Monthly Archives: January 2013

OnRPG Shotgun News 1/7/13: DCUO, Age of Empires, and Champions Online

OnRPG Shotgun News 1/7/13: DCUO, Age of Empires, and Champions Online

By Shannon Doyle (Leliah), OnRPG Elder Scroll

 

 

Hi everyone! Welcome to more Shotgun News. This is the first update in 2013 because I was busy putting my feet up and slaying dragons. But now I’m back so expect more daily news from the MMO universe.

 

 

DCUO Shows Off New Housing System

In a live stream on Friday SOE revealed the new player housing system coming with the Home Turf DLC which is scheduled for release sometime early this year. During the 19 minute stream the audience were treated to an early look at the feature. As well as the news that even free players would get a little slice to call their own.

 

 

Age of Empires Updates No Longer “Cost Effective”

Microsoft has announced that due to cost cutting players would no longer receive updates to Age of Empires Online. Customer support, community challenges, and bug fixing will still take place. But the expensive top tier content that has been published until now has come to an end.

 

Champions Mega Event Brings New Costumes and More

A new mega event will be starting on Friday, January 11th with a new planned release every two weeks for two months straight. In addition to missions a free costume piece will be given away and the new Grav Bike Arsenal lockbox.

Absolute Force Online Upcoming Update Brings New Events, Maps and More

Absolute Force Online Upcoming Update Brings New Events, Maps and More

 

Absolute Force Online

 

NetDragon has just announced several elaborate elements to be included in its newest FPS, Absolute Force Online. At the end of 2012, AFO successfully finished its closed beta testing phase, and officially began to allow open registration in open beta, demonstrating the company’s great new addition to its gaming lineup.

 

 

In the near future, there will be new holiday and special event weapons added, as well as a Spring Festival themed map, and new ‘Heroes’ will all be there for players to choose from. What’s more, a stronger and deeper customization function will also become available for players to make their in-game characters unique and exciting. Players will have the ability to change their faces, hair style, skin, and tattoos from among the numerous styles available. As for weapons, players can enhance the looks of weapons, and paint them with special patterns that can be unlocked. A character development system will also be available in the future, bringing players the ability to gain special titles, fulfill in-game achievements, and strengthen the various weapons and equipment.

 

 

Among all of these future additions, the most attractive to players is the enhanced ‘Zombie Mode’. Together with two new zombies types, the Werewolf and Vampire, newly designed maps will be added to this mode. As before, humans in Zombie Mode will be able to receive new weapons that are powerful enough to protect themselves from the undead. Players can purchase the type of zombie they like, and can choose to become that zombie upon infection, while zombies will also be allowed to respawn in-game. With the popularity of zombie lore in recent years, it’s sure to be one of the more popular game modes available.

Sandbox Games – The MMO Industry’s Reality Check and Rise of Freemium

Sandbox Games – The MMO Industry’s Reality Check and Rise of Freemium

By Jordan Hall (ApocaRUFF), OnRPG Journalist

 

 

To anyone that has been following recent MMO news, it will be obvious that the industry is heading towards a more sandbox-y direction. Freedom and options are quickly cutting a path to the top preferred features in an MMORPG. People want to be able to live virtual lives, rather than get on a virtual themepark ride. I don’t know about you, but I am truly excited about this and it’s about damn time.

 

 

As well as sandbox mechanics becoming the norm, Freemium is on the rise as well. Freemium is when a game offers a free account type that is usually limited in some way, as well as a non-limited pay to play option. Freemium games often have non-pay-to-win cash shops that offer cosmetic and time-saving items, but nothing that gives you a game breaking advantage over other players. This is also something I like as it provides free gameplay with quality development, without a pay-to-win cash shop that ruins the game.

 

 

As they always do, Indie games have paved the way with their risky innovation, and the large companies are following in their path. In 2006, Rolf Jansson introduced Wurm Online. This is a game that I often consider the grandfather of modern sandbox games. In reality, it is still growing up itself. Rolf took a chance by creating a game where hard work and dedication are required to accomplish goals and achieve greatness. No hand-holding, no direction, and no restrictions are what he offered. It’s safe to say he delivered, too.

 

 

Six years of trial and error later and Wurm Online is finally ready to raise its head out of the depths of the internet. On 12/12/12 Wurm officially released with version 1.0 which greatly improved the game. Adding multistory buildings, better models and animations for everything, and a bunch of other improvements. With the goal of release-ready state reached, Rolf decided to begin advertising the game. Not that this was needed, as the games population had been rising steadily with word-of-mouth alone. I’ve been playing off-and-on for years and I’ve been amazed at how much the population has grown in the past year or so alone. I will also mention that Wurm has been using the Freemium system since the beginning.

