Summary

• Release Year: 2003
• Genres: Adventure, Role-playing game (RPG)
• Platforms: PC (Microsoft Windows)
• Developers: Artifact Entertainment, Virtrium
• Publishers: Virtrium

Istaria: Chronicles of the Gifted (2003)

Introduction

Istaria: Chronicles of the Gifted is a massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) developed by Virtrium and released in 2003. It is unique among MMORPGs in that players may choose a dragon for their avatar. Istaria also allows players to build non-instanced player communities with either multi-level underground dragon chambers or ground level communities.

Gameplay

Istaria is a third-person fantasy MMORPG with a focus on player-versus-environment (PvE) content. Players can choose to play as one of four races: human, elf, dwarf, or dragon. Each race has its own unique abilities and strengths.

Players can also choose to follow one of four professions: warrior, mage, rogue, or healer. Each profession has its own unique skills and abilities.

Istaria’s combat system is action-based, and players must use their skills and abilities to defeat their enemies. Players can also team up with other players to form groups and take on more challenging content.

In addition to combat, Istaria also features a number of non-combat activities, such as crafting, gathering, and player housing. Players can use their crafting skills to create weapons, armor, and other items. They can also gather resources from the world to use in crafting or to sell to other players.

Player housing allows players to build their own homes and communities. Players can choose to build their homes in one of several different locations, including forests, mountains, and deserts. They can also decorate their homes with a variety of items, such as furniture, paintings, and trophies.

Player Communities

One of the unique features of Istaria is its player communities. Players can form their own communities, called “guilds,” and build their own player-owned towns and cities. Guilds can also participate in player-versus-player (PvP) warfare, and they can compete for control of territory in the game world.

Player communities are a major part of Istaria’s gameplay, and they offer players a chance to socialize and interact with other players. Guilds can also provide players with a sense of belonging and community.

Dragons

Dragons are one of the most iconic features of Istaria. Players can choose to play as a dragon, and they can use their unique abilities to soar through the skies and breathe fire on their enemies.

Dragons are powerful creatures, but they are also vulnerable to certain types of attacks. Players who choose to play as a dragon must be careful not to expose themselves to their enemies’ weaknesses.

Reception

Istaria: Chronicles of the Gifted received mixed reviews upon its release. Some critics praised the game’s unique features, such as its dragon avatars and player communities. However, other critics found the game to be too grindy and repetitive.

Despite its mixed reviews, Istaria has a loyal following of players. The game has been praised for its unique features and its strong sense of community.

Legacy

Istaria: Chronicles of the Gifted is a unique and innovative MMORPG. It was one of the first MMORPGs to feature dragons as playable avatars, and it also offered players the ability to build their own player communities.

Istaria has had a lasting impact on the MMORPG genre. It has inspired other MMORPGs to incorporate dragons and player communities into their games. Istaria is also credited with helping to popularize the sandbox MMORPG genre.

Conclusion

Istaria: Chronicles of the Gifted is a unique and innovative MMORPG that offers players a chance to experience a truly immersive and interactive fantasy world. With its unique features, such as its dragon avatars and player communities, Istaria is a game that is sure to appeal to fans of MMORPGs and fantasy games alike.

Review Score

7.5/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots