is an
MMORPG
A massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) is a video game that combines aspects of a role-playing video game and a massively multiplayer online game.
As in role-playing games (RPGs), the player assumes the role of a Player charac ...
set in the
Age of Exploration
The Age of Discovery (or the Age of Exploration), also known as the early modern period, was a period largely overlapping with the Age of Sail, approximately from the 15th century to the 17th century in European history, during which seafari ...
, with the English version published by
Papaya Play
The papaya (, ), papaw, () or pawpaw () is the plant species ''Carica papaya'', one of the 21 accepted species in the genus ''Carica'' of the family Caricaceae. It was first domesticated in Mesoamerica, within modern-day southern Mexico and C ...
. It features over a hundred different sailing ships and an open world based on real Earth geography, with players engage in many activities such as combat, exploration, and trade on both sea and land while interacting with each other. It has a sandbox style game play and skill based character development. The game requires monthly subscription fee in Japan but the international server is free to play. It is developed by
KOEI
Koei Co., Ltd. was a Japanese video game publisher, developer, and distributor founded in 1978. The company is known for its ''Dynasty Warriors'' games based on the novel ''Romance of the Three Kingdoms'', as well as simulation games based on p ...
based on the ''
Uncharted Waters
''Uncharted Waters'' (originally released as , "Great Age of Sailing") is a Japanese video game series produced by Koei under its " Rekoeition" brand.
It is a simulation and role-playing video game series dealing with sailing and trading, themed a ...
'' series of games, and originally released in Japan.
''Uncharted Waters Online'' is available on the Windows platform in English, simplified Chinese, traditional Chinese, Japanese and Korean. Six years after the initial Asian release, Netmarble published the game, under its traditional English title, for the non-Asian market in North America and Europe. On August 18, 2010, the official English site was opened. The closed beta test was conducted from August 25 to September 6, 2010, and the open beta test was started on October 1, 2010.
On October 7, 2010, the game was officially launched.
In November 2013, the global Netmarble service ended and was transferred to
OGPlanet
OGPlanet was a publisher of free-to-play, massively multiplayer online (MMO), downloadable PC games, based in Torrance, California, with offices in Vancouver, Berlin, London and Seoul. Although their games were free-to-play, OGPlanet offered "Astr ...
. In September 2017, the OGPlanet service ended and was transferred to
Papaya Play
The papaya (, ), papaw, () or pawpaw () is the plant species ''Carica papaya'', one of the 21 accepted species in the genus ''Carica'' of the family Caricaceae. It was first domesticated in Mesoamerica, within modern-day southern Mexico and C ...
, with a complete reset.
The Japanese version of the game was also available on the
PlayStation 3
The PlayStation 3 (PS3) is a home video game console developed by Sony Interactive Entertainment, Sony Computer Entertainment. The successor to the PlayStation 2, it is part of the PlayStation brand of consoles. It was first released on Novemb ...
from 2009 until 2018,
and is available on the
PlayStation 4
The PlayStation 4 (PS4) is a home video game console developed by Sony Interactive Entertainment. Announced as the successor to the PlayStation 3 in February 2013, it was launched on November 15, 2013, in North America, November 29, 2013 in ...
since September 2015.
Gameplay
''Uncharted Waters Online'' features a variety of gameplay concepts. The game can be divided into sea-based areas, land-based areas, and towns. Like most MMORPGs characters gain experience in skills and levels.
The player may choose from among 6 nationalities:
England
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Wales to its west and Scotland to its north. The Irish Sea lies northwest and the Celtic Sea to the southwest. It is separated from continental Europe b ...
,
Dutch Republic
The United Provinces of the Netherlands, also known as the (Seven) United Provinces, officially as the Republic of the Seven United Netherlands (Dutch: ''Republiek der Zeven Verenigde Nederlanden''), and commonly referred to in historiography ...
,
Kingdom of France
The Kingdom of France ( fro, Reaume de France; frm, Royaulme de France; french: link=yes, Royaume de France) is the historiographical name or umbrella term given to various political entities of France in the medieval and early modern period. ...
,
Spanish Empire
The Spanish Empire ( es, link=no, Imperio español), also known as the Hispanic Monarchy ( es, link=no, Monarquía Hispánica) or the Catholic Monarchy ( es, link=no, Monarquía Católica) was a colonial empire governed by Spain and its prede ...
