Illusion Castle Radiant Hall Patch Notes

Scheduled for a July release, Cabal PH has yet something new to look forward to. Featuring two new dungeons, a new item, and an improved party system, what else could game developer ESTsoft be hiding under sleeves that will be bigger than this?



Here to show you the preliminary notes of the upcoming patch scheduled to be implemented this July on CO PH. Other essential screenshots and info will follow as soon as they are available.


1. Added Daily Quests
(1) New quests are initialized at 00:00 everyday.



2. Key Mapping and Option Renewal
(1) Key Mapping: Users can set their own shortcut keys during playing game.
(2) Added Chatting Macro

3. Added new MD Illusion Castle Radiant hall



(1) Level Requirement : From 130 (BSLV11)
(2) Entrance Item: Apocalypse of Outer World* (*item names are subject to change)
(3) Location : Lakeside Illusion Castle (X:171, Y:171)
(4) Time Limit : 3 hours
(5) Reward :15,000 honor points (There is no Core Cube reward)
(6) Title: Phantasmal Origin Specialist* (HP increasing option) (*item names are subject to change)

4. Added Unique Accessory

(1) Name : Drosnin’s Earrings* (*item names are subject to change)
(2) Level Requirement: 130
(3) Basic Option : Defense +10, Defense rate +100
(4) Unique Option : Defense +5, +10, +15
HP +20, +35, +50
HP Steal Cap +10, +15, +20
→ Three options among the options above will be given randomly.
(5) Attribute: Character Bind, Can equip up to two.

5. Added new DX Dungeon Catacomb Frost



(1) Level Requirement : 110 (BSLV11)
(2) Entrance Item : Frozen Clue
(3) Location: “The Altar of the Blizzard” in Bloody Ice
(4) Time Limit : 25 minutes
(5) Reward: None
→Drop type is same as the other DX dungeons. It drops ‘boots’ type equipment.

6. Added Party Search and Improved Party System

(1) Updated System



(2) Basic Information
A. Characters do not belong to party can open party search by using party shortcut key. (default: P)
B. Cabal Menu > Community
- Party search UI can be opened through party menu.
- Characters do not belong to party can either open party search UI or check the possibility of party search registration via party context menu.
- When users are on party, party search UI can be checked so as to make parties with same goals to be able to unify when they want.
→Users cannot open party search when they are in war channel or at DX dungeon.

7. Composition of UI and Its Activation

(1)Search

A. Select channel and click search button at channel combo box, party that include the particular channel will be shown.
B. Type in the search text that you want to filter in the search box, party with the text on recruitment text will be shown.
C. Lists can be refreshed by F5 key. Shortcut Key does not work to choose party members when party search UI has been activated.



8. Party Application

(1) You can apply to the party that you choose on the list.
(2) Characters that are already involved in party deactivate on the list.

9. Party Registration and Cancelling Registration

(1) Click “Register Party” icon to register party.
(2) When you are registered for party search, the icon will be “Cancel Registration”
(3) Party registration can be cancelled by clicking “Cancel Registration” icon.
(4) The icons are not visible for party members except for party leaders.
(5) Party Search List

A. Show information about parties that register party search.
B. You can find up to 50 lists at one time. The party that registered the most recent will come first.


(6) Channel

A. Party leader shows current channel.
B. List can be sorted by channel button.


(7) Recruitment Text

A. The text which party leader typed in search box.
B. List can be sorted by recruitment text button.


(8) Party Members

A. The fixed number of party members decided by party members and party leaders is shown.
B. List can be sorted by party members button


(9) Party Leader

A. Party leader’s class, nation, level, character name is shown.
B. You can apply to party and also can have private talk with party leader



10. How to Register Party Search

(1) Click Party search UI “Party Registration” button to activate party registration UI.
(2) Party search registration can be done by party leader or characters with higher than Lv10 that do not belong to any party.

A. In order to prevent any commercial and other inappropriate recruitment texts, level limitation exists.
B. In order to prevent dual registration, characters and party leaders that do not belong to any party have an authority to register party.
C. The character that register party search and make party becomes party leader.


(3) Party registration box constitution and function

A. Recruitment Text
→ Recruitment text can be typed in.
Maximum 40 bytes.
Basic text (I am looking for party members.) is given. If you click input box the message will be deleted.
B. Fixed number of party members
→ Maximum number of party members can be designated.
You can either type the number in input box or click button to make the number bigger or smaller.
Minimum number of party member: current party member +1, Maximum: 7
If typed number is bigger than 7, change the number to 7.
When party registration box is activated, the basic number of party members is 7. (It is based on maximum number of party members)





11. How to Cancel Party Search Registration

(1) Party leader can cancel party search registration by using party search UI “cancel registration” button.
(2) When the number of party members exceeds the fixed number, party search will be canceled.

