Legends of Aria
| Legends of Aria (Shards Online) | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Developer(s) | Citadel Studios Inc. & Reaper Games |
| Publisher(s) | Citadel Studios Inc. & Reaper Games |
| Platform(s) | Microsoft Windows |
| Release | July 2020 |
| Genre(s) | MMORPG |
| Mode(s) | Multiplayer |
Legends of Aria or LoA (formerly Shards Online) is a fantasy-based indie MMORPG. The game was released in beta in 2014, early-access in 2019, and a full release in 2020. It was developed by Citadel Studios Inc., a gaming company founded by Derek Brinkmann, who previously lead development of Ultima Online.[1][2] In 2022, the game announced plans to shift to a blockchain game, with the introduction of a cryptocurrency and NFTs.
Gameplay[edit]
The game is available in English and is free-to-play with options to buy "Packages," such as the Citizen Pack that allows building houses, shops, and gives extra bank slots in the game. LoA is based on a 3D isometric view.[3]
There are limited tutorials and missions in the game. The story is not predetermined, and the players can develop different skills at a limit of 600 points. There are many ways to play the game, including full-loot Player versus Player combat.[4][5][6]
History[edit]
Legends of Aria was developed in eight years by Citadel Studios, which was led by Derek Brinkmann, the lead developer of Ultima Online. In February 2019, an in-game store was added.[7]
Originally named Shards Online, the game's early-access version was launched in August 2019. The release-version was launched almost a year later, in July 2020. The first DLC was released in March 2021. The game was formerly launched from a Kickstarter campaign and originally named Shards Online.[4][8][9]
In 2021, Justin Olivetti writing for Massively Overpowered said "It's no secret that Citadel Studio’s Kickstarted Legends of Aria has wallowed in near-niche obscurity since its summer 2020 launch." In addition to licensing-out the game's Shard engine to another game, CODEX, the company announced plans to update the engine and add several new features.[10]
On February 23, 2022, the game posted on its official Twitter account that Legends of Aria was soon to integrate blockchain in its system, making the game a free-to-play and play-to-earn MMO. It will use ARIA Tokens as a cryptocurrency and game characters as NFTs. The game's whitepaper describes an overhaul of the game, with plans for improved graphics, a new camera angle, and new content such as boats, in-game poker, and a new world.[11][12] This relaunch of the game is to be published and owned by Reaper Games, a joint-venture between the founder of Citadel Studios and cryptocurrency entrepreneur Joseph Rubin.[13][14]
On April 18, 2024, Citadel Studios announced Legends of Aria Classic, a version of the game in the state as it was in 2019, releasing in May 19, 2024 on Steam with a subscription model and a 30-day trial.[15]
Reception[edit]
PC Gamer called it Ultima Online's "Spiritual Successor" in 2017,[16] and MMORPG.com rated it 60 out of 100 in 2020.[17][18]
The game won the "Best Indie MMO" award at Pax East in 2014 and 2017.[19][20]
References[edit]
- ^ "Ultima Online vets aim for emergent MMO gameplay with Legends of Aria". May 26, 2017.
- ^ "Former Ultima Online developers working on MMO that offers 'unparalleled freedom'". Polygon. 29 March 2014.
- ^ Marasigan, Marc (February 16, 2022). "Legends Of Aria Is Being Upgraded To A AAA Game With Blockchain Elements". MMOs.com.
- ^ a b Royce, Bree (15 February 2022). "Legends of Aria's new owner discusses the revamp, Classic, and blockchain implementation | Massively Overpowered".
- ^ "Legends of Aria Download and Reviews (2022)". MMOBomb.
- ^ "Legends of Aria Comprehensive Impressions". 14 December 2018.
- ^ "Legends of Aria - Navigating Updates & Controversy is All in a Day's Work". MMORPG.com. February 6, 2019.
- ^ "Legends of Aria, the MMO formerly known as Shards Online, hits Early Access in August". PC Gamer. July 23, 2019 – via www.pcgamer.com.
- ^ McGarrett, Steven (June 8, 2016). "Citadel Studios' Shards Online making a push for Steam". GameZone.
- ^ Olivetti, Justin (23 October 2021). "Legends of Aria announces 'Aria 2.0' successor with a new game engine | Massively Overpowered".
- ^ "The Game - Whitepaper".
- ^ "The Casino - Whitepaper".
- ^ "Reaper Games CEO Joseph Rubin Explains Why Legends Of Aria's Future Is Blockchain". 6 June 2022.
- ^ "The Team - Whitepaper".
- ^ Gonzalez, Christina (18 April 2024). "Legends of Aria Classic to Launch on Steam May 9th As Subscription MMORPG". MMORPG.com.
- ^ Steven Messner (January 19, 2017). "My tortured quest to become the bunny whisperer in Ultima Online's spiritual successor". PC Gamer – via www.pcgamer.com.
- ^ "Legends of Aria Review". MMORPG.com. July 28, 2020.
- ^ "Legends of Aria". Metacritic.
- ^ "The PAX East 2014 Awards". MMORPG.com. April 17, 2014.
- ^ Royce, Bree (17 March 2017). "Massively OP's PAX East 2017 awards and best-in-show reader vote | Massively Overpowered".