,
Kingdom of Portugal
The Kingdom of Portugal ( la, Regnum Portugalliae, pt, Reino de Portugal) was a monarchy in the western Iberian Peninsula and the predecessor of the modern Portuguese Republic. Existing to various extents between 1139 and 1910, it was also kno ...
,
Republic of Venice
The Republic of Venice ( vec, Repùblega de Venèsia) or Venetian Republic ( vec, Repùblega Vèneta, links=no), traditionally known as La Serenissima ( en, Most Serene Republic of Venice, italics=yes; vec, Serenìsima Repùblega de Venèsia, ...
. As well the player may choose from several "occupations" after choosing a basic class: adventurer, merchant, and soldier. However players can learn and upgrade skills from other classes, albeit needing more experience points. Under certain conditions a player may change their class, occupation, and nationality. Players are able to trade, explore, battle and join in live events such as the "Epic Sea Feud".
As an online game it offers Player vs. Player combat areas and factional warfare as well as socialization in the form of in-game chat and card games.
Synopsis
Setting
''Uncharted Waters Online'' is set within several timelines during the
Age of Exploration
The Age of Discovery (or the Age of Exploration), also known as the early modern period, was a period largely overlapping with the Age of Sail, approximately from the 15th century to the 17th century in European history, during which seafari ...
as a romantic and historic fictional account of the era. Inconsistencies are found in the presence of
Christopher Columbus
Christopher Columbus
* lij, Cristoffa C(or)ombo
* es, link=no, Cristóbal Colón
* pt, Cristóvão Colombo
* ca, Cristòfor (or )
* la, Christophorus Columbus. (; born between 25 August and 31 October 1451, died 20 May 1506) was a ...
and
Elizabeth I of England
Elizabeth I (7 September 153324 March 1603) was List of English monarchs, Queen of England and List of Irish monarchs, Ireland from 17 November 1558 until her death in 1603. Elizabeth was the last of the five House of Tudor monarchs and is ...
as well as in some quests. However, despite some of these timeline inaccuracies, the game offers educational content in the form of exploration of geography and culture. Players can discover quests with historical value such as learning about the economic decline of Venice, or the rise of England as a naval power.
Plot
''Uncharted Waters Online'' also includes event storylines for each of the nationalities adding single player depth to a multiplayer environment. Each nation's storyline revolves around a protagonist and their journey much like in previous games of the series. The following contains a translation from the Beginner's Guide as well as basic character information.
Portugal
Portugal
Portugal, officially the Portuguese Republic ( pt, República Portuguesa, links=yes ), is a country whose mainland is located on the Iberian Peninsula of Southwestern Europe, and whose territory also includes the Atlantic archipelagos of ...
is a
mercantile
Trade involves the transfer of goods and services from one person or entity to another, often in exchange for money. Economists refer to a system or network that allows trade as a market.
An early form of trade, barter, saw the direct exchan ...
nation that prospers by trade from profits of the land facing the
Atlantic Ocean
The Atlantic Ocean is the second-largest of the world's five oceans, with an area of about . It covers approximately 20% of Earth's surface and about 29% of its water surface area. It is known to separate the " Old World" of Africa, Europe ...
. They quickly rode the advances of navigation, and were the first to round the
Cape of Good Hope
The Cape of Good Hope ( af, Kaap die Goeie Hoop ) ;''Kaap'' in isolation: pt, Cabo da Boa Esperança is a rocky headland on the Atlantic coast of the Cape Peninsula in South Africa.
A common misconception is that the Cape of Good Hope is t ...
. Recently, after returning from the discovery of the Indian route, and fiercely compete with their neighbor, Spain.
:''Alvero Sarmiento'' (17) - A trader playing the marketplaces near Portugal. He is a leader among boys his age, and his smile endears himself towards people.
:''Diego Sarmiento'' (42) - The head of the Sarmiento Company, a major company representing Portugal.
:''Juan'' (10) - A boy who accompanies Alvero on his journeys.
:''
Vasco da Gama
Vasco da Gama, 1st Count of Vidigueira (; ; c. 1460s – 24 December 1524), was a Portuguese explorer and the first European to reach India by sea.
His initial voyage to India by way of Cape of Good Hope (1497–1499) was the first to link E ...
'' (28) - Portuguese naval officer born to a noble house. He became a national hero by discovering the Indian route.
:''Sanjai'' (18) - Indian spice trader.
