AdventureQuest
| AdventureQuest | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Developer(s) | Artix Entertainment |
| Publisher(s) | Artix Entertainment |
| Engine | Adobe Flash |
| Platform(s) | Microsoft Windows |
| Release date(s) |
|
| Genre(s) | Role-playing |
| Mode(s) | Single-player |
AdventureQuest (also referred to by its website name BattleOn or abbreviated to AQ) is an online flash-based single-player role-playing video game started in 2002[1] and currently developed by Artix Entertainment. As of February 6, 2015, aq.battleon.com, the game's hosting website, and www.battleon.com, the game's homepage, have an Alexa rating of 31,549.
A one-time "guardianship" fee was introduced in 2003, allowing the player to access more game content. Ownership of the game transferred to the newly formed Artix Entertainment in 2004, and a server population cap was added for non-Guardian players in May of that year. In 2005, a microtransaction system was put into place. In response to criticism that server restrictions made logging on for non-paying players difficult, in October 2006 Artix Entertainment introduced a server in which a player could log on at anytime, but with a tight level limit. As of July 14, 2010, the server cap has been removed entirely.
Gameplay
AdventureQuest is a single-player RPG, although character data is stored on a server. The gameplay is similar to that of traditional RPGs in that it revolves around fighting monsters in a turn-based system. As players defeat monsters, they gain experience points, gold, and occasionally "Z-Tokens", a secondary currency that can also be bought with real-world money. There are also special items or sets called Mastercrafts (MC for short).
Skill points, like mana, are used primarily for certain class abilities. They are also used for some armors and in the activation of certain items and the usage of potions. Skill points are required to flee from battle; the higher the monster's level, the more SP is needed.
AdventureQuest has an alignment system similar to that of Dungeons & Dragons, which includes selection between Good and Evil as well as Unity and Chaos. Actions taken in-game affect the player's alignment, and give the player a selection of custom rewards and access to in-game events. The game also includes equipment that will bestow special effects depending on the player's alignment.
Combat mechanics
Most fights begin through random encounters and quests, which can be found throughout the game. The battle system is turn-based; on player's turn, they may attack, equip an item, use an item, cast a spell, or call a pet. Both characters and monsters have elemental and weapon-based resistances and weaknesses. Six trainable stats (Strength, Dexterity, Intellect, Endurance, Charisma, and Luck) affect the amount of damage inflicted and taken, as well as the probability of an attack being blocked. There are three kinds of attacks, and each weapon belongs to a category: melee, ranged, or magic. A battle ends once the enemy's HP drops to zero or if the player's HP drops to zero.
Like most other RPGs, AdventureQuest has special releases or events as well as a limited time shop based on real-life holidays. Holidays include: Snugglefest (Valentine's Day), the Blarney War (St. Patrick's Day), April Fools, Mogloween (Halloween), and Frostval (Christmas).
Clans
In AdventureQuest, players can participate in competitive activities through the clan system. There are eight clans available for players to join, representing the eight elemental realms. Clan bases contain a shop that sells items of its respective element, as well as clan-unique items.
In addition to the in-game leaders of these clans, there are also player leaders who are elected on the BattleOn Forums. These players ensure activity and stability for their respective clans and also play larger parts during clan-based game releases.
Houses
Houses may be purchased with Z-Tokens. Furthermore, players may also use Z-Tokens these to buy pictures and guards to decorate and protect their houses. When a player visits another player's house, they must battle the owner's guards - if any - in order to gain access to that house. Some buildings yield resources, such as health and mana potions, in varying amounts, depending on the quality of the house in question.
Payment
Guardianship
Guardianship, which can be purchased for a one-time fee, gives players access to premium content. This fee goes toward the maintenance of the game and its servers.[2] In addition, it also boosts the player's Z-Token count by 1000.[3][4] Other exclusives include the ability to create an account for ArchKnight and ZardWars, which are similar side-games that are also developed by Artix Entertainment. Furthermore, players can upgrade to another form of membership known as the X-Guardian, which gives even more in-game advantages, such as faster XP gain.
Z-Tokens
Introduced in June 2006, Z-Tokens are rare coins in AdventureQuest that are occasionally found after winning a battle. Players may also purchase Z-Tokens with real money.[3][4] Players may use Z-Tokens to buy shields, armor, weapons, pets, and items. These Z-Token-bought combat items tend to be more powerful than normal items of the same level, and can be purchased at a relatively lower player level. Players may also purchase inventory slots with Z-Tokens, or trade them for in-game gold. A special shop called the Limited Time Shop offers mostly Z-Token equipment, usually either discounted or soon-to-be rare.
Critical reception
A common criticism of AdventureQuest is that there is little to no player interaction with other players in the game.[5] OMGN praised the graphics theme and the broad range of quests, events, stories, equipment and monsters. The battle system was considered easy to learn, but held "nothing to get excited about."[5][6]
See also
References
- ↑ "AdventureQuest - Coming soon". Battleon.com. Retrieved 2002-08-02.
- ↑ "AdventureQuest - Guardian Upgrade". Battleon.com. Retrieved 2011-09-28.
- 1 2 "AdventureQuest Guardian Upgrade - Full List of Guardian Content". Forums2.battleon.com. Retrieved 2011-09-28.
- 1 2 "Internet Archive Wayback Machine". Web.archive.org. 2009-02-19. Retrieved 2012-10-20.
- 1 2 Blair Morris (August 30, 2005). "Adventure Quest Review". omgn.com. Retrieved 2008-11-25.
- ↑ "Adventure Quest Review". commonsensemedia.org. Retrieved 2013-02-13.