Yearly Archives: 2012

Totem Proxzor Impressions – Tactical Card Browser Done Right

Totem Proxzor Impressions – Tactical Card Browser Done Right

By Remko Molenaar (Proxzor), OnRPG Journalist

 

 

Luckily I had the chance to experience a beta session in the newly developed game Totem! In this strategic game, your units are the key element in your playing sessions because these different specialized troops all belong to a different race and offer various strategic advantages on the battlefield. In addition to PvP, Totem goes above the standards of browser titles by offering a full-fledged campaign as well. It is even possible to send one of your units alone on its own mission. The lovely people behind Totem had given me a special account and hefty bankroll so I could experience the variety of units it had to offer in rapid succession.

 

 

The first thing I did after logging in was check out the vast variety of troops. I had been given the human race’s top of the line units, and immediately jumped straight into combat to see if these units could carry a newb player like myself to victory with sheer power. Well, my expectations were quickly shattered as I got completely demolished. This game forces you to learn and utilize its strategic elements if you want to win, even if your cards are blatantly stronger than your foe’s.

 

 

When you start up a game, both players are given an amount of gold that they can spend on units. Turns out the best units are expensive to deploy so you will want to balance your deck out with some lesser units to survive the early rounds if you ever want to snowball to domination and unleash your true forces. At first both sides start out slow with couple of units as you try to take over the map to earn additional gold.

 

 

Beyond cards you also gain some additional skills unrelated to your deck to support your troops. I had a heal on me to heal the units in a small circle on the map as well as an area of effect spell to damage the enemy units if they are clunked up. In other words card placement is one of the key factors you’ll need to consider when pushing your forces across the map. What I’ve learned is that you basically want tanky units to push forward on the battlefield right from the start to establish a frontline that can later be supported by spending gold to add powerful ranged units. Although this isn’t the only strategy I saw used, it had incredible synergy with my heal ability as my superior cards made my tank able to absorb massive focus fire and hold out until reinforcements arrived. Thankfully the game is still fresh and no one knows what they are doing so I often marched to easy victories against players attempting the same tactic against me with lesser cards. I can see this tactic being countered given certain decks that thankfully I didn’t come across as often.

 

 

Your pre-match planning if half the battle in Totem. After some practice I diversified my strategy with cheap suicidal damage dealers combined with healers to keep their early assault building up my gold against unready foes. This combined with a heavy powerful tank clearing the way for a second wave of ranged units was extremely effective. But this was based on my Human units and didn’t take into account the two other races that can be mixed and matched to further expand a player’s deck options. Additional units from other races can be unlocked through the campaign and side quests or purchased with your hard earned VIP tokens.

 

 

You are able to get better items and units as your VIP level progresses. The VIP level is something that you can level up through recharging. And this is where the real money kicks in. Unfortunately this is where cash shopping creates an unfair advantage as it can take quite some time to up your VIP level by standard means.

 

 

Besides acquiring new units you can also fuse your soldiers to make better and stronger units; these units also need gear. You are able to acquire gear through quests, loot bags or you can craft them. You can even enhance the gear to make it even stronger than it was before. You can also enchant the spells used in battle to increase their power or add additional utility.

 

 

Conclusion

Totem is unlike most browser games with an unusually heavy focus on PvP elements while still carrying above average campaign/questing elements. I am a big fan of competitive PvP and appreciated the elo matchmaking system to ensure more even matches as the beta continued on. You should never get obliterated once you have time to learn the game. I had a lot of fun playing this game although I do wonder what updates they have in store as it lacks a bit of variety in gameplay outside daily quests and PvP once the campaign is complete. If you are a big fan of the concept of unit cards, and upgrading them to make your deck stronger than you should definitely check out Totem as few browser titles do the genre justice like it.

