MMOs on Linux - More Choice Than You Thin

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For those who want an even easier way to game on Linux, PlayOnLinux is, frankly, idiot-proof. It is based on Wine, so you can expect the same compatibility with your favourite MMOs. A centrmtrindow lists all Windows applications installed, with the option to add more using a wizard interface. Games can even be installed from a CD or DVD, meaning you don't have to fuss around with Windows clients downloaded from the developer's website.。

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Microsoft Windows is the most popular operating system in the world, with over 92% of computers running Redmormtndesktop behemoth. If you are primarily a PC gamer, it is unlikely you have, or have ever considered, moving to a different operating system. Why subject yourself to the issues that  A completely new architecture, paradigm and approach to how computing should be for a user, would bring? All of your software won't work, your file formats won't be recognised, your games won't play, right? Not really. Deploying Linux on your hard drive has its advantages, and recent developments have meant that making the switch doesn't mean losing out.。

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Linux will greet you with a blank stare if you try and run an .exe file, whereas Wine will treat it as just another Windows application. Wine  is a free program for Unix and Unix-like operating systems which enables software written for Microsoft Windows to be installed and executed. Microsoft Office, iTunes, W of Warcraft, even Internet Explorer can be installed onto a Linux box in this way.。

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Wine is the preferred method to get MMORPGs up and running on a Unix-based systems, and development has come leaps and bounds where it was several years ago. Support for pixel shaders and better 3D rendering have increased game compatibility, performance and functionality dramatically. Today, there are countless titles that will work flawlessly with an out-of-the-box Wine installation. No tinkering, no configuration, just install and play. Not dissimilar to Windows.。

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The Linux community is renowned for their creativity and probsolving, and are determined to increase market share by working to make distribution as easy to use as possible. Even so, some may say that Linux don'tneed game publisher backing, as the developer community are coping just fine going it alone.。

DistroWatch - The Linux distribution repository
Wine - Homepage for the Wine software
PlayOnLinux - Simplified way to run games on Linux。

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Up until early 2009, the popular space adventure EVE Online was actively supported, but the  developers, CCP Games, discontinued the Linux client citing lack of uptake. Luckily, the ever-creative Linux community began work on making the game compatible with their OS of choice, and it wasn't long before users of Ubuntu, Fedora and other distributions were back playing. Thanks in part to Alexandre Juld's Wine. 。

It is unlikely that any Linux user is a die-hard PC gamer, and there is naturally a downside to executing code written for Windows on a completeifferent architecture. Performance may take a slight hit in some games, and I personally encountered a number of texture and rendering issues in several MMORPGs (for example, the map in World of Warcraft didn't register my location properly). Usually, if there is a problem that a lot of players are having trouble with, a workaround or fix  is generally developed and posted.。

Drivers also play a crucial part in game performance, and both Nvidia and ATI have official releases for most chts. There are community-developed drivers (in Linux, there is community developed everything) for those looking for an open source alternative. I find the configuration of a strong Linux rig to be trial and error. If your frame rate in AION resembles a slide show, mix and match the drivers and settings.。

Teething problems aren't uncommon。

Nothing. Linux is generally free, but for what you make up for in savings you will lose in time. To get the most out of the operating system, a big chunk of your time will have to be invested. Great strides in user friendliness haven't completely eliminated the nfor most users to bash the odd command or two into Terminal. Still, you will be rewarded with an insanely more customisable system that is free from viruses and malware. Not to mention Linux's famed reliability, perfect for avoiding Window's relentless vendetta against important guild runs (BSOD at the most inopportune time, anyone?).。

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The popularity of the penguin has begun to grow amongst average users, despite the platform being around for four decades. The netbook boom has finally brought a computer running Linux into many people's homes. Unfortunately, much to the open source community's dismay, developers still aren't very keenmaking their releases compatible. As a result, there aren't many MMORPGs that can be run natively on Linux.。

MMOs on Linux - More Choice Than You Think
Neil Kewn (Murxidon) , OnRPG Journalist。

The general consensus is that playing any kind of game on Linux is a tiring, impractical and cumbersome process. In reality, you can play almost any popular MMORPG without a hitch. Wine Application Database has an extensive list of all the MMOs that have been tested, and what you can expect from running them under Wine.。

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The compatibilityfinally there, so switching to a different operating system no longer means waving goodbye to your MMOs. It may not be as seamless as double clicking an installer, but the fun you will have learning and playing with Linux is well worth the price of admission.。

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Unfortunately the answer is yes, and it may not change for some time. MMO developers don't wio invest in Linux players because frankly, there just aren't enough of them. With the popularity of OS X growing, and the recent release of Windows 7 restoring consumer faith in Microsoft, It's not surprising that companies are focussing their efforts on an already established player base.。

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One of the fundamental reasons Windows users refuse to switch to a Linux based operating system is its apparent lack of video game compatibility. It is not unfair to say that Microsoft owns a colossal share of the PC gaming market, but installing and playing your favourite MMORPG on a Linux machine isn't impossible,. nor is it particularly difficult. Drastic advancements have been made which enable most popular games that used to just run on Windows, to work perfectly r Linux.。