 

 

Speaking of 12/12/12, Darkfall: Unholy Wars was released on this date and it is the next sandbox game worth mentioning. After months upon months of nearly no support for Darkfall 1, Aventurine finally let the cat out of the bag and let the gaming community know just what it was doing all this time – developing a whole new game! With Darkfall 1 they took a chance. It’s hard to judge whether that chance was a success or not, however. Why? Because while it can be agreed that Darkfall 1 was great, it was closed down. But then there is the fact that a new game with the same setting, using an updated version of the same engine, and same overall concept was released. And it’s too early to see whether or not Darkfall: Unholy Wars is a success or not.

 

 

 

Mortal Online launched in 2010 and has been going ever since. It started with a lot of hype, but in recent times it has been on the brink of dying. The population was low, the game was broken – things looked very bleak. But then Awakening was released. Awakening fixed a lot of problems, improved the game’s AI (making the PvE aspects an actual draw for new players rather than a burden), and completely replaced the user interface with a much smoother and better working one. But even all this could not keep the players, and eventually the population dwindled again.

 

 

Then Star Vault made an announcement that no one expected: Mortal Online F2P. Along with a majority of the niche fans of the game, I was completely floored by this announcement. I admit I always thought that Mortal might have to go free to play to survive, but I did not except it to happen so soon. There was literally no warning for this announcement. No hype, no hints, just one day we all logged on to the forum and BAM it was there.

 

 

As with all games that go free to play, or at least offer a free to play option, the population in Mortal skyrocketed. Tindrem, the biggest city in the game, was completely packed with new and old players alike. It was a sight to behold and one I will never forget. The amount of people that jumped at the chance to play the game is proof that innovative sandbox features are what the players want. They want the freedom that until now only indie developers have been offering.

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I said, “until now” because one of the biggest names in Western MMO publishing has completely switched its stance. In the past, SOE was synonymous with themepark. Recently, however, that has changed completely. Just about every game in SOE’s library has sandbox features now. Everquest 2 and vanguard have extensive housing systems that allow for a lot of creativity. Wizardry Online throws permanent death in to the mix, something that has always been avoided by any developer who wanted to keep their players. To my knowledge, all SOE games now offer a Freemium system, too. Innovation seems to be oozing out of SOE’s current line-up by the gallons.

 

 

And to top it off, SOE has announced two up-and-coming Sandbox games it will be releasing: Dragon’s Prophet and EverquestNext. Both games promise unmatched sandbox features that will change the face of the MMORPG industry. I am personally praying that they are right. If they keep this up, they will almost make up for the horrible tragedy that Star Wars Galaxies became. Almost.

 

 

Of course, EVE Online also deserves a mention. Personally, I have never gotten into the game. It’s just too hardcore for even me. I have an incredible amount of respect for anyone who can play EVE for longer than a couple of months; it takes extreme dedication. EVE was released in 2003, and while it had a rocky start, it has been growing and growing since. Now it is definitely one of the most successful MMORPGs out there. The innovation that EVE has brought to the industry is something I am truly grateful for. They proved that a hard sci-fi space simulator on a large scale can be successful, and I have seen many games adopt features that CCP pioneered with EVE. One thing I wish more game developers would adopt that CCP has done already is the Council of Stellar Management. I have seen games try, and fail, to copy CCP’s concept and I eagerly await the next game to successfully implement a similar council.

 

 

This change of direction isn’t just happening in the West, either. Games like ArcheAge and Age of Wushu, which is being released in the West soon after the time that I am writing this article, show that freedom and choice are extremely valued by gamers in other parts of the world as well. Both of these games offer innovation that a majority of Western MMO’s haven’t even begun to touch yet. I used to dread when another WoW-clone Asian fantasy game came to the West; now I am excited to see what is next.

 

 

I believe I’ve provided enough evidence to prove my point. The industry is being taken in a new direction. Sandbox and Freemium games are on the rise. And the games I mentioned are only a portion of the games that offer sandbox elements. There are games like Guild Wars 2 or the Elder Scrolls Online. The future of the MMO industry looks bright for the players. Finally we are beginning to be released from the strangle-hold that has been the WoW-Clone. No longer are the ‘good games’ restricted to those with the money to pay monthly subscription fees. I feel that we will be entering a Golden Age of MMO gaming in the near future. For once, people will be asking, “Which of these great games should I play?” rather than, “Are there ANY good games out there? Please?”

