Yes, it’s that time of year again! Time to take a look into our crystal ball and see what are our most anticipated upcoming MMORPGs are, and see how games from the 2009 MMO list fared. What’s been released, what’s been building up a fan base, and what’s now buried 6 feet under…

Last Year in MMORPGs

2009 saw a number of high profile MMOs take a long walk off a short pier, starting with Richard Garriott’s fun but flawed Tabula Rasa in Feb, and The Matrix Online was turned off in March.

Star Trek Online

Over the last 12 months only 2 of last years MMO list made it out into the world, and they both came from Cryptic Studios. First Cryptic released Champions Online in September 09 to a chorus of indifference. They followed that up by reskinning the Champions Online engine with some shiny Star Trek outfits, and released Star Trek Online in Feb 2010 (more fun than Champions, but still no where near as good as it should have been.)

Other MMO releases last year that weren’t on the ‘Most Anticipated’ list included Fallen Earth (post-apocalyptic MMOFPS), Aion (NCSoft’s fantasy epic developed for Western and Korean markets), and Darkfall (harsh, old school fantasy gameworld, complete with unrestricted PvP and looting). None of them jumped out at us and said ‘buy me’, but if any readers out there have strong opinions on them, and are interested in sending in a review, get in touch.

This years notable exception award goes to…

Just wanted to mention the notable exception of the Buffy the Vampire Slayer MMO and Firefly MMO from this years list. Although i’d still love to see either (or both of them), I’ve left them off the list due to Multiverse’s inability to produce even a single screenshot of a game that’s been in development since 2008… I did speak to a Multiverse rep about both games who told me that their deal with Fox stops gags them from talking about Firefly, and totally sidestepped the issue with Buffy. I rather suspect both games at this point are staked through the heart…

Top 6 Most Anticipated MMORPGs List 2010

6. Blizzard’s New MMO (position last yr – 6th)

What has Blizzard got up it's sleeve

Still not a lot know about Blizzards ‘next big thing’. We were hearing rumours last year that they might be developing WoW2, although I rather suspect that was the Catacysm update that our source saw. The Blizzard guys have since stated that it will be a brand new IP, which makes sense. Blizzard is unlikely to want to license something, and whatever they do produce, they aren’t going to want it to be something that’s upsets the cash taurean that is World of Warcraft. A number of rumours have it as being an MMOFPS, which would be an interesting shift for the developer. An FPS would be easier to push onto a console, and less likely to cannibalise the WoW player base. All we can do for the moment is wait and speculate. The chances are though, if Blizzard are making it, it’s going to be awesome.

Blizzard’s Website | Release Date: TBA

Warhammer 40k MMORPG

5. Warhammer 40K MMO (new entry)

2007 – Vigil Games announced they were making a Warhammer 40k. Woohoo! Post 2007 – *tumbleweed* *howling wind* i.e. nothing… However at a recent investors call, publisher THQ made reference to the W40k MMO, saying it was still in development, and due to be shown at this years E3. Final release is still a while off (2012), but as old school W40k tabletop gamers, it’ll be one GeekTown will be keeping an eye on.

Vigil Games Website | Release Date: 2012

4. LEGO Universe (new entry)

Lego Universe

We at GeekTown love LEGO. It really is one of the greatest toys ever invented. So the chance to combine our love of LEGO and our love of MMOs has to be jumped at. It’s the first MMO to be solidly aimed at children and parents alike. Although LEGO Universe is made by NetDevil, it’s designed to feel a lot like Traveller’s Tales LEGO Star Wars series. More of an MMO-Platformer than an RPG, it makes an interesting proposition to gamers looking for something new in their MMO. Lots of jumping. smashing and collecting items!

Along with the ‘auto-build’ option that’s utilised in the Traveller’s Tales games that builds pre-defined LEGO models, there also options at various points for the player to ‘free build’ with the LEGO pieces you’ve collected. Any free-build items are then turned into in-game models which can be places around your virtual house. There has also been talk of you being able to order the physical LEGO models of items build in game.

