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NDOORS CEO on Atlantica Online succeeding in the West
Massively multiplayer online games operating on the free-to-play business model are definitely a mixed bag in terms of quality. As such, they get a mixed reception in the West. Those who like more variety in their gameplay choices than the standard subscription model offers them tend to be more open to alternative business models. Staunch supporters of the AAA subscription model typical of the industry in Western markets have some serious misgivings about what the new crop of free-to-play titles could mean for the industry climate. NDOORS Interactive hopes to change some of these perceptions with Atlantica Online, their strategic turn-based MMORPG. Danny "Ralsu" Gourley from Ten Ton Hammer interviewed NDOORS Interactive CEO Peter Kang about Atlantica Online and how it fits into the industry climate in the West.
Korean MMO developer offers update on Korean gaming
RPG Vault (a fantastic site) recently had the chance to speak with Korean MMO developer Seonho Kim all about the state of Korean gaming alongside our favorite genre. Seonho is the Game Publishing Department Manager for CJ Internet, one of the country's 'big five' publishers. He paints a vivid picture of gaming in South Korea, with the unique blend of online gaming and popular culture something completely foreign to our experience here in the west. As Seonho tells it, online FPS titles have been at the forefront of Korean gaming for the last few years. This is all in comparison, of course, as MMO gaming in Korea is still a massively popular genre.In the last year, though, MMO gaming has made a big comeback. This has primarily been driven by new titles like Aion and Atlantica Online, with the five big Korean publishers all working on their own MMO 'take' to draw in new players. The second part of his analysis deals primarily with this element, the balancing act that the Korean games industry maintains. Both pieces of his discussion are very interesting reads, and well worth checking out. If you're curious about the games he mentions, make sure to check out Massively's coverage of Altantica and Aion before you head elsewhere!%Gallery-35608%
Learning the lore of Atlantica Online
Whether you're playing Atlantica Online now, or you're just curious about the game, learning the lore could prove beneficial. Over at MMORPG.com, the Atlantica Online devs have been creating some insightful jounrals and articles to keep up our interest in the F2P fantasy MMO. This week, they present an in-depth lore article describing the history of Atlantica Online.As a descendant of Atlantis, you discover that it is up to you to save the rest of the Earth from the evil Atlantis descendants. You struggle with your dark history and vow to ascend above the power that pulls you towards the evil side of Atlatis. This journey will take you all across the world, including an upcoming region in the Grand Canyon. Check out this entire lore article for more information on your character's history and the game.
Petroglyph discusses design and microtransactions for Mytheon
For a lot of people, the MMO/RTS hybrid has been an unwieldy beast at times. That's not to say there aren't interesting titles to check out, such as Dreamlords, Atlantica and SAGA. However, nobody has quite made a huge splash with an MMORTS just yet. So could the recently announced Mytheon be the first game to catch a lot of people's attention? Well, why don't you see for yourself in this 1UP interview with the game's developer, Petroglyph -- whose previous games include Universe at War and Star Wars: Empire at War.Since there haven't been any screens -- and probably won't be for a while -- it's hard to make too many judgments at this point. The interview promises some interesting, if not vague, features. So you can bet we'll be on the lookout for any future information about Mytheon in the coming months.
The Daily Grind: How much free-to-play game coverage do you want?
In the last six months or so, Massively has refocused quite a bit since our early days. When we started out, we went really broad, trying to encompass every element of the MMO genre out there. We talked about everything from RuneScape to semi-obscure Korean imports, all the way up to Warhammer, World of Warcraft, and Lord of the Rings Online. In the last six months, though, we've primarily been focused on AAA titles. We primarily did it because we thought it was what you wanted to see, but in the last month or so we've seen signs your interests may be broader.Free-to-play games are constantly improving, formerly maligned Korean imports have seen a lot of development and localization love, and the microtransaction market is a moving target. Games like Atlantica Online, Runes of Magic, Wizard101, DOMO and Shaiya are increasingly showing up on our collective radars. What do you think about these games? Do you want to see more coverage of free-to-play games on Massively? What's your favorite free-to-play game that we really need to pay attention to? And if we do put more coverage of these games on the block, do you want to see things like patch notes or just the highlights/holiday announcements? Let us know!
