Monthly Archives: December 2011

Lime Odyssey Fans Refuse to Shave Until OB Access

Lime Odyssey Fans Refuse to Shave Until Open Beta Access

 

 

If you’ve spent any time at OnRPG forums in recent months, you would know there is quite a buzz going around for the current testing of Aeria Games’ upcoming Fantasy MMORPG, Lime Odyssey. However as the initial alpha test draws to a close, some of the super fans are taking their dedication a step further.. and have begun an anti-shaving protest until they are given access to the game.

 

 

Lime Odyssey is developed by Sirius Entertainment Co., Ltd., a Korean-based team composed of talented industry veterans, many of whom worked on the classic MMORPG Ragnarok Online. Over the past week, a lucky few alpha test participants, including OnRPG’s Murxidon and JamesBl0nde, have received the first outside glimpse of the localized North American experience. The game performs well in all aspects but is especially notable for its multiple playable races, thousands of quests, dual class system, cute pets and mounts, as well as an inspiring crafting system. JamesBl0nde in particular even enjoys the music, a rare compliment in an MMO industry that usually places tunes at the lowest priority on the development ladder.

 

 

Although the game is slated for release in Early 2012, I wouldn’t be surprised if Aeria starts sending out a few more test invites over the next couple weeks. So keep an eye on your email and be sure to shave your pits when you join us later this week for JamesBl0ndes’ alpha impressions video!

Crimecraft Releases Gang Wars Expansion

Crimecraft Releases Gang Wars Expansion

 

 

Vogster Online has launched CrimeCraft GangWars, the second major expansion to its flagship free-to-play online shooter.

 

 

As part of a special offer, Crimecraft is offering a special package for new users who download the game through steam including:

-An exclusive “Steam Punk” clothing set including helmet, jacket, pants and boots.

-A 15 percent XP boost item.

-40 Gold Bars, CrimeCraft’s real money transaction currency.

-Steamrolls, an exclusive boost which provides +20 percent damage and +15 percent resistances.

 

 

The centerpiece of GangWars is Territory Wars, where the gangs of Sunrise City battle for control of lobbies and instances. The rewards for controlling a territory include in-game cash, bonuses and being able to post your gang markings on your home turf, but maintaining control is tough as every gang in the city is gunning for Territory.

 

 

In addition to end game content, CrimeCraft is now easier to play than ever thanks to the new Quickplay menu which allows new players to get into the action faster than ever before and casual players to bypass the extensive RPG gameplay if they choose to.

 

 

Other new features in CrimeCraft GangWars include:

 

Class Profiles: Twenty distinct, fully strapped classes ready for instant action. These classes are designed to be competitive against all types of opponents.

Unique Game Mode: Core Annihilation is an epic game mode blending PvP and PvE combat. Players cooperate with AI controlled soldiers to destroy an opponent’s core while protecting their own.

New Turf: La’Famiglia Compound, a 6-16 player combat zone, is the epitome of lavish luxury and criminal greed… a mansion every gang dreams of controlling.

 

 

“GangWars is a real game changer for CrimeCraft, the game has evolved to the point where it is accessible and can meet the expectations of casual and hard core players alike.” said Executive Producer Michael Mendheim. “The longer you play the greater depth the game provides or if you’re just looking for a 30 minute fix of fast and furious action, this is the game for you. Simple, hot and deep, whether casual or hard core, CrimeCraft GangWars delivers the fun.”

Empire Rising Online: The 100 Years Build to War

Empire Rising Online: The 100 Years Build to War

By Jerrico Tan (JetSet), OnRPG Journalist

 



Empire Rising Online is a free-to-play browser game developed by “Ndoors” set during the 1400 Renaissance War in Europe.

 

 

Starting players are offered to choose from one of four historical empires namely the Hussars, English, French and the Ottomans. Like most browser based MMORTS titles, this strategy game is primarily about building a colonial empire that is strong enough to conquer the towns of other players.

 



The game’s basics are simple and easy. The tutorials would only take 15 minutes to complete, and once you are familiar with your town’s buildings, the rest of the details and mechanics will simply follow and you’re ready to go.

