Unlike available on market multiplayer online arena games (LoL, HoN), Bloodline Champions instead of gathering gold and buying new inventory parts, it focuses on real skill of particular player. It means that most basic gameplay elements such as teamwork and good timing with damage dealing and healing. In Bloodline Champions, player vs. player arena game, players participate in short but intense fights. Each player must take control over one of several varying between themselves bloodlines, each with their own special gear and skills. Basics are very easy to learn, however mastering game is extremely challenging.

To DotA or not to DotA?
Comparing Bloodline Champions to its cousins, it offers less wide line-up of characters, known in this game as Bloodlines. Part of them is for free, rest need to be bought – it’s free to play game after all. In total there are 21 Bloodlines and split into four standard class archetypes – tank, melee and ranged dps and healer. Roles are clear and after selecting specific archetype, player automatically knows what he should do. Tanks have to get the main beating, melee class fights on the front supporting tank; ranged dps aids both melee classes with powerful skills – often AoE – and healers keeps the rest three from dying. It doesn’t mean that four of them combine always into perfect team. They are well balanced, but when playing in certain game modes or party mixes it may need some modifications.

After player will select character, game starts. Next what comes is 2-3 minutes of fierce fight, where both sides are trying to annihilate each other. Everyone, more or less, is trying to [...]]]> Bloodline Champions is combination of rts and rpg, which is often compared to games like League of Legends, Heroes of Newerth or DotA (Defense of the Ancients). Similarly to other DotA-type titles, it features control over single hero during the game, full team-oriented action. With map editor and three game modes, game offers players skill-based and quick paced gameplay.

Unlike available on market multiplayer online arena games (LoL, HoN), Bloodline Champions instead of gathering gold and buying new inventory parts, it focuses on real skill of particular player. It means that most basic gameplay elements such as teamwork and good timing with damage dealing and healing. In Bloodline Champions, player vs. player arena game, players participate in short but intense fights. Each player must take control over one of several varying between themselves bloodlines, each with their own special gear and skills. Basics are very easy to learn, however mastering game is extremely challenging.

To DotA or not to DotA?
Comparing Bloodline Champions to its cousins, it offers less wide line-up of characters, known in this game as Bloodlines. Part of them is for free, rest need to be bought – it’s free to play game after all. In total there are 21 Bloodlines and split into four standard class archetypes – tank, melee and ranged dps and healer. Roles are clear and after selecting specific archetype, player automatically knows what he should do. Tanks have to get the main beating, melee class fights on the front supporting tank; ranged dps aids both melee classes with powerful skills – often AoE – and healers keeps the rest three from dying. It doesn’t mean that four of them combine always into perfect team. They are well balanced, but when playing in certain game modes or party mixes it may need some modifications.

After player will select character, game starts. Next what comes is 2-3 minutes of fierce fight, where both sides are trying to annihilate each other. Everyone, more or less, is trying to fulfill properly their roles. If players are lucky and by a chance fight against more skilled team, using microphone when communicating with each other, there isn’t many he is able to do.

Multitasking
Bloodline roster every week is rotating – this keeps Bloodline Champions interesting. Players are forced to try their skills with every in-game class. Additionally, team-ups are random and some players may find waiting for outcome entertaining. Game features constant player ranking. It’s competitive PvP game, so after every game all players are gaining experience and ranking points, that determines their skill level. This addition makes matchmaking easier and is especially helpful during various tournaments. Players, who think about staying with Bloodline Champions for longer, need to remember about rewards which they are getting playing on ladders, such as currency and tokens.

Game modes are more or less diversified and played on twelve different maps. Players can get a hold on standard 3v3 mode, Conquest (which is realization of King of the Hill concept) and Capture the Artifact. In order to mark his target, player has to use mouse and use WSAD keys to move. All special strikes and skills are hot-keyed. Map environments range from wild jungle landscapes to desert and Aztec-looking architecture.

