Hey, it's been a while since I last did a post! It's the end of August and I wanted to post something for the month as well as share my experience with the many online games I've played. Throughout August, I got back into playing online games again. I was skeptical of what I was doing since online games take a lot of time, especially since I play more than one. But online games have always brought me a lot of happy memories every break when I'm having some down time after working on projects. Online games are also very unique in the way they entertain and enthrall our attention into playing them for hours. It's also something I like to study and make me think of new innovations for creating my own games, creativity I'd like to expand for my future career when making games. I'm mainly going to go through a list of games I've played in the past and recommend which ones are good. It's not much of a game review since it's difficult for me to do so (nor fair) because I don't really get far in a lot of the games I play. The list will go like this:
[Name] and then a * if I'm currently playing it a ' if I'm planning on giving up on it, or a blank if I stopped playing it.
And then (type) of game.
Pros: Good things about it
Cons: Bad things about it
What: The game is about
Gameplay: How the game works
Opinion: What I think
Cool? Yeah this is going to be a long blog, but if you like online games or looking for a game to play with your friends (or me), you might find something interesting here.
Note: The list is not ordered in any way, I'm too lazy to organize it.
[Maple Story]* (MMOARPG)
Pros: Lots of customizing, simple gameplay, many classes to choose from.
Cons: People can be annoying and even rude, game is super grindy, lots of immature kids
What: Maple Story is your typical Role-Playing Game (RPG) where you create your own character and go around helping NPCs (Non-playable characters) as a quest to gain the in-game currency mesos and experience points to level up. You choose what class to become and take a role in a party of fighting, healing, protecting when going through dungeons and boss battles.
Gameplay: (Side-Scroll Action Platformer RPG) It's a side-scrolling platformer with basic controls such as move, jump, and attack. Eventually, you gain more skills to use and assign to keys as you level up.
Opinion: I admit, Maple Story is fun; however, it is super grindy. If you don't know the term (grind), then you would by playing this game because if you're not in a dungeon run or party quest with others, more than likely you'll be standing at a ledge holding down the attack key and killing the same enemies over and over until you become strong enough to get to the next area and do the same thing. Unless you're high-leveled, you die quite easily if you've never encountered an enemy and dive right in with an attack. I used to recommend this game to others, but not so much anymore. Still, if you like side-scroll platform action games, it's worth a try.
Note: Maple Story DS has been announced but unsure of American release.
It's hard to find good game play videos without someone adding music to it. The song added to the video is a remix of a bgm from Cave Story, a freeware game made by Pixel studios.
[Cabal Online]* (MMORPG)
Pros: Fast gameplay, flashy animations, incredible music
Cons: (not sure yet)
What: The game takes place in a mythical world known as Nevareth, which was destroyed by an evil entity known as the CABAL. Out of the survivors, seven "Masters" rose up, each wielding the abilities of the "Force Power". These masters taught the people, and Nevareth was rebuilt. Years later, the CABAL is plotting a return to power, and the characters of the game take up the role of heroes who battle the CABAL uprising and conspiracy. (Wikipedia)
Gameplay: (3D Point-n-Click/WASD) It's 3-D point and click, but you can use QWEASD keys to move your character around. It's weird at first. Unlike most point and click RPGs, you use a skill key to attack rather than furiously clicking on a monster. You do click on an enemy to target them though. I haven't really got a chance to play the game yet, so I don't know how good it becomes later game. It has a map that tells you what level the monsters are good for you so you don't jump in and die though.
Opinion: I tried this game about a year ago and I deleted it very shortly after since I couldn't get used to the button pressing for attacking instead of clicking and the fact I couldn't get the music to play in-game. I like game music, so not having the music really bugged me (a loooot). But just a few days ago, I re-downloaded it and tried it again, but this time on my laptop which I also bought a speedpad for. I only played for about 5-10 mins with the music working and speedpad and I like it a whole lot more. I'm still a bit skeptical about it, but it's supposedly a good game, though so is Fly For Fun which I'll talk about later.
This video is what made me want to play the game.
[Gunbound] (MMOG - Artillery)
Pros: Simple Concept, delightful designs and characters, fun gameplay
Cons: Very bad community, difficult the first time, pro players pwn you
What: Gunbound is a turn-based artillery game that pits players/teams against each other in demolishing the others. If you've ever played worms, it's like that, except each unit is controlled by an individual.
Gameplay: (Turn-based Artillery) The game is all about angles and predicting how the projectile will hit your target. You adjust angle, strength, and sometimes add power ups in finding the fastest way to get rid of your opponent.
Opinion: All my friends played it at one point. My sister played it a lot and was very good at it. I tried it, and did very badly the first time by killing off one of my own team mates. I got better after a while, but it doesn't help how people behave. Other players will reprimand you for being a n00b and missing, or they smack talk you down for hitting them. If you can find a group of friends to play with, then this game will be a lot better experience for you.
This game is fun, but takes a little time to get used to.
[Rakion]* (MMOAG) - Recommended
Cons: Can be a bit difficult, takes a bit of effort to level and gain money, limited classes
What: The story goes like this- The world was once ruled by monsters, and the white dragon controlled the monsters while humans was the minority. Humans eventually decided to take over the world by educating themselves and learning magic. The white dragon would usually wake up from hibernation to kill off some monsters so that they do not over populate and take over entirely, but seeing the humans trying to rule over by killing off the monsters intrigued him. The white dragon made a deal with the humans to have them take over in 500 years before he came back, and that's how the story begins.
Gameplay: (3rd-Person Action) The player assumes the role of a Swordsman, Archer, Blacksmith, Mage, or Ninja in 2 main modes: Mission mode - where you progress through stages with other players, and Arena mode - where players fight against each other.
Opinion: I personally like the game, but can't play it at home since the internet doesn't seem to be able to match up with the servers with others. So I usually solo. I have played with others before, and the matches were intense and exciting. The missions were difficult, and I usually got players who rush in and die. The controls are easy to pick up, but the game can be pretty challenging. I haven't played it in a while and lost all my characters, but I started up again since I plan on playing it at school where the internet (should) work with the game.
I like my Assassin and Archer best.
[Wolfteam]' (MMOFPS) - Recommended
Pros: Unique wolf transformation, amazingly responsive controls, fast-paced
What: Scientists creates a way for humans to become wolves, experiment becomes a weapon, weapons are used in human warfare, humans in the WolfTeam unit begin to fight each other, things get out of control and has WolfTeam become rogue mercenaries who fight for themselves.
Gameplay: (First-Person Shooter) It's like any first-person shooter at first until you become a wolf. You're stronger, can climb up walls and leap towards your prey and maul them. Controls are great and gameplay is very fast paced.
Opinion: I haven't played it in the longest time, so I don't know what it's like anymore. But if it's still like it was before or better, then I recommend this to whoever likes FPS games.
This game felt really smooth when I played, not in latency, but in controls. I was part of beta testing, it was lagging during beta testing.
[Lunia: Record of Lunia War]* (MMOARPG) - Recommended
Pros: Co-op play is fun, easy controls, nice artwork
Cons: Some stages are hard, can be difficult to find teammates to play sometimes
What: There is conflict between the races, and the story unravels as you play through the missions.
Gameplay: (Top-Down 3-D Action) The game plays like the old arcade action games where you go through a stage killing baddies while throwing in some RPG elements such as leveling up and gaining new skills.
Opinion: I played this a whlie ago and then it got shut down. Then not too long ago, it re-appeared again hosted by ijji.com with new updates on characters, missions, and items. It like that it's an action game since it can be kinda boring after playing Point and Click games for a long duration. There are other Action RPGs MMOs out there, but this one of the good ones I've found so far.
The original song in Korean sounds beautiful, sounds kinda strange in English to me.
[Starcraft]* (RTS)
Pros: A classic game, one of the best PC games, Use map settings opens up that many more games for you to play
Cons: If you play the actual game on B*NET prepare to be owned, lots of stupid maps as well as good ones, Blizzard keeps teasing us with their announcements (Starcraft Ghost, Starcraft 2)
What: Assume the role of the strategist for the Terran, Zerg, and Protoss in this classic Real-Time Strategy game as an epic story unfolds of how the three races have interacted with each other in war and alliances.
Gameplay: (RTS Basic Controls) Top-down camera angle. This game is over a decade old but is still played by a number of people because of its simple game structure along with its complex strategies that can be used. When you play Use Map Settings; however, the controls and gameplay could change all together. A number of ways the game could be played is uncountable as map-makers create RPGs, action games, mini-games and more.
Opinion: Starcraft was one of the first PC games I played that I enjoyed for the longest time. I beat the first CD but didn't continue Brood War for the longest time (I think it's been 6 years now). Up until last year 2008 when I went to Blizzcon and saw some SC tournaments did I felt the urge to play it again. So just about 2-3 weeks ago, I brought out my CD again and started the Brood War campaigns. Starcraft has had a huge impact in my life actually. During my freshman year of high school, I found out about the Map Editor in the game and started making my own games. Because I was so influenced by it, I decided I really wanted to make videogames in the future (I wanted to before then too but didn't feel it possible since I thought only special professionals were able to. Starcraft's Map Editor changed my mind about it and made me realize that videogames were concepts put together.) The reason why I'm not recommending it is because I'm making all of you (or at least encourage all of you to) go out and buy Starcraft 2. I'll show you the video to the map editor on THAT game, because SC2 is probably going to be one of the greatest games that has come out in the longest time.
I saw these guys play at Blizzcon 2008! They are crazy with their SCV blocks and early rushes.
[Runescape] (MMORPG)
Cons: It's boring, graphics don't appeal to me, I keep doing a lot of menial tasks in that game!!!
