One of my many interests as a gamer are the Online Roleplaying Games, particularly those that I can simply download for free and play for all good and lovely reasons (legally and without the full use of a torrent.) MMOs became a part of my life and I ended up getting full opportunity to tell you stories and review about them in this new segment I call: MMO Shenanigans.

(Okay, I don’t have any decent 3DS Games as of yet and the next System Update will be at the start of June. Happy now?)

But I do have a strange love for Free MMORPGs. Once in a while we get diamonds in the rough that attempt to support themselves through free donations and Item Malls, but make up its free status with excellent gameplay, community, music, graphics, and an intriguing theme that just makes you keep on going and grinding. While the rest of these games have a ridiculous premise to the point that I would tell the tales of suckiness to my friends and say, “Yeah, I used to play <so and so game>, and I hate it.”

This new segment will be composed of 3 mini reviews and/or experience stories of various MMORPGs that I have played during the course of the… many years that I did so. Also, some updates will consist of a certain theme (Sci-Fi, Asian, Superheroes and whatnot) that makes an MMORPG a diverse group that can be played for all ages and people.

So without further ado, here is MMO Shenanigans.

Silkroad Online

Country of Origin: Korea

Genre: Historical MMORPG

Company of Origin: Joymax

Distributors: Joymax (International), Level-Up Games (Philippines)

Current Gameplay Status: Dropped

Silkroad Online is a pretty old MMORPG game that tells and relives on the development of the elusive Silk Road trade that happened in 7^th Century AD. The game starts off with choosing one of the two countries that were highly involved with the Silk Road trade: China and Europe. And depending on the country you started in, you get different skills and attributes (China focuses on Charged Elemental weaponry, while Europe focuses on a Job-like system that look a bit like Ragnarok Online’s own.) You then get to choose one out of the many preset characters with additional customization of armor and weapons as well as height and weight. One of the many things I remembered about this game was its captivating P2P system that involves the player into various jobs that were unique in their own way: traders that transport various items from town to town, hunters who protect traders from thieves, and thieves who attempt to steal the Traders’ items before reaching its destination.

Back in the day, Silkroad used to have very serious typos that were not addressed until a few years later. Till then, forum members consider the weapon above as a “glavie,” glaive’s more enthusiastic variation.

This game had an interesting history back in my high school days because this was the first MMORPG that I played with an Oriental/Asian theme that I liked so much. With this as my starting point I expected the same in my other future MMOs. The problem I did have in this game was that as time flew by and updates go on, the bot player population increased dramatically to the point where every town and server I went to, there will always be a million advertisement scams that try to convey your real world cash with Silkroad’s Item Mall Currency (thus, many of the Main website’s constant updates of banned bots and emergency server inspections.) There was also a time where Silkroad doesn’t even let their players pass the log-in screen due to the high bot infestation that ended up clogging the server population limit.

I wasted the my whole summer vacation with this log-in screen in my final years of Silkroading. I have cursed the bots ever since.

So yeah, Silkroad was also the first MMO I knew that had me learn the MMORPG-local term known as “nerfing.” But that does not stop me from attempting to redownload this game and checking if things there got better or worse.

Update: Well… at least some problems were fixed… The bot infestation still continues rampantly, and I have yet to see the upcoming Arabian/Islam country update the Korean Silkroad was about to show everyone. When the new episode will include the Islam episodes, please tell me.

FORSAKEN WORLD

Country of Origin: China

Genre: Fantasy MMORPG

Company of Origin: Beijing Perfect World

Distributors: Perfect World Entertainment

Current Gameplay Status: Still Playing

Forsaken World tells a tale of the hero from one of many races: Humans, Elves, Dwarves, Kindreds, and Stonemen, with their various adventures fighting against the Strom Legion and their King and gain godly powers or something. While kicking monster butt and finishing main quests, you also gain access to various jobs that gain an edge in future battles to come.

The problems I had with this game were obvious when I first saw it: The game is pretty much Perfect World of Warcraft. In other word, the setting is based on a more Westernized mythology with dwarves, elves, vampiric kindreds, and a Western Zodiac sign system (as Perfect World was known for its more Chinese-based MMORPGs) while the content is what you expect in a Perfect World game. In other words, if you have played Forsaken world once, you’ve probably played all of the MMORPG’s Perfect World International offers you in one download.