LEGO Universe Website | Release Date: Winter 2010

3. DC Universe Online (position last yr – 4th)

Robin, Batman, Batgirl

With the disappointing Champions Online released, Marvel Universe Online canned, then revived, but stuck in development hell, and the fun but ageing City of Heroes/Villans being the only other kid on the block, the market is wide open for a new superhero MMO. And what better Universe to set it in than DC’s world of Batman, Superman, Green Lantern, Wonder Woman, et al.

I’ve always been more of a DC than a Marvel kid, and a massive Batman fan, so the chance to take on missions from the Dark Knight himself really cannot be missed! Release date is currently set for May 2010, and I really can’t wait. My only real misgiving about this game is it’s being published and developed by $ony Online Entertainment… Yes, your correct, i still haven’t forgiven them for the whole Star Wars Galaxies fiasco…

DC Universe Online Website | Release Date: May 2010

2. Stargate Worlds (position last yr – 1st)

Stargate Worlds

Things were worryingly quiet over at Cheyenne Mountain. Stargate Worlds was originally scheduled for a 2008 release… Then 2009… Then in Feb 2010 they filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, although they claimed development on SGW would continue… Then they announced Stargate: Resistance – A third-person shooter. Okay… not exactly what we were expecting, but hopefully it’ll help keep the lights on at Cheyenne Mountain while SGW continues it’s ever delayed development.

It’s such a shame SGW is struggling, as it seems like the perfect setting for an MMO. Lot’s of worlds to visit. Combat focused story environment. Lots of factions and archetypes to pick from. As massive Stargate fans we live in hope that SGW will ride through the rough patch it’s in at the moment, and live to see the light of day.

Stargate Worlds Website | Release Date: UPDATE: Cancelled!

1. Star Wars : The Old Republic (position last yr – 3rd)

SW:tOR

We loved KotOR. Despite it’s missing story lines, we loved KotOR 2. And of course we love Star Wars. We also love Bioware’s games. If you believe the hype, Star Wars: The Old Republic will be the ultimate MMORPG to end all other MMORPGs.

Every class has it’s own unique plot lines. Ever character is fully voiced by real actors (making it the largest voice over project in the history of gaming, radio, tv or cinema). You can be Jedi, Sith, bounty hunter, smuggler, or a number of other Star Warsy archetypes. Each class will support on-the-fly customisation, rather than the tradional MMO tank, healer, Damage dealer etc… making grouping much easier, as your no longer stuck looking for that one specific class to fill the hole in your team.

You’ll have NPC companions (like in KotOR) that stick with you as you level through the game. Some may even become love interests. And NPC interactions won’t be your usual one-way ‘go here, do this’ instructions or just a bunch of text. SW:tOR will utilse a system more akin to Bioware’s Mass Effect/Dragon Age engine, where it’s more of a conversation, and the answers influence your narative.

I think the thing that excites me most about SW:tOR is that Bioware have hit on something that most current developers miss or choose to ignore because it’s hard to do. Just letting a bunch of people play together does not make an MMORPG. An MMO, sure, but not an RPG. Bioware seem determined to put the focus firmly back on the RPG elements. It’s a massive task with some huge hurdles to overcome, but if anyone can pull it off, it’s Bioware.

Star Wars : The Old Republic Website | Release Date: Spring 2011.

What do you think?

So that’s our list. What are the MMOs your most looking forward to? Are there any games you feel should really be on the list.

We’d like to know, so just leave your thoughts in the comments, or contact us here!

As we start 2008, we’re going to be compiling the Geektown Top Ten’s of 2007. And first on that list, is our Top Ten Games. The list is multi-format (excluding handhelds), and is compiled of our favourite games that have been released on either PC, XBox 360, Wii, PS3 in 2007. So here goes….

