Monthly Archives: October 2012

Lineage 2 Review: Truly, Truly Free to Play?

Lineage 2 Review: Truly, Truly Free to Play?

By Matt Stoolman (Esrin), OnRPG Journalist

 

 

Allow me to set the scene…

 

 

The game I am about to review hails from a forgotten time when men were men, subscriptions were not an option, MMOs were an arduous lifestyle decision, and “the grind” was not something to be ashamed of but instead used as a kind of devilish and twisted marketing scheme by a few eager developers of a relatively youthful and misunderstood genre in an attempt to separate ever growing numbers of gamers/addicts from their hard earned cash.

 

 

Okay, so things haven’t changed that much, but it cannot be denied that NCSoft’s Lineage 2 is a creature from a bygone era. While the game is not yet old enough to be considered one of the grandparents of the MMO industry (unlike its predecessor) it has at least reached the stage where it can now be considered something of an eerily androgynous uncle. Released way back in 2003 in South Korea and subsequently to the rest of the world in 2004, Lineage 2 has lived a long and fruitful life. Having seen the addition of no less than 10 major content expansions, it has weathered the storm of time remarkably well, maintaining strong player numbers and a fiercely loyal fanbase (largely in the Asian market) as well as surviving the release of its younger and sexier cousin Aion. Only in November of last year did the game finally abandon its old monthly subscription fees, joining many younger games in the ever more popular free to play market with its most recent and largest expansion to date, Goddess of Destruction.

 

 

First though, let me get one thing out of the way before going any further.

 

I really did not enjoy playing Lineage 2. There, I said it.

 

 

It’s a conclusion I have come to after spending the last month or so pouring over all that the game in its latest form has to offer, and it’s an odd realisation when put alongside the fond memories I have of the game in its hay day all those moons ago.

 

 

This isn’t to say that I think the game is bad. I actually think the game remains very strong in many aspects, though it is certainly not without its flaws, some of which I shall elaborate on later.

 

 

Simply put, Lineage 2 fills a niche role, one that I no longer enjoy but one that is no less valid (or in fact popular) than it was back in 2003.

 

 

Now before I get caught up in all that, let me for the moment go over one thing that Lineage 2 has done very, very right with its latest and greatest content release.

 

 

 

With Goddess of Destruction came NCSoft’s “Truly Free to Play” slogan for the game’s F2P business model, and while that may at first sound like marketing hyperbole, many of you may be pleasantly surprised to discover that it does actually seem to live up to its name. In going F2P, NCSoft have opened up every single aspect of the game to non-paying accounts. Every dungeon, every character class and race, every level of progression. When you consider that this is a 9 year old game we’re talking about, with 9 years worth of frequent expansion and a level cap of 99, you can probably start to appreciate just how much content that represents. It seems as if Lineage 2’s shift to F2P has shone out as a beacon of hope to fans of the MMO genre. A beacon that tells us developers can on rare occasions avoid the lure of unnecessary and often self-defeating greed in favour of a well-reasoned (and in many cases very successful) method of F2P gaming that is not a shameless attempt at squeezing the last drops of blood from a dwindling playerbase before allowing it to die.

 

 

Alongside this mass of content was made free to all players, NCSoft created many quality-of-life and aesthetics based items available for purchase via a microtransaction marketplace. These include several items and bundles that can speed up character progression and power, though thankfully do not seem to unbalance PvP in the later levels. The end result is something akin to what players have come to expect from games like League of Legends, providing an entirely optional monetary sink to quicken up progression or decorate your character as you wish. It’s my resounding hope that this decision proves to be a success for NCSoft and Lineage 2 and that it may therefore encourage other developers to head in a similar direction.

