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Defiance (video game)

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Defiance
Developer(s)Trion Worlds
Human Head Studios
Publisher(s)Trion Worlds
Platform(s)Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360
Genre(s)Third-person shooter, action role-playing game
Mode(s)Multiplayer

Defiance is a science fiction-themed persistent world massively multiplayer online third-person shooter developed by Trion Worlds. Defiance takes place on a terraformed Earth several decades into the future. It is a tie-in to the Syfy show of the same name. The game was released on April 2, 2013, for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360.[1] It was also released on Steam.[2] The game went free-to-play on 4 June 2014 for PC[3] , 14 August 2014 for PS3[4] and 18 November 2014 for Xbox 360[5].

Gameplay

Arkfalls

Defiance has dynamic events called "Arkfalls", similar to dynamic world events pioneered by Tabula Rasa and Trion's previous game Rift (video game). Arkfalls are massive chunks of alien ships containing valuable technology that fall from space, attracting Human and Votan scavengers and ark hunters.[6]

Character customization

Origins

Unlike other MMOs, Defiance does not have strict classes, instead allowing players to choose an "origin". Origins do not limit what abilities, weapons or outfits the players can choose. The four origins are Veterans, Outlaws, Machinists, and Survivalists.[7] Veterans are a group of soldiers who survived The Pale Wars, a massive conflict between humans and aliens. Outlaws are criminals who raid and destroy for fortunes. Machinists are scavengers, who recover alien technology to make profits and a living from it. Survivalists are humans or aliens who attempt to survive in the newly formed, hostile world. Besides initial starter weapon and also costume - this choice, similar to Race (Human, Irathian & Castithan) has absolutely no consequence in the later game, with all weapons, abilities and costumes being equally accessible to all players beyond the tutorial area.

Physical appearance

Players can have a great deal of control over their physical appearance including hair, gender, facial features, clothing, and tattoos. Unlike many other games in the genre, clothing is entirely separate from the player's gear and do not provide any bonuses to the character's skills. Players can choose to be either a Human or an "Irathient" (a humanoid alien species who are similar to humans), or the Castithan race if you have a particular DLC available.[8][9]

Abilities

The Ark Hunters are injected with an EGO (Environmental Guardian Online), a symbiotic, neuro-muscular bionetic implant developed by Von Bach Industries, which helps players navigate the Bay Area and gives them access to unique abilities.[10][11]

Arkfall Codes

Trion introduced a new rewards system called "Arkfall Codes".[12][13] Players use these 6-digit Arkfall Codes to unlock special bonuses and customization for their characters such as extra inventory slots, titles, and perks. These codes are hidden in various media such as official blogs and videos. As of May 1, 2013, there are 15 free gifts, available to all characters created on that account.

Downloadable Content

DLC 1 – Castithan Charge Pack

On August 20, 2013, Trion released the first DLC for Defiance entitled "The Castithan Charge Pack" for Xbox 360 and PlayStation, PC for $9.99. It is the first of 5 promised DLC content packs planned for the game. It includes new enemies, a new 4-player vehicle, a new playable race, a new story line that introduces the "Battle Arena" where players can fight in a horde like fashion. Also released with this content is an update that adds in new content for player free of charge and this includes the addition of "Dueling" where players can challenge each other to see who is the best, new Dark Matter Arkfalls, new Volge Sieges and a new PVP map called "Military Academy" along with many game features and bug fixes.

DLC 2 – Arkbreaker

On December 10, 2013, Trion released its second DLC for Defiance entitled "Arkbreaker" for Xbox 360, and PC for $9.99. PlayStation 3 is also coming but no exact date has been given. This pack includes new content such as new weapons, a new story line, the ability to call down major and minor arkfalls, and a new boss called "The Warmaster" which can only be found inside Major Arkbreaks. Again following DLC 1, free content was added for players, including the ability to replay all solo maps co-operatively via matchmaking, a reworked grenade system, improved weapons, and the new spikes and stims for use during combat.

DLC 3 – 7th Legion

On February 4, 2014, Trion released its third DLC entitled "7th Legion" for PC and Xbox 360 $9.99. All Season Pass holders received automatic access to 7th Legion on their platform of choice upon DLC 3's release. PlayStation 3 players who did not hold a Season Pass could purchase DLC 3 on February 18 in North America and February 19 in Europe.[14] The 7th Legion DLC included a new faction, new weapons and synergies, outfits, shields, and a new faction lockboxes. Dynamic events called Incursions and new sieges were also added.[15] The in-game chat system was also updated in 7th Legion, reverting to the smaller, less intrusive chat window of the original release. Bugfixes and UI improvements were also released with DLC 3.

