Post by Layla Littlenymph on Jul 15, 2015 17:15:55 GMT -5
Villagers and Heroes
(Formerly titled: AML ~ A Magical Land)
Rated: No ESRB or PEGI rating on file. Extensive game play by the reviewer and associates find only minor reference to alcohol, and zero reference to drugs of any other nature. Acceptable levels of violence with zero graphic depictions of excess violence and sexuality. No inference of vulgar language. The reviewer would rate this game as "family friendly" appropriate to all ages 10 and up.
Developer: Mad Otter Games
Publisher: Mad Otter Games
Release Date: Apr 17, 2014
System Requirements: Posted in *Notes at end of review, below.
A comment from the staff at Mad Otter Games:
Mad Otter Games is very excited to announce Villagers and Heroes: REBORN, the latest in a long line of changes that brings a whole new life to the game.
Not only can veteran players find exciting new content and features with this major expansion, but we have re-designed the entire game and especially the starter zone to make those first several hours in the game more exciting and immersive.
Music Credits:
"Long Road Ahead" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
"Perspectives" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
"Schmetterling" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
"Folk Round" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
~ Mad Otter Games
Villagers and Heroes Introduction.
Villagers and Heroes is a classic MMORPG that has been compared to the likes of Runescape and WoW. While I feel that a direct comparison to these games is less than accurate, I would go so far as to say that players from these other titles will find it an easy transition in terms of game play and mechanics. If you have not played these other titles, you will find that the base mechanics of game play are not that difficult to pick up on, thanks in large part to the games opening quest which serves double duty as a well crafted tutorial. While the game offers many of the traditional aspects found in other games of this genre, it has an acceptable learning curve. The main thing that differentiates this game from those previously mentioned is that it is more casual than hardcore, which results in a friendlier community than the average game of this nature.
Like many other games in the fantasy genre, V&H has a medieval setting in which characters engage in three related aspects of game play. Combat and exploration, gathering, and crafting. There is an additional element of game play with the inclusion of villages. Characters can join join a stand alone or guild village where they maintain a house which grants additional storage, raise crops in their own gardens, and maintain a small ranch which yields components useful for crafting.
Despite being squarely in the middle of a somewhat crowded genre, V&H offers a few aspects that make it somewhat unique. The most unique aspect in my mind is an add on to crafting referred to as the Gnog station. Through gnoging, a character can take existing gear and modify its looks and aspects. They can add and remove the various feats and abilities inherent to gear to create custom gear tailored to the individual needs of the character. Another feature that was added just this past year is the ability for a character to be "Reborn" which allows them to reset their combat stats and advance their character with bonuses, without the loss of non-combat achievements. My most favorite aspect of the game however does not have so much to do with the game itself as it does the games community. The owners and staff at Mad Otter Games have a reputation for being receptive to their customers, which results in player driven development. In actual game play, a player will find the game itself to be well moderated, which results in a play environment remarkably free of Trolls and Drama-llamas. Of all the on-line games I have played, Villagers and Heroes has perhaps the most friendly and welcoming community that I have ever encountered.
Notes:
Villagers and Heroes is available through the Steam Network as well as a SAC (stand alone client) download. While company ToS discourages multiple accounts, players are allowed to have both a Steam and SAC account. Current character creation is limited to three characters, but that character limitation is server based, meaning you can have up to three characters on each available server. Developers have hinted that a fourth character slot is likely in future updates.
Villagers and Heroes is a F2P (free to play) game. It's cash market largely consists of cosmetic and convenience items, but players can purchase items that will increase speed, power, storage capacity and so forth. Many F2P games are often accused as being secretly P2W (pay to win), but I feel V&H is unworthy of that accusation. A game becomes P2W when it limits game content or features to non members, and/or offer such items in their cash shop as to make it impossible for non-member players to keep up. A free player of V&H will find zero restrictions on content and features, and it is entirely possible to play to end game content without making purchases.
System Requirements:
MINIMUM:
OS: Windows® 8, 7, Vista, or XP
Processor: Intel® Pentium® D or AMD Athlon™ 64 X2
Memory: 2 GB RAM
Graphics: On board graphics
DirectX: Version 9.0
Network: Broadband Internet connection
Storage: 3 GB available space
RECOMMENDED:
OS: Windows® 8, 7, Vista, or XP
Processor: Intel® Core 2 Duo 2.2GHz, AMD Athlon™ 64 X2 2.6GHz or better
Memory: 4 GB RAM
Graphics: Graphics card with 512 MB of memory or more
DirectX: Version 9.0
Network: Broadband Internet connection
Storage: 3 GB available space
Verdict:
Littlemeter: 89.75/100
I find Villagers and Heroes to be a family friendly, enjoyable game, with a decent story line that is well suited for those looking for something a little different from other games in this genre. Oddly enough, some of the things which recommend it to some would be a turn off for others, so you will find the same items listed in both pros as well as cons. It is in large part a matter of what you are looking for. If you are looking for a fantasy based game with lots of features and content that has a lower learning curve than average while still managing to maintain a family friendly environment, I would strongly recommend you give this game a try.
