Thursday, October 25, 2007

Browser Game Review: Adventure Quest

Adventure Quest.

This browser game is free with an additional charge for optional content. Most of the quests and classes remain intact for the free game, however the availability of powerful items and skills greatly improves with the "Guardian" registration, thankfully similar to a shareware game the registration is a one time fee.

This game is set in a fantasy realm with several sci-fi elements. The setting is quite refreshing in the fact that the game is laced with a light, campy humor that shines through most of the quests. The Non-Player Characters are memorable and fun.

Game play is typical of single player role playing games. The main character is a blank slate with a number of classes to train for as well as customizable attributes. The game is shown from a first person point of view that switches to a third person point of view during combat. Combat is a turn based system that allows you to cycle through your equipment without wasting any turns. Activating items requires skill points, a resource that refreshes quickly during combat while magic depletes your magic points which can only be refreshed outside of combat, or through the use of items and skills.

Adventure quest is very dynamic. Every few weeks new content is added to the game. You can count on a few permanent additions as well as temporary quests that give great rewards.

Pros. Very dynamic, Quests are frequently updated. The option to have a single battle allows you to get a quick game in without the time investment of doing quests. The ability to switch armors (Classes) to access new skills on the fly helps keep combat interesting.

Cons. Simple graphics with limited animations, there are no mini-games.

Bottom line: This game feels surprisingly deep for what could be described as a casual RPG. If you enjoy RPGs and you are looking for a change of pace from overly serious settings you should check out Adventure Quest. 4/5

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