Dev Log: Diversification and the Birth of Altis Gates
Welcome to the first installment of our Altis Gates (http://ag.igg.com) Development Log. I’m David, one of the developers working on Altis Gates. I’m looking forward to giving people a glimpse into the development process behind Altis Gates. To start things off with a bang, I’d like to share some insights about IGG’s decision to introduce some groundbreaking diversification features to the game.
From the very beginning, we were determined to develop a game that could be both original and popular with gamers of various backgrounds and interests. There are a lot of MMORPGs on the market. What kind of game would stand out among so many others? The question puzzled us. One thing we realized was that most young gamers are tired of boring level grinding, unchangeable character graphics, stereotypical PvP and other unoriginal features that have become standard in the industry.
To us, it seems young gamers want more freedom and a chance to showcase their personalities. They hate to be confined. To address all these concerns, we felt a highly diversified game would be very attractive to our target audience. As a result, we adopted the idea of diversification as the driving force behind everything we put into Altis Gates.
The first element of the game we wanted to make more diversified was a character’s appearance. Players will spend a lot of time to achieve a look that speaks to their personality, but because of the limitations of a 2.5D game, slight changes in appearance such as one’s figure, facial features or stature might not be all that noticeable. How could player characters be diversified and attractive? One day, we suddenly saw the light. If a slight change doesn’t work, why not let players change their characters dramatically? By letting players make bold changes to their character’s looks, we can give them many different options rather than slight variations on a few basic forms.
Once we made that decision, we designed 4 options for player character customization. The first is to change appearance using a shape-shifting card. While fighting computer-controlled enemies in the wilderness, players have the chance to loot shape-shifting cards that let them assume the appearance of the specified creature while also benefiting from a double experience bonus for 10 minutes. We currently have 60 types of shape-shifting cards, giving players 60 different creatures they can mimic.
The second option allows characters to assume the appearance of certain NPCs using shape-shifting potions. Among the many NPCs in the game is a cute duck-like character known as Tracy. After completing a particular Storyline Quest, players receive a vial of shape-shifting potion and one containing a reversion potion. Players can use these to copy Tracy’s shape and then revert to their normal form later. Our goal is to design and release many more shape-shifting potions in the future.
Since neither the first nor the second options are usable in combat, we wanted to add an option allowing players to enjoy shifting their shape in combat, too. The result was the Berserker, a special class that is able to take Tiger Form, Bear Form or Cheetah Form in combat. The final shape-changing option is available to those who sell items from a stall. While running a stall, players can turn into a cute miniature snowman, which gives them the chance to add some fun to the activity of selling one’s spare items.
We don’t stop at characters when thinking about diversifying looks and abilities. Pets can also be customized using 60 different pet shapes, 42 character types, 9 talent types, plus stat points to create a unique pet unlike any other. Players can feed their pet an Evolution Crystal to alter its appearance, or accept a specific combat challenge to see their pet change before their eyes.
We want to make Altis Gates an original and diversified turn-based fantasy game that players will really enjoy. The player community will help define how the game evolves, so please post ideas and feedback on the official forum at http://forum.ag.igg.com to help us make it the best game it can possibly be.
An Alpha Test launch date will be announced very soon. Keep an eye on the game’s official site at http://ag.igg.com for the latest details and news about Altis Gates and the upcoming Alpha Test.
IGG, which already publishes 12 mmorpg titles, is preparing for the Alpha test for the its latest online title 'Heroes of Bestia'. The game brings in a number of playstyles for players that enjoy magic and strategy, such as RPG, RTS and SIM game features. the Heroes of Bestia Alpha test will start at 9:00 pm on October 26th EDT (GMT-4) and registrations are currently being accepted on the official IGG site.
The goal of this Alpha test for Heroes of Bestia will primarily be to test overall game stability and the server's load capacity. This is also usually the best time for testers to give feedback that can make its way into the launch version of the game, so they will be looking for testers that can supply lots of data about the Heroes of Bestia experience. Alpha test activation codes are required to get your account, these codes can be obtained simply by visiting the HOB forum and participate in the activation key events they are holding there http://forum.hob.igg.com/viewthread.php?tid=51&extra=page%3D1.
The Headless Horseman is the primary event boss in WOW’s Hallow’s End event that drops some of the most sought after loot during the Halloween festivities which include the Mounts. This is a guide to help you to defeat the Headless Horseman and claim your loot.
First you need to guide your raid group through the Scarlet Monastery to the Graveyard. He will spawn at the Pumpkin Shrine by lighting the required candle. When the Headless Horseman spawns, his first prey will of course be the unlucky party member that lit the candle. He is going to break off into two mobs later on in the fight so prepare for that, one as the body and one as the head.