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Linux' official mascot。

 

Evony Review I Think I've Seen This Game

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The bad:
- Bad grammar
- Connection fails most of the time (even for some DSLs)
- Micro Transactions (tier whoring)
- It stays away from the plot。

Evony looks a lot like Age of Empires and Civilization. After looking at what the game's graphics have to offer, I was astounded at how much these games have evolved throughout the years (wasn't Kinrmtgof Loathing just err... MS Paint-based?).。

Expanding Lands in Evony。

You'll start out as a lord of a certain clan, doing various deeds that don't seem to mix well with the storyline. You'll be doing trivial stuff, separating you from the storyline. It's actually crazy at some point, much comparable to Surmtpn helping an old woman cross the road, aware that Lois Lane is falling off a building. Browser games have generic plots regardless of its well-written lore. I've had my share of browser gaming goodness, and might I say that most of them tend to dive off the plot 4 minutes into playing it. I guess this is what separates application games from this genre.。

The good:
- Awesome visuals
- Quests
- Micro Transactions
- Big community。

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Imbalanced Advantages。

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Although the game has certain balance issues like the overpowered archers, combat can still be considered as good in Evony. You can pick from an array of soldiers, dressing them up and gearing them up to further compliment their efficiency in battle. You can also team up with other players oin an alliance to give you the upper hand. There are various ways to insure victory in this game, either by tier whoring or by simply ganging up on multiple targets.。

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You can also expand your empires scope by conquering or befriending other towns. You will earn rewards as you team up with other areas (NPCs) earning either extra soldier, gold or other necessities. Competing with other players (PVP) is one of the main attractions of today's MMO games. No one could ever resist beating down other players to boost their online ranks and self worth. Worry not new players! You will be given a 7-day immunity period against enemy attacks (specifically other players) when starting the game. Once you've established your base and array of soldiers, you'll probably be the one to beg for the barrier/immunity to go down LOL. The game has an outstanding community, making it hard for you not to fight. As mas the words MASSIVELY MULTIPLAYER is concerned, I'd say that player population is good enough for you to enjoy playing this game for a long time.。

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Browser games are currently what turns non gamers into mind numbed zombies who will do their best to sneak a few minutes from work just to check on their online characters. Browser games are more or less work safe. They don't crash your computer, they don't look like games, and mof all they're easily closed (haha! I win Mr. Supervisor dude!). The best part about browser game is that they're system friendly. You don't really need to upgrade your PC 3 times a year to play these babies.。

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If you're familiar with games like Farmville, you know what it's like to wait for something to grow, or in this case build. Some structures in the game takes days to build. Think of it as though you're really in charge of a virtual world that builds itself in real time. Units are trained the same way as well, making it a bit realistic but dull with waiting. I'm not really that much of a waiter so this part of the game didn't appeal to me that much; her, the waiting time builds your suspense, hoping you don't get attacked before your walls are built. It's a very awesome factor. Fast paced games > slow ones? Guess not. I'm not sure if you're willing to invest that much time on a browser game, but they sure are good when you're dead bored at work.。

The graphics are flawless and look a lot different when compared to other browser games. Everything is properly rendered, with a diverse set of buildings that are easy on the eyes. I guess browser games have taken their visuals to the next level. The elements work well together, creating harmony between the elements. Other games have failed miserably when attempting this kind of approach, considering the fact that most of their elements stand out instead of blend in with the other features. that in mind, this game truly reeks of awesomeness.。

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Yeah, just as the header suggests, everything that's acquired with real money can really boost your advantage over players who play for free. It's a cheap trick being pulled by most of the games that dub themselves free to play. I've tried tons of subscription methods for various MMOs from browser games to application ones. Although they aren't required for you to fully enjoy the game, they do provide an imbalanced advantage over other players. This really destroys the whole point of the words FREE TO PLAY... well, they didn't say FREE TO ENJOY oEE TO TIERWHORE so I guess they're safe.。

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Building in Evony。

All in all, the game is really fun to play whether you subscribe or not. It's really newbie friendly so you don't have to worry about being ganged on when first entering the scene. The visuals are quite impressive especially for a browser game, with well-rendered buildings that blend well in their respective terrain. There are tons of people who are playing the game so it'll be hard to feel alone even if you want to be. Tier whoring or subscription whoring may be an issue for those who want an equal basis for all players, but there's nothing we can do about that right? The game also features a wide set of linear quests that don't seem to mix with the storyline. It's no biggie... At least the game has quests right?。

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Evony Review: I Think I've Seen This Game Before
By Kei Beneza (dividelife), OnRPG journalist。

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Building a Town。

Oneng about this game is its funny grammar. I really can't specify how many grammatical errors I've spotted during my game time. God please don't let this beautiful game end up like Zero Wing "ALLYOURBASEAREBELONGTOUS!"。

Formerly called Civony, Evony is a Massively Multiplayer Online (MMO) Web browser game that shines for its strategic features. It's not really a hard game per se, but the dynamics are so enthralling, you'dnk you're actually playing an application game.。

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