tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24213657097962627952024-02-08T06:49:36.598-08:002D MMORPGsmmorpg playerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18355864196760761092noreply@blogger.comBlogger50125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2421365709796262795.post-72102875163414288752010-12-11T22:10:00.000-08:002015-09-04T21:01:24.677-07:00Best MMOs of 2010<div>
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The year 2010 is almost over. It has been a pretty good year for free to play MMORPG and MMO players. We got a lot of great new games, and even a few previously pay to play games were converted to free to play. Let’s take a look back at the year and highlight some of the best games.</div>
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Something I find very exciting is the growth of genres other than RPGs in the f2p MMO sector. Racing games, Shooting games, Sports games, Strategy games, we saw great new free to play games that fall into all these genres. Let’s start with racing. Need for Speed is perhaps one of the most popular video game franchises of all time. Many gamers will find it surprising that a free to play version of Need for Speed is now available online, for free. That game is called<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://mmos.com/review/need-for-speed-world" style="border: 0px; color: #b93434; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.4s ease-in-out;">Need for Speed World</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>and can be downloaded on EA’s new f2p portal – play4free.com Amazing right? Need for Speed World has great graphics, realistic cars, and even a persistent world city to explore. There’s a night/day system, and plenty of customization options. Most free to play games are still coming out of Asia so lets take a look at some Asian racers. FreeJack is a parkour themed MMO racing. That means players have to race across urban settings filled with streets, traffic, tunnels, railing, and so forth. Its based on a real sport, but has stylized anime graphics. Its a very appealing game, and the mechanics require some practice to master.</div>
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Moving right along, 2010 has been a good year for MMO shooters. MMOFPS games like<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://mmos.com/review/combat-arms" style="border: 0px; color: #b93434; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.4s ease-in-out;">Combat Arms</a>, Operation 7, or Cross Fire are pretty common and we saw a bunch of new ones come out in 2010. Some of these include<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://mmos.com/review/mission-against-terror" style="border: 0px; color: #b93434; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.4s ease-in-out;">Mission Against Terror</a>, K.O.S. Secret Operations, and my personal favorite of the year — Genesis A.D by ijji. Unlike most shooters, Genesis AD has a sci-fi theme, but is more realistic than<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://mmos.com/review/s4-league" style="border: 0px; color: #b93434; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.4s ease-in-out;">S4 League</a>. The graphics are top notch since the game uses the latest Unreal Engine. It has some cool mechanics like wall jumps, jet packs, and futuristic weapons. The interface is very similar to that of<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://mmos.com/review/alliance-of-valiant-arms" style="border: 0px; color: #b93434; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.4s ease-in-out;">Alliance of Valiant Arms</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>(AVA), also published by NHN on their ijji portal.</div>
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One of my favorite genres, especially as a PC gamer, has always been RTS. Its rare to find a free to play RTS games, but we’ve gotten two great ones in the past two year. Last year we had EA’s BattleForge and this year we’ve got Company of Heroes Online by THQ. Its a world war 2 themed game with fast paced gameplay, and less emphasis placed on resource management and building construction. It comes with a single player campaign so beginners can learn the basics before subjecting themselves to humiliation against other players.</div>
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There were many other MMOs in 2010, so be sure to check out all of them! If you're looking for something else, check out this <a href="http://mmos.com/gamelist">huge list of MMOs</a> which include mobile, browser, client, and more.</div>
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MMORPGPlayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05557676228544520246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2421365709796262795.post-58336375071906863062010-12-03T17:48:00.000-08:002010-12-03T17:54:42.278-08:00Conquer Online is Really Popular<div class="entry"><p>Apparently the 2D MMORPG <a title="Conquer Online" href="http://mmohut.com/review/conquer-online">Conquer Online</a> from <a title="TQ Digital" href="http://mmohut.com/publishers/tq-digital">TQ Digital</a> is incredibly popular. I’ve heard of the game before and have played several other TQ Digital games including <a title="Eudemons Online" href="http://mmohut.com/review/eudemons-online">Eudemons Online</a> and <a title="Zero Online" href="http://mmohut.com/review/zero-online">Zero Online</a>, but never Conquer Online. Just yesterday I decided to give the game a try, as I’ve seen ads for it on a few sites and wanted to see what the big deal was. To no surprise, the game’s visuals were very much similar to both Eudemons and Zero Online. It seems like all the games from TQ Digital run off of the same exact engine game engine. The Way of the Five, <a title="The Warlords" href="http://mmohut.com/review/the-warlords">The Warlords</a>, <a title="Crazy Tao" href="http://mmohut.com/review/crazy-tao">Crazy Tao</a> and the other <a title="MMORPGs" href="http://mmohut.com/">MMORPGs</a> published by TQ Digital are the exact same way. I don’t mean to say this in a bad way, as the visuals in Conquer Online aren’t bad. I say not bad, because even though the graphics aren’t <a title="Karos Online" href="http://mmohut.com/review/karos-online">Karos Online</a> or The <a title="Pirates of the Burning Sea" href="http://mmohut.com/review/pirates-of-the-burning-sea">Pirates of the Burning Sea</a> style “shiny”, the visuals are good enough to get the job done. To be honest, I don’t like it when games dedicate all their resources to trying have the newest and best possible graphics out there. I mean just look at games like <a title="Archlord" href="http://mmohut.com/review/archlord">Archlord</a> from <a title="Webzen" href="http://mmohut.com/publishers/webzen">Webzen</a> and <a title="RF Online" href="http://mmohut.com/review/rf-online">RF Online</a>. Both games launched as great looking <a title="MMORPGs" href="http://mmohut.com/gamelist">MMORPGs</a>, but over time their graphics lost their flare. Both games are considered fairly “ugly” by today’s standards, especially with games like <a title="Vindictus" href="http://mmohut.com/review/vindictus">Vindictus</a> and to a lesser degree <a title="Dynasty Warriors Online" href="http://mmohut.com/review/dynasty-warriors-online">Dynasty Warriors Online</a> pushing the boundaries of graphics.</p><p>The way I look at it – if a game is 2D, the graphics won’t really age that much over time. 2D games most certainly age better than 3D ones. I mean just look at Istaria and <a title="Planetside" href="http://mmohut.com/free-trials/planetside">Planetside</a> – both games launched as games with ground-breaking graphics, but today they’re nothing special. Personally, I think the visuals in some <a title="2D MMORPGs" href="http://mmohut.com/editorials/top-10-2d-mmorpgs">2D MMORPGs</a> like <a title="WonderKing" href="http://mmohut.com/review/wonderking">WonderKing</a>, <a title="MapleStory" href="http://mmohut.com/review/maplestory">MapleStory</a> and <a title="Fists of Fu" href="http://mmohut.com/review/fists-of-fu">Fists of Fu</a> to be great. New MMORPGs with 2D graphics like <a title="Angels Online" href="http://mmohut.com/review/angels-online">Angels Online</a> from <a title="IGG" href="http://mmohut.com/publishers/igg">IGG</a> and Myth Angels Online from UserJoy pull off solid 2D visuals. One huge, huge, advantage (notice how I said huge twice to emphasize the importance?) of 2D games over 3D ones is that they’re more compatible with older PCs. Not every PC in the world can play <a title="Alliance of Valiant Arms" href="http://mmohut.com/review/alliance-of-valiant-arms">Alliance of Valiant Arms</a>, but MOST PCs can handle <a title="Dragon Raja" href="http://mmohut.com/review/dragon-raja">Dragon Raja</a> or <a title="Destiny Online" href="http://mmohut.com/review/destiny-online">Destiny Online</a> from <a title="EnjoyMMO" href="http://mmohut.com/publishers/enjoymmo">EnjoyMMO</a>. A lot of my friends actually can’t play <a title="Runes of Magic" href="http://mmohut.com/review/runes-of-magic">Runes of Magic</a>, even though they want to. This makes me question whether it was a good idea for the game’s devs to make the game so good looking. This might sound a bit ridiculous, but it makes sense. Games like Final Fantasy 14 which demand absurdly powerful PCs are sort of screwing themselves over. People who want to play these game’s cant, because they don’t have amazing graphics cards – so what do these people do instead? They download and play games that their computers can handle. Games like <a title="Mission Against Terror" href="http://mmohut.com/review/mission-against-terror">Mission Against Terror</a> and <a title="War of Angels" href="http://mmohut.com/review/war-of-angels">War of Angels</a> which don’t demand $2,000 PCs to play. Because MOST gamers can’t always keep up with the latest technologies.</p><p>Anyway, I ranted for quite a while. What I really wanted to say is that Conquer Online isn’t a bad game. It’s not exactly my cup of tea, as the experience rate is way too fast. It’s almost <a title="Jade Dynasty" href="http://mmohut.com/review/jade-dynasty">Jade Dynasty</a> or <a title="Magic World Online" href="http://mmohut.com/review/magic-world-online">Magic World Online</a> style throwaway because you can pretty much kill everything on the screen with your most basic attacks. I Think game developers need a better way to <a title="Elimate grind MMORPGs" href="http://mmohut.com/editorials/eliminating-grind-in-mmorpgs">eliminate grind from MMORPGs</a> without doing it with a built in bot.</p></div>MMORPGPlayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05557676228544520246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2421365709796262795.post-16588204042537646772010-11-28T17:29:00.000-08:002010-11-28T17:37:29.890-08:00New Wave of Browser MMORPGs<div class="entry"><p>I’ve talked about <a title="Browser MMORPGs" href="http://mmohut.com/browser-games">browser MMORPGs</a> and MMOs in the past, but it’s outright remarkable how many new browser games are launching each and every week. Even though these numbers are impressive, it’s a bit sad that every single new game launching is pretty much the same old thing we’ve seen before. <a title="DDTank" href="http://mmohut.com/browser-games/ddtank">DDTank</a> – one of the newer browsed based games that launched on <a title="Aeria Games" href="http://mmohut.com/publishers/aeria-games">Aeria Games</a> and numerous other portals, is a shameless <a title="Gunbound" href="http://mmohut.com/review/gunbound">Gunbound</a> clone that makes no attempt to hide that fact. If you’ve ever played Gunbound, it’s downright funny how similar DDTank is to Gunbound. I guess it’s better than seeing yet another WoW Clone – as there are countless WoW clones already. I think <a title="4Story" href="http://mmohut.com/review/4story">4Story</a>, <a title="Runes of Magic" href="http://mmohut.com/review/runes-of-magic">Runes of Magic</a> and <a title="Allods Online" href="http://mmohut.com/review/allods-online">Allods Online</a> are all pretty shameless, but at least these games are genuinely fun to play. DDTank isn’t bad, but Gunbound is much better imho.</p><p><a title="Gamigo" href="http://mmohut.com/publishers/gamigo">Gamigo</a> released the browser based strategy MMO <a title="Cultures Online" href="http://mmohut.com/browser-games/cultures-online">Cultures Online</a> last month, and even though it does make an effort to differentiate itself, the game still looks and feels like every other strategy game. To be fair, it’s a tad bit original as it does mix <a title="Shakes and Fidget" href="http://mmohut.com/browser-games/shakes-and-fidget">Shakes and Fidget</a> style slow paced RPG gameplay with <a title="Ministry of War" href="http://mmohut.com/browser-games/ministry-of-war">Ministry of War</a> style strategy elements. <a title="Might and Magic Heroes Kingdoms" href="http://mmohut.com/browser-games/might-and-magic-heroes-kingdoms">Might and Magic Heroes Kingdoms</a> launched 2 months ago, and the game seemed promising. Too bad after playing it for a few weeks, the game really didn’t offer anything original. For a game built on such an epic franchise, I expected a lot more out of it. I mean aside from a handful of unique browser based MMOs like <a title="Urban Rivals" href="http://mmohut.com/browser-games/urban-rivals">Urban Rivals</a>, <a title="Adventure Quest Worlds" href="http://mmohut.com/browser-games/adventure-quest-worlds">Adventure Quest Worlds</a> and <a title="Roblox" href="http://mmohut.com/browser-games/roblox">Roblox</a>, it’s fair to say that the genre has a definite lack of originality. I can’t be the only one this burnt out of strategy games…</p><p>I think the problem is that every game company is trying to make a quick buck – so instead of investing a lot of time and money into making a new product, they figure that making a cookie cutter strategy game like <a title="Grepolis" href="http://mmohut.com/browser-games/grepolis">Grepolis</a> or <a title="Travian" href="http://mmohut.com/browser-games/travian">Travian</a> is the way to go. In their defense, developing a totally original game like <a title="Pirate Galaxy" href="http://mmohut.com/browser-games/pirate-galaxy">Pirate Galaxy</a> or <a title="Nadirim" href="http://mmohut.com/browser-games/nadirim">Nadirim</a> could be very expensive. Just look at <a title="BigPoint" href="http://mmohut.com/publishers/bigpoint">BigPoint</a> – they spent over $5 million developing <a title="PoisonVille" href="http://mmohut.com/browser-games/poisonville">PoisonVille</a> and the game has been an utter failure so far. BigPoint is making a ton of money off of <a title="Deepolis" href="http://mmohut.com/browser-games/deepolis">Deepolis</a> and <a title="Dark Orbit" href="http://mmohut.com/browser-games/dark-orbit">Dark Orbit</a>, which were both much cheaper to develop! Making a cheesy strategy game is the easy way out for most developers. Too bad most of these strategy games are failures – as games like <a title="King and Conqueror" href="http://mmohut.com/browser-games/king-and-conqueror">King and Conqueror</a> and <a title="World of LordCraft" href="http://mmohut.com/browser-games/world-of-lordcraft">World of LordCraft</a> simply cannot compete with the more established games.</p><p>So hopefully the next few months will bring some much needed innovation to the browser game platform, because as is, I’m really disappointed. I think the only really impressive game that launched on the browser recently is <a title="Sacred Seasons" href="http://mmohut.com/browser-games/sacred-seasons">Sacred Seasons</a> 2, but it’s not entirely original either. It plays a lot like an regular <a title="MMORPG" href="http://mmohut.com/">MMORPG</a>.