The green lettering in the Quest Info serves as an auto-tracker, making this game a lot easier. Thanks, Perfect World!

Another thing that bugged me with the game was on how ridiculously easy the game was with the tracker system attached to the quest lists and the many EASY, short quests and little rewards that is served to you in a pinch. Just click on the green highlighted name on your quest list details and away you go! I got to about level 20 in at least 3 hours of playing.

Though I am slightly relieved that Toni Gonzaga didn’t attempt to sing any cover song here… so it’s good. I haven’t played Perfect World in forever, and the graphics and concept designs are pretty nice for a game made by Perfect World so it’s not a total, complete loss.

And as long as the Vampire Class ain’t sparkling, it’ll be alright.

WAKFU

Country of Origin: France

Genre: Turn-based MMORPG

Company of Origin: Ankama Studio

Distributors: Ankama Studio (Global), Square Enix (America)

Current Gameplay Status: On Hold

Wakfu, the free-to-play sequel to the game Dofus (which is Pay-to-play), brings us to the old days of Final Fantasy Tactics where you (along with a party member or two) take turns fighting against monsters with the power of strategy while giving access to many professions that can give the game a lot of possiblities. This game has brought pride to European (particularly French) players to the point that it made its own television show based on it.

Pretty much a mix of Runescape and FFT, only with a cute, cartoony disposition.

Set a thousand years after Dofus, it tells of heroes of many races (mostly elven and anthro), abilities and skills who rise above the ruins to repair and cure the now divided World of Twelve… with (as the site’s plot says) “Llve and a good sense of humor”, while mastering the powerful energy of the game’s universe known as “Wakfu”.

I do enjoy the cartoony feel of the game and it takes a lot of skill (and balls) for a French company to make a game this refreshing to look at, yet in times with the lack of a quest system that one may feel confused on where you will go or how far the player can progress.  And since this is the Open Beta version and is currently in development, a handful of bugs and lack of facilities there of can make this game both questionable yet still reasonable due to the game’s initial stages. Also, the players in the game’s server I played on speak and/or are French, so in other words, I am totally out of place the moment I have played this game and joined my first party.

Sacre Bleu, Le Kung-Fu Panda!

So here ends the first MMO Shenanigans. Tune in next week where I will give short reviews of Wuxia (Martial Arts)-Based MMOS!

In fact, it’s a SHIP wide valentines for winners! (Pun intended). Here’s the mechanics on hwo you can win yourself one of the 2 Astral Ships that are being raffled off.

ALLODS LUVBOAT RAFFLE

On February 5, Allods Online will be raffling off two (2) Astral Ships!

How to join the raffle?

• Present an unused 50php Level Up! Top-up card at the venue during registration.
• 1 50php unused LU Top-up Card = 1 Raffle Ticket.
• Winners will be drawn during the event.

Besides the raffle there’s something for Guild’s as well.

ALLODS’ It’s a Guild Date!

Guild Leaders! Rally your troops and proceed to the venue on February 5 because we are giving away 1 Astral Ship for the Guild with the most attendance during the event!

Announcement of the winning Guild to receive the Ship will be on the same day, 5:00pm.

How to win the Allods’ It’s a Guild Date?

• Bring your members to the event.
• Register at the registration booth.
• Guild Members should be present when GM Samhok started the roll call.
• A member can only be counted if he’s in the venue.
• The Guild with the most number of attendees will win the Ship.

HOW TO GET THERE

Ground Floor, E-life @ Eton Cyberpod Corinthian,
EDSA corners Ortigas Ave., Pasig City
(In front of Robinsons Galleria, near MRT Ortigas station)

Registration starts at 10:00 AM.

So mark your calendars and come celebrate the month of hearts with us, gamer style! Check out the Level Up! forums for specific announcements from your favorite LU! game.

After temporarily shutting down it’s oprations last July, Hello Kitty Online is back with Level Up! at it’s reins. However the opening of the new server also means that players would need to create a new account since the game is now played on the HKO international server.

