14 DAY TRIAL // IGG has a brand-new fantasy MMORPG in the works, Altis Gates, a turn-based 2D MMO developed by the same team that managed to gather 2 million players on online gaming server in China. The developers have added some very interesting features to the game, players being able to shape shift at any time – at the moment, a game exclusive.
Altis Gates offers a very elaborate pet system, where the animals that can accompany the player will act as a standard sidekick, aiding him in his battles, but will also include an elaborate social matrix. The pets will have a large number of high-definition animation and individual personalities, and they will respond to the gamer’s behavior and based on their experiences. Their mood can change over time, become more or less receptive to you, pretend to be sick, act like a spoiled child ore demand food. Their temper can change to, as they react to the amount of attention devoted to them, how much time you spend training them and how strong they grow alongside you.
Besides the pet system, the game will also support an innovative gameplay, with up to ten different types of quests. This sounds like a good thing coming from an MMORPG, where one spends his entire time either grinding away mindlessly or performing the just as similar “go and kill X number of creatures” or ”collect X number of items” that usually also involves killing an even greater number of creature, depending on the preset drop rate for the item. Storyline Quests, Suppression Quests and the Chamber of Commerce Quests are just a few of the adventures the player will embark on, as many others lie in wait. No doubt, the mindless, repetitive killing will be part of the game, but it's nice to see something new.
Even if it's a 2D MMORPG, the graphics should stand well above simple cardboard-like representation. The Altis Gates developers have put to good use the DirectX technology and advanced 3D particle effects to generate the spell graphics and instill life into combat. Also, the structure and terrains were designed using 3D modeling and together with the rest of the elements promise a deep sense of immersion. The Alpha Test launch date will be announced very soon via the IGG website along with any other game updates.