Network Sites: FPSguru.com RTSguru.com UnboundGamer.com
Login:  Password:   Remember?  
Show Quick Gamelist Jump to Random Game
Games:568  Guilds:2,962
Members:1,441,273  Online:0
Guests:0  Posts:4,578,362

Newsroom

Newsroom

Filter Week Filter Game
RSS

Gatheryn : An Introduction

Posted Apr 23, 2009 by Jon Wood

Managing Editor Jon Wood writes this introduction to the upcoming casual MMORPG, Gatheryn.

Recently, MMORPG.com sat down to talk to the folks from Mindfuse to talk about their MMORPG, Gatheryn.

They call their title an "advanced casual online game." The developers have taken a full 3D MMO and put the focus on casual games. The idea is to provide a casual, yet immersive experience for players.

Gatheryn employs a Victorian Steampunk setting, similar to stories by Jules Verne or the League of Extraordinary Gentlemen. It's the introduction of science fiction or fantasy elements into the steam era, which in the case of Victorian Steampunk, is during Britain's Victorian Age.

Read Gatheryn: An Introduction

 
 
beauturkey writes:

 Holy Moly, I have been so ecited about this game since I first heard about it.

 Tell them to release it, now. No, yesterday!

 

 beau

 

 

New Post Quote
4/23/09 1:14:49 PM
 
Isaralas writes:

Not my cup of tea, but i'll bet my mum would be all over this game.

New Post Quote
4/23/09 1:23:19 PM
 
Valentina writes:

I don't exactly understand the point of the game....Is it just a social  & tinker game?  Are there quests? Is there a story? What do you do?

 

It SEEMS kind of cool....

New Post Quote
4/23/09 3:45:19 PM
 
beauturkey writes:

 The only game that I can compare it to would be Myst Online, which was incredible.

 Essentially, you had an avatar and housing, but would solve puzzles solo or with friends. Doesn't sound very deep, but the story for Gatheryn so far seems to be really cool. It is a "casual" game meaning that there isn't combat. There are lot's of "normal" mmo's that players don't fight in, already! (Or fight very little.) 

 

 Beau

 

 

New Post Quote
4/23/09 4:57:27 PM
 
Beka writes:

The setting sounds interesting, the graphics look good, at least for still pictures, hard to tell anything until one sees how smooth they are. I wonder how involved the mini-games will be, but then most MMOs have little more than the same button mashing combat over and over and over and over, so I'm open to anything.

Detailed character creation is good, limited or ugly characters can really kill any interest I have in a game.

 

New Post Quote
4/23/09 8:29:36 PM
 
Flummoxed writes:

OK so i'm a Victorian Adventurer setting out to these isles to do... what???  Yeah explore, and... ???

I love the Jules Verne Victorian Steampunk (THIEF!) setting but what's the over-arching story-arc?

What's my purpose(s) and goal(s) ?

New Post Quote
4/23/09 8:34:14 PM
 
ericbelser writes:

I have to agree with the vaguely confused crowd....I can get the "casual" thing, I think...but

What is Steampunk without a setting? To me, "steampunk" by itself is just a slightly silly fantastical technology spin-off...it's not a world or setting...that requires context, usually something derived from Victorian England.

So what's the point of "steampunk" without scheming Russians, mad Austrians and steadfast Brits all playing the "Great Game". What's the point of funny tech if I can't take a dirigible liner from Paris to Calcutta, or encounter a crazy Prussian inventor with an ironclad dreadnought in Shanghai?  What relevance is Alan Quartermain if there is no British Empire in Africa to Safari in? or a Von Helsing with no Transylvania?

Thus the whole "island" thing strikes me like a bad episode of "Fantasy Island" with funny tech and costumes...but no depth or context.

New Post Quote
4/23/09 8:42:33 PM
 
redcap036 writes:

Sounds like an adult version of Free Realm's?

Is there any combat at all?

New Post Quote
4/24/09 1:04:30 AM
 
Shreddi writes:

Yea is there any voilence, sex, drugs?  Big f'n Guns, run around shootin up the place and screaming.

