Atlantica Online vs Rend
Atlantica Online
Atlantica Online is a pretty old MMORPG that has been around since 2008. As opposed to the usual action-based or even the hack-and-slash gameplay that most MMORPGs offer, this game is perhaps the first of its kind (and by "kind" we mean Free-to-play MMOs) to merge strategy/tactics with RPG, allowing players to fight their enemies using a team of mercs rather than just a single main hero. In fact, this gameplay formula has actually been adopted and used in many browser-based MMOs today.Although ultimately the main villian in the game is Riederani and his army, the storyline in this game is also slightly different based on which faction you choose to opt for, either the Scion or the Atlantian. There are plenty of character classes too, each playing their own roles within the team. Despite its age, Atlantica Online still sports a robust in-game economy and is a strong proponent of fairplay when it comes to PvP.
However, the best part about this game is its link to events happening in real life. The game itself is based on the real map of the world we live in and as such, major events that recently happened or had happened ages ago in our world will be manisfested, one way or another, in the game. How awesome is that?
Atlantica Online might not remotely resemble the graphical quality of today's MMORPGs, but the game itself is unique and fun enough to stick around until today. This speaks volume about the value that this game brings to the lives of many gamers worldwide, doesn't it? If you enjoy being intrigued by games and you don't really mind poorer visuals, then this is a game you should try out.
Rend
Rend is an up-and-coming, Nordic-themed, team-based survival game that is set in a wild and ruthless, fantasy world filled with fantastic creatures, where only the strongest are able to ascend to the realms of the gods. In this game, players are separated into their respective factions at the beginning. They are then given the freedom to explore the many biomes and harvest resources from the environment whether solo or co-operatively. The resources obtained can then be used to craft better weapons and tools or can be reinvested into the faction stronghold to fortify it from potential attacks from players from a rival faction and to advance your base just so you can unlock new technologies. Players have their own skill systems and talent trees as well, and these are the main ways for a player to customize and tweak their characters to their liking.The ultimate goal of the game, however, is to reap as many warrior spirits as you can by battling and defeating rival players and deposit the souls at the Divinity Stone in the middle of your faction base, that is if you're not slain while carrying such precious loot. Somewhat similar to grand strategy games, Rend is more of a continual game. It has game cycles of 2 to 3 months, in which the winning faction of each cycle will get a nice pile of rewards at the end of a cycle.
Rend has a really unique take on the survival genre and this might just give the game the fuel it needs to rise to the top. The game is currently in Alpha and its release date is still TBD.