10. Resistance: Fall of Man

Firstly, this game got terrible bad press this year as one of the maps was based upon a cathedral. Now, I understand that a game company should ask permission to use real buildings and people, but the bad press didn’t just stop there. Somehow, the news twisted it into saying that this game was promoting gun crime in the community, by having a raging gun-fight in the cathedral. The truth?.. The said cathedral is being used as a hospital in the game. There are gun fights that break outside, yes, they break out between soldiers… and invading ALIENS! Hardly something that happens everyday…

Anyway, rant over…

Resistance is a fantastic game! It uses the power of the PS3 to make a truely addictive FPS game backed by a story worthy of not just many sequels, but also movies! Set in an alternate past, the free nations of the world are under attack by a growing alien force, pushing out from the remains of the USSR and Europe. You (sadly an American hero) lead a gallant counter-strike against the aggressors on British soil. This game is a must buy, ignore the bad press and go play it yourself, it is great!

Best Moment: Ironically all the bad press has made the Manchester Cathedral fight one of the best moments.

9. Flow

This is one of the most imaginative games to hit the PSNetwork.  You start the game as a tiny fish, and with each level eat, grow and evolve into more advanced forms.  The game uses only the Six-Axis system of the PS3 controller and uses it very well!  Hypnotic music and beautiful visuals make this a stunning game to play, if a little short.  Can’t wait for the next game by the makers, Flower.

Best Moment: First time you realise you can eat the fish!

8. Peggle

Peggle (for those of you that haven’t played it), is a 2D puzzle game, the object of which is to fire a small balls at coloured pegs to clear the level of all the orange pegs before you run out of balls… and it’s one of the most addictive games on the planet! It’s not so much the basic mechanics of the game, as the brilliant execution of it. It has an adventure mode where you are guided through each level by various cartoon ‘Peggle Masters’ who give you their unique power (like Multiball, or adding Pinball Flippers) when you hit the green pegs. Plus, as your ball comes close to your last orange peg, the screen zooms for a close up. You get an ‘Awww’ from the crowd if you miss, but brilliantly, when you hit, EXTREME FEVER flashes up on screen to a rousing rendition of the Hallelujah Chorus as the ball does it’s last few bounces! Silly and over dramatic, but completely wonderful!

Best Moment: ULTIMATE EXTREME FEVER!! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallllllelujahhhhh!

7. Bioshock

If you haven’t heard of Bioshock, then you’ve obviously been living in Rapture, deep beneath the sea.. This fps game was a major hit this year, already making the key baddy in the game “Big Daddy” a well known name in gaming circles (along with their creepy little sister companions). Released on PC and Xbox 360 it really showed off graphical and writing levels usually not associated with the FPS games.

Survival horror games have come a long way, and this must now be considered in the top 3 of its kind, but as a fan of those types of game, no other game except Silent Hill has ever made me lose sleep… yet.

Best Moment: “Don’t be a slowpoke, Mr. B. Angels don’t wait for slowpokes”

6. Lord of the Rings Online

We joined the Beta test for LotRO back in April. It’s a really good MMO. Some interesting ideas nicely implemented. We did find it was lacking a bit of an end game, but it’s still relatively new, and still growing. Most recently, they’ve added in player housing, helping to add the RPG to MMORPG. It’s certainly one to watch, and if your suffering WoW fatigue, and want to stick to the fantasy genre, LotRO is well worth a look.

Best Moment: The Shire pub crawl mission, and running with pies!

5. Call Of Duty 4: Modern Warfare

Call Of Duty 4, the first of the series to not be based during WW2. This game is visually spectacular, but also boasts an amazing story that’ll keep you playing until your thumbs bleed! Following the lives of two soldiers, one a US Marine and the other a newly recruited SAS Officer, you fight against incredible odds to stop all out war.

Available on all formats (except Wii) this game is stunning. Must say, after playing this (alot) I am a little disappointed Call Of Duty 5 (due for release 2008) will return to the WW2 scenario, I really like the Modern combat and weaponary, even so, COD4 is a classic already!

Best Moment: The nuclear explosion after effects cut scene, tragically good!

4. Super Mario Galaxy

This might be the only Wii Game in the list, but then it really is one of the greatest platformers ever made. Like all good Mario games, there’s a kidnapped princess and a bunch of stars to collect. This time the princess is in another galaxy though and you have to guide and shake Mario through 40 Galaxies, each one with it’s own unique challenges. Very clever, diverse, level designs which are consistently brilliant, and graphics that really show off how pretty stuff can look on the Wii. Mario Galaxy is easily the best Wii game of 2007.

