Reviews / previews
The MMORPG genre grows by leaps and bounds every year, and the current champ, EverQuest, is coming under fire from all sides. A newcomer to the fantasy MMORPG scene, Horizons seems like it might have the stuff to take some money from grandpa.
Horizons is set in the fictional fantasy world of Istaria, where humans, dragons, fiends, and more fight for the fate of the land. Youll be able to join one of a number of basic schools and choose professions such as Warrior, Wizard, Healer, Jeweler, and Weaponsmith, and with the ability to change your profession at any time, youll be guaranteed a truly unique character. Not every profession will be expected to gain experience through fighting, either; Warriors will rise in levels by swinging a sword, but tradespeople will improve each time they create something, and everyone can participate in quests.
Another huge aspect of Horizons will be the ability to create player-run towns made up completely of houses, shops, and other properties owned by players in the game. Advanced community tools like in-game/out-of-game mail and broadcasting will make sure you can keep in touch with fellow players no matter where you are.-- 0 / GamePro
Next-generation MMORPGs are popping up like crazy these days, and they all need something to distinguish them from the pack. Horizons relies on the scope and amount of options it presents you from the get-go; youre able to play as dragons and fiends as well as the more traditional dwarves, elves, and men. Players who dont feel like fighting all the time can create thriving communities or simply explore the ever-growing world of Istaria.
-- 0 / GamePro
Horizons is already shaping up to be a good entry into the MMORPG market, which is currently ruthlessly dominated by EverQuest and its expansions. Horizons (still in beta as of this writing) sets itself apart from its competitors by allowing players to play as dragons as well as the typical dwarves, humans, and other fantasy races, but the real difference is in the technology. Horizons environments can be as many as 6 scale kilometers high, so Istarias mountains can be higher than any peak on Earth, and Artifacts development technology enables it to make changes to the world without requiring massive patches. An extensive trade-skill system gives players the chance to forge their own tools, armor, weapons, and other gear, too. According to Artifact, abut 40 percent of the beta testers are using the crafting options extensively, adding clout to what is usually a side hobby or afterthought in most other games in the genre.
With all that in mind, setting a game of this type apart from the MMORPG pack can be a huge obstacle. Time will tell whether Horizons can make a dent in EverQuests aging hide.-- 0 / GamePro
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