</p></div>MMORPGPlayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05557676228544520246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2421365709796262795.post-58466347361042180792010-11-23T11:11:00.001-08:002010-11-23T11:11:44.572-08:00Dancing MMOs.... EVERYWHERE<div class="entry"><p>Why are there so many free to play dancing <a title="Dancing MMOs" href="http://mmohut.com/">MMOs</a>? I honestly have no idea. I think the first dancing game (not MMO, just game) was Dance Dance Revolution. The first dancing MMO I played was <a title="Dance Online" href="http://mmohut.com/review/dance-online">Dance Online</a> back when <a title="Acclaim" href="http://mmohut.com/publishers/acclaim">Acclaim</a> Games published it. Ever since they went bankrupt, the game did eventually relaunch as Super Dance Online through <a title="Cubizone" href="http://mmohut.com/publishers/cubizone">Cubizone</a> – a Malaysian <a title="MMORPG Publishers" href="http://mmohut.com/editorials/mmorpg-publishers-developers-and-ip-blocks">MMO publisher</a>. Luckily, the game itself didn’t change much. In fact, the Malaysian version was much more popular than the U.S. Version Acclaim had. For some reason, every MMO publisher decided that they needed a dancing game. <a title="Snail Games" href="http://mmohut.com/publishers/snail-games">Snail Games</a> launched ShowUp (which actually launched as <a title="5Street" href="http://mmohut.com/review/showup">5Street</a>. It changed its name to Showup much later). Even the <a title="Korean MMO" href="http://mmohut.com/editorials/most-popular-korean-mmorpgs">Korean MMO</a> juggernaut <a title="Nexon" href="http://mmohut.com/publishers/nexon">Nexon</a> jumped onto the bandwagon when they launched Audition Online. Now I played audition Online for a while, and I do have to admit the gameplay and visuals were faily polished. After all, Nexon has always been known for publishing some of the highest quality free to play titles out there. Their current portfolio of titles by itself is very impressive actually. They have <a title="Vindictus" href="http://mmohut.com/review/vindictus">Vindictus</a>, <a title="MapleStory" href="http://mmohut.com/review/maplestory">MapleStory</a>, <a title="Combat Arms" href="http://mmohut.com/review/combat-arms">Combat Arms</a>, <a title="Mabinogi" href="http://mmohut.com/review/mabinogi">Mabinogi</a> and <a title="Dungeon Fighter Online" href="http://mmohut.com/review/dungeon-fighter-online">Dungeon Fighter Online</a>. Notice I left out Audition Online from that list? That’s because Nexon eventually shut audition Online down, but luckily the game didn’t shut down for good. Just as Acclaim Games closed Dance Online and it relaunched sometime later, Audition Online relaunched through RedBana – which is actually owned by <a title="T3Fun" href="http://mmohut.com/publishers/t3fun">T3Fun</a> which publishes <a title="CardMon Hero" href="http://mmohut.com/review/cardmon-hero">CardMon Hero</a> and <a title="Aika" href="http://mmohut.com/review/aika">Aika</a> Global.</p><p>Anyway, the purpose of this entry is to talk about how all of these dancing MMOs are all the same. Obviously they’re not all identical, but they’re just as similar as Combat Arms from Nexon and <a title="Sudden Attack" href="http://mmohut.com/review/sudden-attack">Sudden Attack</a> from <a title="GameHi" href="http://mmohut.com/publishers/gamehi">GameHi</a> are similar. They’re basically the same games, except with slightly different visuals. Even <a title="Perfect World" href="http://mmohut.com/review/perfect-world">Perfect World</a> jumped on the whole dancing game bandwagon when they launched <a title="Hot Dance Party" href="http://mmohut.com/review/hot-dance-party-steps">Hot Dance Party</a> (Steps). Unfortunately, this one isn’t available in North America. It’s published through Cubizoe in Malaysia, but those in North America can still access it, as it has no IP blocks. I actually played every single one of these games, as I generally enjoy these rhythm based titles, as I think they require a lot of skill. They’re also very much competitive. In fact, you could argue that they’re just as competitive as any FPS or <a title="League of Legends" href="http://mmohut.com/review/league-of-legends">League of Legends</a> style Aeon of Strife game. Unlike FPS games though, these dancing MMOs don’t differentiate themselves in gameplay. They all share the same button pushing DDR style gameplay mechanics. The only thing that really separates Super Dance Online from Hot Dance Party is its visuals. <a title="MMO Shooters" href="http://mmohut.com/editorials/top-10-mmofps-shooters">MMO Shooters</a> like <a title="Alliance of Valiant Arms" href="http://mmohut.com/review/alliance-of-valiant-arms">Alliance of Valiant Arms</a> and <a title="Genesis A.D" href="http://mmohut.com/review/genesis-ad">Genesis A.D</a>. Although similar, so have some different gameplay mechanics. Unfortunately these dancing games don’t.</p><p>The thing about dancing MMOs is that not a single one is particularly successful in North America. So I’m not sure why there are so many of them. I think <a title="Osu" href="http://mmohut.com/review/osu">Osu</a>! Is the most popular rhythm based multiplayer game, but it’s not even a traditional dancing game. I think it’s popular because it’s actually does something different while everyone else is off copying each other.</p></div>MMORPGPlayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05557676228544520246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2421365709796262795.post-88840314358609978292010-11-17T12:39:00.000-08:002010-11-17T12:47:03.548-08:00Garena Getting into the F2P MMO Business?<div class="post" id="post-15451"><div class="post-grad"><h1 class="componentheading"><span></span></h1><div class="ratings"></div></div><div class="entry"><p>It seems like Garena, the app best known for allowing gamers to compete against each other via a hamachii sort of Lan, is getting into the <a title="free to play MMO" href="http://mmohut.com/">free to play MMO</a> business. I remember using Garena to play Defense of the Ancients (DotA) with my friends and others back when my buddies didn’t all have CD keys to play on battle.net. Nowadays we can play free to play aion of strife games like <a title="League of Legends" href="http://mmohut.com/review/league-of-legends">League of Legends</a> from Riot Games and <a title="Land of Chaos Online" href="http://mmohut.com/review/land-of-chaos-online">Land of Chaos Online</a> from <a title="Alaplaya" href="http://mmohut.com/publishers/alaplaya">Alaplaya</a>, so we don’t exactly need to use Garena anymore. But thousands of people, mostly outside of the U.S, still use it to play various games with each other. I think most people use it when they pirate games and don’t have CD Keys – playing through Garena allows them to play multiplayer without a cd key or a valid account. Garena is quite big today but it’s slowly transforming itself into an <a title="MMO Publisher" href="http://mmohut.com/editorials/mmorpg-publishers-developers-and-ip-blocks">MMO publisher</a>. The company already publishes the <a title="MMO Shooter" href="http://mmohut.com/games/shooter">MMOFPS</a> <a title="Blackshot" href="http://mmohut.com/review/blackshot">Blackshot</a> in both Europe and Asia (No U.S. Version of the game exists. <a title="Outspark" href="http://mmohut.com/publishers/outspark">Outspark</a>, best known for <a title="Fiesta Online" href="http://mmohut.com/review/fiesta-online">Fiesta Online</a> and <a title="Fists of Fu" href="http://mmohut.com/review/fists-of-fu">Fists of Fu</a> was supposed to publish it, but they never did.).</p><p>Aside from Blackshot, Garena also has Go Kart, which is the same exact game as <a rel="nofollow" title="GoGo Racer" href="http://mmohut.com/review/gogo-racer">GoGo Racer</a>, which <a title="GamersFirst" href="http://mmohut.com/publishers/gamers-first">GamersFirst</a> published for a short while. The game never launched in North America, as GamersFirst postponed it, along with <a title="Parabellum" href="http://mmohut.com/preview/parabellum">Parabellum</a>, delayed Go Kart indefinitely. It’s too bad actually, as the game itself wasn’t that bad. I mean aside from <a title="Racing Star: Come on Baby" href="http://mmohut.com/review/racing-star-come-on-baby">Racing Star: Come on Baby</a>, it was the only silly Kart <a title="Racing MMO" href="http://top%205%20best%20mmo%20racing%20games%20-%20mmo%20hut%20play%20the%20top%205%20best%20mmo%20racing%20games%20of%20all%20time.%20if%20you%27re%20looking%20for%20a%20new%20mmo%20racing%20game%20to%20play%2C%20you%20can%20pick%20from%20the%20best.%20check%20out%20our%20reviews%20to.%20mmohut.com/editorials/best-mmo-racing-games">Racing MMO</a> out there. <a title="Nexon" href="http://mmohut.com/publishers/nexon">Nexon</a> used to have Kart Rider, but they shut that down years ago (In North America. It remains popular in South Korea). Unfortunately, like Blackshot – Go Kart isn’t available world-wide. Instead, the game is restricted to only a handful of regions. Another neat thing about Garena is that they inked a deal with S2 Games to publish Heroes of Newerth in certain regions as a <a title="Avalon Heroes" href="http://mmohut.com/review/avalon-heroes">Avalon Heroes</a> / League of Legends style free to play game. In Europe and North America, the game remains buy to play – just like <a title="Guild Wars" href="http://mmohut.com/free-trials/guild-wars">Guild Wars</a>.</p><p>I think the biggest problem Garena has having is the lack of global licenses. If Garena published say <a title="Priston Tale" href="http://mmohut.com/review/priston-tale">Priston Tale</a> 2 world-wide, I think the game would be quite successful. Currently the game is ONLY available in EU and South East Asia. No one in North America can play it. The cool thing about <a title="Netmarble" href="http://mmohut.com/publishers/netmarble">Netmarble</a> and <a title="Aeria Games" href="http://mmohut.com/publishers/aeria-games">Aeria Games</a> is that they have a lot of games available on the international level. Netmarble for example publishes <a title="Uncharted Waters Online" href="http://mmohut.com/review/uncharted-waters-online">Uncharted Waters Online</a>, a Voyage Century / <a title="Pirates of the burning Sea" href="http://mmohut.com/free-trials/pirates-of-the-burning-sea">Pirates of the burning Sea</a> style game world-wide with no IP restrictions (Except Japan / Korea). Aeria Games has several IP restriction free games too including the new <a title="Legendary Champions" href="http://mmohut.com/review/legendary-champions">Legendary Champions</a> and <a title="Dynasty Warriors Online" href="http://mmohut.com/review/dynasty-warriors-online">Dynasty Warriors Online</a>. Having games without IP restrictions is a big deal, as everyone can play on the same service. Having the game’s audience fragmented only makes the game feel more empty. At least that’s how I feel on the whole <a title="MMO IP Ban" href="http://mmohut.com/editorials/mmorpgs-and-ip-bans">MMO IP ban</a> thing. I sort of hope someone offers <a title="Argo Online" href="http://mmohut.com/review/argo-online">Argo Online</a> or <a title="Luvinia Online" href="http://mmohut.com/review/luvinia-online">Luvinia Online</a> world-wide as I don’t want that game to have IP restrictions. Garena offered their VPN / LAN services world-wide, so seeing them publish games is cool, but it sucks that all of their games have so many IP restrictions. I don’t think they have any game published in North America.</p></div></div>MMORPGPlayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05557676228544520246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2421365709796262795.post-8628278567006430602010-11-12T19:31:00.000-08:002010-11-12T19:33:00.333-08:00Camon Hero Revived as CardMon Hero<div class="entry"><p>Remember Camon Hero from <a title="Uforia" href="http://mmohut.com/publishers/uforia">Uforia</a>? It’s a card based <a title="Fantasy MMORPG" href="http://mmohut.com/editorials/best-fantasy-mmorpgs">fantasy MMORPG</a> that was supposed to begin open beta testing in early June 2010, but never did. Months went by with no word about when the game is actually going to launch or if it will ever launch. Then – out of the blue <a title="T3Fun" href="http://mmohut.com/publishers/t3fun">T3Fun</a> announced that they would be launching Camon Hero World-wide as “<a title="Cardmon Hero" href="http://mmohut.com/review/cardmon-hero">Cardmon Hero</a>”. Uforia left a lot of gamers upset when they completely abandoned Camon Hero back in June 2010. I’m actually not too surprised they pulled a stunt like this, as they’re not exactly well known for their class. Their Game Masters in Mercenary Wars and <a title="Red War" href="http://mmohut.com/review/red-war">Red War</a> (two games published by Uforia) are extremely unprofessional. I think the only playable <a title="MMORPG" href="http://mmohut.com/">MMORPG</a> they have on their website is <a title="NosTale" href="http://mmohut.com/review/nostale">NosTale</a>. Everything else they publish is trash. I think Mercenary Wars is actually the worst <a title="MMOFPS" href="http://mmohut.com/editorials/top-10-mmofps-shooters">MMOFPS</a> out there – much worse than <a title="Mission Against Terror" href="http://mmohut.com/review/mission-against-terror">Mission Against Terror</a> from <a title="Suba Games" href="http://mmohut.com/publishers/suba-games">Suba Games</a>. Anyway, I’m getting distracted (again). I’m just glad that Camon Hero isn’t dead and it’s actually going to release. The game’s closed beta began on November 9 or so, but there’s no word on when the open beta will begin yet.</p><p>CardMon Hero is one of the few card based MMORPGs out there. I think aside from CardMon Hero – the only other client based card game is <a title="Wizard101" href="http://mmohut.com/review/wizard101">Wizard101</a> – but that’s more of a <a title="Kids MMORPG" href="http://mmohut.com/editorials/kids-mmorpg-games">kids MMORPG</a> than CardMon. Plus it’s a <a title="Turn based MMORPG" href="http://mmohut.com/editorials/best-turn-based-mmorpgs">turn based MMORPG</a>, Cardmon is a bit more actiony. There are a few <a title="browser based MMOs" href="http://mmohut.com/browser-games">browser based MMOs</a> with card mechanics – such as <a title="Urban Rivals" href="http://mmohut.com/browser-games/urban-rivals">Urban Rivals</a>, but those are completely different than Cardmon Hero. Cardmon Hero is a game that I think will appeal to a lot of people. It has low system requirements, fairly crisp anime inspired graphics, and a ton of unique skills. What I personally really like about <a title="EverQuest 2" href="http://mmohut.com/review/everquest-2">EverQuest 2</a> from <a title="Sony Online Entertainment" href="http://mmohut.com/publishers/sony-online-entertainment">Sony Online Entertainment</a> and <a title="The Lord of the Rings Online" href="http://mmohut.com/review/the-lord-of-the-rings-online">The Lord of the Rings Online</a> from <a title="Turbine" href="http://mmohut.com/publishers/turbine">Turbine</a> is their unique skill systems. Cardmon Hero has a classless system where players have access to EVERY skill in the game. However, players can only equip skills if they’re using the appropriate weapon. Certain skills can only be equipped if you’re using a 2H sword, 1H sword, Staff, Etc. Skills in CardMon hero are in the form of cards. You don’t start with very many cards, so while you’re grinding and exploring, you’re also finding new cards, which are basically new skills. I think the only other MMORPGs without set classes are <a title="Uncharted Waters Online" href="http://mmohut.com/review/uncharted-waters-online">Uncharted Waters Online</a> from <a title="Netmarble" href="http://mmohut.com/publishers/netmarble">Netmarble</a> and <a title="Ultima Online" href="http://mmohut.com/free-trials/ultima-online">Ultima Online</a> from <a title="Electronic Arts" href="http://mmohut.com/publishers/electronic-arts">Electronic Arts</a>.