Game: Pox Nora
Publisher: Sony Online Entertainment
Download or web based: Both, but download offers more graphic options. However management and arranging of runes is only done on the website.
What you get if you pay: Station Cash is bought and used to purchase expanded Rune packs, campaigns, tokens for upgrading Runes, and tickets into draft tournaments.
Review: Pox Nora is a war between factions over territory. Individual turn-based battles are fought over fields containing Nora Fonts that emit energies allowing the controller to summon larger champions and cast more spells. Campaigns can be waged in a single player mode or battles fought against other players.
“Runes” are collected and assembled into stacks of 30 to be used in combat. Beginner sets are acquired after completing a tutorial and series of battles to familiarize a player with each faction and their Champions, abilities, and play style. When assembling custom stacks all 30 runes can be from the same faction or a 15/15 split of two factions can be used.
On each turn runes are revealed from the players collection. These runes contain Heroes, spells, or equipment. With enough Nora it is possible to summon the Champions to the field, cast spells, or place equipment on a player's Champions.
Each Champion has its own amount of AP gained each turn. AP is used to move around the field, use abilities, and perform basic attacks. Most abilities and attacks increase in AP cost if used more than once in the same turn. Any AP left at the end of the turn are rolled over and added to any gained the start of the next turn, up to a maximum that varies from Champion to Champion.
Spells vary from simply damaging an opponent's Champions to changing the terrain itself. Most spells can only be cast within a player's “area of influence.” This area can include targets within a certain distance of owned Champions. Some factions also have helpful spells, from resurrecting a Champion after he falls to teleporting a Champion out of a troublesome spot.
Victory in battle is accomplished by gaining control over all the Nora Fonts and defeating all the enemy's Champions or destroying the opposing Shrine.
Multi-player formats include one-on-one combat or tournaments. Some formats effect the overall influence one faction has over the others.
Rating: 8/10 The variety of Runes allows for a variety of play styles. While the animations of Champions are limited the visuals of spell effects are varied. Ten minute time limit per turn allows for considering and action while still having a deadline to get things done. Between solo campaigns and player tournaments the play options are nearly endless.
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Showing posts with label 8. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 8. Show all posts
Friday, December 3, 2010
Friday, October 15, 2010
Dungeons & Dragons Online
Game: Dungeons & Dragons Online
Publisher: Turbine, Wizards of The Coast
Download or web based: Download
What you get if you pay: Turbine points used to buy various potions, access to special quests and areas, or extremely rare weapons and armor. A monthly fee can also be paid for VIP status that allows access to the special quests and areas as well.
Review: Based on the mechanics and world of the classic “paper and dice” game this virtual version keeps the heart of the original while expanding into a broader media and player base.
Utilizing the Eberron world of play there are many towns and fields to explore. Additional towns and fields are added with expansions. While some are free others need to be purchased or accessed with VIP status.
Using the varied species, abilities, and weapons contained in Edition 3.5 of the Dungeons & Dragons world there are many customizing options available. Having equipment sets on hot keys also allows a player to adjust their armor or weapons on the fly for various combat situations. Whether fighting zombie elves in a lightning trap filled sewer or kobolds in the deepest catacombs a player can switch with the press of a button.
Many quests and dungeons require a party to complete. If enough other players can't be easily found mercenaries can be hired and summoned inside the dungeon for backup. They can be used to fill out and assist a small party as well.
A considerable encyclopedia is on hand for players not familiar with the D&D world. Joining a guild is also helpful to those confused by the mechanics of damage dealt by weapons or effectiveness of armor.
Rating: 8/10 Great game play with open fields as an option for those wanting to take a break from running simple quests. Being able to repeat quests with increasing difficulty is a plus for those that like the dungeons.
Publisher: Turbine, Wizards of The Coast
Download or web based: Download
What you get if you pay: Turbine points used to buy various potions, access to special quests and areas, or extremely rare weapons and armor. A monthly fee can also be paid for VIP status that allows access to the special quests and areas as well.
Review: Based on the mechanics and world of the classic “paper and dice” game this virtual version keeps the heart of the original while expanding into a broader media and player base.
Utilizing the Eberron world of play there are many towns and fields to explore. Additional towns and fields are added with expansions. While some are free others need to be purchased or accessed with VIP status.
Using the varied species, abilities, and weapons contained in Edition 3.5 of the Dungeons & Dragons world there are many customizing options available. Having equipment sets on hot keys also allows a player to adjust their armor or weapons on the fly for various combat situations. Whether fighting zombie elves in a lightning trap filled sewer or kobolds in the deepest catacombs a player can switch with the press of a button.
Many quests and dungeons require a party to complete. If enough other players can't be easily found mercenaries can be hired and summoned inside the dungeon for backup. They can be used to fill out and assist a small party as well.
A considerable encyclopedia is on hand for players not familiar with the D&D world. Joining a guild is also helpful to those confused by the mechanics of damage dealt by weapons or effectiveness of armor.
Rating: 8/10 Great game play with open fields as an option for those wanting to take a break from running simple quests. Being able to repeat quests with increasing difficulty is a plus for those that like the dungeons.
