Dragonica

I don’t really remember how I landed on Dragonica, but somehow I did, and it’s turning out to be a pretty interesting MMORPG.  It’s kind of like a 3D version of Maplestory (yea it is a side scroller).  The version for North America’s still in closed beta so I got the European version where everyone speaks in a British accent (which is a little amusing at times).  Anyway, here’s a list of pros and cons in my opinion of the game:

PROS
1. NO CLICK ATTACK!  YES! The combat system in this game is based on a main key for general combat and then key combinations for skills, kind of like Rakion but not PvP based.  That means some actual skill is involved in combat, not just spamming a key over and over again or clicking a monster.
2. Most everything is keyboard based (movement, dialogue, combat, etc).
3. Great mix of 3D environments and side scrolling.  You don’t really feel like the game’s a side scroller because you’re immersed in such a rich environment.
4. Three class advancements.  That’s more advancements than most MMOs I’ve played.
5. It’s free!

CONS
1. Quests are usually “kill x amount of monster” or “retrieve x number of items.”  It could be better.
2. The dialogue interface is kind of choppy.  Hitting space continues dialogue, but usually I hit space too many times and then I end up talking to the person again.
3. More beginner classes.  There’s only warrior, archer, mage, and thief.  It’s kind of limited.
4. Why does it seem like most F2P MMORPGs are going to the anime/kiddie-esque graphic styles?  I mean it’s cute yea, but it gets kind of overbearing after awhile.
5. Kind of a cliche storyline.  Oh well, I’ve given up expecting a game with an innovative story.

Note I’ve only played this MMO for a day, but it made a nice first impression on me.  Here’s a video of the cinematic trailer combined with shots of gameplay:

Wow, I’ve gone on a gaming post streak.  I’m doing other things in life besides gaming, really!

C9: The MMO I’ve Been Waiting For?

You cannot deny that that looks ridiculous.  C9, or Continent of the Ninth, could very well be the break away from click-attack MMORPGs that I’ve been waiting for.  I know trailers hype up the game a lot more and may not show things like they actually are, but seriously this looks amazing.  Here’s a video of the combat system that made me rather happy:

YES!  Actual utilization of the mouse and keyboard other than pounding out skills and clicking monsters!  I am one happy camper.

I’ll definitely be keeping my eye on C9.  Ahh my gamer soul is quite pleased.