Star Sonata
Encyclopedia : S : ST : STA : Star Sonata
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| Primary Developers | Adam Miller, Sherman Mui, Roch Denis, Jeff Landauer, and Eric Prieur | ||
| Other Contributors | Danny Chi, Mark Elrod, and Adrian Eyre | ||
| Release date(s) | Early 2004 | ||
| Genre(s) | MMORPG | ||
| Mode(s) | Multiplayer
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| Platform(s) | Windows
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Star Sonata is a space-themed massively multiplayer online role-playing game that uses a third-person 2d overhead view similar to that of Asteroids. In addition the game offers a complex commerce and construction system. The eventual goal for players in Star Sonata is to bring their team to domination and claim the seat of emperor.[link]
Contents
StoryVery little of the actual story has been developed. Hints in the game suggest a number of extinct races after which a number of items in the game are named. "Mzungu", "Vazaha", "Faranji", and "Bule", are the most common ancient races. Game lore suggests that the mysterious and hostile "UrQa" are responsible for the destruction of these races, as ruins for this race have been discovered and the "UrQa" can still be found if one braves the most dangerous regions of space.However, new development sectors and storylines are being developed. Many of these can be found in the Nexus, a place where people accomplish missions for characters both noble and dubious. The Nexus contains some of the first storylines to be formed in Star Sonata, containing characters that you will meet later in your voyages, some which you may have to defeat in battle, such as the Nefarious Barbe Bleu... Player baseAccording to a recent post on the Star Sonata forums by developer Jeff Landauer, the December 2005 subscription base is 404 accounts with a growth of 8% per month. [link] Each account can support up to 5 characters. Star Sonata has an estimated 600-700 active characters. The [Star Sonata forum] has over 45,000 registered users, however only a minority of these (less than 2,000) have ever posted.[link]Players from all over the world play Star Sonata, with the majority being from the United States and the United Kingdom.[link] AdvancementThe leveling system is based on a fixed experience requirement with the experience returned based on the relationship between your level and the "AI" (computer controlled enemy). Each level requires about 1000 experience. [link] Defeating an AI of a higher relative level will gain up to 510xp, while defeating a lower one can result in as little as none.Experience is earned by killing computer-controlled enemies and finishing in-game missions. Each time a player levels they earn 5 skill points which can be spent on skills. Skills determine what equipment you can use or give a small bonus to different aspects of the game. Territory (star systems) can be claimed by players or teams of players, and once enough of the galaxy becomes 'owned', a team can attempt to become Emperor. Shortly after a player is crowned Emperor, the universe will be manually reset and re-randomized by the administrators. The most recent reset occurred on Thursday, February 16, 2006. Player Vs. Player Combat
 Star Sonata has a restricted PvP-combat system. Only two characters who are similar in level can engage in combat. Factors such as distance from Earth and diplomacy, play a role in determining how far apart in level two players can be. SubscriptionsThe game is free to play up to level 20. To progress past that a monthly subscription is required. The current cost is $9.95 per month, or 4 months for $29.95. Payment from outside of the United states is accepted through major online money transfer services or credit cards. InspirationsPeterb, of [Tea Leaves], suggests that Star Sonata drew most of its inspiration from Escape Velocity. Peterb went so far as to say "Star Sonata is like Escape Velocity, only online".[link]During an interview with GameZone.com, Adam Miller was asked why he decided to create a game like Star Sonata. He responded "We designed Star Sonata out of a nostalgic childhood dream of space adventure." [link]
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