Pros:
+ Player is able to get into game quickly thanks to small client size
+ Low system requirements
+ Despite of being similar to DotA, it’s in fact completely different
+ Quick paced and intensive PvP action

Cons:
- In order to get full content, player has to pay

Summary
Bloodline Champions is free to play mmo which at some points reminds Warcraft 3 DotA. It focuses heavily on teamplay and most casuals will find themselves lost. Also game offers variety and forces players to master all available classes. It’s very fast to download and may bring much more features, if player considers spending money.

Other information
Minimum Requirements:
OS: Windows XP Service Pack 3, Windows Vista or 7
CPU: Intel Pentium 3.2 GHz CPU (or AMD equivalent)
RAM: 1GB RAM on Windows XP, 2GB of RAM on Windows Vista/7
Graphics Card: Nvidia or AMD/ATI video card with 128MB RAM and Shader Model 3 support (GeForce 6000 series or ATI HD2000 series)
Recommended Specification:
OS: Windows XP, Vista, or 7 (with full service packs and updates)
CPU: Intel C2D or AMD equivalent
RAM: 6 GB or more
Graphics Card: Nvidia or Radeon video card with 256MB RAM and Shader Model 4 support (GeForce 8000 series or ATI HD2000 series)2GB RAM

War between nature and technology
In-game storyline is focused on a war between two races, the Noblians and the Floressia, fighting to get control under exceptional recourse called “Earthdium” – but it’s isn’t the only reason, why they are killing each other’s. Bu=y choosing side, we are picking our ideological and practical way, nature lovers – Floresslahs or high-tech Noblians. The Floresslahs race believes, only nature can save and help devastated earth, to rise from ruin. They live in constant struggle with the Noblians, in this highly resource-control and ideological conflict, because the Noblians want to reconstruct the earth using only technology.

That’s all about basic storyline, after choosing our side; it’s time to enter the game and help in the conflict as one of rookie warriors. In Argo Online, there is a lot to do, from large number of quests, exploring world, defeat some enemies, or fight PvP to check how bad we are. We can also buy a pet! First quests are very easy; they are more like tutorial in which we are getting more knowledge about the game. Later, quests are becoming more and more complex, challenging and force us to find a allies. Overall game is similar to other massive multiplayer online games; combat, interface, automap, mounts (ok maybe motorcycles are quite unique!) and even more.

Monsters and Resource Wars
Monsters are …well there is very large variety of them, from walking trees to weird looking mutants. For killing them, we are receiving gold, experience points and sometimes, less or more powerful items – typical stuff. As we are gaining levels, we are developing more skills in out skill [...]]]> ARGO Online is one of the best sci-fi multiplayer online game, which combine fantasy & steampunk features. Player can pick one of 2 races (the Noblians and the Floressia), and discover dark, post-apocalyptic, devastated world of nonstop struggle. Take your plasma rifle, ready your spells and sharpen your swords!

War between nature and technology
In-game storyline is focused on a war between two races, the Noblians and the Floressia, fighting to get control under exceptional recourse called “Earthdium” – but it’s isn’t the only reason, why they are killing each other’s. Bu=y choosing side, we are picking our ideological and practical way, nature lovers – Floresslahs or high-tech Noblians. The Floresslahs race believes, only nature can save and help devastated earth, to rise from ruin. They live in constant struggle with the Noblians, in this highly resource-control and ideological conflict, because the Noblians want to reconstruct the earth using only technology.

That’s all about basic storyline, after choosing our side; it’s time to enter the game and help in the conflict as one of rookie warriors. In Argo Online, there is a lot to do, from large number of quests, exploring world, defeat some enemies, or fight PvP to check how bad we are. We can also buy a pet! First quests are very easy; they are more like tutorial in which we are getting more knowledge about the game. Later, quests are becoming more and more complex, challenging and force us to find a allies. Overall game is similar to other massive multiplayer online games; combat, interface, automap, mounts (ok maybe motorcycles are quite unique!) and even more.

