The battle is engaged, a melee/tank against
a foul denizen of the forest. Blows are traded, then …. black screen and
a message stating the host machine is attempting to log onto the game server.
Grrr! Should the relog be successful, it
is doubtful the avatar will be alive. This is akin to lag death in established
massively multiplayer online role-playing games. When the game is only
in beta, things like these are to be expected.
Shadowbane, a release from Wolfpack Studios
and Ubi Soft, is the latest to toss its proverbial hat into the online
gaming ring. While the graphical elements may not challenge some of the
other titles currently in release, Shadowbane’s unique blend of characters
and deep gameplay will likely appeal to a large number of MMO fans. This
game is challenging, and has many customizable features.
GameZone was invited along for a preview
of the latest builds of the game, and delightfully jumped into the middle
of the world.
In some regards, the game looks like a
cross of Ultima Online and Dark Age of Camelot. The animation is not extremely
fluid, at this point (and the game is undergoing constant patching), and
zooming in reveals angular shadows with harsh edges.
Because the beta was obtained through an
online download, the game was launched without the benefit of a hand-held
manual. However, that did not prove to be a burden. The online pop-up help
menus, and intuitive gameplay make this a program that is easy to get into
the thick of.
The game itself takes place on the world
of Aerynth, a land rebuilding after a massive catastrophe. The game features
10 races (with such unique MMO races like the centaur) and more than 20
classes. This persistent online realm also has a Dynamic World Model, which
means that players can physically affect terrain, buildings, politics and
history of the realm. Because of the kingdom structure, players will be
challenged in not only the RPG sense, but in a real-time strategy arena
as well.
Other Shadowbane features include:
-
13 guild types with a fealty
system, coat of arms creation tool, assassinations, probationary member voting
as well as ranks and titles -
The ability to go on quests
or run shops, build cities or lay siege to them (with siege weapons and the
ability to burn cities to the ground) -
A detailed magic system with more
than 12 schools in the various mage forms (in fact, characters can multiclass,
mastering up to three disciplines) -
Personal housing system for
players to build cottages, house, villas and citadels -
5,000 years of world history
Shadowbane is hoping to set new standard
for gameplay and from all indications, this game just might. Yes, graphically
it cannot hold a candle to games like Asheron’s Call 2, and the sound
is rudimentary for the genre.
The quests are on a par with other like
games, but Shadowbane is about depth of play. It is about the strategic
kingdom versus kingdom battles, the diversity of the races, and the variety
of niches it allows players to carve for themselves in this vast realm.
While some games purport to allow players unique experiences, too often
that diminishes into the same type of characters, with similar skills doing
the same tasks.
Shadowbane follows the same leveling structure
battles equal experience points, which are spent to upgrade skills
as other games. But with players being able to specialize in three
areas over 20 classes, and the guild system with its inherent intrigue,
this is a game that may well elevate the genre.
Of course, with the release of the game
slated for the end of the month, at this stage, server disconnections should
be few and far between and there were several disconnections in the course
of playing. This is definitely something that will need to be addressed.