DLC 4 – Gunslinger Trials

TBA 2014

DLC 5 – Arktech Revolution

TBA 2014

Synopsis

Setting

The game takes place in the San Francisco Bay Area, 15 years after the devastating Pale Wars between Earth and a loose alliance of extraterrestrial races known as Votanis Collective. The Votans came to Earth seeking a new home after the destruction of their solar system, unaware that the planet was already inhabited. Friction between the new arrivals and Humanity led to war, during which the Votan's terraforming technology was unleashed. The Earth's surface was drastically altered as a result, introducing radical changes in topography, the extinction of plant and animal species, and the emergence of new species. Afterward, Humans and Votans were forced to live together. Player characters are enlisted as "Ark Hunters" by industrialist Karl Von Bach to search the Bay Area for advanced and expensive alien technology. Players also take part in side missions to earn cash or challenges in which they compete with other Ark Hunters.[10][16][17]

Characters

  • Karl Von Bach – Owner, CEO, and chief engineer in the weapons division of Von Bach Industries, Karl Von Bach is humanity’s foremost intellect on Votan technologies and hybrid weaponry. Karl Von Bach hopes to foster a better future for humanity by cracking the secrets of arktech. By mastering EGO and terraforming technology, Earthkind will enter into an age where we can better ourselves and our world.
  • Varus Soleptor – A local business magnate: the richest person in Paradise Territory. He commands a large umbrella corporation, Soleptor Enterprises, which he founded when he foresaw the ‘gulanite rush’ that would overtake the Bay Area. Liberata traditionally occupy the servant caste in Votan society, but Varus has used his business acumen and moral flexibility to become the most powerful business force in Paradise.
  • Torc Mok – An imposing Sensoth who does not welcome company. He has left behind his military service during the Pale Wars and even his existence as a member of the Defiant Few. He would rather people forget his contribution to history at the Battle of Defiance and instead lives a humble life operating Headlands Transit Depot in Sausalito.
  • Rosa Rodriguez – Rosa was a child when she and her father, Amelio, survived the Battle of Defiance and became recorded in history as members of the Defiant Few. Now she lives a secluded life in Marin where she operates Top-Notch Toolworks with her companion, Eren Niden. Rosa has grown up to be a hot-tempered, genius inventor who keeps Paradise rich with innovative solutions to the dangers of the new frontier.
  • Cass Ducar – A new arrival to Paradise. A fearless Ark Hunter, Cass has left behind the tribal customs of the Irathient people to search for the hidden secrets buried by the Arkfall. She eases contacts into a false sense of security with her easy charm and flirtatious manner, but she is always seeking and stealing information.
  • Eren Niden – Eren is not your average frontier doctor. She is an Indogene bio-technician specializing in xenobiology and nano-augmentation. As brilliant as she is, she has only recently left the Votanis Collective and has poor command of the English language. This, combined with her focus on research rather than medicine, has led her to have a rather strained relationship with her patients in Paradise. Her only strong connection is with her companion, Rosa Rodriguez, with whom she lives at Top-Notch Toolworks.
  • Jon Cooper – Lawkeeper Cooper is a man who has seen the horrors of war and the evils of prejudice. He stands as a pillar in the community supporting peaceful human-Votan coexistence. Years ago, he came to the ruins of San Francisco with the Iron Demons, the Earth Military Coalition’s 9th Mechanized Division, to wipe out a Votan army during the Pale Wars. Fate had other plans. Jon Cooper stood alongside Votans and humans at the Battle of Defiance to put a stop to the hate-fueled bloodshed. As a member of the Defiant Few, Jon Cooper helped start a movement that may eventually bring peace to a world at war.[18]

Reception

Defiance launched on Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and Windows PC on April 2, 2013.[25][26] Den of Geek! (US) gave it a 7.7/10, calling it a "mixed experience" and "slightly underwhelming".[27]

Development

Defiance had been in development since August 2008.[28] It started as a collaborative effort between Trion and Syfy to make a video game that ran alongside a television series. The publisher has reportedly spent more than $70 million during development.[29]