Pros:
* Free to play.
* Family Friendly. In both terms of content and community.
* Gender Friendly. Female and male characters are classed equally with an absence of sexually suggestive clothing for female characters.
* Great Staff. Highly involved owners and developers promote player driven development. Well moderated game and forums.
* No PvP. An absence of player vs. player features leads to a friendlier, less competitive player environment.
* Content. Lots of content, option and diversity in a small package.
* Story Line. A functioning story line and dialog make the game more immersive and interesting.
* Crafting. Well constructed crafting system
Cons:
* Gender Friendly (from above). What!? I can't build a sexy version of Xenia Warrior Princess in skimpy unrealistic armor? No, you can't, but that probably explains the high ratio of female players in V&H. If this is your thing, you will not find it here.
* No PvP (from above). What? What game does not have PvP!? This one does not, by decision of its developers who have pledged that PvP will never be an aspect of V&H. This is a non-starter for some players, but it is probably a huge part of what gives this game its friendly environment. If you enjoy a friendly, diverse community, this is your game. If you are looking for hard core player on player competition... keep looking.
* Story Line (from above). The great story line which starts the game has a tendency to drift apart in the mid game. Developers have indicated that this will be improved upon as the game continues to develop, but for the moment, it is what it is.
* Crafting (from above). A much improved crafting system, but advanced crafting introduces a degree of grind.
* Graphics. Some players will find the look of the game to be somewhat dated.
* Optimization. The game runs much smoother than when first launched, and continues to improve, but it still needs work in this area. Players with less powerful systems may find a need to adjust game settings to achieve better a FPS rate. On the plus side, the game can be set all the way down to 16 bit mode which allows very outmoded systems an opportunity to play.
(Formerly titled: AML ~ A Magical Land)
Rated: No ESRB or PEGI rating on file. Extensive game play by the reviewer and associates find only minor reference to alcohol, and zero reference to drugs of any other nature. Acceptable levels of violence with zero graphic depictions of excess violence and sexuality. No inference of vulgar language. The reviewer would rate this game as "family friendly" appropriate to all ages 10 and up.
Developer: Mad Otter Games
Publisher: Mad Otter Games
Release Date: Apr 17, 2014
System Requirements: Posted in *Notes at end of review, below.
Feature Trailer: Villagers and Heroes - Reborn.
Villagers and Heroes was given a massive overhaul in late 2015, and continues to get frequent updates from its small but dedicated staff of indie developers.
Villagers and Heroes was given a massive overhaul in late 2015, and continues to get frequent updates from its small but dedicated staff of indie developers.
A comment from the staff at Mad Otter Games:
Mad Otter Games is very excited to announce Villagers and Heroes: REBORN, the latest in a long line of changes that brings a whole new life to the game.
Not only can veteran players find exciting new content and features with this major expansion, but we have re-designed the entire game and especially the starter zone to make those first several hours in the game more exciting and immersive.
Music Credits:
"Long Road Ahead" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
"Perspectives" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
"Schmetterling" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
"Folk Round" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
~ Mad Otter Games
Villagers and Heroes Introduction.
Villagers and Heroes is a classic MMORPG that has been compared to the likes of Runescape and WoW. While I feel that a direct comparison to these games is less than accurate, I would go so far as to say that players from these other titles will find it an easy transition in terms of game play and mechanics. If you have not played these other titles, you will find that the base mechanics of game play are not that difficult to pick up on, thanks in large part to the games opening quest which serves double duty as a well crafted tutorial. While the game offers many of the traditional aspects found in other games of this genre, it has an acceptable learning curve. The main thing that differentiates this game from those previously mentioned is that it is more casual than hardcore, which results in a friendlier community than the average game of this nature.
Like many other games in the fantasy genre, V&H has a medieval setting in which characters engage in three related aspects of game play. Combat and exploration, gathering, and crafting. There is an additional element of game play with the inclusion of villages. Characters can join join a stand alone or guild village where they maintain a house which grants additional storage, raise crops in their own gardens, and maintain a small ranch which yields components useful for crafting.