Grimwell takes a look at Atlantica Online
Atlantica Online is one of those MMOs that people always seem to talk about, but never really get fully in-depth with. Insight into the game recently came from an unexpected source: Craig "Grimwell" Dalrymple, a noted MMO blogger and senior community relations manager for Sony Online Entertainment. Craig just recently spoke up about the turn-based MMO, relating his experiences and gripes with the game on his blog.For him, the strong points of Atlantica are the turn-based combat (as it allows PvP to be a bit more tactical rather than a fast paced gankfest,) the mercenary system (which is different from the NPC system of Guild Wars, as you actually build up your mercenaries like second or third characters,) and the crafting system (which features both the ability to craft any item in the game and learn crafting skills from other players rather than NPCs.) The game's swift advancement seems to also be in Grimwell's liking, as he's hit 61 out of the 120 levels since he's begun playing in October. For the rest of his experiences with Atlantica, including his two gripes with the game, check out his blog post on the matter.
Atlantica Online's Mercenaries are historically significant
Atlantica Online sure is making news lately with the ways they're incorporating so many different features in their game to make it truly unique. We know about the turn-based combat from a previous developer diary, but in this latest article, we're treated to an explanation of the Mercenary system.Originally, Mercenaries were going to simply be like items that a character can collect, but the devs at NDOORS found themselves discovering new ways to use the Mercenaries. They created backgrounds for them and actually developed a sense of affection for them, so their importance is much greater now. Each Mercenary can eventually evolve into personages of historical significance. For instance, the archer would become Robin Hood, the inventor would become Leonardo da Vinci, and so on. Not only will this add some concrete understanding of these high-level Mercs, but it will hopefully force players to research these names if they were sleeping in History class again.
Atlantica Online releases Western Hemisphere content expansion
NDOORS Interactive's Atlantica Online has just released its first major content patch entitled Next Frontier where players will have the opportunity to play in the American Old West and Aztec lands. Previously, the game was only playable in the Eastern Hemisphere, but Next Frontier brings players some Western Hemisphere content such as a bar room brawl in Dallas or a new guild dungeon on Alcatraz Island.This expansion also raises the level cap from 100 to 120 and introduces two new B Class Mercenaries: the Spartan and the Sailor. A Christmas event has also been added with this free patch, where players can quest in Santa's Villa and battle some nasty holiday creatures. Be sure to check out Atlantica Online's website for more info on this expansion and the game itself as it continues to grow across all hemispheres.
Consider the turn-based MMO with Atlantica Online
There are turn-based games, and then there are MMOs. The idea of mixing the two doesn't seem like the greatest of ideas, does it? Turn-based combat would take away from the high-action immersive fighting that we've become accustomed to through our favorite online games. This is most evident in the recent popularity of FPS-style MMOs. Yet, despite this, the RPG side of MMOs began with turn-based strategy.Over at MMORPG.com, Atlantica Online's Producer, Kim Tae Gon, explains the reasoning behind the decision to make this highly-popular game turn-based. Going back to the fundamentals of games like chess, Kim Tae Gon believes that this type of game mechanic is more approachable for a larger audience, especially considering the popularity of games like chess across the world. "With casual games and FPS games well established, it's time for something new, like turn-based games. I honestly hope Atlantica will be the starting point."
Korean MMO dev offers to buy back high-level characters
When your MMO isn't called World of Warcraft, you typically have an uphill battle to grab attention. Korean-based developer NDOORS has enacted a rather interesting marketing ploy for its free-to-play game, Atlantica Online. If you started playing after October 11 and reach level 50 (without going over) before November 30, you can turn in your character and receive $20 via PayPal. Sounds like a good deal until you figure that likely averages out to less than $1 per hour.We're not sure what's going to stop players who like the game from redeeming $20 and creating a new login ID. If anything, with Wrath of the Lich King less than three weeks away, we anticipate a few WoW junkies making a temporary shift to help pay for their next fix.[Via Ars Technica]
News from the Wider MMO World: September 30th, 2008
The MMO genre is more than World of Warcraft, Age of Conan, and Warhammer Online. Here's what's going on in the rest of the world.Ankama Games launches new Dofus Heroic Server; includes permadeathAs of September 23rd, there's a new server dedicated to Ankama Games' Dofus. Called the Heroic Server, its most notable feature is permanent death for all characters. Once dead, the player's opponent is allowed to take the character's items, and the deceased becomes interred in the Cemetery of Heroes, a worldwide ranking that can be consulted via a dedicated website. To offset the permadeath penalty, all skill and professions leveling will be much easier, allowing players to rise in rank much more quickly. To the brave and the bold: the Heroic Server calls!Atlantica Online begins open beta; offers prizesFor their open beta launch, Atlantica Online's NDOORS is offering players of its Free Leagues -- the PvP system -- a variety of prizes, including a Nintendo Wii, an iPod Nano, or $10,000 in cash. Interestingly, these prizes become available only once the player population hits certain landmarks: 5,000; 10,000; 20,000; and 30,000. "NDOORS created something unique in the MMO world when we designed the deep turn-based, strategic world of Atlantica Online. So we decided we needed something just as original for our open beta," said Peter Kang, CEO, NDOORS Interactive. "This is going to be unlike anything anyone has seen before."
