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| Developer(s) | Adam Miller, Sherman Mui, Roch Denis, Eric Prieur, and Jeff Landauer |
| Publisher(s) | Star Sonata LLC |
| Platform(s) | Windows |
| Release | Early 2004 |
| Genre(s) | MMORPG |
| Mode(s) | Multiplayer |
Star Sonata is a massively multiplayer online 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 ultimate goal for players in Sonata is to become the emperor.
Player base
According 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. 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.
Players from all over the world play Star Sonata, with the majority being from the United States and the United Kingdom.
Advancement
The 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. 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 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, 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.
Subscriptions
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.
Inspirations
Peterb, of Tea Leaves, suggests that Star Sonata drew most of its inspiration from Escape Velocity. Peterb even went so far as to say "Star Sonata is like Escape Velocity, only online".
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."
Screenshots
Similar games
External links
- Official Star Sonata homepage
- Code Herder's Flickr - screenshots of the upcoming overhaul of the client.
- StarSonata.Org - Inactive resource site
- StarSonata.Info - player-run resource page
- Interview with a creator of SS
- Imperium - Team and resource site (Map)