Spain
Spain
, image_flag = Bandera de España.svg
, image_coat = Escudo de España (mazonado).svg
, national_motto = ''Plus ultra'' (Latin)(English: "Further Beyond")
, national_anthem = (English: "Royal March")
, i ...
is a powerful authoritarian kingdom dominated by the
royal house of Habsburg. The Habsburgs' rise to the royal throne came because of the premature death of the late king's son. Spain came into possession of the Netherlands which is the territory of the current royal family.
In order to support the country's finances, the Netherlands have been taxed heavily, and as a consequence has raised support for their independence movement in recent years.
:''Baltasar Oliveira'' (38) - Captain of the mercenary fleet working for Spain. He lives to hunt down the leader of the Barbary pirates — Khair ad Din. He is the leader of the Black Orca fleet.
:''Eduardo de Mascareñas'' (20) - The newest captain of the Black Orca fleet. He was born into just a normal house instead of the famed
Hidalgo
Hidalgo may refer to:
People
* Hidalgo (nobility), members of the Spanish nobility
* Hidalgo (surname)
Places
Mexico
* Hidalgo (state), in central Mexico
* Hidalgo, Coahuila, a town in the north Mexican state of Coahuila
* Hidalgo, Nuevo Le ...
class. In order to fulfill his dream of promotion to a hidalgo he joins with Baltasar.
:''Augustino'' (39) - An officer originally from an artisan family in the heart of Italy.
:''
Barbarossa Khair ad Din'' (38) - Leader of the
Barbary pirates
The Barbary pirates, or Barbary corsairs or Ottoman corsairs, were Muslim pirates and privateers who operated from North Africa, based primarily in the ports of Salé, Rabat, Algiers, Tunis and Tripoli, Libya, Tripoli. This area was known i ...
. He sails out into the Mediterranean from his base of operations in Algeria.
:''Irene'' (29) - The barmaid at
Marseilles
Marseille ( , , ; also spelled in English as Marseilles; oc, Marselha ) is the prefecture of the French department of Bouches-du-Rhône and capital of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region. Situated in the camargue region of southern Franc ...
. Sophisticated and "high-maintenance" she is known as an "adult woman" who is chased after by many adventurers.
England
England
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Wales to its west and Scotland to its north. The Irish Sea lies northwest and the Celtic Sea to the southwest. It is separated from continental Europe b ...
is a small island country to the north for whom
wool
Wool is the textile fibre obtained from sheep and other mammals, especially goats, rabbits, and camelids. The term may also refer to inorganic materials, such as mineral wool and glass wool, that have properties similar to animal wool.
As ...
is the key industry. However, the wool market became unstable because of the Spanish political meddling in the Netherlands, which is England's biggest trading partner. The wool trade decreased, and a heavy
recession
In economics, a recession is a business cycle contraction when there is a general decline in economic activity. Recessions generally occur when there is a widespread drop in spending (an adverse demand shock). This may be triggered by various ...
ensued. The Queen wishes to repair the situation, but there is no method to compete with powerful Spain.
:''Liza Middleton'' (21) - An English naval officer from the former pirate Middleton house. She has gained notoriety for her courage.
:''Gordon'' (40) - A veteran crewman who has served the Middleton house for more than 14 years. He runs around trying to protect Liza.
:''William Middleton'' (29) - The family head of the Middleton house who was pirating 10 years earlier. He has passed on naval activities to his sister. He maintains friendly relations with the courier Fredrik nowadays.
:''Count Kilingrew'' (45) - The chief vassal who serves the English Royal Family. He treats the navy as his personal property.
:''McGregor'' (35) - A pirate who stood out after he had beaten the Middleton family.
Netherlands
The
Netherlands
)
, anthem = ( en, "William of Nassau")
, image_map =
, map_caption =
, subdivision_type = Sovereign state
, subdivision_name = Kingdom of the Netherlands
, established_title = Before independence
, established_date = Spanish Netherl ...
is a rising maritime courier nation facing the North Sea. They are a producer of wool fabric. The main Habsburg territory of the Netherlands became Spanish territory by inheritance of the Spanish king. The Spanish political meddling awoke the
independence
Independence is a condition of a person, nation, country, or state in which residents and population, or some portion thereof, exercise self-government, and usually sovereignty, over its territory. The opposite of independence is the statu ...
movement, but the military strength of the
House of Alba
The House of Alba de Tormes ( es, Casa de Alba de Tormes), commonly known as the House of Alba, is a prominent Spanish noble family that descended from 12th-century nobility of post-conquest Toledo. The family's claim to Alba de Tormes dates fro ...
prevents the movement.