What: RuneScape takes place in the game world of Gielinor, a fantasy-themed realm divided into several different kingdoms, regions, and cities. Players can travel throughout Gielinor on foot, by using magical teleportation spells and devices, or by using mechanical means of transportation. Each region offers different types of monsters, resources, and quests to challenge players. (Wikipedia)
Gameplay: (3D-RPG Point-n-Click) The graphics don't look great, but it's pretty amazing seeing that it's playing right off a browser using Java scripting.
Opinion: If I was still in High School and didn't have anything to do at the library while waiting for my carpool, I'd play this game. Other than that, it didn't seem worth it to play.
When I was playing it, it was the old version. I also didn't get full screen.
[Neopets] (Web Game)
Pros: Lots and lots of mini-games, adorable creatures, huge world
Cons: I forgot what birthday I put on it and lost my account after 7 years of (passive) playing it, I never found out how to make my pet stronger, my pet kept getting hungry and I kept running out of in-game money.
What: The game revolves around the world of Neopia. Think of it like Pokemon where you get to raise your own pet and have them fight against other pets. There's a lot of things you could do in the game. The game has probably expanded so much that I won't even recognize it anymore. It was amazing to how it started from a simple web game into a huge community with a number of improvements over time.
Gameplay: (Web based games) Think of those adventure games where you click something to look at, move to, and interact with. That's how you play and move around the game. There are a number of things you could do and it probably has multiplied by 100x since the last time I was on.
Opinion: It's an extremely great time killer since there's so much that you can do on it. I'm afraid to go back on, 'cause it means starting a new account and playing a bunch of mini-games to earn money again. I applaud the 2 creators of Neopets. Viacom bought Neopets, inc. for $160 Million (USD).
I wonder what stuff they have now.
[Adventure Quest] (Web Based RPG)
Pros: Simple graphics and gameplay, vast world to explore, many classes to choose from
What: Like Neopets, it started out as a simple online RPG with badly drawn characters and turn-based battles that you run into. The game had evolved and got bigger and better. Still didn't change the fact that it was hard to play and level up.
Gameplay: (Adventure Click) Like Neopets, you click on things to interact with it. When you run into a monster, you have a one on one turn-based battle with a side view like you do in final fantasy games. You can travel to other regions and undergo quests to gain a new class to change into (but they're difficult to achieve).
Opinion: I played this everyday for 3 years when I was High School waiting for my carpool to arrive. If I wasn't playing this, I was playing Flash Flash Revolution (which made me into a lot better rhythm game player). There's a certain charm about the game that makes it interesting and innovative, but it got too hard for me and I kept dying. I don't play it anymore, but I'm pretty sure my account is still there.
Note: Adventure Quest has really come a long way, and now they have a MMO that allows player interaction. It's called Adventure Quest Worlds.
Don't be disappointed when you realize the game doesn't have music with it.
[Gaia Online] (Web Game)
Pros: Started as a community of anime fans, it eventually had a lot of customization and games, pretty good community
Cons: Got bored of it after a while, mini-games aren't as enticing as Neopets (though some are better)
What: Gaia Online started as a anime list-link site for anime fans to share their thoughts and fan art. Eventually, it became a place to hang out and play online community based games using the forum pages. And by now, it has mini-games that could be played. Players are able to create their own avatars and interact within that realm of online users.
Gameplay: (Web-based Games) The site is mainly a social network but can also play games to earn money to buy more things for your avatar to wear.
Opinion: I never really caught on to Gaia Online, but I do admit that the community is pretty good. The fact that it was about anime made me interested, and the artwork they have up on the site used for the games are nice. I dunno, maybe one of these days I'll log back on and check it out.
This is actually one of the very few browser games I'd be willing to go back and see what has changed, not that the other browser games aren't worth checking out, just not worth creating another account for.
[Trickster Online]' (MMORPG) - Recommended for Newbies
Cons: Repetative quests (literally gives you the same quest 3-5 times in a row), drilling can be mundane and even annoying when it's a quest
What: Trickster Online is MMORPG based on story of group of adventurers from around the world vying to become the greatest adventurer of all time, Trickster! (Trickster site) Game is basically based off the mythology of people, animorphic animals and such playing tricks on others and not following the set rules of society.
Gameplay: (2D Point-n-Click) The character you make will be based off an animal, and each character has a specialty they possess. The game was really fast-paced to me at first, but it got really annoying when I had to fight the same monsters over and over in the same place for several hours. The game is really simple to play and the adorable characters are really easy on the eyes (unless you hate cute). You gain skill points by leveling and then set them to your hotkeys. There's cooldowns on your skills, so you can't spam them.
Opinion: I'm on a quest where I have to drill for notes so that it can be used for gossip...I'm getting kinda bored with the constant killing in one place phase. It's starting to feel like Maple Story. I might quit the game, but I feel I should give it a chance longer. I'm thinking of making a Lion, whose a engineer which happens to be a gunner. I already made a bunny, whose a schoolgirl which happens to use boxing gloves? haha, yeah interesting.
They need to either put in different quests in between or speed up the experience rate because recieving the same exact quest 3 times in a row feels pointless.
[Guild Wars: Factions] (MMORPG)
Pros: No Grinding, Lots of skills, unique gameplay, definative storyline, linear path with lots of extras
Cons: Missions can be very difficult, almost impossible to solo, the good stuff are expensive
What: Factions introduces the continent of Cantha where two warring factions, the Luxons and the Kurzicks, are locked in a global persistent war. Players are able to join in this conflict, assisting their chosen faction in claiming towns on the game map. (Wikipedia)
Gameplay: (3D Point-n-Click/WASD) Although wikipedia says it's an "Action" RPG, I don't really consider it to be one. Even though you can Point-n-Click, the QWEASD keys are a great alternative in moving around. The controls is some of the best I've played so far, and the gameplay is very unique from other MMORPGs. Instead of thrown into a huge world where you go and kill a bunch of monsters for quests in one area and constantly grinding to level up, you go through maps like an individual dungeon. What I mean is that when you enter the fighting enviornment, you get the whole map to yourself and party. Instead of memorizing all the skills you gained throughout the whole game, you have to strategize on which 8 you will use which is maximum capacity of how many skills you can have with you in a map. Instead of creating a whole new character of the same class but of different attributes, you can re-allocate them anyway you want before going into a fighting map. And because the maximum level is 20 and relies on the player to level up with quests and missions, there's no point in grinding. It is; however, essential to build a balanced team to keep everyone alive and play a role in each fitting situation. So you can't solo in the game very well, but it promotes interactivity between players.
Opinion: Honestly, I wouldn't have bought this game if it weren't for the fact that Factions was asian themed, had an assassin class, and having my friends play it with me. When I bought it 2 years ago, it was $40. It' probably cheaper now. I love the fact that I don't need to grind, and the story is very interesting, espeically the way it's told. The player goes through towns gathering quests and building a team by asking people to join their party. Then they go through maps while complete several quests that relate to the storyline if not for money and experience points (though you max out at level 20, you get XP to get more skill points to buy skills). Then there are missions where it progesses a large part of the story with a large party, masses of enemies, and crazy boss battles. At certain points, you have cinematics scenes with the NPCs and even have your own character speak and interact in the cinematics. The game gets really messy and can be intimidating. There's a lot of strategy that's involved in battles, so it makes the players coordinate more efficiently and makes the each player to think carefully rather than just stand there and attack a single unit like most MMORPGs. Because of the difficulty level of the game, I don't recommended it everyone, but it is a fun game and definately one I plan on continuing.
Still haven't beat the game, but working on it.
[Counter-Strike]* (MMOFPS)
Cons: Many pros out there, game has been scrutinized multiple times for teen violence, matches can be frustrating
What: Counter-Strike is actually a mod of Steam/Valve's Half-Life. Half-Life had a multiplayer death-match of its own, but a small group of modders took the engine and made a terrorist/counter-terrorist concept that became a solid game of its own and caught the attention of the original developers of Half-Life. Valve embraced the idea and helped maintenance and market the game as its own and has snowballed from there. Even after this many years, many people still play the original Counter-Strike.
Gameplay: (First-Person Shooter) The game is really basic, but the skill required is a totally different story. The game consists of having two teams on a chosen map. The terrorist team either keeps the hostages under their control while eliminating the counter-terrorists while the counter-terrorists tries to rescue them. Same for bomb missions. T tries to destroy a certain area by planting a bomb while CT tries to disarm it or pervent it from happening all together.
Opinion: I don't play Counter-Strike very often, but I like to log on once in a while to play. The game's structure is well balanced and its low spec requirements doesn't demand a lot of CPU power which means no lag. I also like the custom games people have built for counter-strike as well. It's kind of like starcraft where you get a whole new game from the base engine of the orginal. There's also fun custom maps like the Super Mario Bros. 3 Map. I don't agree entirely on Counter-Strike being a influence in teen violence, but I do think that some people need to calm down when they play.
hmm, I didn't even know there was a Counter-Strike Online. I'll check into that.
[Fly For Fun] (MMORPG)
Cons: you don't get to fly right away, game is super slow in the beginning, gets too grindy after a while
What: Five ultimate beings created a world with a goddess to watch over, but the goddess felt incredibly lonely and so created 2 other beings: Bubbles, the light side of her personality and Shade, the darkness and evil of her personality. Shade would find ways to torture and bring harm to the humans by sending monsters until Bubbles finds a way to separate the land so that the monsters wouldn't destroy the humans, and that's how the setting of the game is built.
Gameplay: (3D Point-n-Click/WASD) You start off with minimal equipment and do simple quests such as killing monsters. You encounter from 3-5 different monsters at first, but mainly attack one kind at first. And you do this for quite a while. Eventually, you get to choose a class, gain new abilities, and eventually fly.
