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⚫ {{Infobox video game
{{npov}}
⚫ |title=Star Sonata

⚫ |image=
⚫ {{Infobox CVG
|developer=Landauer Games
|title = ]
|publisher=Landauer Games
⚫ |image =
|developer = Adam Miller, Sherman Mui, Johann Suomi, and Jeff Landauer |designer=Adam Miller, Sherman Mui, Roch Denis, Jeff Landauer, Eric Prieur, Danny Chi, Mark Elrod, Adrian Eyre
⚫ |released=2004
⚫ |publisher = Star Sonata LLC
|genre=] ]
|distributor =
⚫ |modes=]
|designer =
⚫ |platforms=]
|engine =
|version =
⚫ |released = Early ]
|genre = ]
⚫ |modes = ]
|ratings =
⚫ |platforms = ]
|media = ]
|requirements = 32MB ], ] access, ] 8, 8MB 3D ] (not compatible with ATI Radeons), ], 25MB ] space
|input = ], ]
}} }}
'''Star Sonata''' is a ] that uses a third-person 2d overhead view similar to that of ]. In addition the game offers a commerce and construction system. The ultimate goal for players in Sonata is to become the emperor.


'''''Star Sonata''''' is a space-themed ] (MMO) by American studio Star Sonata LLC released in 2004 that combines elements of ] games and ] games such as real-time ship-to-ship combat and galactic conquest.<ref name="Gamespy">{{cite web |url=http://pc.gamespy.com/articles/121/1218358p2.html |title=101 Free PC Games of 2012 |publisher=GameSpy.com |author=Scott Sharkey |date=2012-02-13 |access-date=2011-08-08}}</ref>


The game offers complex and involved commerce, construction and team systems. The goal for players in ''Star Sonata'' is to bring their team to domination and claim the seat of Emperor.<ref name="Gamezone_interview">{{cite web |url=http://pc.gamezone.com/news/10_26_04_03_30PM.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050106183125/http://pc.gamezone.com/news/10_26_04_03_30PM.htm |archive-date=2005-01-06 |title=PC Game News - Star Sonata's Adam Miller conducts a tour of the MMO space title |date=2004-10-26 |access-date=2012-07-24 |publisher=GameZone.com |last=Lafferty |first=Michael}}</ref> ''Star Sonata'' belongs to the ] genre established in computer gaming by ] and ].<ref name="tleaves">{{ cite web |url=http://tleaves.com/weblog/archives/000245.html |title=Tea Leaves: Star Sonata |author=peterb |date=2004-12-14 |access-date=2011-02-14 }}</ref>


The game is free to download and play for an unlimited period of time with game-play restrictions.<ref name="Gamezone_review">{{cite web |url=http://pc.gamezone.com/gzreviews/r25030.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050310035225/http://pc.gamezone.com/gzreviews/r25030.htm |archive-date=2005-03-10 |title=Star Sonata review |date=2004-11-16 |author=Matt Eberle |access-date=2012-08-09 |publisher=GameZone.com }}</ref>
== Advancement ==
{{wikibookspar||Players guide for Star Sonata}}
The leveling system is based on a fixed experience requirement with the experience returned based on the relationship between your level and the "]" (computer controlled enemy). Each ] requires about 1000 experience. 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.


==Gameplay==
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.
''Star Sonata'' is a space trading game, where players explore space and trade goods from one space station to another for economic gain. Players also control automated ships through programmed command sequences in order to patrol areas, assist in combat or engage in trade of commodities even while a player is offline.<ref name="onRPG_review">{{ cite web |url=http://www.onrpg.com/MMO/Star-Sonata/review/Star-Sonata-Review-Only-For-Casual-MMOers |title=Star Sonata Review |author=Kei Beneza |access-date=2011-02-14 |publisher=onRPG.com }}</ref> At higher levels, players build custom space stations on planets and moons to extract resources.<ref name="Gametunnel_review">{{cite web|url=http://www.gametunnel.com/articles.php?id=255 |title=M.Indie in SPAAAAACCE |author=Joseph Lieberman |publisher=GameTunnel.com |date=2005-04-26 |access-date=2012-08-08 |url-status=unfit |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080929120750/http://www.gametunnel.com/articles.php?id=255 |archive-date=September 29, 2008 }}</ref> Items can be manufactured on player-controlled space stations<ref name="Gamezone_interview"/> and bought from colonies on planets with ancient ruins.


