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[JJG]

Today a friend of mine phoned me (NiNe from EU) with some news...

Allow me to introduce you to Runes of Magic, this is similar to WoW but is free to download and play it also supports a rudimentary cash economy if you so wish (not a requirement).

The game has been in development for the past three years and is currently in public open beta with an expected gold release date of 19.03.2009.

Here are some of the features

[list:3g692k23]
[*:3g692k23]  Free2play: no monthly fees, free to download[/*:m:3g692k23]
[*:3g692k23]  Regular updates with new content, e.g. classes, races, game modes and much more[/*:m:3g692k23]
[*:3g692k23]  Extensive dual class system with six primary classes and a selectable secondary class.[/*:m:3g692k23]
[*:3g692k23]  Versatile spell and attack combinations[/*:m:3g692k23]
[*:3g692k23]  Over 600 quests and comprehensive quest series with continuous storyline[/*:m:3g692k23]
[*:3g692k23]  Integrated into an enthralling background story[/*:m:3g692k23]
[*:3g692k23]  Already over 600 quests and level comprehensive quest series on launch[/*:m:3g692k23]
[*:3g692k23]  Freely accessible game world in atmospheric 3D[/*:m:3g692k23]
[*:3g692k23]  Instanced and persistent dungeons[/*:m:3g692k23]
[*:3g692k23]  Individually developed skills and spells[/*:m:3g692k23]
[*:3g692k23]  Armor sets with special bonuses[/*:m:3g692k23]
[*:3g692k23]  Dynamic item system: Upgrades with hundreds of runes[/*:m:3g692k23]
[*:3g692k23]  Activatable PvP system (Player vs. Player duels) with arena battles and guild wars[/*:m:3g692k23]
[*:3g692k23]  Server vs. server PvP[/*:m:3g692k23]
[*:3g692k23]  Ranking system: ranking lists[/*:m:3g692k23]
[*:3g692k23]  Mounts: various unique mounts[/*:m:3g692k23]
[*:3g692k23]  Epic crafting system with the chance to improve existing items[/*:m:3g692k23]
[*:3g692k23]  Housing from the beginning: personalization of houses through
      individual furnishing[/*:m:3g692k23]
[*:3g692k23]  Guild houses in special zones[/*:m:3g692k23]
[*:3g692k23]  Reputation system[/*:m:3g692k23]
[*:3g692k23]  Scalable user interface based on the users preference (development of ones own add-ons possible)[/*:m:3g692k23]
[*:3g692k23]  In-game map and radar system to find dealers, resources and quests easily[/*:m:3g692k23]
[*:3g692k23]  Auction house: auction off and purchase in-Game items[/*:m:3g692k23]
[*:3g692k23]  Teleporting possibilities per runes[/*:m:3g692k23]
[*:3g692k23]  Controlling with mouse (point & click) and/or keyboard (WASD or arrow keys) is possible[/*:m:3g692k23][/list:u:3g692k23]

Sound Interesting? I am downloading the client now

RoM Website
RoM Forums
RoM Videos
RoM Wiki
RoM FAQ's

Check it out, by the way don't download it from the main site as it uses bit torrent and is a bit slow, use one of the mirrors, total file size is 3.6 GB

Generally it has received very good reviews from the likes of MMO and IGN.

Whilst it is similar to WoW (the developers bahind RoM make no secret of the fact that they are huge WoW fans) it is not the same, one of the fascinating things about it is this Dual Class ability that you can apperently achieve at level 10.

anyway have a look and enjoy

[JJG]

Following are the first of a series of patch notes that will be added tomorrow

[quote:3s5t0zqt]General
New Content

    * Introducing the first iteration of the Guild Halls
          o Guild Halls can be accessed through the teleport gates in Varanas and the Obsidian Fortress
          o Guilds have access to extensive storage facilities and can place furniture.

Changes

    * The Combat calculation formula has been revised.
          o Stamina to Defence conversion changed
            All characters defence rating is based on their stamina attribute. Originally, all conversion values were identical for all classes. Now we have changed it according to the classes' roles.
          o Damage calculation changes
            The original damage calculation of skills was based on a percentage and point system. The new system is taking a few more factors into consideration like weapon DPS and casting time (e.g. magical attacks).
          o Chance to Hit
            The chance to hit calculation has been revised to make fights against opponents of a higher or lower level more challenging.
          o Changes in Skills
            We also made a few adjustments to several skills to fit them better into the new system.
          o The full details can be found below.
    * 1 vs 1 Adjustments
          o Hidden players are no langer visible on the minimap.
          o Fixed 1 vs 1 button on the minimap ring that wouldn’t disappear when minimizing the minimap.
          o The reset timer for irregularly leaving the 1 vs. 1 queue runs now 1 minute instead of 2 minutes.
          o After entering 1 vs 1 arena, the match starts now within 30 seconds - not 1 minute.
    * Runes (e.g. assembled with the Arcane Transmutor) have been increased in strength.
    * Positive adjustment of the equipment power leveling benefits
    * Certain items from Item Shop are now available as drops from certain monsters.
    * Adjusted the cost of using teleportation gates.
    * Added a "delete" and "return" message to the mail system.
    * The NPC Lehman will offer explanations on the use of powerstones.
    * Using the hearth stone after dying works again.
    * When using the aggregator, you now can preview the result before committing.
    * Magical Essences: Because of the actual numbers were getting to large, the values have been changed from 10000 to 1.

Fixes
General

    * Mannequins will now correctly wear only their gender specific equipments.
    * Removal of "Flower Festival" items Cocoa and Lover’s Passion.
    * Fixed a bug with the lottery system that caused inserted lottery ticket to be removed when moving items in the backpack.
    * Fixed broken fireworks.
    * Classes will now correctly gain bonuses from house individually.
    * Pets summoned by monsters will no longer have a higher level.

