Twilight Heroes is a free browser-based game currently in open beta from Quirkz Media. Players get the chance to create a Superhero and patrol the dark, dangerous streets of the city of Twilight.
Whether it’s an elemental spell-caster, a mentally powered Scion, animal-adept Naturalist or cleverly equipped Gadgeteer there is much quirky fun and adventure to be had in this nifty RPG.
After a brief bit of back-story, players are thrust into a darkly humorous world Twilight, a world populated by anything from Cat burglars (kittens with guns) to Orca with rocket launchers (really).
New heroes are treated to a few low-level quests in a beginners area to familiarize them with game mechanics and inventory systems before the whole city can be accessed. As players progress they gain new transportation which allows travel to new areas and enemies.
Players are given a set number of turns per day before their “bedtime”. Turns are taken by most actions, combat and resting, but a few may be replenished by coffee each day. Combat is turn-based, making it fun and easy to pick up and get out there and start busting some criminal heads.
Weapons, Armor and other accessories can be purchased from NPC merchants or other players via the in-game auction house, as well as obtained after combat. Some items can even be combined at the player’s hideout to create even more powerful equipment.
Each class of heroes has it’s own skill tree to master. Skills range from standard combat and restorative abilities to buffs that improve statistics or grant a higher percentage of item and chip (money) drops after combat.
Talismans are mystical items that grant each hero his or her power and are proprietary to each class. Each Talisman grants various passive abilities (boosts to stats, to-hit % etc.) and are one of the games more collectible items.
Players who regret their choice of class even have the option to transmogrify their Talisman and switch to a different type of hero, for a price: there’s a very good chance that they could lose most or even all of their powers and end up starting over from scratch.
There is no guild or clan system implemented in the game yet but it is planned. Players seeking a community of other heroes to get support from need only open the chat pane and ask around. So far the folks playing are courteous and helpful so the community feeling is there.
All in all this is a fun, free game that with no subscription costs or hefty system requirements is open to all comers. Given time Twilight Heroes could grow in size and scope enough to rival it’s closest competitor Kingdom of Loathing. It’s still in early beta and there is still lots of content for the designers to add but even for all that the game performs well and has lots of potential.
I definitely recommend it.
Gamer Hero Score: 8/10
Go LoZ!