New Post Quote
4/24/09 1:19:31 AM
 
SpiralMagus writes:

I'm looking forward to checking this out.  I'm a big fan of steampunk and there haven't been many offerings in this genre MMO-wise.  Neo-Steam is the only other one I know of but that is overly anime-styled for my tastes.  I still might check that out too.

I do hope Gatheryn has some kind of "adventure" and story aspect along with all the mini-games and socializing.  They mention exploration being important so maybe it will have some of that.

My dream steampunk game would be a complete RPG sandbox like early SWG.  I don't think anyone will ever make that though.

New Post Quote
4/24/09 2:16:09 AM
 
Perdition_uk writes:

Erm... so it's a chat room/second life sort of thing? Like may of the posts above... what is there to "do". What's the purpose, the goal? 

 

New Post Quote
4/24/09 3:26:41 AM
 
Saerain writes:

I love that when there's plenty of combat you don't see those questions asked.

New Post Quote
4/24/09 8:54:57 AM
 
Mardermann writes:

Thats the first game in ages that interests me...

Well.... Mortal Online and this one...

 

New Post Quote
4/24/09 10:19:28 AM
 
Valentina writes:

It's not that I particularly care if there's combat or not....I just don't quite understand what you do. Besides like...puzzles or tinkering around the town, what would I be aiming for? Is there any sort of goal or goals at all?

New Post Quote
4/24/09 11:24:41 AM
 
Flirt writes:

Question to those that ask for a goal... what's the goal in continuous killing?

With puzzles,exploration and non-fighting quests you can gain xp as well... if you consider gaining xp as a goal.

New Post Quote
4/24/09 11:51:58 AM
 
Sovrath writes:
Originally posted by Perdition_uk

Erm... so it's a chat room/second life sort of thing? Like may of the posts above... what is there to "do". What's the purpose, the goal? 

 

 

I imagine it's more like a social puzzle game.

New Post Quote
4/24/09 11:56:25 AM
 
neonwire writes:
Originally posted by Perdition_uk

Erm... so it's a chat room/second life sort of thing? Like may of the posts above... what is there to "do". What's the purpose, the goal? 

 


 

Yep this says it all about peoples mentality. Take away the mindless killing and suddenly the game becomes just another "chat room/second life sort of thing". Add the mindless killing back into the game with a pointless leveling treadmill to jog along and it becomes "Oh cool! A new awesome game to play!".

No option for killing monsters on a massive scale? No chance of getting to roleplay a mass murderer? Oh my gosh! Whats the purpose? Whats the goal? This cant be a real game without mindless violence in it?! If I cant slaughter everything.....then....whats.....the....point? I dont get it!!! Waaaagghhhhh!!!!!

Oh dear.......why are people so lame?

New Post Quote
4/24/09 12:05:27 PM
 
neonwire writes:
Originally posted by Valentina

It's not that I particularly care if there's combat or not....I just don't quite understand what you do. Besides like...puzzles or tinkering around the town, what would I be aiming for? Is there any sort of goal or goals at all?


 

Well what do you do in any other game? What do you aim for? What are your goals in those games? You just wander around between the npcs and read the story as you move from the start of the game to the end of the game. Your "goal" is to have fun playing the game and enjoy being your character. Its exactly the same thing here, except the brainless killing of monsters isnt in it.

New Post Quote
4/24/09 12:09:44 PM
 
Quizzical writes:

So does the game have combat or not?  I'd think if it doesn't, that's one of the unique things that should be explicitly mentioned.  It can easily be spun as a feature:  you can go whereever you want without getting jumped by high level monsters that one shot you.

Is this supposed to be a more casual version of A Tale in the Desert or something?

New Post Quote
4/24/09 12:09:47 PM
 
ericbelser writes:

Before some of you leap over that fence of assumptions and personal attacks you are running for....It's not just about combat, try actually reading what people are saying rather than assuming things. BTW, many people ask these kind of questions about new games, because lots of people are as interested in exploration, story, roleplaying and such as well as combat...most MMOs however have a far simpler answers to the questions....you have to expect one that aims to be "outside the box" to generate more discussion.

