ArchLord

Infobox VG
title = ArchLord


developer = NHN Games
publisher = Codemasters Online Gaming
released = Korea: March 2005
US: October 3 2006
Europe: October 6 2006
genre = Fantasy MMORPG
modes = Multiplayer
platforms = Windows
ratings = ESRB: (T) teen
GRB: 18
media = 1 DVD, download

"ArchLord" is a 3D fantasy MMORPG developed by NHN Games and Codemasters Online Gaming (COG). The game was released in March 2005 in Korea and October 2006 in North America and Europe. On August 2007, "ArchLord" became free-to-play to coincide with the release of the first episodic expansion pack, "Season of Siege". The second expansion, "The Awakening", was released in August 2008.

One of the unique features of "ArchLord" is the ability to compete to become the ArchLord, the supreme ruler of the game world. Only one ArchLord can exist on each of the three servers (Brumhart, Gaiahon and Evengarda), reigning for two weeks before he/she is challenged by other players for the position. The ArchLord has access to a castle, a horse mount and control of the weather.

Since the game became free-to-play, the game has gathered more attention, with server traffic reportedly higher than before. Issue 206 of PCFormat magazine included a full version of the game on DVD. The game is also free to download from several websites.

Races

"ArchLord" is set on the continent of Chantra and features three playable races; Orcs, Humans and Moon Elves. Orcs begin their quests in the Golunndo, Humans begin in Anchorville, and Moon Elves begin in Norine. Orcs and Humans have access to three classes, while Moon Elves have access to two.

HumansThe Humans first appeared in Chantra 1000 years after the Orcs had settled. Following the dramatic sinking of their land, key pioneers in Human society initially established a foothold in the Western part of the continent known as Chantra. History suggests they were able to do so due to their ability to handle fire. In the early stages, Humans lived in relative peace. However, they soon began to realise that Orcs had landed on the Eastern part of the continent and before long tensions were raised as the Humans became protective of their territory. Humans have a relatively short lifespan, with 80 years considered to be long. Humans also have an inferior breeding capacity when compared to Orcs, with the average number of offspring being three.

Humans can be Archers, Knights, and Mages.

OrcsThe Orcs have occupied the land of Chantra for a 1000 years longer than the Humans. For this reason, the Orcs held themselves in higher regard than their Human counterparts and enslaved them for 500 years. Over time the Humans rebelled against their Orc masters and eventually won their freedom. 500 years later the continent was struck by a huge earthquake, which caused much of it to sink into the ocean. Humans and Orcs were forced to flee the western continent of Chantra. Under the leadership of Ugdrasil, the Orcs colonised a small part of the continent where they began the re-building process.

Orcs can be Berserkers, Sorcerers, and Hunters.

Moon ElvesThe Moon Elves are a race that were once considered Elves, but Different. Once one of three of the great elf races that inhabited the Nordenland during the 2nd period, they were the first race to fall in the Great War. As a result of this devastating conflict most of the male population was annihilated. A few males were able to escape together with the women; they hid themselves in the shadows from those in the outside world. As time went on, the women took it upon themselves to replace the male roles in their society, and thus learned to master the fine arts of hunting and craftmenship. The few remaining men were forbidden to enter combat, as they were too precious a commodity. Through a cruel twist of fate the remaining men only seemed capable of producing more women. This forced the Moon Elves to step from their shadowy world and start exploring for additional breeding options; this is how they came to be known by the Orcs and Humans. They were so ashamed of this action that they chose to hide themselves in the dark for centuries, only revealing themselves once their land was invaded by the Orcs and Humans.

Moon Elves can be Rangers and Elementalists.

ystem Requirements

Minimum
* Windows 2000, Windows XP or Windows Vista
* Pentium 800 MHz or equivalent
* 526 MB or more of RAM
* 3.6 GB free HD space
* 4x CD-ROM drive
* DirectX v9.0c
* 56 kbit/s or faster Internet connection

Recommended
* Pentium 1.0 GHz or equivalent
* 1000 MB RAM
* 3.6 GB free HD space
* 4x CD-ROM drive
* DirectX v9.0c

External links

* [http://www.archlordgame.com/ Official site]
* [http://archlord.naver.com/ Korea Official site]
* [http://www.aldb.info/ ALDB ArchLord DataBase : Quests, Items, Maps, Mobs]
* [http://mmodata.org/archlord/db/ Archlord DB: Skills/Quests/Items/Game Information]
* [http://mmohub.org/2008/Archlord "Archlord" Review on MMOHub.org]
* [http://www.tokyopop.com/S-1792/ Tokyopop's Archlord Page]