Best Moment: Flying round as a Mario-bee.

3. Mass Effect

Well, what can be said about this game. Bioware seem to be gold when it comes to making outstanding sci-fi games, as I’m sure you’ll know, they made the incredible KOTOR series (with rumours of a KOTOR MMO coming). Mass Effect takes place after man, using discovered alien technology, has started spreading out to the stars. We are most certainly not alone out there! Stunning graphics verging on the artistically beautiful designs, enthralling and addictive story-line all go hand in hand to make this one of the biggest games of the year.

If you don’t own an Xbox 360 yet, then this is the game to make you go out and buy one, I did!

Best Moment: Far too many to list, this is a movie, not a game!

2. Richard Garrett’s Tabula Rasa

Tabula Rasa was another MMO we got into the beta test for. What first strikes you is how different it is to other MMOs. Although it isn’t true FPS, it does a remarkable job of feeling more like an online shooter than a traditional MMO. Fast paced combat, and stupidly big guns! Plus… no Orks. It’s so nice to finally get out of the fantasy world in an MMO and into a Sci-fi one. And it’s a clever original story and world, (not a licence from a franchise that has a predetermined history they’re supposed to fit to… but don’t… **coughStarWarsGalaxiescough**). Currently one of the highest rated MMO on MMORPG.com, it seems we’re not the only ones that think this game deserves some praise for standing out in a Warcraft dominated land of fantasy MMOs.

Best Moment: Taking on squads of 10 mobs at a time with a shotgun… and surviving!

1.Valve’s Orange Box

When we were discussing this list, there was no question what was going to be No. 1…

Orange Box

First off, great value. No only Half-Life 2, Episode 1 and Episode 2, but also the brilliant Team Fortress 2, and the work of genius that is Portal. Really, if you put the games in the top 10 separately, they’d all those eligible have got into the chart.

As any regular reader will know, we’re huge MMO fans at Geektown, and usually stick to whichever one we’re playing. However, TF2 has seriously eaten into our MMO time. Wonderful design and superb fun. For me though, Portal is game of the year. Yes it’s not the longest of games, but it really is beautifully made. Some of the cleverest level design in years. Fun, and very funny. If you’ve got a PC or XBox 360, Orange Box really is a ‘must buy’. But remember… The cake is a lie.

Best Moment: Oh, there are just sooo many:

• The first time the penny drops on what your supposed to do on a portal level.
• The ending title song of Portal.
• Flaming 5 unsuspecting Snipers in one go as a Pyro.
• Splattering a Scout into squishy bits at close range with a rocket launcher.
• Sapping a sentry gun, and then backstabbing the engineer as he tries to fix it.
• Wrenching the Spy over the head just before he tries to sap your sentry gun and backstab you!

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So that’s it. Agree? Disagree? Leave us your feedback in the comments!

Just a little ‘heads up’. NCSoft are now offering free 3 day trials worldwide for the fantastic Tabula Rasa! For those of you that’d like to give it a go, here are the links:

UK: http://www.eurogamer.net
USA: http://www.mmorpg.com/freetrials/tabularasa_trial.cfm
Germany: http://www.4players.de
France: http://www.mondespersistants.com
Italy: http://www.multiplayer.it
Spain: http://www.hardgame2.com
Netherlands: http://www.gamer.nl
Denmark: http://www.Gamesector.dk

Tabula Rasa has issued a patch today, and with it has brought a touch of the season for all to enjoy.  And, just like real life, silly hats are a must at Christmas!! (pass the brandy… please…)

Geektown’s dedicated Tabula Rasa site has gone live, offering character perspectives from the war!

www.afsfreedomcorps.co.uk

Enjoy

Hey all!

Well, the latest patch finally added the much needed Screenshot option to Tabula Rasa, so here are a few quick shots we took, enjoy.

And, just to prove its not all depression and death in the intergalactic war zone, here is Dave proving that you can still act the fool! LoL

More to come, and soon, a direct link to our RPG Tabula Rasa page!

Daryl