Monthly Archives: May 2011

Dark Swords: Ultimate 2006 Browser Game

Dark Swords Review- Ultimate 2006 Browser Game

by: Kei Beneza (dividelife), Onrpg Journalist

 

Dark Swords is a free-to-play pseudo browser-based MMORPG that takes place in a Tolkien fantasy world of Orcs, Elves, and Dwarves. The reason why I strongly disagree with the game being called a browser game is that the it requires you to both download and install the Dark Sword client before you can play the game. Browser based game enthusiasts will be quite familiar with how the game is played, as it functions a lot like a browser MMO rather than a client-based game. Launched in late 2006, Dark Swords Online has provided players with a great mixture of roleplaying goodness and an innovative character building system similar to tabletop RPGs. The game has also been supportive of its playerbase, constantly coming up with patches and fixes to further enhance the Dark Sword experience.

 

Dark Swords Review

 

Creating Your Character

Creating a character in Dark Swords is quite easy as it’s bundled with the game’s registration phase to let players jump into the game as soon as they finish downloading the 4 mb client. It also has a nice lineup of races, each with their own specialty and racial bonuses.

 

The Races are as follows: Human, Dwarf, Elf, Orc, and Drow (Dark Elves)

 

After choosing your race, you will be opted to edit your stats, allowing you to futher customize your character to fit your playstyle. There’s also a huge selection of character portraits for you to choose from.

 

Dark Swords Review

 

Somewhat Different

After picking my starting town, I was suprised at how broad the game was. Normally, browser based MMORPGs consist of ‘click-and-duel’ PVP systems, limited RPG capabilities, and random grinding, but not Dark Swords. There’s just so much to do in this game, and I guarantee that players won’t be stuck doing the same mundane tasks. What really caught my attention was how “normal” characters can be in this game. Imagine, suffering from infectious diseases than can be caught by various circumstances like killing monsters and drinking infected water. It’s also amazing that each of these annoying ailments have stages and symptoms which allow players to keep track of the illness while finding a cure to prevent the disease from getting worse. There’s also the religion system which sort of guides your characters actions depending on which religion you choose.

 

Dark Swords Review

 

I still think that Dark Swords system is one of the best ones out there. What makes it even more amazing is that the game has been around since 2006.

 

Verdict

So far, the only thing I don’t like about this game is the lack of tutorials. Even if you go to the main site and read all the articles, it’s still hard to get used to the game. The FAQ page does a good job of explaining what the features are but is rather poor at explaining how they work or how to use them. I honestly had to spend a couple of hours just learning to navigate the city, which is still a bit faster than most people, thanks to a couple of veterans who helped me learn the basics.

 

Anyway, browser game fans are sure to have their hands full with Dark Swords Online. It’s broad, fast paced, and in my opinion, a whole lot better than most of its RPG counterparts. Whether you’re looking for PVP, PVE, or just a good role-playing experience, then download the game and start adventuring.

 

Pros

-Broad System
-Visuals are still better than other browser games
-Tons of PVP
-Professions

 

Cons

-Lack of tutorials
-A bit TOO broad for the average player
-Steep learning curve.

 

ASDA Story 2 Closed Beta Starts Tomorrow

ASDA Story 2 Closed Beta Starts Tomorrow

 

GamesCampus announced today it will begin the closed beta test for Asda 2 tomorrow, May 5th for a very limited time ending Monday, May 9, 2011. The sequel to the popular fantasy anime-style MMORPG will feature endless variety, hardcore PvP action and numerous customization possibilities.

 

Players in closed beta will encounter the new “Avatar System” which will grant players extensive control over their character’s look and style. Players can also join forces with the revolutionary “Soul Mate” system to level faster and become far more powerful than when playing alone. They will also have the opportunity to gain access to unique Soul Mate abilities and skills, thus gaining bonus item rewards and in-game perks by playing together!

 

ASDA Story 2 Closed Beta

 

“There is already so much anticipation for Asda 2 that we are really looking forward to player feedback as we introduce them to this new title in the Asda franchise,” said said Uyen Uyen Ton Nu, Head of Marketing at GamesCampus. “With a dynamic weather system, new two-Faction PVP system, a unique Soul Mate and Marriage system, a slew of new content and limitless customization being just SOME of the features in Asda 2, players are in for an unmatched new experience.”