So, if it *is* a "social puzzle game" what is the basic story? Is there one or is it all player driven? What's the background, other than "an island"? Are there "bad guys"? Factions? Is there any *conflict* or tension driving the story even if there isn't direct combat? Competition between factions, spying?

Are there things to do other than having a "graphical chat room"? Persistent content? Do the things you make/do have any lasting impact on the game world? Can you open a shop, design clothes, sell steam bikes or whatever or is it predominantly NPC interactions?

Does "no combat" mean that I cannot go hunting rare animals on safari? Does it mean that I won't get to have a competitive steam car race where you might just possibly try to sabotage the other teams car or otherwise sidetrack them? Conflict, challenge and risk can take many forms, just saying that there is "no combat" doesn't really cover much.

I confess I doubt any game without combat will really be my cup of tea, but I do love the Victorian Steampunk genre and I am very curious what they are going to do with this. Right now, I see a near total lack of information and that "introduction" is maddeningly vague, some details to distinguish how this will be different from something like Second Life (aside from a Steampunk graphics skin) would be nice.

New Post Quote
4/24/09 1:30:37 PM
 
LimaBravo writes:

Sounds fantastic, especially the touches that all single player games have had in the last forever :D.

Day and night cycle and shaking trees for stuff  (Furniture hopefully  :) )

 

Ill be waiting to hear more from this.

 

Oh yah Seed was great the stupid stupid stupid economy dependant on faction voting ruined it.

New Post Quote
4/24/09 3:55:34 PM
 
Spiritof55 writes:
Originally posted by neonwire
Originally posted by Perdition_uk

Erm... so it's a chat room/second life sort of thing? Like may of the posts above... what is there to "do". What's the purpose, the goal? 

 


 

Yep this says it all about peoples mentality. Take away the mindless killing and suddenly the game becomes just another "chat room/second life sort of thing". Add the mindless killing back into the game with a pointless leveling treadmill to jog along and it becomes "Oh cool! A new awesome game to play!".

No option for killing monsters on a massive scale? No chance of getting to roleplay a mass murderer? Oh my gosh! Whats the purpose? Whats the goal? This cant be a real game without mindless violence in it?! If I cant slaughter everything.....then....whats.....the....point? I dont get it!!! Waaaagghhhhh!!!!!

Oh dear.......why are people so lame?

 
 

I agree.  People want to be told what to do, where to do it and how often and if you don't satisfy that crowd they're lost.  I have no problem making my own fun and gatheryn seems a good place to do that. 

There are quests like any other mmorpg so there are objectives to achieve. 

One minor superficial complaint; the name sux.  Gatheryn sounds like a primetime tv drama like dallas, dynasty or falcon crest. 

New Post Quote
4/24/09 4:56:21 PM
 
natuxatu writes:

Yeah um, if this is as excited as they could get me... I think I'll pass. It was boring just reading about it. If there was some sort of story or mystery that would make things a little more interesting I guess.. but I don't see this lasting. At least it's free but geez...

certainly taking 'casual game' to the extreme.

New Post Quote
4/24/09 5:03:37 PM
 
Zace writes:

I must admit this one seems very interesting, something toally different and could be a lot of fun. A genre i would love to explore. Can't wait.

 

New Post Quote
4/24/09 7:44:36 PM
 
Alienovrlord writes:

 Isn't this a game based on Simutronics Hero Engine?  (The same one Bioware is adapting for Star Wars The Old Republic)

New Post Quote
4/24/09 10:05:38 PM
 
Spiritof55 writes:
Originally posted by Alienovrlord

 Isn't this a game based on Simutronics Hero Engine?  (The same one Bioware is adapting for Star Wars The Old Republic)


 

Gatheryn, SW:TOR and heros journey (a simutronics mmorpg in development) will all use the hero engine.

New Post Quote
4/25/09 12:31:32 PM
 
aeroplane22 writes:

I'm definitely interested. I'm sick of the same shit over and over. Killing millions of people, mobs, for nothing really.

I would like a change of pace and this could be a good fresh breath for the genre.