MMO Predictions for 2013

MMO Predictions for 2013

By MerryQuiteContrary, OnRPG Journalist

 

 

So, it is that time of the year again. It is the time of year when predictions are running rampant- anywhere from your sad, sorry love life to the gaming world. And this is where I come in; however, I don’t know anything about your love life. You will probably be miserable again this year. Since you are going to have all this free time on your hands (because you are alone and dejected) why not play an MMO. I’m here to kick off the first of a series of OnRPG writers laying out their predictions so let’s get started with the game that started my position at OnRPG so many months ago.

 

 

WORLD OF WARCRAFT

In the hopes of keeping current Blizzard will continue to push out content patches of recycled material. Another raid instance full of trolls? Why, yes please! Said no one. Ever. Aside from the numerous content patches that will shoved down our throats Blizzard will, late in the year, announce the next expansion. It will likely include more dailies.

 

 

As for this expansion, Garrosh Hellscream will turn into the Sha of insert emotion of your choice and Lady Sylvanas Windrunner will take her rightful place as the leader of the Horde. But what of Vol’jin you ask? Always a bridesmaid never the bride. Thrall, once the proud leader of the horde is now skipping through butterfly filled meadows like the dirty hippie he has become. Slyvanas will begin her tenure by systemically annihilating all player characters with a bastardisation of the name Arthas. She will rule from her Undercity throne room where she will finally get a chair.

 

 

 

GUILD WARS 2

Guild Wars 2 has been out since September of 2012 and has already won numerous game of the year awards. 2013 will see everyone take those awards back and the game will fade into mediocrity. Guild Wars 2 will continue to give us a monthly event until autumn of 2013 when the first expansion will be announced.  It will contain the largest, dullest jumping puzzle ever. 2013 will also be the year we still don’t get a Looking For Group tool.

 

 

RIFT

Nothing will happen in Rift. It will just carry on as it has been. Trion will rest on its laurels throughout most of 2013.  It probably won’t go F2P this year but it is possible for 2014, especially with some potentially great games coming out.  And I will have a max level of every class archetype. So there is that.

 

 

EVERQUEST 2/NEXT

There will be another expansion for EverQuest 2 though it will be a haphazard affair as SOE is concentrating on EverQuest Next. EverQuest Next will go into closed beta in 2013. I predict I will get an invite. Or I won’t. There is a lot of talk from the powers that be that EverQuest Next will revolutionise the MMO genre. I don’t see this happening but if anyone could revolutionise the MMO genre it would be Sony. 

 

 

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ELDER SCROLLS ONLINE

Elder Scrolls Online will be released mid-year 2013. It will suffer from a bad launch as the game won’t be ready. Once the name calling and finger pointing dies down from the gaming community it will settle into a respectable place somewhere in the middle of the pack after it goes F2P.

 

 

WILDSTAR

The sleeper hit of 2013. This game will be released under the radar of most but will ultimately do quite well. This is the game I am most looking forward to this year. It has housing. ’nuff said. If you haven’t checked it yet-go do it!

 

 

Apparently I’m of similar mind-set to the editors as they seem to have the same thoughts for both Elder Scrolls and Wildstar in 2013.

 

Second Closed Beta Test Registration for ArcheBlade is Now Available

Second Closed Beta Test Registration for ArcheBlade is Now Available

 

ArcheBlade

 

Codebrush Games, Korean independent game studio, announced today their second closed-beta test (CBT) of its multiplayer fighting game ArcheBlade. ArcheBlade is a third person point of view fighting game that allows users to fight alongside multiple other players in real time. Users control one of several unique personalities based on the Korean fantasy novel ‘ArcheBlade’.

 

 

The CBT runs between 24 and 30 January of 2013. The game servers will open from (PST) 10:00 to 01:00 next day (15 hours a day). To join the test, go visit http://beta.codebrush.net, and sign up for a simple registration form.

 

 

“In the 2nd CBT, we added new features such as a new character, a rage skill, a free-for-all map, and etc”, said Jin, CEO of CodeBrush Games. “And we tried to manage the issues from the 1st CBT like some technical problems and character balancing. Hopefully everyone who participates in the test will enjoy playing ArcheBlade.”