 

Asda 2 is the sequel to fantasy MMO Asda Story. Following the storyline of its predecessor, Asda 2 begins with an uneasy alliance between two of the Factions (“Light” and “Dark”) which is planned to use the Day and Night cycles of the sequel’s current ambient weather system to provide tactical factors altering the balance of power in real time, as the opposing sides’ individual capabilities rise and fall with the progression of the game clock.

 

ASDA Story 2 Closed Beta

 

Various PK modes will revolve around this Light vs Dark war. This will include conquering cities together to receive server-wide benefits, taking control of maps to gain access to more powerful items, arena PvP battles, and open world PK areas. Alongside hundreds of quests, players will be able to join together to tackle challenging raid dungeons with boss monsters dozens of times their character’s size for the best items, and form guilds that can level up through the efforts of their members to gain access to even more benefits and rewards.

 

Showcasing a whimsical design and animation style, Asda 2 boasts a “Sowel” system that allows players to customize their appearance by assigning stats to pieces of equipment they have previously unlocked. This puts the power in the players’ hands to be able to personalize their equipment to allow them to have the appearance they want with the specific stats they need. Combined with a deep skill customization featuring 100s of skills, and 8 total classes, players will have their hands full designing a character all of their own.

 

For more information, check out our game profile!

 

Asda Story 2

Asda Story is back and rebuilt from the ground up! In addition to improved graphics and a slicker control scheme, there is much to be found here.

 

Choose between 8 Classes to match your playing style!

Hundreds of skills and dozens of Job Classes to progress through! In-depth item alteration systems allow you to modify your equipment to extreme degrees! Look the way you want without sacrificing stats through the unique Sowel and Avatar Systems!

 

Hardcore Faction-based PvP!

Join either the Light or Darkness Faction and conquer cities to gain server-wide benefits! Earn PvP Ranks, powerful equipment, and some of the best items through the Faction PvP system! Multiple PvP modes and battlefields let you take control of entire maps! Faction Death Matches will allow you to settle grudges personally!

 

Revolutionary Soul Mate and Marriage Systems!

Join forces with your Soul Mate to level faster! Become far more powerful than when playing alone! Gain access to unique Soul Mate abilities and Guild Skills! Get bonus item rewards and in-game perks by playing together!

 

 

KARMA Online: Prisoners of the Dead Closed Beta Imminent

KARMA Online: Prisoners of the Dead Closed Beta Imminent

 

Joymax has revealed information on their teaser site that their newest First-Person-Shooter, KARMA Online will be entered closed beta as early as this month! The teaser site states May 24th as the exact release date. We have featured the teaser trailer as well.

 

KARMA Online initially looks like your standard FPS set in World War II, a setting that has been overdone many times in the last five years. However, they decided to push the envelope with action considered PVPVE or Player versus Player versus Environment. But instead of just going with a cookie cutter ‘environment’ like computer controlled enemy soldiers, KARMA takes a horrific twist.

 

Karma Online Closed Beta

 

The environment you will be forced to deal with is a wartorn Europe in which those who have fallen in battle are back. And they are hungry! Zombies have infested throughout Europe, and with the fate of the world resting on the outcome of the War, neither side is willing to back down. As a soldier on the ground, you will be met with hordes of zombies and ruthless enemy opposition as you battle for dominance. Multiple combat modes will be available including the usual favorites like free-for-all and team battles. A few special modes are included as well such as Escape Mode in which the Axis forces must escape to an extraction point while the Allies attempt to impede their progress.

 

KARMA Online Closed Beta

 

As a side note, signing up early has benefits! Those who register prior to the closed beta will be eligible for some special ‘founders supply’ gear. It’s free and easy so don’t miss out on the opportunity if you are considering testing this game out.

Karma Online

KARMA Online exists in an alternate reality, one in which human kind is punished for its unabated destructive forces that rampaged across Europe during World War II. Take up arms as Axis or Allies, featuring characters representing Russia, America, Germany, Japan, and more. But there is a twist…

 

Not only must you fight for the dominance of your chosen side, you must fight to save mankind from a darker force. Zombies! Hordes and hordes of zombies have overrun the European battleground, fallen soldiers and civiliians seeking revenge.

 

The initial graphics in KARMA look crisp, fresh, and brutal all at once. We are promised great character customization potential as well. There seems to be enough difference between Allies and Axis weapons and tactics that you won’t feel like a clone of the opposition either.

