In a land overrun with monsters and villains, the mighty wizard Asheron has sent out a call to the bravest warriors and spell casters to return to the land of Dereth via magic portalsYou and thousands of other Internet-connected players assume these adventurers in Asheron's Call.

Unlike other massively multiplayer online role-playing games (or MMORPG, if you prefer), Asheron's Call takes a more holistic approach to game design In the arena of character generation, rather than simply choosing a character class such as warrior or wizard, characters are designed based on the spending of skill pointsIf you want to play as a wizard that also dabbles in swordplay, Asheron's Call lets you make that decisionAnd unlike other MMORPGs available today, Asheron's Call offers a seamless world that avoids the lengthy halts whenever an entire new area is downloaded to the player's local computerThe game achieves this by performing constant smaller downloads behind the scenesThe only noticeable load times occur when you actually delve into a dungeon

These and other innovations--such as an intriguing combat system that involves choosing specific hit locations (which vary from opponent to opponent), a multicomponent spell fabrication system, and extensive character appearance possibilities numbering in the hundreds--make Asheron's Call an enjoyable and new experience for all.

One specific innovation merits special mention--the practice of allegiancesAny MMOPRG will be a bit confusing to new players upon their arrival, regardless of whether they have played games of this genre or notUsually, with polite persistence, new players can discover what they need to know from the more experienced playersAsheron's Call has taken this fact of virtual life and incorporated it into the game through allegiancesAn established character will offer to become a "patron" of another, resulting in a formal relationship in which the elder gives assistance, and perhaps some equipment, while the "vassal" is obligated to perform certain servicesThe vassal can in turn become a patron down the road, thus bringing a full feudal flavor to the game

Depending on the number of vassals a patron has, he or she can even gain title and access to equipment he or she could not have had otherwiseThis means a multitude of players will look to assist new arrivals, and, as either side can end the allegiance, be responsible to uphold their ends of the bargain.

Oddly, unlike in other MMORPGs, your sword and sorcery alter ego on Dereth must be human (though you may select from three different ethnicities)For those wishing to play elves or ogres, other games of this genre are better suited Again we see this lack of diversity in character rolesWhile you can spend character points to increase skills typical for rogues, warriors, priests, or wizards, these are the limit of your choicesThose who wish to assume the role of other fantasy staples, such as that of a necromancer or bard, need to look elsewhere.

But for those who prefer in-depth detail over archetypal breadth, or for those who don't care and just like the idea of adventuring in a world with thousands of other online colleagues, Asheron's Call is a call worth answering --Brus Wasson

Asheron's Call is an online-only role-playing game that immerses players in an original fantasy world, where they must choose to compete or cooperate with thousands of other playersPlayers can create characters that are truly unique with extensive combinations of visual appearance, attributes, and skill setsA detailed and extensive system of allegiance facilitates a dimension of social game play never before experienced in a computer gameThe online nature of this game provides the ability to create an evolving and dynamic adventure inside a persistent universeThe game will never be solved because there will always be more areas to explore and more quests to complete!

NOTE:Gaming Zone membership is required to set your Asheron's Call accountA monthly service charge is applicable after your trial period endsZone Membership is subject to the terms of the Zone License agreement.

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