chronicles-of-spellborn
Latest
The Chronicles of Spellborn: Not free to play, proclaims Acclaim
In fact, the PR Manager for The Chronicles of Spellborn is quite insistent on the that point. 'TCoS is NOT a Free2Play game,' says PR manager, Mirage. And then again, only in ALL CAPS. Mirage is correct, of course. The Chronicles of Spellborn basically has a starting zone that you can play in for free. Think of it as a free trial, if you like. If you want to play the rest of this MMOG, you'll need to upgrade your free account for the regular subscription kind. 'Second, there are NO item malls, there is NO item selling,' adds Mirage. By the time we got halfway through we had to fan the air a little, as the stench of those nasty free-to-play models had pervaded the corners of the room. We hear that a box of sodium bicarbonate left open behind the sofa will eliminate those nasty odors.
The Chronicles of Spellborn launches November 27th in North America
Publisher Acclaim Games has finally announced the North American release date of developer Spellborn International's action-oriented MMORPG The Chronicles of Spellborn. The game will go live in the United States and Canada on the 27th of November -- exactly the same day as the European release. Why Acclaim and European publisher Frogster didn't announce for all regions at once, we're not quite sure!In the press release we received, Acclaim promised that a North American closed beta will begin soon, and directed would-be players to sign up at the official site. Expect fairly standard MMO gameplay, except for combat, which is a little different. You'll actually have to aim your attacks like you would in a third person shooter game.Spellborn runs on "Unreal Engine 2.5" and features music by respected video game composer Jesper Kyd, who has contributed scoring to games like Assassin's Creed, Gears of War, and Unreal Tournament 3.
News From the Wider MMO World: September 23, 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.Secret of the Solstice gets new patch with new contentOutspark's Secret of the Solstice, the free-to-play fantasy MMO, has updated its client with a new patch. Available for both new players and veterans alike is a brand-new zone featuring new quests and a lush jungle landscape. Furthering the overarching storyline is a new initiative to pursue GM Alastor across the Emperonie Plateau and the Aserphel, Cretino, and Turmeit deserts. Finally, players can now view all of an NPC's available quests at the same time and choose which mission to undertake. Download the new patch at the SotS website.New Warlock class available to Grand Chase playersKOG and Ntreev, publisher of Grand Chase, the side-scrolling fantasy brawler, has announced an update to the character class known as Arme. Arme, in addition to her Mage and Combat Alchemist jobs, now has access to a third: Warlock. The abilities of the Warlock job include summoning the spirits of earth, wind, fire, and water, to produce spectacular effects and fight with greater power than ever before. Before deciding if you want to switch jobs to the Warlock class, make sure to check up on the job's requirements on the Grand Chase website.
Acclaim to publish The Chronicles of Spellborn in North America
Action-oriented MMORPG The Chronicles of Spellborn has found a publisher in Acclaim Games, the MMO-focused reincarnation of now-defunct Acclaim Entertainment. The company was founded by former Activision CEO Howard Marks, who bought the brand name from the original Acclaim after it crashed and burned in 2004.David Perry -- Chief Creative Officer of Acclaim Games -- published a letter to the Spellborn community announcing the deal. In it, he talks up the game and the dev team behind it, saying that they immediately stood out to him and the other folks at Acclaim. We'll assume that Acclaim was the company that wrote the letter of intent way back in April, but who can say for sure?Spellborn had already landed a publishing deal for Europe and Asia with Frogster Interactive. Last we heard the game was due out by the end of 2008, but we're not super-confident about it. Spellborn is still in its closed beta testing phase at the moment.
