Hearthstone

Hearthstone

So…I kind of regret downloading Hearthstone. No, not because there are any inherent problems with the quality of the game. Quite the contrary, actually – it’s probably one of the most solid card games I’ve played in years, mechanics-wise. Everything from the music to the graphics to the voice acting is impeccably done, and the freemium elements of the title – while they do smack very faintly of pay-to-win – are implemented well enough that they don’t particularly impede one’s enjoyment.

The way the game works is deceptively simple. In Hearthstone, there are two ‘types’ of cards – Neutral and Class. Neutral Cards – which feature various recognizable creatures pulled straight from World of Warcraft, referred to as “minions” – can be used in most any deck, but don’t include any spells within their ranks. Presumably, these represent the myriad monsters and NPCs you’d encounter in the MMORPG itself. Class Cards, meanwhile, are meant to represent a particular classes skills and abilities. While they tend to include a few minions, they’re primarily comprised of spells and equipment. Each deck may only choose Class cards from one particular Class – for example, you wouldn’t be able to include the Warlock’s class cards in a Priest deck.

Each class -represented by a familiar face from Warcraft canon, from Uther Lightbringer(Paladin) to Jaina Proudmoore(Mage) to Rexxar(Hunter) – furthermore has its own special ability, costing only two mana. This adds a unique bit of flavor to the game, and can actually form the crux of a deck’s entire strategy. For example, a common tactic with the Mage is to use Enrage minions (which get bigger when they take damage) and hit them with her one damage Firebolt spell to pump them up on the turn they’re summoned, while a priest might decide to steal those minions for himself, healing them with his ability.

Like I said…deceptively simple.

On first booting up Hearthstone, you’ll be walked through a short series of tutorial battles which will walk you through the basics (and introduce you to the game’s peculiar sense of humor). Playing as Jaina Proudmoore – the hero used to represent the Mage, the first class to which players have access – you’ll fight through a series of amusing foes, from the vicious Hogger straight up to Illidan Stormrage himself. Afterwards, the game effectively turns you loose, equipping you with a single booster pack, a selection of Neutral creatures, and the Mage class. If you’d like, you can stick with the Mage, or defeat the AI to unlock any of the game’s other classes. Play games, and you’ll level up your class, unlocking more Class Cards for them and enabling you to improve your deck.

That actually leads me to one of the biggest problems with Hearthstone – indeed, a problem shared by many games of its ilk. Due both to the leveling system and Hearthstone’s mirotransactions, there’s actually a bit of a barrier to entry for new players. Until you’ve accumulated a few booster packs, your deck’s probably going to feel a touch ineffective. That’s because many of the most powerful cards are unlocked not through leveling up, but as random drops in booster packs. These packs are bought with Gold, which can either be gained through completing “Quests” (for example, win 3 games as a Mage) or with real-world money.

That’s a minor gripe, at best. Even though it’s only in beta, Hearthstone is already incredibly addicting – and extremely promising. One thing is certain: Blizzard definitely knows how to do free to play.

EverQuest Next

EverQuest Next

EverQuest Next is a 3D Fantasy MMORPG currently under development by Sony Online Entertainment. Tagged as the largest sandbox to date, Sony promises that this next-gen title will revolutionize and reinvigorate the EverQuest Series. Unfortunately, not much information is available regarding its release.

EverQuest Next: Landmark

EverQuest Next: Landmark

EverQuest Next: Landmark is a 3D building MMORPG currently under development by Sony Online Entertainment. This free-to-play MMORPG combines a sandbox environment, a heavy environment manipulation and building focus, as well as crafting and PvP to create an immersive experience for fans of the series.

Let your imagination rule as you gather resources and craft weapons, tools, building materials, and so much more. Build anything from a small wooden hut in the woods to a hillside castle, or join other players and combine your efforts to create player-run towns.

Forge

Forge

Forge is an action based Fantasy MMORPG by Dark Vale Games, SuperGenius, and Digital Confectioners. The battle system relies on the Unreal Engine 3, creating a real-time fighting system that relies on precision and timing.

There are 5 classes to choose from in Forge: the Assassin, Shaman, Warden, Pyromancer, and Pathfinder. Learn and master your preferred role and take on other players from around the world in intense PvP similar to that of Guild Wars, World of Warcraft, and WildStar.

Salem

Salem

Salem is an open world sandbox MMORPG currently under development by Seatribe and Paradox Interactive. Similar to Minecraft, Salem will greatly emphasize the importance of survival, resource gathering and crafting. Take on the role of a trailblazing colonist as you build your town in the wilds of pre-colonial New England.