News From the Wider MMO World: September 9, 2008
The MMO genre is more than World of Warcraft, Age of Conan, and Warhammer Online. Here's what's going on in the rest of the world.Nanoverse Online lets you experience life an a micro scaleDuplex Systems has announced its second MMO, Nanoverse Online, which takes place in a world "unique physics". While their website show photos of insects, the description of gameplay delineates more of a mechanically-oriented playerbase. "It is not the visual power that counts, but compelling and exciting gameplay," says Marko Dieckmann, Managing Director, Duplex Systems. "Nanoverse Online will bring the fun back to MMOs, a genre full of cliches, copied over and over again." There is no official release date for Nanoverse Online, but screenshots are expected to hit their website soon.NDOORS partners with Nexon to bring Atlantica Online to JapanNexon Japan has recently signed a publishing agreement with NDOORS to let Japanese players into the turn-based strategy world of Atlantica Online. "We are fortunate and thrilled that Atlantica's unique action and fun can be shared and enjoyed by many players throughout the world," said Cho Sung Won, NDOORS' CEO. With a player base of over one million users, Atlantica Online stands poised to make a huge showing with its new global presence.
First Impressions: Atlantica Online
Welcome to our First Impressions of NDOORS' Atlantica Online. Although it's in its third round of its closed beta, it's functional enough to talk about, and deservedly so. It's not the only MMOTBS -- massively multiplayer online turn-based strategy -- currently on the market, but it's got a high level of polish and a lot of potential. Let's dig in.%Gallery-30621%
News from the Wider MMO World: August 12, 2008
The MMO genre is more than World of Warcraft, Age of Conan, and Warhammer Online. Here's what's going on in the rest of the world.Trickster Online celebrates the Olympics with new themed itemsEven MMOs get into the spirit of real world competition, and Trickster Online has some themed items for your enjoyment. These masks, hats, and capes will have a particular country's flag on them; collect all five of each and receive a special item of each type. Check them out before the Olympics ends!Outspark Games offer Olympic-style competition within their titlesFrom now until August 24th, San Francisco MMO publisher Outspark will be hosting the Outspark Games, a series of Olympic-styled competitions within their online offerings. Titles Fiesta, Secret of the Solstice, and Project Powder will feature special events in-game. Expect medals to be granted to the top three winners, and increased experience points offered to all participants.More news after the jump!
Silkroad Online gets their own international championship
If you're a player of Silkroad Online and have been attempting to dominate the old historic trade route in Asia, then you're going to be excited about the news that your domineering ways might finally pay off in the form of a championship and a trip to Korea. Silkroad Online has been chosen as an official game for this year's Game and Game World Championship.Silkroad Online will be joining Shot Online, Navy Field, and Atlantica this year as the best of the best in each game meet up and test their mettle. Players in the United States can first sign up for the online preliminary rounds, and if you pass you'll be invited to San Jose, California to compete in the regional qualifiers. Top two players will be invited to Seoul, Korea (hotel and airfare included) to compete against the other qualifiers from Germany, Singapore, South America, Japan, and Korea for a first prize of $5,000 in cash.All that is required for entry is simply an active account with Silkroad Online or any other game in the championship. If you're interested in garnering more information about the tournament, head on over to the main tournament website for all the juicy details.
Turn-based strategy MMO Atlantica to enter closed beta in July
A new MMORPG by the name of Atlantica Online is set to enter its closed beta phase this July. The game will reportedly employ a turn-based strategy combat system, and developer Ndoors Interactive hopes that this will help it to stand out from other MMOs. Players are able to form groups of up to 3 people and wage war across ancient lands. There will be a heavy focus on long term planning and strategy, with players having to manage both cities and countries, keeping factors like industry, commerce, and culture in mind.Visiting Atlantica's official website, we found a handful of screenshots, a teaser video (with no gameplay unfortunately) and a simple form to enter just an email address to register for the closed beta. Turn-based strategy games tend to divide gamers, but fans of the genre could really get into such a title taken to the level of complexity that MMOs can offer -- if done well. We'll report back when we find out more.[Via Worlds in Motion]