Opinion: I remember playing for hours and I was still really low leveled. The first thing I tried doing was flying, jumping all over the place. Then I read on the website that you couldn't until a higher level (level 15 I believe). I tried doing several quests and even grinding for a while. It was really slow to me. I usually click on a monster, a battle music starts playing, and I would just wait until one of us gets knocked out. I had a few friends who played quite extensively (up to level 50 or 70 I think), and they say it's pretty fun. The boss battles do look very exciting and fun to be part of, but I didn't have the patience with the game to play on.
All I wanted to do was fly.....
[Phantasy Star Online Blue Burst]* (Online ARPG)
Pros: Hundreds of unique weapons to acquire, great co-op play, wonderful feeling when finding a rare item
Cons: The game can be difficult, levels might be repetative for some people, main official server shut down
What: The story revolves around the planet Ragol and finding out what happened to the thousands of people who lived down on the planet when the people on Pioneer 2 in space lost contact with them. You take the role of a hunter, a mercenary or sorts who takes on mission requests (quests) and finding out what happened on Ragol by traveling the surface, caves, and underground to understand more of the planet.
Gameplay: (3D Action RPG) Players create their own character of being a Hunter (like a Warrior), a ranger (range character), or force character (magic user) while choosing between the races of a Human, Newman, or Cast. Players can log onto the server (in Blue Burst, you have to log onto the server) and party up with other players to take on the main storyline stages or take on quests. Players meet in the lobby and can communicate with one another. A player can start a game (room) and 3 other people can join in at any time they are playing.
Opinion: Ever since I was introduced to the original Phantasy Star Online on Sega Dreamcast, I had great interest in it. It wasn't until it came out on Gamecube that I was able to play it, and it was difficult to find (friends bought it for me for my birthday, even now, a used copy of the Gamecube version is $70) I've spent over....probably 500-700 hours on this game (though I might be exaggerating, I haven't checked in the longest time). I've only recently in the past 1-2 years started playing on Blue Burst. It is a private server, but they try to keep it official with no extras and hackings of any kind. Even now, I still love playing it. Instead of a lot of talking and long travels to a certain area, the game has you speak with an NPC for a brief moment and then teleport to where you need to go. I still play my gamecube version from time to time, but I try to level up my characters on Blue Burst as well so that I may enjoy the game online with other since I never had the chance to on my gamecube. I'm not recommending it since it's not for every one, but if you like Action RPGs, this is definately worth a try.
Note: Phantasy Star Zero is coming out on Nintendo DS this November with free online cooperative play. Phantasy Star Portable 2 has been announced.
Ah, so many rare weapons~
[Ragnarok Online]* (MMORPG) - Recommended
Pros: You're free to do what you want, super non-linear, friendly enviornment
Cons: It's impossible not to die, can be hard to level up, freaking spammers lag the servers!
What: The game is based off of the manga Ragnarok and is also based off of Norse Mythology of Ragnarok (the end of the world). You take your place in the world of Ragnarok and it's up to you to decide what to do.
Gameplay: (Pseudo 3D Point-n-Click) The game is mainly having you choose what you want to do. You don't even really need to level up and fight in the game. Some people like to role-play or even just chat with others (really, I've had conversations about politics and governing with other players before). But most people would get into parties, travel to places they haven't been to and explore, fight monsters, find rare items, and battle crazy bosses. Others like to participate in War of Emperium where guilds fight each other in ruling over an area and gaining extra storage and other incentives. Others like the pet system or just play the game to help other or sell items.
Opinion: Ragnarok Online has many great memories for me playing with friends and chatting with other players. I really like the vast amount of classes to choose from and how their roles affect a party. The music is some of the best I've heard. It's also exciting and frustrating to explore new areas because you'll never know what you'll find (it's usually a very strong monster). And now that the official server has a free server for people to play, more people joined and have a chance to experience the game. I personally like to venture around and fighting mid-bosses (I can't handle MVP monsters). It's a really fun game to play, and possibly one of my favorite online games.
Note: Ragnarok Online 2 has been in the making for quite sometime, look forward to it. Also, Ragnarok Online DS might be coming to America.
I never did try War of Emperium (WoE). Looks crazy...
[America's Army] (MMOFPS)
Pros: Realistic, promotes people to serving our country, more pro players
Cons: difficult games (people are good), promoting people to kill other people scares me, there will be aggressive players
What: America's Army (also known as AA or Army Game Project) is a series of video games and other media developed by the United States Army and released as a global public relations initiative to help with recruitment, originally envisioned by Colonel Casey Wardynski. (Wikipedia)
Gameplay: (First-Person Shooter) The game is set up in a way the army would train to have a sense of what kind of tactics they train for. Everytime you log off, they will ask the player to sign up for the army.
Opinion: When I played this, I had bad internet. The game requires you to download a punkbuster to prevent hacking, and it seriously took several hours to finish. After it actually finished, I tried playing. I was lagging, and the game sets it up so that you teleport back to a certain area instead of having everything around you moved which causes a lot of confusion. I'm not sure if I approve of people who play the game to sign up to be in the army. In any case, I gave up (mainly because of the punkbuster). America's Army 3 should be out. If you like fps, you could go check it out.
There's no music in the actual game btw.
[Dungeon Runners]' (MMOARPG)
Pros: Lots of action, very fast paced, simple to learn
Cons: Can be a bit boring after a while, graphics aren't incredible (but has improved a LOT from when it first started), class customization and chose is very limited
What: Dungeon Runners is a medieval fantasy, often satirical MMORPG developed and published by NCsoft. The gameplay is similar to the Diablo series of games. (Wikipedia)
Gameplay: (3D Point-n-Click/WASD/Hack-n-Slash) The gameplay is kinda like Diablo, and the dungeons are structured a little like Guild Wars. Dungeons are instanced for individuals/parties and is self-generated so that it'll be different each time as well as adjusting to the amount of players are in the party. You have the mouse clicks as attacks and number hotkeys for skills. The attack is rather fast, not like most MMORPGs where you stand there to attack a single enemy for several exchanges in attacks. It almost feels like Gauntlet the way the dungeon crawling and controls are like.
Opinion: I like how it's fast paced and possible to solo so that you could level by yourself when you're not in a party. The game used to be a lot worse when there were ads constantly on your screen and the graphics were super pixeled in 3D. The game is free from advertisements, and the graphics are a lot smoother now. I'm not sure if I want to continue the game since I don't play it that much. There isn't much that's tying me down to the game.
Maybe I should just wait for Diablo 3.....
[Exteel]* (MMOAG)
Cons: All the good stuff requires real money, the people that paid money has a lot more armor and power, not enough games held
What: In Exteel, players control giant customized mechs called Mechanaughts into combat against other online players or against computer controlled enemies (as in Last Stand battle mode), though the game does not have a PvE part. The game features fully customizable mechs, as well as a variety of gameplay modes. (Wikipedia, check the backstory on the official website or wikipedia).
Gameplay: (3rd-Person Action Shooter) Like Rakion, you control the character movements with WASD keys and aim with the mouse. The giant mechs are armed with both ranged and melee weapons. Automatics, shotguns, snipers, launchers, swords, energy beams and more can be bought and wielded. Some game modes include elimination, capturing bases, and capture the flag in team based matches. Players can jet around the ground or even fly for a short distance with the thrusters on their mechs.
Opinion: It felt a bit like Gunz: The Duel to me, except in robot form. The game can be fun if you have good team mates, but it can be very frustrating when you have teammates who are all over the place. The skills are deadly and feel cheap since once you've been hit, it can't be avoided. There a lot of cool weapons and quite a bit of strategy with communication with your teammates. It's fun to log on once in a while.
You should look at the actual gameplay, even crazier and exciting.
[Ace Online/Air Rivals (Space Cowboys)]* (MMO 3D Space Shooter)
Pros: Haven't played any game like it yet, various weapons and skills, interesting stages
Cons: Enemies don't attack back in the beginning, I don't see many players on anymore, arcadic not simulation
What: Ace Online is a free-to-play massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG), 3D shooter, developed by MasangSoft and owned by Yedang. (Wikipedia) Not sure what the storyline is, I didn't give this game much attention.
Gameplay: (Arcade 3D Shooter) You mainly use the mouse the steer and attack enemies while the A and D keys can help avoid certain incoming attacks. The two attacks each spaceship is equiped with is a turret and missles.
Opinion: I played this about a year ago at the same time I tried Cabal Online. I got bored of it after a while since I was just flying around killing things that didn't even attack back. But just very recently, I played Tom Clancy's HAWX and was very influenced into playing more flight games. So I re-downloaded Air Rivals again and gave it another chance. I'm still not far yet, but I'm hoping the game picks up and gets better.
Looks cool right? Hopefully I get to taste a bit of action later game.
[Shaiya: Light and Darkness]* (MMORPG) - Recommended for typical Online RPG fun
Pros: Wonderful graphics, somewhat good music, great community, can be easy but also challenging
Cons: Ever heard of permadeath? That's what they have on the hardest level, this is one of those MMORPGs I was talking about where you stand there and wait for the enemy to die (but it's actually not that bad), the way the music fades in and out for battles is weird to me.