Monsters and Resource Wars
Monsters are …well there is very large variety of them, from walking trees to weird looking mutants. For killing them, we are receiving gold, experience points and sometimes, less or more powerful items – typical stuff. As we are gaining levels, we are developing more skills in out skill tree, which is typical in multiplayer online games. To play PvP, we need to hit level 10, but to play in “the resource wars” we need to this 20 or higher. The Resource Wars are one of the most entertaining features in ARGO Online – participants are fighting against opposing faction players, to get the most expensive item on the Earthdium. This is when we are able to play together while riding in awesome vehicles! This part of the game is pretty exciting; perfect break from often, little bit boring PvE. We can even fight in battles 100 vs. 100 players!

Pros
+ A lot of instances & quests
+ Successful fantasy & steampunk combination

Cons
- Too much farming

Summary
ARGO Online is good, free multiplayer online game, with many successful features, combining fanstays and steampunk. Quests can be challenging, PvP can be hell of a fun, a lot of monsters, items, magic and many classes – all to enjoy with your friends. Of course there are in-game bugs or you can be tired with farming based progress, even so ARGO Online is good to play.

Other information

Factions: Floressia (mystical) or Noblians (steampunk)

Classes: Alchemist, Cavalier, Animist, Bounty Hunter, Assassin, Medic, Guardian, Mage

Defender & Protector – Tank, helpful during defensive combat. Like in other multiplayer online games, he can effectively guard his party mates.
Scholar & Elementarist – Powerful RDPS (ranged-damage-per-second) class with deadly pistol. Fair defense, low attack.
Explorer & Sagittarius– RDPS, perfectly uses rifles on the battlefield.
Rogue & Chaser – fast and agile melee class, created only for close combat.
Warrior & Taurus – Offensive melee DPS (damage-per-second). Can eliminate fast, most of opponents while using his long spear.
Paladin & Shaman – Support/command class with skills needed to summon powerful monsters.
Warlock & Bombers – Artillery class, perfect AoE (Area-of-Effects) dealers. To many opponents?! BANG! Not anymore!
Priest & Druid – Powerful aura skills and recovery, with additional power to summon ally creatures.

Minimum Requirements
OS – Windows XP (32bit)/Vista (32bit)/7 (32/64bit)
Graphics Card – Nvidia GeForce 8 series/ATI (AMD) Radeon HD 2x series
CPU – Intel Core2 Duo (Core i5)
RAM – 512 MB
HDD – 5 GB Free

Recommended Specification
OS – Windows XP (32bit) / Vista (32bit) / 7 (32/64bit)
Graphics Card – Nvidia GeForce 9 (GeForce 200) series or higher / ATI (AMD) Radeon HD 3x series or higher
CPU – Intel Core2 Duo or higher (Core i7/AMD Athlon II (Phenom II) X4)
RAM – 1 GB or more
HDD – 6 GB Free or more

It’s game which is played in browser and is based on universe of Iron Grip, which began its existence with total conversion mod to Half Life 2. In Marauders, players are becoming officers of wide army of airship pirates. Fighting system is turn-based and it takes place on single maps. Interface is just like in any common rts game and most players will quickly find out how to operate it properly. It has features which remind such titles as War of Legends, but it has also special tactical combat. It will apply to most strategy gamers.

Steal from others and give to… yourself
At the beginning, players are making their character. Customization options are limited mostly to gender and race selection. After creating their avatar, players see main game’s screen and its interface. There isn’t a lot of building space to use during the beginning of game. Players have to make a use of available area and build their first structures – they have enough resources to raise some basic buildings and recruit units. Players need to watch out for population limit – all buildings and units can be built in limited number. There is possible to make limit less restricted by leveling up character. Experience is gained through battles and killing units, so more fights player will win, more experienced he will become.

Initially players have four various types of units, which are effective versus specified enemies. It’s where a lot of strategy is involved, because wrong unit combination may lead to quick defeat – it can’t be taken lightly. Beside creating and developing own base, in Iron Grip players [...]]]> Iron Grip: Marauders is a 3D strategic browser game, where players are commanding large group of marauders. In game they are army to invade and capture towns, pillage them from resources and then use these resources in order to recruit better units. Invaded cities are becoming part of player’s territory. It’s totally innovative and entertaining title for all fans of strategy gaming.