</p><p>I had a chance to play Cardmon Hero in its closed beta phase and I was quite impressed. The game has some 100+ skill cards and an equal amount of summon cards for a total of 200+ skills. The thing that makes the game really interesting is that each character has access to hundreds of skills. If you want to use some ranged attacks – simply equip a staff. If you want to use some melee AOE attacks simply equip a 2H sword. Your weapon type determines which skills you have access too, which is an incredible dynamic. Even though the game’s graphics aren’t nearly as pretty as <a title="Heroes of Three Kingdoms" href="http://mmohut.com/review/heroes-of-three-kingdoms">Heroes of Three Kingdoms</a> or <a title="Jade Dynasty" href="http://mmohut.com/review/jade-dynasty">Jade Dynasty</a>, the game still offers a lot to do. It’s a game I’ll make sure to play in open beta.</p></div>MMORPGPlayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05557676228544520246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2421365709796262795.post-67967066376766846452010-11-08T15:37:00.000-08:002010-11-08T15:38:06.942-08:00Soul Master Dead. But It's Relaunching<div class="entry"><p><a title="GamesCampus" href="http://mmohut.com/publishers/gamescampus">GamesCampus</a> recently announced that their new <a title="Side Scrolling MMORPG" href="http://mmohut.com/editorials/best-side-scrolling-mmorpgs">side scrolling MMORPG</a> <a title="Soul Master" href="http://mmohut.com/review/soul-master">Soul Master</a> would be shutting down and entering the <a title="MMO Graveyard" href="http://mmohut.com/editorials/mmo-graveyard">MMO Graveyard</a>. Even though Soul Master is a 3D side scrolling game, much like <a title="Dragon Saga" href="http://mmohut.com/review/dragonica-online">Dragon Saga</a>, it’s still a game that has appealed to the <a title="2D MMORPGs" href="http://mmohut.com/editorials/top-10-2d-mmorpgs">2D MMORPG</a> crowd quite a bit, mostly because of its graphics and flat plane style. So even though it’s technically 3D, it plays like a 2D game. The reason GamesCampus gave for shutting the game down was because the game didn’t meet their quality standards. They said that the game will relaunch 6-8 months down the road with new graphics, more content and a better interface. Basically it’ll be completely redeveloped and then relaunched. I guess now that they’re closing the game down, they’ll be able to divert their attention to their other games including <a title="Legend of Edda" href="http://mmohut.com/review/legend-of-edda">Legend of Edda</a>, <a title="Shot Online" href="http://mmohut.com/review/shot-online">Shot Online</a>, <a title="Drift City" href="http://mmohut.com/review/drift-city">Drift City</a>, <a title="Asda Story" href="http://mmohut.com/review/asda-story">Asda Story</a>. They also publish the <a title="World War 2 MMOs" href="http://mmohut.com/editorials/free-to-play-ww2-mmos">World War 2 MMO</a> <a title="Heroes in the Sky" href="http://mmohut.com/review/heroes-in-the-sky">Heroes in the Sky</a>.</p><p>Since Soul Master will be shutting down on the GamesCampus service, but I wonder what’s going to happen to the <a title="Gamigo" href="http://mmohut.com/publishers/gamigo">Gamigo</a> version of the game, for the European market. Gamigo largely publishes <a title="European MMORPGs" href="http://mmohut.com/editorials/european-mmorpgs">European MMORPGs</a>, but they have several games available in North America, such as <a title="King of Kings 3" href="http://mmohut.com/review/king-of-kings-3">King of Kings 3</a> and the <a title="Browser Games" href="http://mmohut.com/browser-games">browser MMO</a> <a title="Cultures Online" href="http://mmohut.com/browser-games/cultures-online">Cultures Online</a>. Soul Master on Gamigo never launched into release the same way the GamesCampus version did, so whether Gamigo will hold off on releasing the game remains to be seen. It’s always upsetting to see an MMORPG game shut down, whether it’s permanent or just temporarily. Luckily for Soul Master it should be temporary. I played Soul Master for a while and really liked its unique blend of <a title="Battleforge" href="http://mmohut.com/review/battleforge">Battleforge</a> style RTS and <a title="Dungeon Fighter Online" href="http://mmohut.com/review/dungeon-fighter-online">Dungeon Fighter Online</a> style action oriented gameplay. What really sucks about Soul Master shutting down is that it was a really unique MMORPG. Seeing unique games shut down is terrible, especially when very generic 3D fantasy games like <a title="Hero Online" href="http://mmohut.com/review/hero-online">Hero Online</a> from <a title="Netgame" href="http://mmohut.com/publishers/netgame">Netgame</a> and <a title="Conquer Online" href="http://mmohut.com/review/conquer-online">Conquer Online</a> from <a title="TQ Digital" href="http://mmohut.com/publishers/tq-digital">TQ Digital</a> thrive. Though not every generic fantasy MMORPG is thriving – just look at <a title="Craft of Gods" href="http://mmohut.com/review/craft-of-gods">Craft of Gods</a> from Kalicantus and <a title="Archlord" href="http://mmohut.com/review/archlord">Archlord</a> from <a title="Webzen" href="http://mmohut.com/publishers/webzen">Webzen</a>. These once pay to play MMORPGs haven’t exactly been thriving as free to play games, the same way <a title="The Lord of the Rings Online" href="http://mmohut.com/review/the-lord-of-the-rings-online">The Lord of the Rings Online</a> and <a title="Dungeons and Dragons Online" href="http://mmohut.com/review/dungeons-and-dragons-online">Dungeons and Dragons Online</a> have prospered.</p><p>I’m getting a bit side tracked though. I think anyone who bought premium currency through the Soul Master <a title="MMO Cash Shop" href="http://mmohut.com/editorials/the-ideal-mmo-cash-shop">MMO cash shop</a> should be upset. Heck, anyone that even PLAYED Soul Master has the right to be upset. Odds are when the game is relaunched, if its relaunched, player characters will be wiped. So not only did people lose their money in the game’s cash shop, they lost their characters, which I’m sure some people have invested hundreds of hours into. If my <a title="MapleStory" href="http://mmohut.com/review/maplestory">MapleStory</a> or <a title="Wonderking" href="http://mmohut.com/review/wonderking">Wonderking</a> Online character was wiped, odds are I’d never play those games again. I think everyone who got “screwed” by GamesCampus is not going to play the new Soul Master game again, regardless of how good it is, as getting their characters wiped left players with a bad taste in their mouth. I sort liked the <a title="Anime MMORPG" href="http://mmohut.com/editorials/best-anime-mmorpgs">anime MMORPG</a> graphics in Soul Master too. I’m just happy I didn’t commit to my character on there. I’ve actually been playing some <a title="Fists of Fu" href="http://mmohut.com/review/fists-of-fu">Fists of Fu</a> lately from <a title="Outspark" href="http://mmohut.com/publishers/outspark">Outspark</a>, and I’d be furious if my character on there got deleted.</p></div>MMORPGPlayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05557676228544520246noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2421365709796262795.post-12284940845060361502010-11-03T09:36:00.000-07:002010-11-03T09:42:56.395-07:00When is Altis Gates going to Release?<div class="entry"><p>When is <a title="Altis Gates" href="http://mmohut.com/review/altis-gates">Altis Gates</a> going to come out? <a title="IGG" href="http://mmohut.com/publishers/igg">IGG</a> originally promised the game’s release nearly a year ago now. The game was supposed to be a 2D <a title="Turn based MMORPGs" href="http://mmohut.com/editorials/best-turn-based-mmorpgs">turn based MMORPG</a> which was supposed to play a lot like <a title="Myth War 2 Online" href="http://mmohut.com/review/myth-war-2-online">Myth War 2 Online</a> and <a title="Wonderland Online" href="http://mmohut.com/review/wonderland-online">Wonderland Online</a>. Too bad the game never made it to release. I’m not ready to completely write the game off yet, as IGG never officially announced that the game would shut down and join the MMO Graveyard. They did announce the game would be delayed indefinitely though, so we could see Altis Gates join the huge list of <a title="Delayed MMORPGs" href="http://mmohut.com/editorials/delayed-mmorpgs-mmos-in-deep-freeze">delayed MMORPGs</a> which may never get released. Come to think of it, IGG has been dropping the ball lately, as they haven’t released any <a title="Unique MMORPGs" href="http://mmohut.com/editorials/unique-mmorpgs">unique MMORPGs</a> or in fact any new games recently.</p><p>The only new game IGG launched lately has been <a title="Tales of Fantasy" href="http://mmohut.com/review/tales-of-fantasy">Tales of Fantasy</a>, which is a pretty bleh <a title="3D MMORPGs" href="http://mmohut.com/editorials/best-3d-mmorpgs">3D MMORPG</a> and <a title="Tales of Pirates 2" href="http://mmohut.com/review/tales-of-pirates-2">Tales of Pirates 2</a>, which is basically the same exact game as <a title="Tales of Pirates" href="http://mmohut.com/review/tales-of-pirates">Tales of Pirates</a>, with minor graphical tweaks. I didn’t really like Tales of Fantasy, because even though it has good graphics, the gameplay just looks and feels bland. It’s a fairly generic Chinese developed MMORPG, which brings nothing new to the table. While IGG has been releasing these substandard games, <a title="Perfect World Entertainment" href="http://mmohut.com/publishers/perfect-world-entertainment">Perfect World Entertainment</a> has been growing like crazy. They launched the mega successful <a title="Battle of the Immortals" href="http://mmohut.com/review/battle-of-the-immortals">Battle of the Immortals</a>, a killer fun Diablo 2-esque <a title="Action MMORPG" href="http://mmohut.com/editorials/best-action-mmorpgs">action MMORPG</a>, and <a title="Forsaken World" href="http://mmohut.com/preview/forsaken-world">Forsaken World</a>. They also launched a major content update to their enormously popular <a title="Jade Dynasty" href="http://mmohut.com/review/jade-dynasty">Jade Dynasty</a> game while announcing the “Genesis” update for Perfect World. They also announced a brand new game – <a title="Legend of Martial Arts" href="http://mmohut.com/preview/legend-of-martial-arts">Legend of Martial Arts</a>, which will be entering closed beta testing in late November. So why is IGG dropping the ball so much lately? How come they didn’t have any major new game releases?</p><p>Well, I really don’t know. I do think IGG has several really well known and <a title="popular MMORPGs" href="http://mmohut.com/">popular MMORPGs</a> though. Games like <a title="Godswar Online" href="http://mmohut.com/review/godswar-online">Godswar Online</a>, Angels Online and <a title="Voyage Century" href="http://mmohut.com/review/voyage-century">Voyage Century</a> for example, are all quite popular. How long Voyage Century will remain popular though is something I can’t quite answer – as <a title="Uncharted Waters Online" href="http://mmohut.com/review/uncharted-waters-online">Uncharted Waters Online</a> – the new ship based MMORPG from <a title="Netmarble" href="http://mmohut.com/publishers/netmarble">Netmarble</a> is now competing with Voyage Century. Uncharted Waters Online is an incredibly popular <a title="Japanese MMORPGs" href="http://mmohut.com/editorials/japanese-mmorpgs">Japanese MMORPG</a>. And we all know how crazy some Westerners are for all things Japan. <a title="Dynasty Warriors Online" href="http://mmohut.com/review/dynasty-warriors-online">Dynasty Warriors Online</a> from Koei has been midly successful in the West already. So I wouldn’t be surprised if Uncharted Waters Online took away some players from Voyage Century. Many of IGGs games have remained pretty stagnant too. Games like <a title="Zu Online" href="http://mmohut.com/review/zu-online">Zu Online</a> and <a title="Aurora Blade" href="http://mmohut.com/browser-games/aurora-blade">Aurora Blade</a> haven’t really received any major updates in quite some time. Even their <a href="http://mmohut.com/browser-games">browser MMO</a> <a title="Lords Online" href="http://mmohut.com/browser-games/lords-online">Lords Online</a> hasn’t gone anyway in some time. While on the topic of IGG dropping the ball, they also never released <a title="Dreamland Online" href="http://mmohut.com/preview/dreamland-online">Dreamland Online</a>, which is another game that seems to be indefinitely delayed.</p><p>Ever since I played <a title="Atlantica Online" href="http://mmohut.com/review/atlantica-online">Atlantica Online</a> from <a title="Ndoors" href="http://mmohut.com/publishers/ndoors">Ndoors</a> and <a title="Pet Forest" href="http://mmohut.com/browser-games/pet-forest">Pet Forest</a> from <a title="PlayOMG" href="http://mmohut.com/publishers/playomg">PlayOMG</a>, I’ve been pretty fascinated with turn based MMORPGs. I’m looking forward to trying Altis Gates if it ever does come out.</p></div>MMORPGPlayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05557676228544520246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2421365709796262795.post-74750658958877832952010-10-30T05:21:00.001-07:002010-10-30T05:23:50.159-07:00When is Altis Gates going to Release?<div class="entry"><p>When is <a href="http://mmohut.com/preview/atlis-gates">Altis Gates</a> going to come out? <a title="IGG" href="http://mmohut.com/publishers/igg">IGG</a> originally promised the game’s release nearly a year ago now. The game was supposed to be a 2D <a title="Turn Based MMORPG" href="http://mmohut.com/editorials/best-turn-based-mmorpgs">turn based MMORPG</a> which was supposed to play a lot like <a title="Myth War 2 Online" href="http://mmohut.com/review/myth-war-2-online">Myth War 2 Online</a> and <a title="Wonderland Online" href="http://mmohut.com/review/wonderland-online">Wonderland Online</a>. Too bad the game never made it to release. I’m not ready to completely write the game off yet, as IGG never officially announced that the game would shut down and join the MMO Graveyard. They did announce the game would be delayed indefinitely though, so we could see Altis Gates join the huge list of <a title="Delayed MMORPGs" href="http://mmohut.com/editorials/delayed-mmorpgs-mmos-in-deep-freeze">delayed MMORPGs</a> which may never get released. Come to think of it, IGG has been dropping the ball lately.</p><p>The only new game IGG launched lately has been <a title="Tales of Fantasy" href="http://mmohut.com/review/tales-of-fantasy">Tales of Fantasy</a>, which is a pretty bleh <a title="3D MMORPGs" href="http://mmohut.com/editorials/best-3d-mmorpgs">3D MMORPG</a> and <a title="Tales of Pirates 2" href="http://mmohut.com/review/tales-of-pirates-2">Tales of Pirates 2</a>, which is basically the same exact game as <a title="Tales of Pirates" href="http://mmohut.com/review/tales-of-pirates">Tales of Pirates</a>, with minor graphical tweaks. I didn’t really like Tales of Fantasy, because even though it has good graphics, the gameplay just looks and feels bland. It’s a fairly generic Chinese developed MMORPG, which brings nothing new to the table. While IGG has been releasing these substandard games, <a title="Perfect World Entertainment" href="http://mmohut.com/publishers/perfect-world-entertainment">Perfect World Entertainment</a> has been growing like crazy. They launched the mega successful <a title="Battle of the Immortals" href="http://mmohut.com/review/battle-of-the-immortals">Battle of the Immortals</a>, a killer fun Diablo 2-esque <a title="Action MMORPG" href="http://mmohut.com/editorials/best-action-mmorpgs">action MMORPG</a>, and <a title="Forsaken World" href="http://mmohut.com/preview/forsaken-world">Forsaken World</a>. They also launched a major content update to their enormously popular Jade Dynasty game while announcing the “Genesis” update for <a title="Perfect World" href="http://mmohut.com/review/perfect-world">Perfect World</a>. They also announced a brand new game – <a title="Legend of Martial Arts" href="http://mmohut.com/preview/legend-of-martial-arts">Legend of Martial Arts</a>, which will be entering closed beta testing in late November. So why is IGG dropping the ball so much lately? How come they didn’t have any major new game releases?