Legends of Aria or LoA (formerly Shards Online) is a fantasy-based indie MMORPG. It was developed by Citadel Studios Inc., a gaming company founded by the lead developer of Ultima Online.[1][2][3]

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Legends of Aria (Shards Online)
Developer(s)	Citadel Studios Inc. & Reaper Games
Publisher(s)	Citadel Studios Inc. & Reaper Games
Platform(s)	Microsoft Windows
Release	July 2020
Genre(s)	MMORPG
Mode(s)	Multiplayer

Gameplay

The game is available in English and is free-to-play with options to buy "Packages," such as the Citizen Pack that allows building houses, shops, and gives extra bank slots in the game. LoA is based on a 3D isometric view.[4][5]

There are limited tutorials and missions in the game. The story is not predetermined, and the players can develop different skills at a limit of 600 points. There are many ways to play the game, including full-loot Player versus Player combat.[6][7][8]

History

LoA was developed in 8 years by the lead developer of Ultima Online and his company Citadel Studios. Its beta version was launched in August 2019, and the final game was launched almost a year later, in July 2020. The first DLC was released in March 2021. The game was formerly launched from a Kickstarter campaign and originally named Shards Online.[6][9][10][11][4]

On February 23, 2022, the game posted on its official Twitter account that LoA was soon to integrate blockchain in its system, making the game a free-to-play and play-to-earn MMO. It will use ARIA Tokens as a cryptocurrency and game characters as NFTs.[12] The blockchain relaunch will also include an overhaul of the game, improving graphics, adding in a new camera angle, and developing new content (like boats, in-game poker, and a new world).[13][14] This relaunch of the game will be published and owned by Reaper Games, a joint-venture between the founder of Citadel Studios and crypto-entrepreneur Joseph Rubin.[15][16]

Reception

The online community has widely reviewed the game, including PC Gamer calling it Ultima Online's "Spiritual Successor" and MMORPG.com rating it 60 out of 100.[17][18][19][20][21]

Awards

• Pax East 2014 Award – Best Indie MMO[22]
• Pax East 2017 Award – Best Indie MMO[23]

References

External links

• Official site
• Citadel Studios