Browser-Based Games Bring in Massive User Base
Browser-Based Games Bring in Massive User Base
Florida-based Artix entertainment has seen a surprising amount of users lining up to play and participate in their extremely popular browser-based games. With more than 400,000 unique hits per day, the browser-based MMORPG’s have begun to rival the user base of even the larger games such as World of Warcraft. As long as this type of tremendous user base exists, it becomes excessively clear that there are all manner of possibilities in store for these types of simple games.
With a stable of three popular games, Adventure Quest, MechQuest, and DragonFable, the company has seen staggering amounts of popularity and numbers that rival even that of the largest online video games. With over 60 million accounts created in the last five years for these games, it seems clear that while the thunder and publicity might have gone to games such as World of Warcraft over the years, these smaller, simpler games have seen a tremendous level of interest from players around the world who are happy to log on and participate in these browser-based graphical adventures.
In addition to the staggering amount of traffic, about 33% of visitors tend to be loyal and continue playing the game, maintaining an active account with at least one of the games. One of the secrets to success is the constant updating that the games undergo on a weekly basis. Knowing that the game will have something new to offer every time that the player logs on goes a long way towards interesting new players, as well as keeping older players constantly returning. Without the effective method of generating interest, these games would very likely see far less interest from players at large.
One of the most popular games, Adventure Quest, is very similar to many other medieval role-playing type games that feature customizable armors and other, similar features. With the ability to level up, improve the players gear and participate in the online world, there is a tremendous amount of similarity between the game and other games that the competition features.
With all of popularity involved in these types of browser-based games, it is not surprising to see so much effort focused on development and producing similar games at different production houses around the world. As more and more individuals log onto the Internet, it is excessively clear that the options for entertainment have not come close to tapering out and that there are a tremendous amount of entertainment options available for anyone who wishes to take the time to enjoy these types of activities.
As the world of the Internet grows larger, it is only natural to see more and more companies such as Artix branch out into this type of free MMORPGs in order to take advantage of the burgeoning field of players who enjoy hacking and slashing their way through one dungeon after another. With this tremendous level of popularity, it is not surprising that so many individuals are happy to spend their time leveling up and running for gear in the world of fantasy that exists on the web. For Artix’s latest project, check out Adventure Quest Worlds.
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Darkfall Online Really Exists
Darkfall Online Really Exists-Much Maligned Game Sees Hands-On Review
The team at Aventurine has been hard at work bringing innovation to the MMORPG world. With the tremendous amount of attention that the developers have received in recent years, it seems that the release of the Darkfall Online MMO was based on smoke and mirrors. With no physical proof that a game actually existed with this name, there was much doubt and derision cast upon the developer.
But all that has changed with the release of a reviewable copy of an early build of the game to Italian reviewers. Although poorly translated, the play-by-play Journal of the game experience makes it clear that the game is far more than just vaporware and that it might very well be the World of Warcraft killer that it was advertised as from the start. Once the player logs on, they choose from six playable races, adjust hairstyles, clothing and facial characteristics and basically modify their character using sliders. Each race has a choice of three different starting areas, amounting to a total of 18 different starting areas altogether.
While the control system seems somewhat complex, it is simply something of a learning curve because it is quite different from other MMORPG titles. The learning curve is somewhat steep but the buttons are completely customizable, making it easy enough to change the settings to mimic whatever type of setup you prefer. With an extreme level of personalization, it is not difficult to find the sweet spot that works best for you and jump into the action.
Early quests are generally designed to simply showcase the combat system and help players understand how to move around the game world. The combat takes place completely in real-time and requires the player to actually calibrate their targeting system. When the target moves, you must adjust your aiming as well, as the targeting system is not completely automatic as in an MMORPG such as World of Warcraft. This particular function becomes more and more difficult as the target moves to a farther range. This real-time effort at combat is a massive departure from the norm, making it very difficult for individuals who are used to the handholding element of World of Warcraft to get used to the Darkfall Online system.
