Summary
- Release Year: 2004
- Genres: Role-playing game (RPG), Strategy
- Platforms: N-Gage
- Developers: Sega Corporation
- Publishers: Nokia
Pocket Kingdom: Own the World (2004)
Pocket Kingdom: Own the World is a massively multiplayer online game (MMORPG) developed by Cyberstep and released in 2004. The game is set in a fantasy world where players take on the role of adventurers who must band together to defeat three griefers who have taken over the kingdom.
One of the most unique features of Pocket Kingdom is its self-referential humor and its frequent breaking of the fourth wall. The game’s characters are aware that they are in a video game, and they often make jokes about the game’s mechanics and conventions. For example, one of the game’s NPCs tells the player that “this is just a game, so don’t take it too seriously.”
Pocket Kingdom is also notable for its innovative gameplay. The game features a unique “kingdom system” that allows players to create their own kingdoms and recruit other players to join them. Kingdoms can compete against each other in a variety of ways, including PvP battles and resource gathering.
The game’s combat system is also unique in that it is based on a rock-paper-scissors system. Players can choose to attack with one of three different types of attacks: physical, magical, or special. Each type of attack is strong against one of the other types, and weak against the third. This system adds an extra layer of strategy to the game’s combat.
Pocket Kingdom was a critical and commercial success, and it is still played by a small but dedicated community of fans today. The game’s unique blend of self-referential humor, innovative gameplay, and charming characters has made it a cult classic among MMORPG fans.
Gameplay
Pocket Kingdom is a third-person MMORPG with a focus on cooperative gameplay. Players can team up to complete quests, defeat monsters, and explore the game’s world. The game also features a unique “kingdom system” that allows players to create their own kingdoms and recruit other players to join them. Kingdoms can compete against each other in a variety of ways, including PvP battles and resource gathering.
The game’s combat system is based on a rock-paper-scissors system. Players can choose to attack with one of three different types of attacks: physical, magical, or special. Each type of attack is strong against one of the other types, and weak against the third. This system adds an extra layer of strategy to the game’s combat.
Pocket Kingdom also features a variety of non-combat activities, such as fishing, mining, and crafting. Players can use the resources they gather from these activities to create items that can be used to improve their characters’ stats or to sell to other players.
Setting
Pocket Kingdom is set in a fantasy world that is divided into three kingdoms: the Kingdom of Light, the Kingdom of Darkness, and the Kingdom of Neutrality. The three kingdoms are ruled by three griefers who have plunged the world into chaos. Players must band together to defeat the griefers and restore peace to the kingdom.
The game’s world is full of a variety of different locations, including forests, mountains, deserts, and dungeons. Players can explore these locations to find new quests, monsters, and items.
Characters
Pocket Kingdom features a cast of charming and memorable characters. The player character is a young adventurer who must rise up to defeat the three griefers. Along the way, they will meet a variety of allies and enemies, including:
- Alicia: A young woman who is the leader of the rebellion against the griefers.
- Sieg: A skilled swordsman who is Alicia’s right-hand man.
- Claire: A powerful mage who is Alicia’s advisor.
- Rufus: A greedy merchant who is always looking for a way to make a profit.
- Gordo: A cowardly thief who is always getting into trouble.
Reception
Pocket Kingdom was a critical and commercial success. The game was praised for its innovative gameplay, charming characters, and self-referential humor. The game was also a commercial success, selling over 1 million copies worldwide.
Pocket Kingdom has received a number of awards, including:
- Game of the Year Award from the Japan Game Awards
- Best MMORPG Award from the Golden Joystick Awards
- Best Online Game Award from the Game Developers Choice Awards
Legacy
Pocket Kingdom is still played by a small but dedicated community of fans today. The game’s unique blend of self-referential humor, innovative gameplay, and charming characters has made it a cult classic among MMORPG fans.
The game has also been cited as an inspiration for a number of other MMORPGs, including World of Warcraft and Final Fantasy XIV.
Conclusion
Pocket Kingdom: Own the World is a unique and innovative MMORPG that deserves to be rediscovered by a new generation of gamers. The game’s charming characters, self-referential humor, and innovative gameplay make it a must-play for fans of the genre.
Review Score
8/10