Tyrian Times – The Detached Personal Story and You

Tyrian Times – The Detached Personal Story and You

By Meredith Watson, OnRPG’s Tyrian Reporter

 

 

There is a unique element to Guild Wars 2. It is something that most MMOs don’t do. What I am referring to is the personal story. We all have one; though, I wonder does it actually add anything to the game itself or the immersion factor.  There are some games, for example World of Warcraft, that have full immersion without a personal story. I am not sure that having a premade story for your character is such a great idea. Most players, especially roleplayers, create their own stories for their characters. While I don’t actively roleplay, creating my own backstory is something I do in most games I play. Except in Guild Wars 2 it has been done for me and I am not sure I like it.

 

 

At character creation, depending on the race the player selected, he is given several choices which ultimately form his story. Though no matter what the player’s personal story is, the core story is the same for everyone with the personal stories weaving in and out of the main storyline. Each race has their own starting zone and starting story which is essentially a tutorial. 

 

 

For the first ten levels the player’s story centres on meeting their mentor such as Logan Thackery for Humans or Caithe for the Sylvari. By level 20 the player’s character will have to deal with an unresolved issue from their past. This was chosen at character creation and can be anything from missing a chance to perform in the circus to finding a long lost parent. As the character gets closer to level 30 they are made aware of the three orders who are trying to save Tyria from the Elder Dragons. Once a full member of one of the orders, finding ways to weaken Zhaitan, an elder dragon, and protecting Tyria become the two objectives forming the crux of the storyline to level 80. The personal story is much like a soloable instance though you can bring friends. However, the only one that can make decisions is the player to whom the instance belongs. Supposedly, decisions made with the personal story have an actual effect on the future story with thousands of possibilities which should make Guild Wars 2 highly replayable.

 

 

So, do personal stories add anything to the game experience?  Without the personalised stories Guild Wars 2 would be nothing more than public quests, some instances and PvP. It would be like any other MMO that offered this fare (Warhammer Online springs to mind). So, it is fair to say that personal stories are what set GW2 apart. The stories are interesting and in later levels a definite sense of urgency is felt when the story becomes more generic rather than personal. Personal stories are not much more than a distraction, if you will, from the otherwise common trappings of MMO gameplay. There are other features about Guild Wars 2 that set it apart from its contemporaries but for some it isn’t personal stories.

 

 

The problem is that the personal stories don’t connect the player with their character.  For example, when I think of my ranger I don’t associate her with the sister she found or that Tonn died in an explosion. While she was there during these events the results don’t feel a part of her – they don’t feel as they’ve had an impact on her as a character. The immersion is lacking. Now if her sister, who is supposedly a sergeant in the guard, was to show up and offer her help, support or guidance in some way then that might make it more worthwhile. As it is now, she saved her sister and hasn’t seen hide nor hair of her since. I think part of the lack of connection comes from the fact that her “sister” looks nothing like her and their reunion was lukewarm at best. Couple that with never seeing her again and it all becomes a bit pointless. While telling Tonn’s widow of his death is emotional (if you have any empathy at all) it doesn’t make me love my ranger any more or any less. It is just another story with more mobs to kill.

 

 

Overall, personal stories are a nice distraction from what would be a very standard, albeit gorgeous, game. The stories are interesting if a bit formulaic but don’t offer the immersion that a lot of players are looking for. This likely comes from being told what your character’s background is by choosing from a limited amount of options. The concept is good but I fear the execution of personal stories leave something to be desired.

Ecol Tactics Online Announced by GamesCampus

Ecol Tactics Online Announced by GamesCampus

 

Leading online game publisher GamesCampus today announced their first browser title, Ecol Tactics Online!  A turn-based browser strategy game, Ecol takes its inspiration from hallmark tactical roleplaying games with a depth of story and customization not found in typical browser games.

 

“The first thing players will notice is the retro style of graphics; the game is designed around pixel art on beautiful backdrops,” said Elliott Coward, Producer for Ecol Tactics Online.  “From there players will dive straight into their own story of mercenaries, where the intrigue of the kingdom is thick and the future is foggy at best.”

 

Ecol Tactics Online is a full tactical MMORPG experience, right in your browser – no downloads required!  No staring at spreadsheets or watching a stamina cool down renew; play the game at your pace!  With an epic storyline that will extend across four different continents with hundreds of side quests and unique events, players will be amazed by how smooth and responsive a browser game can be, all in their existing browser.

 

There’s plenty more to come from Ecol Tactics Online before the closed beta begins later this month.  Players can watch for more information on the official Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/ecoltacticsus or Twitter at @EcolTactics, including how to get a limited closed beta key from participating media partners.