Argentum Online

Argentum Online is a medieval fantasy MMORPG set in the world of Argentum, where players can create characters from five races and choose from 20 professions. The game features fast-paced arcade-style combat, player-killing mechanics, and faction-based gameplay. Originally developed by independent Argentine developers, it is free to play and has been released under a GPL license.

Argentum Online: A Pioneering Argentine MMORPG and Its Enduring Legacy

Introduction

Argentum Online, developed by Pablo Ignacio Márquez and Fernando Testa in 1999, stands as a monumental achievement in the history of Latin American gaming. As the first massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) created in Argentina, it defied the technological and economic constraints of its time to carve out a niche in the burgeoning online gaming landscape. This review explores the game’s development, its innovative mechanics, and its lasting impact on both the gaming community and the industry at large. At its core, Argentum Online is a testament to the power of passion and creativity in overcoming adversity, offering a rich, player-driven experience that transcended its modest origins.

Development History & Context

The Birth of an Argentine MMORPG

Argentum Online was born in La Plata, Argentina, as a modification of the ORE v0.4 engine developed by Baronsoft. Created by a group of independent developers led by Pablo Ignacio Márquez (known as “Gulfas Morgolock”) and Fernando Testa, the game was initially a college project that evolved into a full-fledged MMORPG. Released in 1999 and officially launched on January 15, 2001, Argentum Online was a groundbreaking achievement for Argentina, marking the country’s entry into the global gaming scene.

The game’s development was a collaborative effort, with fans and developers working together to create variants and mods. By 2001, four different versions of the game had been made, showcasing the community’s dedication and creativity. The game’s source code was released under the GNU GPL license in 2003, fostering a culture of open-source development and leading to the creation of numerous player-run servers.

Technological Constraints and Innovations

Developed in Visual Basic 6.0, Argentum Online was designed to run on minimal hardware, a necessity given the limited internet infrastructure of the late 1990s. This focus on accessibility allowed the game to thrive in Argentina and other regions with similar technological limitations. The game’s tile-based movement system and fast-paced combat mechanics were innovative for the time, offering a unique blend of strategy and arcade-style action.

Narrative & Thematic Deep Dive

A World of Good and Evil

Argentum Online is set in a medieval fantasy world populated by a diverse array of creatures, both good and evil. Players can choose from five races—Elf, Human, Gnome, Dark Elf, and Dwarf—and up to 20 different professions, ranging from fighters and assassins to blacksmiths and pirates. This diversity in character creation allows players to craft unique identities and roles within the game world.

The game’s narrative is driven by player actions and interactions, with a strong emphasis on player versus player (PvP) combat. The world of Argentum is divided into safe zones (cities) where player killing is forbidden, and dangerous areas where players can engage in combat. This duality creates a dynamic and often tense social environment, where players must navigate the consequences of their actions.

Factions and Reputation

As characters progress, they can join one of two factions: the Army of Chaos, which accepts criminals, or the Imperial Force, which is reserved for law-abiding citizens. Faction membership comes with unique armor and ranks, adding a layer of strategic depth to the game. Players’ reputations are shaped by their actions, with criminals facing persecution from city guards and other players. This system encourages moral choices and fosters a rich, emergent narrative driven by player behavior.

Gameplay Mechanics & Systems

Character Progression and Skills

Argentum Online features a deep and flexible character progression system. Characters gain experience through combat and can allocate skill points to improve their abilities. With 22 different skills to master, players have the freedom to create characters tailored to their preferred playstyle. Some skills are more accessible to certain professions, but the game encourages experimentation and creativity.

Combat and Movement

Combat in Argentum Online is a blend of turn-based mechanics and fast-paced arcade action. While the server handles damage calculations, the client provides visual feedback and animations. The game supports various combat types, including melee, ranged, magic, and throwing attacks. Movement is tile-based, with characters moving in four cardinal directions. The game’s movement system is designed to be intuitive and responsive, allowing players to navigate the world with ease.

Status Effects and Magic

The game features a robust status effects system, with buffs and debuffs that temporarily modify character abilities. The magic system allows players to cast spells for various effects, including damage, healing, and control. Spells are categorized based on their effects, and the client supports area-effect spells, adding depth to magical combat.

Safety Systems and Social Interaction

Argentum Online includes safety systems to prevent accidental attacks on friendly characters. Players can toggle safety modes to avoid friendly fire, and the game features a comprehensive social interaction system, allowing players to form parties, clans, and engage in trade. The game’s economy is driven by player interactions, with crafting and trading playing a significant role in the gameplay experience.

World-Building, Art & Sound

A Fantasy World Brought to Life

The world of Argentum is a rich tapestry of fantasy elements, from bustling cities to treacherous wilderness areas. The game’s art style is reminiscent of classic 2D RPGs, with detailed sprites and vibrant colors. The world is divided into distinct regions, each with its own unique atmosphere and challenges.

Atmospheric Sound Design

The game’s sound design complements its visual style, with immersive ambient sounds and dynamic music that changes based on the player’s location and actions. The soundtrack, featuring tracks like “Bander Norte,” enhances the game’s atmosphere and creates a sense of immersion.

Reception & Legacy

Critical and Commercial Reception

Argentum Online received a 70% score from critic J de Juegos, who praised its innovative mechanics and sophisticated design. The game’s free-to-play model and open-source nature allowed it to reach a wide audience, particularly in Latin America. Despite its modest beginnings, Argentum Online became a cultural phenomenon, with players forming real-world communities and even organizing meetups.

Influence on the Industry

Argentum Online’s influence extends beyond its initial release. The game’s open-source model inspired other developers to create and modify MMORPGs, fostering a culture of community-driven development. The game’s unique blend of PvP and PvE mechanics, along with its deep character customization, has left a lasting impact on the genre.

In 2020, Pablo Márquez and Horacio Garófalo announced Argentum Forever, a recreation of the original game using the Unity engine. While the project faced challenges, it demonstrated the enduring appeal of Argentum Online and the passion of its community. On April 29, 2022, Argentum 20 became the first version of the game to hit the Steam platform, introducing the game to a new generation of players.

Conclusion

Argentum Online is a pioneering achievement in the history of MMORPGs, combining innovative gameplay mechanics with a rich, player-driven narrative. Its open-source nature and community-driven development have left a lasting legacy, inspiring countless players and developers. As the first MMORPG from Argentina, it stands as a testament to the power of creativity and passion in overcoming adversity. Argentum Online’s place in video game history is secure, and its influence continues to be felt in the gaming community and the industry at large.