The only thing I don't understand is why developers don't meld the two together. You can have your decent combat and exploration and then you can have your great social engine, with casinos, custom shops etc.

They always have it one or the other, all combat and no social engine or vice versa.

A nice middle-ground would be nice for a change, but leaning a little more to the social engine side. Lord of the Rings offers player music and fun tradeskills for instance. Though they could have made it much more, and that's for all games in general.

New Post Quote
4/25/09 7:27:41 PM
 
akiira69 writes:

 I have found my dream game and it is called Gatheryn. I hope they put up a beta reg form soon cause I want in.

New Post Quote
4/25/09 9:27:50 PM
 
Wizardry writes:

I will admit i was kind of lost as everyone else was,but then i stopped to think for a minute.What this game really sounds like is a RETIREMENT community ,lmao yep.

You have a house ,put stuff in it,then go outside and meet other people in your community and do emotes back n forth.Then wander off to the store buy some stuff,maybe some pet food,then meet some more friends in your community ,do some more emotes,then go home lmao.Once your home ,you mess around with your 50 cats you got ..lmao,then wait for a fire truck to pass down the street.Then you see 50 others standing in their windows"HOLY cow ! Edith come look a fire truck just went past"wonder where it's going?Grab your coat go walking down the street,see others doing the same ,do some more emotes......fire truck was a false alarm..lol,,go back home ,play with the 50 cats.

After a week or two,you decide your place is boring ,so you buy a bigger house,more furniture and yep :D more cats lol.

Here we have it a SIMS retirement community game .. :D

I can't blame them for the concept,after all the SIMS has been one of the biggest selling games of all time,so there is obviously a dumbfounded market for this kind of ummm junk.Well to me it is junk ,i guess if it is a proven popular idea ,it is a success to others.

New Post Quote
4/26/09 5:32:23 AM
 
Vyeth writes:

To be honest they haven't stated wether combat is involved or not because they want to figure out a way to implement it as a way of resolving conflict imo. I think they will probably go for a puzzle pirates or even puzzle quest format, and combat should be treated as it would be in the real world. If you are caught and the way you choose to enter the combat (with weapon would be considered deadly) would determine if the gaurds capture you and put you into the jail of the game, forcing you to play a game of robotron and losing money for everytime that you die during play.....

 

See? Combat ANNND a "mature" setting for guys and gals alike to play in.. Fun for all...

New Post Quote
4/26/09 1:21:39 PM
 
lttexxan writes:

Nice to meet ya Gatheryn...I'm LTTexxan(Long Tall Tex...well you get the idea.)

So where did ya grow up?

What's your favorite color?

Follow any pro sports teams?

New Post Quote
4/26/09 1:26:28 PM
 
Spadez88 writes:

It looks like a game for gamers who love the sims. But instead of controling a whole family you control one person and see the world in the eyes of the PC. Its an intresting concept to launch dureing this time in MMO history. I mean really i think even some hard core gamers might like this, i mean after all killing and pillageing gets boreing after awhile. But i can see this game being huge just for the fact its diffrent. I know ill give it a try, Who knows mabey it will stir some intresting posts of its forums. I just hope there is not to much hate threads. Seen way to many recently.

New Post Quote
4/26/09 6:26:04 PM
 
Sketch5 writes:

I've never been too interested in the steam-punk genre, but after seeing this game I'm intrigued.

I would definitely like to give it a whirl.

 

It is kind of sad that all these people are immediately dismissing it because of lack of combat. A retirement sim? What exactly do you do every day that's more interesting than interacting with friends, exploring the world, etc? If the only excitement in your life is atrophying on the couch/computer chair playing games in which a button press kills something as opposed to solving a puzzle, then that seems quite like retirement too.

New Post Quote
4/26/09 10:13:43 PM
 
Spadez88 writes:

I would not consider it a retierment game, but more of a game to sit down and relax after a hard days work or something to play with your girl that is some what cute and will kill an hour or two. I mean i rember comein home from working and get angery with games like LOTRO,WOW you name it becase of the same old spam chat of "noob" and "leet gear". I think this game will be great for those who just want to chill for a hour or 2 and relax.

