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Spiral Knights

Score: 90%
ESRB: Not Rated
Publisher: Sega
Developer: Three Rings
Media: Download/1
Players: Massively Multiplayer
Genre: Action/ MMORPG

Graphics & Sound:

I have a feeling I'll end up saying this more often in the future, but multiplayer games are best judged a few months after release rather than a few weeks. So, consider this more of a snapshot impression rather than a long-term outlook. That said, Spiral Knights is an incredibly fun MMO that manages to provide players with an experience usually reserved for "boxed" releases.

Spiral Knights is browser-based, meaning you can play it on nearly any computer with access to the Internet. I tested the game out on multiple computers and only noticed a major performance hit on weaker Internet connections. Even then, the game's art-style stood out. While some players may discount the visuals as being "too cute," I was immediately drawn to the unique style. You begin with a generic-looking knight, but you soon unlock a number of alternate weapon and armor types, allowing for more creative freedom.

Audio is basic, but every bit as entertaining as the visuals. The soundtrack is upbeat and jazzy, but with a slight 8-bit edge. Similar to the gameplay, music is highly reminiscent of games like Zelda and hits a nice sweet spot. It's noticeable and enhances gameplay, but never gets in the way.


Gameplay:

Spiral Knights's gameplay resembles a cross between Zelda (particularly, Four Swords) and Diablo. The basic concept is incredibly easy; you play as a knight who is charged with venturing into a series of rotating dungeons in search of minerals and a mysterious energy source that, if found, could help re-power your (and your fellow players') ships.

Gameplay primarily revolves around venturing through dungeons with three other players in search of treasure. Dungeons rotate throughout the day, so it is unlikely you'll ever see the same dungeon twice, which is an incredibly nice touch, especially for a browser-based game. Before venturing into the dungeons, you can travel around the Arcade, where you can purchase new weapons and armor. Similar to dungeons, items constantly rotate, offering plenty of reason to keep checking for new gear.

The Arcade also serves as the entrance to dungeons. Every dungeon is a four-player affair, though if you can't find friends to join up with, you're automatically assigned to a group. I am usually uncomfortable playing with people I don't know, particularly in games where teamwork is an important aspect. Although the community is still rather young, I was impressed by how active and helpful players are, especially to new players just learning the ropes. Going forward, community is going to be incredibly important, so it's great to see it off to a good start.


Difficulty:

There are a lot of moving parts, making it hard to get an accurate difficulty gauge. Dungeons get harder the further down you go, though with the right party, even deeper floors are easy. Of course, the opposite is also true. Although I enjoyed the community, I noticed a few players got really quiet the minute we stepped into the dungeon, so it was hard to solve some of the "harder" puzzles, particularly when they required everyone stepping on the same switch. I really recommend finding a couple of real life friends to join you, or at least try to make in-game friends with some of the more competent players you come across. It will make your adventures so much easier.

Game Mechanics:

Choosing gear is a key to surviving deeper dungeons. Rather than level your character, your gear earns experience every time you complete a floor. Each level brings new abilities and power upgrades, forcing you to really think about what you're wearing. It's not enough to just grab the most powerful items on the rack. Instead, you need to decide what abilities are important and what armor you're willing to give up in order to earn new upgrades.

Combat is incredibly easy; just point and click. However, just hacking away won't get you anywhere since you need to learn attack patterns and rely on party tactics if you want to defeat larger bosses or enemy swarms. Spiral Knights offers a couple of control options. It's possible to just play with your mouse, though a WASD and mouse variation is available. Both options are good, though I preferred plugging in a controller.

Spiral Knights is a "Free to Play" game. Every day players are given one hundred units of Mist Energy, which is used to enter dungeons or create new items. One hundred units is usually enough to get a decent amount of play, though players can also use real money to purchase more energy. Additionally, players can buy access to special upgrades. Although there's usually a stigma associated with this sort of "velvet rope" approach, it's not a bad deal. The special items are enough to give players a decent boost, though not to the point where non-payers won't have fun.

Time will tell just how successful Spiral Knights will become, but based on my time with it, there's plenty of reason to be optimistic. It's a fun adventure, especially for fans of dungeon hacks and Zelda. Best of all, it is free, so give it a try and have fun.


-Starscream, GameVortex Communications
AKA Ricky Tucker

Minimum System Requirements:



Windows: Windows XP, Vista or 7; Java 1.5; Display 1024 x 600; 1.3 GHz Processor; 64 MB VRAM; 512 MB RAM; 300 MB HDD Space

Mac: OSX 10.4; Java 1.5; Display 1024 x 600; 1.3 GHz Processor; 1 GB RAM; 300 MB HDD Space

Internet Connection: 56k modem or better

 

Test System:



Windows: Windows Vista; 1.6 GHz Dual-Core processor; 2 GB RAM; 120 GB HDD; GeForce 7900

Mac: OSX Version 10.6.6; 2.66 GHz Intel Core i7; 8 GB RAM; 500 GB HDD; NVidia GeForce GT 330m

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