Okay, here's a thought experiment for you: what's more of a cash-in: an MMO, or a handheld spinoff of an MMO? Oh, well, we like action-RPG's better than MMO's anyway.
Posts with tag mmorpg
Ragnarok 'Online' not as online as you may have thought
Okay, here's a thought experiment for you: what's more of a cash-in: an MMO, or a handheld spinoff of an MMO? Oh, well, we like action-RPG's better than MMO's anyway.
Wakfu DS: Less MMORPG, more SRPG
Ankama Games would probably be the last developer you'd expect to be working on a DS project, having released only Flash-based MMORPGs in the past. The French studio's success with Dofus, an addictive, 2D MMORPG that brought in over three million players, however, has afforded the company opportunities for merchandising, a spin-off "arena" game, and a DS supplement for its next PC title, Wakfu (not to be confused with the awful fighting game, Shaq Fu).
While Wakfu DS won't have the MMO features that its PC counterpart boasts, Ankama Games promises to give the handheld title its own identity as an SRPG. If the tactical, single-player adventure turns out to be too lonely for you, there will also be a multiplayer mode that allows you to play with three other local friends. With two different carts planned -- Light and Darkness -- that might be the only way to explore some of the version-exclusive dungeons.
Like Pogo Island, Wakfu DS will come with some creative connectivity, allowing you to transfer rare items that you've acquired in the portable game to your Wakfu MMORPG account. Now that's slick! Check past the post break for the PC game's trailer.
Pokemon Online sooner than you think
Yes, Pokemon Diamond/Pearl will feature Wi-Fi trading and battling, hurray-hurrah. Little did we know, however, that some independent developers (i.e. programmers with way too much free time) were developing an MMORPG version of the franchise based on the original Red and Blue versions. Sister site Joystiq clued us in, and we were rather intrigued.
Upon installation, we noted the extreme "alpha" status of the project. The only system currently implemented is that of battle, and even that seemed shoddy at best. You simply choose your six Pokemon from the standard list of 151 and walk around a grassy field until challenged. The game has a long way to go, and the chances that it can make it all the way past Nintendo's elite legal team seem slim. Try it out if you're
And please, Nintendo, take a hint. We really want an official Pokemon MMO.
[via Joystiq]
Maple Story headed to the DS
The online aspect of the DS is, though not without its flaws, a rapidly growing and very successful service. And while connecting to several players around the globe is all well and dandy, it was uncertain if the tiny handheld had the capabilities to support a true MMO (Massively Multiplayer Online game). Allay your fears, nobles! South Korean publisher Nexon has announced a DS version of their popular casual MMO Maple Story, which to our knowledge appears to be a cross between a side-scrolling action game and a traditional RPG.
Can you imagine if something like WoW was portable? People could have social lives and play the game at the same time! Maple Story might not be on the same level as those over in Azeroth, but it's a good start. Also, check out Maple Story's trailer, which might just be the greatest video game trailer of all time. Seriously.
[Thanks, Eric!]
First MMORPG to hit the DS
Have you guys ever heard of this game called Maplestory? Apparently, clever as they are, developers Wizet have you in NO WAY acquiring syrup to generously cover shortstacks of buttermilk pancakes so that you may fill your body and soul with their warm, fluffy substance. As much of a crime as that is, their focus, which is a 2D side-scrolling MMORPG, isn't too disappointing in contrast according to some. Actually, if the grapevine is to be believed, it's a downright enjoyable experience more so than consuming pancakes (crazy, I know). If you're curious, you could just download it and find out for yourself or have a gander at the rather robust Wiki for some more information.
[Thanks Zack McClelland and Joey!]
Import review: Contact
Gamebrink has posted a review of Contact, currently the most anticipated DS title that doesn't involve a duo of energetic plumbers. Instead, you get an eccentric professor looking for the parts of his downed spaceship in an original RPG that supports Wi-Fi play. The article praises the game for its unique story, excellent presentation and varied locations.I especially like how the game breaks the fourth wall right off the bat, having the professor communicate to you as the player on the other side of a mysterious portable device. The professor will quiz you about some of your favorite things at the start of the game, often sharing his own opinion regarding your answers. It's a cute little gameplay device that, according to the review, really boosts the immersion factor (often quite tricky for a portable game to get right).
The only qualm brought to light was the fact that the game's combat system comes across as a bit shallow. Still, if an RPG has enough personality and a great story to tell, it can often get away with such issues. It's when things are the other way around that you start having problems.
The English version of Contact should be out later this year, courtesy of Atlus.
[Thanks Sense!]
Rumor: Ragnarok Online coming to the DS?
Is the South Korean MMORPG, Ragnarok Online, on its way to the DS? That's the question being asked over at the official Nintendo forums, as new scans from a Japanese mag have surfaced and seem to indicate that yet another online RPG may soon be joining the expansive DS games library.Though there's nothing shockingly original about Ragnarok Online, what with its high abundance of fantasy landscapes and pointy hats, it's hard to deny the appeal of a fully fledged MorePeeGee in portable format. Of course, with the current status of Nintendo's Wi-Fi service, one has to wonder what sort of monthly costs would be involved and how things such as content expansions (perhaps via the GBA slot) and server switches would be handled. For all we know, this potential version of Ragnarok may be greatly simplified - cooperatively online as opposed to massively online.
Does the idea of a MMORPG on the DS excite you, or do you simply flee in terror when faced with so many capital letters at once?
[Via DSupdates]