The starting areas are filled with goblins, basically referred to as the rats of Darkfall Online. Mobs attack from range, switching to melee gear as the encounter gets up close. Once the player has defeated the particular mob, they can loot them for whatever gear they were using during the battle, including bows, arrows, shields and axes. Since you start out with only a basic level of equipment, you’ll be needing these types of gear almost immediately in order to survive against the incoming mobs.
Since the mobs are somewhat intelligent, at least compared to other free MMORPGs, it is important to use the terrain against them during combat and to use a tactical approach in order to ensure that you are victorious. With a fantastic and detailed approach to the graphics and sound, it is clear that the developers were more interested in functionality and actually being able to use the graphics to your advantage than in fancy effects and pretty lights.
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Darkfall Online Really Exists-Much Maligned Game Sees Hands-On Review
Tabula Rasa to Shut down in February Due to Lack of Interest
Tabula Rasa to Shut down in February Due to Lack of Interest
The sci-fi MMORPG Tabula Rasa will be shut down officially on February 28, according to game publisher NCsoft. Despite the fact that Tabula Rasa had many unique features that differentiate it from other MMORPG’s on the market, it simply did not live up to expectations and did not attract the player base that was necessary to become profitable. Despite the fact that the development team worked long and hard to improve the game before during and after launch, it never quite achieved the player population necessary to justify continued maintenance, as well as the tremendous amount of funding necessary to keep servers running.
Beginning January 10, the game will be free to existing subscribers up until it is shut off for good on February 28. Developers are determined to ensure that remaining active in Tabula Rasa for the next few months is fun and completely worth the players time. The difficulties faced by Tabula Rasa is a reflection of the difficulties that can plague even the most successful MMO games, with extremely high costs and a tremendous amount of developer hours being put into each game as well as a tremendous amount of pressure to perform in order to recoup the investment.
If the MMORPG does not perform suitably well right out of the gate, it is very unlikely that it will ever find its feet and become profitable for the company. The decision made by NCsoft is not unusual in the MMORPG world. Considering how many high budget large-scale games that have been closed down due to lack of interest, it seems clear that the effort to present a profitable and successful MMORPG to the world is hampered by all manner of difficulties, including the need for interested players who aren’t already involved with other MMORPG’s such as World of Warcraft.
The effort to produce a successful MMORPG begins with differentiating the game itself from others available on the market. While Tabula Rasa was unique in a lot of ways, it simply did not catch on with players and has not generated the type of revenue that was expected of the promising game premise. Based in a science-fiction universe, Tabula Rasa was intended to stand in stark contrast to the medieval and fantasy settings that are so prevalent in these types of games.
Despite the unique game setting and mechanics, it simply did not take off and has not generated the level of interest from players that was initially expected. Despite all of this, the game publisher has several other games that are doing quite well and generating tremendous levels of profit, including City of Heroes and Lineage II. with the popularity of these games, it is hard to believe that any MMORPG could fail with such a tremendously dedicated developer base. Despite all of this, it is clear that there are problems keeping even the most popular MMORPG afloat due to exorbitant developer costs and the extended amount of time that the game itself has to remain in beta testing.
In the future, it remains to be seen whether similar MMORPGs will be able to succeed in a crowded marketplace that is overshadowed by the success of games such as Warhammer Online and World of Warcraft. One wonder whether Tabula Rasa could have survived as a free MMORPG, luckily the game will be free to play for the last month before it is shut down.
Source:
http://mmohub.org/2008/tabula-rasa-to-shut-down
Wicked Announces New Details for Priston Tale 2
Wicked Announces New Details for Priston Tale 2
Wicked Announces New Details for Priston Tale 2
Wicked Interactive has officially released some new details documenting some of the character class and details for the highly anticipated MMORPG, Priston Tale 2: The Second Enigma. Considering the extreme popularity of the first Priston Tale, it is not surprising that so many gamers are chomping at the bit to get ahold of the sequel.
