by Joseph Branch

Created on: October 22, 2009   Last Updated: October 24, 2009

Adventure Quest (AQ),first in a series of browser based RPG games produced by Artix Entertainment LLC, is a fantasy game written in Flash and is designed for the casual gamer. With a constantly growing list of quests to keep the player coming back, it can be a fun way to kill some time.

AQ is a solo adventure where the character's goals focus on fighting the forces of evil that plague the world of Lore through hundreds of dynamic quests that follow an interesting and sometimes comical storyline. Players can choose from several classes, such as a fighter, mage or rogue, along with numerous sub-classes that allow for further customization. There is a broad variety of weapons, spells, pets and other tools that are designed to help the hero achieve fame and fortune as they strive to save the world.

The world of Lore is large with many areas to explore. Quests are easy to follow and intertwine to insure continuity of the storyline. Difficulty between quest lines vary and some are even dynamic enough to take into consideration the level of the character. This feature allows even the most casual player to enjoy a great deal of variety.

Storyline scripting is one of the more interesting aspects of the game. Interactions are cute with many comical quips and humorous twists on cliche's everyone knows.

Game play and the game interface are simple to learn and easy to master. With plenty of interactive maps and methods of travel throughout the world, finding your way around is rarely a difficult prospect. Combat is best described as turn based with many options for spells, weapons, pets and armour to choose from. Even much of the equipment takes a humorous approach to RPG gaming following holiday themes and bizarre twists on farm animals.

AQ falls into the F2P (Free to Play) realm of pricing providing both free and premium content. While there is plenty to keep the free player busy, the premium player will find much more available. Premium activities come in two forms. Purchasing a Guardian account opens up the entire game to the player for a one time fee which provides lifetime access. Purchasing Dragon Coins allows the player to purchase premium items which can make the game easier to play but aren't required or even necessary to succeed.

In spite of all of AQ's pros, the hardcore gamer will not likely get much out of this game. Being generally "Kid-Friendly" and casual in design, it can be an excellent source for family fun and entry into the RPG genre having many elements of today's more complex RPG and MMO type games.

While reviews of AQ are mixed and varied, it obviously has pleased enough players to prompt Artix Entertainment to produce several spin-offs as in Mech Quest, Dragon Fable and AQ Worlds the latter being an actual Flash based MMO. All are based on the original theme surrounding the adventures of the characters in AQ and work together toward the advancement of the story itself. Adventure Quest may not be a game for everyone but it is definitely worth a look and can be found online at www.battleon.com.

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