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#REDIRECT [[Zəylik, Tartar]]
{{Infobox VG
|image = [[Image:Packfront.gif|256px]]
|developer = [[Mythic Entertainment]]
|publisher = [[Electronic Arts]]
|website = http://www.warhammeronline.com/
|designer = [[Mark Jacobs (video game designer)|Mark Jacobs]] <br> [[Paul Barnett (video game designer)|Paul Barnett]]
|released =[[September 18]], [[2008]] <ref name="OfficialRelease">Mythic Entertainment (2008). [http://www.warhammeronline.com/pressreleases/20080805.php Mythic announces Day of Reckoning]. [[Mythic Entertainment]]. Retrieved on [[2008]]-[[August 6|08-06]].</ref>
|genre = [[MMORPG]]
|modes = [[Multiplayer video game|Multiplayer]]
|ratings = [[ESRB]]: T
|platforms = [[Microsoft Windows]]
|media = [[DVD]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamepro.com/games/pc/114881/warhammer-online-age-of-reckoning/|title=Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning Page|publisher=[[GamePro]]|accessdate=2008-09-22}}</ref>
|requirements = <span>
;[[Windows XP]]
* 2.5 GHz P4 processor or equivalent
* 1 Gigabyte RAM
* A 128 MB Video Card, with support for Pixel Shader 2.0
* At least 15 GB of hard drive space
; Windows Vista
* 2.5 GHz P4 processor or equivalent
* 2 Gigabyte RAM
* A 128 MB Video Card, with support for Pixel Shader 2.0
* At least 15 GB of hard drive space<ref>Warhammeronline.com (2007). [http://herald.warhammeronline.com/warherald/NewsArticle.war?id=168 Official System Requirements]. Retrieved on [[2008]]-[[July 30|7-30]].</ref></span>
|input = [[Computer keyboard|Keyboard]] and [[Computer mouse|mouse]]
}}
'''''Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning''''' (officially abbreviated as ''WAR''<ref name="GameOverview">Mythic Entertainment (2007). [http://www.warhammeronline.com/english/gameInfo/gameOverview/ Game Overview]. [[Mythic Entertainment]]. Retrieved on [[2007]]-[[February 1|02-01]].</ref>) is a [[MMORPG|massively multiplayer online role-playing game]] based on [[Games Workshop]]'s ''[[Warhammer Fantasy (setting)|Warhammer Fantasy]]'' setting. It was developed by [[Mythic Entertainment]] and simultaneously released in North America, Europe, Asia, Australia and New Zealand on [[September 18]], [[2008]]. <ref name="OfficialRelease">Mythic Entertainment (2008). [http://www.warhammeronline.com/pressreleases/20080805.php Mythic announces Day of Reckoning]. [[Mythic Entertainment]]. Retrieved on [[2008]]-[[August 6|08-06]].</ref> The game revolves around the continual worldwide conflict that the Warhammer Fantasy setting is known for, and the game is geared toward ongoing, constant war laced with dark humor.

==Development History==
The first ''Warhammer Online'' game development began under the company [[Climax Group|Climax Online]]. The project was officially canceled in June [[2004]] when Games Workshop determined that the roll-out costs would be too high.<ref>GameSpot (2004). [http://www.gamespot.com/pc/rpg/whonline/news.html?sid=6100992 Warhammer Online Killed in Action]. [[GameSpot]]. Retrieved on [[2007]]-[[February 1|02-01]].</ref> However, work on the game never actually stopped as Climax Online continued the project using their own funds until the company reported in late 2004 that the ''Warhammer Online'' project was shut down due to difficulty in securing a publishing agreement.

With the license available again, [[Games Workshop]] was approached by Mythic Entertainment, who were interested in acquiring the license and starting a new project from scratch. A long-standing relationship between several Games Workshop managers and the [[Chief Executive Officer|CEO]] of Mythic [[Mark Jacobs (video game designer)|Mark Jacobs]] ensured that a deal was quickly reached. The ''Warhammer Online'' license was acquired by Mythic on [[May 18]], [[2005]]. Mythic would soon cancel its original follow-up project [[Imperator Online]] after gaining the Warhammer License.<ref>Mythic Entertainment (2005). [http://www.warhammeronline.com/english/news/currentNews/05182005.php Mythic Entertainment Secures World Wide Rights to Create MMORPG Based on Games Workshop's Warhammer Fantasy World]. [[Mythic Entertainment]]. Retrieved on [[2007]]-[[February 1|02-01]].</ref>

Though ''Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning'' is being developed by [[Mythic Entertainment]], [[Games Workshop]] is also involved with the ongoing development of the project. Their role is not only to ensure that the project remains true to the Warhammer Fantasy [[Intellectual Property|IP]], but also to work with Mythic to allow for the appropriate development and extension of the IP as necessitated for the [[MMO]]. Mythic has previously created [[MMO]]s, including [[Dark Age of Camelot]].<ref>Mythic Entertainment (2007). [http://www.warhammeronline.com/english/media/podcast/ Mythic Entertainment Video Podcasts]. [[Mythic Entertainment]]. Retrieved on [[2007]]-[[12-27]].</ref>

''Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning'' is not purely derived from either [[Warhammer Fantasy Battles]] or [[Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay]] or any other source alone, but rather from the Warhammer Fantasy universe as a whole.