Salem will feature a full-rights looting system as well as permadeath in its PvP system. This means that fighting for survival will be that much more intense. If you’re a fan of PvP and player freedom, Salem is a game you will not want to miss.

Trials of Ascension

Trials of Ascension

Trials of Ascension (ToA) is a sandbox MMORPG currently under development by Forged Chaos. Set in the fantasy world of TerVarus, Trials of Ascension is geared to provide players with hundreds of hours of adventure.

Trials of Ascension will feature a skill system, meaning players will not be limited to classes and instead turn their character into their own creation. The crafting system is highlighted by an “Innovations” feature that gives your avatar a chance to receive an “innovation” only available to your character, allowing you to enhance or create new items, skills, or abilities. There will also be player-made settlements and kingdoms, as well as many different types of structures available for crafting. In PvP, ToA will focus on open world PvP and the possibility of perma-death.

Aura Kingdom Gameplay | First Impressions HD

Aura Kingdom is a free to play fantasy MMORPG from Aeria Games.

Play Aura Kingdom for free!

Get caught up on the latest in MMO and MMORPG news from our writers and reviewers.
Looking for a new free to play game? Play the Top Free MMO Games as chosen by us here at MMO ATK.
Get Social With Us:

101 MMOs in Development in 2014

Welcome to MMO ATK’s 100+ MMO games in development.  Everyone and their mother’s brother is making an MMO these days, and this list proves that point.  Every game I’m about to mention is either in pre-alpha, alpha, beta, closed beta, open beta or maybe even just barely announced or rumored to be announced.  There is no particular order and they may be free, paid, browser, download, a MOBA, shooter, strategy or whatever.  Without further adieu, here are 101 MMOs in Development right now.
Special thanks to MMO Serbia for helping create the list.

League of Angels Closed Beta Key Giveaway

[keys id=129156]MMO ATK and GTArcade have teamed up to offer fans of League of Angels a closed beta key along with some gold and Herosouls to help you on your journey.  League of Angels is an MMORPG with unique party
based combat. Battle the forces of evil, with Angels by your side! Each player
has their own guardian angel, which watches over their party, providing unique
buffs, and devastating attacks!

[heading]How To Redeem  Your Gift Pack[/heading]1. Log in or Register for your MMO ATK account
2. Visit the League of Angels official site to register and login to the game
3. Choose the ‘Nocturna’ server
4. Once online, find the ‘Collect Pack’ icon at the top right
5. Paste your code from above in the box and click ‘confirm’

[heading]League of Angels Gameplay Trailer[/heading]

League of Angels Trailer - New Browser MMORPG

Order and Chaos Online

[review]
[list]
[stat=Publisher]Gameloft[/stat]
[stat=Developer]Gameloft[/stat]
[stat=Genre]Fantasy[/stat]
[stat=Distribution]Android, iOS[/stat]
[stat=Graphics]High[/stat]
[stat=PvP]Yes[/stat]
[stat=Free to Play]No[/stat]
[stat=Download Size][/stat]
[/list]
[/review]Order and Chaos Online is an epic adventure MMORPG available on your Android and iOS mobile devices. The game features a vast fantasy world with thousands of players which create a massive online experience right in your hand.

Order and Chaos Online features an advanced character creation system to help you immerse yourself in the fantasy world with a fully customized hero. There are 5 races available along with over 1,000 skills and 2,200 pieces of equipment. The game features trading, challenges, making friends and enemies, the ability to join a guild and more.

Dragon Eternity

[review]
[list]
[stat=Publisher]Game Insight[/stat]
[stat=Developer]Game Insight[/stat]
[stat=Genre]MMORPG[/stat]
[stat=Distribution]Cross Platform[/stat]
[stat=Graphics]Med[/stat]
[stat=PvP]Yes[/stat]
[stat=Free to Play]Yes[/stat]
[stat=Download Size]NA[/stat]
[/list]
[/review]Dragon Eternity is a cross-platform fantasy MMORPG that invites players to a magical world filled with ancient trasures and terrible monsters. The game boasts amazing 3D-effects and the latest in visual technologies to bring you a gameplay experience both on your PC in your browser, and to your mobile phone whether Android or iOS.

Dragon Eternity is set in a world that is divided by two feuding empires of Sadar and Vaalor. Once you have picked your allegiance you will develop your character by earning reputation and experience as you take part in both small and massive ground and sea battles. In the game you will form clans, alliances and train your very own Dragon.