The game will include two races and five different classes of characters, including Magician, Disciple, Knight, Huntress and Warrior. Naturally, Knights and Warriors will focus mainly on melee range combat, involving pole arms, axes and swords to do massive damage. Similar to the Amazon in Diablo 2, the Huntress will focus on ranged combat, using javelins and bow and arrow. The Magician focuses on offensive magic and damage dealing spells, while the Priestess class deals more with support magic such as buffs and healing spells. The level of balance between these classes remains to be seen, but it seems somewhat clear that the developers have put a tremendous amount of thought and time into coming up with the basic core classes.
Taking a cue from the synergy system that was updated into Diablo 2, the skill system includes a set of classes and subclasses that allows individuals to have a very different build simply from developing different skills. By focusing on a certain skill, other skills can become more powerful and relation to these types of previously develop skills. With this system, characters should be extremely unique and should never be exactly alike. The system also encourages a strong set up of a synergy based skills system that allows one skill to play off of another to become that much more powerful over time.
The game also includes a new union skill system which encourages party based and cooperative play between teams. The game also includes the socket system and the crafting system, two terms that should be instantly familiar to anyone who has ever played any MMORPG’s in the past.
Naturally, it would not be an interesting free MMORPG if it did not feature a very satisfying and extensive PVP system. Priston Tale 2: The Second Enigma features all manner of player versus player styles, including clan wars, one-on-one battles and party battles. Player versus player combat is restricted to dedicated warfare zones which are also populated with hostile mobs, adding an element of surprise by combining PVE and PVP combat into one area. It is interesting to note that Priston Tale 2: The Second Enigma has a combat system that is based on real-time action, rather than based on timers and rolling for initiative.
In addition, combat attacks can be chained together to create combos that release more powerful damage and can be extremely difficult to overcome in player versus player combat. Running on the Unreal 2.5 engine, the game has spectacular graphics with high quality backgrounds and well thought out characters. Launching in North America later in the winter, it has already seen tremendous amount of success in South Korea where the open beta featured 40,000 concurrent online players only three days after its initial launch. Considering the popularity of the original game, it is not surprising to see so much attention being paid to this much anticipated sequel.
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Hello Kitty Online Celebrates Hello Kitty’s 34th Birthday with in Game Events and Quests
Hello Kitty Online Celebrates Hello Kitty’s 34th Birthday with in Game Events and Quests
Hello Kitty turns 34 on November 1, 2008, so to celebrate this auspicious occasion, the Hello Kitty online game world introduced a week long series of quests as well as multiple charity events that allows players to convert the efforts that they put into the game into the real world money donated to charity. With this focus on celebrating Hello Kitty’s 34th birthday, the entire month of November has been considered to be a special time for players and developers alike. In the game world, players and staff alike are celebrating the 34th birthday to the fullest extent, participating in all manner of celebrations as well as quests that have been implemented for a limited time only.
Players hoping to join in on the celebration are welcomed to sign up at MMOHub and enjoy the range of exciting events as well as the multitude of activities that are planned during the beta testing of the popular game. Hello Kitty online is an MMORPG that is based on the extremely popular characters from Japan. Taking place completely inside of Sanrio Land, the game world integrates all manner of Internet technologies such as video sharing, e-mail and blogs to provide a complete social experience for users and players, even during the game itself.
While the current beta will shut down in order for developers to begin working on the open beta, players will retain their characters and most of the stats and skills in the future versions of the game.
The events include the Hello Kitty birthday party, which is exactly what it sounds like, bringing players together to enjoy many events and quests to celebrate the birthday of the legendary icon. In addition, there will be a massive guild competition that requires players to come together and build representations of New York in the form of its most famous landmarks such as the Empire State building and the Statue of Liberty. Winners will be awarded special items and receive formal recognition in the new zone that they helped to create.