 

 

In addition to all the existing content becoming freely available, Goddess of Destruction brings with it many new enhancements and additions to the game. To name but a few, the new “Awakening” system brings in 8 new character classes and more varied skill customization choices into high level gameplay as well as raising the old 85 level cap up by 14. The game’s combat system has also had a bit of a revamp in an effort to bring it more in line with its younger competitors, adding a more dynamic, faster paced feel to its gameplay. For the most part these combat changes seem largely cosmetic though entirely welcome. Several new zones and raids have also been added in the patch, and as you might expect for a game getting on in years, most of this content focuses on the end game from level 85 upward.

 

 

Now that the facts and figures are out of the way, as well as a little bit of well-deserved praise for NCSoft’s F2P model, let me try and expand on my own reactions and experience with the game since picking it back up for the re-review.

 

 

I’m going to break this down the only way I know how; Clint Eastwood style.

 

 

So with no further ado…

 

The Good

 

 

Despite being nearly a decade old, Lineage 2 remains a remarkably pretty game. While this is partly due to the tried and tested Unreal technology powering the base engine (Lineage 2 sports the now outdated Unreal 2 or 2.5 engine), it is also largely due to the very clearly defined and spectacularly executed art direction that the game has maintained throughout its many iterations. In fact it is fair to say that Lineage 2 and its predecessor’s aesthetics – from the heavily asian-influenced (and often scarily androgynous) character and clothing designs, to the high fantasy glitz of its spell effects and epic (uh… frequently floating) landscapes, dungeons and cities – have played a very strong role in designing the look of its genre for many generations to come. The fact is that while the technology beneath it all has clearly aged, Lineage 2 can still stand next to many far younger games today and proudly declare itself to be beautiful. That is a very rare and impressive thing and perhaps the strongest testament to the talent of its artists and designers that I can think of.

 

 

We all know however that looks alone do not make a great game and Lineage 2, despite not pushing my own personal buttons, is certainly a game that keeps people coming back for more even as newer competitors spring up left, right, and centre.

 

 

Part of this may well be due to the fact that as the years have passed, the game’s developers have not sat idly by. At launch, Lineage 2 lacked many of the standard features we would now associate with our daily MMO bread and butter. Many of these have since been added as the game has progressed, keeping it in line with expectations. Some of these most simple of necessities include quest map markers and waypoints pointing the way to the nearest objectives and some much needed tutorials and new, better designed starter areas to ease players into the often very complex game.

 

 

Individually all of the little improvements that NCSoft brought to the game over time may seem trivial, but in the grand scheme of things they have made the game vastly more playable for new players and veterans alike. Gone are the baffling launch-day predicaments of where to go, who to speak to for your quest reward or how to train up your newest skills and abilities. Overall the game has vastly improved in terms of GUI responsiveness and ease of use.

 

 

Which is fortunate, as this leads me on to…

 

 

The Bad

 

 

Despite all of the little improvements to keep the game in line with present day expectations, the game has aged. Lineage 2 plays like an old game, and this does not help its chances when trying to maintain a following in the western market, as many of its core gameplay mechanics have always been those more traditionally associated with Asian MMOs. Quests in the game are simple and lifeless affairs that are solely aimed at progressing the grind for XP through hours of somewhat dated and lifeless number bashing combat. Despite Goddess of Destruction’s revamps to many of the core systems, most encounters – like many games of its type – still come down to nothing more than a mathematical equation. Learn the most optimal combination of skills, deliver them as quickly as possible, as frequently as possible, win, rinse and repeat.

 

This isn’t a problem unique to Lineage 2 and it is by no means an issue solved in many newer games, but it is a personal gripe. Most excitement to be found in the game comes at the highest level ranges, meaning that until reaching such a point the game plays more like a job than a form of entertainment as you desperately strive to reach that goal.