</p><p>Well, I really don’t know. I do think IGG has several really well known and <a title="Most Popular MMORPGs" href="http://mmohut.com/editorials/most-popular-free-mmorpgs">popular MMORPGs</a> though. Games like <a title="Godswar Online" href="http://mmohut.com/review/godswar-online">Godswar Online</a>, <a title="Angels Online" href="http://mmohut.com/review/angels-online">Angels Online</a> and <a title="Voyage Century" href="http://mmohut.com/review/voyage-century">Voyage Century</a> for example, are all quite popular. How long Voyage Century will remain popular though is something I can’t quite answer – as <a title="Uncharted Waters Online" href="http://mmohut.com/review/uncharted-waters-online">Uncharted Waters Online</a> – the new ship based MMORPG from <a title="Netmarble" href="http://mmohut.com/publishers/netmarble">Netmarble</a> is now competing with Voyage Century. Uncharted Waters Online is an incredibly popular <a title="Japanese MMORPG" href="http://mmohut.com/editorials/japanese-mmorpgs">Japanese MMORPG</a>. And we all know how crazy some Westeners are for all things Japan. <a title="Dynasty Warriors Online" href="http://mmohut.com/review/dynasty-warriors-online">Dynasty Warriors Online</a> from Koei has been midly successful in the West already. So I wouldn’t be surprised if Uncharted Waters Online took away some players from Voyage Century. Many of IGGs games have remained pretty stagnant too. Games like <a title="Zu Online" href="http://mmohut.com/review/zu-online">Zu Online</a> and <a title="Aurora Blade" href="http://mmohut.com/browser-games/aurora-blade">Aurora Blade</a> haven’t really received any major updates in quite some time. Even their <a title="Browser MMO" href="http://mmohut.com/browser-games">browser MMO</a> <a title="Lords Online" href="http://mmohut.com/browser-games/lords-online">Lords Online</a> hasn’t gone anyway in some time. While on the topic of IGG dropping the ball, they also never released <a title="Dreamland Online" href="http://mmohut.com/preview/dreamland-online">Dreamland Online</a>, which is another game that seems to be indefinitely delayed.</p><p>Ever since I played <a title="Atlantica Online" href="http://mmohut.com/review/atlantica-online">Atlantica Online</a> from <a title="Ndoors" href="http://mmohut.com/publishers/ndoors">Ndoors</a> and <a title="Pet Forest" href="http://mmohut.com/browser-games/pet-forest">Pet Forest</a> from <a title="PlayOMG" href="http://mmohut.com/publishers/playomg">PlayOMG</a>, I’ve been pretty fascinated with turn based MMORPGs. I’m looking forward to trying Altis Gates if it ever does come out.</p></div>MMORPGPlayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05557676228544520246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2421365709796262795.post-37773302650005962512010-10-25T02:54:00.000-07:002010-10-25T03:02:25.360-07:00MMORPGs and Graphics<div class="entry"><p><a title="new MMORPGs" href="http://mmohut.com/">New MMORPGs</a> like <a title="Vindictus" href="http://mmohut.com/review/vindictus">Vindictus</a>, <a title="King of Kings 3" href="http://mmohut.com/review/king-of-kings-3">King of Kings 3</a> and <a title="Forsaken World" href="http://mmohut.com/preview/forsaken-world">Forsaken World</a> bring a lot to the table – most notably better visuals. It shouldn’t be any surprise that graphics amongst free to play MMORPGs are improving, as technology keeps getting better. In fact, even older games such as <a title="Mabinogi" href="http://mmohut.com/review/mabinogi">Mabinogi</a> and <a title="RuneScape" href="http://mmohut.com/browser-games/runescape">RuneScape</a> have undergone major graphical overhauls since their original release dates. The thing is though – even though graphics keep getting better, some people are being left behind. A lot of gamers out there don’t have powerful enough PCs to handle the more visually intense games. I guess the reason why <a title="Old MMORPGs" href="http://mmohut.com/editorials/oldest-mmorpgs">older MMORPGs</a> like <a title="Fly For Fun" href="http://mmohut.com/review/flyff-fly-for-fun">Fly For Fun</a>, <a title="MapleStory" href="http://mmohut.com/review/maplestory">MapleStory</a> and <a title="Rappelz" href="http://mmohut.com/review/rappelz">Rappelz</a> are still popular is because more people can actually play them.</p><p>Don’t get me wrong – MMORPGs like Vindictus that have top notch graphics are great. Heck, I was just playing <a title="Savage 2" href="http://mmohut.com/review/savage-2">Savage 2</a> the other day and I love the game’s graphics. <a title="Graphics matter" href="http://mmohut.com/editorials/mmorpg-graphics-matter">Graphics most certainly do matter</a> in games, it’s just that games that shoot for ridiculously high quality graphics are sort of screwing themselves over. The <a title="Most Popular MMORPGs" href="http://mmohut.com/editorials/most-popular-free-mmorpgs">most popular MMORPGs</a> today aren’t the best looking. Just look at The Legend of <a title="Mir 2" href="http://mmohut.com/review/mir-2">Mir 2</a>, <a title="Fists of Fu" href="http://mmohut.com/review/fists-of-fu">Fists of Fu</a> and <a title="Fiesta Online" href="http://mmohut.com/review/fiesta-online">Fiesta Online</a>. These games are relatively successful, but the graphics in them are nothing to write home about.</p><p>I think the company that found the perfect balance between graphics and gameplay is <a title="Perfect World Entertainment" href="http://mmohut.com/publishers/perfect-world-entertainment">Perfect World Entertainment</a>. They publish <a title="Perfect World" href="http://mmohut.com/review/perfect-world">Perfect World</a>, Jade Dynasty, Forsaken World, <a title="Heroes of Three Kingdoms" href="http://mmohut.com/review/heroes-of-three-kingdoms">Heroes of Three Kingdoms</a> and <a title="Ether Saga Online" href="http://mmohut.com/review/ether-saga-online">Ether Saga Online</a>. All of their games look great and feel great, but don’t require high end PCs. If you do have a high end PC, you can play these games on 1920×1080 resolution with anti-aliasing, shadows and all that jazz, but if you’re on a lower end PC, you can still play these games, just on a lower setting. Perfect World Entertainment is good at optimizing their games to run well on older machines.</p><p>I think <a title="ChangYou" href="http://mmohut.com/publishers/changyou">ChangYou</a> has the right idea between graphics and gameplay too. Their newest game <a title="Zentia" href="http://mmohut.com/review/zentia">Zentia</a> looks fine on new PCs, but it’s also designed to run smoothly on much older, weaker computers. The same applies for their two other games – <a title="Dragon Oath" href="http://mmohut.com/review/dragon-oath">Dragon Oath</a> and <a title="Blade Wars" href="http://mmohut.com/review/blade-wars">Blade Wars</a>. <a title="Netmarble" href="http://mmohut.com/publishers/netmarble">Netmarble</a> made sure their <a title="Uncharted Waters Online" href="http://mmohut.com/review/uncharted-waters-online">Uncharted Waters Online</a> game runs well on older PCs too, which is good. <a title="Runes of Magic" href="http://mmohut.com/review/runes-of-magic">Runes of Magic</a> on the other hand runes decently on older computers, but the problem with it is the download is way too big. No one wants to sit and wait for a 6+ GB game to download and install. I think that’s the game’s biggest drawback. <a title="4Story" href="http://mmohut.com/review/4story">4Story</a> and <a title="Gates of Andaron" href="http://mmohut.com/review/gates-of-andaron">Gates of Andaron</a> on the other hand, aren’t nearly as big, which is why they’re able to grab players from Runes of Magic. RoM is a much better game, but the download just takes too long.</p><p>So what game do you really like that strikes a good balance between visuals and gameplay?</p></div>MMORPGPlayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05557676228544520246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2421365709796262795.post-13552086927868202422010-10-19T22:19:00.000-07:002010-10-19T22:22:46.763-07:00MMOs That are Aging Well<div class="entry"><p>As new <a title="Free to play MMORPGs" href="http://mmohut.com/">free to play MMORPGs</a> like <a title="Vindictus" href="http://mmohut.com/review/vindictus">Vindictus</a>, <a title="Kitsu Saga" href="http://mmohut.com/review/kitsu-saga">Kitsu Saga</a> and <a title="Iris Online" href="http://mmohut.com/review/iris-online">Iris Online</a> launch, older games like <a title="Shaiya" href="http://mmohut.com/review/shaiya">Shaiya</a>, <a title="Last Chaos" href="http://mmohut.com/review/last-chaos">Last Chaos</a> and <a title="MapleStory" href="http://mmohut.com/review/maplestory">MapleStory</a> are starting to show their age. If you compare Shaiya or Last Chaos from <a title="Aeria Games" href="http://mmohut.com/publishers/aeria-games">Aeria Games</a> to any of the newer titles out – you’ll quickly realize that Shaiya and Last Chaos aren’t aging too well – in terms of graphics that is. The fascinating thing however is that both Shaiya and Last Chaos are still around and being updated. The same goes for MapleStory. In fact, MapleStory is over 5 years old, yet it’s still growing incredibly fast. It’s still one of the <a title="Most popular free mmorpgs" href="http://mmohut.com/editorials/best-10-free-mmorpgs-in-2010">most popular free MMORPGs</a> ever – with over 100 million accounts world-wide. Even <a title="Rappelz" href="http://mmohut.com/review/rappelz">Rappelz</a> and <a title="Fly For Fun" href="http://mmohut.com/review/flyff-fly-for-fun">Fly For Fun</a> from <a title="gPotato" href="http://mmohut.com/publishers/gpotato">gPotato</a> are still around and growing. It may sound surprising, but Fly For Fun is actually more popular than both <a title="Allods Online" href="http://mmohut.com/review/allods-online">Allods Online</a> and <a title="Aika" href="http://mmohut.com/review/aika">Aika</a> at the moment, and it’s over 5 years old. How can a 5+ year old game with lousy graphics be more popular than a game like Allods which cost over $10 million to develop is fascinating. It shows that older MMOs can age well. Another example of an older <a title="MMORPG" href="http://mmohut.com/">MMORPG</a> that has aged well is <a title="RuneScape" href="http://mmohut.com/browser-games/runescape">RuneScape</a> from <a title="Jagex" href="http://mmohut.com/publishers/jagex">Jagex</a> and Tribal Wars from <a title="InnoGames" href="http://mmohut.com/publishers/innogames">InnoGames</a>. Browser games tend to age really well, mostly because visuals on browser games haven’t improved too drastically over the years – though Unity wants to change all of that now.</p><p>I think the reason some <a title="Older MMORPGs" href="http://mmohut.com/editorials/oldest-mmorpgs">older MMORPGs</a> are still a big success is that graphics aren’t the most important thing in the world. Users are clearly looking at things like gameplay and content when deciding which game to play, and older MMORPGs like <a title="Hero Online" href="http://mmohut.com/review/hero-online">Hero Online</a>, <a title="Silkroad online" href="http://mmohut.com/review/silkroad-online">Silkroad online</a> and <a title="Grand Chase" href="http://mmohut.com/review/grand-chase">Grand Chase</a> have more content than newer games, as they’ve been around for a longer time – meaning, they had more time to add content, instances and characters to their games. Obviously newer MMORPGs like <a title="Fists of Fu" href="http://mmohut.com/review/fists-of-fu">Fists of Fu</a>, <a title="Uncharted Waters Online" href="http://mmohut.com/review/uncharted-waters-online">Uncharted Waters Online</a> and <a title="Dungeons and Dragons Online" href="http://mmohut.com/review/dungeons-and-dragons-online">Dungeons and Dragons Online</a> have numerous advantages too, but people are clearly more interested in gameplay and content than visuals. Having good visuals certainly helps, as I think so many people became fascinated with Vindictus because of its graphics. The game has solid gameplay mechanics too, but its beautiful graphics are what pulled in users while the gameplay kept them hooked. This theory applies to FPS games too. Just look at <a title="Cross Fire" href="http://mmohut.com/review/cross-fire">Cross Fire</a> from <a title="Z8Games" href="http://mmohut.com/publishers/z8games">Z8Games</a> – it’s HUGELY popular, even though Cross Fire isn’t exactly a new game. In fact, <a title="Alliance of Valiant Arms" href="http://mmohut.com/review/alliance-of-valiant-arms">Alliance of Valiant Arms</a> has 10x better graphics, but it has a smaller playerbase.</p><p>Are there any older MMOs you still play? I personally still MapleStory and <a title="GunZ" href="http://mmohut.com/review/gunz-the-duel">GunZ</a>, even though they’re both old games with less than stellar graphics. I’m also more interested in gameplay elements than visuals. Because if I wanted “good graphics” I’d watch a movie. When I’m playing an MMO or an MMORPG, I want fun gameplay. Visuals help, but in the end gameplay is what matters.</p></div>MMORPGPlayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05557676228544520246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2421365709796262795.post-45381793376719353522010-10-07T17:57:00.000-07:002010-10-07T18:01:06.218-07:009Dragons Relaunches on GamersFirst – Woot!<div class="entry"><p><a title="GamersFirst" href="http://mmohut.com/publishers/gamersfirst">GamersFirst</a>, the free to play MMO publisher best known for <a title="War Rock" href="http://mmohut.com/review/war-rock">War Rock</a>, <a title="Knight Online" href="http://mmohut.com/review/knight-online">Knight Online</a> and <a title="Sword 2" href="http://mmohut.com/review/sword-2">Sword 2</a> recently relaunched <a title="9Dragons" href="http://mmohut.com/review/9dragons">9Dragons</a>. 9Dragons is a 3D martial arts themed MMORPG that the now defunct Acclaim Games used to publish. Playdom – the <a title="Social Games" href="http://mmohut.com/social-games">social games</a> company behind <a title="Market Street" href="http://mmohut.com/social-games/market-street">Market Street</a>, Kogaumu, and a handful of other facebook games actually bought playdom in early 2010. The purchase was clearly a mistake, as Playdom shut down the Acclaim website along with ALL of the games Acclaim used to publish (Including 9Dragons). Luckily, GamersFirst saw this as an oppurtunity to expand and bought the North American license to run 9Dragons from Indy21 (The independent Korean game developer who made 9Dragons). I’m actually not too surprised that 9Dragons was brought back to life as it was easily the <a title="most popular free MMORPGs" href="http://mmohut.com/editorials/most-popular-free-mmorpgs">most popular MMORPG</a> that Acclaim had. I personally wasn’t a big fan of the game, as the graphics were a bit lacking and the interface felt a bit clumsy. For martial arts themed games I’d much rather play <a title="Twelve Sky 2" href="http://mmohut.com/review/twelve-sky-2">Twelve Sky 2</a> or even <a title="World of Kung Fu" href="http://mmohut.com/review/world-of-kung-fu">World of Kung Fu</a> than 9Dragons. I’m not saying 9Dragons is bad, because it isn’t. The game has a fairly sizable playerbase, so there’s clearly something to the game.