Asheron's Call

Unlike other massively multiplayer online role-playing games (or MMORPG, if you prefer), Asheron's Call takes a more holistic approach to game design. In the arena of character generation, rather than simply choosing a character class such as warrior or wizard, characters are designed based on the spending of skill points. If you want to play as a wizard that also dabbles in swordplay, Asheron's Call lets you make that decision. And unlike other MMORPGs available today, Asheron's Call offers a seamless world that avoids the lengthy halts whenever an entire new area is downloaded to the player's local computer. The game achieves this by performing constant smaller downloads behind the scenes. The only noticeable load times occur when you actually delve into a dungeon.

These and other innovations--such as an intriguing combat system that involves choosing specific hit locations (which vary from opponent to opponent), a multicomponent spell fabrication system, and extensive character appearance possibilities numbering in the hundreds--make Asheron's Call an enjoyable and new experience for all.

One specific innovation merits special mention--the practice of allegiances. Any MMOPRG will be a bit confusing to new players upon their arrival, regardless of whether they have played games of this genre or not. Usually, with polite persistence, new players can discover what they need to know from the more experienced players. Asheron's Call has taken this fact of virtual life and incorporated it into the game through allegiances. An established character will offer to become a "patron" of another, resulting in a formal relationship in which the elder gives assistance, and perhaps some equipment, while the "vassal" is obligated to perform certain services. The vassal can in turn become a patron down the road, thus bringing a full feudal flavor to the game.

Depending on the number of vassals a patron has, he or she can even gain title and access to equipment he or she could not have had otherwise. This means a multitude of players will look to assist new arrivals, and, as either side can end the allegiance, be responsible to uphold their ends of the bargain.

Oddly, unlike in other MMORPGs, your sword and sorcery alter ego on Dereth must be human (though you may select from three different ethnicities). For those wishing to play elves or ogres, other games of this genre are better suited. Again we see this lack of diversity in character roles. While you can spend character points to increase skills typical for rogues, warriors, priests, or wizards, these are the limit of your choices. Those who wish to assume the role of other fantasy staples, such as that of a necromancer or bard, need to look elsewhere.

But for those who prefer in-depth detail over archetypal breadth, or for those who don't care and just like the idea of adventuring in a world with thousands of other online colleagues, Asheron's Call is a call worth answering. --Brus Wasson