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E3 2003: Dragon Empires
Dragon Empires
Developer: Codemasters
Publisher: Codemasters
Release Date: Q2 2004
Fantasy MMO
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Dragon Empires - Div Devlin and Valkyre (05-20-03)
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| Mountainside Blizzard |
Dragon Empires is one of the MMO Games that we have been following now for a few years since originally introduced to it. We were really looking forward to seeing first hand how the development of the game has progressed with Rokin, our resident DE fanboi drooling in envy while stuck minding the site, as the rest of us ventured to E3. We need to say that initially we were disappointed as we were only shown a hands-off demo of the game, which focused primarily on the games weather effects and backdrop settings.
Our initial disappointment we learned was completely unjustified as we hunkered down to learn more about the status of the game. Within minutes we were wooed and awed at the games improvements with Peter Tyson the Community Relations Manager, whom everyone knows as the front man for all things Dragon Empires related. This was the first time we met him and he was an awesome host as we invaded the private area's Codemasters had set up. Peter was great answering our questions and showing off the game to us, in what we learned was an older demo. Already a lot of the graphics and settings have been going through upgrades and really, we can't see how you can improve further on what already looks good.
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| Monkeyville |
All that Glitters:
With dynamic world effects we learned that no one would actually know if they are entering the game when it's nighttime or daylight. Weather will also be real time with rain, and snow as well as clouds with the sun shining down casting shadows. One of the aspects we also learned was that when you walk through grass, the blades will actually part and bend in the breeze to a person's movement, or by the rippling explosions of spell effects. Tons of attention is being paid to every detail within game, including buildings where we saw one of the huts from the monkey town that could be entered.
There will be plenty of eye-dazzling scenic backdrops from lakes that cast reflections and ripple in the wind, to glory filled vista atop mountains, and forests that are dark and scary so packed with trees that the big bad wolf would take pause on entering. The world size is supposed to be pretty large and we forget what the exact dimension sizes were.
On the PvP Thing.
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| Sunset on the Water |
One of the refreshing fears that were put to ease was the dedication Dragon Empires has for the aspects of the game, so while we have been waiting and continue to wait, it's due to them not wanting to rush and botch the release of the game. So far, nothing announced is going to be skipped out on, with full plans to enter the market as a PvP gamed based on Kingdom vs. Kingdom warfare as each realm (or Empire) battles for control. Economics are still in place for players to control their own cities and manage them within each Empire, and the control of resources will be a very important aspect of the game. We know; it's been tried. Those who do not wish to participate in the PvP aspects of the game will still have a place to interact as well, as they can become merchants working towards the fulfillment of trade contracts and resource gathering.
On the PvE Thing.
As already mentioned, the primary focus on the game will be about conquest and combat. The economy system in place will have a variety of gold sinks to keep players entertained. Another item we learned was that PvE will not be a mandatory part of the game with PvE taking up all of the game time. A player will be able to gain levels and treasure, but this will not require endless camping of spawns to enjoy the end game. A focus, which is still being developed, is to give mobs enhanced A.I. so that they will target specific players based on certain aspects, which can make hunting a bit more exciting as you are not hunting them, but they are actually hunting the players. An example being that some monster just may not like red shirts. Get the reference? Red shirts always get pwned.
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| Swamplands |
Final Thoughts:
After three years, I personally was looking for more content and more in-depth information about the game in a hands-on way. Originally labeled as a Shadowbane clone, we walked away still not knowing anything more about the game then what has been closely guarded secrets regarding actual play. They eye candy is great. But, were getting tired of eye candy and want a game that is playable with content at release. Everyone has eye stunning visuals, but no one has a finished game product that players can enjoy. Were looking forward to beta to eat our words. Were willing to wait though if Codemasters delivers, so take all the time you need. As already shown by the MMOG community, were willing to wait for a developer to get it right. -Div
Dragon Empires is a game I'm personally looking forward to a great deal. The graphics, while still in the alpha stages, show a lot of promise. I don't have this lurking fear that it will look three years out of date when it's released. Spell effects look amazing and will actually impact the land around it (i.e. blowing the grass flat in a circle when the spell blasts out). Judging on the concepts and current progress, this game could finish out as a stunning game play experience. -Valkyrie
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