</p><p>I think 9Dragons is successful because it’s one of the most PvP heavy martial arts MMORPGs out. The game has 9 “clans” and two factions. The factions are at war with each other and the game also features open ended PvP where players can pretty much PK each other anywhere in the game world. <a title="Dragon Raja" href="http://mmohut.com/review/dragon-raja">Dragon Raja</a>, <a title="Conquer Online" href="http://mmohut.com/review/conquer-online">Conquer Online</a> and <a title="Legend of Edda" href="http://mmohut.com/review/legend-of-edda">Legend of Edda</a> are some of the only other MMORPGs with open world PvP. Plus, the faction battles in 9Dragons should keep things interesting. They aren’t as ridiculous as the 1000 vs 1000 faction battles of <a title="Aika Online" href="http://mmohut.com/review/aika">Aika Online</a>, but the PvP in 9Dragons beats the PvP in more modern games like <a title="Runes of Magic" href="http://mmohut.com/review/runes-of-magic">Runes of Magic</a> and <a title="Heroes of Three Kingdoms" href="http://mmohut.com/review/heroes-of-three-kingdoms">Heroes of Three Kingdoms</a>. I do suspect that some of the newer <a title="PvP MMORPGs" href="http://mmohut.com/editorials/best-free-pvp-mmorpgs">PvP MMORPGs</a> like <a title="King of Kings 3" href="http://mmohut.com/review/king-of-kings-3">King of Kings 3</a> may be superior, but only time will tell whether those games will be successful or not. 9Dragons has already proven itself to be a sustainable game over the last 3+ years. The game launched in North America and Europe back in early 2007 in case you guys didn’t know.</p><p>My only concern about 9Dragons is that it might not be able to “keep up” with <a href="http://mmohut.com/">new MMORPGs</a> like <a title="The Lord of the Rings Online" href="http://mmohut.com/review/the-lord-of-the-rings-online">The Lord of the Rings Online</a> and <a title="EverQuest 2" href="http://mmohut.com/review/everquest-2">EverQuest 2</a> which both recently became free to play games. <a title="Sony Online Entertainment" href="http://mmohut.com/publishers/sony-online-entertainment">Sony Online Entertainment</a> also announced that they will be making <a title="Pirates of the Burning Sea" href="http://mmohut.com/free-trials/pirates-of-the-burning-sea">Pirates of the Burning Sea</a> free to play too. These are just the pay to play MMORPGs going free to play. There are a ton of triple-a free to play MMORPGs which launched this year including <a title="Vindictus" href="http://mmohut.com/review/vindictus">Vindictus</a> from <a title="Nexon" href="http://mmohut.com/publishers/nexon">Nexon</a>, <a title="Uncharted Waters Online" href="http://mmohut.com/review/uncharted-waters-online">Uncharted Waters Online</a> from <a title="Netmarble" href="http://mmohut.com/publishers/netmarble">Netmarble</a> and <a title="Forsaken World" href="http://mmohut.com/preview/forsaken-world">Forsaken World</a> from <a title="Perfect World Entertainment" href="http://mmohut.com/publishers/perfect-world-entertainment">Perfect World Entertainment</a> may eventually put 9Dragons out of business. It’s difficult for older games to compete with newer ones with vastly superior graphics. Some people pretend that graphics aren’t important, but the fact is <a title="graphics do matter" href="http://mmohut.com/editorials/mmorpg-graphics-matter">graphics do matter</a>. People tend to like games with better graphics. It’s just the way it is.</p><p>So will 9Dragons be a success on GamersFirst or no? Will it be able to compete against newer MMORPGs? I personally think it can’t, but only time will tell.</p></div>MMORPGPlayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05557676228544520246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2421365709796262795.post-18864726516986231362010-10-03T02:48:00.000-07:002015-09-04T21:04:45.913-07:00Great MMORPGs with low end System Requirements<div class="entry">
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Have an old low-spec computer but still want to play some free MMORPGs? Well, you can. There are actually a lot of really popular MMORPGs out there that run smoothly on older computers. The graphics for these games aren’t super high end, but they’re still really fun MMORPGs that you can play on an older PC. Anyway, the list below has the top 5 best MMORPGs for low spec computers:</div>
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#5 –<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-mce-href="http://mmos.com/review/grand-chase" href="http://mmos.com/review/grand-chase">Grand Chase</a></div>
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Grand Chase is a somewhat old MMORPG from Ntreev – the same MMORPG company behind Trickster Online and<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-mce-href="http://mmos.com/review/pangya" href="http://mmos.com/review/pangya">Pangya</a>. The game has 3D character models but the game is largely 2D and flat as it’s a side-scrolling MMORPG. It’s one of the highest rated free to play MMORPGs and it runs perfectly fine on most older computers</div>
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#4 –<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-mce-href="http://mmos.com/review/conquer-online" href="http://mmos.com/review/conquer-online">Conquer Online</a></div>
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Conquer Online isn’t an old game, but it does have low end 2D graphics. The game is brought to you by TQ Digital and is well worth playing because it has an enormous playerbase, intense PvP and plenty to do. It’s a game most people would look at (screenshots) and pass on because of the graphics, but don’t let the visuals fool you. Even though the graphics aren’t the best the gameplay itself is fun. The game is a bit similar to EuDemons Online, The Warlords and Zero Online – three other games from the same company</div>
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#3 –<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-mce-href="http://mmos.com/review/rumble-fighter" href="http://mmos.com/review/rumble-fighter">Rumble Fighter</a></div>
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Rumble Fighter is the original fighting MMO. It’s currently being published by<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-mce-href="http://mmos.com/publishers/ogplanet" href="http://mmos.com/publishers/ogplanet">OGPlanet</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>and is definitely a fun game to try if you’re looking for a fighting game to play. Come to think of it there aren’t very many fighting games, but Rumble Fighter is definitely an interesting game. It takes quite a bit of skill to master, so don’t give up!</div>
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#2 –<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-mce-href="http://mmos.com/review/lost-saga" href="http://mmos.com/review/lost-saga">Lost Saga</a></div>
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Lost Saga is another fighting MMO from OGPlanet, but Unlike Rumble Fighter, it has crisper anime inspired graphics. The game will run on most older PCs, but don’t except to be able to run the game on anything too ancient. Pretty much any Pentium 4 or high end Pentium 3 should be able to run the game. It’s one of the better brawler MMOs. I like it more than Rumble Fighter because it has more characters.</div>
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#1-<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-mce-href="http://mmos.com/review/4story" href="http://mmos.com/review/4story">4Story</a></div>
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4Story is sort of like<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-mce-href="http://mmos.com/review/runes-of-magic" href="http://mmos.com/review/runes-of-magic">Runes of Magic</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>and<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-mce-href="http://mmos.com/review/allods-online" href="http://mmos.com/review/allods-online">Allods Online</a>, except with worse graphics. In this case worse graphics is a good thing, as it means the game will run better on an older computer. Even though the visuals are worse than Runes of Magic and Allods, they aren’t that bad. In fact, it’s safe to say that 4Story has the best graphics out of all the games on this list! Definitely try 4Story!</div>
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MMORPGPlayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05557676228544520246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2421365709796262795.post-4664279127665078032010-09-28T19:07:00.000-07:002010-09-28T19:12:26.168-07:00Favorite MMORPGs<div class="entry"><p>Everyone has an <a href="http://mmohut.com/">MMORPG</a> or two that they really love. Most people really like their <a title="The first MMORPG" href="http://mmohut.com/editorials/the-first-mmorpg">first MMORPGs</a>, I know I do. The first MMORPG I played was the original <a title="EverQuest" href="http://mmohut.com/free-trials/everquest">EverQuest</a> game from <a title="Sony Online Entertainment" href="http://mmohut.com/publishers/sony-online-entertainment">Sony Online Entertainment</a> back in 2000. I absolutely loved that game and felt really immersed in it. It’s actually the only MMORPG that I felt Immersed in. But that’s largely because it’s the first MMORPG I played and have a bias towards it. I think most people love their first MMOs. But there are a few MMORPGs out there that I can always go back to and enjoy.</p><p>One of the MMOs I can go back to and enjoy is MapelStory from <a title="Nexon" href="http://mmohut.com/publishers/nexon">Nexon</a>. Yeah, I know what some of you are thinking, but <a title="MapleStory" href="http://mmohut.com/review/maplestory">MapleStory</a> is easily one of the <a title="most popular free MMORPGs" href="http://mmohut.com/editorials/most-popular-free-mmorpgs">most popular free MMORPGs</a> for a reason. It has so much content. The reason I can always go back to it and play it is because there are so many playable classes in the game. Since the Evan update, I think the game has 15 or so starting classes. Many more if you count all of the job advancements. So every time I go back to MapleStory, I just roll up a new character and try a new class. Plus the game has transformed itself from a grind based game to a <a title="Quest MMORPGs" href="http://mmohut.com/editorials/questing-and-storylines-mmorpgs">quest based MMORPG</a> over the years. It’s not nearly as “grindy” as it used to be when it launched. Another reason I love MapelStory is that Nexon does an awesome job keeping it up to date. Just look at <a title="Combat Arms" href="http://mmohut.com/review/combat-arms">Combat Arms</a>, Vindictus and <a title="Mabinogi" href="http://mmohut.com/review/mabinogi">Mabinogi</a> too – they’re some of the most in depth and constantly updated MMOs out there. Keeping a game regularly updated keeps users coming back for more.</p><p>Another free to play MMO that I really enjoy that I can go back to often is <a title="Alliance of Valiant Arms" href="http://mmohut.com/review/alliance-of-valiant-arms">Alliance of Valiant Arms</a> from <a title="ijji" href="http://mmohut.com/publishers/ijji">ijji</a>. Why? Because it offers something different than other tactical MMOs – real progression. Games like <a title="Sudden Attack" href="http://mmohut.com/review/sudden-attack">Sudden Attack</a> from <a title="GameHi" href="http://mmohut.com/publishers/gamehi">GameHi</a> and <a title="Operation 7" href="http://mmohut.com/review/operation-7">Operation 7</a> from <a title="Netgame" href="http://mmohut.com/publishers/netgame">Netgame</a> are fun for a while, but they get boring after a while because they don’t have any real progression. You can rank up in those games, but ranking up doesn’t really get you anything. Same with <a title="Wolfteam" href="http://mmohut.com/review/wolfteam">Wolfteam</a> and <a title="Soldier Front" href="http://mmohut.com/review/soldier-front">Soldier Front</a>. There’s no point to ranking up. Alliance of Valiant Arms on the other hand has a boat load of unlockable medals, achievements and skills. It’s one of the few <a title="MMO Shooters" href="http://mmohut.com/editorials/top-10-mmofps-shooters">MMO Shooters</a>, aside from perhaps <a title="Battlefield Heroes" href="http://mmohut.com/review/battlefield-heroes">Battlefield Heroes</a>, that has a skill system. Plus it’s not an MMORPG, so the game doesn’t take a huge time commitment.</p><p>Another free to play MMO that I can go back to for fun is Lost Saga from <a title="OGPlanet" href="http://mmohut.com/publishers/ogplanet">OGPlanet</a>. In my opinion, it’s the best <a title="Brawler MMO" href="http://mmohut.com/editorials/mmorpg-brawlers">brawler MMO</a>. It beats both <a href="http://mmohut.com/review/zone-4-fight-district">Zone 4: Fight District</a>, <a title="Rumble Fighter" href="http://mmohut.com/review/rumble-fighter">Rumble Fighter</a> and GetAmped 2 because it has more variety. The game has some 15+ playable characters, each with their own distinct set of skills and abilities. I mean how awesome is that? Plus the anime inspired graphics are really well made, giving the game a unique look.</p><p>Anyway – What’s your favorite free MMORPGs? Perhaps that a poor way of wording it. What MMOs do you regularly go back to?</p></div>MMORPGPlayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05557676228544520246noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2421365709796262795.post-20302885586833376212010-09-23T23:48:00.000-07:002010-09-23T23:50:00.251-07:00Pirates of the Burning Sea is now Free to Play<div class="entry"><p><a title="Sony Online Entertainment" href="http://mmohut.com/publishers/sony-online-entertainment">Sony Online Entertainment</a> announced that <a title="Pirates of the Burning Sea" href="http://mmohut.com/free-trials/pirates-of-the-burning-sea">Pirates of the Burning Sea</a> would go free to play. The announcement came in September, 2010 – just a month or two after <a title="EverQuest 2" href="http://mmohut.com/review/everquest-2">EverQuest 2</a> went free to play as well. It looks like Sony is really beginning to embrace the free to play space – but what made them do it? I think their success with <a title="Free Realms" href="http://mmohut.com/review/free-realms">Free Realms</a> really got the ball rolling. Free Realms was their first truly <a title="Free to Play MMORPG" href="http://mmohut.com/">free to play MMORPG</a> and within a year of launch, the game reached an audience in the millions. How successful EverQuest 2 or Pirates of the Burning Sea will be as a free to play title remains to be scene though. It’s too soon to tell right now. I suspect that once <a title="Electronic Arts" href="http://mmohut.com/publishers/electronic-arts">Electronic Arts</a> launches Star Wars: The Old Republic – Sony will have to make <a title="Star Wars Galaxies" href="http://mmohut.com/free-trials/star-wars-galaxies">Star Wars Galaxies</a> free to play too – as there’s no way the 7+ year old Star Wars MMO can compete with the latest and best from Bioware. It’s just not possible.</p><p>So what pay to play MMORPG will go free to play next? <a title="Turbine" href="http://mmohut.com/publishers/turbine">Turbine</a> really got the ball rolling with <a title="Dungeons and Dragons Online" href="http://mmohut.com/review/dungeons-and-dragons-online">Dungeons and Dragons Online</a> a year or so ago and raised the stakes by making <a title="The Lord of the Rings Online" href="http://mmohut.com/review/the-lord-of-the-rings-online">The Lord of the Rings Online</a> free to play too. Unlike Dungeons and Dragons – The Lord of The Rings Online was successful as a pay to play game. It didn’t have to go free to play to survive – the same way <a title="Archlord" href="http://mmohut.com/review/archlord">Archlord</a>, RF Online, DDO and <a title="Rose Online" href="http://mmohut.com/review/rose-online">Rose Online</a> did. These MMOs were failing so bad as pay to play MMORPGs, that they HAD to go free to play in order to survive. Unfortunately, some <a title="MMORPGs Failed" href="http://mmohut.com/editorials/the-biggest-mmorpg-flops">MMORPGs failed</a> so fast they didn’t even have a chance to try the free to play model – most notably <a title="APB Flopped" href="http://mmohut.com/editorials/why-apb-flopped">APB</a>. <a title="Ragnarok Online" href="http://mmohut.com/review/ragnarok-online">Ragnarok Online</a> also recently went free to play. Gravity launched an official free to play server called Valkyrie. It’s not too popular, but it’s cool to see the game as a free to play title.