2Moons

Infobox VG
title = 2Moons


developer = GameHi
publisher = Acclaim Games (North America)
released =Open BETA, July 30, 2007
genre = Massively multiplayer online role-playing game
modes =
ratings=
platforms = Microsoft Windows
media = Download, or $4 USD S&H for the disc.
requirements = Minimum
* 1 GHz CPU
* 512 MB RAM
* GeForce MX Video card
* Sound card
* DirectX 9.0c or above
* Broadband Internet Connection
input = Keyboard, Mouse

"2Moons" is a free MMORPG video game published by Acclaim under the direction of David Perry. The game is an adaptation of Korean MMORPG Dekaron by GameHi for the North American market, featuring a new story line. Closed beta testing ended March 7th, 2007. The open beta testing phase, which began July 30th, 2007, has experienced several delays. Previously, a commercial launch was planned for the summer of 2007, but due to the open beta delay, Acclaim has been unable to give an official launch date for the game. As stated by David Perry, Acclaim is "the new kid on the block" in the MMORPG market, and they have had many issues to fix while preparing for the open beta launch of the title.

2Moons is intended to be completely free, and will be supported by a combination of an optional paying item mall and optional in-game advertising (for 10% more experience points) provided by IGA Worldwide.

Gameplay

In 2Moons, players control a single character, and move around the world, completing quests and defeating fiends (which may either be monsters or other players) to gain experience and become more powerful.

Classes

When creating a character, players select one of six classes. Each class offers various benefits and drawbacks, as well as access to different weapon, ability, and spell trees. Unlike several other MMORPGs, there exist no races; the only character differentiation is through class. Once selected, character classes are permanent.

*Azure Knight: Also known as "A.K." focus on traditional melee combat and offensive self-buffs. Knights can choose to either use single-hand axes, single-hand maces, single-hand swords, shields, two-handed maces, two-handed axes, and two-handed swords. Or two single-hand weapons to become a dual weapon knight.
*Segnale: Segnale, a humanoid rage, wield Whips of various forms and have a range of effect spells, including curses to weaken enemies and party buffs. They function primarily as healers yet they provide impressive combat skill when at high level.
*Incar Magician: Magicians focus on 'traditional' offensive spells. They use either Staffs or Wands.
*Segita Hunter: Hunters are an archer class, specializing in both long-range combat and close-quarters combat. They can use Crossbows, Bows, and Daggers
*Vicious Summoner: Summoners have the ability to summon creatures to aid them. Summoners may specialize in either wielding Staffs or dual blades.
*Bagi Warrior: Bagi Warriors function as tank characters, and specialize in the use of buffs and various combos. They use Gauntlets.

Mount system

Upon reaching Level 30, players may buy and use mount tokens, which give the player access to a mount for one day's time. Mounts offer no benefits other than increasing a character's movement speed by 32%. Players may not use abilities while on a mount, and any buffs that were previously on the player are discontinued when that player mounts. Prices for mounts are described as extremely expensive, particularly given that mounts are rented for one,fifteen or thirty day durations. In addition, the game's exportations system provides cheaper and faster transportation (though only between major areas).

Acclaim has recently introduced a system whereby mounts may be permanently purchased from the Acclaim Shop for some Acclaim Coins.

Quests

As with almost any RPG, quests are available to players once they have reached a given required level. These quests differ in nature, ranging from running between NPCs to deliver either information or items to more difficult tasks of killing a specific number of monsters. Certain quests are unique to each class, and so rewards may differ between classes. 2Moons features a Quest Log that automatically keeps track of both completed and unfinished quests for easy reference. Certain Quests, (called Commission Quests), may be obtained from the Commission Center in Parca Temple, Draco Desert, Tomb of the Black Dragon or the Space of Pilgrimage, and they grant Adventure Points to players and a random reward, which may be donated to guilds for various rewards.

Support

2Moons has a multi-layered support system, with GM's (Game Masters), VGMs (Volunteer Game Masters), and moderators. Each group is targeted at regulating different portions of the game. More explicit technical support is available on the 2Moons forums, via IRC chat, or in-game by simply asking a marked support member.

Events

Game Masters often unscheduled various player-driven events for the community. They are usually scheduled and posted on the forums well in advance to allow players to attend.

Aside from special events, regularly scheduled Double Experience events happen on Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Wednesday events last one hour, while those held on other days happen twice a day for two hours each.

Combat

The focus of 2Moons is on frolicking, and as such it sports different running modes between players and monsters. The combat is also much bloodier and gorier than other popular MMORPG's.

Player versus Player "PvP"

Players can duel one another with consent in any area. The victor of a duel earns PvP points; however, there is currently no known use for the points. A player defeated in a duel reincarnates on the spot with minimal health and mana.

Fights without consent (player killing) can only be performed in areas outside a safety zone. In such cases, players enter a battle status, during which the names of the fighting players turn purple. In this mode, players do not gain PvP points through victory. The victor of a non-consensual fight may gain PK and Inclination Points (IP), if the attacked player did not fight back. If the attacked player fights back, the attacker will not gain IP or PK points. The defeated player, when killed, must respawn from a set return point. Inclination Points decrease over time or when being killed. Players with IP can be attacked and killed outside safety zones without consequences for the attacker. Furthermore, they may not use shops or the teleportation system, will be sent to jail if they have collected over 500 IP and get killed, and may be attacked by NPC guards. When in jail, time may be paid off with bribes.

2Moons includes a 'Attack' system, which can only be utilized in Player Versus Player combat. The shield activates only against an attack launched by another player, and it acts as additional protection and regenerates steadily after combat. Its strength is based on the armour rating, health, and level of the player. The shield prevents quick killing of weakened players, giving them a chance to run away from battle.

In select maps(except maps with easy monsters for new players or towns) a Player Killing(also known as pk) option is also there. A player may attack another player at anytime without consent. Many times, when attacked, the victim will fight back. However, if the victim does not fight back and is killed by the attacker, then the attacker will gain PK points. The attacker will also have their name in red, meaning they can be attacked freely and killed without consequence. PK points will be reduced over time or by dying. Players with enough PK will be attacked by guards in cities(NPC's). The guards are near impossible to outrun and cannot be killed. When the player dies, they are thrown in jail and can either serve the time or pay a fee.

Experience

Experience points earned in battle vary depending on the level of the monster and the level of the player. Monsters which are five levels or more than the player's level have a display name in red; monsters which are very low in level when compared to the player have a display name in green; monsters that are very close to (or at) the players level have a display name in white. Experience gained from slaying monsters outside of a player's level is modified based on the level difference. Also, Acclaim has put in an advertisement system, which gives the player a 10% experience bonus if it is turned on.

There are currently no penalties for player death with the exception of a 15 second respawn delay. Thus, a player can die without fear of losing experience and items.

License restrictions

Due to license issues registration is limited to the United States and Canada. Accounts created before December 3rd may continue playing even if it's owner is located outside the before mentioned regions. (Some regions are banned regardless of registration date). Blocking is done based on the IP of the account holder. [IP Blocked]

References

"Why is my Country or IP Blocked?", [http://phpbb.acclaim.com/2moons/viewtopic.php?t=63676] .

External links

* [http://2moons.acclaim.com 2Moons NA]
* [http://phpbb.acclaim.com/2moons/index.php 2Moons forums]
* [http://2moons.mmosite.com/ 2Moons fansite at MMOsite.com]
* [http://forum.mmosite.com/list.php?id=168&sid=169 2moons fansite forums at MMOsite.com]
* [http://www.gametribe.com/gt/dekaron.do Dekaron EU]
* [http://dekaron.mobiusgames.net/ Dekaron SEA]