==Armies==
{{fancruft|date=August 2008}}
''Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning'' is a Realm versus Realm ([[Player versus player#RvR (Realm versus realm) combat|RvR]]) game comprised of two separate factions: Order and Destruction. Each faction contains three separate armies, each of which is further broken down into three or four career choices.<ref name="GameOverview">Mythic Entertainment (2007). [http://www.warhammeronline.com/english/gameInfo/gameOverview/ Game Overview]. [[Mythic Entertainment]]. Retrieved on [[2007]]-[[February 1|02-01]].</ref><ref name="careercut" /> A number of careers will be gender specific i.e. only playable as a male or female character.

{| class="wikitable"
|+Armies of Order
!Army
!Lore
!Denomination
|-
|[[Dwarf (Warhammer)|Dwarfs]]
|Though the Dwarfs once had a great empire when humans were still primitive and uncivilized, their heyday has long since passed. They are beset on all sides by the forces of destruction: primarily the insidious [[Skaven]] rat-men and the vast populations of Orcs and Goblins. The Dwarfs are a hardy, stubborn and industrious folk - considered to be amongst the greatest craftsmen of the [[Old World (Warhammer)|Old World]], the Dwarfs create war machines and artifacts of unsurpassed complexity, power and majesty. Dwarfs live longer than humans (several hundred years on average) and make their homes, for the most part, in great mountain fortresses called holds, many of which are constantly being assaulted by the forces of destruction. The Dwarfs hold strongly to traditions, notably their respect for long-held grudges, they along with the Empire have embraced black powder weaponry such as cannons and explosives. The current dwarf High King is [[Thorgrim Grudgebearer]], who rules from the dwarven capital of [[Karaz-a-Karak]], known as Everpeak to men. In ''WAR'', the Dwarfs are paired against their long-time racial enemies the Orcs and Goblins, known collectively as the [[Greenskins]].
|The army of the Dwarfs in WAR is known as the Oathbearers, named because of their oath of allegiance to the High King. Their duty was to find necessary materials in the most dangerous places in the world, requiring exceptional Dwarfs to undertake such a task.<ref>Mythic Entertainment (2007). [http://www.warhammeronline.com/english/gameInfo/armiesofWAR/Dwarfs/Dwarfs.php The Dwarfs]. [[Mythic Entertainment]]. Retrieved on [[2007]]-[[February 1|02-01]].</ref>
|-
|[[The Empire (Warhammer)|Empire]]
|The Empire is the largest human civilization in the Old World. Founded by the first emperor, [[Sigmar]], who is now the Empire's patron deity (though other deities are worshipped), the Empire has stood for over two thousand years. Though it has gone through periods of dismemberment, it was recently unified by the Emperor [[Magnus the Pious]]. The current Emperor is [[Karl Franz]] who resides in the Empire's capital, [[Altdorf]]. Although not as skilled in craftsmanship as the Dwarfs or in magic as the Elves, the Empire is not held back by tradition to the extent of the Dwarfs or Elves and has yet to fully succumb to any threat, external or internal. The Empire's civilization is somewhat modelled on Germany as it was during the [[early modern europe|age of reason]] with heavy medieval and theocratic or religious conservative influences. At the start of ''WAR'', the Empire faces off against the destructive forces of [[Chaos]] which have already overrun the Russian-like [[Kislev (Warhammer)|Kislev]] and are encroaching from the north.
|The Order of the Griffon is the Empire army involved in WAR, formed by Emperor Karl Franz with the blessing of the Church of [[Sigmar]], the Colleges of Magic and the [[Reiksguard]]. The Order is primarily made up of warriors, priests of Sigmar and wizards charged with defending the realm, and are answerable only to the Emperor himself. <ref>Mythic Entertainment (2007). [http://www.warhammeronline.com/english/gameInfo/armiesofWAR/Empire/Empire.php The Empire]. [[Mythic Entertainment]]. Retrieved on [[2007]]-[[February 1|02-01]].</ref>
|-
|[[High Elves (Warhammer)|High Elves]]
|Skilled in the arts of magic and one of the oldest civilized cultures in the ''Warhammer'' world, the ancient and dying Elven race has taken up arms against the forces of disorder by coming to the Empire's aid. The High Elves live on a large island continent called [[Ulthuan]] and are makers of fine art, music, and weapons of war unsurpassed by the other races, with the exception of the Dwarfs. Elves live for thousands of years and are usually extremely proficient at their given role. They are grudgingly fighting alongside the Dwarfs, as the two races put aside their long-standing animosity to combat the greater threat. Many thousands of years ago, [[Malekith]], the son of the High Elves' first [[Phoenix King]] [[Aenarion]], was denied the throne. This led to a cataclysmic civil war the elves call the Sundering which destroyed the landmass of much of Ulthuan. Following the Sundering, Malekith and his supporters exiled themselves from Ulthuan and became the Dark Elves. The current Phoenix King is [[Finubar the Seafarer]] who resides in the High Elf Capital, [[Lothern]]. In ''WAR'', The High Elves are pitted against their dark kin, the Dark Elves.
|In WAR, high elf characters are part of an army known as the Shining Guard, under the command of the legendary warrior Prince [[Tyrion]]. They were tasked with defending Ulthuan while the Phoenix King and his army fights alongside the Empire. <ref>Mythic Entertainment (2007). [http://www.warhammeronline.com/english/gameInfo/armiesofWAR/highelves/HighElf.php High Elves]. [[Mythic Entertainment]]. Retrieved on [[2008]]-[[April 2|04-02]].</ref>
|}