It’s game which is played in browser and is based on universe of Iron Grip, which began its existence with total conversion mod to Half Life 2. In Marauders, players are becoming officers of wide army of airship pirates. Fighting system is turn-based and it takes place on single maps. Interface is just like in any common rts game and most players will quickly find out how to operate it properly. It has features which remind such titles as War of Legends, but it has also special tactical combat. It will apply to most strategy gamers.

Steal from others and give to… yourself
At the beginning, players are making their character. Customization options are limited mostly to gender and race selection. After creating their avatar, players see main game’s screen and its interface. There isn’t a lot of building space to use during the beginning of game. Players have to make a use of available area and build their first structures – they have enough resources to raise some basic buildings and recruit units. Players need to watch out for population limit – all buildings and units can be built in limited number. There is possible to make limit less restricted by leveling up character. Experience is gained through battles and killing units, so more fights player will win, more experienced he will become.

Initially players have four various types of units, which are effective versus specified enemies. It’s where a lot of strategy is involved, because wrong unit combination may lead to quick defeat – it can’t be taken lightly. Beside creating and developing own base, in Iron Grip players have to attack and capture enemy computer’s bases. After building starting structures, next step is using trained army and go pillaging neighbor cities for resources. Additionally game has mode, where four players may fight and test their strategy skills, so they don’t need to stick only to single-player mode.

It’s not easy to be a decent thief
Battles are played in turns. Player has under his command division of mercenaries, gives them orders, wait for result and react for enemy movements. Along with commandership players have at the same time decide about development of their base, where he is recruiting his new units. During the fight, units have 8 points to spend – they are used to move and attack. Fighting system reminds “Fallout: Tactics” in turn-based variation and it’s better to discover enemy’s position as fast as possible. Game is won if every enemy on the map has been eliminated.

Similarly to most multiplayer online titles, game offers a quest system – simple, but clear. Controlling units is very easy – it brings back memories of classic role playing strategy games and most players won’t have problem when using it. There is possibility to zoom and map scroll to be able to keep focus on particular. Graphically – for a browser game – it looks great thanks to Unity3D engine, known for most tablet and smartphone users.

Pros:
+ Original setting
+ In-depth turn based combat
+ Command ground and aerial units
+ Join or form alliances

Cons:
-Slow paced gameplay
-Similar to other browser based strategy games.

Summary
Iron Grip: Marauders is a browser-based strategy gaming production where players make their own marauder army and must invade towns, pillage resources and destroy their enemies. They are able to play versus hundreds of others or fight with computer. It will apply mostly to everyone who misses classic rts gaming.

Become my rival
Game is set in Clint City, where enemy clans are fighting against each other in order to gain complete control of it. All playable characters are members of particular clans, but after reaching higher levels players get possibility of making their own Clan and join the race of becoming Master/Mistress of the City. Urban Rivals is not some simple game without storyline – it has one and it’s enough interesting in order to keep most players in front of their displays – particularly if they are fans of American comic books.

Game is very easy to learn even for a TCG. At the beginning of the game, players have to face get knowledge about game mechanics with help of tutorial and charming girl called Kate. Comparing to most trading card games, gameplay is extremely simple and it explaining itself through the game. First battles are very easy and players are having matches with Kate. After some fights, Kate becomes gradually tougher to beat. Beside fights with Kate, player’s first opponent, they are watching video which is in-game manual.

At the beginning of every fight, player gets four cards (characters), twelve hit points and twelve pills, which are action points. Every character has various descriptions, strong and weaker points and belongs to clan. Battle is played in four rounds during which player’s cards are fighting with his opponent’s deck. Its essence, like in most strategy and trading card games is to trick enemy. Only good combination of abilities, pills and bonuses will grant player with victory. Player, who will have larger hit points than his enemy after [...]]]> Urban Rivals is a multiplayer online trading card game. There players are collecting different cards and trade between themselves in order to become strongest player on the server. Game rules are simple to grasp, but difficult lays in PvP battles, which become gradually harder and harder to win. Cards may be upgraded during the game and in effect player and his decks also become better.

