Asheron’s Call Review – A True MMO Legend

Asheron’s Call was a groundbreaking MMORPG that captivated players with its open world and intricate gameplay mechanics. Although the game is no longer available after its servers were shut down in 2017, its impact on the MMO community remains profound.

• Developer: Turbine Entertainment Software
• Publisher: Turbine Entertainment Software
• Release Date: November 2, 1999
• Closure Date: January 31, 2017
• Platforms: Microsoft Windows
• Genre: Fantasy MMORPG

Gameplay

The gameplay of Asheron’s Call was a blend of traditional and innovative mechanics. Set in the fictional world of Auberean, players explored the island continent of Dereth and its surrounding islands. What set Asheron’s Call apart from many other MMORPGs was its seamless 3D world, which could accommodate thousands of characters without zoning interruptions.

Character Creation and Races

Character creation allowed players to choose from a variety of six races, each with its own unique abilities and attributes. In addition to allocating skill points to different combat styles and magical abilities, players could also customize physical characteristics such as height and weight, which had actual gameplay implications.

The game was home to an array of original races like the insect-like Olthoi, the humanoid Lugians, and the human-descendant Gharu’ndim, among others. The presence of these unique races added an original flavor to the game that was different from the standard fantasy settings.

Combat and Skills

Combat in Asheron’s Call was unique in that it didn’t strictly rely on character levels to determine the outcome of battles. Rather, player skill and equipment played a vital role. Experience points were distributed across various skills, including hand-to-hand combat, magic, and defensive techniques.

Crafting and Spells

The game featured a robust crafting system where players could enhance or enchant weapons, armor, and items. Spells were acquired through scrolls, quests, or purchased from in-game vendors. The depth in the crafting and magic system provided a more interactive and immersive experience.

Player Vs Player (PvP)

Asheron’s Call had a complex PvP system. It featured various PvP statuses like “Player Killers” and “Player Killer Lites,” each with its own set of rules, rewards, and risks. Special altars in the game allowed players to switch between PvP statuses, offering a more flexible gameplay experience.

Graphics

For its time, Asheron’s Call provided an immersive experience with its graphical capabilities. The environment was richly detailed, and character models, though outdated by today’s standards, were a treat in the late ’90s and early 2000s.

Conclusion

Asheron’s Call was an MMO ahead of its time. Its unique gameplay elements, character customization, and dynamic world set it apart from other games in the genre. It’s a shame that the game is no longer accessible, but its contributions to the MMORPG world will not be forgotten.

Asheron’s Call System Requirements

Minimum Requirements

• Memory: 32 MB of RAM
• Graphics Card: Integrated Graphics
• CPU: Pentium 166 MHz or higher processor
• File Size: 170 MB free hard-drive space
• OS: Microsoft Windows 95 or 98 operating system with DirectX 6.1 API