Totem Online

Totem Online offers fast-paced tactical card-based action in a PvP focused hybrid. Take up arms by combining the strength of three races and you build an unstoppable force across a well orchestrated campaign. Then hone your skills in intense PvP battles against other players of equal skill to your own. With player skills, a per-match gold system escalating battles, and unique hybrid characters, you won’t find a browser game in 2012 quite like Totem.

Forsaken WorldÂ’s War of Shadows Expansion Set to Launch

Forsaken World’s War of Shadows Expansion Set to Launch

 

 

The ferocious Lycan reign supreme in Forsaken World with the release of Perfect World Entertainment’s latest major expansion for its free-to-play, fantasy MMORPG, War of Shadows.  Starting on December 12, 2012, players can look forward to the new playable Lycan race, brand new dungeons with powerful new gear rewards, and an extensive overhaul of skills and talents.

 

“The War of Shadows expansion will change Forsaken World forever with the addition of the Lycan race,” says Senior Product Manager Mark Hill.  “With the launch of this expansion, players can also look forward to new challenges and rewards in the form of group and solo dungeons, as well as a newly balanced skill and talent system.”

 

 

Check out the new race in action in this just launched trailer.

 

The Elder Scribe: Jorunn, Nameless Mage, Dev Questions, and Aldmeri Dominion Pt 1 AMA

The Elder Scribe: Jorunn, Nameless Mage, Dev Questions, and Aldmeri Dominion Pt 1 AMA

Recapped by Shannon Doyle (Leliah), OnRPG’s Elder Scribe

 

 

It’s been two weeks since the last time OnRPG turned it’s eyes towards Elder Scrolls Online and boy has a lot happened! One of the twice a month Ask Us Anything session was released this week. It focuses on the Aldmeri Dominion but also answers questions about the game in general. Two developer videos have been made which as the players questions. A short story about Jorunn the Skald-King has been released and the Nameless Mage is nameless no more.

 

Ask Us Anything: Aldmeri Dominion Pt 1

Fans have been submitting questions via Twitter and Facebook to find out more about the Aldmeri Dominion and other more general Elder Scrolls Online questions. I’ve picked out just a few of the best.

 

 

How did the Aldmeri Dominion come to be formed in the first place? – By Luke Heys

 

It was really the brainchild of Queen Ayrenn, after assuming the throne of Alinor. Having traveled Tamriel extensively before returning to Summerset, she was aware of the dire threats menacing the world, and saw it as the proper duty of the Elves to put things right. At the same time, the Wood Elves and Khajiit were facing troubles of their own and in need of allies, so they came together to form the Dominion.

 

 

Will the Khajiit players in The Elder Scrolls Online also get a choice in sub-species, or will the default still be Suthay-raht? I know that they are the most common breed, but is there any more back-story as to why every Khajiit you meet in Vvardenfell, Cyrodiil and Skyrim are Suthay-raht? Do the others never leave Elsweyr? – By Brandy Dills

 

 

Among the Khajiit, the race of feline humanoids who originate from Elsweyr, the Suthay-raht are indeed the most common breed, and at launch, all player-character and non-player-character Khajiit in ESO will be Suthay-raht. Now, will you glimpse more Khajiit sub-species in ESO in the future? Only time will tell!

 

 

There hasn’t been a ton of content in Valenwood in the past. How exciting is it for the people working on places in Tamriel that have not been prominently featured in the past? – By Chris McNamara

 

We know from existing lore that Valenwood is an exaggeration of our own world’s jungles and deep forests. Combine that with a bit of the look seen in The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind, and we take it from there. The opportunity to take clues and hints from lore and turn them into living, breathing places has excited everybody in art, game design, and audio. What could be better?

