Triad Game Studios, LLC
Monthly Archives: August 2013
Star Trek Rivals Review: Forgettable at Best
By Vincent Haoson (Ojogo)
Star Trek Rivals is a tie-in mobile app to the sequel of the Star Trek Alternate Universe (AU) movie, Into Darkness. The game takes its cue from the Final Fantasy VIII mini-game Triple Triad and puts you against 1v1 live battles with other players online.
What is Triple Triad?
For those who haven’t played Final Fantasy VIII before. Triple Triad originated from the mentioned FF title. It’s a card based battle where your units are characters that have numbers written on the top, sides and bottom areas of the card. The FFVIII version had characters and creatures from the game as units. While in STR, the units come from the established characters and creatures from both the first Star Trek movie and Into Darkness.
The goal is simple, the person with the most cards in the 3×3 field at the time of the match when no further cards can be played wins. To meet that requirement you need to beat the cards your opponent has played on the field by getting a higher numerical value on one of the sides of his/her card. This can be done two ways: the first option is through a direct face-off with your card while the other roundabout way is to create combos where you can use his/her own card against them to gain the upper hand.
More about the Battles
In FFVIII, card games are done one at a time. In STR they push the limits of your tactical prowess by letting you battle up to 5 times simultaneously. However, the cards you will be able to use are locked for that duration of the battle.
Also, STR deviates from the established Triple Triad gameplay in that you are unable to choose which cards come into play at any given game. You are given a random order of cards to be used and if you don’t like your hand, you are forced to use the premium currency to change it.
Battles are separated into two types. The first one is the random rival mode which, as the title implies, allows you to play against a random person online. This is further segregated into two types where the difference is hinged on the amount of time that must pass before the game’s auto-win mechanic kicks in. On the other hand, you have the friend battles where you will go head to head against another user directly.
There is no option to play against an AI and all battles are done against someone in real time. As mentioned, an auto-win is awarded to a player if his/her opponent doesn’t make a move after a set amount of time. The time setting can be anywhere from 1 hour to 36 hours depending on your preference.
The Cards
As of this review there are a total of 172 cards in play in STR. The game allows you to acquire them through various conventional means such as buying “packs” using real cash, using the in-game currency, or accomplishing missions. Though I must admit I was caught off-guard when I realized the game even has missions given its heavy PvP focus.
The cards are classified into the Standard and the Elite type where each classification has its own card rank that determines rarity. Of course the main protagonists and antagonists are obviously the rarer and stronger cards, while the minor creatures and characters have the lesser, “weaker” value.
You can also “improve” cards by upgrading them which can be done as long as the conditions are met. Depending on its rarity, upgrading cards require multiple copies of said card and a certain amount of in-game currency. Some requirements can go as high as 7 card copies for the lower rarity cards while the higher rarity cards can go as low as 3 copies to upgrade.
Thoughts
As for my final thoughts, I’d have to admit that seeing the Triple-Triad being used like this made me reminisce the time when I used to play FFVIII. Back then, I was hooked on trying to get all the cards the game has and it was a nice distraction from the world saving business Squall et. al had to do.
With that said, removing Triple Triad as a mini-game and having it as a stand-alone game is a stretch by my standards. Yes, it was fun in FFVIII. It had me addicted for a time at least. But it was because it was set as a “mini-game” instead of the main game. While admittedly, STR is a nice game to play if you’re waiting in line or killing time during a work break. The game doesn’t hook you enough to seriously play it.

The lack of the battle against the AI option is one of the biggest problems I have with STR. With the game’s mandatory 1v1 battles, you are forced to wait on players who may suddenly decide to not play anymore after a few turns which is a definite buzzkill, especially if you’re already winning. Of course there’s the other option that you won’t be able to find a “rival” to play with even with the game’s search function. So you’re basically just waiting half the time you’re playing.
The game also restricts the cards you’re able to use to one game at a time, making battles against multiple people simultaneously a chore. Also, having a clean “record” is next to impossible unless you’re willing to wait battles out.