What: In ancient times, there was the Goddess Etain and the three races she created: the Dragons, the Nordein, and the Dumianas. The Goddess Etain found faults in the Nordien and cast them into the soil. In their arrogance, the Dumianas questioned the Etain's power and authority. The Goddess was weakened by their disbelief, and the Dumianas killed her. Her soul was torn in two. The death of the Goddess left Teos out of balance and unprotected. Other Gods sought to take over Teos and created monsters to invade and destroy it. The Dragons hid themselves from the world. When the dust settled, there were two new Goddesses overseeing Teos. The remaining Dumianas were split into two factions; one for each Goddess. These two races, the Elves and the Vail, found themselves in constant conflict with each other. Age old tensions fueled their aggression. Soon after, the Humans joined forces with the Elves while the Nordein re-emerged as the "Deatheaters" and allied with the Vail, creating two factions: The Alliance of Light and the Union of Fury. Not only battling the monsters that still roam the lands, these two sides wage a never ending war over the control of Teos. (Wikipedia)
Gameplay: (3D Point-n-Click/WASD) It's your typical 3D medieval themed RPG game that most people think of when online games are brought up. You travel around completing quests (helping NPCs with things they could do themselves but have you do it), and I'm sure there's more later on like party quests and dungeon runs and awesome boss battles. I guess that's why I'm continuing the game, so that I can find out. Appearently, you could beat the game. I'd like to beat a online game! Instead of playing forever and not have it end at all.
Opinion: I'm surprised I like this game since I'm clicking and attacking like many other MMORPGs. I'm not sure what makes me like this game yet, but one thing I really like is the community. It's really easy to be part of a party and fight monsters with others. Everyone is respectful with one another and there seems to always be someone willing to help you. After playing so many online games with a lot of rude and aggressive people, this was rather amazing to me.
Ah, I forgot that this game was developed by Sonov which is the same company as Twelve Sky 2 and Dragon Sky. They make good games.
[Granados Espada: Sword of the New World]* (MMORPG) - Recommended to pro gamers
Pros: Play 3 characters at the same time, get to try all classes with one account, be able to try and learn all the stances (paths of a class) and skills, some of the best music helped by the people who did the music for Ragnarok Online, spectacular level designs and graphics
Cons: Very complicated User Interface and keys, battling can be very messy, you will die a lot
What: Granado Espada won the 2006 Korean awards for Best Graphics and Game of the Year[citation needed], with features previously unseen[citation needed] in an MMORPG (such as the ability for players to control multiple characters at the same time). Granado Espada features a unique art style based on the Baroque period of Europe, differing from the standard “sword and sorcery” fantasy themes of the genre. (Wikipedia, check site for story)
Gameplay: (3D Point-n-Click) The game is setup so that you can control 3 characters at the same time. Although there is a limited amount of classes, each class has a large list of stances that has its own advantages and skills to learn. You gather quests around town and fields and fulfill them. There are certain places that are like dungeon runs, then there's PvP (family versus family in this game) and other such modes. You can control each character individually and micromanage, or you can control them together like a unit.
Opinion: This game is incredible. There's a lot of things going on that you need to pay attention to, you get to try several characters at the same time and make more, lots of skills to learn, and the complex gameplay makes it very interesting as your learning and playing. Because you control 3 characters at the same time, you can solo for the most part. This game is definately not for new gamers or those who don't have patience, but those who stick with the game will be greatly rewarded. The graphics are breath-taking and the music is simply magnificent.
I need to find the time to play this game because it's really fun.
[Zero Online] (MMORPG)
Pros: Fast fighting, interestinig robotic theme, huge maps
Cons: Get lost easily, lots of tutorials, very messy enviornment
What: Zero Online is the first 2.5D MMORPG in China under a theme of the universe and robots. (Wikipedia)
Gameplay: (2.5D Point-n-Click) I played this a while ago, but I remember doing a lot of tutorials, fighting in mid-air (space), and a few cool moves from activating the skills.
Opinion: Like Cabal, the music wasn't work when I tried it. Unlike Cabal, I never felt inclined to go back to the game. I got lost a lot and I was barely able to see certain objects from one another. The skills were pretty awesome though, but it wasn't enough to keep me playing. If you like big robots and stuff like that, go ahead and check it out (I rather play Exteel for big robots).
Lots of cool weapons, dunno if I'm still willing to play it now.
[World of Warcraft] (MMORPG)
Pros: Unique battle system, incredible instances/boss battles/PvP, epic story that follows the Warcraft lore
Cons: A lot of immature players, kind of boring soloing after a while, you have to pay every month
What: The game follows the story of the past Warcraft games in the world of Azeroth between the many races of humans, night elves, blood elves, taurens, orcs and others.
Gameplay: (3D Point-n-Click/WASD) Like many MMORPGs, you recieve quests, missions, and PvP modes while leveling up your character. Unlike those many MMORPGs, you can freely move while attacking. The battles are a lot faster paced with free movement, fast attacking, and short cooldowns on the skills. Players can join instances, raids, PvP games, and party quests in large numbers of up to 50 players.
Opinion: when I first saw the trailer of the game, I was awed at how amazing the cinematics were and the different classes you could choose from. But when it finally came out, the gameplay looked rather boring and grindy and I had to pay monthly. I lost interest for a while until I had a friend play DotA with him one day and I realized it had to do with the Warcraft lore. I got really interested in the characters and so went on the WoW site to read the history of the Warcraft lore. I really liked it and soon became interested in Warcraft (I wasn't really before). Fortunately for me, I got to take a class based on playing World of Warcraft. Although we did analytical discussions and reports, we all still had the chance to play World of Warcraft 90 days free thanks to the efforts of our professor. The game one of the best battle systems I've tried so far and I admit that I'm sad that I can't play anymore; however, I never got addicted. Those who kept saying they got addicted either has no willpower to control how much they play or never played an online game before. This is not the truth, just a general guess. Also, there's too many people comparing WoW to games like Guild Wars and Shaiya. People need to judge these games with unbiased eyes or they will not be able to fully appreciate something or even miss out.
Note: I heard Blizzard is making a new original online game.
This was the trailer I saw that WoWed me (pun intended).
[Warcraft III: Frozen Throne (DotA - Defense of the Ancients)]* (RTS/ARPG-RTS)
Pros: Has many custom game maps (mostly RPGs) like Starcraft did, Hero concept led to the creation of WoW, the game spawned the game DotA
Cons: WC3 can be complicated and hard to micro-manage for new players, DotA has a huge learning curve
What: WC3 follows the races of humans, orcs, and night elves among other races in their quest to find Illidan, a rogue Night Elf who was imprisoned for the longest time (1000 years actually) and then broke free. Continue the Warcraft story as you play through each race and see the different perspectives among the people. DotA pits the Alliance against the Scourge in destroying each other's ancient artifact.
Gameplay: (RTS/Action RPG - RTS Team battle) WC3 plays like other RTS games: you build, you attack, you conquer. The fun part for me is playing custom game maps made by fans and players using the Map Editor for WC3. That is how DotA started out. For DotA, choose from over 90 different characters in annihilating the other team's heroes, minions and anicent. It plays like a Action RPG where you train a character in real-time battles against the other team's masses of minions and heroes controlled by other players. You buy items and combine some of them to create stronger and better ones. You level up and gain new abilities in helping you achieve your goal.
Opinion: I didn't play Warcraft 3 that much since I was introduced to it through playing DotA first. I fell in love with DotA the first time I played because of the RPG aspect rather than micromanaging a whole army (which I'm pretty bad at). I eventually tried out Warcraft 3's actual game and have come to appreciate the actual game as well. I usually encourage other to play DotA rather than Warcraft 3. Both take time to learn how to play, but then you only concentrate on one character in DotA (in most cases). Besides, being able to choose from over 90 characters is pretty awesome.
I like the story, I never knew Warcraft's lore was so detailed and in-depth.
[Gunz: The Duel]* (MMOTPS)
Pros: Amazing soundtrack (I like all the original songs), unique gameplay, exciting battles, nice set of weapons
Cons: Too many hackers, too many whiners, too many laggers, this game used to be filled with a lot more fair players
What: The game allows players to perform exaggerated, gravity-defying action moves, including wall running, stunning, tumbling, and blocking bullets with swords, in the style of action movies and anime. (Wikipedia) The story has two different groups fighting each other. Check the site to look up the story.
Gameplay: (3rd Person Action Shooter) While using the WASD keys and mouse to control the character, it follows very similar to the control scheme of Rakion and Exteel. Possessing both range and melee weapons, players challenge each other in team deathmatches, free for alls, duels, and quest mode where they play cooperatively against large numbers of enemies. The concept that defines its individuality from the other action games is that you could do a number of acrobatic stunts such as scaling buildings, dash in mid-air, run on the walls, and other crazy action moves.
Opinion: I found out about this game from my sister who found out from a player on gunbound while she was playing. It was really fun when it first was brought over. But as time progressed, people started hacking and cheating in the game which killed off a lot of players interest in logging back in. That's actually how the game Gunster: Rain of Bullets died out, only hackers existed in the game and no one died because they all hacked. So the game eventually got shut down. Good thing is that Gunz didn't. If you could find a game room with no hackers and fair players, you'll have one of the most exciting experience out of most of these games I'm blogging about right now.
Note: Maiet Entertainment has announced Gunz 2 will be out in Korea no later than the end of this year, so maybe we'll get it by next year sometime. Engine will be built from scratch, so it'll be different from Gunz 1.
So little people playing now, and all the people left are pros and hackers.....
[Tweleve Sky 2]* (MMORPG)
Cons: PvP can be a bit unfair with super buff players versus those who just got into the level limit to participate, you will be in the same area for a while before you actually leave, spammers lag the town square
What: "Twelve Sky 2" is an adrenaline-pumping Massively Multiplayer Online Role Play Game (MMORPG). Set in Ancient China, players are thrown into an age old conflict between three warring Clans. Centered on the re-emergence of a new faction, players must fight for the honor of their brothers or turn their backs in their hour of need. Packed with jaw dropping martial art techniques, exotic weapons, armor, and pets, a robust battle system, and a whole lot more, "Twelve Sky 2" is primed to be one of the best Free-To-Play Player-versus-Player experiences to date! (Wikipedia)
Gameplay: (3D Point-n-Click) The skills learned and game play isn't complicated, but you have to strategize on the spot whenever in a PvP match to help your faction win. The game will look very complicated and messy at first glance but becomes very well structured and easy to understand after a few quests. The game moves very quickly and makes it exciting when participating in PvP matches.
