Fractured is a new sandbox MMO that wants to do things differently than its predecessors. The actual start for the first alpha was set for December 2018. Now it is finally supposed to kick off.
When does the first alpha phase start? On April 10th at 5:00 PM our time, the first supporters are allowed to enter the world of the MMO. To be among the chosen ones, you had to purchase at least the Knight Packet, which costs 150 euros.
The first alpha phase is only scheduled for a short time. The test is supposed to last about a week. After that, feedback will be collected and a second test is supposed to be scheduled within this quarter.
That’s why MMORPG fans should keep an eye on Fractured: Even though the MMORPG does not look great in terms of graphics,
- the team has great ambitions.
- Fractured introduces some interesting and clever gameplay ideas.
- it relies on SpatialOS, the technology that MMORPG fans can expect innovations from.
It is interesting to see how SpatialOS actually affects the development of an MMORPG in practice.
What is included in the alpha? Throughout the week, players will have access to the game world. The focus of the test is the Knowledge System, which is supposed to replace the normal leveling process.
However, some things will be missing, including the guild system, monster abilities, trading between players, and the “Governors & Politics” system.
The first alpha is not under confidentiality, and we will likely be treated to many new images and videos from the MMO starting April 10th.
Massive worlds and PvP on demand
This is what makes Fractured different: Fractured focuses on three major changes compared to classic sandbox MMORPGs:
- By choosing a race, you determine the affinity for PvP.
- You forgo a classic leveling process.
- The game world is supposed to be massive thanks to SpatialOS.
Additionally, the developers want to keep the game as open as possible. Players should end up controlling the economy, and wars against each other should be possible while creating empires.
This is what distinguishes the races: Fractured will provide three races for character creation. The Beastmen are very harmonious and peaceful, and there is no PvP in their areas.
Demons, on the other hand, are wild, and there is open PvP in their areas, even within their own people. Humans can engage in PvP, but they are subject to a justice system.
This is how the Knowledge System works: Fractured does not have a leveling system. Even at character creation, you choose your most important attributes. These will remain set for the rest of your playtime.
At the same time, you can start into complex PvE and PvP scenarios right from day one. While you may still lack some talents and skills that you can learn later, your character will not become significantly stronger through prolonged play.
This is how you learn talents: To fill your talent tree, you need Knowledge Points. You receive these for completing specific tasks, not for continuously finishing the same quests or killing enemies.
Special points are available for exploring, for filling the bestiary with entries, identifying items, or collecting relics.
This is how you learn skills: Learning skills is also different from classic MMORPGs. There is no trainer. Instead, your spellbook starts out filled with question marks.
By playing, you discover (randomly) the skill, and from then on, you must complete specific tasks to master that skill.
This includes defeating certain creatures, gathering resources, or crafting specific items. For some tasks, you even have to die in a certain way.
The development of Fractured
Successful funding: In June, the developers Dynamight Studios launched a Kickstarter campaign and aimed to raise 100,000 euros.
In the end, it became 111,662 euros, and several other goals were achieved, particularly in the number of different supporters.
Pre-alpha in December: In December 2018, instead of the first planned alpha, a pre-alpha began. About 150 players were able to test the combat system of Fractured, but completely under NDA (non-disclosure agreement).
When does the game release? According to their statements, the game is supposed to be released at the end of 2021. The focus is now on the first alpha tests. It is expected to be released as a buy-to-play game with a cosmetic shop.
However, there will be a VIP membership that will cost 10 euros and will provide additional cosmetic content and discounts for the shop. Additionally, VIP members should gain Knowledge Points faster.