</p><p>So which pay to play MMORPG will go free to play next? I feel that <a title="Warhammer Online" href="http://mmohut.com/free-trials/warhammer-online">Warhammer Online</a> is it. <a title="Warhammer Online free to Play" href="http://mmohut.com/editorials/warhammer-online-will-likely-go-free-to-play">Warhammer Online will go free to play</a> before other games because Electronic Arts has already begun embracing the free to play genre with <a title="Battlefield Heroes" href="http://mmohut.com/review/battlefield-heroes">Battlefield Heroes</a>, <a title="FIFA Online" href="http://mmohut.com/review/fifa-online">FIFA Online</a> and <a title="Tiger Woods Online" href="http://mmohut.com/browser-games/tiger-woods-online">Tiger Woods Online</a>. They’ve already launched numerous free to play titles and they will likely convert Warhammer Online to a free to play game within a year or so. Especially if the playerbase declines further. <a title="NCSoft" href="http://mmohut.com/publishers/ncsoft">NCSoft</a> will hopefully do the same with Lineage 2. Why do I think so? The playerbase for Lineage 2 has been in decline in the U.S. For years. The game is also free to play in Russia and South Korea already – so going free to play in the West wouldn’t be such a huge event. I suspect <a title="Lineage 2 Free to Play" href="http://mmohut.com/editorials/lineage-2-free-to-play">Lineage 2 will go free to play</a> within 2 years. So with so many free to play games, <a href="http://mmohut.com/editorials/why-pay-for-pay-to-play-mmorpgs">why pay for pay to play MMORPGs</a>?</p><p>With so many games going free to play and so many triple A free to play games launching (Think Vindictus), 2010 has been a great year for F2P. I suspect 2011 will be even better though.</p></div>MMORPGPlayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05557676228544520246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2421365709796262795.post-54398058414761406442010-09-19T12:51:00.000-07:002010-09-19T12:55:57.727-07:00Unique Ideas for MMORPGs<div class="entry"><p>It seems like there are more and more <a rel="nofollow" title="Fantasy MMORPGs" href="http://http//mmohut.com/games/fantasy">fantasy MMORPGs</a> coming out each and every month. <a title="Legend of Edda" href="http://mmohut.com/preview/legend-of-edda">Legend of Edda</a> and <a title="Iris Online" href="http://mmohut.com/preview/iris-online">Iris Online</a> should be coming out late September. <a title="Vindictus" href="http://mmohut.com/review/vindictus">Vindictus</a> began its early access open beta on September 15 and <a title="The Lord of the Rings Online" href="http://mmohut.com/review/the-lord-of-the-rings-online">The Lord of the Rings Online</a> went free to play on September 10. Fantasy MMORPGs are growing like crazy. But what about sci-fi MMORPGs? Aside from perhaps <a title="Zero Online" href="http://mmohut.com/review/zero-online">Zero Online</a> from <a title="TQ Digital" href="http://mmohut.com/publishers/tq-digital">TQ Digital</a>, <a title="CosmicBreak" href="http://mmohut.com/review/cosmicbreak">CosmicBreak</a> from <a title="CyberStep" href="http://mmohut.com/publishers/cyberstep">CyberStep</a>, <a title="Clone Wars Adventures" href="http://mmohut.com/review/clone-wars-adventures">Clone Wars Adventures</a> from Sonly Online Entertainment and <a title="GhostX" href="http://mmohut.com/review/ghostx">GhostX</a> from GameKiss there aren’t any <a title="Sci-fi MMORPGs" href="http://mmohut.com/editorials/best-sci-fi-mmorpgs-mmos">sci-fi themed MMORPGs</a> out there. The genre definitely needs more attention. You’d imagine a sci-fi themed game would be easier to develop, as its an untapped market and the sci-fi genre is enormous. Time traveling, space battles, diplomacy and more. There are so many awesome sci-fi concepts that developers could use to make their games interesting, but <a title="MMO Developers" href="http://mmohut.com/editorials/mmorpg-publishers-developers-and-ip-blocks">MMO developers</a> seem to be sticking with fantasy themed games.</p><p>Another untapped genre for the free to play space is <a title="Super Hero MMORPGs" href="http://mmohut.com/editorials/where-are-the-free-superhero-mmorpgs">Superhero MMORPGs</a>. Why aren’t there any of them? There are a few pay to play ones like <a title="City of Heroes" href="http://mmohut.com/free-trials/city-of-heroes">City of Heroes</a> and <a title="Champions Online" href="http://mmohut.com/free-trials/champions-online">Champions Online</a> – but there isn’t a SINGLE free to play superhero themed game. Why? Disney has been embracing <a title="free to play MMOs" href="http://mmohut.com/">free to play MMOs</a> quite a bit with <a title="Club Penguin" href="http://mmohut.com/browser-games/club-penguin">Club Penguin</a>, World of Cars, Pixie Hallow and <a title="Pirates of the Caribbean Online" href="http://mmohut.com/free-trials/pirates-of-the-caribbean-online">Pirates of the Caribbean Online</a> – so you’d think they would make a superhero themed MMORPG, but nope. I say Disney would make a superhero themed game, because they own Marvel Enterprises, and Marvel is the huge comic company behind well known superheroes like Spiderman and Iron man. So what’s Disney waiting for? They could make a ton of money if they made a sweet superhero themed game. They could even make it a <a title="Browser MMO" href="http://mmohut.com/browser-games">browser MMO</a> like Pirates of the Caribbean Online.</p><p>Another genre that developers need to pay more attention to is the third person <a title="MMO Shooters" href="http://mmohut.com/editorials/top-10-mmofps-shooters">MMO shooter</a> genre. As is, aside from <a title="Battlefield Heroes" href="http://mmohut.com/review/battlefield-heroes">Battlefield Heroes</a>, <a title="MicroVolts" href="http://mmohut.com/preview/microvolts">MicroVolts</a>, <a title="S4 League" href="http://mmohut.com/review/s4-league">S4 League</a> and <a title="GunZ" href="http://mmohut.com/review/gunz-the-duel">GunZ</a>, there aren’t any other third person MMO shooters – but there are a ton of first person shooters. In fact, there are already a boat load of upcoming MMOFPS games like <a title="Karma: Operation Barbarossa" href="http://mmohut.com/preview/karma-operation-barbarossa">Karma: Operation Barbarossa</a> and <a title="Genesis A.D" href="http://mmohut.com/preview/genesis-ad">Genesis A.D</a>. But there aren’t any new third person MMO shooters. I’m actually a fan of MMO shooters in general, but it sucks to see such little variety in the genre. Especially since 99% of MMO shooters are counter-strike like tactical MMO shooters where people die in 1 or 2 hits.</p><p>Think any other MMO genre deserves some more attention? Leave it in the comments below. I’m curious what you all think!</p></div>MMORPGPlayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05557676228544520246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2421365709796262795.post-9015857374052026872010-09-14T12:24:00.000-07:002010-09-14T12:25:21.792-07:00Nanovor MMO Evolves Thanks to Unity<div class="entry"><p>When <a title="Nanovor" href="http://mmohut.com/browser-games/nanovor">Nanovor</a> first launched, it wasn’t a very exciting game. Players had to download the nearly 500 mb client and battle using bug-like creatures in a mostly 2D arena. Worse still, the background was solid black. No color, no flavor, and certainly not much depth. Even at that time I was asking myself, “couldn’t this have been done on a browser?”</p><p>Well it looks like the answer was ‘yes!’ Smith and Tinker, the development studio behind Nanovor, has recently launched a brand new version of the game called Nanovor Evolution. The new version has replaced the old one, meaning there’s no going back. This has upset a small pocket of veterans, but it was a logical step in taking the game forward. Nanovor Evolution was designed using Unity, a powerful yet easy to use game development tool. Now, Nanovor only requires a tiny browser plugin rather than a huge client. Better still, the graphics and gameplay have been vastly improved. The character designs, background, and environments are now fully three dimensional. The game can now compete directly with other <a title="Best Turn Based MMORPGs" href="http://mmohut.com/editorials/best-turn-based-mmorpgs">turn based MMORPGs</a> and <a title="Pets MMORPGs" href="http://mmohut.com/editorials/mmorpgs-and-pets">pet themed MMORPGs</a> like <a title="Bakugan Dimensions" href="http://mmohut.com/browser-games/bakugan-dimensions">Bakugan Dimensions</a>.</p><p>Nanovor Evolution is only the latest in a series of free to play browser based MMOs and <a title="Unity MMORPGs" href="http://mmohut.com/editorials/unity-the-future-of-browser-games">MMORPGs to utilize Unity</a>. Cartoon Network’s <a title="FusionFall" href="http://mmohut.com/browser-games/fusionfall">FusionFall</a> was perhaps the first major MMORPG to use Unity and it has better visuals and more high quality content than most client based MMORPGs! Games like Nanovor Evolutions have superior graphics than client based MMORPGs like <a title="Hero Online" href="http://mmohut.com/review/hero-online">Hero Online</a> from Netgame and <a title="Dragon Oath" href="http://mmohut.com/review/dragon-oath">Dragon Oath</a> / <a title="Zentia" href="http://mmohut.com/review/zentia">Zentia</a> from ChangYou. There’s also <a title="Tiger Woods Online" href="http://mmohut.com/browser-games/tiger-woods-online">Tiger Woods Online</a> by <a title="Electronic Arts" href="http://mmohut.com/publishers/electronic-arts">Electronic Arts</a>. That’s a major video game publisher throwing its weight behind Unity. The game has beautiful golf courses, and can be played in short bursts thanks to the auto-save feature which remembers player progression through a course. Silverlode Interactive, the studio behind the MMORTS Saga also has a Unity based <a title="Browser Games" href="http://mmohut.com/browser-games">browser game</a>. It’s called <a title="Captains of DarkTide" href="http://mmohut.com/browser-games/captains-of-darktide">Captains of DarkTide</a> and is set at sea. Players can command a variety of ships, visit distant ports, and fire broadsides against one another.</p><p>Unity is not just a browser game tool, it can be used to create large single player games as well. But for a variety of reasons, I believe it will generally be put to use to create browser games that look and play as well as traditional client games. When more and more studios discover the versatility of the tool, they will flock to it. How long till <a title="Social MMORPGs" href="http://mmohut.com/editorials/best-social-mmorpgs">social MMORPGs</a> and <a title="Social Games" href="http://mmohut.com/social-games">facebook games</a> use Unity? The developers of Nanovor Evolution already have several job listing on their site for Unity developers. Expect other companies to follow.</p></div>MMORPGPlayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05557676228544520246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2421365709796262795.post-76720229556492439862010-09-11T12:12:00.000-07:002010-09-11T12:15:14.149-07:00New MMORPGs with Amazing Graphics<div class="entry"><p>September so far has been a great month for <a title="Free to Play MMORPGs" href="http://mmohut.com/">free to play MMORPGs</a>. Why? Because so many awesome free to play MMORPGs with top notch graphics are being released. Unfortunately, there aren't many new 2D MMORPGs, but there are tons of 3D ones. The <a title="Vindictus" href="http://mmohut.com/preview/vindictus">Vindictus</a> early access open beta begins September 15 and Vindictus is easily one of the best looking free to play MMOs out there. <a title="Nexon" href="http://mmohut.com/publishers/nexon">Nexon</a> really out did themselves this time, as the graphics in the game are vastly superior to games like The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion and Dragon Age: Origins which were both praised for having top notch graphics. When I first saw Vindictus I was surprised to learn that Nexon publishes it, as Nexon is best known for <a title="MapleStory" href="http://mmohut.com/review/maplestory">MapleStory</a>, <a title="Dungeon Fighter Online" href="http://mmohut.com/review/dungeon-fighter-online">Dungeon Fighter Online</a>, <a title="PopTag" href="http://mmohut.com/review/poptag">PopTag</a>!, and <a title="Mabinogi" href="http://mmohut.com/review/mabinogi">Mabinogi</a> – four anime MMORPGs which look like they’re designed for kids. Vindictus on the other hand is more like <a title="Requiem" href="http://mmohut.com/review/requiem-memento-mori">Requiem</a> from Gravity than anything else, as it has blood graphics. The game was built on the Source Engine, which powers many of Valve’s games – including <a title="Alien Swarm" href="http://mmohut.com/review/alien-swarm">Alien Swarm</a>. I think the only other free to play MMO that uses the source engine is <a title="K.O.S. Secret Operations" href="http://mmohut.com/review/k-o-s-secret-operations">K.O.S. Secret Operations</a> from <a title="YNK interactive" href="http://mmohut.com/publishers/ynk-interactive">YNK interactive</a>. But that’s an MMOFPS – while Vindictus is an MMORPG.</p><p>Aside from Vindictus the next major MMORPG release comes from Turbine as they released <a title="The Lord of the Rings Online" href="http://mmohut.com/review/the-lord-of-the-rings-online">The Lord of the Rings Online</a> as a free to play game on September 10. Prior to September 10, the game has been pay to play. In fact, the game has been running successfully as a pay to play MMORPG since April, 2007. Unlike <a title="Dungeons and Dragons Online" href="http://mmohut.com/review/dungeons-and-dragons-online">Dungeons and Dragons Online</a>, which Turbine also launched as a free to play game, The Lord of the Rings didn’t NEED to go free to play. The game was very successful as a pay to play title, and Turbine is taking a big risk by making it free to play. I hope the game is a big success though. I’m downloading it right now to play, but it’s taking forever as the game client is like 8GB in size.</p><p>Another cool release this month is <a title="MicroVolts" href="http://mmohut.com/preview/microvolts">MicroVolts</a> from RockHippo productions. The game is an online Toy Shooter that looks and plays a lot like Valve’s Team Fortress 2. It’s an MMO third person shooter that looks and plays like <a title="S4 League" href="http://mmohut.com/review/s4-league">S4 League</a>, except with a more distinct anime look. The game is pretty original as it has a third person view while most MMO shooters including the popular <a title="Combat Arms" href="http://mmohut.com/review/combat-arms">Combat Arms</a>, Soldier Fromt and <a title="Operation 7" href="http://mmohut.com/review/operation-7">Operation 7</a> all use first person views. Plus the game isn’t another “Modern tactical” game, where players look like Swat members. Instead, the game is cartoony and takes place in various areas inside of a house. Players are technically dolls, so they’re really small. This makes the level’s really different, as it’s easy to hide in corners. It’s one of the more interesting MMO shooters. My only complaint with the game is that there’s some serious lag issues for North American users.