Opinion: When I first logged onto the game, I immediately had a negative response to the enviornment. The reason for this was that it looked very similar to Martial Heroes, a game I played quite a few years back. I'll explain more on that later. This game was very different in the best sense. I've only been playing for a short while and already got to level 29 on one of my characters and have another character at level 21. The game moves at a quick speed and allows you to have a variety of ways to play the game so that it doesn't become repetative or dry. I like how I get to jump into PvP matches every hour and defend the faction name (Go Fujins!) Also, everything in this game is really easy to find. Usually grinding can be tiresome and boring in MMORPGs, but battles are very quick in 12 Sky 2 and every Saturday is Double Experience points days while Sundays are double drop rate days. I'm going to stick with this game for a while and hopefully get somewhere (I've never been high levle in any online game...well, maybe except Ragnarok Online and Maple Story at one point).
So awesome, I play it every saturday for the 2x experience~
[Soldier Front]' (MMOFPS)
Pros: Good structure in stages and weapons, nice controls, has new modes I haven't tried yet
Cons: Hackers, Glitchers, laggers, and snipers...
What: A game which hopes to achieve a realistic experience as a military soldier for its players.
Gameplay: (First Person Shooter) Think Counter-Strike
Opinion: I haven't played this game in a while, but my friends who still play it said it has improved a lot. Hopefully all those hackers and glitchers are gone? I'm not really good at fps games either, so it makes me sad when I can't do anything and all the pros kill me. But from what I remember, I had a lot of good experiences and fun matches with other on this game. Maybe I'll quit, maybe I won't.
It's been so long since I've played, I should play it once before going back to school.
[Drift City]' (MMO Racing Game)
Pros: Wicked drift system that really works, arcade like aspects make it fun for everyone, non-linear maps lets you roam free and take on missions, RPG aspect of the game encourages players to do quests
Cons: Never have I seen so much profanity on an online game, aggressive players, some missions are interrupted by those crazy drivers who run into you and continue to badger your car until you fail...
What: The game takes place in the near future during a worldwide oil shortage. A mysterious material dubbed Mittron is discovered on an island in the North Pacific. The island was named after the material, and the Organization for Mittron Development (OMD) is set up to manage the island and its resources. This resource quickly became the preferred fuel for all methods of transportation as Mittron-fueled cars ran much longer, cleaner, and faster than traditional gas-powered cars. Unmanned vehicles dubbed HUVs (High-Tech Unmanned Vehicles) began appearing around the island terrorizing the people. This threat has become so widespread that pedestrians no longer walk the streets for fear of being attacked. As a result, the OMD has started importing professional drivers to assist in destroying the HUVs and uncover the mystery behind their sudden appearance. (Wikipedia)
Gameplay: (Keyboard 3D Cel shaded Racing) use the arrow keys to move and the other extra keys to boost speed.
Opinion: I'm not sure what to say because this game is really fun with its non-linear missions, RPG attributes, and action-adventure aspects thrown in. On the other hand, the community is even worse than Gunbound. People smack talk each other like no other and purposly abuse other players by crashing into them while working on a timed mission. I haven't played it in a while, but I do like the free roaming aspect. Maybe I'll keep it.
I've never raced with that many people before!
[Mabinogi]* (MMORPG) - Recommended to Casual Gamers
Pros: Lots of things to do, simple yet adorable character designs, memorable music, friendly community, very relaxing, don't even have to fight if you don't want to, fun dungeon runs
Cons: Combat system is difficult to master, you die a lot, you could lose items when getting knocked down if you don't bless them (my beautiful ring...I need 50,000 gold to get it back), most items and other extras require real money to get
What: The Welsh word mabinogi is found in the original manuscripts of the Mabinogion. The game engine features hand-painted textures stylized with edge detection outlining. The game world is developed continuously, through the release of important patches (referred to as "Generations" and "Seasons") that introduce new areas, additional features such as pets and new skills, and advancement of the storyline.
Gameplay: (3D Cel Shaded Point-n-Click) Do part-time jobs of delivery, gathering items, creating materials, and much more for NPCs around towns to gain their trust and friendship as well as money and experience points. Then when you feel ready, go do some quests, run through some dungeons and have epic boss battles, and fight other players in PvP matches.
Opinion: This game is very relaxing to me, except when I go into combat with other creatures. You have to time your tactics and strategize your moves in order to win fights against enemies. So it's not one of those games where you can just click a monster and wait for them to die. That's how I usually end up dead actually. The peaceful enviornment, and charming characters in the game make it a desirable fantasy life. I usually would hate doing the menial tasks that they have you do in the game, but it doesn't have that effect on me when I play Mabinogi. Mabinogi is slowly becoming one of my favorite online games, but it feels really difficult to me. It's too easy to die in that game.
Note: Mabinogi Heroes should be coming out soon, an entirely different feel with an emphasis on teamwork and fighting.
Anyone want to help me? Dungeon run? Donate money? Oh yeah, I think I totally forgot to mention that you grow older in the game. 1 week in real-life=1 year in-game.
[Combat Arms]' (MMOFPS)
Pros: Great interface, comfortable controls, interesting choices of modes to play
Cons: A lot of hackers and pro players prevent you from actually playing, again snipers.....
What: Combat Arms is a multiplayer, free-to-play modern first-person shooter developed by the South Korea-based developer, Doobic Studios, and published by Nexon.[2] The game uses the Lithtech game engine to produce graphics far more advanced than most freeware games. It is continuously updated with patches including bugfixes and new content. (Wikipedia, check website for storyline)
Gameplay: (First-Person Shooter) It's like Soldier Front, but I feel it has better graphics and less glitchers.
Opinion: When the game first came out, the stages and people playing made it really fair and enjoyable to play. Now when you play, you will probably die within seconds of going out in the open from snipers, grenades, and headshots by pros if not hackers. I was really frustrated and was unsatisfied the last time I played (which was about a few weeks ago). I think I should keep it around and just play it once in a while, but I really gotta control my temper when I play this game next time. I should really check out how Wolfteam and Soldier Front is like now.
Playing this game is so frustrating now, it used to be super fun....
[Left4Dead] (FPS)
Pros: Zombies, lots of killing, great co-op system, being the zombie can be fun too!
Cons: Stupid teammates (computers and human players alike), pro players make it hard for you to enjoy
What: Left4Dead creates the setting of a zombie movie survival horror which has 4 players pitted against the legions of zombies after them while they retreat to safety.
Gameplay: (First Person shooter) Progress through stages safely without the whole team dying from the zombies, except in multiplayer online where you get to be a zombie and maul the humans.
Opinion: I only got to try it for a short while (Demo that came out before the game). It was really fun and even humorous at times. The most notable thing in game for me is when a mass of zombies come at you and knock you down, because rather than eat you they kick you on the floor. Really fun game, but 4 levels seems kinda short.
There's been quite a bit of zombie games coming out for a while.
[La Tale Online]' (MMOARPG)
Pros: Charming characters, fast recovery, lots of paths with lots of classes
Cons: I travel from the town to the field a little too much, Quests are repetative (like Trickster), I feel like I'm grinding after a while
What: In this tale, though, the story of adventure and discovery that unfolds all revolves around you. The word "La" is a bit trickier. La is a word, but it is also a musical note and much more. Likewise, La Tale is rich with beautiful music, art, and storytelling. Together, La Tale becomes an incredible journey across strange and beautiful lands, tying together swords, sorcery, science, art, music, and much more. This tale began with Iris Livier. Now, the journey to uncover the mystery of Iris has become your story. (Main site)
Gameplay: (2D Side-Scroll Action-Platformer RPG) It's very similar to how Maple story works. Some differences is La Tale online has cool downs on skills and potions, characters can run and block.
Opinion: I really liked La Tale when I first played. I didn't want to play because I didn't want to start another Online game, but a friend was playing it and convinced me to play as well. The whole guild I was part of as well as her haven't logged on for the longest time. I felt like I was grinding a lot when I was killing the same monster over and over in the same place for a quest I keep getting after completing it once. I may continue it since it has a definitive storyline that you follow.
I'd play this more if I would stop getting the same quests over and over like in Trickster Online.
[RF Online (Rising Force Online)]* (MMORPG)
Pros: Ownage right from the start, beautiful graphics, quests are sent to you (less backtracking), Lots of weapons to choose from, nice soundtrack, desirable controls, fast leveling
Cons: poor translation in syntax and grammar on some of the dialogue, lots of paths to choose but only 3 character slots, it sucks when you get mobbed and die, customization feels limited
What: Due to the intense gravity on their home planet, the Bellato are the smallest people. They are a race of inventors that are able to combine creative tools and weapons with the Light form of universal magic. The Bellato enter the war as the least physically capable and yet given their ingenuity they have the potential to become the strongest. Before they became the Bellato Union, however, they were the Bellato Empire, who seized control after the Cora civil war but were beaten by the Accretians. Under such sustained attacks they fell from power, yet they have bided their time until they can become a force to be reckoned with once again. (Wikipedia)
Gameplay: (3D Point-n-Click/WASD) When you start the game, you immediately jump into doing quest without having to find the NPC to do it. Because most quests are sent to you, there isn't much need to run back and forth from the base and the field. The field is setup so that you go in a linear path and not running senseless and not knowing where to go next. The WASD keys work very well for the game and feels almost Action RPG-ish. You can attack an enemy by clicking or by pressing a key to attack. Skills work the same as other RPGs set on a hotkey bar.
