As we keep rolling with our weekly MMO Launch Spotlight which showcases what games labeled as “MMO” released across various platforms throughout the week, I can’t help but be amused at some of the interesting listings. This week we saw a few Chinese-only MMOs hit Steam, Mad World made a big debut, and Kritika Zero hit the scene. Let’s jump into it.
Sword Dance
Chinese game Sword Dance appeared on Steam last week on January 19th, just barely missing our previous Launch Spotlight. The game has a very mobile-friendly UI, with a lot of daily events to receive rewards. Offered by Yilewan on their official page, Sword Dance has 4 major professions, and aerial combat, with an obvious Eastern setting.
Information is limited, as there is no localization for this title – English is unsupported, so while the game has made its Steam debut, it’s unlikely western players will find much here of note.
Noah City: Rise of the Conqueror
Also known as Dreadnought: Artillery War, this simulation MMO by Leopard Storm released on Steam January 24th, 2024. The game takes place in the year 2065 where climate change has flooded the world, and the balance of power is decided by largescale naval battles. With over 150 warships, fighter jets, and an RTS-style building system, there may be something here for gamers looking for some simulated naval strategy warfare.
You will work alongside other players within your faction, and face off against the other factions as well as an AI opponent, the Scourge Legion. While the game has been available in Chinese markets for a while, they do have English translations for the western market. Leopard Storm is offering a 19 dollar gift code for those wanting to give it a shot: gift code:8iyuy5uxhrhr
Mad World: Age of Darkness
We’ve followed Mad World: Age of Darkness for a while with their original release in April of 2023. The team at Jandisoft has finally released the game on Steam on January 25th, as per their plans to roll the game out across multiple platforms. While the game has released on Steam, we’ve reported that Jandisoft has had some trouble with server issues, and this is reflected in the mixed reviews players have left on the Steam page.
Mad World’s most enticing factor is probably its hand drawn art style that depicts horrific monsters in cartoony detail. The game has just started its 4th season, and gives players the option to change their class at will, providing some unique gameplay opportunities. Will Mad World turn their mixed review rating around? Only time will tell, but if you’re looking for a 2D action MMO, you may want to give this one a go as it’s free to play.
Soulmask
Soulmask is listed as both an MMO and a single player game, and released as a demo on January 25th. Developed by Campfire Studios, Soulmask is a sandbox survival game where you’ll battle animals, other players, and uncover masks that hold powerful secrets. You’ll build settlements and control tribesman as you build out a colony either by yourself or alongside other players.
Soulmask allows for up to 70 players on official servers, so while the game isn’t exactly hitting “MMO” numbers, you have enough players here for some exciting large(ish) scale battles. The team at Campfire Studios plans to fully release Soulmask on other platforms aside from Steam, but for now, they plan their Early Access release sometime in 2024.
Fractured Veil
Fractured Veil hit Steam Early Access on January 25th. Developed by Paddle Creek Games, Fractured Veil takes you to an apocalyptic Maui where you’ll have to survive against some nightmarish fiends. The island’s horrors aren’t the only things to watch out for as PvP is a big part of the survival experience.
You’ll be able to take on dungeons, craft, and progress your character with a multitude of abilities and skills in a 64 square kilometer open world. If Fractured Veil sounds like something you’re into, don’t rush into it too quickly as it currently has a mostly negative review score in its current early access state. Long load times, poor inventory management, and frustrating combat were some of the complaints by players.
On the upside, many positive reviews listed the building and exploration as features they enjoyed. If you’re on the fence, it might be best to skip the box cost for now, and wait until the review scores take a more positive turn (if and when they do) when the game approaches release.
Kritika: Zero
Kritika: Zero released globally this week, though the game is not available on steam but rather Valofe’s own game launcher. The cartoony 3D action RPG expands the world of Kritika Online with fast-paced combat and visually appealing aesthetics. As the game has been available in other regions, you’ll be able to find plenty of information about classes and gameplay in the Discord.
Players will have a choice of 11 different classes, a level cap of 60, and if you jump in now, you’ll get a series of launch rewards such as boosted XP, gold, resurrection stones, and plenty more material rewards.