Become my rival
Game is set in Clint City, where enemy clans are fighting against each other in order to gain complete control of it. All playable characters are members of particular clans, but after reaching higher levels players get possibility of making their own Clan and join the race of becoming Master/Mistress of the City. Urban Rivals is not some simple game without storyline – it has one and it’s enough interesting in order to keep most players in front of their displays – particularly if they are fans of American comic books.

Game is very easy to learn even for a TCG. At the beginning of the game, players have to face get knowledge about game mechanics with help of tutorial and charming girl called Kate. Comparing to most trading card games, gameplay is extremely simple and it explaining itself through the game. First battles are very easy and players are having matches with Kate. After some fights, Kate becomes gradually tougher to beat. Beside fights with Kate, player’s first opponent, they are watching video which is in-game manual.

At the beginning of every fight, player gets four cards (characters), twelve hit points and twelve pills, which are action points. Every character has various descriptions, strong and weaker points and belongs to clan. Battle is played in four rounds during which player’s cards are fighting with his opponent’s deck. Its essence, like in most strategy and trading card games is to trick enemy. Only good combination of abilities, pills and bonuses will grant player with victory. Player, who will have larger hit points than his enemy after four rounds, wins the battle. Thanks to feature that all opponent units are visible, as well their abilities, it gives players possibility of creating individual strategy. Additionally, there is possibility of doing K.O. on opponent, so in result battle is won immediately. Enemy has exactly goal as player, so only one with better tactics is able to win.

So you want to play seriously…
For players looking for challenge, offers in-game daily tournaments. There is some match types which will more or less apply to most Urban Rivals players. They can choose from deathmatches, survivor and ELO battle modes. It has also great feature which gives possibility of trying out decks in action – practice mode. It gives smaller amount of experience than standard fights, but they are much safer. Players looking for single-player experience and those who want to slowly find out about in-game secrets may try out special story driven missions.

One of the most interesting in-game features is in fact characteristic, comic-book art style. While leveling up, even characters look tougher – there is clear difference between cards at level one and level four. Each clan has its own characteristic atmosphere and they haven’t been drawn by single artist. Despite of that fact they look really good and every player will find something for themselves – there are Asian motives, Latinos, American, there are even animals. Like in most TCG, players can view their card collection – its pleasuring activity especially after playing for a few months.

Pros:
+ Large player’s community
+ Possibility of buying additional cards
+ Quick paced and entertaining
+ Characteristic, high quality arts

Cons:
- Very addictive
- Tournaments are full of experienced players with high-level cards
- Repetitive

Summary
Urban Rivals may be recommended for everyone looking for interesting combination of trading card game and role playing game. Even if one doesn’t like playing in TCG and enjoys only rpgs, should be applied with Urban Rival’s gameplay. It may be played in office during short coffee breaks – battles are short and take only few minutes. But if someone wants to play for longer, there is no limit.

World of Drakensang brings memories of classic medieval fantasy worlds. Version created by BigPoint is talks about events, which happened in the last Drakensang. Storyline takes place in land of Duria. In order to understand plot, player doesn’t need any background stories. Game mechanics take mostly from classic PC titles like Diablo 2 or Torchlight. In-game main objective includes exploring various dungeons, killing X monsters, and gathering X items. During adventure, player will use various powerful spells, abilities and weapons. Unfortunately, producers into the game included just two classes. These are classic and known for rpg players mage and warrior. They have just different names than their rpg brothers – Dragonknight is a warrior, and Spellweaver is a mage.

Diablo under different name?
Older gamers who will start playing in Drakensang Online, will recall some games which became classics in history of PC gaming. Examples include Baldur’s Gate, Icewind Dale, Neverwinter Nights. By a reason of gameplay focuses on mouse-click spam, and has locked isometric camera angle, it’s resembling mostly Diablo. Account and character creation doesn’t bring anything new – Drakansang has only two classes and personalization is very limited. Players can enter into the game after just few minutes. It’s not a huge drawback – taking over consideration game’s slim architecture, it’s quite acceptable.