The food for friends Charity event will be an in game Guild contest that allows players to win items for charity. By participating, the guilds will compete in game to craft certain prepared food items and then turn them into the game master, with the best guild declared the winner. The donation to charity will be made in the name of that particular guild and there will be all manner of special guild privileges as well as a small featurette on the guild itself including an interview posted on the official blog and press releases.
Hello Kitty is the first online role-playing game to integrate social websites and Web services into the game itself. Naturally, like any free MMORPG, the game features a player based economy, skill systems, guilds and customizable avatars as well as a leveling system that functions as many MMORPG’s already do. In addition, the game features a unique game world designed by developers that includes New York, Paris, Tokyo and the Flower Kingdom.
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Key Features Revealed for Warrior Epic, New MMORPG from True Games
Key Features Revealed for Warrior Epic, New MMORPG from True Games
International publisher of multiplayer online games True Games Interactive has revealed some of the features and details for the anticipated MMORPG Warrior Epic. With a strong community growing around the Warrior Epic game even before launch, it seems clear that the concept behind the game has hit a chord with many gamers who are looking forward to participating in the game and devouring every screenshot that is available. Set to launch in spring of 2009, Warrior Epic is intended to put a dent in the amount of subscribers that flock to World of Warcraft to get their MMORPG fill
Warrior Epic is an action role-playing game based completely online and set in an original fantasy world. Players will find themselves in charge of a warrior hall where they handle all of their characters and their various adventures. With the ability to recruit from all manner of different types of warrior classes, each with its own style of play, the game is intended to have a strong replay value and generate massive amounts of interest from individuals who are more than happy to participate in this type of groundbreaking new game play.
The warrior hall under the players control can be upgraded to provide more functionality, bringing with it visual changes as well. Players can band together to adventure in a multiplayer campaign, or they can play solo or in adventure mode. In addition, no MMORPG would be complete without the option of player versus player combat.
Naturally, anyone taking part in a popular MMORPG is already familiar with the concept of player versus player combat. One of the most popular aspects of these types of games, PVP is considered to be the cornerstone of the game, bringing enthusiasts from all walks of life and other MMORPG’s that are unsatisfied with the player versus player combat that is offered there. In games such as World of Warcraft, the player versus player combat is often referred to in derisive terms, due to the fact that players are required to spend time in a queue and then allowed to PK each other in only limited encounters. With the Warrior Epic game, player versus player combat takes on a completely new dynamic, offering players a whole new world to take advantage of.
Another extremely unique aspect of the Warrior Epic game is that death does not mean the end of a particular warrior. Opening up all manner of strategic options for players, the game’s unique system allows players to be revived or transformed into spirits that can be used to enhance weapons or even called out to inflict damage on opposing enemies.
With so many innovative features, it is easy to see why players are looking forward to the Warrior Epic game world and taking advantage of the tremendous level of interactive entertainment that is available there. Despite the fact that the game is nowhere near ready to launch, it has already generated a tremendous level of interest among users around the world.
Exclusive Interview with Tantra Global
Interview with Vincent Haoson of Tantra Global
1. Hello and welcome to MMOHub. Thanks for taking a moment to answer a few of our questions. First off, would you please introduce yourself and your company to our readers?
Hi! My name’s Vincent Haoson and I work as a Game Operator for Game Networks. Our company handles the overall operations of Tantra Global.
2. Can you please tell us a little bit about Tantra Global and what the game is all about?
The game then fast tracks to the time now, where it seems monsters have started reappearing and causing mayhem in Tantra. The people are desperately looking for the descendants of the once great kings and you (the player) is one of the few remaining remnants of Tantra’s great past.
3. When can we expect Tantra to officially launch? It’s in Open beta right now I believe.
Tantra Global is already officially Commercial Launched last October 31, 2008.