 

In terms of pvp settings, Joymax has created a ranking system to ensure that players are matched against others of equal skill levels, ensuring as many competitive matches as possible. The main storyline will provide players plenty of training before hand to get them geared up for competitive play.

Eden Eternal Interview: More than Cute Looks?

Eden Eternal Interview – More than Cute Looks?

Questions by Robert Chen (Cinderboy), OnRPG Journalist
Answers by Stephanie Cox

 

Aeria Games, one of North America’s top MMO publishers, recently announced its latest MMO in its stable, Eden Eternal. Developed by the creators of Grand Fantasia and Kitsu Saga, Eden Eternal’s main feature is to allow each character to access over 10 classes at anytime. Other than the unique class system, is Eden Eternal simply just another cute-looking anime game? Or is there actually a mean bite beneath its sugar-coated surface? Let’s find out.

 

Eden Eternal Preview Interview

 

Cinderboy: Hello, this is Robert (Cinderboy) from OnRPG. Can you please introduce yourself to the readers?

 

Hi, my name is Stephanie Cox and I’m a Release Associate for Aeria Games. Currently, my team is preparing Eden Eternal for its upcoming Closed Beta testing period.

 

Cinderboy: Aeria Games have worked with Taiwan developer, X-Legend for a few games now. Why the decision to continue publishing the company’s work?

 

As a company, we strive to bring the best online gaming experience available to our passionate community, who’ve come to expect top notch, free-to-play entertainment from Aeria Games. X-Legends has demonstrated their commitment to respecting our company values while thoroughly supporting our launch efforts, which has helped set the foundation for what’s become a successful partnership for both our companies.

 

Cinderboy: What makes Eden Eternal stand out from Grand Fantasia and Kitsu Saga?

 

When it comes to features and gameplay, Eden Eternal is actually quite different from KS and GF. Not only are the graphics a step up, but Eden Eternal also offers more in-depth combat, questing, and guild features. Eden Eternal is stocked with more maps, extra classes (and class switching system), player towns, a Need-or-Greed loot feature and an innovative dye system as well.

 

 

Cinderboy: The English MMO market is not short of cute, anime-styled games. What led Aeria Games into choosing Eden Eternal as the company’s latest title to release?

 

We were blown away by the depth of gameplay in Eden Eternal. Not only will anime fans love the rich, vibrant graphics, but hardcore gamers will be able to look beyond the cartoon exterior to discover a highly involved, innovative MMORPG. Other anime-style games might be appealing superficially, but we’re confident Eden Eternal has enough unique features to keep players coming back for more.

 

Eden Eternal Preview Interview

 

Cinderboy: Are there any worries that players will leave the other 2 games from X-Legend?

 

Not really. All of our games attract a unique audience of dedicated players. Eden Eternal’s focus on in-depth MMORPG elements will likely appeal to a different crowd than those games. Also, it’s not unusual for members of our community to enjoy multiple games simultaneously from our diverse catalog.

 

Cinderboy: Can you briefly describe to us the storyline of Eden Eternal and how players play a part in it?

 

Long ago, all the races set sail from various corners of the horizon, eventually landing one by one on a new continent. At first, each race co-existed in harmony, until differing values within the peoples fractured their once-peaceful relations. The players enter the story as part of a mysterious group of heroes, dubbed the Eternal Guardians, who have recently appeared in the land. Foretold in an ancient legend, these new supernatural beings are prophesied to bring ‘Eden Eternal’ to citizens of this war-torn world.

 

Cinderboy: How many races and classes will be available in the Closed Beta and Open Beta phases?

 

During Closed Beta and Open Beta, the human race and 12 classes are available to players. Beyond that, we will follow a schedule of content releases, including level cap increases, additional playable races, and more classes.

 

Cinderboy: How long a gap is Aeria Games planning before the next race and new classes are released after the initial launch?

 

Players won’t have to wait long for more races and classes. However, the specific dates are not yet available.

 

Eden Eternal Preview Interview

 

Cinderboy: The availability of a multitude of classes at once is a lot for players to take in. Are there any concerns that players might not get used to it?

 

The class swapping system is intuitive to learn and adds so much value to your gameplay experience that we think players will become very attached to it, and instead find it difficult to re-adjust to single class MMORPGs!

