The Chronicles of Spellborn: Combat Evolved

[RadarX]

One of the most frequently utilized and repetitive mechanics in any MMOG is the combat system. With thousands of clicks how can you build something innovative and strategic that will provide ample challenge to veterans? The Chronicles of Spellborn has gone in a different direction differing from anything else the market has seen. We look at a number of reasons if put together properly this could be something truly innovative.

Strategic placement of skills is important but Spellborn isn't done just yet. Those tiered combat abilities are utilized in a real time environment with a targeting reticule. Does this mean no auto attack or ability queuing? That's exactly what it means so put that "easy button" next to your collector's edition stuffed plushy Murloc. Every blade swing and spell cast is activated immediately with no timers and no refresh meaning action as it happens and a much lower margin of error. If the target isn't facing you and the reticule not where it's supposed to be, you are going to lose that battle in a hurry. With latency all of this technology probably requires a little magic from the programmers but what we've seen just isn't used in other games and gives Spellborn a different flavor.

The Chronicles of Spellborn: Combat Evolved

[Kralle]

There is one http to much in the link to the article

If you are in Europe you can already grab this game from the official site at no cost

Yeaaa, but I bought a version of the Col. Edition and felt that it was a big ripoff...37€ for a cheap box with one dvd and one small piece of paper.

Well, inovative or not...the game felt awfull and the char appearance was very limited and unbelieveable ugly.

I gave it a earnest try and deleted it after 3 hours gameplay, one more Col. Ed. to rot on my shelfs within the Col Edtion Graveyard of Doom.

The sounds where great, that I will admit...but overall the game sucked big time.

But as with everything, peoples should look for themselfs and see if it fits.

[RadarX]

I only got to play a 20 minute demo at Leipzig so I'm waiting to actually try it out.

*looks at Acclaim and taps his foot*

Your comments though are why I said things like "potentially." Done correctly it's like nothing we've seen. Done incorrectly, it's like nothing we WANT to see.

We'll have a full preview up soon enough and I'll pull no punches I assure you. Ok well I won't insult peoples mothers... but other than that?

[westal]

Well... I really like that game!

The "Combat System" really drives that game... same goes for story, setting and the unique detailed graphics (coupled with wonderfull environmental sounds) do.

But... I guess that game is for a person which still has patience with "it". In different aspects:

Not only that some people leave early because they don't understand the differences between "dice" and "skill" driven approach of the fighting system.

To die with level 7 agains a couple level 2 animals looks "wrong". Well if you don't move and avoid being hit that is what happens. At the same time a skilled player can kill npcs far above his own level.

The game itself has plenty of bugs, unpolished features and sometimes annoying problems with the otherwise superior AI of the npcs.

The deep plot of the Quests are not what all people like... You need to read them... and it is good if you like to travel... The game simply is no "fast food restaurant"... If you like that kind of play... better stay away!

After playing nearly all new releases the last years... I can only say:

I stay with it for some time... even if it is not polished...

Because: It is fun... it is rewarding good and skillfull play... and last but not least it has the very best community I experienced so far in an "unfinished" game short after release... Shure there is some rant about "things"... but a lot of the player's have the mentioned patience...

After all it is made by a small company which wanted to create a game... not because of earning money... as all the "big players" did... and EPIC FAIL to give me something I liked to play more than 6 weeks...

IGN: Eloy on Mornexus (German PVE Server)

[westal]

Originally Posted by Kralle

Yeaaa, but I bought a version of the Col. Edition and felt that it was a big ripoff...37€ for a cheap box with one dvd and one small piece of paper.

It is one thing if you do not like the graphics and play...

But.. to say it is a ripoff for pay 37€ for a box including 3 months of playtime... is just wrong! ... and btw.. I like the artbook...

The graphics style was well know since a long time... and in addition... you could have made use of the free2play version of the game which is limited to level 7 (of 50) but you can travel to all areas on the first shard (a bit similiar to a continent in other games..)

IGN: Eloy on Mornexus (German PvE Server)

[bobfish]

Play time? Isn't TCoS free to play?

[Kralle]

Originally Posted by westal

It is one thing if you do not like the graphics and play...

But.. to say it is a ripoff for pay 37€ for a box including 3 months of playtime... is just wrong! ... and btw.. I like the artbook...

The graphics style was well know since a long time... and in addition... you could have made use of the free2play version of the game which is

.....

What Artbook ?

Btw, I pre-ordered the game (actually 2 versions, for me and a friend of mine) in feb. last year...
...at that date there was no info about the free early levels.

To see a screenshoot and to actually play the game are very different things.

Anyway, I am done with Spellborn...but I am glad that you found a game that you like....that is what matters in the end, to play something you like.

So, its all good

[Cody Bye]

Originally Posted by bobfish

Play time? Isn't TCoS free to play?

I don't think so bob. I think it has portions (the first few levels) that are free but the rest is sub. based I think.

[RadarX]

Originally Posted by Cody Bye

I don't think so bob. I think it has portions (the first few levels) that are free but the rest is sub. based I think.

That's correct. If I remember correctly you have access to most of the game, you are just given a cap on skills and level without a subscription.

[westal]

The Free2Play part is in my Eyes more a Trial-Version.

Basically it is like playing the full game but you are stuck at level 7 forever.

That is a bit limiting as you leave the first "Shard" (continent) at level 9 ...

But still you can see a lot off different terrain (the starting shard contains some higher level areas).

Anywhay... You get a good impression about the general gameplay and stuff. Enough to hate it if you don't like it ... hehe ...

Leaving the shard, follow your "great house" quests and the "destiny" quests to other shards is mostly a breathtaking experience.. not just for the first time... the world is very impressive and believable... that is part why I believe in the game longterm... if you explore the world you see that it all is done very thinkfull and well designed.

@Kralle: If your "Premium Version" did not come with an Artbook (lets say booklet...) there must be something wrong... Still 3 months of playtime included is very generous I think ... If I compare that with my AoC experience .. ha.. let's not get into that...

Here are some (random...) Screenshots I made... TCOS Screens ...

I think it is anything but an ugly looking game ... Ok .. The charakters look are very unique... you may not like it..

Eloy on Mornexus (German PvE Server)