Unlike many MMORPGs, combat in ''Star Sonata'' is in real-time and requires manual aiming.<ref name="G4TV_interview"/> This results in a wide variety of combat tactics, such as dodging to evade enemy fire, using combat aids to deploy drones, boost shields or overload weapons, and maneuvering around terrain elements such as planets and asteroids which block attacks.<ref name="Gamezone_interview"/> ''Star Sonata'' also has an open ] system in which players can attack other players near their skill level.<ref name="Gamezone_interview"/>
Territory (star systems) can be claimed by players or teams of players, and once enough of the galaxy becomes 'owned', a player or 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, ], ].


===Conquest===
== Player Vs. Player Combat ==
Teams of players may claim ownership of galaxies by building space stations on planets in order to control territory, exploit planetary resources and build colonies for trade and population expansion.<ref name="onRPG_review"/> By expanding their empires, teams compete to achieve a score in the top five with a sufficient percentage of the population of the universe, which enables them to make a claim for the Emperor's throne. If successful, their team leader will be crowned the Emperor of the Universe.<ref name="Gamezone_interview"/>
]


===Universe resets===
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.
A unique feature of ''Star Sonata'' is that the game's universe is randomized every few months in a Universe reset. This allows for the game to remain fresh for long-time players and for new players to have a chance to claim a star system for themselves. A reset triggers economic changes as supply and demand shifts for different items and resources in the new procedurally-generated universe of star systems.<ref name="G4TV_interview"/>


===Character advancement===
== Subscriptions ==
Character development is based on gaining levels through meeting fixed ] requirements. Experience is earned by killing computer-controlled enemies and completing in-game missions. Players also earn skill points which can be spent on a variety of skills.<ref name="tleaves"/> Some skill sets are mutually exclusive, requiring the player to choose a particular focus for the character, such as a fighting style, space station management, or freight transport. Some other skills are also available to all players but require special commodities and/or
prerequisite such as Hull Expansion.<ref name="Gametunnel_review"/>


==Development==
The 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. Payments from outside of the United states is accepted though online money transfers or credit cards.
Developer Adam Miller said he designed ''Star Sonata'' "out of a nostalgic childhood dream of space adventure."<ref name="Gamezone_interview"/> After three years in development and a public beta, ''Star Sonata'' was released in October 2004.<ref name="G4TV_interview">{{cite web |url=http://www.g4tv.com/thefeed/blog/post/721203/the-star-sonata-2-my-destiny/ |title=The Star Sonata 2 My Destiny - Interview with Developer Ryan Seaman |date=2012-02-28 |access-date=2012-07-24 |publisher=G4TV.com |last=Manuel |first=Rob}}</ref><ref name="Gamezone_rulegalaxy">{{cite web |title=Are You Good Enough to Rule the Star Sonata Galaxy? |author=jkdmedia |url=http://www.gamezone.com/news/are_you_good_enough_to_rule_the_star_sonata_galaxy |publisher=Gamezone.com |date=2004-09-27 |access-date=2012-08-08}}</ref> Development continued from 2004 to 2011, with features and content zones being added every few months.<ref name="G4TV_interview"/>


In a January 2008 interview, Owner Jeff Landauer stated that 12,132 unique characters had logged in to play in the last 2 days and 11 hours.<ref>{{ cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hJmW8Tm9NQc#t=4m19s |title=Star Sonata Development Diary #2 |publisher=StarSonata |date=2008-01-14 |access-date=2011-02-14 }}</ref> Landauer has also reported that the number of paying players increased from 300 in August 2005<ref>{{cite web |url=http://forum.starsonata.com/viewtopic.php?t=22144 |title=Star Sonata 2008 |publisher=StarSonata.com |date=2008-01-02 |access-date=2012-08-08 }}</ref> to 854 in July 2008.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://forum.starsonata.com/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=26753&p=294500#p294500 |title=Weekly Update 7-8 |publisher=StarSonata.com |date=2008-07-08 |access-date=2012-08-08 }}</ref>
== Inspirations ==
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.''"


