Runes of Magic releases the Arcane Transmutor

One of the most fascinating and unique features of Frogster's Runes of Magic is... well, magic runes in the game. These are special runes used to improve equipment. Through the use of power stones, and eventually mana stones, weapons and armor in the game can be refined and upgraded into even more powerful tools against your enemies. Pretty standard for an RPG, yet where it gets its unique flavor is through the Arcane Transmutor, where players can actually experiment with different combinations or runes and attributes to create their own special runes.

The Arcane Transmutor is now available for players involved with the game's open beta, going on now. Previously, only basic recipes were available, but with the introduction of this mysterious and powerful artifact, the rune and stone combinations will add a whole new level to the game. If you haven't had a chance to check out Runes of Magic yet, it's free on their website for anyone to try during this open beta. To discover even more information on the Arcane Transmutor, check out the complete press release just after the cut below.

SAN FRANCISCO – January 15, 2009 – Frogster America today announced details surrounding a key tool in the game Runes of Magic, the Arcane Transmutor. There are many ways to upgrade Armor and Weapons in Runes of Magic (http://www.runesofmagic.com), but most of then require the aid of the Arcane Transmutor, a powerful and mysterious artifact.

Only basic recipes have been given to the players so far, but upgrading those recipes is now possible: for instance, with the aid of power stones, adventurers can extract attributes from magical items, which are then stored in mana stones. Cleverly combined, these mana stones can turn into increasingly powerful mana stones, which in turn are used to refine and improve weapons or armor, thus making them especially useful tools in the everlasting battle against the enemies of Taborea.

Also, runes important for improving equipment, can be transmuted in several ways. Five identical runes of the same rank can form a higher tiered and more powerful version of that same rune. Players are encouraged to experiment combining different runes and attributes to create their ideal rune.

While the possible combinations are countless, using the Arcane Transmutor does cost Transmutor Charges, which players have to accrue in order to benefit from the Transmutor. Phirius Tokens, a reward from daily quests, can be traded in for charges, while players that want to upgrade their items faster can purchase charges in the item shop.

However, the Arcane Transmutor will not freely reveal all of its secrets. But one thing is clear, it is a lot more powerful than it was thought to be. It is now up to adventurers to discover its inner workings.

Runes of Magic went into the open beta in December with English and German versions, and the company revealed that over 300,000 players had already entered the world. All interested players can now download the game for free at www.runesofmagic.com.

Runes of Magic – a world full of wizardry and adventure
With an extensive range of features Runes of Magic prepares to redefine the standard of free-to-play MMO games. Right from the launch Runes of Magic will convey its absorbing story through more than 1,000 quests embedded in an atmospheric world.

Players can choose between six main classes. Combined with a secondary class they dispose of 36 individual combinations of character classes over all. All characters possess unique skills with impressive combo attacks and can use mounts. A particularly attractive feature for guilds and players is the possibility to arrange their own virtual homes with individual furnishing.

Thanks to an extensive crafting and reputation system, thrilling PVP as well as demanding dungeons and boss-monsters, no wishes remain unsatisfied. The Taiwanese developer Runewaker has developed Runes of Magic according to western MMO standards within a time frame of three years. The studio will provide new challenges for players every three to four months with free add-ons and updates. MMO fans can find more information, pictures and videos on the official website www.runesofmagic.com.

Runes of Magic features

• Free2play: no monthly fees, free download
• Extensive dual class system (six primary and secondary classes)
• Versatile spell- and attack-combinations
• Enthralling background story
• More than 1.000 quests and quest series on launch
• No zone boundaries thanks to seamless architecture
• Dungeons: Instanced and tile based as well as persistent
• Individually developable skills and spells
• Armor sets with special bonuses
• Dynamic item system with hundreds of runes for upgrading
• Optional PvP system with arena battles and guild wars
• Ranking system with player-ranking lists
• Multitude of unique mounts
• Epic crafting system with the chance to improve existing items
• Personalization of player houses through individual furnishing
• Reputation system
• Customizable user interface with the option to use Add-Ons
• Map and radar system to find dealers, resources and quests easily
• In-game auction houses for trading items
• Teleport-Runes for instant travel
• Mouse and keyboard controls for movement
• Regular updates with new content
• Cross-server fights in three-server-battle in development
• Guild houses in special zones in development

About Runewaker Entertainment Ltd.
Runewaker Entertainment was founded in August of 2004, with the headquarters located in Taichung, Taiwan. The founding members are all very experienced in the field and decided to come together to pursue their own dream. Currently Runewaker employs over 40 highly skilled programmers, designers and artists and is constantly expanding. Runewaker specializes in making massively multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPG). The company has built their own engine from scratch that rivals some of the best that is available out on the market. Their first product, Radiant Arcana (Runes of Magic), is already completed and currently in Open Beta Phase in China. Runewaker is currently producing more content for Runes of Magic. Webpage: http://www.runewaker.com/

About Frogster Interactive Pictures AG
As a holding with different shares in the computer games industry, the Frogster Interactive Pictures AG based in Berlin is focusing on the growth sector of massively multiplayer online games. The company licenses, operates und markets different online games in the German speaking market and internationally. Its Korean joint venture Frogster Co. Ltd. based in Seoul develops MMO Games and markets their own as well as licensed virtual worlds in Asia. Frogster America Inc. based in San Francisco, USA, will operate and market MMO Games in North America in 2009. At their offices in Berlin, Seoul and San Francisco, the Frogster group employs more than 80 staff members in the fields of development, marketing, PR, web design, web development, community management, customer support, hosting, billing and administration. Internet: www.frogster-interactive.de