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'''''Shadowbane''''' is a free player-driven [[fantasy]] [[computer role-playing game]] ([[MMORPG]]) created by [[Wolfpack Studios]] and published on [[March 25]] [[2003]] by [[Ubisoft]] for [[Microsoft Windows|Windows]] and [[Apple Macintosh|Mac]] platforms. ''Shadowbane'' once required a monthly fee to play in addition to purchasing the client software, though on [[March 15]] [[2006]] it was made free to both download and play.[http://chronicle.ubi.com/newspost.php?id=15088] Starting in June of 2006, [[Stray Bullet Games]] took over development of Shadowbane due to the closure of [[Wolfpack Studios]]. A system of short ads, displayed when the game is opened or closed and when a character dies (with at least 10 minutes between death ads), was introduced on [[March 6]] of [[2007]] to provide revenue for the game.[http://chronicle.ubi.com/newspost.php?id=17756]
'''''Shadowbane''''' is a free [[fantasy]] [[computer role-playing game]] ([[MMORPG]]) created by [[Wolfpack Studios]] and published on [[March 25]] [[2003]] by [[Ubisoft]] for [[Microsoft Windows|Windows]] and [[Apple Macintosh|Mac]] platforms. Originally commercial and subscription-driven, ''Shadowbane'' was made freeware and free-to-play since [[March 15]] [[2006]].[http://chronicle.ubi.com/newspost.php?id=15088] Starting in June of 2006, [[Stray Bullet Games]] took over development of Shadowbane due to the closure of [[Wolfpack Studios]]. A system of short ads, displayed when the game is opened or closed and when a character dies (with at least 10 minutes between death ads), has been introduced on [[March 6]] of [[2007]] to fund operating costs.[http://chronicle.ubi.com/newspost.php?id=17756]


The game takes place in a dark [[fantasy world]] called Aerynth (however, the world will sometimes depend on the server. Most servers have their own unique world map). [[Gameplay]] features many aspects typical of [[computer role-playing game]]s, such as [[experience point]]s, [[character class]]es, and [[Race (fantasy)|fantasy race]]s. Character creation is extremely detailed, allowing players to create literally thousands of different race/character combinations.
The regular game takes place in a dark [[fantasy world]] called Aerynth (the world will sometimes depend on the servers, many of which having unique world map). [[Gameplay]] features many aspects typical of [[computer role-playing game]]s, such as [[experience point]]s, [[character class]]es, and [[Race (fantasy)|fantasy race]]s. Character creation is fairly extensive, allowing for detailed, differentiable characters to be created.


Some have claimed that Shadowbane is not really free to play due to the client requiring a [[FilePlanet]] account in order to download. However it can still be downloaded with non-subscriber FilePlanet accounts and from other sources, both for Windows[http://www.gamedaily.com/shadowbane/pc/game-downloads/2014] and Mac[http://www.gamershell.com/download_12978.shtml].


==Gameplay==
==Gameplay==
''Shadowbane'' is notable for emphasizing player-versus-player combat, implementing non-conventional races and specializing in siege warfare (players building cities and trying to raze enemy players' cities) whereas the majority of MMORPGs released since ''[[Ultima Online]]'' restrict [[Player versus player|player killing]] to certain areas of the game or special dedicated [[Player versus player|PvP]] servers.
''Shadowbane'' is notable for emphasizing player-versus-player combat, implementing non-conventional races and specializing in siege warfare (players building cities and trying to raze enemy players' cities) whereas a significant number of MMORPGs released since ''[[Ultima Online]]'' usually restrict [[Player versus player|player killing]] to certain areas of the game or special dedicated [[Player versus player|PvP]] servers.


Players are also allowed to own cities and capitals and most of the property and cities in Shadowbane are player owned. In effect, Shadowbane's war status is decided by the players rather than the game company. Whether a guild city goes to war with another guild city is entirely up to the leaders. A government system is also implemented in the game. This allows players to be in total control of the Shadowbane world.
Players are also allowed to own cities and capitals and most of the property and cities in Shadowbane are player owned. In effect, Shadowbane's war status is decided by the players rather than the game company. Whether a guild city goes to war with another guild city is entirely up to the leaders. A government system is also implemented in the game. This ensures players are in total control of the Shadowbane world.