Here’s the official statement from Level Up! Games:

Great news for our Filipino friends!   Sanrio Digital and Level Up! Inc. are pleased to announce that Hello Kitty Online is opening its doors to players from the Philippines starting today, December 8, 2010!

Unfortunately, characters from the Philippines could not be transferred to the international servers, which mean you will have to create and level a new character. To compensate for this inconvenience, existing players from the Philippines server will receive a refund of all their Sanrio Cash Points (including points already spent) plus40,000 Sanrio Loyalty Points.

Simply download and install the new HKO game client from this link and enter the game using your usual SanrioTown account details, then join the International Server. Your cash and loyalty points will be automatically loaded into your account. Then create your character and spend your points!

If you have any concerns, please email us at help@hellokittyonline.com or contact one of our Game Masters (GMs) inside the game.

We’d like to welcome all Filipino players to the International Server!  We look forward to seeing you back in the game!

The Hello Kitty Online Team

The long wait is over! Allods online will be having it’s Open Beta Test today! That’s right OBT starts today! So people who have been aching to play this game can now log in and play with Astral Ships! Here’s the advisory for the OBT:

IMPORTANT THINGS YOU SHOULD NOT MISS

Wipe of Closed Beta Characters ONLY

• As we have announced last week, everyone will start with a Level 1 Character in Open Beta.
• Characters created during the Closed Beta has been wiped or removed.

Use your Closed Beta Account in Open Beta

• Did you register and play during the Closed Beta? You can use and login to the Open Beta Realms with the same account.
• We will give a few gifts for the Closed Beta Testers, so make sure you also check your Closed Beta account when the Open Beta begins to receive your gifts.
• You can also link your Closed Beta Account to your MyLU (https://my.levelupgames.ph) when Open Beta starts.

Register at My Level Up! (MyLU)

• Aside from the Closed Beta Accounts, you will be able to create your very own Allods Online account.
• You can now register for an Allods account at MyLU – https://my.levelupgames.ph

Item Mall NOW OPEN!

One of the best features of Allods is its Item Mall, and it will be available in Open Beta. Improve your gameplay, boost your experience and reputation gains or even dress up your character with the available vanity items (fashion). There are tons of items that will improve your character so make sure to have that Level Up! Game Card beside you when the realms become open to the public.

How to Load Up

You’ve got your Game Card or top-up card, now it’s time to load them up! Or if you’re not sure how to use your Level Up! Game Card, here’s some very simple steps to reap the benefits of the incoming Item Mall.

1. Login to your My Level Up! (MyLU) account. If you don’t have a MyLU yet,register now.
2. Click Add Credits on the left sidebar to be able to load up your game card.
3. Fill up the input spaces with your Level Up! Card Number and Card Pin.



4. Click “Load Up Now!”.
5. You now have Level Up! Credits that you can convert to Perrah, Allods Online’s Item Mall currency once Open Beta starts.

To convert your Level Up! Credits to Perrah (Allods’ Item Mall currency), simply click “Use Credits” at the MyLU. Conversion rate is PHP 1.00 = 10 Perrah.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Why will there be a wipe?

A Closed Beta Character wipe is necessary for the reason that not everyone has an access to the game aside from a few players who have an account. It is only fair to the general public at the beginning of Open Beta where anyone and everyone can create an Allods Account. Character wipes are only done on Closed Beta Testing. There will be no character wipe on Open Beta and Commercial Launch.

Is my account going to be deleted?

No. You can still use your CBT account anytime during Open Beta.

Do I need to Register again?

Yes and no. Yes, because in order to take advantage of the Item Mall, you need to have a MyLU account. You can register for a MyLU account here. Also, if you did not have a chance to play during Closed Beta, you need to register for an Allods Online account too at the MyLU page.

No if you plan to use your Closed Beta account, you don’t have to register anymore but make sure you link it to your MyLU account to be able to load up if you want to shop at the Item Mall.

Can I buy Items in the Item Mall now? How?

Once the realms become available to the public, yes you can. Check out the “How to Load Up” section above to know how to get Perrah, your money to buy Item Mall Items.

Do I need to install a new client or download Allods again?