 

 

Some of the game’s features are reminiscent of Age of Empires with the graphics (especially the towns and maps) being its notable similarity. Second are the game’s age advancements; advancing to a new age changes your town’s appearance while at the same time giving you more upgrade options. But with all those predispositions aside, the European setting was wonderfully realized and the game’s presentation of the renaissance period was perfectly delivered. The vital town and map menus were well-thought out as well.

 

 

The town is the place where players do all the needed colonial work. There are tons of available upgrades and technologies to research in the game that would help players raise their town in both resource and military efficiency. Researching upgrades takes real time to complete, so once you start upgrading to the feudal age, upgrades could take hours. Training soldiers goes the same as upgrading; training time depends on how many units a player wishes to train.

 



The way of attacking enemies is quite unconventional in Empire Rising. The map menu is like a grid of towns where players can collect coordinates, which then must be considered when players are planning to launch an attack. Time is an essential factor as the amount of time needed for your troops to arrive on its target depends on how far your target town is.

 



Another thing that makes this game interesting is the three available modes of attack when attacking towns. For every successful attack, a unique reward is given. “Raiding” rewards the attacker resources looted from the pillaged town. “Invading” rewards the attacker’s general tons of EXP. And lastly, a successful “Colonize Attack” will reward the winner with a percentage of the town’s total resource income (and that’s what I call colonial tyranny).

 

 

Unfortunately, there are no visual sequences during combat. Players will just simply receive a letter regarding the combat’s results. The lack of visuals in this game is quite disappointing especially for some players who wait for hours to prep up their attack squads. In fact, almost all of the game’s elements involve waiting for countdowns to complete, which also makes this game a drag to some extent. Once players get to the point where they have to wait hours for their upgrades, the game gets pretty boring. Luckily, they could spend hours talking with other players in the game’s Chat Box while waiting for the upgrades and combat countdowns. Players could earn new friends, join forces with other players or form their own alliances.

 



Alliances are the game’s guild system, and this component is what makes Empire Rising unique. Joining in an alliance gives players the privilege to access co-op quests that offer monetary rewards together with attack and defense enhancements. But in this game, having a well-planned monetary system isn’t enough to achieve glory; to possess a political and strategic mind is also of paramount importance.

 

 

With a vast collection of colony building titles already in the market, Empire Rising offers us an exciting new gameplay to experience in the world of MMORTS. Fans of this kind of genre won’t be disappointed in trying this one out. Likewise, if you are new to browser based strategy games, and are looking for a fun way to pass time during the day, then this game will definitely fulfill your entertainment needs.

 

 

Graphics 3.5

Controls N/A

Features 2.5

Customization 2.5

Community 3.5

Jade Dynasty Announces Massive “Legacy” Expansion

Jade Dynasty Announces Massive “Legacy” Expansion

 

 

Perfect World Entertainment today announced a new expansion to its free-to-play martial-arts MMORPG, Jade Dynasty.

 

 

In Jade Dynasty: Legacy, players explore the secretive Incense Valley while fighting through the massive multi-staged instance, which is larger than any other dungeon currently available in this game.

 

 

“We couldn’t be more excited to publish a new chapter in the Jade Dynasty series,” said Dean Sakurai, Product Manager, Perfect World Entertainment. “Jade Dynasty: Legacy is our biggest update since ‘Vengeance’ (August 2010) and features two new classes, enhanced character visuals, new instances and numerous other content updates. With Jade Dynasty: Legacy we add tremendously to a gaming experience already shared by millions.”

 

 

Key features include:

Two New Classes: Players can now choose between the powerful, fire-wielding Incense Valley Mages and the crippling, melee-astute Forta.

 

New Instance: The Crimson Peaks Voidland is the largest instance in Jade Dynasty, designed for groups of 10-25 players to face its many dangers and claim its secreted rewards.

 

Character Visuals: Character creation has been reworked, providing new visual examples of each faction, new starter fashions and even the ability to preview high-level armor sets.

 

Balance and Enhancement: Several facets of gear and combat have been reworked, from rebalanced factions skills to stronger Ethereal and Celestial gear.

 

Content Updates: New wedding and seasonal events, more items available for exchange with new Jade types, and more easily attainable Treasure Boxes are but a few of the many other changes.

 

 

Check back here on December 12th for more information on the new instances and other update details! Also be sure to check out the teaser trailer.