Friday 10 August 2012

Epic RPG, Its History And Innovation

By America P. Hammond


Who knows when the epic RPG really got its start, but it has changed a whole lot. Although role-playing-games have undoubtedly been around longer, what we recognize as the RPG began as Dungeons and Dragons, a table game between friends. That same RPG was established at the same time as the first computer sword-and-sorcery game. The model of the table-top RPG expanded into one with battlefields played out as reenactments of actual battles and later original skirmishes, complete with armories and authentically painted miniatures. Perhaps this was the original RPG because can't you see 18th or even 16th century gentlemen playing something like this in their parlors?

From these games arose LARPs, Live Action Role Playing Games, a kind of improvisational theatre, but acted only for the amusement of those involved. I can see those 19th century romantic poets amusing themselves in that manner. These epic RPGs more often than not involved costumes and accessories.

Technological advancements have taken the narrative RPG into the realm of the epic RPG by rendering incredibly realistic environments and, starting with just a tease of a storyline, the gamer goes on to create his own battle fantasy.

The Mummy, an epic RPG based on the movie of the same name, is no exception. No historical or literary characters have inspired to glee and madness more than sorcerers and Pharaohs. The gamer will delight to the authenticity of the 1930s Egypt setting taking its inspiration from the halcyon days of Egyptology. Some of the authenticity of the environments is due to the awesome attributes and capabilities of Unity, the vehicle responsible for the game's 3D capabilities. The environments are massive, twists and turns, mazes and labyrinths test your memory and your nerve as you navigate them. As your jaw drops in awe of your surroundings, look out because your daydream will quickly be disturbed by some denizen of desert death.

So, what's your pleasure: Raider or Cultist, Brawler or Scholar, Priest or Enforcer, gunslinger or assassin characters anticipate your artful touch and wise decisions in battle. One-on-one, raiding in bands, or full-on melees with any combination of power - fire or magic, can be had in this epic RPG. Whether earned, bought, stolen or shared, an incredible arsenal of guns, blades, relics and spells await. You are the one who characterizes the battle with your personal approach to warfare, whether in one-on-one combat or joining the troops.




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