 

 

I wish for more information about the cultures of the Wood and High Elves. It is the culture that really gives a people its depth, and what subconsciously governs at least my attraction to certain races. What entertainment do the elves enjoy? Do the Wood Elves enjoy poetry? Do the High Elves hunt for sport? Are there any beloved Elf vocalists? How would the Elf lords enjoy an evening off duties? What forms of art have been popular through the ages? – By Joakim Brorson

 

Both High Elves and Wood Elves have an abundance of rich and tremendously detailed background lore. These ancient races have had a very long time to establish their own unique cultures. We’ve made sure that this kind of lore about the Elves will be included in the game—in plenty—in all the classic ways cultural lore is delivered in the Elder Scrolls games: quest dialogue, conversations with NPCs, lore books of all kinds, music, item crafting, and so forth.

 

The buildings of Alinor are said to look like they are “made from glass or insect wings.” If the Summurset Isles are traversable at release will we see a design reminiscent of this? And will we see theCrystalTowerfor that matter?! – By Callum Parker

 

When The Elder Scrolls Online launches, the playable part of the Summerset Isles will be Auridon, the big island between Summerset and the continent that includes the cities of Firsthold and Skywatch. The architecture of the High Elves is fanciful, certainly, but it’s also practical, constructed of real-world materials. Architects can’t make buildings out of poetry!

 

 

Developers Question of the Week 1 & 2

To help foster community and keep people coming back to Elder Scroll’s social media sites Developers have been making short videos asking players questions about the Elder Scrolls series. This might also give them a few ideas for the future. The first question was posed by Senior Content Designer Greg Roth. He asked, “Who is your favorite villain in the Elder Scrolls series and why?” Though comments have been disabled players are able to submit answers on Twitter and Facebook. More than 200 responses have been made on Facebook so far. Here are just a couple of answers:

 

 

 

Maro, the captain of the Emperors body guards in Skyrim. Maro took the Dark Brotherhood, one of my favorite groups of characters in any game, and did the worst things he could to them. He got one to sell out my character, and then double crossed them and slaughtered all but two. Its one of the times when I’ve really, legitimately wanted to hurt a villain in a videogame. –Eric Duey

 

 

The player, what elder scrolls has always encapsulated for me is the power and choice to be whoever I want whenever I want be they good, bad evil or exceptionally ugly in the case of our unfortunate orc friends. It’s my hope that this concurrent theme will be reflected strongly still in the online debut of the Elder Scrolls. –Daryl Richards

 

 

I would have to say that my favorite villain from the elder scrolls series would be none other than Lucien Lachance from the Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion. In all the history of the Dark Brotherhood, Lucien has lead one of the most colorful lives of any man. A master manipulator, Lucien had your fellow brother and sisters convinced that not only was he their leader and friend, but also that there were deep bonds that tied them all to one another. And then, when you began to show prominence in the brotherhood, he even sunk his corrupting words into you, convincing you to murder your brothers and sisters, your friends, to advance his own master schemes. In the end, Lucien was stopped before his own plans came to fruition, but the impact he made upon the history of the order will never be forgotten. –Chris Cantly

 

 

The current question being asked comes from Effects Lead Todd Yarbrough. He asks, what monsters are you looking forward to from zones which have previously been in Elder Scrolls games. So far there have been over 300 responses on Facebook. And of course people can answer anytime.

 

 

I want to say mudcrabs but that would be silly, hmm I would have to say the falmer. They are really one of the few enemies that have a culture of their own. And during the Second Era the falmer were still at a height of population and power that they could lead raiding parties to the surface. Also since the falmer live in all the dwemer ruins it would make sense to have them set as a recurring and common foe. And of course I would be interested in seeing what you- the developers have planned for us in that regard. –Benjamin Camron

 

 

The hagravens were throughly challenging during the early levels, so naturally I loved them. Their ability to both cast devastating fireballs and do heavy unarmed damage was a far higher treat level than the mammoths, who you could just run away from, regen and then reengage. –Jens Glibstrup

 

 

