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As of late, naval warfare has become a growing niche in the MMO genre. In addition to Pirates of the Burning Sea and Vanguard, Darkfall has been promoting ship combat as a viable catalyst of PvP and clan politics. However, in these games, shipbuilding is only a part of the overall experience, and a largely optional one, at that (with the slight exception of PoTBS).
Enter Captains of DarkTide, a free-to-play MMO focused entirely on sea combat. Skill trees, upgrades, and crew control are all on board, as you progress your ship in much the same way as one would an individual avatar. If you so choose, elves and orcs can put aside their differences and serve on the same ship as crewmates. Blasphemy, I say!
On August 3rd, 2010, Silverlode Interactive will initiate open beta testing for Captains of DarkTide. The recent conclusion of a brief closed beta indicates that Silverlode is making considerable progress, and the game has become somewhat of a hit among it’s audience. Come August 3rd, all players who have created accounts at the official site will enjoy instant access to the open beta servers. Players will start out in possession of a ship outfitted with cannons, ballistas, and several crewmembers. Opportunities will be given to explore multiple zones, as well as the option to associate with several factions and races.
For a limited time, players who sign for the open beta will receive a free SAGA account (Silverlode’s MMORTS, which is set in the same universe). To tie these games together, certain crewmember units in DarkTide are available as their land-dwelling counterparts in SAGA. An interesting take on intersecting game universes, to say the least. Not surprisingly, closed beta accounts will be wiped for open beta, to level the playing field. Closed beta members will also receive in-game gifts as a “thank you” from Silverlode.
So, if you have any interest in naval MMORPGs, set sail for the Captains of DarkTide open beta, and play a hand in shaping a unique entry to the genre.