{| class="wikitable"
|+Armies of Destruction
!Army
!Lore
!Denomination
|-
|[[Orc & Goblin|Greenskins (Orcs and Goblins)]]
|The Greenskins are a collection of Orcs and Goblins, making them unique within ''WAR'' as they consist of two races. However, with only three career options available to the Greenskins factions they are the same as other races in terms of career options. Orcs are a large warlike humanoid species, born for battle, fighting, and the occasional brawl. They live in tribal systems with the strongest Orc leading the tribe. Goblins are considerably smaller than Orcs, and are often bullied by their larger, more intimidating cousins. This has caused the Goblins to evolve into sneaky, insidious, and more intelligent creatures in order to defend themselves from their larger kin. Occasionally, a particularly powerful Greenskin leader will gather many tribes together and form what is known as a "WAAAGH!!!": a nearly unstoppable band of marauding greenskins. With the outset of ''WAR'' a new "WAAAGH!!!" is forming and once again the Orcs seek to eradicate their ancestral enemies, the Dwarfs. All Greenskins appear to be male, although they are considered to be a genderless race. Therefore, there are no gender options available to players who create a Greenskin character in ''WAR''.
|The Greenskins are part of the Bloody Sun Boyz, led by the Black Orc [[Grumlok]] and his Goblin Shaman [[Gazbag]]. Their war with their old enemies, the Dwarfs, was manipulated by the Witch King Malekith. His intention was to start a war between the Greenskins and Dwarfs so that the Dwarfs could not come to the aid of the Empire, who would be forced to call upon the armies of the Phoenix King for aid - thus leaving Ulthuan ripe for the taking. <ref>Mythic Entertainment (2007). [http://www.warhammeronline.com/english/gameInfo/armiesofWAR/Greenskins/Greenskins.php The Greenskins]. [[Mythic Entertainment]]. Retrieved on [[2007]]-[[February 1|02-01]].</ref>
|-
|[[Chaos (Warhammer)|Chaos]]
|The forces of [[Chaos]] are bent on corrupting and destroying everything in their path. In the ''Warhammer'' Universe, the followers of Chaos may worship one of the four major gods: [[Tzeentch]] (change, manipulation and hope), [[Khorne]] (conflict and fury), [[Nurgle]] (decay, disease and despair), and [[Slaanesh]] (excess, pleasure and general hedonism). These gods are often at odds with one another and rarely work together, although some follow Chaos as a whole and are commonly referred to as ''Chaos Undivided''. The Human followers of Chaos generally live in the [[Chaos Wastes]] in the far northern part of the world where the energies of raw magic and chaos are strong and cause both its inhabitants and terrain to warp and mutate. These humans live in a warlike semi-tribal society, and when the time comes for war they are sometimes followed by hideous [[Daemon (Warhammer)|daemons]] from the realm of chaos. In ''WAR'', the forces of Chaos are pitted against the Empire.
|All Chaos players will be affiliated to Tzeentch, as that is the patron deity of the Chaos force in WAR - the Raven Host. These are Tzeentch's most devoted servants, and its leader Tchar'zanek is one of the Lord of Magic's Chosen. Mainly these humans come from [[Norsca]]. <ref>Mythic Entertainment (2007). [http://www.warhammeronline.com/english/gameInfo/armiesofWAR/Chaos/Chaos.php Chaos]. [[Mythic Entertainment]]. Retrieved on [[2007]]-[[February 1|02-01]].</ref>
|-
|[[Dark Elves (Warhammer)|Dark Elves]]
|Once High Elves, the spiteful Dark Elves have a bitter feud with their ancient counterparts. Their king, the "Witch King" [[Malekith]], has his sights set on the throne of the [[Phoenix King]], which he believes is rightly his. Instead of worshipping all the Elven Gods, the Dark Elves worship only [[Khaine]], the Elven God of war, even going so far as human (and other) sacrifice while their fleets travel the world enslaving "lesser" races. The Dark Elves dwell in [[Naggaroth]], a cold and desolate land to the north west of [[Ulthuan]] which they were exiled to after the Sundering, though ''WAR'' players will not be able to visit this area. While the armies of the High Elves are away to fight the forces of [[Chaos]], the Dark Elves have taken this opportunity to attack [[Ulthuan]], the home of the High Elves. Malekith also has empowered the leaders of the Greenskins, the Goblin Shaman [[Gahzbag]] and the Black Orc Warboss [[Grumlok]], bestowing them with magical amulets of great dark power that helped the Greenskins to raise a WAAAGH! and conquer the original Dwarf capital of [[Karak Eight-Peaks]]. In ''WAR'', the Dark Elves are racially paired against the High Elves.
|All Dark Elves in WAR are members of House Uthorin, one of the noble families of Naggaroth. Its leader, Lord Uthorin, is a master of intrigue, and has his sights set on Malekith's throne. But the Witch King has plans of his own...<ref>Mythic Entertainment (2007). [http://www.warhammeronline.com/english/gameInfo/armiesofWAR/darkelves/DarkElf.php Dark Elves]. [[Mythic Entertainment]]. Retrieved on [[2008]]-[[April 2|04-02]].</ref>
|}

==Careers==
Each of the twenty careers in ''Warhamer Online'' conform to an archetype role, though not as strictly as in many other games. For example, the Warrior Priest is an archetypal support or healer career, though he also has many melee [[Damage per second|DPS]] elements, meaning players of this career will have to enter combat and fight to be able to heal their allies effectively. In this way, the careers are given variety and avoid being simple reiterations of common fantasy archetypes.