Tank him with taunt (make sure the tank did not light the candle) and start to DPS the hell out of him. Just when you think you have taken down the softy Headless Horseman (1%HP), he will become immune, that is when he will separate his head from his body. Stay clear of his whirlwind and target the head. At 59-61% head HP he will put his head back on to his body that has been regenerating to 100%.
Rinse and repeat the same above but be mindful of the conflagration he now deals to the high threat targets. This can be dealt with by using a PVP trinket with healer support (healers target who the Headless Horseman is damaging with conflagration). Make sure you do not get too close to those targets though.
Once the head is at 29% or the body reaches 100%, he will stop using conflagration and spawn Pumpkin Fiends. Tanks should deal with the fiends by using focus in the middle of the mob pack. Those that wear cloth should know that the fiends crit at 1k, so be careful and healers be alert. While the tank is dealing with the Pumpkin fiends the DPS should be heavily soaked on the Head of the Horseman. Depending on how fast you wear him down he could spawn a second set of fiends, so try to make the most out of your DPS.
The key to the final stage of the Headless Horseman is that when the head dies, everything else dies. This should help guide your decision making easier if you have to make a choice as to what needs to be dealt with: Deal with the head.
Important tip: Groups that tank the Horseman on the steps are going to find it much easier for the tank to snag the fiends and guide them away from he group.
It is that time again, time for WOW players to get into the Halloween spirit with the annual Hallow’s End event. There are some changes this year in order to account for the level 80 cap. The Horseman’s loot table has been tuned up as expected. Here is a brief guide to the Hallow’s End event. The Horseman from can be found two ways. Pumpkin Shrine which is located inside Forlorn Cloister in Scarlet Monastery Graveyard; or by camping these villages that he attacks periodically. Kharanos, Goldshire, Azure Watch, Razor Hill, Brill and Falconwing Square.
Headless Horseman Drops
Old Favorites Magic Broom - Always a popular item to get (Requires level 10) Hallowed Helm Sinister Squashling pet Weighted Jack-o'-Lanterns
New Hallow’s End Items
The Ring of Ghoulish Glee (Attack power ring) upgraded from the previous Ring of Ghoulish Delight. Item level 200 gives +50 Stamina for PVP builds.
The Horseman's Seal +38 Stamina, +38 Intellect - Upgraded version of The Horseman's Signet +58 Spell Power, +36 Haste Rating, + 29 Hit Rating.
The Wicked Witch's Band +38 Stamina, +38 Intellect - Spell power drop - Upgrade version of the Witches Band. Equip: + 58 Spell Power, + 33 Critical Strike, + 17 mana per 5 sec.
The Horseman's Horrific Helm + 40 Strength, +46 Stamina - Upgraded from the Horseman’s will give a hit rating increase. +30 Critical Strike Rating.
The Horseman's Baleful Blade - Summons groups of pumpkin fighters, has limited duration.
Other Hallows End Items
Instance Bosses will drop the Jack-o'-Lantern, this is a bag with 18 slots.
Normal Mobs will drop the Pumpkin Bag and Traveler’s Backpack, both 16 slots.
From the very beginning, we were determined to develop a game that could be both original and popular with gamers of various backgrounds and interests. There are a lot of MMORPGs on the market. What kind of game would stand out among so many others? The question puzzled us. One thing we realized was that most young gamers are tired of boring level grinding, unchangeable character graphics, stereotypical PvP and other unoriginal features that have become standard in the industry. 
Once we made that decision, we designed 4 options for player character customization. The first is to change appearance using a shape-shifting card. While fighting computer-controlled enemies in the wilderness, players have the chance to loot shape-shifting cards that let them assume the appearance of the specified creature while also benefiting from a double experience bonus for 10 minutes. We currently have 60 types of shape-shifting cards, giving players 60 different creatures they can mimic.
We don’t stop at characters when thinking about diversifying looks and abilities. Pets can also be customized using 60 different pet shapes, 42 character types, 9 talent types, plus stat points to create a unique pet unlike any other. Players can feed their pet an Evolution Crystal to alter its appearance, or accept a specific combat challenge to see their pet change before their eyes.
IGG, which already publishes 12 mmorpg titles, is preparing for the Alpha test for the its latest online title 'Heroes of Bestia'. The game brings in a number of playstyles for players that enjoy magic and strategy, such as RPG, RTS and SIM game features. the Heroes of Bestia Alpha test will start at 9:00 pm on October 26th EDT (GMT-4) and registrations are currently being accepted on the official IGG site.
First you need to guide your raid group through the Scarlet Monastery to the Graveyard. He will spawn at the Pumpkin Shrine by lighting the required candle. When the Headless Horseman spawns, his first prey will of course be the unlucky party member that lit the candle. He is going to break off into two mobs later on in the fight so prepare for that, one as the body and one as the head. 
Headless Horseman Drops
