2009 will be a great year for MMORPGs because of all the exciting announcements and upcoming releases. Everybody will be looking for the next MMORPG to take on Blizzard’s goliath “World of Warcraft”. Here are 10 of the currently most anxious MMORPG for the gamers of this genre:
1. Darkfall Online
Release: Euro Launch Jan 22nd, 2009
Status: Beta
Before you think to yourself “Oh look another WoW clone” you have to read the long list of features of this game. Real-time combat with first person shooter style. Check. Complete looting. Meaning all of players items are lootable by another player upon death. Check. Mounted combat. Check. Naval Warfare. DOUBLE CHECK! The list is pretty long on the features they have set up for this game. Lets all just hope Aventuring SA can deliver what they say and if not then we are looking at another Age of Conan clone. (I hope you all know how that went)
2. DC Universe Online
Release: Late 2009
Status: Development
Sony Online’s Austin studio will be creating this game with Jim Lee as the Executive Creative Director and other comic writers. Already the demo version of the game looks really nice and have a lot of major superheroes in the game. You can create your character from scratch or choose one of your favorite superheroes or villians and the game will generate a close resemblence to the hero or villian you choose. One thing I am worrying about and that is will it end up being like that other superhero game. (*cough* City of Heroes)
3. A.P.B
Release: TBA 2009
Status: Development
Like Grand Theft Auto series? Ever wish it can become a MMORPG? Well, developer of GTA David Jones heard your cries. A GTA style MMORPG in real time environment pitting against gangs and police. You as the player must choose to be either the law breakers or law enforcers. There are missions in the game so you can earn money to upgrade your weapons and other needs for your character. The mission for gang members will be to rob a grocery store while the police will try to stop them. Not much has been leaked about this game, but David said beta is already on its way. So keep an eye out for this one.
4. The Agency
Release: TBA 2009
Status: Beta
Sony Online Entertainment studios in Seattle are developing this spy-themed MMORPG. You can be a elite secret agents for The United Nations Intelligence and Tactical Experts (U.N.I.T.E) or a mercenary for ramilitary Global Operations Network (ParaGON). (Who makes up these names?) This is not your typical MMORPG where you stand and fight. The combat is first person shooter so you will have to move around and shoot your guns. Also, headshots are part of this game so go brush up your Counter-Strike skills.
5. Stargate Worlds
Release: 4th Q, 2009
Status: Development
While the T.V. show is ending the MMORPG will be released to satisfy SG fans. While little information about the game is released they already planning a expansion to it. The game is said to be true to the show and have a fps combat style to it. Already they named some careers or class you can choose such as Asgard, Jaffa, Goa’uld, and others. If you are a fan of the series then you probably know what kind of classes are those. Even if you are not familiar with the series you should know there will be space ships, aliens, and lasers.
6. Free Realms
Release: Dec 2009
Status: Development
Sony must have a very busy year. Another Sony Online Entertainment mmorpg, but with a big twist from the usual MMORPGs. Lets say Facebook, Myspace, and some MMORPG elements are mixed together then you will have Free Realms. Social networking in the game is a big part of the game and players will be encouraged to play the game together regaurdless of the level or class of the players. Just picture a game where you can actually play with your parents. (scary yes, fun maybe)
7. Aion
Release: 2 Q, 2009
Status: Released in South Korea
Another MMORPG by NCsoft creators of the popular Lineage series. Already a hit in South Korea and having plans to bring it to the States. Aion combines player-vs-player and player-vs-environment in a fantasy dream setting. Probably the best feature for this game is the flight combat where players can battle in the air or attack players on the ground. Aion has already won the best Korean game of the year in 2008 so be ready for this MMORPG to hit it big everywhere.
8. Lego Universe
Release: 1st Q, 2009
Status: Development
Probably another kiddie MMORPG, but I must say I do love Legos. Being developed by NetDevil (not so kiddie there) the game lets you create your very own Lego people and puts you into a Lego world. While they announced that there will be no PvP (I would had loved to pit my lego warrior against another player) the game is for players to group up and complete different tasks in the Lego world. There is a leaked video of a demo of this game and I must say it was very very cool. Go check it out. If you don’t think its cool then you probably played with Megabloks.
9. FusionFall
Release:Fall, 2009
Status: Beta
Being developed by Cartoon Network and Grigon Entertainment. (wait Cartoon Network make games) FusionFall is a mission oriented game focusing on the missions and bosses. You can either solo or team up with players to tackle missions and beating bosses. It is said the game does not revolve around levels or experiences, but collecting Nanos from missions. Probably I’m more curious about this game rather then actually wanting to play it. Seem like a game to ease younger generations into the MMORPG world.
10. Warrior Epic
Release: 2nd Q, 2009
Status: Beta
Warrior Epic is developed by True Games Interactive and has already launched their beta. A online, action role-playing game set in an original fantasy universe, where player’s will assume command of a wide variety of Warriors through solo, PvP, and multiplayer dungeon raiding adventures. The best part of this is that its all free. Yup. No monthly fees or even have to purchase the game. The only thing it does charge for is special items like EXP potions, exclusive clothing, etc. The game does look pretty good for a free mmorpg. Since its free might as well try it out when it comes out this year.
Well there you have it my Top 10 MMORPGs for 2009 Oh and here is some MMORPG that gamers should be looking forward to also. They should be announcing these games in 2009.
1: (Untitled) Blizzard MMO
Release: TBA
Status: Development
Another MMORPG from Blizzard and No its not WoW expansion, but... Read More
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