New Post Quote
4/27/09 12:42:54 AM
 
themilton writes:
Originally posted by Wizardry

I will admit i was kind of lost as everyone else was,but then i stopped to think for a minute.What this game really sounds like is a RETIREMENT community ,lmao yep.


 

ROFL - yeah, it does sounds like a retirement community.

I'm still interested though. I tried the Sims but could never really get into it. Too tedious. But the puzzles and other mini-games ing Gatheryn might just hold my interest.

New Post Quote
4/27/09 10:54:12 AM
 
Superthrust writes:

This game looks like a great addition to the MMORPG family. Not to mention, it gives a huge anime-esque style of game and origin, which i am a fan of.

 

I enjoy all games with player housing and such, because it adds an option to give your own unique flavor to it, and leave a part of you inside the game. I will most likely be playing this a bit when it is released, and hope i am selected to participate in the beta.

New Post Quote
4/27/09 1:22:15 PM
 
Perdition_uk writes:
Originally posted by neonwire
Originally posted by Perdition_uk

Erm... so it's a chat room/second life sort of thing? Like may of the posts above... what is there to "do". What's the purpose, the goal? 

 


 

Yep this says it all about peoples mentality. Take away the mindless killing and suddenly the game becomes just another "chat room/second life sort of thing". Add the mindless killing back into the game with a pointless leveling treadmill to jog along and it becomes "Oh cool! A new awesome game to play!".

No option for killing monsters on a massive scale? No chance of getting to roleplay a mass murderer? Oh my gosh! Whats the purpose? Whats the goal? This cant be a real game without mindless violence in it?! If I cant slaughter everything.....then....whats.....the....point? I dont get it!!! Waaaagghhhhh!!!!!

Oh dear.......why are people so lame?

 

Wow... you got all that from someone asking a question about what there was to do? Jesus dude... you're reacting like I walked into your house and pissed on your kids!. What I am asking is... what is the purpose? Is it social, economic, puzzle solving, a mystery to uncover, a world to explore?. Nothing in that article said what it was.

I never mentioned combat, missing or otherwise. Christ... there's no combat in Sim City... it still has a clear goal and a purpose.

So, there's nothing "lame" or whining about it. Just a question.... which so far no one has managed to answer.

 

 

New Post Quote
4/27/09 4:19:13 PM
 
gnlLucid writes:
Originally posted by neonwire
Originally posted by Perdition_uk

Erm... so it's a chat room/second life sort of thing? Like may of the posts above... what is there to "do". What's the purpose, the goal? 

 


 

Yep this says it all about peoples mentality. Take away the mindless killing and suddenly the game becomes just another "chat room/second life sort of thing". Add the mindless killing back into the game with a pointless leveling treadmill to jog along and it becomes "Oh cool! A new awesome game to play!".

No option for killing monsters on a massive scale? No chance of getting to roleplay a mass murderer? Oh my gosh! Whats the purpose? Whats the goal? This cant be a real game without mindless violence in it?! If I cant slaughter everything.....then....whats.....the....point? I dont get it!!! Waaaagghhhhh!!!!!

Oh dear.......why are people so lame?


 

Overreacting; You're doing it... pretty damn well actually.

New Post Quote
4/28/09 5:41:27 PM
 
maxstone writes:

This actually does look to be interesting as a "mature" version of the Sony game "Free Realms"...both of them have the same general concept going on for them as far as the casual aspects but without the faries and goblins and other fantasy tropes.

 

 

I can say as a beta tester of Free Realms that it became addicting quite easily because of the pick-up-and-play nature of the mini-games..so if Gatheryn has even half of that going for it I'll play it too.

New Post Quote
4/28/09 11:04:00 PM
 
JeroKane writes:
Originally posted by beauturkey

 The only game that I can compare it to would be Myst Online, which was incredible.

 Essentially, you had an avatar and housing, but would solve puzzles solo or with friends. Doesn't sound very deep, but the story for Gatheryn so far seems to be really cool. It is a "casual" game meaning that there isn't combat. There are lot's of "normal" mmo's that players don't fight in, already! (Or fight very little.) 

