AdventureQuest
AdventureQuest is an online Flash-based single-player role-playing video game started in 2002 and currently developed by Artix Entertainment.
A one-time fee was introduced in 2003, allowing a player to upgrade their character to a Guardian, allowing access to premium in-game content. Ownership of the game transferred to the newly formed Artix Entertainment in 2004, and a server population cap was added for non-Guardian players in May of that year. In 2005, a microtransaction system was put into place. In response to criticism that server restrictions made logging on for non-paying players difficult, in October 2006 Artix Entertainment introduced a server in which a player could log on at any time, but with a tight level limit. In July 2010, the server cap was removed permanently.
An expansion, WarpForce, was released on July 17, 2009.
Gameplay
AdventureQuest is a single-player RPG, although character data is stored on AE servers. The gameplay is similar to that of traditional RPGs in that it revolves around fighting monsters in a turn-based system. As players defeat monsters, they gain experience points, gold, and occasionally Z-Tokens, a secondary currency that can also be bought with real-world money. There are also special items or sets called Mastercrafts, which are 5% stronger than normal items but cost 10% more gold/tokens.Skill points, like mana, are used for certain class abilities. They are also used for some armor skills, as an upkeep cost for most misc items, and the usage of potions. Skill points are required to flee from battle; the higher the monster's level, the more SP is needed.
AdventureQuest has an alignment system similar to that of Dungeons & Dragons, which includes selection between Good and Evil as well as Unity and Chaos. Actions taken in game affect the player's alignment, and give the player a selection of custom rewards and access to in-game events. The game also includes equipment that will bestow special effects depending on the player's alignment.
Combat mechanics
Most fights begin through random encounters and quests, which can be found throughout the game. The battle system is turn-based; on player's turn, they may attack, equip an item, use other miscellaneous items, cast a spell, perform a skill, call a pet/guest, or flee from the battle. Both characters and monsters have elemental and weapon-based resistances and weaknesses. Elements include fire, ice, water, energy, earth, wind, light, and darkness. There are three categories of attacks, and each weapon, spell, or skill belongs to a category: melee, ranged, or magic. There are six trainable stats. Strength/STR affects the amount of damage inflicted and taken if a melee/ranged attack is being used, as well as accuracy for melee attacks, Dexterity/DEX affects the amount of damage done or taken if a ranged attack is being used. Intellect affects magic damage while also increasing the accuracy of magic weapons/skills and spells, endurance increases hit points, charisma affects damage being done by pets and guests, as well as their accuracy, and luck gives players small bonuses to accuracy and dodge chance for all attacks. A battle ends once the enemy's HP drops to zero or if the player's HP drops to zero.Like most other RPGs, AdventureQuest has special releases or events as well as a limited time shop based on real-life holidays. Holidays include: Snugglefest, the Blarney War, April Fools, Mogloween, and Frostval. AdventureQuest also includes anniversary events such as The Dragon of Time, Curse of the Phantom Pixel, and Rise of the Shadow Council.
Clans
In AdventureQuest, players can participate in competitive activities through the clan system. There are eight clans available for players to join, representing the eight elemental realms. Clan bases contain a shop that sells items of its respective element, as well as clan-unique items.In addition to the in-game leaders of these clans, there are player leaders who are elected on the BattleOn Forums. These players ensure activity and stability for their respective clans and also play larger parts during clan-based game releases.