There are specialization within careers, based on career mastery lines in which Mastery Points can be spent. This allows for more variation between characters of the same career.

Most careers have the option to play as either a male or female character. However, some careers such as the Witch Elf are only able to be played as one gender (female, in this case). By contrast, the [[Greenskins]] (Orcs and Goblins) are genderless, though masculine in appearance.

On [[July 11]] [[2008]], Mythic cut four careers from ''WAR'': the Dwarf Hammerer, the Greenskin Choppa, the Empire's Knight of the Blazing Sun, and the Dark Elf Black Guard. They said this was because they wanted to focus on the classes that they thought were the best realized, and cut the careers that were "good", rather than "great".<ref name="careercut">MMORPG.com (2008). [http://www.mmorpg.com/gamelist.cfm/game/239/feature/2041 Interview with Mark Jacobs]. Retrieved on [[2008]]-[[July 11|07-11]].</ref>.

===Archetypes===
The Careers in ''WAR'' are broken down into the following archetypes:<ref>Mythic Entertainment (2007). [http://www.warhammeronline.com/english/media/podcast/ WAR Production Video Podcast #10]. [[Mythic Entertainment]]. Retrieved on [[2008-02-05]]</ref>

====Tank====
The tank is a heavily armored character who's primary purpose is to mitigate large amounts of damage, protecting their allies and handling multiple opponents at once ([[crowd control (MMORPG)|crowd control]]). Careers of the tank archetype have an option to either wield a one-handed weapon and a shield for more migitation, or a two-handed great weapon for more damage.

====Melee DPS====
An archetype with less protection or staying power than a tank, the melee DPS careers are able to deal out far greater damage in a shorter period of time. Lacking in ranged-damage capabilities, melee DPS careers are moderately armored and in possesion of abilities which root, slow or otherwise incapacitate their intended target.

====Ranged DPS====
An archetype that deals high levels of damage from a distance, and often have area of effect spells to damage multiple enemies at once. The ranged DPS careers are generally lightly armored and posess some abilities that root or slow on-coming opponents, in addition to knock-back abilities. This includes both spell casters as well as classes that use weapons such as bows or guns.

====Healer====
The healer archetype can [[Buff (computer gaming)|buff]] and heal allies as well as [[debuff]] and deal damage to enemies. Healers are most effective when combining all of their abilities, rather than focusing on just one specific role.

===Career Chart===
{| class="wikitable" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"; text-align: center; width: 100%; table-layout: fixed;"
|+ style="text-align: center;"|''WAR'' Career Chart
! style="text-align: center;"|Armies
|'''Tank'''
|'''Melee DPS'''
|'''Ranged DPS'''
|'''Healer'''
|-
! style="background: #90ff90" | [[Dwarf (Warhammer)|Dwarfs]]
| [http://www.warhammeronline.com/armiesofWAR/dwarfs/Ironbreaker.php Ironbreaker]
| None (formerly Hammerer)<ref name="careercut" />
| [http://www.warhammeronline.com/armiesofWAR/dwarfs/DwarfEngineer.php Engineer]
| [http://www.warhammeronline.com/armiesofWAR/dwarfs/Runepriest.php Runepriest]
|-
! style="background: #90ff90" | [[The Empire (Warhammer)|The Empire]]
| None (formerly Knight of the Blazing Sun) <ref name="careercut" />
| [http://www.warhammeronline.com/armiesofWAR/empire/WitchHunter.php Witch Hunter]
| [http://www.warhammeronline.com/armiesofWAR/empire/BrightWizard.php Bright Wizard]
| [http://www.warhammeronline.com/armiesofWAR/empire/warriorpriest.php Warrior Priest]
|-
! style="background: #90ff90" | [[High Elves (Warhammer)|High Elves]]
| [http://www.warhammeronline.com/armiesofWAR/highelves/Swordmaster.php Swordmaster]
| [http://www.warhammeronline.com/armiesofWAR/highelves/WhiteLion.php White Lion]
| [http://www.warhammeronline.com/armiesofWAR/highelves/ShadowWarrior.php Shadow Warrior]
| [http://www.warhammeronline.com/armiesofWAR/highelves/Archmage.php Archmage]
|-
! style="background: #ff9090" | [[Orcs & Goblins|Greenskins]]
| [http://www.warhammeronline.com/armiesofWAR/greenskins/BlackOrc.php Black Orc]
| None (formerly Choppa)<ref name="careercut" />
| [http://www.warhammeronline.com/armiesofWAR/greenskins/GoblinSquigHerder.php Goblin Squig Herder]
| [http://www.warhammeronline.com/armiesofWAR/greenskins/GoblinShaman.php Goblin Shaman]
|-
! style="background: #ff9090" | [[Chaos (Warhammer)|Chaos]]
| [http://www.warhammeronline.com/armiesofWAR/chaos/Chosen.php Chosen (Male Only)]
| [http://www.warhammeronline.com/armiesofWAR/chaos/Marauder.php Marauder (Male Only)]
| [http://www.warhammeronline.com/armiesofWAR/chaos/Magus.php Magus]
| [http://www.warhammeronline.com/armiesofWAR/chaos/Zealot.php Zealot]
|-
! style="background: #ff9090" | [[Dark Elves (Warhammer)|Dark Elves]]
| None (formerly Black Guard)<ref name="careercut" />
| [http://www.warhammeronline.com/armiesofWAR/darkelves/WitchElf.php Witch Elf (Female Only)]
| [http://www.warhammeronline.com/armiesofWAR/darkelves/Sorceress.php Sorceress/Sorcerer]
| [http://www.warhammeronline.com/armiesofWAR/darkelves/Disciple.php Disciple of Khaine]
|}