Opinion: I wasn't so sure what to expect of the game because I thought it was about robots. It doesn't mean it doesn't have robots in them because there are. It felt really cool being able to own things in 1-3 hits with the choice of 3 different weapon: dual wield swords, a bow, and a magic staff. You can definately solo in this game. I loved the controls because it reminded me of Phantasy Star Online. I really like how the game is structured so far, but I hope I get to do some real game play like party quests and boss battles. I've seen some of them and they look intense.
If the game progresses quickly, I'll consider making 2 more characters. I've been doing a good job on keeping one character one game unlike my habit of trying out everyone (like in Maple Story I have 10 characters level 15-24).
[Shin Megami Tensei Imagine Online]* (MMORPG) - Recommended
Pros: Definitive story presented in Acts, friendly demon system, lots of cool weapons, decent soundtrack, friendly enviornment, easy to give and find help
Cons: Battle system can be frustrating like Mabinogi, cool stuff reserved for people to pay real money, difficult to solo dungeons, maps are huge while characters move slow
What: This game describes an alternative view of the future where the Earth is overrun by Demons. Humans have clashed, and eventually learned to co-exist with them. The player is a "Demon Buster" (or DB for short), who fights and interacts with these Demons; featuring Japanese anime-like graphics, with the added feature of futuristic devices (such as portable computers that players wear around their arms called COMPs) the game can appeal to a wide range of fans. (Wikipedia)
Gameplay: (3D Point-n-Click/WASD) The first part of the game is a tutorial of how to play. Does anyone like Pokémon? The game kind of has a feel of Pokémon the way you're able to befriend demons and having them join your team while ordering them to attack. The battle system is close to what Mabinogi is like where real-time strategy is needed to fight off the demons of Japan. Attacks, skills, defense, and healing items are set to a hot key bar to activate while in battle. Friendly demons have a quick bar of their own that you can use to order what kind of attacks or support to activate.
Opinion: Shin Megami Tensei Imagine (MegaTen Online for short) is one of the very very few Japanese online games I play. Even though the battle system is frustrating at times, the over all game makes it enjoyable. Graphics, music, story, quest structure, dungeon runs and especially the community makes this game worth checking out.
Note: I've never played much of the Shin Megami Tensei series, but have always been interested in it from the PS2 releases and Persona spin-off. I'm planning to play Devil Survivor for DS as well as the remake of Persona for the PSP.
I love the battle theme!
[Endless Online] (MMORPG)
Pros: An established community, very simplistic, created by a small team of people
Cons: Slow gameplay, confusing objectives, lots of grinding
What: No information of what it's about, nor do I remember what it was about when I was playing it.
Gameplay: (2D Isometric Point-n-Click) Click on a sheep and punch it with your bare hands. Or whack it with a stick.
Opinion: The things listed about are the few things I remember from the game. Looking at the different classes and things you could do seemed interesting; however, I got bored after a few plays. The graphics were crudely drawn. The music was forgettable or annoying (I barely remember), and I only recall whacking sheeps with a stick that dropped money and clothes. If you just want plain and simple, I guess you could check it out. It's still going, so there must be something good out of it.
Is it still going? I'm not sure.....
[Project Torque] (MMORG) - Recommended to racing gamersPros: Beautiful and realistic graphics, interesting concept of tuning and maintenence, okay community
Cons: Difficult to control the car, pro players out there, missions are hard
What: Project Torque is a multiplayer online racing game with partially free content (MMORG). It is the first game of its kind and features gameplay elements such as tuning and customization. (Wikipedia) I don't remember if there was a storyline, but I guess you can check the website.
Gameplay: (3D Car Racing, Keyboard controls) There are missions that you can do as well as race against other players.
Opinion: I'll admit that I really liked the graphics, but the game was too hard for me. I'll also admit that I'm not that big on racing games, yet I like them. But even so, I still suck at them. I remember having to restart a mission over and over because I couldn't complete it in the designated time. When I got into a race, I didn't do very well. I did have fun though. Anyways, the game wasn't great enough for me to continue playing. I still enjoy racing games like Forza, Gran Turismo, and Need for Speed (oh and Initial D).
I haven't played a racing game in a while. Maybe I'll hit the arcade on campus and play some Initial D when I get back.
[Luminary Online] (MMORPG)
Pros: Unique political system, somewhat attractive artwork, easy to learn how to play
Cons: frame count in animation makes it look choppy, laggy, got bored of it really fast
What: When humans’ excessive reliance on technology went too far, the world crumbled. But as chaos ensued, humanity’s will to survive persevered, as pockets of the world’s population persisted amidst lands of ruin. And these hardy band of survivors would unite and then even thrive, establishing a new era of human civilization. Drawing from their history, groups of survivors organized to form towns, and these new villages would all become part of a new world called Luminary. (Main Site)
Gameplay: (2D Point-n-Click) Take up quests, kill monsters, be part of a democratic election and choose the server's GoonZu, trade stocks, and set up business.
Opinion: I think I tried Endless Online longer than Luminary before I gave up on it. I just remember doing the quests and they were typical "kill X amount of monsters." But the limited frame animation bothered me the most. It made the server seem laggy when it wasn't (though it really was lagging sometimes) and made the gameplay feel really broken apart. I can't give much more info since I really didn't play the game much at all before giving up. So if it looks interesting to you, give it a try.
Wow, sure it wasn't that great imo, but those are some harsh comments on Youtube...
[Wonderland Online] (MMORPG)
Pros: Interesting concept, retro 80's feel of japanese computer games, build your own house, lovely character designs, lots of characters to choose from
Cons: sprites and in-game animation fits the retro feel but doesn't feel right for an online game, difficult battles when you're alone, mundane tasks, battles are disorienting
What: The player takes the role of a character from the many people aboard a luxury ship while traveling the world. A strange and violent event causes the boat to overturn and crumble as passengers make their way to the lifeboats in an attempt to escape. As the people awaken, they find themselves washed ashore on an island. In order to survive this predicament, the people had to put aside their differences and work together. And the story begins there with players taking the role of the characters in the story while traveling the island and discover new areas, meet the locals, and find their place among the group.
Gameplay: (2D Point-n-Click/Turn-based battles) The beginning story is actually how the game really starts off. It's really interesting when it starts off and you have this story sprawled out in a form of a old RPG. Once you actually get on the island, you start getting into battles and helping others out. You walk into a monster or a battle that had started to join the fray.
Opinion: It's really cool how you can jump into any battle you want and help others out, and the drawings for the characters are quite attractive. That's some of the highlights I found while playing the game. I didn't get to make my own house/room where you could decorate it and make it your own, but I've seen other do it and it looks fun. What made me quit was the sprites and in-game animation was a bit retro in the way that didn't feel right for the game. Also, the turn-based battles made me dizzy as the camera pans left and right constantly as characters fought. I didn't really have the patience to persist in this virtual world, so I gave up the game and looked elsewhere. Also, turn-based battles are slow enough in console games, but doing it in a online game would be even more frustrating. I am thinking of trying out Atlantica Online in the future though, I just want to see if I can beat some of the online games I have now or be willing to drop of them before starting a new one.
Those are some pretty awesome skills.
[Martial Heroes] (MMORPG)
Pros: Asian theme, nice graphics, an array of skills
Cons: The main town is very messy and confusing, more merchant stands than people actually playing, everything is hard to find
What: Oh man, do you really want to know the premise of the game? Some bored guy surfing the internet finds a game called Martial Heroes gets excited and tells his sister to come over to check it out since they were both into Martial Arts. As they start the game, they get sucked in and realized they were in ancient times in an asian themed town square. They find themselves within the world between 2 warring factions- the lawful and the evil. The 2 siblings decided to participate in the war with the guy joining the lawful while the sister joins the evil. You as the player will decide who you will help as you take the role of a Warrior, mage, assassin, or monk.
Gameplay: (3D Point-n-Click/WASD) Like other MMORPGs, speak with NPCs, kill monsters, and do PvP. It's as basic as you can get.
Opinion: I certainly did not try this game because of the storyline, that's for sure. I also like martial arts and asian themes and so thought to try the game out. After getting lost several thousand times with the bad directions they gave, undergoing the laggy town square with merchants everywhere, fighting in empty fields with no one on them, and boring quests, I finally gave up and looked for something else to play. (12 Sky 2 looked kinda like this game when I first started, but 12 Sky 2 had a great formula that kept it easy to navigate, an interesting battle style, and an on going PvP gameplay that people can start right away rather than wait unil they get to high levels).
Does the video make it look good? Try the game, the game isn't super bad. I gave up on it though.
[Espada de Alma]* (MMOAG)
Pros: Intriguing premise, awesome weapons, great co-op system
Cons: In beta testing, extremely limited character selection (4 in total, only 2 selectable), easy to die
What: Global Warming had occured. The world is in chaos with natural disasters and rapid climate changes. Man-kind fought against one another for natural resources and survival. Soon, it got to the point where human existence ceased. The borders of our world was brought down as man-kind worked together to fight off the mutating creatures of the world and survive the ruins of the world.
Gameplay: (3rd-Person Action) The game plays pretty much like Rakion as it was developed by Softnyx like Rakion was. WASD Keys are to move while the mouse is used to aim and attack. A lot of the sound effects from Rakion is used, but the music is different (and good too!) At the moment, only 2 characters are selectable: A guy with a huge sword and two pistols and a woman with two short blades and a shotgun. Players join each other in cooperative missions in eliminating monsters and progressing through over 50 (I think?) missions.