 

 Beau

 

Myst Online incredible? In what way?

Housing? In what way? Or you mean that small room with books to click on so you could travel to one of the various exploration zones.

Wich in turn were EXACTLY the same, with EXACTLY the same puzzles you had done already with the single player games of the series.

The only difference with Myst Online was that they created a central hub where people could meet up, in wich they gave a new meaning to the word LAG.

The game was a complete disgrace to the series. Hence the reason it flopped so misserably fast.

And now they try to go Open Source in a hope they can get the game actually working properly as it should have been in the first place.

 

Sorry, but couldn't resist responding on your Myst Online is incredable statement! As I have been in the Closed Beta for quite some time and saw it going down just as fast the moment it tried to launch.

Cheers

New Post Quote
4/29/09 12:49:04 PM
 
Gurubear writes:

Ooh, very interesting.

It is like a Victorian version of Wurm Online

(Who are soon releasing a new non-pvp server, by the way - perfect for casual playing.)

I dont know how flexible this will be - can you terraform the ground, cut down and plant forests and so on like Wurm - but I love the setting and the use of shops and so on.

Will definitely go and have a play when it happens.

And good luck to the developers - I have always had a feeling that there is a big market out there, who are currently not playing games becasue they dont want constant battles and feel like they are being harrassed and sworn at by a load of thugs. It is a market that will be difficul to open up, but probably worth while in the long run.

New Post Quote
4/30/09 10:56:23 AM
 
Cosner writes:

MMORPG have set up a forum board for this game here http://www.mmorpg.com/gamelist.cfm/game/402/view/forums

 

~Cosner~

New Post Quote
5/03/09 11:41:47 AM
 
TweFoju writes:

a retirement camp? lol, not at all

in fact this type of game can be a breakthrough in the world of MMO,

after 5 years of hard core gaming with WoW and GuildWars, this game sounds just about right for me to go casual from now

especially that now i have worked, there is no way i could follow the schedule of my guild raid time ( which is too bad =(

but well, this game definitely interest me, and i will closely follow this game, might even try on the beta now

i hope the publisher will be a good one

 

New Post Quote
9/19/09 3:48:56 PM
 
Wrender writes:
Originally posted by akiira69

 I have found my dream game and it is called Gatheryn. I hope they put up a beta reg form soon cause I want in.


 

Well your dreams have come true ! Download and play NOW !

http://mindfusegames.com/beta-faq.html

New Post Quote
9/19/09 4:01:20 PM
 
TweFoju writes:

after 30 min of exploring in Gatheryn, could summed up a few points

-almost no ppl in the game

-graphic look decent for a beta

-basically the game is probably only 30% done

-UI very simple, and friendly

New Post Quote
9/19/09 4:53:49 PM
 
Leave this field empty
Post Your Comment:
Our RSS 2.0 News Feed

Special Offer

Sponsored Links

Reviews:
Hellgate: London Review : 7.0 Reviewed on Tuesday April 15
The 2011 Re-Review : 6.5 Reviewed on Friday June 24
The Official Review : 8.7 Reviewed on Thursday March 31
Istaria: Horizons Re-Review : 7.1 Reviewed on Wednesday August 24
Wizard 101 Review : 8.0 Reviewed on Thursday November 20
Popular Features:
Player Perspectives : Content Locusts Killed My MMO Column added on Friday January 27
It used to be that hitting the level cap in an MMO was something that... Read More
Star Wars: The Old Republic : Good Cop, Bad Cop – SWTOR General Article added on Monday January 30
There is no question that Star Wars: The Old Republic has stirred strong feelings on... Read More
General : The 2011 Player’s Choice Winners Award added on Thursday January 19
A couple of weeks ago, we asked you, our valuable readers, to vote for those... Read More
The WoW Factor : What is a “WoW Killer?” Column added on Monday January 16
Everyone is always looking for that game that will be a "WoW Killer" but what... Read More
The Secret World : Deck Templates Dev Journal added on Thursday February 09
The Secret World is going to feature one of the most complex abilities systems in... Read More