Prince of Qin Preview

Role-playing games have taken a turn for the better. More strategic game play has coupled with the diversity of characters to create worlds that enchant and entreat the game player with diverse and intriguing elements.

Take Prince of Qin, a PC RPG from Object Software and Strategy First, for example. The beta was somewhat lacking in depth, but the glimpse offered is as joyful as anything seen here-to-date.

This is a game which combines the elements of Diablo II and Throne of Darkness. At first blush, the beta seems little more than a hack-n-slash trip through the medieval world of feudal China. But when you really get into the game, it presents all the challenge and joy of a slug-fest, the strategic models of the best of the genre.

Granted, the beta came without any instructions and it was a trial-and-error jaunt through this land. But the essential elements, common to most of the games in this genre, were intact and with little prodding, the veteran player could figure out what was needed and how to maneuver through the realm.

The game takes place 2,200 years ago during the last 20 years of the Qin Dynasty. Players can take on the role of Fu Su, the Crown Prince of Qin. In the history of China, Fu Su committed suicide in obedience to an imperial decree. But in this version, he did not die, but rather strives to claim his birthright as the Emperor of Qin.

First up: Qin soldiers have butchered a nearby village, and the protagonist is tasked with avenging that village. Go it alone and you will not survive. However, in the initial group of those met is a wizard, who will accompany your avatar, joining the party and making you a more formidable group of adventurers. There is also a doctor available, who will heal all wounds if you have the coinage to pay him to join.

Some of the features of this program include multiplayer support for up to 500 gamers on a dedicated server; more than 100 different locations including 28 cities, 18 counties, and 78 country fields; non-linear play – player choice determines the ending of the game; five basic character types to play ranging from paladin to wizard; magic based on the five elements of metal, wood, water, fire, and earth; players can combine raw materials to make new weapons; and weapons feature the ability to be damaged and repaired

As mentioned, there were no instructions to accompany the beta, but this can be somewhat intuitive and the player interface lends itself to easy interaction with the characters within the game.

Graphically, this program combines the look of Object Software’s Dragon Throne with the god-perspective of Diablo II to give players a world that looks good as well as giving players a reason to explore. The fog-of-war covers the realm and only by venturing forth will you uncover the joy and mysteries of the mapboard.

You will be able to group a party together, use unique skills, manage inventories and level up the individual members to empower the heroes of the game. What more could one wish from an RPG?

This game also promises multiplayer gaming.

Graphically, Prince of Qin is solid with excellent animation, and wonderful environmental elements. Again, harken back to Diablo II for a sense of what this game offers in terms of visual treats.

Should Prince of Qin live up to the standards offered in the beta, this will be a welcomed and joyful addition to the RPG genre.

This game is slated for release in the fall of this year.