 

 

As a final note, which may not be all that bad depending on your point of view, playing Goddess of Destruction as a fresh and uninitiated player brings to light a probably wise choice of development direction that NCSoft have clearly chosen for the most recent updates to Lineage 2 in consideration of its age and playerbase. It is obvious that Lineage 2 is now geared (sensibly) towards maintaining its current veteran players as well as attempting to entice back some of those who may have fallen by the wayside during its time as a subscription paying game. Character progression, especially in the early levels, has been increased to such a high rate that the first 10 levels may pass you by before you’ve even finished typing “Ding!” in the chat box, leading to a confusing rush of new skills and abilities at a rate that makes it difficult for new players to keep track. In addition, the game does not hold your hand with regards to the lore of the setting or where you fall within it. Generally speaking, it seems safe to say that you either know the world of Lineage 2 by now, or you probably never will.

 

 

Lastly…

 

 

The Ugly

Okay, I’m really nit-picking now, and I know I stated this one as part of “The Good” just moments ago, but no one ever said that the good couldn’t also be ugly. The aforementioned quest tracking,  way points and on-screen helpers that have been added since launch (making the task of questing considerably easier) have led to a situation where I actually had to disable part of an otherwise very useful GUI function purely due to sheer horror at just how intrusively ugly it was.

 

 

I bring you, the arrow.

 

 

There you have it, ladies and gentlemen. My somewhat erratic take on Lineage 2 in all its glory boiled down into a thematically inappropriate play on a spaghetti western film title.

 

 

Conclusion

Lineage 2 is a quintessential Asian MMO and fails to really break out of that mould in any way. If that’s your style then you’re in luck, as you can now enjoy a trip down nostalgia lane, though in my opinion unless you are a die-hard fan you will probably soon find yourself returning to the more modern Aion.

 

 

As well as being a little dated, the game is slightly less suited to the tastes of the western market and the numbers speak for themselves in that regard.

 

 

However, Lineage 2 is a game packed full of such a wealth of content (now completely free to play to your hearts delight!) that in my opinion you would be doing yourself an injustice if you didn’t at least dabble in what it has to offer.

 

While its charms elude me on a personal level, it cannot be denied that Lineage 2 remains one of the most persistently popular MMOs in recent years. I can therefore only assume that so many people cannot be entirely wrong. At least not all at the same time.

 

 

Pros:

–        Beautiful visuals

–        Gargantuan amounts of free content

–        Increased progression rate perfect for returning veterans or for rolling up alts

–        Dedicated and active playerbase

 

Cons:

–        Very little guidance for new players

–        Early level content now passes by too quickly to take in

–        Complex skill system learning curve

–        Many core gameplay mechanics now feel dated and cumbersome

Fly For Fun Gold Review: What Has Changed?

Fly For Fun Gold Review: What has changed?

By Mohammad Abubakr, OnRPG Journalist

 

 

 

Fly For Fun or FlyFF‘s latest Gold update has brought a lot of changes to the game. This update does not include major changes to how the game is played but introduces new tweaks and content. Read on as we delve deeper into the changes brought by this summer’s FlyFF Gold update.

 

 

The most obvious change that any former FlyFF player will notice upon playing FlyFF Gold would be the new user interface. Instead of the old and familiar pink interface, players are presented with a completely new and revamped golden user interface. Almost all of the features in the new interface are identical to the previous interface which leaves this new interface featuring information moved around and re-themed.

 

 

As with all user interfaces, whether or not the changes are appreciated is up to each individual player. Some may love the changes while others may despise them. I personally favour the classic pink interface due to its simplicity and familiarity. Normally I love seeing change in games as it brings something new to players but I would much rather use the old interface over the new golden interface.

 

How do you like the new user interface?

 

The update has also brought many balance changes to existing weapons. Balance changes are always welcome to all games. Moderators over at the official FlyFF forums have compiled a nice image showing all the new stats on weapons as seen here: https://b86fecb1-a-62cb3a1a-s-sites.googlegroups.com/site/tanzastic/home/flyff-v19/Weapon_Changes_v19_All_v2.png

 

 

To further add onto the weapon system in FlyFF Gold, an equipment fusion system has been introduced. There are two methods available to players looking to combine their weapons.