==Specific game features==
===Character Customization===
In ''Warhammer Online'' character customization is available in many forms. The initial character creation process allows players to select the race, career and basic look of their character, including facial features and accessories. Dye is available at [[Non player character|NPC]] [[merchant|vendors]] for recoloring armor and accessories. Players are able to decorate themselves with trophies, such as the heads of fallen enemies, which are equipped and displayed at various points on the character model.<ref>Mythic Entertainment(2008). [http://www.warhammeronline.com/english/behindTheScenes/developmentDiaries/Trophies.php The Trophy System]. [[Mythic Entertainment]]. Retrieved on [[2008-02-05]].</ref> Other forms of customization include Tactics (customizable sets of bonuses that players can adjust while out of combat), as well as Morale Abilities (increasingly powerful abilities that become available as morale is generated during the course of battle). Customizable armor and visual [[clan (computer gaming)|guild]] [[heraldry]] also aid in allowing a player to make their character visually unique.

In addition to visual character customization, Warhammer features an adaptation of the 'Achievement' system seen in games on the [[Xbox]]. As achievements are unlocked, players may apply custom titles that appear beneath their names.

===Collision detection===
''Warhammer Online'' features collision detection, a feature that is designed to prevent players from moving through other player characters. However, it does not completely prevent a player from jumping over other players or slipping around them. The collision detection feature works on both enemy units and friendly ones, but only when flagged for RvR combat. This feature enhances the role played by heavily [[Armour|armored]] characters known as "[[Tank (computer gaming)|tanks]]", as it helps them become far more efficient at holding choke points and protecting weaker players in their group such as healers and casters.<ref>GameSpot (2007). [http://www.gamespot.com/pc/rpg/warhammeronline/news.html?sid=6164998 Updated Hands-On: Bright Wizards, Magi, and More Player Versus Player"]. [[GameSpot]]. Retrieved on [[2007]]-[[February 1|02-01]].</ref>

===Realm vs. Realm===
''Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning'' features Mythic's Realm vs. Realm (RvR) combat system, originally developed in ''[[Dark Age of Camelot]]''.<ref> GuildCafe (2007). [http://www.guildcafe.com/Vox/050507-Warhammer-Richard-Duffek-PVP-RVR.html Warhammer's Richard Duffek Talks about PvP and RvR]. Retrieved on [[2007]]-[[May 7|05-07]].</ref> This takes place within three different racial pairings: Dwarfs vs. Greenskins, Empire vs. Chaos, and High Elves vs. Dark Elves. Although there are only two races per pairing, players may travel to either of the other two pairings to help fight with their friends and allies. There are four types of RvR combat: Skirmishes (random world encounters), Battlefields (objective-driven battles in RvR-specific areas), Scenarios (instanced, point-based battles against the opposing faction), and Campaigns (invading enemy lands and capital cities). RvR contribution includes both Player vs. Player ([[Player versus player|PvP]]) combat ''and'' (to a lesser extent) Player vs. Environment ([[PvE]]) quests so that you can assist your realm in their victory, regardless of preferred play-style.

All activities in ''WAR'' contribute to the campaign, as it is the primary focus of the game. Each of the aforementioned activities generate Victory Points (VP) which measure a realm's progress in capturing a zone. When one realm reaches a designated amount of Victory Points in a particular zone, that zone falls under their control and the war pushes deeper into enemy territory. This back and forth struggle for zone control continues until one side holds two racial pairings, and the attacking side may sack, loot, and pillage the enemy's capital city. The capture of a capital city is the pinnacle objective of the campaign. Once a captial city is taken, the attackers are given a period time to loot the city. When this period expires, the defeated players receive increasing support from [[Non-player character|NPC]] guards until they are able to force the attackers out of their city and close the gates. At this point the campaign then begins anew, restarting the cycle.