After beta sign-ups in August 2011,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mmorpg.com/gamelist.cfm/setView/news/gameId/160/showArticle/21704 |title=Star Sonata News - Beta Sign Ups Begin for Star Sonata 2 |publisher=www.mmorpg.com |date=2011-08-29 |access-date=2012-08-08 }}</ref> ''Star Sonata 2'' was released on November 12, 2011<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamerankings.com/pc/641487-star-sonata-2/index.html |title=Star Sonata 2 for PC - GameRankings |publisher=] |access-date=2012-08-08}}</ref> with an upgraded client supporting 3D graphics and user interface improvements.<ref name="G4TV_interview"/> In July 2012, Landauer Games announced a major increase in paid staff for continued development and additions to ''Star Sonata''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamasutra.com/view/pressreleases/175219/Indie_MMO_Star_Sonata_announces_the_addition_of_paidstaff.php |title=Indie MMO Star Sonata announces the addition of paid staff |publisher=www.gamasutra.com |date=2012-07-31 |access-date=2012-08-08 }}</ref>
==Screenshots==
*
*


== Similar games == ==Reception==
In 2004, ''Star Sonata'' was reviewed by GameZone which gave the game an overall rating of 7.7/10, noting that the game offered "interesting options for controlling your own AI fleets and space stations."<ref name="Gamezone_review"/> In 2005, the ] site Game Tunnel recommended the game for those who "enjoy exploring, conflict, and building a name for yourself" while noting that the game's ] conflict "can badly affect new players" who are too weak to fight back.<ref name="Gametunnel_review"/> The updated ''Star Sonata 2'', released in 2011, was one of 3 role-playing games listed on '']’s 101 Free PC Games of 2012''.<ref name="Gamespy"/>
*]
*]
*]
*]
*]


==External links== ==See also==
* {{portal-inline|Video games}}
⚫ *
* - player-run resource page
*


===Reviews=== ==References==
{{reflist}}
*

*
==External links==
⚫ * The official
* The official


]
] ]
]
]
]
]
]

Latest revision as of 23:48, 7 April 2021

2004 video game
Star Sonata
Developer(s)Landauer Games
Publisher(s)Landauer Games
Designer(s)Adam Miller, Sherman Mui, Roch Denis, Jeff Landauer, Eric Prieur, Danny Chi, Mark Elrod, Adrian Eyre
Platform(s)Microsoft Windows
Release2004
Genre(s)MMORPG Space simulation
Mode(s)Multiplayer

Star Sonata is a space-themed massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMO) by American studio Star Sonata LLC released in 2004 that combines elements of action games and real-time strategy games such as real-time ship-to-ship combat and galactic conquest.

The game offers complex and involved commerce, construction and team systems. The goal for players in Star Sonata is to bring their team to domination and claim the seat of Emperor. Star Sonata belongs to the space opera genre established in computer gaming by Galactic Empire and Elite.

The game is free to download and play for an unlimited period of time with game-play restrictions.

Gameplay

Star Sonata is a space trading game, where players explore space and trade goods from one space station to another for economic gain. Players also control automated ships through programmed command sequences in order to patrol areas, assist in combat or engage in trade of commodities even while a player is offline. At higher levels, players build custom space stations on planets and moons to extract resources. Items can be manufactured on player-controlled space stations and bought from colonies on planets with ancient ruins.

Unlike many MMORPGs, combat in Star Sonata is in real-time and requires manual aiming. This results in a wide variety of combat tactics, such as dodging to evade enemy fire, using combat aids to deploy drones, boost shields or overload weapons, and maneuvering around terrain elements such as planets and asteroids which block attacks. Star Sonata also has an open PvP system in which players can attack other players near their skill level.

Conquest

Teams of players may claim ownership of galaxies by building space stations on planets in order to control territory, exploit planetary resources and build colonies for trade and population expansion. By expanding their empires, teams compete to achieve a score in the top five with a sufficient percentage of the population of the universe, which enables them to make a claim for the Emperor's throne. If successful, their team leader will be crowned the Emperor of the Universe.