 

 

Firstly, there is the two handed weapon fusion system. For Two 2H-Weapons, the weapon base and weapon slave may be fused to create a fused weapon. There is an approximately 25% chance of success where the fused weapon will be a stronger version of the weapon base with appended awakenings and piercings from the weapon slave. If the fusion is not successful, only the weapon slave will be lost. To use this fusion system, simply visit the Two-Handed Weapon Master NPC in Eastern Flaris.

 

 

Secondly, there is the transmutation system which allows players to change the appearance of an item. No stat changes will be made but the primary item can be made to appear like the sacrificial item. Just like the 2H-Weapon fusion system, the fusions can be reverted.

 

 

The transmutation system is a great addition to the game as I love seeing new systems being added to games that are not present in many other games. Innovation is always welcome and required in order for the MMO market to continue evolving.

 

 

If you care about your character’s appearance then the Exotic Equipment introduced in FlyFF Gold will be of interest to you. Bosses will be dropping these items that are solely to be used for cosmetic purposes as they are equipped into regular equipment slots and not over your equipment into the fashion slot. Additionally, these exotic items only offer 1 DEF.

 

Exotic Items


For the higher level players in FlyFF, an additional premium EXP area has been added into the game which can be accessed the same way as one would access Azria. For players unfamiliar with FlyFF’s cash shop, players must purchase a ticket directly from the cash shop or off another player to be able to access this new area which goes by the name Dark Traseia.

 

 

This new island is the home of enemies ranging from level 129 to 149 with an additional boss being level 150. As with all premium EXP areas, the exp is quite nice from these monsters. While the monsters may not be very strong they do possess the maximum block rating.

 

 

Being a free to play MMORPG, incentive to use the cash shop is needed in order for this game to continue living on. In FlyFF Gold the Eldin’s Jar has been added to the cash shop to help players manage their consumables.

 

 

This jar, with the use of Eldin’s Magical Scissors, allows players to store up to one million points of HP in consumables inside one Eldin’s Jar. Upon use, the jar will fully restore the player’s HP while only using the required amount of stored HP. Be sure to make full use of your purchase as the jar will expire after seven days.

 

 

The feature I was most looking forward to due to past experiences in FlyFF was the new Consignment Shop. This is just like any auction house in other MMOs allowing players to buy and sell their items in a simple and organized fashion.

 

Market littered with player shops


The Consignment Shop features a decent and passable user interface with all the basic features required to have a pleasant shopping experience. From my use it has been buggy and irresponsive at times but I am willing to overlook these issues as they will most likely be fixed in the future and it does work after multiple attempts.

 

 

The main problem with the new Consignment Shop is the lack of items on the market. For whatever reason, GPotato has decided to release the Consignment Shop which aims to balance the economy and provide an easy shopping experience but still allows players to set up player shops.

 

 

I have always hated these player shops as it is very annoying and tedious to run around the market searching each individual shop for any items of interest when a simple search on the consignment shop can do the same job. Thankfully these player shops are now restricted to only a designated area in the Madrigal Marketplace which helps to somewhat organize the clutter.

 

 

Players feel no need to use the Consignment Shop due to its measly limit of three simultaneous auctions per player unless a cash shop permit is bought. Why would you want to spend money to sell items when you can setup a player shop allowing for a maximum of twenty item sales at a time for free?

 

No one uses the consignment shop…


The state of the economy has always been my biggest complaint when it comes to FlyFF. Over the years there has been massive inflation and nothing seems to be done to fix this. Money is only put into the economy but there needs to be a system such as taxing to take some out of the economy. Premium players can easily make billions of Penya in game by taking out their wallet and not spending a lot of cash.

 

 

While the game play has not changed too much with the FlyFF Gold patch, a lot of welcome additions have been added. My only complaint to GPotato would be the decision to still allow player shops to be setup even when the consignment shop has been added into the game. It is really sad seeing only around 400 items being listed in the consignment shop.

