SAN FRANCISCO - February 26, 2009 - Frogster America, Inc. today unveiled a new arena system for man-to-man combat, in Runes of Magic, the Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game (MMORPG) that is redefining the standard for free-to-play titles. The publisher plans to introduce the one on one arena system in early March. After the release of the patch, the best players in the arena system will have the opportunity to win an exclusive mount. Runes of Magic officially launches on March 19, 2009.
"Our goal is to continue to add innovative features that bring new dimensions to the game and make Runes of Magic a free-to-play game unlike any other," said Sean Kauppinen, president and CEO of Frogster America, Inc. "Man-to-man PvP combat, leaderboards and a ranking system are features that make Runes of Magic a game that should appeal to fans of fighting and FPS games in addition to casual and MMO gamers."
In the heart of Dust Devil Canyon lies the Obsidian Bastion, capital city and fortress of the NPC faction 'The Order of Dark Glory'. The city's central square holds an arena in which mercenaries can gain combat experience and measure their powers against rivals. To guarantee a balanced contest, players register with the Arena Master, who automatically assigns opponents with similar statistics. The arena will act as a tool to teach players how to control their avatars: how their character should be equipped, the skills required for PvP and how dual classes should be personalized for their own style of play. During every three minutes of combat, a magical seal appears which when touched, releases a random effect - such as a healing or strength enhancing spell.
Players receive credits in the form of arena coins for points scored each week. Overall and weekly points will be tracked in a ranking system to show the world who is the best among one on one combatants. When these are totalled at the end of the month, the best players will receive an exclusive mount for one month.