Keeps and Keep Sieges were introduced into ''WAR''’s Realm vs Realm combat system during the Closed Beta phase of testing. Keeps can be captured for Victory Points towards your realm and can be claimed by the capturing [[Clan (computer gaming)|guild]]. NPC guards are stationed at all keeps (claimed or unclaimed) to ensure that a certain level of difficulty is maintained and that, at minimum, six to twelve players are required for capture. Should players decide to defend it, the difficulty in capturing the keep will increase greatly. Keeps are decorated according to the aesthetics of the race that currently controls it; however, the basic layout will stay the same. If a keep has been claimed by a guild, it will display the heraldry of that guild. Siege warfare includes four types of siege weapons: rams for destroying keep doors, [[ballistae]] for targeting enemy players or destroying enemy siege emplacements, [[cannons]], [[catapults]], and [[trebuchet|trebuchets]] for [[Area of effect|AoE]] splash damage, and [[boiling oil]] to use from keep walls. Emplacements located around the keeps, known as siege pads, are used to determine where siege weapons can be constructed. The pads themselves can be destroyed by players of the defending realm, inhibiting the siege process. <ref>Mythic Entertainment (2008). [http://www.warhammeronline.com/english/gameInfo/gameFeatures/keepsandsiege.php Keeps and Sieges Explained]. [[Mythic Entertainment]]. Retrieved on [[2008]]-[[March 7|03-06]].</ref>

Mythic also went to great lengths to prevent the [[ganking]] of new players by more experienced players. For example, in Scenarios, low-level players may be boosted to an average level of play to ensure a more level playing field. Also, if a higher-ranked player deliberately begins attacking a player with a signifigantly lower rank, they will be penalised by being temporarily transformed into a [[chicken]]. The lower-level player can then move on in safety, or dispatch the chicken with one blow. No such penalty applies if the lower level player opens combat or is part of a large party, to avoid the reverse happening to high-level players.

===Tome of Knowledge===
''WAR'' features a "Tome of Knowledge" (ToK) that is an extension upon similar mechanisms in many other MMOs. The ToK is a multi-purpose reference tool that is designed to provide the player with a great deal of information about the game world. It is also meant to serve as a reduction in the need for players to feel like they have to rely upon third-party sources of information pertaining to the game.<ref name=ToK>Mythic Entertainment (2008). [http://www.warhammeronline.com/english/behindTheScenes/developmentDiaries/TomeofKnowledge.php Tome of Knowledge]. [[Mythic Entertainment]]. Retrieved on [[2008-02-05]].</ref>

The Tome of Knowledge keeps track of all information pertaining to an individual character and their progress through the game. This progress unlocks lore-related information about quests, the gameworld itself, NPCs, and defeated [[Mob (computer gaming)|mob]]s. For example, upon first encountering a mob within the game, a basic entry is added for that creature in the Bestiary chapter of the ToK. However, with increasing contact, kills, and associated activities involving any specific creature, the information available about those encounters will be added to the Tome of Knowledge. Likewise, the ToK keeps track of the story and progression of the character through the gameworld as they complete quests, explore the map, and otherwise accomplish activities within the game.<ref name=ToK/>

==Community==
During the beta period, Mythic had an official monthly newsletter detailing the game's continued development to the public.<ref>Mythic Entertainment (2007). [http://www.warhammeronline.com/english/newsletterCentral/archives/ Newsletter Archives]. [[Mythic Entertainment]]. Retrieved on [[2007]]-[[February 1|02-01]].</ref> During this time, the Mythic Community Team also went to considerable length to post on existing community fan-forums to mingle with their future market. GOA, the company managing ''Warhammer Online'' in Europe, partnered with several fansites in order to hold contests for entry to the closed beta.
Mythic has a fondness toward fansites<ref name=FAQ>Mythic Entertainment (2008). [http://www.warhammeronline.com/english/community/faq/faq.php Frequently Asked Questions]. [[Mythic Entertainment]]. Retrieved on [[2008]]-[[February 5|02-05]].</ref>, and a fansite kit is available for download from the official website. Mythic has suggested that people visit fansites, but they are opposed to having forums on their own website.[http://www.warhammeronline.com/english/community/faq/faq.php#Official_forum] Instead, they provide a list of dedicated fansites. [http://herald.warhammeronline.com/forumsfansites/index.php] Fansites allow them to get to know the community.

One of the features of the development of ''Warhammer Online'' is the regular [[Vlog|video blog]] of Creative Director [[Paul Barnett (video game designer)| Paul Barnett]].<ref>Mythic Entertainment(2007). [http://www.warhammeronline.com/english/behindTheScenes/vidPhoneDiaries/index.php Paul's Video Blog]. [[Mythic Entertainment]]. Retrieved on [[2007]]-[[February 1|02-01]].</ref> These videos give the viewer an insight into the work that goes on behind the scenes of ''WAR'', often showcasing development screens and concept art for the game. Mythic also releases "Development Diaries" from time to time, meant to give readers a deeper look into the development of ''WAR''.<ref>Mythic Entertainment (2007). [http://www.warhammeronline.com/english/behindTheScenes/developmentDiaries/index.php Development Diaries]. [[Mythic Entertainment]]. Retrieved on [[2007]]-[[February 1|02-01]].</ref>