NCSoft West Declares No Censoring in Blade & Soul

NCSoft West Declares No Censoring in Blade & Soul

 

 

After the recent launch of the English site for NCSoft’s upcoming Anime Martial Arts MMORPG, Blade & Soul, there has been much speculation that the game would be heavily censored for western audiences akin to its competitor, TERA, did for its young looking Elin race. NCSoft cleared the air stating that any samples of censoring seen has been a result of their pending ESRB rating and purely for marketing purposes until they get clearance.

 

 

“We are not planning to censor or alter the actual in-game content you have come to expect from an artist such as Hyung-Tae Kim and a studio such as Team Bloodlust. Rest assured that we love Blade & Soul as much as you do, and any modifications to the marketing material are not indicative of our plans for the final content,” Stated NCSoft West in an official announcement.

KingsIsle set to Launch Pirate101 on October 8th

KingsIsle set to Launch Pirate101 on October 8th

 

 

It’s been a long hot summer since KingsIsle announced that their second title, Pirate101, was coming to online swashbucklers across the net. Now we have a date for the head start and it’s literally a week away. As of next Monday, October 8th, those who purchase prelaunch bundles will be able to set sail in this kid friendly MMORPG. The rest of us will have to wait until the 15th to build our ships, find class specific companions, and take part in the unique tactical combat system of Pirate101. Stay tuned for our first impressions coming soon!

League of Legends Launches Honor System

League of Legends Launches Honor System

 

 

After running aground with problems with the Tribunal System effectively deterring bad apples from ruining their gaming system, Riot Games is taking a new approach to encouraging good behavior in League of Legends with the Honor System.

 

 

Just as players could report players for harassment, afking, etc, now players will be able to praise both teammates and opponents for being friendly, helpful, supporting teamwork, or even being good sports. Initial measures are in place to block trading honor including diminishing returns if you get honor from the same person, and the ability to be reported by being caught doing so. Being found guilty will send a player’s honor back to zero so it’s likely not worth it.

 

 

Although it is now just a bragging right, RiotLyte is testing various options to make honor a more tangible reward in the future.

Vinashi

Vinashi is a browser based MMORTS set in ancient India. Players are responsible for building an empire and army large enough to become the Supreme Commander of the land. To do this, careful consideration must be made for your construction and army development projects, as resources are a precious commodity. Strike out at your foes with winning tactics to bring glory to your empire!

 

 

Features

 

Development: Build your empire using wood, stone, and iron. Each of these materials is very important when it comes to buildings and troops, so plan your resource management carefully!

 

Troop planning: Develop a balanced troop selection to ensure victory. Use smart tactics and skill to take down your opponents!

 

Trade: Some materials may be scarce for you. Not to worry, as you can trade with others across the network, ensuring you can benefit at all times.

 

Conquer: Establish roots near your home town, or send troops far away to gain footholds in other areas. Strategic thinking and placement of your colonies is critical!

 

Pro Evolution Soccer 2013

Pro Evolution Soccer 2013 is part of a long-standing chain of games. Players can get all of the action on the field in the comfort of their living room. From fancy footwork to amazing plays across the field, Pro Evolution Soccer 2013 is dedicated to providing as close an experience as you’ll find. With various new functions based off of fan feedback, and a comprehensive online presence, Pro Evolution Soccer 2013 seeks to become the bar to which other soccer games aspire.

 

 

Features

 

Full Control: Choose how to receive a pass, or how to shoot and play the field. With moves that mimic the feel of playing the game on the field, PES 2013 gives you the chance to be a star.

 

Player ID: The famous players across the world make the game feel alive and vibrant. From signature celebrations, to how the run, pass, and dribble, all the details of your favorite players are available to you!

 

Improved AI: Designed to simulate the flow of an actual game, the AI in PES 2013 allows for much more balanced and fun matches. It reacts much more quickly to various happenings on the field, giving players the challenge to overcome, without being unfair.