Despite being squarely in the middle of a somewhat crowded genre, V&H offers a few aspects that make it somewhat unique. The most unique aspect in my mind is an add on to crafting referred to as the Gnog station. Through gnoging, a character can take existing gear and modify its looks and aspects. They can add and remove the various feats and abilities inherent to gear to create custom gear tailored to the individual needs of the character. Another feature that was added just this past year is the ability for a character to be "Reborn" which allows them to reset their combat stats and advance their character with bonuses, without the loss of non-combat achievements. My most favorite aspect of the game however does not have so much to do with the game itself as it does the games community. The owners and staff at Mad Otter Games have a reputation for being receptive to their customers, which results in player driven development. In actual game play, a player will find the game itself to be well moderated, which results in a play environment remarkably free of Trolls and Drama-llamas. Of all the on-line games I have played, Villagers and Heroes has perhaps the most friendly and welcoming community that I have ever encountered.
Notes:
Villagers and Heroes is available through the Steam Network as well as a SAC (stand alone client) download. While company ToS discourages multiple accounts, players are allowed to have both a Steam and SAC account. Current character creation is limited to three characters, but that character limitation is server based, meaning you can have up to three characters on each available server. Developers have hinted that a fourth character slot is likely in future updates.
Villagers and Heroes is a F2P (free to play) game. It's cash market largely consists of cosmetic and convenience items, but players can purchase items that will increase speed, power, storage capacity and so forth. Many F2P games are often accused as being secretly P2W (pay to win), but I feel V&H is unworthy of that accusation. A game becomes P2W when it limits game content or features to non members, and/or offer such items in their cash shop as to make it impossible for non-member players to keep up. A free player of V&H will find zero restrictions on content and features, and it is entirely possible to play to end game content without making purchases.
System Requirements:
MINIMUM:
OS: Windows® 8, 7, Vista, or XP
Processor: Intel® Pentium® D or AMD Athlon™ 64 X2
Memory: 2 GB RAM
Graphics: On board graphics
DirectX: Version 9.0
Network: Broadband Internet connection
Storage: 3 GB available space
RECOMMENDED:
OS: Windows® 8, 7, Vista, or XP
Processor: Intel® Core 2 Duo 2.2GHz, AMD Athlon™ 64 X2 2.6GHz or better
Memory: 4 GB RAM
Graphics: Graphics card with 512 MB of memory or more
DirectX: Version 9.0
Network: Broadband Internet connection
Storage: 3 GB available space
Verdict:
Littlemeter: 89.75/100
I find Villagers and Heroes to be a family friendly, enjoyable game, with a decent story line that is well suited for those looking for something a little different from other games in this genre. Oddly enough, some of the things which recommend it to some would be a turn off for others, so you will find the same items listed in both pros as well as cons. It is in large part a matter of what you are looking for. If you are looking for a fantasy based game with lots of features and content that has a lower learning curve than average while still managing to maintain a family friendly environment, I would strongly recommend you give this game a try.
Pros:
* Free to play.
* Family Friendly. In both terms of content and community.
* Gender Friendly. Female and male characters are classed equally with an absence of sexually suggestive clothing for female characters.
* Great Staff. Highly involved owners and developers promote player driven development. Well moderated game and forums.
* No PvP. An absence of player vs. player features leads to a friendlier, less competitive player environment.
* Content. Lots of content, option and diversity in a small package.
* Story Line. A functioning story line and dialog make the game more immersive and interesting.
* Crafting. Well constructed crafting system
Cons:
* Gender Friendly (from above). What!? I can't build a sexy version of Xenia Warrior Princess in skimpy unrealistic armor? No, you can't, but that probably explains the high ratio of female players in V&H. If this is your thing, you will not find it here.
* No PvP (from above). What? What game does not have PvP!? This one does not, by decision of its developers who have pledged that PvP will never be an aspect of V&H. This is a non-starter for some players, but it is probably a huge part of what gives this game its friendly environment. If you enjoy a friendly, diverse community, this is your game. If you are looking for hard core player on player competition... keep looking.
* Story Line (from above). The great story line which starts the game has a tendency to drift apart in the mid game. Developers have indicated that this will be improved upon as the game continues to develop, but for the moment, it is what it is.
* Crafting (from above). A much improved crafting system, but advanced crafting introduces a degree of grind.
* Graphics. Some players will find the look of the game to be somewhat dated.
* Optimization. The game runs much smoother than when first launched, and continues to improve, but it still needs work in this area. Players with less powerful systems may find a need to adjust game settings to achieve better a FPS rate. On the plus side, the game can be set all the way down to 16 bit mode which allows very outmoded systems an opportunity to play.