If you downloaded Allods Online already during the Closed Beta Testing, you don’t have to download the client again. Your client will work in Open Beta. You just have to patch it on the opening of Open Beta.

Still don’t have the Allods Online Client? Download it here.

When is Open Beta going to start?

We will announce it very soon at the website, forums, Twitter and Facebook page. Always be updated with the latest Allods Online Philippines news at the following pages:

• Twitter – http://twitter.com/AllodsPH
• Facebook – http://facebook.com/AllodsOnlinePH
• Community Forums – http://forums.levelupgames.ph
• Community Site – http://allods.levelupgames.ph

With the conclusion of it’s Closed Beta Test (CBT) last October, Level Up! Games is now busy preparing for the Open Beta Test (OBT) for it’s newest MMORPG, Allods Online. In preparation for the game’s OBT,Level Up! Games has posted the necessary info regarding the upcoming OBT.

IMPORTANT THINGS YOU SHOULD NOT MISS

Wipe of Closed Beta Characters ONLY

• As we have announced last week, everyone will start with a Level 1 Character in Open Beta.
• Characters created during the Closed Beta has been wiped or removed.

Use your Closed Beta Account in Open Beta

• Did you register and play during the Closed Beta? You can use and login to the Open Beta Realms with the same account.
• We will give a few gifts for the Closed Beta Testers, so make sure you also check your Closed Beta account when the Open Beta begins to receive your gifts.
• You can also link your Closed Beta Account to your MyLU (https://my.levelupgames.ph) when Open Beta starts.

Register at My Level Up! (MyLU)

• Aside from the Closed Beta Accounts, you will be able to create your very own Allods Online account very soon.
• In a few days, you can start registering for an Allods account at MyLU – https://my.levelupgames.ph

Item Mall NOW OPEN!

One of the best features of Allods is its Item Mall, and it will be available in Open Beta. Improve your gameplay, boost your experience and reputation gains or even dress up your character with the available vanity items (fashion). There are tons of items that will improve your character so make sure to have that Level Up! Game Card beside you when the realms become open to the public.

How to Load Up

You’ve got your Game Card or top-up card, now it’s time to load them up! Or if you’re not sure how to use your Level Up! Game Card, here’s some very simple steps to reap the benefits of the incoming Item Mall.

1. Login to your My Level Up! (MyLU) account. If you don’t have a MyLU yet,register now.
2. Click Add Credits on the left sidebar to be able to load up your game card.
3. Fill up the input spaces with your Level Up! Card Number and Card Pin.



4. Click “Load Up Now!”.
5. You now have Level Up! Credits that you can convert to Perrah, Allods Online’s Item Mall currency once Open Beta starts.

To convert your Level Up! Credits to Perrah (Allods’ Item Mall currency), simply click “Use Credits” at the MyLU. Conversion rate is PHP 1.00 = 10 Perrah.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Why will there be a wipe?

A Closed Beta Character wipe is necessary for the reason that not everyone has an access to the game aside from a few players who have an account. It is only fair to the general public at the beginning of Open Beta where anyone and everyone can create an Allods Account. Character wipes are only done on Closed Beta Testing. There will be no character wipe on Open Beta and Commercial Launch.

Is my account going to be deleted?

No. You can still use your CBT account anytime during Open Beta.

Do I need to Register again?

Yes and no. Yes, because in order to take advantage of the Item Mall, you need to have a MyLU account. You can register for a MyLU account here. Also, if you did not have a chance to play during Closed Beta, you need to register for an Allods Online account too at the MyLU page.

No if you plan to use your Closed Beta account, you don’t have to register anymore but make sure you link it to your MyLU account to be able to load up if you want to shop at the Item Mall.

Can I buy Items in the Item Mall now? How?

Once the realms become available to the public, yes you can. Check out the “How to Load Up” section above to know how to get Perrah, your money to buy Item Mall Items.

Do I need to install a new client or download Allods again?

If you downloaded Allods Online already during the Closed Beta Testing, you don’t have to download the client again. Your client will work in Open Beta. You just have to patch it on the opening of Open Beta.

Still don’t have the Allods Online Client? Download it here.

When is Open Beta going to start?