Frogster will drown you in new MMOs ... if you live in Europe
Frogster, noted European and Asian MMO publisher, has released a flying voidship-load of information about their upcoming MMOs for the European market.Long awaited fantasy MMO The Chronicles of Spellborn is still due out late this year, with open beta to begin in October. We've been following this game closely for some time, but it looks like the rumored US publisher (given their prior relationship, perhaps Aeria Games) is not yet ready to announce North American release dates for the game. The World of Warcraft-ish Asian Import Runes of Magic, newly rescored and tuned toward Western tastes, will enter closed beta in September, for a European release about two months later. Isometric pet-raising, caveman-themed MMO StoneAge 2, already in open beta in North America, will be entering European closed beta in August ahead of a fall release. Next week, Frogster will release more information on its latest MMO, soccer-themed Kickster (formerly Kick Off). And they want us to keep an eye out for an expansion to the Bounty Bay Online pirate MMO.Assuming you live in Europe, which ones should you particularly keep your eye on? If you bought a Gameboy just to play Pokemon, you might really enjoy StoneAge 2. If a subscription fee is keeping you from playing World of Warcraft, Runes of Magic might just be different enough to get you interested, and it will be free to play. If you liked Age of Conan's innovative combat system but couldn't get into the world of Hyboria, Spellborn's unique setting and combat system combined with its lush visuals might sell you.Check out screenshots from each of these games in the gallery below.%Gallery-28277%
Runes of Magic beta registration and website opens
Runes of Magic, the eerily-similar-to-World of Warcraft Asian import being published in Europe by Frogster and in North America by persons as yet unknown* has just opened beta registration on their shiny new website. Runes of Magic, known as Radiant Arcana in Asia, will be free to play and has super high production values, so heck, why not check it out? Being able to have two jobs at once a la Final Fantasy XI and Guild Wars could be pretty cool, so if you've ever wanted to be a hunter/priest in WoW, well, now you can (except they call their hunters "scouts").We'll have more about Runes of Magic once beta opens, but you can discuss the game with other eager prospective players in their newly-opened forums. Prize for best question so far: "will the leveling system be like WoW ( few weeks to reach max level) or a shorter leveling system?". Because it took FOREVER to reach max level in WoW when it was released. You know your WoW-like is on the right track when people wonder how to get past the boring stuff to the good stuff at max level before they've even seen the game.* hey, Frogster, who is going to bring The Chronicles of Spellborn to North America?
Runes of Magic to offer comprehensive feature set, but you'll have to wait
Runes of Magic is a pretty thorough-sounding MMO coming out of Frogster Interactive Pictures, who also count Chronicles of Spellborn as one of their properties. According to the website, the list of features is fairly comprehensive, and we've included it after the jump. Frogster (which, by the way, is the greatest company name ever) was also nice enough to provide a ton of screenshots and concept art -- and it certainly looks pretty.We can't fault Frogster for planning ahead: A recent press release states that the launch is planned for " ... before Christmas 2008. The English version will be released soon afterwards." You know, it's been a while since we've used the term "WoW Killer" -- with this list of features, at least on paper Runes of Magic could be the next contender!%Gallery-24476%[Thanks, Axel!]
The Chronicles of Spellborn close in on a North American Publisher
In a recent interview over at Ten Ton Hammer, Pierre-Yves Deslandes, the Public Relations Manager for The Chronicles of Spellborn answered some interesting questions about the upcoming fantasy MMO. One of the first questions on the minds of those at TTH and the minds of most players is why the game's launch has been post-poned another six months until autumn of 2008.Of course, as with most game-launch delays, the development team is still working out some bugs. Plus, to complicate matters, the game is still without a North American publisher. But in addition to this news, we get treated to some wonderful information regarding the unique features of the game, including the "Dress to Impress" gear system. Head on over to TTH to read the complete interview.
Hero's Journey, WRU?
We love the signs of spring; the green leaves on the trees; the children playing on the new grass; the annual news from long-in-development MMO, Hero's Journey. We have five new screenshots from the game, and we have to admit, they look absolutely fantastic. Like Darkfall Online, Hero's Journey is perennially on the verge of going into some sort of beta. And like Darkfall, they have promised the stove, refrigerator, cupboards AND kitchen sink to eager players.Hero's Journey features complete character customization, similar to Chronicles of Spellborn; a dual-class adventure progression similar to those seen in Final Fantasy XI and Guild Wars; and a reactive combat system, similar to that seen in Vanguard. We do hope to see Hero's Journey at some point, and look forward to hearing more about its progress next year.[Via Gamebunny]%Gallery-23631%
More beta screenshots from Chronicles of Spellborn
The team at Spellborn NV continues to entice with its latest screenshots from its closed beta for The Chronicles of Spellborn. These depict various cities and other places on the Shards of Parliament and Quarterstone, as well as some of the creatures who will be more than glad to help you test your skill at bleeding. After looking at the new screenshots, forum regulars wondered if the landscapes are too empty and flat when compared to World of Warcraft's lush richness.Spellborn NV recently showed the game at the RPC Münster role-playing convention, where players reportedly loved the character creation system and combat systems best. Similarly to NCSoft's City of Heroes, the gear and outfits worn by Spellborn characters don't affect the gameplay -- you can look however you wish and still fight at your best. The Spellborn combat system is similar to first person shooters and Age of Conan in that you don't target anything specifically; if something is in range of your attacks, it will be hit. It also is uniquely based on a grid on which you arrange your possible attacks that moves to allow you to use different sets of all your abilities as the fight moves on, adding a "deck building" element to battle.No news on the identity of the publisher with whom they signed a letter of intent to publish the game in North America, or whether we will still see The Chronicles of Spellborn this year. In a year that has seen Age of Conan and will likely see Warhammer Online and the next World of Warcraft expansion, Spellborn will have to work doubly hard to get a share of gamers' time and money.%Gallery-23170%
Of the Spellborn PC, personal experience points, and adventure!
