M.Indie by Joseph Lieberman

M.Indie Rides the Multiplayer Shockwave  (April 9, 2005)

Hello everyone, welcome to the first M.Indie column. I’m Joe Lieberman, a grizzled veteran of multiplayer and independent games. It was only fitting that I make my column about multiplayer modes of independent games. It wasn’t long before Game Tunnel made the grievous mistake of allowing me to name my column. Much like an eccentric billionaire names his car “Lucy,” I name my column M.indie. Sure, it’s not the traditional spelling, but this is GAME TUNNEL, if you were here to see tradition you’d be asking directions on how to leave!

So, let’s get down to the thick of it before I reach my word limit just discussing my incredibly cute title. Our first column is going to focus on some Massive Multiplayer Games that make use of Shockwave or Java. These games provide the unique advantage of never requiring the installation of software beyond the core files, meaning you can play from any computer, anywhere! These games have been around for a long time, and they have been multiplayer for a long time as well! Back in 2001 Runescape blasted onto the scene like Asheron’s Call didn’t and became the first truly massive java based game. This is where our journey begins.

Runescape is huge, so huge in fact, that a recent survey of Massive Multiplayer Games stated it controlled 3.1% of the MMOG market, or about 250,000 players! It is an RPG of the standard type, you fight monsters, gain skills and levels, meet people, and maybe fall in love. The entire game is done in 3D, and last year marked Runescape 2’s launch, a full 3D graphical overhaul of the original Runescape, bringing it kicking and screaming into the new millennia.

The premise is simple: Gain combat and “survival” abilities by gaining levels. Gain levels by defeating monsters, completing quests, and successfully using skills. Interact with literally thousands of people by joining groups and through general chatting. The world is huge and the amount of time you can spend in Runescape is endless. This massive multiplayer indie title is an A+ recommendation for the Multiplayer RPG lover who doesn’t want to dish out 10 – 15 bucks a month for subscriptions (plus the 50 dollar retail box). Subscriptions to Runescape are not required for most of the activities, though once you get further into the game a subscription will be required for uncovering new areas and accessing new skills, and competing in player vs. player dueling. Runescape subscriptions cost a lowly $5/month, making it not only one of the largest MMOGs but also one of the least expensive! Still, while I can appreciate the quality of Runescape and Massive Multiplayer online RPGs, I have yet to come across one that truly pulls me in as anything more than a level-gaining treadmill. Runescape is as good as they come in terms of MMORPGs, but I am still holding out for something better from the industry as a whole.

So we have the old veteran game, what about something new you may not have heard of? Enter the world of Battalion, a Massive Multiplayer Strategy Game in the same style as Advanced Wars for the Gameboy Advance. Just launched out of beta in March, Battalion is just getting started and is looking to be one of the best multiplayer flash games in recent times. You’ll notice the high production quality, complete with sound effects, music, and wonderfully campy pixel-art, reminiscent of the SNES days.

Battalion is easy to learn, allowing you to play against AI opponents before tackling real people. You take a squad of soldiers, tanks, aircrafts, and/or ships and must successfully defeat your enemy or capture his or her capital. Some maps also have structures that allow you to build new units, and towns that both supply money and allow you to heal your units inside them. The game is turn-based and games can take anywhere from 15 minutes to hours to play, as you battle as many as three other opponents!

Battalion seems to be growing at a very steady pace over the last month, moving from having around 8-10 people online at peak times to around 40-50 in a single month’s time. If this growth can continue it will ensure that there truly will be opponents at a variety of skill levels to play against at any given moment. Due to the time each game can take, users have to be careful that they are playing a quick map unless they have a few hours to spare for a real good game. Other than the shortcoming of game-times, Battalion is a solid production for any strategy fan. Once you learn the ins and outs of the system you may risk spending entire days in your quest for victory. A list of premium features and planned new features has me thinking Battalion is on the fast track to becoming one of the largest online strategy games.

Battalion, like Runescape, is mostly free to get you started. Subscriptions are sold only to access “advanced” features that are not required to play the game. Battalion subscriptions are paid in chunks; at either $19.99 for 4 months ($5/month) or $34.99 for 8 months (less than $4.50 a month). Premium features include the ability to form squads and clans, create and upload your own maps, gain net worth (money), buy equipment and other cosmetic features, and participate in tournaments. More planned features for premium players, such as new units, are supposedly coming soon.

The low price of these massive multiplayer games and their accessibility from anywhere make them great choices for the cost conscious and the computer-lab jockeys alike. These two games are only a taste of the multitude that exist. Everything from poker to pool, and from tactics to tests are out there in abundance. If you are interested, here’s a brief rundown of some of the better flash- or java-based multiplayer games that I considered for the main part of this column.

Tactics Arena Online- A turn-based strategy game, this one is a lot like medieval chess, with a ruleset that is easy enough to learn but complex enough to never master. Subscriptions cost $5/month and give you access to new units, but mostly makes sure your account isn’t deleted in their monthly player-wipe.

Robot Rage- Massive Multiplayer Battle Bots! A fun game where you get to beat down other people in real time. A little laggy but has great potential. Subscriptions are paid in the form of buying new, more powerful, weapons.

Supernating Superdudes- Play a super-hero card game against thousands of other people. This game excels at customization, though the strategy is a little more ‘random chance’ than I like in a game. Extremely high quality and like so many others, mostly free. The game asks a one time fee of 39.95 and gives you a variety of expansions and special offers. This one is a must try for anyone who is a fan of collectable card games.

Thanks for getting through the first M.indie, the column with the cutest name and cutest author (Sorry ladies, I am taken)! Keep an eye open for my next column real soon: What I would like to call the very first “M.indie Innnnn SPAAAAACCCEEEE” (but probably can’t because Jim Henson would sue me).