Storyline is simple and is “getting rid of ancient evil which is imposing threat to the world”. Discovering the wilderness is the only saving grace from story-deprivation. And is very linear – most of time player won’t need to wander around the map aimlessly without knowing what he should do next. On [...]]]> Drakensang Online is a 3D browser mmorpg based on The Dark Eye PC game series and its dark fantasy universe. In this hack’n’slash gaming production, players with quest of purging evil, enter into the dangerous and dark world. They will travel through dungeons, mystical forests and many different dangerous places. In the same time they have to develop their character and raise it on next experience levels.

World of Drakensang brings memories of classic medieval fantasy worlds. Version created by BigPoint is talks about events, which happened in the last Drakensang. Storyline takes place in land of Duria. In order to understand plot, player doesn’t need any background stories. Game mechanics take mostly from classic PC titles like Diablo 2 or Torchlight. In-game main objective includes exploring various dungeons, killing X monsters, and gathering X items. During adventure, player will use various powerful spells, abilities and weapons. Unfortunately, producers into the game included just two classes. These are classic and known for rpg players mage and warrior. They have just different names than their rpg brothers – Dragonknight is a warrior, and Spellweaver is a mage.

Diablo under different name?
Older gamers who will start playing in Drakensang Online, will recall some games which became classics in history of PC gaming. Examples include Baldur’s Gate, Icewind Dale, Neverwinter Nights. By a reason of gameplay focuses on mouse-click spam, and has locked isometric camera angle, it’s resembling mostly Diablo. Account and character creation doesn’t bring anything new – Drakansang has only two classes and personalization is very limited. Players can enter into the game after just few minutes. It’s not a huge drawback – taking over consideration game’s slim architecture, it’s quite acceptable.

Storyline is simple and is “getting rid of ancient evil which is imposing threat to the world”. Discovering the wilderness is the only saving grace from story-deprivation. And is very linear – most of time player won’t need to wander around the map aimlessly without knowing what he should do next. On the other hand game has tendency to make him completely lost from time to time. Like in other mmo games, player usually finds new places to pillage while being in the middle of completing quest. Basically, he walks around the area, completes every available mission, and then explores until discovering next dungeon or town.

Is there a point playing?
Character progression could be better designed by producers, because currently player is not able to customize it’s avatar to fit him more into his personal gamestyle. There are only a few dozen abilities to master and most skills are just upgraded forms of the previous ones. Moreover, level requirements for mastering available abilities are spaced out making the whole process feel slow. At least for a F2P browser game, spells animations look really impressive. On the other hand, players don’t get access to various skill combinations, until their character has gained advancement level 18 or higher. In order to make a proper use of various abilities, Spellweavers rely on mana and Dragonknights use on rage – exactly like in World of Warcraft or upcoming Diablo 3. In this case, Blizzard has many times proved that they are taking a lead when it comes to innovations and smart solutions. This time is no different. Both rage and mana can be gathered while being on monster hunt or be bought in NPC stores.

Pros:
+Quick paced hack’n’slash fighting system
+Possibility of fighting in Arenas
+No need to download anything
+High quality graphics

Cons:
-Very limited class selection (two)
-Repetitive and gets boring quickly
-Lack of variety in customization options

Summary
No matter how many times players will be forced to save fantasy world from evil, it will never become boring. This standalone production is still a load of fun, despite of that there is particularly nothing new and everything has been already seen. Fighting with bands of savaging monsters, raiding dungeons with friends, and fighting with others in the PvP arena to become a legend – it’s Drakensang Online. And everything in isometric, familiar Diablo-like camera view.

Other information
Minimum Requirements:
OS: Windows XP with Service Pack 3, Vista or Windows 7
CPU: Pentium 4 2.8 GHz or comparable CPU
RAM: 1 GB for Windows XP; 2 GB for Vista/Windows 7
HDD: 2 GB Free
Graphics Card: nVidia 6800GT with 256 MB RAM or comparable graphics card