Star Trek Rivals is a forgettable card game type of battle with little to no appeal to those who are not familiar with the AU Star Trek franchise. It was nice seeing the triple triad game being used outside the FF universe. But unfortunately STR just proved that it should’ve stayed in it.
Shotgun News 8/14: C9, Defiance, and Dogs of War Online
By Shannon Doyle (Leliah), European News Editor
C9 Reveals Sixth Continent, Raebin
The sixth continent of Glenheim is coming. On August 21st Continent of the Ninth Seal (C9) will be revealing Raebin, the newest continent to be added. The evil Nefer and his army have invaded the Guardian’s Tower to find Tertis’ Heart. To save Glenheim players will play through each level of the tower’s 20 levels and 3 dungeons. And to celebrate the release Webzen is teaming up with Eurocom to host a massive monster hunting competition.
First Defiance DLC Arrives Next Week
The first DLC for Trion’s shooter Defiance will be released on Tuesday, August 20th. Players who pay for the Castithan Charge Pack will be able to play as Castithan, access a new battle arena game mode, and much more. It will be on sale for $9.99 or 800 Microsoft Points for Xbox Live.
Dogs of War Online Website Launches and Closed Beta Announced
Cyanide has launched the website for their tactical F2P MMO Dogs of War Online. Each player will manage their own company of mercenaries and take part in turn based arena battles. Closed Beta is also expected to launch in late September so anyone interested in giving it a try is advised to watch the site and the social media for more announcements.
Video Games Live Kickstarter Launch
Video Games Live returns for a third round of touring the world bringing the world of video game culture to life with orchestrated concerts, cosplay, and gameplay all rolled into one!
C9 6th Continent Reveal Trailer
New story and new dangers unfold in the Continent of the Ninth Seal. Are you ready to face the combined faces of evil?
SMITE Conquest Mode Visual Rework
Just after Hirez finished improving the balance on the structural side of their original SMITE mode, Conquest, they have now rolled out a new visual rework of the mode creating a truly light versus dark vibe.
Elsword Raven Commander Evolution Trailer
Elsword‘s Raven unleashes the ultimate overheating strength with a new Nasad arm in his second transformation class, the Veteran Commander!
Doomlord
Doomlord is a browser-based multi-player game set in the fantasy world of Ghalla. Create and develop unique characters, deciding which abilities and skills you want to focus on. Hunt mythical creatures for their soul-energy, which you can use to buy potions, weapons and other helpful items.
Complete the daily tasks, or the rituals in the Temple of Doom, for riches and rewards. Challenge and defeat the other Doomlords; catch and train pets to aid you in your battles; and test your knowledge by answering or creating quiz questions. Use any means possible to become the strongest Doomlord in all of Ghalla!
Beholder Ltd.
Beholder Ltd.
Angel’s Wrath Crouching Tiger Server 4 Pack Giveaway
OnRPG is teaming up with LeKool to offer Crouching Tiger Packs for the launch of their fourth server for Angel’s Wrath!
Angel’s Wrath offers a diverse pet system, a huge vibrant world to explore, a unique line-up of playable characters including a monk, archer, dancer, and berserker, along with the usual clan systems, PvP, extensive questlines, and social features you’ll find in modern MMORPGs.
The Crouching Tiger Pack Includes:
Superior Exp Scroll * 1
Healing Med Rank 4 * 1
Energy Med Rank 4 * 1
Enlighten Charm Rank 1 * 3
Enchanting Stone ^ 2
Zephyr * 1
To get your key you have to follow these instructions:
- If you are not yet a member of OnRPG please sign up here.
- Enter your OnRPG username and password below to get your key.
- The key will appear at the bottom of the page. Copy & paste it to a safe place as you may not be able to retrieve it once closing your browser!
To Redeem your Key:
- Make an account and log-in to server 4 of Angel’s Wrath at http://angelswrath.lekool.com/.
- Click the “Event” Icon located on the top right corner of the page once in-game
- Once the event icon pops up, click the “GiftPack” option and enter your code. Your items will appear in your inventory bag.