There are no quests in the game, which can turn many [[MMORPG]] players off. However, most players agree that Shadowbane's [[Player versus player|PVP]], Nation, and Siege Warfare system make up for this fault. Even now, Shadowbane is considered one of the best [[Player versus player|PVP]] [[MMORPG]].
There are no quests in the game, which can turn many [[MMORPG]] players off. However, most players agree that Shadowbane's [[Player versus player|PVP]], Nation, and Siege Warfare system make up for this fault. To this day, Shadowbane is considered one of the best [[Player versus player|PVP]] [[MMORPG]]


The first expansion, ''Rise of Chaos'', was released on [[December 9]] [[2003]]. On [[December 7]] [[2004]] the second expansion, ''Throne of Oblivion'', was released.
The first expansion, ''Rise of Chaos'', was released on [[December 9]] [[2003]]. On [[December 7]] [[2004]] the second expansion, ''Throne of Oblivion'', was released.
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==World Maps==
==World Maps==
Shadowbane has also been known for its large map, which contains a large amount of continents. Shadowbane's world map depends on the server. Most servers have a different map from each other.
Shadowbane features a large world map, containing a large number of continents. Shadowbane's world map depends on the server. Most servers have a different map from each other.


Two of the most popular maps are Vorringa and Aerynth.
Two of the most popular maps are Vorringa and Aerynth.
Line 64: Line 63:
[[Image:Vorringa.jpg|250px|]]
[[Image:Vorringa.jpg|250px|]]
[[Image:0000075023_img.jpg|250px|]]
[[Image:0000075023_img.jpg|250px|]]


==Trivia==
It has been claimed that Shadowbane is not really free to obtain due to the client requiring a [[FilePlanet]] account in order to be downloaded. However it is available for downloaded with non-subscriber FilePlanet accounts and other sources, both for Windows[http://www.gamedaily.com/shadowbane/pc/game-downloads/2014] and Mac[http://www.gamershell.com/download_12978.shtml].




==External links==
==External links==

Revision as of 18:57, 12 August 2007

Shadowbane
File:ShadowbanePoster.jpg
Developer(s)Formerly Wolfpack Studios, Currently Stray Bullet Games
Publisher(s)Ubisoft
EngineArcane Engine
Platform(s)Windows, Mac
ReleaseMarch 25 2003
Genre(s)MMORPG
Mode(s)Multiplayer

Shadowbane is a free fantasy computer role-playing game (MMORPG) created by Wolfpack Studios and published on March 25 2003 by Ubisoft for Windows and Mac platforms. Originally commercial and subscription-driven, Shadowbane was made freeware and free-to-play since March 15 2006.[1] Starting in June of 2006, Stray Bullet Games took over development of Shadowbane due to the closure of Wolfpack Studios. A system of short ads, displayed when the game is opened or closed and when a character dies (with at least 10 minutes between death ads), has been introduced on March 6 of 2007 to fund operating costs.[2]

The regular game takes place in a dark fantasy world called Aerynth (the world will sometimes depend on the servers, many of which having unique world map). Gameplay features many aspects typical of computer role-playing games, such as experience points, character classes, and fantasy races. Character creation is fairly extensive, allowing for detailed, differentiable characters to be created.


Gameplay

Shadowbane is notable for emphasizing player-versus-player combat, implementing non-conventional races and specializing in siege warfare (players building cities and trying to raze enemy players' cities) whereas a significant number of MMORPGs released since Ultima Online usually restrict player killing to certain areas of the game or special dedicated PvP servers.

Players are also allowed to own cities and capitals and most of the property and cities in Shadowbane are player owned. In effect, Shadowbane's war status is decided by the players rather than the game company. Whether a guild city goes to war with another guild city is entirely up to the leaders. A government system is also implemented in the game. This ensures players are in total control of the Shadowbane world.

There are no quests in the game, which can turn many MMORPG players off. However, most players agree that Shadowbane's PVP, Nation, and Siege Warfare system make up for this fault. To this day, Shadowbane is considered one of the best PVP MMORPG

The first expansion, Rise of Chaos, was released on December 9 2003. On December 7 2004 the second expansion, Throne of Oblivion, was released.


Characters

Races

There are twelve races available in the game:

Classes

There are four basic classes; Fighter, Healer, Mage and Rogue. Not all races may use every class. At 10th level, each character must choose to promote to a specific profession, such as a Ranger or Assassin. Two classes, Fury and Huntress, are for female characters only whilst the Warlock is for male characters only. Which professions are available are dependent on the race and base class of the character.

In addition, each character can take up to three disciplines, from a list of over thirty, though like with Professions, access is limited by race and class. The level hard cap is level 75, and at level 70 a fourth discipline slot is unlocked.

World Maps

Shadowbane features a large world map, containing a large number of continents. Shadowbane's world map depends on the server. Most servers have a different map from each other.

Two of the most popular maps are Vorringa and Aerynth.

File:Vorringa.jpg File:0000075023 img.jpg


Trivia

It has been claimed that Shadowbane is not really free to obtain due to the client requiring a FilePlanet account in order to be downloaded. However it is available for downloaded with non-subscriber FilePlanet accounts and other sources, both for Windows[3] and Mac[4].