</p><p>Another new release for September is Maestia from Big Point. It’s a 3D fantasy MMORPG that looks really incredible. The visuals are between <a title="Karos Online" href="http://mmohut.com/review/karos-online">Karos Online</a> and <a title="Aika Online" href="http://mmohut.com/review/aika">Aika Online</a>. I was surprised to see <a title="BigPoint" href="http://mmohut.com/publishers/bigpoint">BigPoint</a> published Maestia, as BigPoint is better known for browser games such as <a title="Dark Orbit" href="http://mmohut.com/browser-games/dark-orbit">Dark Orbit</a>, Sea Fight, And <a title="Deepolis" href="http://mmohut.com/browser-games/deepolis">Deepolis</a> rather than client based titles. Regardless, Maestia looks awesome and it’s coming out September 15.</p><p>Aside from maybe <a title="Iris Online" href="http://mmohut.com/preview/iris-online">Iris Online</a> and <a title="Legend of Edda" href="http://mmohut.com/preview/legend-of-edda">Legend of Edda</a>, that’s it. Those two games are also new, but they aren’t anything too impressive – in terms of graphics that is.</p></div>MMORPGPlayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05557676228544520246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2421365709796262795.post-1927119114015152502010-09-08T10:37:00.000-07:002010-09-08T10:40:45.498-07:002D Browser Based MMORPGs<div class="entry"><p>There are a ton of <a title="Browser Games" href="http://mmohut.com/browser-games">browser games</a> out there from 3D titles like <a title="FusionFall" href="http://mmohut.com/browser-games/fusionfall">FusionFall</a> and <a title="Pirate Galaxy" href="http://mmohut.com/browser-games/pirate-galaxy">Pirate Galaxy</a> to text based <a href="http://mmohut.com/editorials/best-strategy-mmorpgs">strategy MMOs</a> like <a title="Urban Rivals" href="http://mmohut.com/browser-games/urban-rivals">Urban Rivals</a> and <a title="Astro Empires" href="http://mmohut.com/browser-games/astro-empires">Astro Empires</a>. Unfortunately, there aren’t that many actual 2D MMORPGs with persistent worlds. I believe <a title="zOMG" href="http://mmohut.com/browser-games/zomg">zOMG!</a> From the same guys that made <a title="Gaia Online" href="http://mmohut.com/browser-games/gaia-online">Gaia Online</a> is one of the only ones. ZOMG! Is actually a surprisingly good game. This is coming from a guy who doesn’t like social games like <a title="IMVU" href="http://mmohut.com/review/imvu">IMVU</a> or Gaia Online. So aside from perhaps zOMG! There aren’t that many 2D browser based MMORPGs – ones that have persistent worlds. There’s no shortage of games like <a title="Evony" href="http://mmohut.com/browser-games/evony">Evony</a>, <a title="The Seventh Dragon" href="http://mmohut.com/browser-games/the-seventh-dragon">The Seventh Dragon</a>, <a title="Caesary" href="http://mmohut.com/browser-games/caesary">Caesary</a> of <a title="Grepolis" href="http://mmohut.com/browser-games/grepolis">Grepolis</a> though. For some reasons companies keep churning out these garbage strategy games. I say garbage, only because most them are just clones of each other. Seriously. <a title="Tribal Wars" href="http://mmohut.com/browser-games/tribal-wars">Tribal Wars</a> and <a title="Travian" href="http://mmohut.com/browser-games/travian">Travian</a> were the first two browser based strategy MMORPGs – everything else just copied them. Shamelessly too.</p><p>How awesome would it be if say <a title="MapleStory" href="http://mmohut.com/review/maplestory">MapleStory</a> were browser based? It’s definitely possible. Heck that game COULD run on Flash, as the graphics aren’t too advanced. I’m sure many client based 2D MMORPGs could run perfectly fine on the web browser, especially since the Unity Web Player is incredibly powerful. Unity Web Player powers great looking browser games like FusionFall and <a title="Captains of Darktide" href="http://mmohut.com/browser-games/captains-of-darktide">Captains of Darktide</a>. So it could definitely power simpler 2D MMORPGs. That is, if the Unity Web Player even supports 2D development. But if all of these epic looking 3D browser games are launching, we should start seeing some good looking 2D games as well.</p><p><a title="Neverland Online" href="http://mmohut.com/browser-games/neverland-online">Neverland Online</a> from HiThere is one example of a persistent world browser based <a href="http://mmohut.com/">MMORPG</a> that works well. The game is quite fun and has a strong emphasis on pets. It actually plays a lot like <a title="Zodiac Online" href="http://mmohut.com/review/zodiac-online">Zodiac Online</a> from <a title="EnjoyMMO" href="http://mmohut.com/publishers/enjoymmo">EnjoyMMO</a> and <a title="Monster Forest" href="http://mmohut.com/review/monster-forest">Monster Forest</a> from AsiaSoft. Graphically, the game looks just as good as many client based <a title="2D MMORPGs" href="http://mmohut.com/editorials/top-10-2d-mmorpgs">2D MMORPGs</a>. The problem is there are so few games like Neverland Online (graphically). Most browser based games nowadays are either 3D (through the Unity Web Player) or text based with still images. 3D games aren’t bad either, but I’d definitely like to see more companies embracing 2D graphics, as I find them easier on the eyes.</p></div>MMORPGPlayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05557676228544520246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2421365709796262795.post-43521547087956491352010-09-04T23:42:00.001-07:002010-09-04T23:43:53.555-07:00MMOs In North America are So far Behind in Content<div class="entry"><p>Why are <a title="MMOs" href="http://mmohut.com/">MMOs</a> in North America so far behind their Asian counter-parts in terms of updates and expansion packs? <a title="MapleStory" href="http://mmohut.com/review/maplestory">MapleStory</a> for example in South Korea has way more content than the English version of the game. Heck even less known MMOs are MUCH further developed in Korea. <a title="FreeStyle Street Basketball" href="http://mmohut.com/review/freestyle-street-basketball">FreeStyle Street Basketball</a> (A basketball themed MMO) for example is published by <a title="GameKiss" href="http://mmohut.com/publishers/gamekiss">GameKiss</a> in the U.S. And is SO far behind the South Korean version of the game. Heck, FreeStyle has been in the U.S. For over 3 years now and still lacks full court gameplay – which is something the Korean version of the game has enjoyed for 4 years! It doesn’t make sense. Why can’t the developer release this game mode and other content updates in North America sooner? I can understand that major expansion packs need to be localized before release, but for a <a title="Sports MMO" href="http://mmohut.com/editorials/best-mmo-sports-games">sports MMO</a> like FreeStyle, adding this feature should be easy.</p><p>Even <a title="mmofps games" href="http://mmohut.com/">MMOFPS games</a> like <a title="Combat Arms" href="http://mmohut.com/review/combat-arms">Combat Arms</a> and <a title="Sudden Attack" href="http://mmohut.com/review/sudden-attack">Sudden Attack</a> are way ahead in updates in South Korea than in the U.S. Nexon publishes Combat Arms in America and GameHi publishes Sudden Attack here. In fact, Nexon recently bought GameHi, but that’s a discussion for another day. Since both games already have English versions, how hard could it keep the game up-to-date with the Korean version? Seriously. The Korean Version has SO many more weapons, maps and game modes. It’s not like this stuff has to be re-programmed or re-developed. The code is already there, it just needs to be implemented. The fact that all of these games are SO Far behind their Korean counter-parts is absurd. Game developers are only hurting themselves by doing this, as the more “fun” a game is, the more players it will attract.</p><p>Things are getting better though. Nexon released <a title="Vindictus" href="http://mmohut.com/preview/vindictus">Vindictus</a> in the U.S. Only 6 months after it was available in South Korea. So the gap between major game releases and updates is shortening. Plus, game developers are starting to self publish their games world-wide. <a title="ChangYou" href="http://mmohut.com/publishers/changyou">ChangYou</a> for example, a <a title="Chinese MMORPG" href="http://mmohut.com/editorials/chinese-mmorpgs">Chinese MMORPG</a> developer, launched <a href="http://mmohut.com/review/zentia">Zentia</a>, <a title="Dragon Oath" href="http://mmohut.com/review/dragon-oath">Dragon Oath</a> and <a title="Blade Wars" href="http://mmohut.com/review/blade-wars">Blade Wars</a> in North America and Europe recently. Since they also developed the game in China, they’re doing a good job keeping it up to date. Another thing I noticed is that the ijji version of <a title="Soul of the Ultimate Nation" href="http://mmohut.com/review/soul-of-the-ultimate-nation">Soul of the Ultimate Nation</a> (S.U.N.) is behind the Webzen version of the same game. The ijji version is designed for North America while the Webzen version is WORLD-WIde. So North American users are starting to flock to the Webzen version of the game, as it has MORE content and updates. It’s silly that the game is competing with itself, but this shows that <a title="MMORPG Playes" href="http://mmohut.com/editorials/mmorpg-players">MMORPG players</a> WANT to play more up-to-date versions of their favorite MMOs.</p><p>Like I said though, things are getting better, so I’m not too worried. I just find it weird that North American games are so far behind their Korean counter-parts.</p></div>MMORPGPlayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05557676228544520246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2421365709796262795.post-34734688710921586772010-08-29T18:55:00.001-07:002010-08-29T18:55:57.235-07:00The Most Popular Free to Play MMORPG<div class="entry"><p>We all know <a title="World of Warcraft" href="http://mmohut.com/free-trials/world-of-warcraft">World of Warcraft</a> from Blizzard Entertainment is the most successful pay to play <a title="MMORPG" href="http://mmohut.com/">MMORPG.</a> So What’s the most popular and successful <a title="free to play MMORPG" href="http://mmohut.com/editorials/pay-to-play-vs-free-to-play">free to play MMORPG</a>? You might be thinking it’s something 3D and popular like <a title="Runes of Magic" href="http://mmohut.com/review/runes-of-magic">Runes of Magic</a>…. <a title="Dungeons and Dragons Online" href="http://mmohut.com/review/dungeons-and-dragons-online">Dungeons and Dragons Online</a> or Even <a title="Atlantica Online" href="http://mmohut.com/review/atlantica-online">Atlantica Online</a>, but you’re wrong. The title of the <a title="Most popular free mmorpgs" href="http://mmohut.com/editorials/most-popular-free-mmorpgs">most popular free to play MMORPG</a> belongs to <a title="MapleStory" href="http://mmohut.com/review/maplestory">MapleStory</a> – a 2D fantasy MMORPG which I’m sure most of you have already heard of. Since <a title="Nexon" href="http://mmohut.com/publishers/nexon">Nexon</a> released MapleStory in the U.S. Nexon has been making a killing from the game. Aside from perhaps Kart Rider in South Korea, MapleStory is the most popular free MMORPG Nexon offers. If you look at Nexon’s 2009 revenues, it’s something huge like $500 million. If you look at World of Warcraft’s revenues, it’s something like $600 million.</p><p>This isn’t exactly a fair comparison as Nexon publishers numerous other games besides MapleStory – <a title="Dungeon Fighter Online" href="http://mmohut.com/review/dungeon-fighter-online">Dungeon Fighter Online</a>, <a title="Combat Arms" href="http://mmohut.com/review/combat-arms">Combat Arms</a>, Atlantica Online (through <a title="nDoors" href="http://mmohut.com/publishers/ndoors">nDoors</a>), <a title="Sudden Attack" href="http://mmohut.com/review/sudden-attack">Sudden Attack</a> (Through <a title="GameHi" href="http://mmohut.com/publishers/gamehi">GameHi</a>) and <a title="Vindictus" href="http://mmohut.com/preview/vindictus">Vindictus</a>, but these games aren’t nearly as popular as Nexon’s MapleStory. Still though, I think it’s crazy that Nexon is almost making as much money as World of Warcraft. I suspect that in 2010 Nexon will have more revenues than World of Warcraft’s revenues. Again, I understand it’s not a fair comparison, as I’m coming some 15+ games to one game.</p><p>What’s the second most popular free to play MMORPG? Probably <a title="RuneScape" href="http://mmohut.com/browser-games/runescape">RuneScape</a> from <a title="Jagex" href="http://mmohut.com/publishers/jagex">Jagex</a>. I know a lot of people hate RuneScape, but the game is absurdly popular. Just look how many servers the game has! Jagex recently launched <a title="War of Legends" href="http://mmohut.com/browser-games/war-of-legends">War of Legends</a>, which aims to compete with <a title="Caesary" href="http://mmohut.com/browser-games/caesary">Caesary</a> from LeKool and <a title="Grepolis" href="http://mmohut.com/browser-games/grepolis">Grepolis</a> from <a title="InnoGames" href="http://mmohut.com/publishers/innogames">InnoGames</a>. These browser based strategy MMOs are actually really popular too. Nowhere near as popular as either MapleStory or RuneScape though.</p><p>So there you have it. The two most popular free to play MMORPGs are MapleStory and RuneScape. I still play MapleStory regularly. I tried <a title="WonderKing" href="http://mmohut.com/review/wonderking">WonderKing</a> Online, but it didn’t offer the same amount of variety that MapleStory had (Classes, dungeons, skills, areas, etc). I never really liked RuneScape though.</p></div>MMORPGPlayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05557676228544520246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2421365709796262795.post-52587475570666630632010-08-23T23:42:00.001-07:002010-08-23T23:42:54.052-07:00Pay to Play Games that Need to be Free to Play<div class="entry"><p>There are a bunch of pay to play games that should no longer be pay to play. Older MMORPGs like <a title="Dark Ages" href="http://mmohut.com/free-trials/dark-ages">Dark Ages</a> and <a title="Nexus: The Kingdom of the Winds" href="http://mmohut.com/free-trials/nexus">Nexus: The Kingdom of the Winds</a> come to mind. Both of these <a href="http://mmohut.com/">MMORPGs</a> are incredibly old (7+ years old) and are 2D games. With games like <a title="Dungeons and Dragons Online" href="http://mmohut.com/review/dungeons-and-dragons-online">Dungeons and Dragons Online</a> and <a title="The Lord of the Rings Online" href="http://mmohut.com/free-trials/the-lord-of-the-rings-online">The Lord of the Rings Online</a> going free to play, there’s no reason for these games not to follow suit. Even <a title="EverQuest II" href="http://mmohut.com/review/everquest-2">EverQuest II</a> From <a title="Sony Online Entertainment" href="http://mmohut.com/publishers/sony-online-entertainment">Sony Online Entertainment</a> re-launched as a free to play game! So with these awesome 3D MMORPGs becoming free to play, what the heck are incredibly old games like Nexus and Dark Ages doing? Heck <a title="Shattered Galaxy" href="http://mmohut.com/free-trials/shattered-galaxy">Shattered Galaxy</a> and <a title="Poxnora" href="http://mmohut.com/free-trials/poxnora">Poxnora</a> should be free to play to. Neither of these games are exactly thriving. The playerbase for these games are all in steady-decline.