from this like jump or accuracy boosts.

 

Mass Kill

The system requirements for Project Blackout is not that high, so this is tantamount to saying that there is nothing spectacular about its graphics. The characters are rendered in simplest and cleanest manner, but not to the point that it looked like they have flat personalities. The maps actually do resemble an urban environment suited for shootouts. Map designs look a little simple and small. Even a well-aimed grenade can take out more than a couple of players passing by a certain opening. But on the bright side, your mission location actually takes damage when you shoot, stab, or throw a grenade at it adding a bit of realism in the gameplay. Pillars crack and darken in color, walls get knife marks, and windows get broken to create a sweet spot for aiming. So far, I’ve boarded a helicopter during one of our bomb missions (unless there’s a new update of a map having humvees or tanks at the players’ disposal), adding a bit of thrill into the game.

 

Project Blackout Mass Kill

User Friendly

Another feature in Project Blackout is the voice over when you do something cool like a headshot, mass kill (i.e., that well-aimed grenade in the previous example), triple kill to chain killer. The voice was just generic, but it still provides a surprisingly good ego stroking. The controls are basically the standard FPS keys: WASD for the directional buttons, shift to add speed, Ctrl for crouching, Spacebar for jumping, and 12345 for your weapons or via the mousewheel. For any FPS beginners, I’d have to say that Project Blackout is newbie-friendly although chat text are pretty small, hard to read (I have to squint) and are hardly noticeable when you’re new. You can go on solo missions and finish the training missions with difficulty level starting from three levels of Easy, Normal to Difficult. This is a good way to find out your shooting rhythm in the game, and familiarize with the maps. Also, Project Blackout’s hitting accuracy seems to be more forgiving compared to other online FPSes today.

 

Project Blackout User Friendly

 

No Nonsense

Though it is indeed generic and unorginal in terms of concept, Project Blackout still managed to project that it is a straightforward and no nonsense game. Upon logging in, there are no elaborate options for character personalization, or cinematics to watch before you start the game. You log on, you pick a character, you either choose a map or mode to join, or you can create your own room already without being picky with the other players’ ranks. It is simply a game where you log on to lock, load, shoot and kill (or in bomb mode’s case, plant). If you wanted to something more, then load up your credits and purchase items. However, if you’re only up for a casual gaming experience, then Project Blackout is a generic option even without you having to shell out a cent. It’s easy to play, and honestly, the players I’ve encountered so far aren’t douchebags so props to the community. Project Blackout reminds me of a lukewarm homecooked meal: it is nothing fancy, not even served plated, but can still be enjoyed and will still fill an empty stomach. I’m not saying it’s completely delicious, but the tastet is somehow passable, which means I wouldn’t mind eating it again when the best concoctions are out of stock.

 

PB MMORPG FPS Nonsense

The Good:

– Very straightforward gameplay: lock and load

– Missions and title system

 

The Bad:

– Mediocre graphics

– Everything is just way too… standard

Royal Quest

Royal Quest is an MMORPG set in the world of Aura, which is filled with a mixture of magic, technology, and alchemy. Players can become lords, collect exotic mounts, and enjoy a variety of features in-game.

Features:

Simple Mechanics: Game mechanics that are easy to learn for beginners (including an automatic character upgrade system), with deep and challenging gameplay available later in the game for experienced players.

Robust PVP Modes: The game features special PvPvE zones where players battle against each other and monsters while trying to complete quest objectives and gather powerful Shadow gear.

Complex Battle System: The elemental battle system allows players to exploit enemy weaknesses by properly choosing what weapon and skill to use against the target.

PlanetSide Next Reveals Reaver

PlanetSide Next Reveals Reaver

 

The guys over at PlanetSide Universe got their hands on an exclusive early shot of the Reaver Assault craft that will be featured in Sony Online Entertainments PlanetSide Next.

 

PlanetSide Next Reaver

 

It must be stressed that this image will not be fully representitive of the final product. If you are looking to jump in on PlanetSide Next’s beta then you might want to consider resubscribing to the original as current PlanetSide players will be chosen first to see the new game in action.

Jagged Alliance Online

Jagged Alliance Online is taking Jagged Alliance to the next level: Introducing MMORPG mechanisms and mixing them with the convenience of Browser Games while preserving the core gameplay of the franchise. In Jagged Alliance Online you run a tough as nails mercenary company and take your crew into the heat of battle in scenarios around the globe – live and online! Manage your base, equip your mercenaries and send them on a wide variety of missions, entering the action packed tactical combat, amassing fame and fortune.

 

Features:

 

Plethora of Missions: Play through over 100 missions as you hone your tactics and team in preparation for challenging others players to battle.