A. When you set the fixed number of party members to 6 and there are more than 6 members, party search will be canceled.
B. If the number of party members exceeds 7 when it registers a party, party search will be canceled.
C. System message will be shown.
“Party search registration has been canceled as the number of party member exceeds the fixed number.”


(3) If you enter DX dungeon while you are on party search, the party search will be canceled.

A. System message will be shown.
“Party search registration has been canceled as you enter DX dungeon.”


(4) If character that does not register party search joins party, the party will be canceled.

A. System message will be shown.
“Party has been canceled as you are not registered in party search.”


(5) Party search registration will be canceled as the party dissolve.

12. Party Member Channel and Area Information

(1) Mouse over party member’s class level mark, Party member’s channel, regional information will be shown in tooltip.
(2) The reason why we limit the function only to class level mark is to minimize the trouble seeing tooltip while choosing party members, menu and checking the status of buff.
(3) Party member’s channel and regional information includes channel, region (field or dungeon) and nation.
(4) Party member’s channel and regional information will not be shown when they are offline.

13. Party UI Hide Function

(1) Hide and activate party UI by using a button.
(2) Add hiding (minimizing) button on Party UI’s upper left.
(3) Minimizing button is being shown only when you mouse over party UI.
(4) When UI is minimized, UI activation button will be added at the same place and the button will be shown all the time.
(5) Hide and activate party UI by using shortcut key.
(6) Hide and activate party UI by using party shortcut key .(Basically :P)

14. Change of Rules for Partying Among Characters with Different Nation

(1) Previous
If one of the two characters with different nations is at war field, party application is impossible.

A. Party is possible on normal field or dungeons even if nations are different.
B. When characters with different nations want to make a party and enter a dungeon in war field should make a party in normal field and move to war field.


(2) New
If characters know each other’s character name and information, party application is possible.

A. Since other character’s character menu is unable to be seen at war field, you should know their name so that you can invite them.




Credits: Cabal PH

Cabal Online 2: The Fate of Rivals

ESTsoft's second self-developed MMORPG Cabal Online 2: The Fate of Rivals (working title), sequel to the famous project Cabal Online, is being developed under four principles including popularity, abundance, quality and uniqueness. ESTsoft is trying to seek harmony between solo play and teamwork in the game. In addition, they will provide changeable dungeons and unique storylines for each class.





Cabal Online 2: The Fate of Rivals is scheduled to meet players in Q4, 2010.


Credits: MMOSite

The Feel and Taste of Dragonica

Dragonica PH has recently concluded its Alpha Testing and I happened to take part in it. My character did not even reach Level 20, thus I was not able to change its Job Class. However, I still had fun exploring the first few maps and whacking the cute monsters.

Dragonica Online is a 3D side scrolling action adventure game developed by Barunson Interactive and Publishing varies by region and server. Dragonica, like all side scroller MMOs, has been compared to Maple Story and type casted as a Maple Story wannabe. It’s quite the contrary, with strong graphic demand, focus on high intensity combat, colorful, interactive environments with quirky animated backgrounds and various interfaces and innovations to the otherwise stagnant 2D MMO franchises. Dragonica, though, is in a league of its own.

Gameplay: 8/10





Combat: It plays much like a two dimensional version of Devil May Cry, with a combo system that gives you bonuses based on how many hits you have landed and each class has a tree full of flashy skills and aerial techniques. Combat is intense, with enemies charging directly at the players, using monster skills and forming large mobs to stack damage on players all at once.

Combat can happen in two places: in the field and on Mission Maps. Field killing in Dragonica has been revised compared to other games of its genre to reward players for training. Each monster killed outside of an instance adds 1 score to the Monster Count. The Monster Count meter has different tiers at 100, 300, 500, 700 and 1000, each giving a treasure chest for that kill amount. These treasure chests reward an item at random based on the character’s level.

Also unlike other 2D games, field kills are not the majority of the leveling experience. Mission Maps, sets of five instances based on party size and level, comprises most of a player’s training. Mission Maps have a set level of monsters and play arcade style, where just as in Double Dragon or any old side-scrolling beat’em up, you are required to defeat all the opponents before continuing to the next map. Since experience in Dragonica is not divided between players in a party and all experience is shared, it is advised to play in a party. There are also Friend Points that are received by monster kills by you or your friends while partied. 1 Friend Point = 1 XP and can be traded in at NPCs in town for a small fee.

Features: (8.4/10 Overall)

Couple System (9/10): Dragonica has a Couple System, which is more beneficial than not. When you sign on, it will inform you of players of the opposite sex in the general area with their level. Couples, like many of the features in this game, aren’t just for show and players in couple are rewarded with an active buff while your significant other is in the party and an item called couple warps, allowing you to teleport to your partner’s location.