Hands down – like many before me have probably said – the Silt Striders. These magnificent beasts were always the ones to make me arch an eyebrow. Granted I was just above ten years old when I first played Morrowind, but it took me a while to realize they were actually creatures.
Every time installing the game I’d marvel at the different descriptions of the creatures. Silt Strider, Bone Lord, Daedroth, they were all equally interesting, inspiring, or even haunting.
But if I had to pick one, it would be great to see my favourite, and really the only insect I don’t have a fit when I see, again incorporated into the Elder Scrolls!
I mean, who’s never dreamt about riding a giant bug between cities? –Axel Lindner Olsson

 

 

Stories of Tamriel: Jorunn the Skald-King

A new series has been started which will give just a small story from the world of Tamriel. The first is a tale of Jorunn the Skald-King by Helgreir Lute-Voice, Bard of Windhelm. The small sneak peek into the lore surrounding Elder Scrolls Online has created a lot of excitement and discussion. I won’t ruin any of it here for you though as they went through the effort of putting it all into an adorable little book. So have a look for yourself by following the link. http://www.elderscrollsonline.com/en/news/post/2012/12/03/the-stories-of-tamriel-jorunn-the-skald-king

 

 

Nameless Mage Named

 

There was recently a contest for the players to name a Dark Elf character who was until recently called The Nameless Mage. Over 5,700 entries were submitted and after reading through them all one came out on top. The winning entry was from Jim inAlbany,California. So, here is the biography of Dark Elf Mage, Malkur Valos.

 

Malkur Valos was the only child of the Dunmer wizard, Maros Valos.  When Malkur’s mother died in childbirth, Maros summoned a Golden Saint to protect and care for his son.  Maros was killed in a mage’s duel and Malkur’s Daedric protector honored her commitment to the infant by taking him to Lord Sheogorath’s realm. 

The son of a powerful Dunmer wizard, Malkur is naturally gifted in the arcane arts and shares the distrusting, disdainful temperament of his race.  Under the tutelage of the Aureals, Malkur acquired steadfast principles of honor, duty, and fidelity to his word.  The inescapable influence of the Shivering Isles imbued him with a measure of unpredictability in his methods.

Eventually, Malkur was drawn to return to his native Tamriel, where his talent, honor, and innovation soon caught the attention of Vanus Galerion.  When Malkur swore to uphold the principles and objectives of the Mages Guild, those principles and objectives became the unwavering core driving his every action, though that was not always apparent to superficial observers.

Gavis Velas, who died (3E 427) while avenging his brother, Ovis, is a descendant of Malkur Valos.

 

 

It has been a quite exciting time and things seem to be only getting started. I’ll keep collecting information as it’s released and get it to you. Check back again in two weeks for more news from Elder Scrolls Online.

OnRPG Shotgun News 12/11: Transformers MOBA, POTCO, Chrono Tales, and Much More!

OnRPG Shotgun News 12/11: Transformers MOBA, POTCO, Chrono Tales, and Much More!

By Shannon Doyle (Leliah), OnRPG Journalist

 

 

Transformers Universe to be a MOBA

News has come out that browser based Transformers Universe is to be a MOBA instead of an MMO. In an interview with Edge Online Chief Creative Director Alex Horton said the following:

 

“Transformers are about war; they’re about action. They don’t carry gold, bake bread, catch fish, cut down trees. But for all they take away, they throw open so many more opportunities,” says Horton about the reasoning behind the retooling. “Maybe there’s more in a selection of characters and abilities, and the strategy in that, than there is [in] levelling a character endlessly and going through fuck loads of boss battles.”

 

 

World of Tanks Dev Want To Know What You Think

Wargaming.net producer Dmitry “Overlord” Yudo has taken to his blog to get player feedback on World of Tanks’ clan wars mode. In it he says that development on it has been “rather slow” but that he is determined to change this in the future. So far there have only been 8 responses. You can read them and even leave your own at the following link. http://overlord-wot.blogspot.ie/2012/12/wot-your-global-war.html

 

 