Opinion: The game went into Beta testing on August 20, and I didn't know that when I downloaded it. I don't like playing games in Beta because it's usually glitchy with a lot of problems. And if it's a fun game, you won't get to play it for a while after Beta ends since they fix all the problems and take their time getting back online for people to play. The game so far is entertaining and challenging. I haven't gotten a chance to play with others, but that's due to the contest Softnyx set up. Person who's on the top rank gets $1000 (US). So everyone is frantically playing solo and trying to level up. I don't really have the time or care to play like that. But I think I'll continue playing this once it actually comes out since I like the co-op aspect they implemented into the game.
Gonna have to wait for it to be actually released now. Played it for a short while for 2 nights.
So, did any of these games interest you? If not, there's still plenty other games out there that I myself haven't tried yet. In the following list are games I'm thinking of trying or have interest in, but don't have th hard drive capacity or time to play them. I'm just going to state the name, standing and opinions I have on these following games.
Standings- Have to pay:$ / Might try or have interest in:* / Not out yet:^[Final Fantasy XI/XIV]$ (MMORPG)
I'm going to say right away that I'm a Final Fantasy Fan. I've always loved Final Fantasy for its classic storylines, powerful music, and memorable characters. So I was really excited when I first heard about Final Fantasy XI Online, but I was soon crushed to find out that there was a monthly payment. I heard it's impossible to make it through the game alone. I think it'd be the best scenario if I could get all my friends to play it and be able to party together throughout the game. I mainly want to experience the game and know the storyline, not to obsess my whole life into just playing this one game. I don't have enough time or money to be able to play this game throughly. There are many classes to choose from, but you can switch between them anytime you like. So this is probably going to be the case when FFXIV comes out, which also looks amazing. The game has many classes, and you only need one character to try out all the classes. There are a lot of epic battles and XI happened to be the game that contain the boss that took had a guild playing for 20 hours before giving up since a lot of their members were passing out and getting sick. The enviornment is breath-taking, the world is vast with 4 expansions to the game, and the action is real-time rather than its usual turn-based battle system. If the game ever becomes free or if I happen to have enough money and time, I'm definately going to play FFXI and FFXIV.
I want to play this game!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
[Tabula Rasa] No longer Available (MMOARPG)
It's a shame that this game longer runs since it looked very promising. The term Tabula Rasa comes from latin meaning "Blank Slate" which was the premise of the story. The world had to start over again when an invasion nearly ended human life. The class selection for this 3D Action RPG was mouth water as well as the game play. Players assumed the role of marksmans and took on enemies around the world. The man behind the game, Richard Garriott, is well known for his Ultima series (Ultima Exodus being one of my favorite RPGs of the NES) and for being one of the biggest influence of Online gaming. The gameplay looked amazing and involving as many players helped each other out when the masses swarm. I really wanted to try the game out, but it looks like I missed my chance.
This game had the many Action/RPG hybrid elements I wanted to see in an online game. Hellgate: London presented similar ideas, but also had to shut down their servers.
[R.O.H.A.N. Online: Blood Feud]* (MMORPG)
This game is now hosted by ijji.com and so I may try it one day. The game emphasized its PvP system when I first came across it. I didn't want to make another account for another Online game, much less start another one and not get anywhere. But now that it's on ijji.com I won't have to make another account, but I think I might hold off it until later since I want to enjoy the games I'm playing now. The graphics look amazing and the animations for the skills are attractive, but it does still have that point-n-click and wait till the enemy dies thing going on. I'm willing to try it one day, but not now.
Bright lights and weapons clashing everywhere!
[Rappelz]* (MMORPG)
The highlight of this game is the insane amount of classes to choose from. That's a huge plus in my eyes. But because it's structured like many other MMORPGs, I want to hold off from starting it since I probably will like it and won't get around to my other games. Seriously, online games take a lot of time from other games you'd be missing out on. I still love console games but don't feel as free in what I can do as I do on online games. So I see and treat the offline games and online games different, but still like both. Anyways, the fighting, mounts and PvP for Rappelz look interesting and achievable early on rather than in high levels, so I may try it someday. The skill tree looks very similar to World of Warcraft players by the way in case there are people who used to play WoW and are looking for a free game right now.
It looks good, maybe I will try it one day.
[Dragon Sky]* (MMORPG)
I really enjoyed playing Twelve Sky 2 the past several weeks, so I'm actually pretty excited about Dragon Sky as well since it's by the same developers. The graphics might make one skeptical (and maybe I still am a little) but if it's like 12 Sky 2 and more, I'm willing to try it. You can use the WASD keys to control the character so that you can be more of a 3rd person behind the character camera angle rather than a overhead view like in 12 Sky 2. Also, the attacks are wide rather than single so that you can attack more than one enemy at the same time. The enviornments look really interesting and attention-grabbing, and the character designs makes me curious (especially the dual wield morning stars). Sad to hear that it's only 2 factions 3 weapons, but 12 Sky 2 was pretty much like that. So there will be a strength, speed, and ranged character I suppose? I hope it's not slow since some of the fighting looked slow considering the pace of the battles in 12 Sky 2 was a lot faster.
That's actual gameplay there, not cinematic! I'm very willing to try this, but probably not now.
[Last Chaos]* (MMORPG)
I don't know, no matter how much I look at this game it doesn't have that factor that draws me in. Shiny weapons, structured PvP system, and different paths to go by for each class are among some of the aspects that makes it worthy for me to look into; however, looking at the gameplay videos make it look a lot like many other MMORPGs out there. I don't want to be grinding in one area for long durations, slow battles, sluggish progression and leveling, and typical gameplay because I've gone through it well enough times already. 12 Sky 2 had fast leveling, battles and head decapitations, World of Warcraft has the unique battle system and intense PvP matches, and Cabal Online has its flashy skill animations and fluid battling that makes those certain games stand out from the rest. Maybe I'll find it if I actually play the game, but I really don't want to start another MMO unless it really captures my attention.
Aeriagames do seem to get the better MMORPGs than most publishers huh?
[Dream of Mirror Online (DOMO)] (MMORPG)
I really want to try this once I lower my online game count! The game is very casual and so I hope the community will be friendly. The characters and artwork is child-like and cute. But the factors that reaches out to me is the amount of professions to choose from, being able to switch your professions, and you're able to fly at level 15! (Please don't say Fly For Fun, I already know...) But to avoid starting any new Online games, I've held back from this one up till now. One day, one day~
I like the fact that you can change professions. It may not seem like such a big deal, but it is for someone who creates several characters just to be able to try out the different classes of a game.
[Ghost X]* (MMOARPG)
A friend recommended this to me since he knew I played Lunia before and liked it. It's kinda like Lunia where you team up with other people and go through stages in an arcade like fighting game with RPG elements for character growth. Instead of the usual wizards and knights kind of theme like Lunia, it's a metro accent to a modern asian theme. The controls look fluid and the battles seem exciting. But like many other Online games, I decided to hold off on it for now and maybe try it later.
My friend seems to have stopped playing this game for a while. Not sure if I should try it out now or later, especially since I'm playing Lunia right now.
[Soul of the Ultimate Nation (S.U.N.)]^ (MMORPG)
Although it's going through beta testing, it looks beastly. More mature themed with blood and darker stages opposed to a lot of MMOs with bright colors and child-like nature, S.U.N. is worthy of checking out once it gets out of beta. Like I said before, I don't like playing beta since I have to wait for a long time before getting to playing it again, and usually you lose your character that you were playing with. So far, there's only 4 characters to choose from on what was shown on their website. I'd probably play the Valkyrie since she dual wields crossbows for her weapon of choice.
Looks cool, the crossbows looks like a gun in this video.
[Atlantica Online]* (MMORPG)
Turn-Based Battles for online gaming sounds like it would take a long time to get through considering how much time it already takes on offline games. From what it looks like, you can have up to 4 people in your team rather than playing a single character like in Wonderland Online. There are many classes to choose from to be part of your team. What I don't know yet is whether you can switch them out. The many different classes is very tempting, but I'm going to hold off on this game too. I'm more likely to try this than some other ones since it's on ijji.com
I'm probably going to play this during winter break or something.
[Holy Beast Online]* (MMORPG)
You fight as animals! Ahahaha, not in the sense of trickster where you resemble the animal, but you actually turn into one and still be able to fight. It wasn't too long ago since it has been introduced to ijji.com I'm not sure what it's going to be like, but I'm downloading it currently and holding it off until a later time to try it out. I hope I'm able to beat some of the online games I'm playing now.
I wanna play as a little animal! Haha~
[Alliance of Valiant Arms]^ (MMOFPS)
It looks like another war fps like Soldier Front and one other game that's coming out on Ijji.com and Aeriagames are publishing quite a bit of games. I don't see anything special out of it so far, but I do like fps games, and it's already on a host site I have an account for. I'll probably give it a try during the winter break when I get back or something.
I won't be able to stand it if I'm getting killed left and right and not be able to do anything.
[Huxley: The Dystopia]^ (MMOFPS)
Also on ijji.com but this game has its own twist of sci-fi themes, character growth, and an original storyline compared to Alliance of Valiant Arms and Karma: Operation Barbarossa which I won't even talk about since I just saw it just now on ijji.com The preview video to the game is worth checking out.
Whoa, aliens! I didn't know there was going to be aliens. So, co-op mode then?
[Perfect World Online]* (MMORPG)
This game was made in Beijing! I really want to play this game, but seeing how I have so many games on my plate (Hard drive in literal terms, and over 21 games actually) that I have no choice to but to hold off from it now. I haven't played any online games made from mainland China yet, so it makes me excited to see one brought over internationally. I feel the same about Jade Dynasty Online.
I do want to try it, and even play it. But I don't want to start too many MMOs and not be able to truly experience the game.