Complaint with the Couple System: You can’t turn off the couple notice when you log on or block couple requests.

Cash Shop (8/10): The cash shop is full of useful items which give a varying amount of advantage to the players who buy game cash. It not only includes fashion items and sets, which can be bought permanently, but also misc items and consumables.

Complaint with Cash Shop: Although there isn’t a significant advantage, as in EXP gain rate, when upgrading items, they are at risk of damage or destruction at a certain point and the only way to protect them is with Enchantment Insurance Scrolls, which have to be bought from the cash shop. Players with upgraded gear have better stats, damage and defense than those without. Cash Shop is more beneficial to the competitive.

Upgrading Gear (7/10): Equipment in Dragonica can be upgraded by either refining or enchanting it. Refining can be performed at the blacksmith NPC and uses consumable items called Armor/Weapon Enchancement Powder. Refining increases the defense or attack of an item. Enchanting, also known as increasing soul force, uses souls you receive by breaking down spare items in your inventory. Depending on the soul force of an item and rank increasing it to, the soul cost changes and the stat bonus gets better. Both cost gold and both can destroy an item without Insurance scrolls.

Complaint with Upgrading Gear: See Cash Shop above.

Guilds (10/10): Guilds in Dragonica are much more than a name above a player’s head. Guilds, besides being a status symbol, provide otherwise unavailable quests which award experience, gold and guild points to level the guild. They have three different levels, each allowing a new maximum amount of players and guild skills can be purchased, giving players who belong to high leveled guilds a distinct advantage. There are also guild wars called Emporia Wars, which allow for 30v30 PvP battle.

Complaint about Guilds: None.

PvP (8/10): Dragonica also distinguishes itself from other 2D MMOs by incorporating PvP. Unlike La Tale though, which has also done this, PvP is room based and players are allowed to set the rules of the match, change the map in which the battles will occur and manage which players are allowed in the room and will participate in the match. Currently, PvP has three modes: Elimination, Death Match and Free For All. Elimination is Round Based, and when a player is killed, they sit out of the match until their team is defeated and the next round starts. Best of 10 rounds wins. Death Match is a 3 minute minimum 1 round game where the most kills wins. Players respawn as soon as they are defeated until the match is over. Free For All is a version of Death Match, without the team aspect. Level difference and gear make a huge difference in PvP and it can be more about who is stronger experience-wise than who is more skilled.





Complaints with PvP: PvP in Dragonica is extremely glitchy. Air combos are a major part of most classes fighting styles, but when a player is downed, it appears as if they have moved to a different spot, then appear back at the location where they were downed. Also, there have been glitches where after a player is hit, it appears as if they have no health and the health display will be glitched. There have been instances in which players have noted that they will go in slow motion as if they have been killed, but will be able to continue moving, although they will become invisible to their opponent and not able to hit them. It’s also possible to log out in the middle of a match and forfeit at the expense of experience, as if you had died in combat.

Graphics: 9/10

In Dragonica, there are auras, particle effects, flashy skills and interactive backgrounds galore. There isn’t a lack of visual beauty anywhere the player travels and the environments become more intricate as you level and explore. There is so much going on, the fine details and intricacies of the environments can be missed if you don’t stop to take a moment and watch what’s going on in the landscape. It’s hard, if possible to ask much more from a 3D game.

Sound: 6/10

The sound in Dragonica can become extremely annoying after an extended period of gameplay. The soundtrack doesn’t change between mission maps until you reach the boss and the theme outside in the field is short and loops over and over without pause, making the entire feel of the game seem to drag on. Along with this, the sound effects for skills, especially with critical hits, can be downright frustrating. I’ve found myself turning off my sound and just watching the action happen.

Class System and Character Creation: 7.5/10

Dragonica is just as clear cut as any other MMORPG with its class system. There are Archers and Magicians which "pew pew" and there are Thieves and Warriors which "woosh woosh". What sets Dragonica apart from other 2D MMOs is that it has an additional path for each class and there is a noticeable class balance. It would have been rated 10/10 if it weren’t for certain issues in the community with classism. Certain classes, although balanced, like the Assassin and Knight are considered PvP classes and because their lack of AoE attacks, get kicked from parties more likely than not. Non-DPS classes are not appreciated by most of the community which makes them rarer and even harder to play. Character Creation offers many different hair styles and unique eye and hair colors. Players can’t change their skin color though and all start with the same beginner’s uniform.




Non-Combat Features: 2/10

Dragonica currently doesn’t offer anything to do besides level and PvP. There is cooking and crafting, but crafting only helps improve gear and cooking materials have to be obtained by killing monsters. If you don’t feel like fighting every time you sign on, Dragonica is not for you. Ironically for the Priest, this support class is one of the fastest DPS dealing classes. The reason this score isn’t an outright 0/10 is because there are many places to sit and chat in town and with friends who will supply you with materials. You can just support other players with food and by merchanting. Dragonica could use some mini-games to give players an alternative to combat.