4. How does PvP Work in Tantra?
There are three types of PvP systems that players could use in Tantra. The first and most common is the Player Killer System. Killing players just for the heck of it rewards you karma points, and if your karma points reaches a certain amount, your character wouldn’t be able to do the most basic of things. Next would be the Duel System where players can invite people to have a duel match with them, the system would then inform the players online who won the duel and this would serve as their bragging rights so to speak. The Last PvP system is the Kruma Maps players can attack other players who are not under the same god, players here would then earn master points of MP for a successful kill, MPs would later on be converted into God points where players could learn God skills.
5. What do you think is Tantra’s single most defining feature? What makes Tantra different from other MMORPGs?
The God War, a pop up message will appear in every players screen in its scheduled time for all the players go automatically to Kruma. Players from Different God will compete for 1 hour by gaining points while killing the other players of the other Gods, the God with the highest points or the God that will break the Center Symbol wins. The price for this War is opening the portal of the Karya Dungeon where players can gain very high experience points in killing monsters to gain level quickly. This War is scheduled everyday and this is one of the Game Features always awaited by all the players.
6. Can you please outline some of Tantra’s other features for our users?
- Enjoying Story Based Quest.
- Unique Character Job/Classes to Choose from.
- New Exciting and Strong Monsters and Boss Monster in every Dungeon and Maps.
- Multiple War that mainly affects the players and the game.
- Hard but Satisfying Upgrading and Crafting System.
7. Does Tantra have a crafting system? What sort of trade skills are available to players?
Tantra has different Crafting Systems. One is the Upgrading Stone Combination which allows you to combine your upgrading stones to make higher upgrading stones for easier upgrading of equipments. Another is the Accessory Crafting System that needs a certain list of items that a player needs to hunt to Craft Special Accessories such us Earrings, Bracelets and Rings.
8. Is there a cash shop in the game? if not will there be? What sort of items will be available in the cash shop? Some people believe that cash shop items can ruin the game for others if they are too powerful. How do you keep the balance between the players who choose to buy cash shop items and those that don’t?
Yes there is and its called Tantra Web Mall, Currently we already release items that is very need by players such as charms that increases HP, Chakra (Stats) and Attack Damage other items are Experience Orbs that will let them gain level a little faster and items that will support them in upgrading their equipments. We survey players what are they need in-game then carefully selects the items that we put in our item mall so that we don’t mess with the game economy and balance.
9. Are there any major updates coming out for Tantra in the near future? If you have anything else to say please say so here.
We have a lot of events lined up this coming month, and episode 2 of Tantra would be out soon. So you guys better watch out for it!
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Learn more about Tantra on our game page here.
Tales Runner, an MMO Adventure Racing Game, Releases New Content Updates
Tales Runner, an MMO Adventure Racing Game, Releases New Content Updates
Sunnyvale, California – November 18th, 2008- Gala-Net Inc. has released a plethora of new content to their latest release, Tales Runner, through the gPotato game portal. Tales Runner recently enjoyed a successful Open Beta launch, and since Open Beta, this free-to-play MMO racing game has taken off with the addition of over 25 new maps and over 100 new items.
The first chapter of release focuses on the Monsters Attack theme. Among some of the new maps that were recently released (but not limited to):
· Angry Lizard Map, one of the most anticipated maps with a new Boss Monster
· Daddy Octopus Map, where players are being chased by a giant octopus that strikes lightning while running through an inverted course system
· Fury of Mommy Octopus Map, where players have to dodge both Mommy and Daddy Octopus (2 bosses) while trying to survive
· Sun and Moon 2, a new horizontal 2D take on a map of one of the original maps
· Super Jump, a map testing the boundaries of how fast a player can bounce in between platforms
In addition, Tales Runner has added over 100 new items including upgradable pets that will aid in races. With the release of the Monsters Attack Chapter, Tales Runner continues to focus on releasing new Boss Monsters through the rest of this year. The Alchemy System will be introduced this season, where players can collect cards at the end of each race and a combination of cards will allow for special items for stat bonuses. The Family System will also make its debut in Tales Runner, groups of players join together and race against other families to receive bonus XP and in-game currency.