==Critical Reception==
{{VG Reviews
|1UP = B<ref name="1uprev">1up.com (2008). [http://www.1up.com/do/reviewPage?cId=3170291 Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning Review]. Retrieved on [[2008]]-[[October 4|10-4]].</ref>
|EuroG = 8/10<ref name="egrev">Eurogamer.com (2008). [http://www.eurogamer.net/article.php?article_id=234609 Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning Review]. Retrieved on [[2008]]-[[October 4|10-4]].</ref>
|GSpy = 5/5<ref name="gspyrev">GameSpy.com (2008). [http://pc.gamespy.com/pc/warhammer-online/914059p1.html Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning Review]. Retrieved on [[2008]]-[[October 4|10-4]].</ref>
|GSpot = 8.5/10<ref name="gsprev">GameSpot.com (2008). [http://www.gamespot.com/pc/rpg/warhammeronline/index.html Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning Review]. Retrieved on [[2008]]-[[October 4|10-4]].</ref>
|PCGUK = 8.8/10<ref name="pcgukrev">computerandvideogames.com (2008). [http://computerandvideogames.com/game.php?id=2909 Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning Review]. Retrieved on [[2008]]-[[October 4|10-4]].</ref>
|PCGUS = 9/10<ref name="pcgusrev">gamesradar.com (2008). [http://www.gamesradar.com/pc/warhammer-online-age-of-reckoning/g-20060321174818190065 Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning Review]. Retrieved on [[2008]]-[[October 4|10-4]].</ref>
|MC = 88%<ref name="mcrev">Metacritic.com (2008). [http://www.metacritic.com/games/platforms/pc/warhammeronline Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning Review]. Retrieved on [[2008]]-[[October 4|10-4]].</ref>
|GR = 89%<ref name="grrev">GameRankings.com (2008). [http://www.gamerankings.com/htmlpages2/520538.asp Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning Review]. Retrieved on [[2008]]-[[October 4|10-4]].</ref>
|compilation = yes
}}
Warhammer Online has received favorable reviews. GameSpy gave it 5 out of 5 stars and claimed it, "has hit the ground running with one of the best MMO experiences we've had in a long time.<ref name="gspyrev" /> Gamespot gave it a 8.5 out of 10 and said, "Questers and explorers may not find what they're looking for, and certain gameplay systems don't mesh as well as they should. Nevertheless, there's more than enough exciting PvP content here to keep newcomers and veterans alike immersed in the perpetually violent tug of war between the forces of Order and Destruction."<ref name="gsprev" /> Warhammer Online has a aggregate score of 88% on metacritic.com<ref name="mcrev" /> and 89% GameRankings.com<ref name="grrev" />.

==Awards==

''Warhammer Online'' has received the following awards<ref>Mythic Entertainment (2008). [http://www.warhammeronline.com/awards/index.php Awards]. [[Mythic Entertainment]]. Retrieved on [[2007]]-[[February 1|02-01]].</ref>.

===2008===
*IGN PC: Best of E3 2008 - Best MMO
*Voodoo Extreme: E3 2008 - Best MMO
*GameSpy: Best of E3 2008 - Top 10 PC Games
*G4TV: Best of E3 - PC
*Warcry's Editor's Choice: Most Anticipated of 2008

===2007===
*China Joy 2003-2007: Best Foreign Online Game
*Ten Ton Hammer: Best Fantasy MMOG
*Ten Ton Hammer: Best of Show
*Beckett Massive Online Game Reader's Choice Award: Most Anticipated MMO
*Warcry's Editor's Choice: 2007's Most Anticipated
*MMORPG.com Readers Choice: Most Anticipated

===E3 2006===
*MMORPG.com: Best Use Of A License
*Game Amp: Best of Show
*Game Amp: Best Loot
*Game Daily Nod Award
*Voodoo Extreme: Best Massively Multiplayer Game
*Gamespot Editor's Choice: Best Stage Demo
*Ten Ton Hammer Editor's Choice Award

==Beta test==
As with most [[massively multiplayer online]] games, the developers of WAR decided to make use of beta testing stages. A [[Software release life cycle#Beta|beta test]] for ''WAR'' was opened in 2007, and was available by invitation to residents of [[North America]], [[Europe]], [[Australia]], [[New Zealand]] and [[Singapore]]. One way to receive an invitation to the Beta was to sign up for Mythic's monthly newsletter and be selected in a random monthly draw.<ref name=FAQ/> Other contests and drawings were held in various venues. All purchases of the Collector's Edition and pre-orders came with access to the Open Beta phase.<ref>Mythic Entertainment (2008) [http://www.warhammeronline.com/collectorsedition/ WAR Collector's Edition]. Retrieved on [[2008]]-[[April 11|04-11]]</ref> Unlike most open betas, in ''Warhammer Online'' only the NDA was opened allowing participants to share their experiences in the beta; it was not truly open to the public.

===Beta timeline===
* In the May 2007 Newsletter, http://www.war-europe.com/ was announced live. It contained a beta sign-up section that allows players to sign up for a chance to enter the Closed Beta. According to the newsletter, the chance of entry was increased when the email address used in the sign up was the same as the address for the newsletter itself.

* In the April 2007 Newsletter, a guild beta application was launched which allowed guild leaders to submit their organized pre-launch guilds.