We will announce it very soon at the website, forums, Twitter and Facebook page. Always be updated with the latest Allods Online Philippines news at the following pages:

• Twitter – http://twitter.com/AllodsPH
• Facebook – http://facebook.com/AllodsOnlinePH
• Community Forums – http://forums.levelupgames.ph
• Community Site – http://allods.levelupgames.ph

]]> http://www.back2gaming.com/news/allods-online-ph-prepares-for-obt/feed/ 1 http://www.back2gaming.com/news/level-up-live-2010-is-coming/ http://www.back2gaming.com/news/level-up-live-2010-is-coming/#comments Wed, 03 Nov 2010 03:28:32 +0000 Haoson http://www.back2gaming.com/?p=1057

In less than 3 days one of the biggest events for games in 2010 is about to happen. Yes, that’s right, Level Up! Live is upon us and this weekend marks the 2010 event. This year’s theme is “For Guild and Glor” which is obviously giving emphasis on the guilds that serve as the life force for LU!s various MMOs.

Here’s the list of tournaments lined up for the weekend event:

• Ragnarok Philippine Championship
• RF Online Novus Elite Squad (NEST)
• Flyff Heroes of the Dragon Emblem (HODET)
• Rohan: Blood Wars
• Perfect World Phoenix Council Wars
• Grand Chase Digmaan National Championships

The event also serves as the debut for two of tournaments:

• CK2RBO Cyber Racing League
• KOS: Secret Operations Pro League

What is LU! Live without their freebies right? LU! Live 2010 continues their freebie tradition with these early bird prizes:

To be an early bird here’s what you need to do:

1. Be at the World Trade Center early to sign up at the designated Early Bird registration area with the assigned LU! Live event marshals.
2. When the gates open, LU! event marshals will call out the names of those who registered in the order in which they signed up.
3. When your name is called but you’re not present, your spot will be forfeited and will be given to people who are “waitlisted”.
4. Once you are allowed to enter the venue, you will be required to follow the normal registration process.
5. No one is allowed to enter the gates unless advised by the LU! Live event marshals.
6. Qualified early bird winners may claim their prize at the designated redemption area in the venue.
7. Items will be inserted within 30 days in the winner’s preferred character.
8. Only 700 early bird slots will be open on November 6, day 1 of LU! Live 2010: For Guild and Glory.
9. There will be no early bird contest on November 7.

There’s also the door prizes for you guys to grab:

I’ll try to be there for the two days so watch out for a guy who has a PSP and taking pics and you can see yourself here on the blog!

Grand Chase PH will be opening the skill tree for the archer and thief class tom. In preparation for the release Level Up! has these events in store for you guys:

Event 1: Skill Tree Buff!
Period: Sep 28 ~ Oct 5 before maintenance time

Details
While on Dungeon Runs, there is a chance the Skill Tree Emblem will be displayed

Skill Tree Buff: +7% to Attack, Defense and Vitality

Event 2: Lire Image Update
Period: Sep 28 ~ onwards

“I was going to take it easy but, oh well! ”

Event 3: Craft a Skill Open Key
Period: Sep 28 after maintenance ~ Oct 4

Details

Get Skill Open Key Fragment if you log in (1pc) and stamp attendance (2pcs) everyday during the event period.

Get a maximum of 3 Skill Open Key Fragments per day!

After collecting 12 Skill Open Key Fragments, go to the Craft NPC at the Park to make your FREE Skill Open Key!

Reward

Skill Open Key, opens up locked skill trees. Worth 600 Cash Points in the Item Mall!

Event 4: Skill Tree Archer/Thief Packages. Nasa SKILLS ang LAKAS!
Period: Sep 28 ~ Oct 5 before maintenance time

Details

Limited Edition Lire Skill Tree Package has been released!

Package contains

Skill Tree 2P Eryuell Archer Armor Set, 2P Eryuell Archer Bow (Lv 30), Skill Open Key(3) and SP Reset Card(5)

Limited Edition Lass Skill Tree Package has been released!

Package contains

Skill Tree 2P Shadow Step Armor Set, 2P Shadow Step Dagger(Lv 30), Skill Open Key(3) and SP Reset Card(5).