</p><p>If <a title="Dark Age of Camelot" href="http://mmohut.com/free-trials/dark-age-of-camelot">Dark Age of Camelot</a>, <a title="Dofus" href="http://mmohut.com/free-trials/dofus">Dofus</a> or <a title="Warhammer Online" href="http://mmohut.com/free-trials/warhammer-online">Warhammer Online</a> went free to play – I’d be playing them right now. They’re all incredible games, just not worth the subscription fee. I mean, why Pay for these three mediocre pay to play games when I could be playing WoW or a triple-a free to play MMORPG like <a title="Runes of Magic" href="http://mmohut.com/review/runes-of-magic">Runes of Magic</a>, <a title="Fiesta Online" href="http://mmohut.com/review/fiesta-online">Fiesta Online</a> or <a title="Vindictus" href="http://mmohut.com/preview/vindictus">Vindictus</a>. There are a ton of free to play alternatives for pay to play games, so it’s very difficult for pay to play games that aren’t WoW to compete. I remember logging into the <a title="MMO Free Trial" href="http://mmohut.com/free-trials">MMO free trial</a> for <a title="Pirates of the Burning Sea" href="http://mmohut.com/free-trials/pirates-of-the-burning-sea">Pirates of the Burning Sea</a> and I was shocked to see the game completely empty. I know the title launched with a bang, but the playerbase has declined significantly since the game launched.</p><p>So why should these <a title="Oldest MMORPGs" href="http://mmohut.com/editorials/oldest-mmorpgs">older MMORPGs</a> go free to play? Simple. It could revive them. Dungeons and Dragons was ready to shut down as a pay to play game, but as soon as it became free to play, the game became a HUGE success. I mean, HUGE. It’s definitely one of the more successful free to play game soul. Other pay to play MMORPGs like <a title="Archlord" href="http://mmohut.com/review/archlord">Archlord</a> and <a title="RF Online" href="http://mmohut.com/review/rf-online">RF Online</a> from <a title="Webzen" href="http://mmohut.com/publishers/webzen">Webzen</a> did not have the same success. I think that’s because they weren’t as “high quality” as Dungeons and Dragons Online. I’d love to see Warhammer Online or <a title="Age of Conan" href="http://mmohut.com/free-trials/age-of-conan">Age of Conan</a> go free to play as these games are really high quality and could be very successful. I actually really want to play Nexus: The Kingdom of the winds again, but I don’t want to pay for it. It’s one of the first <a title="2D MMORPGs" href="http://mmohut.com/editorials/top-10-2d-mmorpgs">2D MMORPGs</a> I’ve ever played and I really liked it for some odd reason.</p><p>Any pay to play MMORPGs you would play if it were free to play?</p></div>MMORPGPlayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05557676228544520246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2421365709796262795.post-9762688074601585972010-08-17T19:52:00.000-07:002010-08-17T19:55:20.154-07:00Great 2D MMORPGs<div class="entry"><p>What do you think the best 2D MMORPG is? I think it should be clear by now, based on all my other posts, that the best 2D free to play MMORPG is <a title="MapleStory" href="http://mmohut.com/review/maplestory">MapleStory</a> from <a title="Nexon" href="http://mmohut.com/publishers/nexon">Nexon</a>. Yeah, I’ve praised this game quite a bit, so I’m not going to praise it or <a title="WonderKing" href="http://mmohut.com/review/wonderking">WonderKing</a> Online any more, as i’ve done enough of that in the past.. I’ll start talking about some other great 2D MMORPGs.</p><p>One of the most awesome <a title="2D MMORPGs" href="http://mmohut.com/editorials/top-10-2d-mmorpgs">2D MMROPGs</a> out there, that I haven’t really talked too much about in the past, is <a title="Trickster Online" href="http://mmohut.com/review/trickster-online">Trickster Online</a> from <a title="Ntreev" href="http://mmohut.com/publishers/ntreev">Ntreev</a>. I remember I used to play this game all the time back in the day, but ever since I upgraded my PC to Windows 7, I wasn’t able to play it anymore. I think they’re the only <a title="MMORPG" href="http://mmohut.com/">MMORPG</a> that doesn’t work on Windows 7. Ntreev makes a lot of awesome anime inspired games. Their other MMORPG – <a title="Grand Chase" href="http://mmohut.com/review/grand-chase">Grand Chase</a> is a lot of fun too. It’s a <a title="sidescrolling games" href="http://mmohut.com/editorials/best-side-scrolling-mmorpgs">2D side scrolling game</a>, but plays nothing like MapleStory or WonderKing. Instead, it plays more like <a title="Dungeon Fighter Online" href="http://mmohut.com/review/dungeon-fighter-online">Dungeon Fighter Online</a>. The game is linear and level based, but it’s fun and cooperative. Trickster Online is still one of my favorite games, even if I can’t play it anymore. If you’ve never given the game a chance, do yourself a favor and download it!</p><p>Another good 2D MMORPG that deserves some more attention is <a title="NosTale" href="http://mmohut.com/review/nostale">NosTale</a> from <a title="Uforia" href="http://mmohut.com/publishers/uforia">Uforia</a>. I honestly thing Uforia is one of the worst <a title="MMORPG Publishers" href="http://mmohut.com/editorials/mmorpg-publishers-developers-and-ip-blocks">MMORPG publishers</a> out there, but NosTale is a game that deserves some attention. If plays much like any other MMORPG, but it has a great community and a solid progression system. Leveling isn’t too slow and questing feels fun. There’s always enough quests to do, so you’re never out right grinding. If you’ve played <a title="Mercenary Wars" href="http://mmohut.com/review/mercenary-wars">Mercenary Wars</a>, <a title="Camon Hero" href="http://mmohut.com/preview/camon-hero">Camon Hero</a> or <a title="Red War" href="http://mmohut.com/review/red-war">Red War</a> you can use the same account to access NosTale, as they’re all on the Uforia network!</p><p>Lastly, I wanted to bring up is <a title="Wonderland Online" href="http://mmohut.com/review/wonderland-online">Wonderland Online</a> from <a title="IGG" href="http://mmohut.com/publishers/igg">IGG</a>. Now IGG actually has a lot of 2D MMORPGs, but Wonderland Online is definitely the best game IGG offers. <a title="Altis Gates" href="http://mmohut.com/preview/atlis-gates">Altis Gates</a> and <a title="Dreamland Online" href="http://mmohut.com/preview/dreamland-online">Dreamland Online</a> might be better, but I can’t say as those games still aren’t released. WonderLand Online is a neat 2D turn based MMORPG with a ginormous playerbase. It’s easily one of their most popular MMORPGs. <a title="Tales of Fantasy" href="http://mmohut.com/review/tales-of-fantasy">Tales of Fantasy</a> might be a bit more popular, but I never played it. If you like turn based MMORPGs and 2D games it’s worth checking out.</p><p>Did I miss any other excellent 2D games? If so, let me know in the comments!</p></div>MMORPGPlayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05557676228544520246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2421365709796262795.post-72725570612904827712010-08-14T14:27:00.000-07:002010-08-14T14:49:12.777-07:00Nexon Should Make More 2D MMORPGs<div class="entry"><p><a title="Nexon" href="http://mmohut.com/publishers/nexon">Nexon</a> has had enormous success with their 2D <a title="Side Scrolling MMORPGs" href="http://mmohut.com/editorials/best-side-scrolling-mmorpgs">side scrolling MMORPG</a> <a title="MapleStory" href="http://mmohut.com/review/maplestory">MapleStory</a> and their arcade <a title="MMORPG Brawler" href="http://mmohut.com/editorials/mmorpg-brawlers">MMO brawler</a> <a title="Dungeon Fighter Online" href="http://mmohut.com/review/dungeon-fighter-online">Dungeon Fighter Online</a>. The company reported some $550 million in revenue in 2009 and MapleStory is easily their biggest game. With the explosive growth and success of MapleStory, you’d think that they would release similar games, but that isn’t the case. Nexon is committed to releasing “different” games like <a title="Vindictus" href="http://mmohut.com/preview/vindictus">Vindictus</a> and <a title="Dragon Nest" href="http://mmohut.com/preview/dragon-nest">Dragon Nest</a>. Now, don’t get me wrong, these two games both look awesome, but it seems like all <a title="3D MMORPGs" href="http://mmohut.com/editorials/best-3d-mmorpgs">3D MMORPG</a> feels the same, so I prefer 2D games. In case you haven’t heard, both Vindictus and Dragon Nest are 3D <a title="Action MMORPGs" href="http://mmohut.com/editorials/best-action-mmorpgs">action MMORPGs</a>.</p><p>I should mention that Nexon has made an effort to grow their 2D <a title="MMO" href="http://mmohut.com/">MMO</a> portfolio – especially with the recent acquisition of <a title="Ndoors" href="http://mmohut.com/publishers/ndoors">Ndoors</a>. That’s right, Nexon actually bought Ndoors! They are the guys best known for the turn based MMORPG <a title="Atlantica Online" href="http://mmohut.com/review/atlantica-online">Atlantica Online</a> and the less known 2D trade skill heavy game <a title="Luminary: Rise of the Goonzu" href="http://mmohut.com/review/luminary-rise-of-the-goonzu">Luminary: Rise of the Goonzu</a> which for some odd reason is published by <a title="ijji" href="http://mmohut.com/publishers/ijji">ijji</a>. The main reastson, in my opinion, that Nexon bought Ndoors is because it saw the company’s newest MMORPG – <a title="WonderKing" href="http://mmohut.com/review/wonderking">WonderKing</a> Online as a threat to MapleStory. WonderKing, for those that don’t know, plays almost exactly like MapleStory. It has the same art style and controls, but offers some interesting gameplay mechanics that MapleStory just doesn’t have – such as crafting and PvP. Nexon also had a lot of success with their MMOFPS <a title="Combat Arms" href="http://mmohut.com/review/combat-arms">Combat Arms</a>, which is why they decided to buy <a title="GameHi" href="http://mmohut.com/publishers/gamehi">GameHi</a> – the game developer behind Asia’s <a title="MMOFPS" href="http://mmohut.com/editorials/top-10-mmofps-shooters">most popular MMOFPS</a> – <a title="Sudden Attack" href="http://mmohut.com/review/sudden-attack">Sudden Attack</a>. So Nexon has bought out other companies in the past.</p><p>Instead of just buying other game studios, Nexon should definitely think about making more 2D MMORPGs. Why? Because they’ve already had a lot of success in that department! Both MapleStory and Dungeon Fighter Online are big hits! Why do you think ijji keeps releasing new MMO shooters? It’s because they’ve had success with them. Just look at ijji, they publish <a title="GunZ" href="http://mmohut.com/review/gunz-the-duel">GunZ</a>, <a title="Soldier Front" href="http://mmohut.com/review/soldier-front">Soldier Front</a> and <a title="Alliance of Valiant Arms" href="http://mmohut.com/review/alliance-of-valiant-arms">Alliance of Valiant Arms</a>. They also have <a title="Huxley: The Dystopia" href="http://mmohut.com/preview/huxley-the-dystopia">Huxley: The Dystopia</a>, Karma: Operation Barabarossa and <a title="Genesis A.D" href="http://mmohut.com/preview/genesis-ad">Genesis A.D</a>. Releasing soon. These are ALL MMO shooters too! Ijji is sticking with what they know, and that’s MMO shooters. I think Nexon should do the same with 2D MMORPGs.</p><p>Any other MapleStory fans agree?</p></div>MMORPGPlayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05557676228544520246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2421365709796262795.post-49132768165959028302010-08-06T13:28:00.001-07:002010-08-06T13:28:51.781-07:00Bad MMORPG Ideas<div class="entry"><p>There are good ideas and bad ones. Good ideas in the <a title="MMORPG" href="http://mmohut.com/">MMORPG</a> industry led to games like <a title="Soul Master" href="http://mmohut.com/review/soul-master">Soul Master</a>, <a title="Atlantica Online" href="http://mmohut.com/review/atlantica-online">Atlantica Online</a> and <a title="Battle of the Immortals" href="http://mmohut.com/review/battle-of-the-immortals">Battle of the Immortals</a> to get developed. Bad ideas on the other hand led to the development of some terrible games. Games that are so awful that I’m surprised were even developed in the first place. So what MMOs fall under the “bad ideas” category? Read on!</p><p>The first “bad idea” MMO that first pops into my head is <a title="Racing Star: Come on Baby" href="http://mmohut.com/review/racing-star-come-on-baby">Racing Star: Come on Baby</a> from <a title="Alaplaya" href="http://mmohut.com/publishers/alaplaya">Alaplaya</a>. Now get this. Racing Star is a Baby themed <a title="Racing MMO" href="http://mmohut.com/editorials/best-mmo-racing-games">racing MMO</a>. That’s babies racing in strollers at speeds upwards of 100 KM/H with cute anime inspired graphics. Now not only is this a bad idea, but it’s an incredibly stupid one. I’d be embarrassed if anyone saw me playing it. Needless to say, Racing Star is no <a title="Need for Speed World" href="http://mmohut.com/review/need-for-speed-world">Need for Speed World</a> Online. In fact, it’s a game that I wouldn’t want anyone to have to endure. I played <a title="Avalon Heroes" href="http://mmohut.com/review/avalon-heroes">Avalon Heroes</a> from Alaplaya as well, and without a doubt Racing Star is the worst game by this European publisher. Play <a title="S4 League" href="http://mmohut.com/review/s4-league">S4 League</a> or <a title="Florensia" href="http://mmohut.com/review/florensia">Florensia</a> instead. Two good games by the same publisher. Whoever green-lighted the development of this the atrocious racing MMO racing star should be fired and black listed from any future jobs in game development.</p><p>The next <a rel="nofollow" title="bad MMORPGs" href="http://badmmorpgs.wordpress.com/">bad MMORPG</a> I had the misfortune of playing was <a title="Blitz 1941" href="http://mmohut.com/review/blitz-1941">Blitz 1941</a> from TwoWar – the same company who published NavyField. I can say with absolute certainty that Blitz 1941 is the worst free to play game ever. Much worse than Racing Star. The game’s translations are so bad, it’s laughable. Even worse than the notoriously poor translations in <a title="Age of Armor" href="http://mmohut.com/review/age-of-armor">Age of Armor</a> from <a title="Snail Games" href="http://mmohut.com/publishers/snail-games">Snail Games</a> and <a title="Magic World Online" href="http://mmohut.com/review/magic-world-online">Magic World Online</a> from <a title="EnjoyMMO" href="http://mmohut.com/publishers/enjoymmo">EnjoyMMO</a>. The gameplay itself is boring too. I’d much rather play mine-sweeper or solitaire than this horrible world war 2 MMO. Save your time and play <a title="World of Tanks" href="http://mmohut.com/review/world-of-tanks">World of Tanks</a> Online or <a title="Tank Ace" href="http://mmohut.com/preview/tank-ace">Tank Ace</a> instead. Both much better tank games. Whoever decided to license this game is a failure.</p><p>The last terrible game I want to mention is <a title="Crazy Tao" href="http://mmohut.com/review/crazy-tao">Crazy Tao</a> from <a title="TQ Digital" href="http://mmohut.com/publishers/tq-digital">TQ Digital</a>. Why is Crazy Tao bad? Well. Simple. It’s the exact same game as Eudemons and <a title="Conquer Online" href="http://mmohut.com/review/conquer-online">Conquer Online</a> – except worse. It plays EXACTLY like these two other games. All the spells are the same, the controls are the same and the visuals are largely the same – except a bit more cartoony. There is absolutely no reason to play this terrible 2D MMORPG. Stick with <a title="Eudemons Online" href="http://mmohut.com/review/eudemons-online">Eudemons Online</a> instead. Avoid Crazy Tao at all costs. It’s crazy bad.</p><p>So what does this have to do with <a title="2D MMOs" href="http://mmohut.com/games/2d">2D MMOs</a>? Well some of the games I mentioned were 2D, so It’s relevant to my blog <img src="http://c0551612.cdn.cloudfiles.rackspacecloud.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" class="wp-smiley" /> . Did I miss any terrible free to play games? Let me know!</p></div>MMORPGPlayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05557676228544520246noreply@blogger.com0