Mobile devices are now moving into the age of multi-cores, with high-end Android devices leading the pack with their quad-core powerhouses. With the advancements in processor technology, the scope of mobile gaming on smartphones and tablets has been growing in both size and quality.
On the other hand, mobile gaming exponentially increases the potential reach of MMO (massively multiplayer online) games. So far, the biggest problem for MMO games on mobile devices has been cross-platform compatibility. While game developers generally release games in both Android and iOS versions, each version is platform-specific and multiplayer gaming across platforms is not always possible. That is slowly changing however.
With the release of “Dark Legends”, Spacetime Studios has worked around the issue of cross-platform compatibility. In the third release of its Legend series, which includes the successful Pocket Legends and Star Legends, the Austin-based company introduces cross-platform gameplay across iOS and Android devices, but also on Windows, Mac, and Linux computers.
According to Spacetime, games are played on a single global server, which makes it possible for an iPhone user in the US to play the game with someone on an Android tablet in India. Also, players will be able to log in and continue the game from their PCs, regardless of the OS.
Dark Legends is a vampire-themed MMO RPG (Role-Playing Game). The game puts you into the skin of a member of the Vampire Nation, that has to fight to survive in a world where vampires are hunted by fearful humans that have turned to technology and the Dark Arts. The game features a simple slash-and-kill gameplay, pitting your character against hoards of werewolves, demons, and zombies. The campaign consists of ten worlds, each involving around ten levels and quests that need to be completed.
A huge selling point for this game is the fact that it is completely free to play. Players can progress through all the “worlds” and achieve the maximum experience and power levels at no cost. Of course, there is an in-app purchasing option that allows you to save time on your progress and also get unique items or equipment, but this does not take away from the overall experience for someone who doesn’t wish to pay.
You can watch an introductory video of the game here, Courtesy of Spacetime Studios.
While the gameplay is simplistic, I believe that the in-app purchase monetization model and the cross-platform compatibility will make Dark Legends a very popular MMORPG. The game is now available for download from the Google Play Store here and the desktop version is available from the Chrome Web Store here. An iOS release is coming soon.