[Jade Dynasty Online]* (MMORPG)
Another game from mainland China based off an online novel "Zhu Xian". The 2nd game for Jade Dynasty has already be announced and on its way. Sadly, Perfect World and Jade Dynasty looks very generic to what MMORPGs are like, so I'm not sure if it's going to be great. The themes and animation aren't like most, but the gameplay seems to stay the same. But I'm very willing to try it out.
I wonder if any of relatives in China plays this game. The music is very alluring to me.
[Ether Saga Online]* (MMORPG)
Like Jade Dynasty, Ether Saga was created by the people of Perfect World. It looks a lot like DOMO actually. Cel Shaded animations and chibi characters make a less realistic and mature feel to the game which probably aims for young kids as their audience. There's 6 classes to choose from and 3 different races. Looking at gameplay and class selection, I'd much rather try out DOMO before I try Ether Saga.
I'm not sure if I'm willing to play this anytime soon. I once said there were too many videogames coming out too fast that I can't keep up with it and enjoy them. Now the same thing is happening with Online games.
[Rumble Fighters]* (MMOFG)
A 3D top-down, arena style fighting game that pits 8 players against each other. It's an interesting concept, but not enough to have me download it. It's on OGPlanet if you want to check it out.
I think I might try Grand Chase before I choose to play this.
[Valkyrie Sky]^ (MMOSG)
I enjoy shooter games and have played ones such as Gradius series, Touhou, and Nanostray (I wish I had Ikaruga, I should've bought it all those years ago for Gamecube when I saw it at Costco for $20). It's really exciting when you have several million bullets on the screen while it's still possible to survive through it. That's why when I heard about Valkyrie Sky being able to play online cooperatively, I got really excited. It's a vertical shooter RPG where you walk around town as a human player and improve power and such and then taking off into the air with other players while fighting against crazy odds. This would be one game I'd have an exception for and not hold off on and immediately play.
Looks kinda like Castle of Shikigami III to me, which I like~
[Warriors of the 3 Kingdoms]^ (MMO Tactical Action)
I'm not sure what to list this game as since it's several things combined. I'm looking forward to this one since it's an answer to a calling. I've been waiting for Dynasty Warriors Online to come to America, but I don't think it's going to happen. Warriors of the 3 Kingdoms follows the same story as Dynasty Warriors based off the book "The Three Kingdoms". It's a record in history of when the Han dynasty fell and split into 3 Kingdoms in the 1st century China. The game will be like Dynasty Warrior's Hack-n-Slash gameplay while adding the strategic aspects with tactics and RPG elements such as character growth and item acquisition. Unlike Dynasty Warrior's 4 on 4 player as generals system, Warriors of the 3 Kingdoms will have 100 vs 100 PvP matches with no level limit and level match ups so that anyone can participate in a war. I'm really hoping it'll be good and that it'll be brought over for international or American servers rather than playing on Malaysian and Singapore's servers. We're just going to be lagging the server for them, and that's not really fair. So, I have high expectations for this game and recommend those who like something different than point-n-clicks to try it out when they get the chance.
I'm liking it just from the gameplays. It supports gamepads too!
[S4 League]^ (MMOTPS)
This game works a lot like Gunz: The Duel, so I'm curious about it and want to try. Sadly, the American server is still not available. The gameplay looks decent enough like Gunz, and the music is notable too. I found out about S4 League from a friend that tried it as well as from playing DJ Max where they had one of the songs from Sonicboom used for S4 League in DJ Max's levels. Action looks intense, so keep your eyes peeled for this one.
I love this song: Planetboom - Supersonic. I played this song a lot on DJ Max Clazziquai.
[Continent of the Ninth (C9)]^ (MMOARPG)
This game, like S.U.N., looks beastly. Think of the gameplay of Lunia or Ghost X, with the graphics of S.U.N., with the point-of-view of Rakion, along with the crazy animations of skills used in Cabal Online and that's what C9 looks like. I don't know how the real game is going to be like, but a lot of other Action Role-Playing Games better be scared of this one. From what I heard, it's going to be published by Nexon.
The gameplay so far looks really good. It kicks the heck out of Rakions butt from the gameplay video. Don't worry Rakion, you're still played~
[Dragonica]* (MMOARPG)
A 3D side-scrolling Action RPG that reminded me of Maple Story when I first saw the trailer for the game. The plane that the character walks on isn't entirely flat, so you can move and and down as well as left and right. The game also has a combo system, or so it seems from the videos. These are the differences I find so far from Maple Story. I just hope it's not grind playing like Maple Story. There are 4 main classes to choose, and each class as 2 sub-classes to fall under which gives a toatl of 8 different end classes to work towards when playing the game. I'm not sure if I'm going to try it anytime soon, but it looks fun. I had actually signed up for the closed beta testing, but it took waaaay too long before it actually came out so I gave up testing for it. I'll play it in the future if I have the time I guess?
I'm really afraid of this being a grindy game....
[Dungeon Fighter Online]^ (MMOARPG)
This game reminiscents the old arcade beat 'em ups like Final Fight and Double Dragon where you go through a side-scroll stage and knock the baddies senseless with your bare-hands. In Dungeon Fighters, you have the usual cast of RPG classes such as the strong guy: Slayer, the fast one: Fighter, the ranged: gunner, the magic user: Mage, and more in a co-op online game with swarms of enemies and big bosses to take down. There's also a PvP system that allows players to compete against each other. From what I understand, there's leveling and skills to improve and gain that sets it apart from the classic beat 'em ups. I'm looking forward to this one. Beta has already passed, so I'm probably going to start playing when the actual game comes out.
Mmmm, Gunner will probably be my first character. I wonder when it'll come out.
[Pangya]* (MMO Golf)
I'm not going to lie, the character designs are attractive. The art style is the first thing I notice when I saw this game. I think I saw it for the Nintendo Wii as well as the Sony PSP. The second thing I notice when I looked at the gameplay videos was that the clubs looked like weapons. And the next thing that made me excited about this game was the stages. They aren't regular golf courses, but rather fantasy like areas such as caves and floating grounds. I do like golf, but those who've played golf on videogames or real-life know how frustrating it can be trying to get that freaking ball into the hole. I'm in no rush in trying this game, but it does draw some curiousity of what the game is really like. I'll probably try it out on my PSP and see if I'm willing to play this version.
I wonder where that gun came from. It'd be funny if I could use it to shoot the ball instead of hitting it with a club.
[Grand Chase]* (MMOARPG)
Developed and published by Ntreev like Pangya and Trickster Online, Grand Chase has its innovations of Action, Platform, Fighting, and RPG into an online game where you can solo or cooperate with other players and even go against them. There are 8 characters to choose from. Each character has a background and a class they fall under while being able to level up and become stronger. Air dashing, combo slashing, and massive strikes against hordes of monsters and large bosses make this game one on top of my list in trying.
8 Characters seems like a lot. You could play for hours and hours (and possibly months) with that cast of characters.
[Ragnarok Online 2]^ (MMORPG)
I tried this game when it was barely out. So I played with a lot of text messed up. One notable feature I realized when I got into a battle is free movement like in World of Warcraft. I don't know if they're going to fix this, but if you run away for a short distance from an enemy, their HP regenerates quite quickly. I don't remember very clearly if WoW had that, though I'm sort of certain it did. The difference was that you could run for a longer distance before that happened which allowed ranged characters, like hunters, to kite which is to practically shoot and run and then repeat until the enemy dies. It's certainly a different feel to see Ragnarok Online in 3D with new classes and battle systems, but it's nice to change things up a bit. If you're able to translate languages or reverse engineer programs, the development/publishing team is handing out open beta keys to those who can help out on finishing up the game before it's big release.
I remember this game being announced years ago. Even this video is 2 years ago.
[Aion: The Tower of Eternity]^ (MMORPG)
The gaming world has been raving about Aion with it's free flight system and how it's going to kill World of Warcraft. Because of fear and desperation that other companies have had going up against WoW, the world is presented with half baked games that are great but could've been better (from what I heard: Age of Conan and Warhammer Online). It's good to have competition between companies so that the best work comes out from them, but it gets annoying when fandom kicks in and people are challenging each other which game is better. I've played World of Warcraft and enjoyed it, but I also played plenty other online games and couldn't give a definate judgement of whether one is better than ther other. The fact is that each game is unique and special in their own way, even if they follow a similar fad or fashion. I'll admit there are a lot of games that try to beat or even copy WoW, but it doesn't give gamers a chance to appreciate a game to its fullest when it's being put down by fanboys (or girls). Which leaves me to my opinion of Aion being a game which truly tries to stand out on its own rights as a unique online experience with enriched environments and original storyline. Yes, the premise of the game is like many other with opposing factions having war against each other with similar objectives such as quests, dungeons and leveling; however, having a structured base with new material and twists can sometimes bring out a greatness not tapped upon before. For a quick example, there has been (I don't even know how many) games that have used the Super Mario Bros. formula of side scroll platforming for years and years now and has created some of the greatest classics that we know now (Sonic the Hedgehog is to name one from the past, Little Big Planet is to name one from the present). Online gaming started with simple text exchanges between a few servers or terminals and has evolved into a full blown world where millions of people are connected together on a single server. I think we're lucky to have so many choices and be able to experience so many different. So we'll see how Aion really turns out when it comes out on September 22. (I probably can't try it since you're going to have to pay).
I actually remember hearing about this game 1-2 years ago. I guess it was for the Korean servers. Sorry there was so much extra ranting in the last game topic.
Anyone read up to this point? Or at least saw something they liked? If not, here's some online gaming sites that keeps up to date for the latest news on MMOs:
Have fun guys, and tell me if you join or play any of these. I'll help you guys out (or you can help me).
