Wurm Online
| Wurm Online | |
|---|---|
| Designer(s) | Rolf Jansson |
| Version | 3.0.1 |
| Platform(s) | Java |
| Release date(s) | 6 June 2006 |
| Media/distribution | Online distribution |
Wurm Online is a 3D MMO produced by Code Club AB in Sweden that allows players to choose between a PvP game and a non-PvP game based on different servers. Development started in 2003 by friends Markus Persson ,[1] and Rolf Jannson.
Contents |
[edit] Gameplay
Everything in the game is created by players. When a new server is launched it is an empty land. All characters of the same kingdom and gender are represented with the same 3D model. All items are made from materials from the world – trees, rocks mined from tunnels, iron, steel and so forth. Wurm allows players to terraform the land, raising tiles, flattening them and lowering them using shovels. Players can also mine underground and make vast caverns. Climb mountains and build keeps and cities. Form new kingdoms on the Epic servers. Player versus player combat is open with penalty for same kingdom killing on most servers. Multiple gods vye for the attention of players and grant missions on the Epic server and spells and enchants to players and items. Every item has a quality level that effects its damage, decay, or overall quality. Skills can be leveled up based on usage with no skill or stat cap. Archery is included and is an active component of combat. Many players choose to live peaceful lives and are only called to combat during raid events where one kingdom attempts to invade another.
Every action in the game effects one or multiple skills. For instance using a small metal shield does not make you better at using a small wooden shield. Each weapon or tool or device has a skill all of its own. This allows players to specialize or generalize. Players can also build and form villages. These villages can band in to alliances to give aid to one another in times of need.
[edit] Development
Wurm Online is developed in OpenGL. Wurm Online first started in the Beta stage in 2003. The game went gold in 2006.[3] In 2008, the main developer began publishing a blog.[4] Originally it was founded by Rolf Jansson and Markus Persson, but Markus left Wurm Online in 2007. When asked if Wurm would shut down due to his resigning, Markus said Wurm's not going anywhere. [1]
[edit] Reception
TenTonHammer examined it in a "First Impressions" review. The distant landscapes were highlighted for their photographic quality, and the main appeal was seen in the interactivity of the world. However, overall it failed to keep the reviewer's attention, feeling that MUD-style text-based combat has been eclipsed by modern MMORPGs.[5]
MMORPG praised the harvesting, crafting and housing mechanics, which required patience but was found to be rewarding. The community-driven gameplay was described as unique.[6]
Although it could be criticized for relying on text-based functions, and lacking animations, it has been popular with the PC Gamer magazine,[citation needed] who feature a small blog about their village.
[edit] References
- ^ McDougal, Jaz (29 July 2010). "Community heroes: Notch, for Minecraft". PC Gamer. http://www.pcgamer.com/2010/07/29/community-heroes-notch-for-minecraft/. Retrieved 3 August 2010.
- ^ Wurm Online. "MMO Hut review". Mmohuts.com. http://mmohuts.com/free-trials/wurm-online. Retrieved 25 October 2011.
- ^ "Wurm Online". Wurm Online. http://www.wurmonline.com/. Retrieved 25 October 2011.
- ^ "Wurm Online Developer Blog". Wurmonline.com. 21 October 2011. http://www.wurmonline.com/blog/. Retrieved 25 October 2011.
- ^ Gourley, Danny (1 July 2008). "Wurm Online: First Impressions". TenTonHammer. http://www.tentonhammer.com/node/37341. Retrieved 24 December 2010. "I only can say that it failed to hold my attention."
- ^ "At A Glance – A Look at Wurm Online". mmorpg.com. 24 September 2008. http://www.mmorpg.com/gamelist.cfm/game/129/feature/2260. Retrieved 29 August 2011.
[edit] Further reading
- Benjy Ikimi, Wurm Online Review, gamezine.co.uk, 13 Aug 2009
- (German) Sascha "Hugin" Wall, Wurm Online. Auf den Spuren der letzten Trapper, onlinewelten.com, 20 July 2008