Event 5: Skill Tree Items Released!
Period: Sep 7 ~ onwards

Details

SP Reset Card (10x), allows you to reset your Skill Points. Resetting 1 SP will consume a Card. ONLY 400 Cash Points!

Skill Open Key, opens up locked skill trees. ONLY 600 Cash Points!

Skill Ring (30 Days), get +30% Skill EXP. ONLY 1,300 Cash Points!

*Note*
Skill Ring has 1/7/15/30 Days duration to choose from. Duration stacks when you purchase the same Duration Item.

For example
- [GM]Mac has a Skill Ring (7 Days) and purchased again a Skill Ring (7 Days), his total duration is now 14 Days.
- [GM]Mac has a Skill Ring (7 Days) and purchased Skill Ring (15 Days), he will have 2 Skill Rings in his inventory. Duration will not stack.

Skill Tree Armor Sets: Red Knights, Nature Guardian, Eryuell Archer and Shadow Step

Skill Tree Weapons: Red Knights, Nature Guardian, Eryuell Archer and Shadow Step

Event 6: Skill Tree Weekend
Period: Oct 1 ~ 3

Details
In celebration of the arrival of Skill Trees, get the following bonuses from Oct 1 ~ 3

A. Get +30% EXP from 10AM ~ 10PM

B. Get Skill Ring (1 Day) at your first log in during the event period

Skill Ring

In preparation for their upcoming Imbasteel: The Age of Crafting event. There’s a series of events for Rohan Online PH players.

Greetings Warriors of Rohan!

Malapit na malapit na ang pagdating ng Imbasteel: The Age of Crafting sa Rohan Philippines! Sulitin ang FIRST AND ONLY 1-week Forge/Refine Event simula ngayong Sept 21 hanggang Sept 27, 7PM. Mangolekta ng mga items na kailangan para sa inyong dream weapon o para sa inyong business next patch.

Hindi lang yan! Lahat ng items na nasa FORGING category ng item mall ay magkakaroon ng 60% discount simula Sept 21, 7PM hanggang Sept 27, 7PM. Maghanda at bisitahin ang Item Mall sa nasabing petsya.

Forge / Refine Event
Date/Time: Sept 21, 7:30PM  to Sept 27, 7PM

Increase in drop rates
Date/Time: Sept 21, 7PM to Sept 27, 7PM
*drop mods do not stack with Imbasteel PLP

60% discount on forging items
Date/Time: Sept 21, 7PM to Sept 27, 7PM
Items on Sale:
* 60% off on ALL option items
* Armor Enhancement Preservation Stone (3000RP) – 1200RP
* Ancient Forge Preservation Stone (3500RP) – 1400RP
* Unique Forge Preservation Stone (2000RP) – 800RP
* Rare Forge Preservation Stone (1000RP) – 400RP

VENGEANCE IS ALWAYS AN OPTION!

Ever since I found out that this game is coming on our shores, I’ve been aching for updates from the company that presented this game to us. Then suprisingly, I get the news that a different local game company, apparently. Level Up! Games bagged the rights for this game and is preparing itself for it’s CBT.

Yeeep, that’s right, LU! Games, got Allods Online on our shores. They already have the site up and running and are looking for CBT players. Coincidentally I already previewed and reviewed the game for Onrpg. I’ve played through the euro and na versions of the game and well I can say that the recent updates in that area made me lose interest on the MMO.

Plus as an encouragement Level Up! is having a PS3 giveaway for CBT players:

Here’s the mechanics of the promo:

Mechanics:

• Promo will run during Closed Beta Test.
• 2 requirements are needed to be able to enter the promo and gain 1 electronic raffle coupon.
  - Register for an account
  - Level your character to 12 when CBT starts
• Upon completing the registration, player will get 5 accounts that he can use to invite friends to play.
• If the invited friends reached at least level 12, the inviter will get more raffle tickets
  

  Invites	Added Raffle Ticket
  1	2
  2	3
  3	4
  4	5
  5	6

• An inviter can have a maximum of 21 raffle tickets.

Prize
At the end of the promo, we will draw ONE winner of Sony PS3.