Fate (video game)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| FATE | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Developer(s) | WildStudios/WildTangent |
| Publisher(s) | WildTangent |
| Distributor(s) | WildTangent |
| Version | 1.22b (2007) |
| Platform(s) | Windows |
| Release date |  May 18, 2005 |
| Genre(s) | Action role-playing game |
| Mode(s) | Single player |
| Rating(s) | ESRB: Everyone 10+ (E10+) |
| Media | Download or CD |
| Input methods | Computer keyboard, Mouse |
FATE (or often written Fate) is a 2005 single player action role-playing game for the PC produced by WildTangent. It was runner-up for "Role Playing Game of 2005" in PC Gamer magazine.
Contents |
[edit] Gameplay
[edit] Description
FATE is an action role-playing game similar to Diablo and Diablo II. The dungeon and treasures found within are randomized, as are the monsters. Certain items contain "sockets," into which the player can put special gems in order to customize the item. FATE is rated E10 for everyone 10 and up because there is to mild violence.The score uses classical guitar and middle eastern influences much as the Diablo series does.
The game takes place in the town of Grove, where the "Dungeon Gate" leads would-be adventurers to multiple levels of fame, fortune, and death. The player assumes the role of one of these adventurers, and is assigned a randomized quest at the beginning of the game that will take them to approximately the 50th level of the dungeon. Along the way, randomized side-quests are made available to the player by the townspeople of Grove. These are sometimes fetch quests, though they often require the player to kill off all enemies of a certain type on a certain floor of the dungeon or dispatch of an enemy boss. Upon completion of a side-quest, the player can return to the townsperson who gave it to him, and receive a reward of Fame Points, Experience Points and gold. Sometimes a valuable item is also given as part of the reward for completing a side-quest.
When the character gains enough experience points, they are promoted to the next level, and given five Attribute points as well as two Skill points. Attributes (Strength, Dexterity, Vitality and Magic) allow the character to wield stronger weapons, armor and spells, while Skills denote proficiency at certain things ("Sword Skill," "Charm Magic Skill," "Critical Hit Skill"). There are no set character classes in FATE, allowing players to customize to their hearts' content. Additionally, the player is rewarded with "Fame" points for completing side-quests and defeating enemy bosses, which contribute to the gaining of Fame levels. Players can always decide if they want to keep the equipment they were sent to retrieve, or if the potential fame, experience and gold are more important. Elite and Legendary equipment cannot be equipped unless the player is of a certain Fame level, and gaining a level of Fame yields four Skill points. Finally, a denizen of Grove, specifically a bard, can be paid to increase the character's Fame, allowing savvy players (in the game's own words) to buy Skill points. Unfortunately, gold is hard to come by as shops buy for 1/8th of their selling price.
In addition to the various vendors and quest-givers in the town, there is also a Healer, who will bring the character's health points up to full capacity free of charge, and an Enchanter who, for a fee, will try (sometimes unsuccessfully) to add an enchatment or a socket to an item of the player's choosing, but be warned he may delete all of the items enchantments so you have to start over.
The player is accompanied by a pet, which can initially be chosen as a dog or cat. This pet fights on behalf of the player, can carry items, and can be sent back to town in order to sell unwanted findings (though it cannot complete fetch quests). The player can transform the pet into various forms by feeding it fish, which can be caught in various bodies of water or purchased from vendors. Some of these transformations are temporary, some can be made permanent.
FATE is rendered fully in 3D, allowing the player to zoom in and out of the action as necessary. FATE offers no multiplayer elements. While this absence has been criticized by some, others find the single player feature only to be a draw.
If the player completes the main quest they received at the beginning of the game, they are given the option to retire the current character and start play over again with a descendant of the first character. The descendant gets various perks and bonuses, including one item that is handed down from its ancestor. If this family heirloom has any magical enchatments on it, they will be augmented by 25% every time the item is passed down. If a weapon or piece of armor is passed down, its damage done or defensive capabilities will be increased as well. If a player chooses not to retire, they can advance their characters and go as deep into the dungeon as they like.
[edit] Customizations
Like many other games in its class, FATE has an active modding community. The developers have released tools to aid in the creation of mods and over 100 mods exist in a community database. Mods for FATE range from simple potions and weapons to new spells and town make-overs. The community has created tutorials for creating new weapons, armor, spells, monsters, and other such items. One pitfall of these activities is the stability of the game; for this reason, it is recommended that the original game files be backed up prior to the installation of any third-party changes.
[edit] Reception
- X-Play gave it a 3/5.
- Cheatcc gave it a 8.9 out of 10.
- GameSpot gave it a 7.9 out of 10.
[edit] Criticism
Like many titles from WildTangent, FATE automatically installs the WildTangent Web Driver in order to allow unlocking of the demo version and for applying updates. However, there is considerable debate among the community as to whether or not this program and its associated modules are actually spyware.[1] WildTangent maintains that the anonymous usage information they collect does not amount to spyware.[2]WildTangent has compared this to cable boxes, which anonymously collect info on the shows you are watching. As of yet, there have been no serious damage caused by WildTangent, or any of their programs. The only ill effect noted is that FATE does not work well with Windows Vista, causing program crashes or even full computer crashes.[citation needed]After exiting the game, one's monitor may appear black or white for a few seconds while the game fully exits.
[edit] References
- ^ Machrone, Bill (2004-06-22). Spyware or Slyware?. PC Magazine. Retrieved on 2007-02-22.
- ^ Is WildTangent Spyware?. WildTangent Game Help. Retrieved on 2007-02-22.
