Addicted to MMOGs

Imagine being able to step out into another world, even just for a while. You see the most extraordinary of things. Even you yourself become extraordinary. You begin to have abilities you never possessed and skills you never thought you had. Doesn’t it feel good? For a moment, you become a totally different person, a fighter even. This is exactly what Digital Media Exchange (DME) had in mind when the extraordinary people behind it decided to bring MU to Philippine shores.

2003 was the year that started it all for Digital Media Exchange. It boasts being the first company to incorporate digital content, technology, operational expertise and youth marketing knowledge to come up with a unique, socially interactive entertainment in the country. Fact is, DME was able to come up with a proprietary Internet Exchange (IX) that allows for the best game play, complete with fully integrated player virtual and real communities, resulting in a digital encounter like no other. All this is made possible with the help of Mobius.

Mobius is the game publishing and distribution division of DME in the Philippines. It primarily focuses on interactively addicting Massively Multiplayer Online Games, better known as MMOGs. MMOGs are games which enable players to step out into another dimension. Here, the players are able to interact with other players who are also online. In an unknown world, players immediately make new friends among the rest of the online playing community. Mobius carries a number of MMOGs, each with a distinct concept and appeal.

Gunbound is a community-based online war shooting game. It was produced by Softnyx Co. Ltd, a Korean game creator. The game delights its players with eye-catching anime-like 2D graphics, making it appealing even to women. As players meet online, they may develop playing strategies in fighting or avoiding war. They may also establish their online character by choosing from a wide range of fighters, tank-like vehicles called mobiles as well as a whole line of fashion accessories. In addition, a player may also choose to engage in combat alone or join a group of four to face another group. Since it was launched in 2002, Gunbound has become a popular choice for online gamers in the United States, Canada, Peru, Brazil, China, Singapore, China, Malaysia, Taiwan, Indonesia and Thailand. Following its success, it was launched in the Philippines this year.

Meanwhile, a South Korean game creator known as Webzen has invented a game called MU. The playing field is massive in scope, currently being enjoyed by around 50 million Asian subscribers. It is, indeed, the fastest growing and top-ranking MMOG in Asia.

There are a lot of things that make MU everyone’s game of choice. First, it captures the imagination with its 3D animation. Players enter an environment with life-like weather system and a whole lot of changing landscapes. Second, MU boasts having three uniquely talented and skilled characters. Although there may only be three, players can choose from among 100,000 combinations of weapons, armors and other personal features. Third, there is a built-in retribution system that can determine one’s role in the game. Should a player decide to continually kill others, s/he will be branded as an outlaw. Being an outlaw, one will be hunted down by other players who wish to be heroes. Fourth, there is also a Guild System where the players can work together in order to win. This may strengthen friendships and/or develop new ones. Lastly, MU has a user-friendly game play interface so that even a first timer can learn the game on her/his own.

Dark forces have been roaming around the world of MU. The Devil of Darkness, Kundun, has been resurrected, posing much destruction and terror to the said world. The only way to stop him is through the use of eight sealing stones, which are scattered across the MU continent. Three brave creatures now hold MU’s fate. There is the Dark Knight who has the build of a true warrior with superior physical strength and power. Then there’s the physically challenged Dark Wizard, who is nevertheless clever in casting spells. Moreover, this wizard can possibly become the most powerful creature in the end. Last – but not the least, to use a much-abused cliche – is the female warrior Fairy Elf, who can also act as a cleric. Fearless in battle, she is a master of sorcery and multiple shooting skills.

As you can see, MU is a game anyone can engage in. It allows you to go beyond reality while meeting new friends. Now, all that’s left is for you to give it a try. What are you waiting for, unleash the warrior in you!

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MMOG Phil. Corp. is the marketing arm of Agora Mall located in San Juan, Manila. The company’s new management team is headed by Liza Sy Kao, president, with Caleb Yu as vice president for operations, Jaime Dy as VP for marketing, Kelly Sy as VP for finance and Andrew Lim as VP for research and development.

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E-mail me at ice_wave_42@yahoo.com.