 

 

Tons of Mercs: Recruit more than 60 mercenaries each with unique attributes and stats and build your A-Team.

 

 

Weapons: Salvage hundreds of weapons and armor to equip your men with the finest firepower available.

 

 

AI Personalities: Challenge smarter AI with randomly chosen personalities and traits that will make it difficult to predict their strategy each time you play through a mission.

Metal Rage

Metal Rage is a Mechanic Third Person Shooter online action game that takes place in the not too distant future of 2070. Technology has developed and humankind have colonized the moon.

Of course this has resulted in a powerstruggle and the three raging factions are duking it out using massive robotic fighting units!

Metal Rage will feature classes such as engineers, repairers and observers giving the player the choice of what role they play in the ongoing struggle.

Realm Of Titans Now Accepting Beta Signups

Realm Of Titans Now Accepting Beta Signups

Aeria Games has officially announced Realm of the Titans!

Realm of the Titans is a bold, new take on the popular action strategy genre. In ROTT, two teams of up to five heroes face off on a dangerous and dynamic battlefield in an attempt to take total control of the map. As each team advances across the field of combat, they seize control points that spawn waves of NPC minions to assist them in the conflict. Players who perform well in battle are awarded points that can be used during the match to upgrade their hero’s powers and abilities. The game is meticulously designed to reward teamwork and tactics, and encourage fluid and fast-paced competitive gameplay.

 

Free MMO - Realm of the Titans - Battleground

For more information, or to be among the first to sign up for the upcoming CB testing period, visit the official Realm of the Titans website http://realmofthetitans.aeriagames.com. Players selected to participate will receive more information about the test when CB begins in Q2 of this year.

EverQuest II Extended Review: NeverQuest?

EverQuest II Extended Review: NeverQuest?

Neil Kewn (Murxidon) – OnRPG Journalist

EverQuest Online Adventures has its own special place in the annals of MMO history. The MMORPG that defined a genre, Sony’s historic title paved the way for online multiplayer games for years to come. Fans were naturally excited when its long awaited sequel hit shelves in 2005, but EverQuest II has failed to generate the same level of interest and sales when compared to other games in its class. With the market for pay-to-play MMOs notoriously hard to stay profitable in, many games are switching to payment free models. EverQuest II Extended follows suit by offering adventurers a cost-free route into Norrath 2.0, but is it worth your time?

 

EverQuest 2 Extended Gobin

 

Firstly, “cost-free” may be a little misleading. It’s important to note that EverQuest II hasn’t gone free to play. Those wanting to experience everything the game has to offer (and there is a lot) will still need to subscribe to one of Sony’s many subscription plans. Extended offers a portion of the game at no charge, with the developers hoping you’re drawn in enough to take out your credit card. Thankfully you don’t need to enter any payment details to play, and the streaming download service does an amicable job of getting you into Norrath quickly and pain-free.

One of the most appealing features of EverQuest II is the sheer number of different race and class combinations you can choose from. Whilst these are restricted in Extended, four class archetypes are still available (Fighter, Priest, Mage and Scout). These split into a number of different actual classes, two of each archetype are available to free players. Race selection is also limited. Races are split into Good, Evil and Neutral, but free players only have access to the Neutral tree, which houses just four different races. Luckily the game’s deep customization is kept intact, with a whole host of different sliders and options enabling you to shape and mould your own uniquely identifiable character.

Sony is still looking to make a buck or two off Extended. The company’s notorious virtual currency, titled Station Cash, is plastered all over the game, and the monthly subscription fee has been replaced with a cash shop. As is standard with most free MMOs, a variety of premium items, perks and enhancements are up for sale. You need to top up your “wallet” by purchasing blocks of Station Cash to gain access to the store, but the implementation of the system is so obtrusive that it acts more of a distraction than an incentive. Advertisements appear before you launch the game, during your actual play session, and even when you exit the client. You are force fed information on Sony’s membership plans (all four of them) and many of the game’s features are unavailable until you pay out. It does very little to encourage you to play, never mind pay.

 

EverQuest 2 Buff

There is still fun to be had, though. EverQuest’s interface is intuitive and easy to get to grips with, anyone who has played an MMO before won’t have much need for the tutorial that appears upon creating a character. Helpful hints appear at different stages of the early levels, detailing game and combat mechanics that are unique to the game.

At first glance, levelling a character in EverQuest II may seem familiar almost to point of imitation. You have to look further into the game to realize that this isn’t just another fantasy MMO. Weight has an effect on your character, meaning you won’t be carrying massive amounts of loot around all the time. Spell effects aren’t just dependant on your level and gear either, and can be upgraded using scrolls you find scattered around the world. Complaints regarding repetition and grinding in the original game have been addressed, and the implementation of a “mini ding” (restoring full health and power every 10% of your experience bar) is a welcome bonus for those in the early levels. Heroic Opportunities also add another element to the game’s combat system. These short mini-games award buffs and other advantages through the successful completion of spell and ability chains. It’s a small addition, but it makes combat a tad more interesting.

Crafting is an important part of the EverQuest II experience, and any player can choose to become a “Tradeskiller”. There are a large number of different skills you can choose to specialize in, split into three archetypes. The Craftsmen Tradeskill has classes that help you build wooden weapons and armour, rustle up food and drinks and design furniture for player’s homes. Outfitters forge heavy armour and metal weapons, and Scholars specialize in alchemy, spell upgrades and jewellery. The materials needed are often found in the world of Norrath itself, and your character can choose to “harvest” elements from the world around them. Fallen trees, rocks, plants, animal dens and throngs of fish are yours for the taking, and the Mining, Foresting, Fishing, Gathering and Trapping skills determine how well you gather these materials.

 

EverQuest 2 Casting

 

Once you have the necessary recipe, you’re ready to craft. The crafting process in EverQuest II is more than just the click-and-wait affair found in other MMOs, with players having to put some thought into their crafting in order to keep the quality of their output high. Your goal is to craft the item as quickly as possible whilst keeping the quality and durability of it at a respectable level. During the crafting process you must respond to different events in real-time, failure to do so will increase the chances of your finished product being a complete dud, wasting your materials and fuel. Often these events can be beneficial, adding a perk or buff to your item. This process works well on the whole, and the crafting mechanics themselves are deep, well implemented and most importantly, enjoyable.

One of the most redeemable factors of EverQuest II is its sound direction. The game probably has one of the best selections of music in any MMO. It is filled with impressive ambient tunes that seamlessly fade in and out during play, and most tracks are a pleasure to listen whilst you adventure. The sound effects are also a triumph. Armed combat is satisfying, thanks to the varied and meaty sounds that echo after each blow, and environmental sounds that accompany you on your travels (rustling grass and loud, tweeting birds to name just two) can make for a very atmospheric game at times.

EverQuest II is a very solid MMORPG. Sony has created a beautiful world dripping with atmosphere, a world that is both sadly underrated and overlooked. I would make no hesitation in recommending the game’s approachable and intuitive gameplay to anyone looking for a more refined MMORPG, but Extended’s approach to advertising and its heavy use of a cash shop makes it very hard to warrant a download. Extended isn’t a free-to-play MMORPG, it’s nothing more than an extremely restricted trial of a pay-to-play one. It merely acts an introduction to a bigger, better game, and those wishing to spend time in Norrath will find that their money is better spent purchasing the full game and a monthly subscription.

Pros:
Beautiful, varied world to explore
Novel ideas add depth to combat
Deep crafting mechanics

Cons:
Character development is crippled unless you pay
Annoying, distracting advertisements
Confusing payment model

King’s Bounty

King’s Bounty is a groundbreaking combination of dynamic adventure and turn-based
tactical battles.

The game lets you take on the role of Princess Amelie. She needs to avoid traps and find bonuses that appear in the various battle arenas.

King’s Bounty features a unique system of living items that exert their own will.

You Got RIFT In My Team Fortress 2!

You Got RIFT In My Team Fortress 2!

 
Valve’s Team Fortress 2 is about to be invaded by Rift, the upcoming MMO from Trion Worlds. Both companies announced today that Steam customers who pre-order Rift by March 4th will receive two exclusive melee weapons in Team Fortress 2: the “Sharpened Volcano Fragment” and “Sun-on-a-stick.” Additionally, the Valve team is adding a permanent Team Fortress 2 achievement that grants players a redeemable code for an equally exclusive (and terrifying) headpiece in Rift, the “Well Spun Hat.”

Team Fortress 2 players will automatically receive the melee weapons beginning today, while players lusting after the Well Spun Hat must complete the new “Riftwalker” achievement. After applying the code on their Trion account page, Rift players will receive the hat in their in-game mailbox beginning with the game’s headstart period on February 24th.

All Steam pre-order customers will receive the weapons, including those who’ve already purchased Rift through the digital platform. This offer is available to Steam users worldwide.

 
Item Descriptions:

Sharpened Volcano Fragment – Melee weapon for the Pyro

Sun-on-a-stick – Melee weapon for the Scout

Well Spun Hat – Cosmetic head slot item used to intimidate and frighten other players

 

To pre-order the game and receive the exclusive in-game items, visit www.steampowered.com.
For more information on Rift, please visit www.riftgame.com