Massively multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPGs) rule the online gaming world. Games like World of Warcraft have attracted millions of gamers looking for an immersive world and intense battles and gameplay. But for a long time these games have focused solely on the ‘hardcore’ gamer while leaving casual gamers with few options.
Things are changing in the online gaming world, and one of those changes is the development of MMORPGs aimed at the casual gamer. LaTale is just such a game. LaTale includes most of the elements found in traditional hardcore MMORPGs, such as guilds, epic monster battles, crafting skills, special attacks, and unique item sets. Unlike hardcore MMORPGs, LaTale also adds options like dating and marriage, beauty shops, and special fashionable outfits.
LaTale is also rendered in a side-scrolling, anime, almost “cartoon-like” style. Gone are realistic, 3-D monsters and creatures. Instead, many of the enemies in the game look decidedly cute. Don’t let the looks fool you, though. These enemies are just as challenging and powerful as many of the enemies found in its hardcore counterparts.
LaTale offers plenty of quests, special skills that can be learned with experience, and customizable weapons. The world of LaTale is vast and enormous, featuring a mind-boggling number of areas and monster types. New area and content are being added all the time, so you never run out of places to visit.
LaTale also excels as a socialization game. If you don’t feel like battling monsters and leveling up, you can always make friends and chat. LaTale offers a buddy list and guilds to enhance the chat experience. And if you find somebody you really hit it off with, you can date and get married.
While LaTale is free to download and play, by purchasing LaTale’s online currency, known as astros, you can equip your character with a nearly endless variety of special clothes, hair colors, eye colors, skin colors, and even pets. There is even a sort of raffle-type game that can be played by buying darts, which allow the player to participate in the raffle and win prizes.
While LaTale is geared towards casual gamers, it will also be fun for hardcore gamers looking for a change of pace. It can be found at sites like download.com and is definitely worth trying out for both hardcore gamers looking for something different and for casual gamers who are looking to try an MMORPG that isn’t so intense.
I give LaTale a 9 out of 10 overall, with nods to its sharp graphics, creative areas and creatures, and its fun and area-specific music. Give it a try!!