* On October 10th 2007, the closed beta servers were taken down and Mythic confirmed that the beta will return to [[Software release life cycle#Alpha|alpha testing]] until December of that year. Mythic stated that they would use this down time to incorporate community suggestions, rewrite code, finish work on character customization, and polish the end game RvR content.<ref>Kotaku.com (2007). [http://kotaku.com/gaming/warhammered/mythic-puts-warhammer-online-beta-on-ice-308953.php Mythic Puts Warhammer Beta On Ice]. Retrieved on [[2007]]-[[October 11|10-11]].</ref>

* In February 2008, three waves of beta invites were sent out and Beta 2 began.

* In June 2008, Beta 2 was officially closed, and preparations for the next phase began, which would include the so called "Guild Beta".

* On July 11th 2008, "Guild beta" keys were officially activated and the next phase of the Beta began.

* On August 10th 2008, a wave of keys were sent out for Beta 3.

* On August 15, 2008, Mythic Entertainment opened the Mythic Account Center for WAR beta testers and pre-order customers. The first 50,000 Standard Edition pre-order registrations were accepted into the upcoming Preview Weekend (see below). <ref>Mythic Entertainment (2008). [http://herald.warhammeronline.com/warherald/NewsArticle.war?id=185 Account Center - Now Open]. [[Mythic Entertainment]]. Retrieved on [[2008]]-[[August 15|8-15]]. </ref>

* On August 18, 2008, Mythic Entertainment released downloadable files for the Open Beta. <ref>Mythic Entertainment (2008). [http://www.warhammeronline.com/preorder Warhammer Online Pre-Order Program]. [[Mythic Entertainment]]. Retrieved on [[2008]]-[[August 8|8-8]].</ref>

* On August 19, 2008, Mythic Entertainment lifted the Non Disclosure Agreement on the Warhammer Online Closed Beta. <ref>Mythic Entertainment (2008). [http://herald.warhammeronline.com/warherald/NewsArticle.war?id=192 The Storm Breaks - Cry Havoc!]. [[Mythic Entertainment]]. Retrieved on [[2008]]-[[August 19|8-19]]. </ref>

* From August 22 until August 25, 2008, a "Preview Weekend" was active. <ref>Mythic Entertainment (2008). [http://herald.warhammeronline.com/warherald/NewsArticle.war?id=191 WAR Preview Weekend]. [[Mythic Entertainment]]. Retrieved on [[2008]]-[[August 19|8-19]]. </ref>

* On August 26, 2008, GOA and Mythic announced that ''WAR'' had gone [[Gold_release#Production_or_Live_release|gold]]. <ref>IGN (2008). [http://ve3d.ign.com/articles/news/41104/Warhammer-Online-Goes-Gold WAR Goes Gold]. [[IGN]]. Retrieved on [[2008]]-[[August 19|8-19]]. </ref>

* On September 5th until September 6th, 2008, a second preview weekend, referred to as "Preview Weekend Plus", was actived for all players who were invited for the first Preview Weekend. <ref>Mythic Entertainment (2008). [http://herald.warhammeronline.com/warherald/NewsArticle.war?id=214 Preview Weekend Plus]. [[Mythic Entertainment]]. Retrieved on [[2008]]-[[September 4|9-04]]. </ref>

* On September 7, 2008, Open Beta began.<ref>Mythic Entertainment (2008). [http://www.warhammeronline.com/pressreleases/20080818.php Open Beta Details]. [[Mythic Entertainment]]. Retrieved on [[2008]]-[[August 18|8-18]]. </ref> All pre-order customers were invited for this final phase of testing.

* On September 14th, 2008, the Open Beta came to a close, and preparations for the Head Start program began.<ref>Mythic Entertainment (2008). [http://herald.warhammeronline.com/warherald/NewsArticle.war?id=273 Open Beta is...Closed!]. [[Mythic Entertainment]]. Retrieved on [[2008]]-[[September 14|9-14]]. </ref>

* On September 14th, 2008, the Head Start program for both North American and European Collector's Edition pre-order customers began. <ref name="HeadStart">Mythic Entertainment (2008). [http://herald.warhammeronline.com/warherald/NewsArticle.war?id=241 Headstart Dates Announced]. [[Mythic Entertainment]]. Retrieved on [[2008]]-[[September 10|9-10]]. </ref>

* On September 15th, 2008, the Head Start program for European standard pre-order customers began. <ref name="European HeadStart">GOA (2008). [http://www.war-europe.com/#/newsarchives/?id_news=en142&lang=en Schedule for the days to come]. GOA. Retrieved on [[2008]]-[[September 14|9-14]]. </ref>

* On September 16th, 2008, the Head Start program for North American standard pre-order customers began. <ref name="HeadStart"/>

* On September 18th, 2008, ''WAR'' retail servers in North America, Australia, and Europe went live, ending the pre-release development cycle.

==Future content==
During a Baltimore Games Day 2008 question and answer session, Jeff Hickman stated that an expansion pack and the first two major content patches were already in the pre-production stages.{{Fact|date=September 2008}}

==References==
{{reflist|2}}

== External links ==
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;Official Websites
* [http://www.warhammeronline.com Official ''Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning'' Website]
* [http://www.war-europe.com Official European ''Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning'' Website]

{{Warhammer Fantasy}}
{{Games Workshop}}

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