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Neo Steam
Game: Neo Steam: The Shattered Continent
Publisher: Atlus Online
Download or web based: Download
What you get if you pay: Packages that increase experience gained. Crowns can also be purchased and used to buy customizing items as well as consumables that boost various stats.
Review: The game takes place on Chrysalis, a steampunk universe with war being waged between two nations fighting over the ancient technology of Neo Steam. The Republic of Rogwel believes in advancing technology to betterment of all. The Kingdom of Elerd wishes to promote a more ecological path, preferring to use the energy of Neo Steam to heal the environment.
Both nations are home to many races, some that are remnants of a former Taxn Alliance. Elves, Humans, and the wolf-like Lupine are common sights. There are also the Pom, a mechanically inclined race that resembles walking bundles of fluff.
There are many targets available for combat and numerous quests to defeat them. Besides the main story line quests there is a character that has lists of quests to help various residents of the towns. There is also the option of attacking players or characters from the opposing nation. This means that outposts of one's own nation may be attacked at any time with quest related characters falling in the melee. They will reappear after a time, assuming the enemy players have been defeated or moved on.
A small pet can be evolved and trained to use skills that assist their owner. Attacking, healing, and teleporting their boss to town are just a few.
Skills are gained and improved by spending Skill Points and Training Points. One Skill Point is used each time a skill is learned or increased. Training Points are spent in increasing amounts depending on the level of the skill, the higher the level, the more Training Points required. While both Skill and Training Points are gained each time a character levels Training Points can also be acquired by using training stations outside the gates of major towns.
Moving between towns and outposts is accomplished a couple of different ways. Balloons can ridden to outposts and other regions in the field. A subway system is used to move from town to town. The subway system uses a traditional train or a one person submarine depending on the destination.
Rating: 8/10 The variety of foes and quests makes for long hours of play without any loss of interest. The training stations are a great way to utilize the downtime required for minor things like eating, sleeping, and bathroom breaks. While having one's pet out and assisting can make leveling it faster it does require a large amount of food to keep them happy and active.
Publisher: Atlus Online
Download or web based: Download
What you get if you pay: Packages that increase experience gained. Crowns can also be purchased and used to buy customizing items as well as consumables that boost various stats.
Review: The game takes place on Chrysalis, a steampunk universe with war being waged between two nations fighting over the ancient technology of Neo Steam. The Republic of Rogwel believes in advancing technology to betterment of all. The Kingdom of Elerd wishes to promote a more ecological path, preferring to use the energy of Neo Steam to heal the environment.
Both nations are home to many races, some that are remnants of a former Taxn Alliance. Elves, Humans, and the wolf-like Lupine are common sights. There are also the Pom, a mechanically inclined race that resembles walking bundles of fluff.
There are many targets available for combat and numerous quests to defeat them. Besides the main story line quests there is a character that has lists of quests to help various residents of the towns. There is also the option of attacking players or characters from the opposing nation. This means that outposts of one's own nation may be attacked at any time with quest related characters falling in the melee. They will reappear after a time, assuming the enemy players have been defeated or moved on.
A small pet can be evolved and trained to use skills that assist their owner. Attacking, healing, and teleporting their boss to town are just a few.
Skills are gained and improved by spending Skill Points and Training Points. One Skill Point is used each time a skill is learned or increased. Training Points are spent in increasing amounts depending on the level of the skill, the higher the level, the more Training Points required. While both Skill and Training Points are gained each time a character levels Training Points can also be acquired by using training stations outside the gates of major towns.
Moving between towns and outposts is accomplished a couple of different ways. Balloons can ridden to outposts and other regions in the field. A subway system is used to move from town to town. The subway system uses a traditional train or a one person submarine depending on the destination.
Rating: 8/10 The variety of foes and quests makes for long hours of play without any loss of interest. The training stations are a great way to utilize the downtime required for minor things like eating, sleeping, and bathroom breaks. While having one's pet out and assisting can make leveling it faster it does require a large amount of food to keep them happy and active.
Monday, June 15, 2009
9Dragons
Game: 9 Dragons
Publisher: Acclaim
Download or web based: Download
What you get if you pay: Acclaim coins can be purchased and exchanged for items that boost attack or increase experience gained.
Review: 9Dragons takes place during Ming Dynasty Japan, a period of war between many clans. When creating a character one of the 6 clan homes can be chosen as a starting area. Three clans specialize in healing and helping the NPC villagers and three are out to support themselves by any means necessary.
Each clan teaches techniques taken from many kung-fu martial arts. Wu-Tang hand and sword fighting and drunken battle methods are each taught. When techniques are used proficiency in them increases allowing for longer attack combinations and more damage dealt. This also allows for more techniques to be learned from clan training centers.
Shaolin monks and Sacred Flower assassins are the only clans with any specific requirements to join. Applicants to the Shaolin monks must be male characters while the Sacred Flower assassins will only accept females.
As each clan has its own combat style it they also each have their own wardrobes. This makes identifying friendly clans easier as well as knowing whether or not a passing individual will be helpful as healer or for bashing foes in the face.