There's been a lot of talk recently about special collector's editions. Are they really worth the money? Chronicles of Spellborn may have just made the ultimate deal here. For about 1200 Teuros (about two grand in US dollars), they've teamed up with Ultraforce to sell you a game and the custom gaming rig on which to play it. You just can't beat a deal like this. A highly anticipated MMO and a speedy Core2 Duo processor, twin GeForce 9600s SLI on an nForce 750i motherboard and custom Spellborn case art... No idea whether it comes with a three day head start, though, and we can hope those aren't the minimum system specs to play the game.We've been seeing a lot of beta screen shots out of Spellborn, but there's been too many shots showing static scenes with perhaps a person standing in them but precious little action. The beta testers finally came through for us with a dozen adventuring screen shots and there is plenty of action to be seen. The screen shot above showcases how different the characters you create can look -- the woman in front is gray-haired and chunky but still looks good in her steel-and-silk bikini. She doesn't have to run fast; just faster than the doomed, thin girl lagging behind.Spellborn is currently due to release world-wide in Q4 2008. They'll have some tough competition. The Spellborn devs just (like, a minute ago) put up a new beta video showing off their Personal Experience Point system. The PEPs are gained through PvE and grant permanent buffs to your character ... provided you don't die. Good stuff, and you can be one of the first to see it! Click on through to watch the video below the cut.
Chronicles of Spellborn gets US Publisher
Seems like just yesterday we were wondering if The Chronicles of Spellborn would ever see US shores. Some kind spirit must have heard us, for today comes news that a US publisher has signed a letter of intent to publish this rather unique fantasy MMO on this side of the Atlantic. Spellborn International and its European/Asian publisher, Frogster, have decided to push the release date of the game from Q2 '08 (ie, Real Soon) to Q3 '08 (ie, when Warhammer Online and the new World of Warcraft expansion, Wrath of the Lich King, ship). The reason given for the delay is polish and time for the US publisher to work on marketing the game. Polish. That used to be such a kind word. Polished games are nice, but "fun" is an even better one.Given the rather empty looking world they have been showing us, this extra time should certainly allow them to jam it full of goodness. With any luck at all, we'll be flying through the Deadspell Storm in our golden shardships, on our way to represent our Houses in Parliament. Now that it appears we'll be seeing this game in North America after all, what better time to learn more about the world of Spellborn through the Spellborn Scrolls? The Scrolls are an interactive text adventure that introduces you to the people and places of the game and is a pretty darn unique way to get the feel for the lore.[Thanks, Garold!]
Spellborn character screenshots
With all this news coming out of the Chronicles of Spellborn closed beta, can open beta be far? Well, actually, probably yes. The glimpses we have gotten of the game world so far look absolutely beautiful. Today's screen shots of actual characters shows off the unique Spellborn art style. And yet... the game world still seems barren and lifeless. Despite all the media Spellborn International is showing us, it seems unlikely they will make their Q2 '08 date for open beta. Further, without a US publisher, it could be a long time indeed before we get a chance to play.
The sounds of Shorath Mesa
There's so much news coming out for Chronicles of Spellborn these days, can we be blamed for hoping we get to play the game itself, soon? Hot on the heels of last week's developer's art journal about the swampy Shorath Mesa comes this new journal explaining how the sound artists designed the ambiance of the area. Shorath Mesa is covered with swamp and forest and the occasional ruined temple from ages long past. The ambient sounds must change as you move from one area to another; the soft whisper of rain falling through forest leaves makes way slowly to an echoing sadness as you near a temple. Far in the distance, thunder rolls. The best ambient sounds drag you into the game. By the sounds of things, Spellborn will draw you in completely to their realm. We don't often get a chance to hear how sound designers do their magic.
A glimpse into Quarterstone, the jewel of Spellborn
The Chronicles of Spellborn beta testers keep teasing us with these wonderful screenshots! We haven't seen an MMO with such a unique and evocative style since Lord of the Rings Online. This week brings us pictures from the city of Quarterstone, "the jewel of Spellborn". Quarterstone sits beneath massive holes that allow in the light of the Deadspell Storm, and around which cyclones rage. Despite the turmoil outside, Quarterstone seems fairly peaceful -- the real danger there are the battles between the great Houses.Chronicles of Spellborn is due out "Q2 2008". Despite rumors of financial difficulties, a perceived lack of commitment by Central European and Asian publishing partner Frogster International, and no announced publishers in Britain or North America, Community Manager "Papillon" vows that if they run out of money, they will put what they have on the market and try to find a way forward from there (even if that means working for free!). We're rooting for you, Spellborn, and we loved what we saw of the game at GDC.Updated: The struck-out text was based on a bad translation of a quote from the German section of the Spellborn forums. And in fact, the meaning was entirely opposite. We regret the error, won't be using dodgy automatic translation services in the future!According to Papillon, the correct translation was: "And to even more emphasize that we do NOT intend to release Spellborn in a hurry, I finished in joking about "I think this development team would even work for free to make the dream become reality :) (PSSST! That stays between us! ;) Don't let my Boss know about this!)".I think it's clear they meant something entirely different! /heads back to the English side of the forums...