 

Various game modes: Participate in training activities to hone your skills, or compete in leagues and tournaments. PES 2013 features several ways for you to get into the game and compete!

Supreme Destiny

Supreme Destiny is an MMORPG that is split into two servers: Aden and Seraf. Players on Aden can enjoy an epic storyline, and hundreds of quests, while players on Seraf get the benefit of massive PvP battles. The game offers four playable classes, with Seraf characters being able to advance to master classes as well. Aden offers players a relaxed environment to enjoy the game world as well, and for players who don’t enjoy open PvP as much. Seraf gives its own incentive by giving players a channel where they can earn triple experience to compete against others even faster.

 

 

Features

 

Two different worlds: Supreme Destiny is split in two: Aden and Seraf. Aden offers a relaxing PvE environment while Seraf is for those that enjoy a hardcore PvP experience.

 

Aden: Aden is a relatively new server with a growing community. In addition, it offers a rich storyline told through hundreds of quests.

 

Seraf: Seraf gives players a larger community, and some additional perks. Players on Seraf have access to master classes of each of the initial four. They also have access to a triple experience channel, to help them increase in power quickly.

 

Constant staffing: Each server is manned 24/7 by helpful GMs ho provide great customer service. In addition, they host daily events, and set the servers up for weekly battles!

 

Hero Civilization

Hero Civilization is an MMORTS that allows you to join one of three factions as humanity tries to rebuild in the wake of a devastating war. Each of the three races — Human, Shaba, and Alec — have their own philosophies and ways of doing things, so the troop types they command are also different. Alliances are a great way to ensure your country remains safe as you develop the land and work on conquering neighboring territories. The game also offers a nice trading system between players, to ensure you can get whatever materials you need.

 

 

Features

 

Three factions: Join the Humans, Shaba, or Alec as you attempt to carve a name for yourself into the land. Each race offers a different ideal, and different troops and abilities along the way.

 

Alliance based system: Join with your fellows to grow more powerful, as you spread your influence across the land. Assist your allies and request their help for attacking and defense alike.

 

Traders economy: Have an excess of something, but need more of another? Trade it with another player so you can both benefit!

 

Quest based gameplay: Complete your empire efficiently using the extensive quest system in Hero Civilization. These quests will help guide your forces to victory!

EVE Online: Retribution To Bring True Justice To Massive Universe

EVE Online: Retribution To Bring True Justice To Massive Universe

 

EVE Online

 

CCP Games, one of the world’s leading independent game studios, has announced EVE Online: Retribution, the 18th free expansion for its award-winning sci-fi massively multiplayer online game.

 

 

Coming on December 4, 2012, EVE Online: Retribution will shake the very core of the limitless game universe as it rockets towards an unprecedented 10th anniversary year with more players than ever before.

 

 

Central to EVE’s dynamic unending content are the dreams, plans and actions of its players. EVE Online: Retribution accentuates the core philosophy of the legendary online society: that each decision and each action bears truly meaningful consequences via human interaction.

 

EVE Online

 

A complete rework of EVE’s bounty system will allow players to exact revenge by placing bounties on individuals, corporations and alliances and enlisting other players to “do the dirty work.” The agression flagging system, “Crimewatch,” will undergo changes as well, making clear the consequences of actions, whether legal, suspect or illegal.

 

 

EVE Online: Retribution will see all frigates, destroyers and cruisers collectively reworked in a tremendous game balancing effort that will lead to massive play style refreshments for pilots of all skill levels. Four new Tier 2 destroyer-class ships will be added alongside major changes in other systems, including NPC artificial intelligence, factional warfare, sound design and the user interface.

 

 

“This is the perfect followup to a recent series of well-received expansions in which we’ve put even more control over the game universe in the hands of our players,” said Jon Lander, EVE Online’s Executive Producer. “Limitless human conflict and real consequences for your actions: sounds like a compelling dramatic setting to me.”