Marketing

The Dodge Challenger appeared in the Defiance online video game.[30]

References

  1. ^ Bibel, Sara (July 23, 2012). "Syfy's 'Defiance' Commences Production in Toronto July 24". SyFy Press Release. Retrieved July 24, 2012.
  2. ^ "Defiance on Steam". Retrieved March 18, 2013.
  3. ^ Purchese, Robert (June 4, 2014). "Defiance MMO now free-to-play on PC". Eurogamer. Gamer Network. Retrieved June 4, 2014.
  4. ^ Hargreaves, Jim (August 14, 2014). "Defiance now free-to-play on PS3". TheSixthAxis. Oscar Mike Media. Retrieved December 30, 2014.
  5. ^ "Defiance free-to-play launches on Xbox 360 tomorrow". TrionWorlds.com. November 17, 2014. Retrieved December 30, 2014.
  6. ^ "Dynamic Events – Defiance website". Trion Worlds Inc. Retrieved January 25, 2013.
  7. ^ "It's time for our very first DEFIANCE live stream with the Trion dev and community teams! Today we'll be showing you some Shadow War action". Trion Worlds Inc. Retrieved January 25, 2013.
  8. ^ "E3 2012: Syfy Actor Grant Bowler Discusses Defiance TV Series and MMO Game". GamerLiveTV. June 12, 2012. Retrieved January 25, 2013.
  9. ^ "It's the Friday Trion Worlds Livestream Extravaganza Spectacular! We're showing off RIFT, Warface, AND Defiance, all afternoon". Trion Worlds Inc. Retrieved January 25, 2013.
  10. ^ a b "Von Bach Industries website". Trion Worlds Inc. Retrieved January 25, 2013.
  11. ^ "EGO – Defiance website". Trion Worlds Inc. Retrieved January 25, 2013.
  12. ^ "My EGO". Defiance.com. Retrieved August 18, 2013.
  13. ^ "Defiance: Arkfall Codes List". Orcz.com. Retrieved August 18, 2013.
  14. ^ "7th Legion Out Now for PC, XBOX, 360". Official Defiance Website. Retrieved February 5, 2014.
  15. ^ Etaew, (February 4, 2014) "Patch 1.3 – 7th Legion". Defiance Data. Retrieved February 5, 2014.
  16. ^ "Defiance E3 Trailer – G4tv". G4 Media. May 31, 2012. Retrieved January 25, 2013.
  17. ^ "Missions – Defiance website". Trion Worlds Inc. Retrieved January 25, 2013.
  18. ^ http://www.defiance.com/en/game/environment/characters/?CAS_REDIR=true&ticket=ST-194619-PYMRQs7UbeGQeQd5XvFj-cas
  19. ^ "Defiance for Xbox 360 Reviews". Metacritic. Retrieved August 18, 2013.
  20. ^ "Defiance for PlayStation 3 Reviews". Metacritic. Retrieved August 18, 2013.
  21. ^ "Defiance for PC Reviews". Metacritic. Retrieved August 18, 2013.
  22. ^ "Defiance for Xbox 360". GameRankings. April 2, 2013. Retrieved August 18, 2013.
  23. ^ "Defiance for PlayStation 3". GameRankings. April 2, 2013. Retrieved August 18, 2013.
  24. ^ "Defiance for PC". GameRankings. April 2, 2013. Retrieved August 18, 2013.
  25. ^ Darren C (April 2, 2013). "Defiance Review: A Small Step in the Right Direction". VGRevolution. Retrieved April 2, 2013.
  26. ^ "Review: Defiance". Hardcore Gamer. April 7, 2013. Retrieved April 8, 2013.
  27. ^ "Defiance(PC), Review". Den of Geek! (US). April 9, 2013. Retrieved April 9, 2013.|-
  28. ^ "riftgame – It's time for our very first DEFIANCE live stream with the Trion dev and community teams! Today we'll be showing you some Shadow War action". Twitch.tv. Retrieved August 18, 2013.
  29. ^ "Defiance is Borderlands: The MMO without the humor (review) | GamesBeat". Venturebeat.com. April 19, 2013. Retrieved August 18, 2013.
  30. ^ Dodge Brand Launches New TV Commercial and Social Gaming Sweepstakes in Conjunction with Syfy and Trion Worlds ‘Defiance’ Partnership
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