Five MMOs better than World of Warcraft
No fooling. Blizzard's World of Warcraft is a great game, a hugely influential game, maybe even the best game ever written by anyone, ever. Throughout history. But now that we've GOT WoW, well, what's next? Age of Conan? Warhammer? Spellborn? Maybe. World of Warcraft had its roots in many other games, but none of those games stood still. Each of them looked at WoW, appreciated its roots, and said – we can do better. Other games, entirely different ones, said – we can give players something new. Here then, are five MMOs better than WoW – and why. Each takes some aspect of World of Warcraft and blows it away. Some of the games are old, some new, but all are excellent games -- and perhaps you will think so, too. Find out what MMO we think does raiding better than WoW ==>>
Chronicles of Spellborn: Combat for Beginners
Face to face with a monster. Its soulless eyes glint blackly from the light of the Deadspell Storm. Its smell -- that awful stench -- may be its greatest weapon, but you do not come unprepared. You have your trusty falchion, worn but true. Your armor has been nicked and scratched and is no longer as shiny as when the blacksmith sold it, but it's honest chain and will turn a blade, or a claw. And of course, you have your trusty deck of cards. "Let's do this," you snarl. You turn the top card over...Combat in Chronicles of Spellborn isn't the simple deal (cough sorry) we've come to expect in our MMOs. Instead of having a fixed set of abilities governed by cast timers and cool-downs, the abilities in Spellborn are controlled by cards, one for each action. You set up your cards in up to five columns -- for instance, one for mêlée, another for mêlée and debuffs, one for magic, another for ranged, and the last for healing. As you use an ability all columns move to the next row (or tier), and so on. Want to guarantee a finishing move is always available? Put them diagonally across your columns. For tips on how to make combos, and how to construct your deck so that the buffs and debuffs support your attacks, Spellborn dev El Drijver brings us his Combat for Beginners game design journal. Check out our previous coverage of this innovative MMO coming out of the Netherlands in the near future.
Chronicles of Spellborn: demo video good, another big delay bad
Good idea: Show off your Massively Multiplayer game at Game Developer's conference! The long-in-development title Chronicles of Spellborn showed off gameplay and core features to the site OnlineWelten. The Germans had a camera on-hand, and you can enjoy the lengthy resulting video either on their site, or embedded below the cut.Bad idea: Postpone the launch of your already long-delayed title well into 2008. The official site notes that the developers now plan to release Spellborn sometime in Q2 of this year - right into the timeframe of Warhammer Online and (possibly) Wrath of the Lich King. This already incredibly niche title is going to have a stiff fight on its hands, and it's a real shame that they're postponing it right into the path of these mass-market behemoths. Some of the features are definitely worth checking out, though; check below the cut for that great OnlineWelten video.
Chronicles of Spellborn + Within Temptation = music video
Continuing the Chronicles of Spellborn love, reader Garold (who sent us the last CoS video) finds a new video for us to enjoy. Currently being seen on TenTonHammer, this is a music video of Holland-based group Within Temptation (who provided in-game music), featuring scenery, gameplay, and ... spaceships? Apparently there's more to Spellborn than previously revealed.This video makes us think of I'm So Sick, though nothing can touch that video's quality. Still, it's definitely worth watching for a continued look at what we can expect when this MMO makes it to market.[Thanks, Garold!]
Chronicles of Spellborn gets a video'd walkthrough at GDC
For those of you unfamiliar with Khaeon Games' Chronicles of Spellborn, here's a 40-minute developer-led tour through its opening stages, including character creation at this year's GDC.A great deal of time is spent going over the character's stats ... a bit more than I'd have had the patience to sit through, personally. Right around the 17 minute mark the character finally starts running around. Nice tidbits: you have a chance to pick up a piece of hardware that an opponent carries and wear it yourself, but not before taking it to an armorer or equivalent to have it fitted. The atmosphere of the world is nice and angsty. Combat is reminiscent of Age of Conan, where there is no lock-on targeting, and it's dependent upon facing.There's some promise here; sign up for the beta at their official site.[Thanks, Garold!]
