Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Design Exploration

For this post I will be discussing a series of flash based games created by the company Artix Entertainment.

Artix Entertainment have created a series of flash based browser games and browser ased MMORPGs (Massively multi-player online role playing game). Each gaame while keeping the same formula are vastly diffrent in content.

Adventure quest (www.battleon.com) was the original, a fantasy singly player rpg where players can create their own hero, roam the world fighting monsters, complete quests and even change/earn new classes. They earn currency known as gold and can buy new weapons and armor as they level up.

As AQ gained popularity Artix began working on DragonFable.
(www. Dragonfable.com)
Set in the same world as AdventureQuest DragonFable boasted improve graphics and a unique 2.5D Play stile as opposed to the original 2d click an arrow to move style.

Afterwords Artix Entertainment Launched into the 22nd century with MechQuest. (www.mechquest.com) In the same play style as DragonFable, players were able to creat their own pilot who after a accident at star fleet academy is allowed to pilot a MechSuit. Much like the days of AdventureQuest you complete missions earn currency and are able to upgrade your suit.

Each of the Artix Entertainemnt games provide serious gameplay while also having a sense of humor. You will constantly be reminded you are playing a game. Early on in DragonAge you will come face to face with a dragon, your character will comment on how its odd for a low level character to meet a strong monster to which the dragon responds "See you in 30 levels noob." Something you normal don't hear in the realms of a game.

Currently Artix is working on online multi-player games for the AdvertureQuest world. Games where you can team up with friends to take on monsters and do quests.

All and all I believe Artix Entertainment to be on the forefront of browser based gaming. Providing hours of entertainment without the need for an expensive game console.

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