Okay, I know it’s technically a Wednesday post (hence the reasons for why I said “the morning after” in this week’s post title) but I couldn’t resist not saving this for another week (even though we’re in the middle of our CES coverage doesn’t mean that other matters should necessarily be set aside) so here it is, anyway.
Besides, I just couldn’t resist not sharing my experiences with this week’s pick after working with it last night and this morning, but Zero Online is a robot fighter that’s vastly different from round one (that would be the Cosmic Break post from two weeks ago, even though I didn’t say it at the time because I didn’t know I would be following up on it with another post). I say vastly different in that it’s actually more of a traditional MMORPG instead; only instead of fighting wizards and demons, you’re fighting robotic enemies and other types of everyday sci-fi opposition. Think Robotech meets World of Warcraft meets Runes of Magic, of which the latter should indicate the free-to-play nature of this MMO entry from TQ Digital.
The plot involves a cosmic alliance supported by crackshot mech pilots who are currently at odds with a force known as the Othellonians that used to operate as a squad under the alliance until an act of dishonor forced their dismissal (I will not reveal the exact nature of the crime for risk of spoiling part of the story) and their ranks have since increased to a rather significant level, thus posing quite a threat to cosmic order. That’s where you come in: to set things right and turn back the Othellonians before either side comes to blows with the other (or so to speak).
Aside from the main story, you have a full slate of other things to do throughout the game, from the periodic events such as a double-EXP event currently in progress for Orion server players like myself (yeah, I know that’s a shameless plug) as well as scheduled daily quests and battles to keep you busy when you’re not fighting for the good of the alliance. I did find through various pop-up reminders that complete friend list features — along with a mentor feature — are available for use within the game, and the next scheduled battle is typically announced upon login except if you say otherwise (though I’m really sure it only stays off until the next cycle begins). Getting to your next destination in the story, tutorial, etc. is easy as well — just use the autopilot feature that’s available through various means in the game if you manage to get lost trying to locate your next objective.
With that, I’ll leave you to check out this week’s pick and see for yourself if this is a game you might take interest in. Be sure to let everyone know what you have to share in the comments and keep it clean and fanatical!
Editorial note: In case you’re wondering what happened to round two, I’m sorry to say that due to factors beyond my control (essentially due to some rather unexpected technical issues with my game pick for that week) I have completely vacated that round and it will not be included in the numbering system for The Game Fanatics’ Take a Look Tuesdays. Apologies in advance for whatever inconvenience this has caused.