Summary:

Dragonica is a lot of fun and extremely competitive and fast paced. In the scheme of 3D gaming, it is a big, gulping breath of fresh air. It does have its faults though and if you are not one who likes fighting all the time, Dragonica doesn’t offer you any other options. If you are a fan of side-scrolling 3D action, PvP fighting and competitiveness, Dragonica is right up your gaming alley.

Gameplay: 8/10
Features: 8.4/10
Graphics: 9/10
Sound: 6/10
Class System and Character Creation: 7.5/10
Noncombat Features: 2/10
Final Score: 6.8


Review from ggFTW

Blade and Soul CBT Postponed

Though the development is going smoothly as planned(internal test finished), it's still unknown when Blade & Soul, one of the highly anticipated projects in 2010, will launch its closed beta test in South Korea, since its test aim and plan have changed.


As NCsoft expressed in its first quarter financial conference call which was held on May 7, 2010, NCsoft has got a general idea about Blade & Soul through some internal tests. Large-scale closed beta tests will be carried out, but the detailed schedule is still not confirmed, contrary to what NCsoft unveiled previously.

In the conference call held in this February, NCsoft's representative Kim Tack Jin said that Blade & Soul had entered the final development stage and was set to be pushed into the market in 2011. He disclosed that there's no reason for any delay, and the game was slated for closed beta in the first half of 2010.





NCsoft explained that the delay was due to their modifications in Blade & Soul's CBT aim. According to NCsoft's CFO Lee Jae Ho, the development team had carried out further discussion on the CBT, and agreed to change the original plan for the sake of a better CBT.

Lee Jae Ho said that it's impossible for Blade & Soul to start CBT recently, and hard in June ~ July.





NCsoft plans to run different kinds of large-scale closed beta tests like stress test for Blade & Soul, so as to allow more players to adventure around the gaming world and have the game go into its open beta more naturally and smoothly.

Lee Jae Ho said that the game's development was going smoothly as planned, and its commercial operation would also be ignited upon its open beta.

Anyway, Blade & Soul will enter the market in 2011 as originally planned. But its CBT aim and scale still require more preparations. With view to this, it's expected that Blade & Soul will launch its first closed beta in the fourth quarter of 2010 (October ~ December), and commercial operation in the first half of 2011.

Credits: MMOSite

Cabal Belt Drops Location

The addition of Belt accessory to Cabal has made a lot of interesting changes in how the players equip their characters. The trend has leaned towards a balance between offense and defense.


This list is currently incomplete. Hunt away!

Belt of Rapid (adds dex points)

+0 (+1 Dex)

* Weak LiD - Zigdris Faello

+1 (+2 Dex)
+2 (+3 Dex)
+3 (+4 Dex)

* Weak EoD B1F - Last Chest

+4 (+5 Dex)

* Lake in Dusk - Zigdris Faello



Belt of Guard (increases def)

+0 (+2 Def)

* Ruina Station Last Chest

+1 (+3 Def)

* EoD B1F - Mergaheph Chest

+2 (+4 Def)

* Volcanic Citadel - Last Chest

+3 (+5 Def)

* EoD B2F - Killian Chest

+4 (+6 Def)

* Forgotten Temple B1F - Last Chest




Belt of Vital (increases HP)

+0 (+20 HP)

* Ruina Station - Last Chest

+1 (+30 HP)

* EoD B1F - Mergaheph Chest

+2 (+40 HP)

* Volcanic Citadel - Last Chest

+3 (+50 HP)

* EoD B2F - Killian Chest

+4 (+60 HP)

* Forgotten Temple B1F Last Chest




Belt of Prevent (Resist Critical Damage)

+0 (2% Critical Damage Resist)

* Illusion Castle - Last Chest

+1 (3% Critical Damage Resist)
+2 (4% Critical Damage Resist)

* Altar of Siena B1F - Last Chest

+3 (5% Critical Damage Resist)

* Altar of Siena B2F - Siena Chest

+4 (6% Critical Damage Resist)

* Forgotten Temple B2F - Tyrant Chest




Belt of Damp (Resist Skill Amp)

+0 (1% Skill Amp Resist)

* Illusion Castle - Last Chest

+1 (2% Skill Amp Resist)

* Forbidden Island - Last Legacy chest

+2 (3% Skill Amp Resist)

* Illusion Castle - Last Chest
* Altar of Siena B2F - Last Chest
* Altar of Siena B1F - Last Chest

+3 (4% Skill Amp Resist)

* Altar Of Siena B2F

+4 (5% Skill Amp Resist)

Credits: Cabal EU