Overview
Glaring skills
Cool Armors
Zero Online, Combat of the Robots
The distribution rights of Zero Online, a China-based Massive Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game (MMORPG) was recently acquired by local online gaming company Sing-Gium International. There are plans to host the English edition of Zero Online in Singapore.
Currently in its final stage of development, Zero Online is set for closed-beta testing in August this year with an open-beta version to be released a month later. The game is expected to hit the market at the end of 2005.
With numerous MMORPG titles already in the market, it`s certainly tempting to make a comparison between Zero Online and the already established players. What sets Zero Online apart from the rest is its sci-fi theme and range of high-tech gizmos that will probably set one?s adrenaline pumping.
The game is set in a futurist background of intergalactic robotic warfare not unlike Mechwarrior. The pivotal character (the player) is a human controlled robot that is 20-30 metres tall.
Players can choose between three types of robots specialising in melee, ranged and special combat. These robots seem to resemble those of Mechwarrior, Transformers and Gundam. Apart from the usual upgrades and research options, Zero Online also offers hundreds of customisations. For example, players will be able to construct ships to transport robots between planetary worlds.
Players can choose to work alone or form a team with four other players to gain additional game experience.
Zero Online incorporates the standard features of a regular MMORPG (think Guildwars) plus expanded game play into worlds beyond planet Earth. This means that the player will be able to engage not just land-based combat (using advanced weaponry such as lasers and missiles), but also naval and aerial warfare (yes, the robots can fly). It remains to be seen if there are other PvM (player vs mob) options available other than the wanton destruction of mechanical denizens.
Instead of your usual DnD town or village, Zero Online uses military-style bases and even asteroids as "safe" havens. Here, players will be able to trade, hold tourneys (player vs. player) and develop robots and other machines at their disposal. The game appears to be suitable for both hardcore and casual gamers, as players can choose between making do or something that is more depth.
Zero Online touts itself as a 3D game, but lacks the luster of existing titles which offer better visuals and more eye candy. However, it is at least on par with Blizzard?s Starcaft engine (with sharper imagery) and will be playable on Pentium III machines. Lag will probably be kept at the minimum since the game will be hosted locally.
New story boards are still being incorporated into the game and will continue well into the game?s actual launch. Players can expect extensive community support with a solid base of core players and Game Masters drawn from the participants of closed-beta testing. Robust security measures (e.g. regular patching) will be implemented to ensure enjoyable and fair game play.
If the macho robots are not your cup of tea, the developers are also working on feminine bots to cater to the female gamers.
The game?s pricing scheme has been finalized for Singapore and Malaysia. Players will purchase time-cards for game play. More information will be made available at Zero Online`s official website at www.Zero Online.com.sg.
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