evolution-of-combat
Latest
First Impressions of RuneScape 3 from a returning player
Over a decade ago, two brothers working out of their parents' house in Nottingham set themselves the impossible task of building their own graphical multi-user dungeon, a genre that later evolved into the MMOs we know today. RuneScape launched to the public in 2001 as a low-res browser game with only a few hundred players and 2-D sprites for monsters, but several years later it boasted over a million paying monthly subscribers. The 2007 Sunday Times Rich List even estimated the Gower brothers' business empire to be worth over £113,000,000, due almost entirely to RuneScape. The secret behind RuneScape's success is that it's been continually updated throughout its lifetime, not just with regular infusions of new content but also with several major graphical and gameplay overhauls. The game was recently reincarnated as RuneScape 3, which is as far as it gets from the primitive game many of us grew up with. It now boasts a visually improved HTML 5 client with graphics acceleration, orchestral music, some voice-acted quests with cutscenes, and a fully customisable UI. This combines with last year's Evolution of Combat update and over a decade of new quests and zones to produce an MMO with more depth and character than many other AAA titles. In this hands-on opinion piece, I put RuneScape's three major versions side by side and look at how far RuneScape 3 has come since those early days of punching 2-D goblins and mining for fish.
MMObility: How RuneScape's Evolution of Combat changed my game
RuneScape has long been a favorite of mine, but I have to admit to being more of an explorer than anything. Combat was always sort of sluggish and tedious. It just wasn't very exciting. I see so many comments from players who AFK, watch television, or play a second game while simultaneously grinding in RuneScape. Luckily RuneScape is a living, breathing, open MMO that comes from the olden times of MMOs but still adds on new bits of design and updated systems. There aren't many other MMOs that are updated as often as RuneScape, and hardly any of them provides as much to do. Along comes The Evolution of Combat. Jagex has called it the biggest thing to happen to RuneScape, probably ever, and after playing with it for a few day, I tend to agree. What does it change, though, and why do I enjoy it so much? Let me tell you.
Evolution of Combat now live in RuneScape
Two weeks ago, Jagex announced the launch date of RuneScape's big Evolution of Combat patch. And lo and behold, that day has arrived! Players can now log in and try their hands at dual wielding, explore different combat styles, and see how the all-new action bar speeds up skill training and resource gathering. Jagex also offered players a handy launch day FAQ to explain what will happen when they first log in. All players will be teleported to a bank where they will find 15 extra slots of space available, which will come in handy since all gear will be unequipped and placed in players' inventories. Players will also find their depleted player points fully restored and task totals recalculated. For more details about the new patch, check out the full notes.
RuneScape announces launch date for Evolution of Combat patch
Fans of violence in RuneScape have something to cheer about today as the release date has finally been announced for the game's massive overhaul of the combat mechanics. On November 20th, the patch goes live after five months of active testing and rebalancing based on feedback. And it's got far-reaching implications for the game as a whole -- by improving the game's combat mechanics and battle environments, the developers can introduce content that wouldn't have worked under the old system. So what can players expect? Abilities are replacing the special attacks found on weapons with several new options for battle, and a new resource (Adrenaline) will go into activating your more powerful combat skills. Characters will also be able to make full use of both hands via dual-wielding, offering more aggressive options as well as more equipment options for mages. The announcement also promises a livestream this weekend to help players learn about and understand the changes before they go live in a couple weeks. [Thanks to Andrew for the tip!]
RuneScape opens Evolution of Combat beta this weekend
Much has been said about RuneScape's upcoming combat upgrade, and this weekend, folks will have the chance to test out The Evolution of Combat for themselves. Starting at 5 a.m EDT on Friday, July 6th, and lasting until 5 a.m. EDT on Monday the 9th, all RuneScape members will be able to join the 50,000 current beta testers in playtesting the new features like dual-wielding. If you happen to miss this one, don't worry -- three more open beta weekends will follow. However, players whot manage to take part in all four weekends will be rewarded with a unique mad scientist outfit. For more about the upcoming changes, check out Massively's interview with Mark Ogilvie, Lead Designer from Jagex. [Source: Jagex press release]
RuneScape reveals dual-wielding in sixth behind-the-scenes video
Last month, Jagex revealed that a whole new combat system was on its way for the browser-based fantasy game RuneScape. Since then, players have been treated to more details about the upcoming changes in behind-the-scenes videos. Today's installment, the sixth and final one in the series, reveals a fundamental change to the combat system: dual-wielding. Now players can sacrifice a shield's defense to go all out for damage. However, this dual-wielding system is unique. RuneScape is giving dual-wielding abilities to more than just those who prefer blades by making it available to magic users and ranged combatants as well. Players can dual-wield magic, ranged, melee, or mix and match any combination. Another less dramatic change includes improved weapon stances, which add a casual stance to sheathed and attack positions. The stances also are individualized for different weapons. Finally, the devs have upgraded avatar models to include actual fingers. To see a demonstration of these changes, you can watch the video. And for even more details about The Evolution of Combat, check out Massively's interview with Lead Designer Mark Ogilvie. [Thanks to Sean for the tip!]
Latest RuneScape behind-the-scenes video details cryptic clue fest, evolution of combat
It's time yet again for another RuneScape behind-the-scenes video, and this time we get to take a look at the newly announced Evolution of Combat changes that players are surely awaiting with bated breath. Jagex's developers say that they want to keep players from having to navigate through multiple interfaces in order to cast spells, change combat styles, and so forth. To this end they plan the addition of an action bar that will allow players easy access to spells, emotes, items, and anything else they want to keep at their fingertips. The video also touches on an upcoming very special cryptic clue-fest in honor of the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II. A mysterious royal visitor is on her way to the city of Varrock, and it's up to players to help ensure that everything is in tip-top shape when she arrives. Players will be responsible for assisting Varrock's Tourist Office in keeping supplies for the grand celebration sufficiently stocked. For the full details on both of these exciting upcoming features, head on past the cut and check out the behind-the-scenes video for yourself.
The Evolution of Combat coming to RuneScape for player testing June 26th
What words are music to players' ears? "Biggest content update in its history." And RuneScape fans are getting just that! Jagex announced today that a massive content update bringing the all-new combat system, dubbed The Evolution of Combat, is on its way to the free-to-play fantasy game. The game-altering new system is promised to be more immersive and more involving. Lead Designer Mark Ogilvie noted that a combat revamp was the community's most requested update and he emphasized the value of community feedback. To garner more feedback, Jagex is offering RuneScape members the opportunity to test the update starting June 26th. This limited-access beta will then run through September, giving beta participants the chance to help "shape the future of one of the most important elements of the game." For the opportunity to participate in this exclusive combat system beta, players need to be an existing member of RuneScape or sign up for membership on the official site by June 1st. [Source: Press release]
