Frogster will start the first big server stress test for Runes of Magic. For this event, the Berlin based publisher has invited around 30,000 interested players to the already running closed beta. After a server maintenance during the course of the afternoon, all players are called upon from 8pm to 3am to bring the server under as heavy load as possible. The second big stress test will follow next Saturday and is divided into several phases.
Simultaneously, the beta testers will get a first glimpse of the event system in Runes of Magic. Just in time for the Halloween weekend, they will be greeted by grim pumpkin heads, singing ghosts, monster parades and specially designed landscapes. Interested players can take part in special Halloween quests, fight together against the big pumpkin or turn into monsters themselves by drinking certain potions. Those so called "seasonal events" are not only a feast for the eyes, but a lot of Non Playing Characters (NPCs) are explaining, why the special activity is actually taking place. The next big event is already being planned for Christmas. MMO fans can still apply for the closed beta phase 4.
With an extensive range of features Runes of Magic prepares to redefine the standard of free-to-play MMO games. Right from the launch Runes of Magic will convey its absorbing story through more than 1.000 quests embedded in an atmospheric world. Players can choose between six main classes. Combined with a secondary class they dispose of 36 individual character classes over all. All characters possess unique skills with impressive combo attacks and can use mounts. A particularly attractive feature for guilds and players is the possibility to arrange their own virtual homes with individual furnishing. Thanks to an extensive crafting and reputation system, thrilling PVP as well as demanding dungeons and boss-monsters, no wishes remain unsatisfied. The Taiwanese developer Runewaker has developed Runes of Magic according to western MMO standards within a time frame of three years. The studio will provide new challenges for players every three to four months with free add-ons and updates.
Features:
- Free2play, no monthly fees, free download
- Dual class system with switchable primary and secondary classes
- Enthralling background story
- Already over 600 quests and level comprehensive quest series on launch
- Instanced and persistent dungeons
- Individually developed skills and spells
- Armor sets with special bonuses
- Dynamic item system: Upgrades with hundreds of runes
- PvP system, to be activated with a PvP flag (Player vs. Player duels, arena combat, ranking system)
- Epic crafting system with the possibility to improve existing items
- Individual coloring of clothes and armor
- Housing: personalization with individual furniture for players and guilds
- Special zones for guild houses
- Reputation system
- Scalable user interface based on the users flavor (development of own add-ons possible)
- In-game map and radar system to find dealers, resources and quests easily
- Auction house: auction and purchase items
- Teleporting possibilities per runes
- Different and unique mounts
- Controlling with mouse (point & click) and keyboard (WASD or arrow keys) possible
MMO fans can find a registration form for the newsletter on the official teaser site.
The German version will come to light even before Christmas 2008, shortly there after an English version will be released.
Frogster Interactive strives to release both the European-English version and the American version at the same time. Concerning the US version Frogster currently looking for a qualified US-Publisher.
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