Self healing is accomplished via medicines taken during combat or meditation between battles. The exact look and motions for meditation varies from clan to clan.
Rating: 8/10 Graphics are smooth and combat is varied enough to not be boring with extended play. Wonderful scenery in small enough areas to not cause major amounts of lag from over-occupation yet large enough to not need constant loading while traveling. An easy tutorial animation could be a little more interactive but doesn't drag out long enough to cause a loss of interest.
Publisher: Acclaim
Download or web based: Download
What you get if you pay: Acclaim coins can be purchased and exchanged for items that boost attack or increase experience gained.
Review: 9Dragons takes place during Ming Dynasty Japan, a period of war between many clans. When creating a character one of the 6 clan homes can be chosen as a starting area. Three clans specialize in healing and helping the NPC villagers and three are out to support themselves by any means necessary.
Each clan teaches techniques taken from many kung-fu martial arts. Wu-Tang hand and sword fighting and drunken battle methods are each taught. When techniques are used proficiency in them increases allowing for longer attack combinations and more damage dealt. This also allows for more techniques to be learned from clan training centers.
Shaolin monks and Sacred Flower assassins are the only clans with any specific requirements to join. Applicants to the Shaolin monks must be male characters while the Sacred Flower assassins will only accept females.
As each clan has its own combat style it they also each have their own wardrobes. This makes identifying friendly clans easier as well as knowing whether or not a passing individual will be helpful as healer or for bashing foes in the face.
Self healing is accomplished via medicines taken during combat or meditation between battles. The exact look and motions for meditation varies from clan to clan.
Rating: 8/10 Graphics are smooth and combat is varied enough to not be boring with extended play. Wonderful scenery in small enough areas to not cause major amounts of lag from over-occupation yet large enough to not need constant loading while traveling. An easy tutorial animation could be a little more interactive but doesn't drag out long enough to cause a loss of interest.
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Atlantica
Game: Atlantica
Publisher: NDOORS
Download or web based: Download required
What you get if you pay: You can purchase Gcoins which are redeemed for premium items and various licenses.
Review: Taking place in 14th Century Europe and Asia, Atlantica is a very good game. Well worth the 2.1 GB required download.
The battle system is turn based with a time limit for each turn. This means a player must pay attention during play but allows for other tasks to be completed at the same time. A player's main character is assisted in battle by a number of hired mercenaries that increases every 10 levels until the group totals 9 combatants. The variety of available mercenary types allows for many playing styles. Whether using two columns of marksmen firing their rifle or three rows of melee fighters swinging axes, swords, and spears any strategy can be tried and satisfied.
While some games merely discuss cooperation and assisting other players Atlantica actually rewards it. Sharing enemy information between players is rewarded with extra Stamina needed to fight more and more battles. Sending gifts to beginners nets experience points based on the value of the gift sent. Perhaps the best example of rewarding assistance is the Mentoring system. A player with a high enough crafting skill level can become a Mentor and share their knowledge with an Apprentice and get rewards of gold when the Apprentice reaches certain levels of their own.
The only downside is the NPC quest based tutorial system. The battle system is well explained when a player first logs on. However there are many other aspects of the game that are learned later. In some cases much, much later. Being level 28 it can annoying to come across a required storyline quest to learn a crafting skill that has nearly been mastered thanks to a Mentor. It seems to me that explaining Guilds, crafting and other social aspects of the game can be done in the first tutorial area before embarking on the quest to rediscover Atlantis.
Rating: 8/10 Enchanting gameplay, great help, with only a small amount of annoying back and forth running for quests.
Publisher: NDOORS
Download or web based: Download required
What you get if you pay: You can purchase Gcoins which are redeemed for premium items and various licenses.
Review: Taking place in 14th Century Europe and Asia, Atlantica is a very good game. Well worth the 2.1 GB required download.
The battle system is turn based with a time limit for each turn. This means a player must pay attention during play but allows for other tasks to be completed at the same time. A player's main character is assisted in battle by a number of hired mercenaries that increases every 10 levels until the group totals 9 combatants. The variety of available mercenary types allows for many playing styles. Whether using two columns of marksmen firing their rifle or three rows of melee fighters swinging axes, swords, and spears any strategy can be tried and satisfied.
While some games merely discuss cooperation and assisting other players Atlantica actually rewards it. Sharing enemy information between players is rewarded with extra Stamina needed to fight more and more battles. Sending gifts to beginners nets experience points based on the value of the gift sent. Perhaps the best example of rewarding assistance is the Mentoring system. A player with a high enough crafting skill level can become a Mentor and share their knowledge with an Apprentice and get rewards of gold when the Apprentice reaches certain levels of their own.
The only downside is the NPC quest based tutorial system. The battle system is well explained when a player first logs on. However there are many other aspects of the game that are learned later. In some cases much, much later. Being level 28 it can annoying to come across a required storyline quest to learn a crafting skill that has nearly been mastered thanks to a Mentor. It seems to me that explaining Guilds, crafting and other social aspects of the game can be done in the first tutorial area before embarking on the quest to rediscover Atlantis.
Rating: 8/10 Enchanting gameplay, great help, with only a small amount of annoying back and forth running for quests.
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