Universe resets

A unique feature of Star Sonata is that the game's universe is randomized every few months in a Universe reset. This allows for the game to remain fresh for long-time players and for new players to have a chance to claim a star system for themselves. A reset triggers economic changes as supply and demand shifts for different items and resources in the new procedurally-generated universe of star systems.

Character advancement

Character development is based on gaining levels through meeting fixed experience point requirements. Experience is earned by killing computer-controlled enemies and completing in-game missions. Players also earn skill points which can be spent on a variety of skills. Some skill sets are mutually exclusive, requiring the player to choose a particular focus for the character, such as a fighting style, space station management, or freight transport. Some other skills are also available to all players but require special commodities and/or prerequisite such as Hull Expansion.

Development

Developer Adam Miller said he designed Star Sonata "out of a nostalgic childhood dream of space adventure." After three years in development and a public beta, Star Sonata was released in October 2004. Development continued from 2004 to 2011, with features and content zones being added every few months.

In a January 2008 interview, Owner Jeff Landauer stated that 12,132 unique characters had logged in to play in the last 2 days and 11 hours. Landauer has also reported that the number of paying players increased from 300 in August 2005 to 854 in July 2008.

After beta sign-ups in August 2011, Star Sonata 2 was released on November 12, 2011 with an upgraded client supporting 3D graphics and user interface improvements. In July 2012, Landauer Games announced a major increase in paid staff for continued development and additions to Star Sonata.

Reception

In 2004, Star Sonata was reviewed by GameZone which gave the game an overall rating of 7.7/10, noting that the game offered "interesting options for controlling your own AI fleets and space stations." In 2005, the independent video game site Game Tunnel recommended the game for those who "enjoy exploring, conflict, and building a name for yourself" while noting that the game's PvP conflict "can badly affect new players" who are too weak to fight back. The updated Star Sonata 2, released in 2011, was one of 3 role-playing games listed on GameSpy’s 101 Free PC Games of 2012.

See also

References

  1. ^ Scott Sharkey (2012-02-13). "101 Free PC Games of 2012". GameSpy.com. Retrieved 2011-08-08.
  2. ^ Lafferty, Michael (2004-10-26). "PC Game News - Star Sonata's Adam Miller conducts a tour of the MMO space title". GameZone.com. Archived from the original on 2005-01-06. Retrieved 2012-07-24.
  3. ^ peterb (2004-12-14). "Tea Leaves: Star Sonata". Retrieved 2011-02-14.
  4. ^ Matt Eberle (2004-11-16). "Star Sonata review". GameZone.com. Archived from the original on 2005-03-10. Retrieved 2012-08-09.
  5. ^ Kei Beneza. "Star Sonata Review". onRPG.com. Retrieved 2011-02-14.
  6. ^ Joseph Lieberman (2005-04-26). "M.Indie in SPAAAAACCE". GameTunnel.com. Archived from the original on September 29, 2008. Retrieved 2012-08-08.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  7. ^ Manuel, Rob (2012-02-28). "The Star Sonata 2 My Destiny - Interview with Developer Ryan Seaman". G4TV.com. Retrieved 2012-07-24.
  8. jkdmedia (2004-09-27). "Are You Good Enough to Rule the Star Sonata Galaxy?". Gamezone.com. Retrieved 2012-08-08.
  9. "Star Sonata Development Diary #2". StarSonata. 2008-01-14. Retrieved 2011-02-14.
  10. "Star Sonata 2008". StarSonata.com. 2008-01-02. Retrieved 2012-08-08.
  11. "Weekly Update 7-8". StarSonata.com. 2008-07-08. Retrieved 2012-08-08.
  12. "Star Sonata News - Beta Sign Ups Begin for Star Sonata 2". www.mmorpg.com. 2011-08-29. Retrieved 2012-08-08.
  13. "Star Sonata 2 for PC - GameRankings". GameRankings. Retrieved 2012-08-08.
  14. "Indie MMO Star Sonata announces the addition of paid staff". www.gamasutra.com. 2012-07-31. Retrieved 2012-08-08.

External links

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