For additional information, please visit Talesrunner.gpotato.com.
About Gala-Net
Founded in 2004, Gala-Net, Inc. is a subsidiary of the global online community company Gala, Inc. Together with its European subsidiary, Gala Networks Europe, Gala-Net is a leader in the burgeoning free-to-play online games market. Headquartered in Sunnyvale, Calif., Gala-Net’s diverse service portfolio includes Flyff, Rappelz, Corum Online, Shot Online, Upshift StrikeRacer, and Tales Runner. Through the games portal gPotato (http://www.gpotato.com/ ), gamers can play any of Gala-Net’s games for free, as well as buy in-game currency and virtual items.
Read more about TalesRunner and 150+ other free to play MMOs at:
RF Online is Back! Global Server is Open!
If you haven’t heard yet, the official American servers for the free mmorpg RF Online was scheduled to close. Apparently the game isn’t popular enough for Codemasters to continue publishing it themselves. For all you RF Online fans out there, don’t fret; the game is now being published on a global service called “CCR Inc”. The links on MMOHub have already been updated to link to the new RF Online website at playRF.com
For all of you that don’t know what RF Online is…..
RF, or Rising Force, is a fantasy sci-fi MMORPG. PvP is based on a faction based system with three factions; the factions are Union, Allies and Imperials. The game feels really polished and is definitely worth checking out if you haven’t played it yet.
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OGPLanet Updates LaTale; New Zones and LaDeck System!
When LaTale was first released two months ago I was hoping that OGPlanet would do the game justice by updating it often and keeping it bug free and they did. OGPLanet is introducing new zones for players to explore and a new city, Ves. The new zones OGPlanet is opening for new players are Orca Beach, The Jungle and the Ruins of Ktuka. With new zones comes new quests and challenges so this new update will certainly add a good deal of playability to the already fun LaTale.
Aside from new zones, OGPlanet is launching a new feature called the “LaDeck System” which is basically a glorified lottery ticket. Players can buy Gold Darts of Luck for 9 Astros (Cash Shop Money) and use the darts to try and find treasure in the LaDeck Grid. A single gold dart can mark a 20 x 20 square in the grid and claim whatever rare item is is in the marked area.
Original Press Release:
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November 20, 2008 – Two months after its worldwide launch, OGPlanet’s massively multiplayer side-scroller La Tale is opening yet another chapter of its fantastic world.
Players can explore new areas and brave new challenges. Ves, the newest city, offers beautiful scenery inspired by Indian culture and architecture. Orca Beach and the Jungle are as lush as they are dangerous. Plus, for the truly brave, the Ruin of Ktuka offers great treasures and secrets to those who can survive its challenges.
“The diverse new zones being added to La Tale give players even more to do and see,” said Ross Park, La Tale producer. “Each individual area has its own unique look and feel, and players will find themselves completely immersed in their new surroundings.”
Also coming to the world of La Tale in this new update is the LaDeck system. For just 9 Astros (OGPlanet’s cross-game currency), players can buy Gold Darts of Luck and use it to mark a square on a 20 x 20 LaDeck grid. Behind each square is a prize that ranges from potions to exclusive, ultra-rare items, but players will have to be quick and lucky to be the first to select the 1st Prize square!
More information about these and other La Tale events can be found on the La Tale website at http://latale.ogplanet.com.
About La Tale
La Tale’s whimsical art style and detailed 2D worlds bring a lighthearted touch to the MMORPG genre, and have won it a large following in Asia. Simple gameplay and intuitive quests make La Tale accessible for players of all ages, while the immersive storyline with a variety of characters, enemies and challenges keep the game intriguing.
About OGPlanet
OGPlanet is a leading North American publisher of online games. The company, founded in 2005, offers a selection of some of the best massively multiplayer online games on a free-to-play basis. Users experience beautiful, easy-to-play multiplayer online games without the obligations of a subscription fee. For more information, visit www.ogplanet.com.
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