Helbreath
| Helbreath | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Developer(s) | Siementech. Co., LTD |
| Publisher(s) | Siementech, iEnt |
| Platform(s) | Windows |
| Release date(s) |
Private servers: 2002
|
| Genre(s) | MMORPG |
| Mode(s) | Multiplayer |
| Distribution | Download, CD [1][2]
input = Keyboard, mouse |
Helbreath: The Crusade is a MMORPG developed by Siementech Co. Ltd and launched out of closed beta in South Korea on August 1, 1999. Shortly after release an International server was launched and other regions such as Taiwan, Japan, China, and USA were introduced. All servers were met with moderate success. The game was previously pay to play, but is now a free-to-play game.
On early-mid 2014, Helbreath USA has been re-branded as a different game called "Abaddon Apocalypse", since Helbreath USA and International were both combined a long time ago, the change of name is unknown at this time.
In 2015, new developers have emerged and made an announcement that they are currently developing a new Helbreath game which will be called Abaddon II. Any former or active players in the community are welcome to be involved and help support the development of the new game. [3]
History
- Korean launch
According to an article published by MPOGD, Helbreath had "hit the number one spot in Korea's gaming world" by January 2003.[4]
- English open beta
Helbreath International beta occurred in 2003, and concluded in late January 2003. Helbreath International's servers were temporarily closed for maintenance—including an item wipe—until February 7. The service was then officially launched under the pay-to-play model at US$10 per month.[5]
- Japanese launch
Helbreath Japan's launch was announced in 2002.[6]
Gameplay
The basics of Helbreath include player versus player (PvP) combat, leveling, questing and socializing.
New players begin as a neutral traveler in the Beginner Zone allowing them to familiarize themselves with core mechanics of gameplay. A player may not exceed level 19 until obtaining citizenship in either Aresden or Elvine. Once a player has gained citizenship, they may choose between status as either a Civilian (enemy town members can not attack you however monsters can attack), or Combatant (enemy and monsters can attack you). This choice will reflect their PvP status amongst other players in the world.
For the first 19 levels, a character is given gold every time they level up to help them out. Each level gained allows the character to increase their stat points, which determine their skill levels. Upon reaching the maximum level of 180, it is traditional that the player will receive a special-issue set of gear, otherwise known as Dark Knight or Dark Wizard equipment. This gear can only be equipped by the player that earns it. The character is also given a weapon or wand depending on their stats, this item can be upgraded with Majestic Points. Majestic Points also allow the person to get other items and change their stats.
Helbreath's standard chat filter is afflicted by the Scunthorpe problem.
Helbreath has an open player versus player setting, allowing and encouraging enemy Combatants to attack at-will. When a player kills an enemy combatant, an Enemy Kill point is gained. These points may be eventually exchanged for Hero Armor. Like Dark Knight or Wizard items, Hero armor may also only be equipped by the one that earned it. It is also optional for combatants of the same nation to attack each other. However, if a friendly player actually goes through with killing another friendly player, a penalty is incurred by the offending character being given a "criminal count" and being made an enemy to everyone until their criminal kill count is 0. Killing people from the same town gives "negative rep" which has an impact on righteous and kloness weapons.
"Civilians" are players that will not be afflicted by PvP attacks, "Combatants" may openly engage in PvP with any enemy combatant and fellow town members. "Heroes" are players which have killed a great number of enemies. They receive special armors as a reward.
"Crusades" are full-scale wars between every player of both nations. Some servers such as Helbreath USA do this weekly. The objective is to destroy the shields protecting the enemy town while building a base in the Middlelands (map) to create a "meteor storm" that attacks the enemy town. The winner is determined by the town that successfully destroys the enemy’s town.
"Castle Sieges" consist of 3 battle grounds that alternate. Battlefield, where both towns are against each other and have to destroy the enemy’s buildings before the other town. Castle, where the winning town from the previous week has to defend the Castle map from the attacking town.
Setting
Game locations include two hostile countries, Aresden and Elvine, and between them Middleland and Promiseland. Aresden is the country which is built by people who worship the mighty god of creation, Aresien. The colour that identifies Aresden is Red. The nation of Aresden is composed of the town of Aresden, a farm, the Eternal Field, the Silent Woods, and the Aresden Garden. Elvine is the country which is built by people who worship the powerful god of equalibrium, Eldiniel. The colour that identifies Elvine is Blue. The nation of Elvine is composed of the town of Elvine, a farm, the Rocky Highland, the Death Valley, and the Elvine Garden. The Middleland is a perpetual battlefield for both nations. Promiseland is located between the farm of Elvine and the farm of Aresden. Both towns are connected underground by the Dungeons, which extends four levels underground.
Items and economy
The economy of Helbreath varies from server to server. In general, all items may be freely exchanged between all players, allowing for a great level of diversity. The only exceptions to trading are Dark Knight, Dark Wizard, and Hero items. Many items that are dropped by monsters include both a primary and secondary attribute, allowing for a variety of uses. Whether a player can equip an item depends on its weight or its stat (skill points) requirements.
Barter is primarily used for rare objects. However, gold is used for common items and items purchased from NPC's (Non-Player Character). Gold can be earned in many ways; completing quests, killing monsters, mining, fishing, alchemy or farming.
Development
During the beta phase of Helbreath, the developers organized a "game team" composed of volunteer players. The game team are creative writers who contribute towards the game's story and history, moderate the forums and maintain the webpage.[7]
Helbreath can be run on the Linux platform using Wine[8]
Partnerships
MOL AccessPortal had exclusive distributorship rights to Helbreath in Southeast Asia as of 2002.[9] iEntertainment Network never maintained rights to Helbreath in the United States, only parnership.[4]
Critical reception
In a 2004 review conducted by Mark Schembri of MMORPG.com, Helbreath was rated 6.8/10. Schembri compared the game to early Ultima Online.[10]
Notes
- ↑ Helbreath USA - Download
- ↑ Helbreath USA - Purchase CD
- ↑ "Introducing the next chapter -". ientdev.freeforums.net. 2015-02-06. Retrieved 2015-03-18.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 Davis, Matt (2003-01-20). "Siementech and iEntertainment Network to Host Helbreath in the USA". iEn (MPOGD). Retrieved 2012-12-11.
- ↑ "Lancement commercial". Mondes Persistants (in French). 2003-01-25. Retrieved 2012-12-11.
- ↑ "MMORPGの波続く。ついに「ヘルブレス」も国内上陸". 4Gamer.net (in Japanese). 2002-08-12. Retrieved 2012-12-12.
- ↑ "Helbreath -- Volume 1: Community". GameSpy. 2002-02-18. Archived from the original on 2002-02-21. Retrieved 2010-01-12.
- ↑ "Helbreath USA". Codeweavers. Retrieved 2013-02-18.
- ↑ "MOl gets exclusive distributorship of Helbreath". The Sun. 2002-11-22. Retrieved 2012-12-12.
- ↑ Schembri, Mark (2004-03-27). "MMORPG.com's exclusive review of Helbreath". MMORPG.com. Retrieved 2010-01-13.