Gates of Andaron

Gameforge announced today that Gates of Andaron, the North American version of 4Story, will be moving to the browser when the Rise of Gor update launches in mid-September. In addition to the browser switch, the patch will introduce a third warring faction, a revamped starter zone and a new mentoring system that will give the mentor rewards when the new player reaches level 90.

Here's some details from Gameforge on the third faction:

"As part of the update, the kingdom of 'Gor' emerges as the long-awaited third faction in the war between Valorian and Derion. Soldiers stand in a constant state of conflict between the opposing kingdoms and must decide whom they will ally with for the continent of Iberia. From level 80, players of the new faction can enter large PvP battles, tipping the balance of power against or for the underdogs in a given battle. Additionally, opposing forces can now hold negotiations for war and peace in large areas."

Gates of Andaron may have launched only three months ago, but the new 3D fantasy MMO should look familiar to fans of the free-to-play genre. No, it's not a copycat (although comparisons to World of Warcraft could always be made), but is, in fact, the North American version of 4Story. Gameforge has brought Zemi Interactive's global game to a Western audience with a simple name change, in an attempt to recruit more players to join the war between the nations of Valorian and Derion. Actually, 4Story players will know them as the rival kingdoms of Craxion and DeFugel. Oh crap, this is getting too confusing.

Alright, let me back up a bit. Gates of Andaron is a game about war. Players side with either the military state of Valorian or the magical realm of Derion to battle for supremacy in Iberia. In 4Story, Craxion and DeFugel fight to control Iveria. Basically, think of it as if 4Story entered the Witness Protection Program, changed all of its names and moved to the United States to start a new life. Assassins became Night Walkers, Summoners switched to Evocators, and none of the parties involved could ever contact their families again.