UI

    * A bug that caused level 10-12 players not being able to see their tombstones (except in minimap) has been fixed.
    * A bug that caused ornaments not to be shown correctly when worn, has been fixed.
    * Fixed coloration of text in dialog window. Other players' texts will be displayed in white.
    * A crash-bug with the messageframe has been fixed.
    * A bug that caused the "party lock" character display to disappear when changing zones has been fixed.
          o Players have the option to keep certain members of their party "locked" or focused on, so they can be healed faster etc. The bug that caused the display to be corrupted has been fixed

Mobs & NPCs

    * Armored Kasumille will now correctly spawn only once and also had its drop table changed.
    * Akuda the Cursed will now correctly spawn only once.
    * Blackmane Invader will now correctly not drop loot.
    * Anselve, Aisha, and Locface: Dropped sets have been modified:
          o These sets are no longer tradable.
          o Added additional set bonuses.
    * Black Hunt Season
          o Lionde Huntclaw had its level reduced to 33 from 35
          o Klionde Huntclaw had its level reduced to 32 from 35
          o Kuinde Huntclaw had its level reduced to 34 from 35
          o Suborde Huntclaw had its level reduced to 31 from 35
    * Scripted monsters will no longer drop recipies.

Quests

    * Katrina’s dialog options have been adjusted to avoid irregular actions.
    * Quest "Aymi is not food bug": A bug which allowed multiple clicks on the box has been fixed.
    * Quest "Mage Who Did Not Return": Quest details have been modified.
    * Quest "Hard Profit Is Good Profit": The description now details the required quest items correctly.
    * Quest "Strange Request": The quest detail hyperlink has been fixed.
    * Daily Quest "Shabby Shoe": The quest details have been changed.
    * Increased the range of messages and quest scripts within the Mystic Alter.

New Combat System
Here's an overview on the changes made by the new Combat System:

1. Changes to Defence conversion
Original

    All Classes 1 Stamina = 2 Defence

New

    Knight: 1 Stamina = 3 Defence
    Mage: 1 Stamina = 1.5 Defence
    Priest: 1 Stamina = 1.5 Defence
    Rogue: 1 Stamina = 1.8 Defence
    Scout: 1 Stamina = 1.8 Defence
    Warrior: 1 Stamina = 2.3 Defence


2. Damage calculation changes
Original

    * Physical Attacks calculation methods:
          o Used percentage system of main weapon
          o Point based
    * Magical attacks: point based
    * Healing: Point based
    * Damage over Time (DOT) / Heal over Time (HOT): ignored Defence, did not increase with better equipment.

New

    * Physical Attacks calculation methods:
          o Uses DPS system of main weapon
          o Point based + main hand weapon's damage + variable
    * Magical attacks: point based + spell's damage bonus (calculated using the casting time)
    * Healing: Point based + heal spell's bonus (calculated using the casting time)
    * Damage over Time (DOT) / Heal over Time (HOT): will be affected by (Magical) Defence and will increase with better equipment


3. Chance to Hit
Original

    Base = 100, each level difference = +/- 3%

New

    Base = 99, each level difference = +/- 9%

4. Changes in Skills
A. Warrior

   1. Increased rate of rage gaining. Rage calculation = set variable + weapon speed.
   2. Reduced the rate of rage loss over time.
   3. Surprise Attack can now be used during combat.
   4. Blasting Cyclone is now instant cast. Cost is reduce to 35 from 50. Cool down reduced to 10 seconds from 30 seconds.

B. Rogue

   1. Cost of Shadow Stab has been reduced to 20 from 30
   2. Blind Stab has its cost reduced to 20 from 30 and cool down reduced to 10 seconds from 15 seconds.
   3. Blind Spot has its cost reduced to 20 from 30
   4. Sneak Attack has its cost reduced to 30 from 50.

C. Scout

   1. Wind Arrow has its cost increased to 12 from 8
   2. Target Area has its cost reduce to 3 from 5

D. Knight

   1. Whirlwind Shield's damage will now be affected by the stats on the equipped shield.
   2. Holy Strike can only stack 3 times.
   3. Punishment is now physical based damage instead of light based and requires 3 light seals to use.

E. Elite Skill

   1. Warrior/Knight's Whirlwind Shield and Shield Bash will now be affected by the stats of the equipped shield.

__________________

[/quote]

Things seem to be moving along nicely

[Xerces]

I have installed this game and from what I have sen so far it has potential.  The biggest downfall it has is allowing the purchase of Runes to make ones character better.  I havent looked at the pricing or anything but if the purchasible items cost a lot and are required to be a meaningful player in the game then it will fail.  The game as you said seems very similar to WoW so far.  I am at level 5 in 15 minutes of playing.  Graphics, actions and quests are similar, although I am not sure it it is as much of a grind yet in later levels (Rep grinding was the worst).  I havent heard about any "end game" dungeons.  But then again I havent done that much research either...  I am going to keep toying with the game for now and find out more about the Runes and the purchase system and later levels.

Thanks JJG.

[JJG]

Hi Xerces

Runes you will find are actually lootable resources from mobs (I have loads of them) One of the slow things I have found is tradeskilling, so far I have not had to grind yet at all My highest character is up to level 16 but have been busy with the website for the past week or so.

I have changed the idea of members blogs slightly in as much as I now have a mutiuser version of wordpress running on the site I will be rolling it out fairly soon but you can see the default entry page at http://blogs.euadvantage.com