 

Cinderboy: How does the class change system basically work? Will players be able to change into another class wherever they are, even during PvP?

 

The only restrictions are that a player cannot switch classes during combat, and there is a 20-second cool down period between transformations. Beyond that, players can freely transform between all unlocked classes, anytime, anywhere.

 

Cinderboy: There seems to be quite a number of things to level up, including character level and the class levels. Will leveling become a chore early on in the game?

 

Your character’s active class levels up whenever your character levels up, so it’s less work than it sounds to meet the prerequisites for additional classes. You’ll unlock the main classes early on, and then you can take a more focused approach.

 

Cinderboy: Each player is basically training various classes in one character, each with different weapons and armor. Is it a concern that players will get tired of hunting for so many equipments and get jaded?

 

Since many weapons and equipment are usable by more than one class, players aren’t forced to extensively deck out a class just to try it out. Beyond that, we expect players to choose a few of their favorite classes to customize and gear up. So many class and gear options add an extra element of personalization to the game, but are designed not to become a tedious requirement for players.

 

Cinderboy: Which method will provide more experience points and items: Killing open world monsters, clearing instances or from questing?

 

Hard to say, since there are various levels and sizes for all three gameplay elements. Speaking in general, for the overall game you’ll probably receive the most experience and items from questing, just because there are so many quests. Completing the entire story will keep players busy for a long time.

 

Cinderboy: I understand that other than a mutual duel, there will be an upcoming Battlefield feature which is currently without any information. Any teasers for our readers on how the system works?

 

We can tell you that players will not have to wait long before their PvP options are expanded. There will be multiple PvP battlefields, ranging from small team fights to larger scale wars, each with their own unique map and rules. We cannot give any specifics on unreleased features, but we encourage you to keep an eye on the website for upcoming news.

 

Eden Eternal Preview Interview

 

Cinderboy: Another feature which is missing details will be the guild and town building system. Are these 2 features linked together?

 

Towns are an extension to the Guild System. Established guild leaders can apply for a town building permit.

 

 

Cinderboy: To what scale and extent can these towns actually be built to and how do they benefit players?

 

Towns present the opportunity to house your own NPC staff of merchants, who play an integral part in upgrades, crafting, and quests in Eden Eternal. Many of these NPCs cannot be found outside of guild Towns. Also, there are only 5 slots for buildings per guild town, but there are a lot more than 5 possible buildings. Players are encouraged to visit other Towns to utilize the full range of Town buildings and merchants. Also, guilds earn money by charging a tax rate for Town visitors. But, likewise, you’ll have to pay a tax to any outside Towns you visit.

 

Eden Eternal Preview Interview

 

Cinderboy: Are there any words you would like to say to our readers before the interview ends?

 

We’ve posted a wealth of extra Eden Eternal info and other goodies on the Eden Eternal Official website. At the website, players can sign up for a chance to receive an invitation to Eden Eternal’s Closed Beta. Also, I’d like to take a moment to talk about Eden Eternal’s official forums, which are already bursting with a passionate, colorful community of players eagerly discussing all things Eden Eternal. We have a ready staff of GMs dedicated to running exclusive Eden Eternal events and contests.

 

Cinderboy: Thank you for your precious time!

 

My pleasure! I’m always happy to discuss Eden Eternal’s awesome features.

Eden Eternal

Eden Eternal is yet another high quality anime-styled game to be released by Aeria Games. Eden Eternal is differentiating itself from Aeria Games’ other titles by following the recent trend of freeing players from the typical locking of character classes.

In this game, you begin your quest as one of six starting classes. However, as you progress through the story you can free yourself from these basic roles by unlocking more classes in a variety of roles. You have the freedom to swap between these classes freely, eliminating the need for ‘alts’ as your ‘main’ can do it all!

 Eden Eternal is leaning towards a diverse set of mostly beastial based races such as a tribe of bear men. Currently five playable races are available, with more to possibly come.

We were also excited to hear that Eden Eternal will feature full guild towns! Not satisfied with your typical guild base, Eden Eternal went through great lengths to develop a system in which guild leaders can construct their own township, providing members of their guild access to rare resources that non-members will be lacking.

Despite its chibi-looks, Eden Eternal also promises fast-paced action combat that will leave slow lackadaisical players dead in the wake of the hoards of baddies you will encounter.