Revive POTCO Group Petitions Disney

A group of organized players of Pirates of the Caribbean Online have started a petition in the hopes to get attention from Disney to help save their stagnant MMO. POTCO was launched in 2007 and though according to the Revive POTCO group the last major update was in December of 2011 there is still a large core of dedicated fans. These fans are hoping to grab Disney’s attention to get some updates to the game to keep the fans they have and save the game from what seems like it can only be a slow death. To find out more about the petition or sign it yourself head to the group’s website. http://revivepotco.org/

 

 

R2Games Announces Broken Realm

R2Games has announced a new medieval fantasy MMO called Broken Realm. In it there are four classes, each with three subclasses. There are also a number of unique game systems you’ll only find in Broken Realm. They include Wisdom, Military Rank, and Dragon’s Hoard. There isn’t much more on the game yet and the website is somewhat limited.

 

 

Chrono Tales Enters Closed Beta

For the next two weeks players will be able to take part in Chrono Tales’ closed beta testing. Players can only go as far as level 40 and all progress will be wiped at the end of the two weeks. By going on the official website players can get all sorts of giveaways, from gift packs to daily log in bonuses.

 

 

Silkroad Online Reveals Hunting Event

As part of the ongoing updates to Silkroad Online Joymax has announced a massive hunt to take place starting December 18th. This is when Part 2 of the major updates comes and 15 million players will take part in a massive world wide event called “Roc Time Attack!” At various times in the two starter regions Roc will be summoned. Players then have 10 minutes to defeat it. If this happens a second one will spawn, and players will again have 10 minutes to defeat it. And if they manage this then a three unique monsters will spawn. These must all be defeated in…you guessed it, 10 minutes. Completion of the event offers a variety of rewards which includes epic armor and weapons.

Star Wars: The Old Republic Game Update 1.6: Ancient Hypergate is Live!

Star Wars: The Old Republic Game Update 1.6: Ancient Hypergate is Live!

 

 

Star Wars The Old Republic

 

This Game Update brings some exciting new content to The Old Republic™ including:

 

         Warzone: The Ancient Hypergate lets you test your strength with a brand new PvP game mechanic. In this Warzone, Republic and Empire forces are locked in a brutal conflict to control two energy pylons. You must fight to take control of these powerful pylons and kill any foes in your way to discharge a massive blast of energy through your faction’s gate. The first team to open their portal will unleash deadly reinforcements to wipe out enemy players.

 

         Heroic Space Missions will challenge your galactic piloting skills. Both Republic and Empire classes have six new repeatable Level 50 Heroic Space Missions. These updated Space Missions are the most intense Space Missions to date and players who are up to the challenge can earn Black Hole Commendations to spend on ship upgrades, high level gear, and more!

 

 

Game Update 1.6: Ancient Hypergate also includes a number of minor fixes and changes to the game. You can read about all the details in the Game Update 1.6 Patch Notes. As with other Game Updates, the patch will download automatically the next time you log in through your game launcher.

 

 

Former Subscribers – don’t forget to reactivate your subscription by December 20, 2012 to receive Complimentary Cartel Coins, for your previous paid months, to spend in the Cartel Market. Check the Cartel Coins Ledger to see how many Complimentary Cartel Coins are waiting for you!

Heroes of the Realm

Heroes of the Realm is a mix of RPG, strategy, and collectible card battling all in one. You develop a kingdom from the ground up, building it however you see fit. There are over 350 different heroes to collect in the game, and various enchantment and other cards that help you in battle. You can customize a great deal in the game, from the squads your heroes form, to their AI settings. There are also PvP arenas to compete in.

 

Features

350+ Heroes: Collect hundreds of different units, each with their own abilities and strengths! Build a deck around them, and set them out to conquer your foes.

Kingdom Building: Develop a nation however you want. The growth of your empire is yours to dictate, control, and command!

Customizable: Set up formations, hero squads, AI settings, and more. Tweak things as needed to form a working strategy for you, and use it to emerge victorious every time!

PvP Colosseums: Challenge other players around the world in exciting PvP combat. Pit your skills and strategies against theirs in arena play, and see who reigns supreme.