:''Fredrik Van Metteren'' (24) - Specializing in the transport of 'dangerous' goods and naturally independent.
:''Egmont'' (25) - A nobleman representative to the Netherlands government. Recently he has been trying to increase monetary support from other nations for the independence movement.
:''Hoorn'' (28) - A revolutionary of commoner origins.
:''Amalia'' (18) - A towngirl liked by many who lives in Amsterdam. She appears to be a normal beautiful girl, but...
:''Ines'' (25) - The trusted retainer of the House of Alba, who indirectly rule the Netherlands, and is a female officer of the Spanish navy.
France
France
France (), officially the French Republic ( ), is a country primarily located in Western Europe. It also comprises of Overseas France, overseas regions and territories in the Americas and the Atlantic Ocean, Atlantic, Pacific Ocean, Pac ...
is an
agrarian kingdom holding territory from the Mediterranean to the North Sea. France is surrounded by strong ocean-faring countries, and its seafaring business was delayed because of a long line of monarchs who were obsessed with themselves. The half-century delayed Renaissance starts from the Italian peninsula, and there are many nobles who collect rare treasures and artifacts.
:''Julien Clarence'' (23) - A quiet man who belongs to a treasure hunting family who holds the patronage of many nobles. He has excellent eyes in regards to art.
:''Countess DuBois'' (42) - The wife of a count in Marseilles who wields much power. She has a proud and sadistic demeanor. She makes servants out of those who are unable to pay for services.
:''Augustine'' (39) - A one-eyed priest who recently came to Marseilles.
:''
France's Queen Mother'' (48) - The Queen Mother who holds real governmental power in France in place of the young King. At 17 she was married from the Medici family in Firenze, and after a while the king died.
:''Ogun'' (20) - A warrior who travels the continent of Africa. He knows the spirit of animals and how to survive.
Venice
Venice
Venice ( ; it, Venezia ; vec, Venesia or ) is a city in northeastern Italy and the capital of the Veneto Regions of Italy, region. It is built on a group of 118 small islands that are separated by canals and linked by over 400 ...
is a small city-state floating on the sea. It is called the "City of Water". Venice's maritime industry had long been prosperous, and Venice had long held a monopoly on the profits of the Mediterranean trade on pepper from
Alexandria
Alexandria ( or ; ar, ٱلْإِسْكَنْدَرِيَّةُ ; grc-gre, Αλεξάνδρεια, Alexándria) is the second largest city in Egypt, and the largest city on the Mediterranean coast. Founded in by Alexander the Great, Alexandria ...
. However, recently the
Ottoman Empire
The Ottoman Empire, * ; is an archaic version. The definite article forms and were synonymous * and el, Оθωμανική Αυτοκρατορία, Othōmanikē Avtokratoria, label=none * info page on book at Martin Luther University) ...
appeared in the East and Portugal discovered a sea route to the Indies. The story line is intertwined with the French story line, and they have many of the same main characters.
:''Vittoria Orseoro'' (22) -
:''Alvise Orseoro'' (30) -
:''Harun'' (12) -
:''Gradenigo'' (61) -
:''Faisal'' (31) -
Development
![Uncharted Waters Online booth at ChinaJoy 20060728](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/e4/Uncharted_Waters_Online_booth_at_ChinaJoy_20060728.jpg)
The Japanese version of ''Uncharted Waters Online'' offers mobile-to-game mail service for
I-Mode
NTT DoCoMo's i-mode is a mobile internet (distinct from wireless internet) service popular in Japan. Unlike Wireless Application Protocols, i-mode encompasses a wider variety of internet standards, including web access, e-mail, and the packet- ...
,
EZweb
au, or au by KDDI, is a Japanese mobile phone operator. au is a brand marketed by KDDI in the main islands of Japan and by Okinawa Cellular in Okinawa for their mobile cellular services. au is the List of mobile network operators of the Asia P ...
, or
Vodafone Live!
Vodafone live! was the brand name for the multimedia portal service of mobile phone operator Vodafone, offering news content, picture messaging, instant messaging, email, and downloadable ringtones and games. The service officially launched on 24 O ...
capable mobile phones. This service was beta tested until August 30, 2006.
Expansions
''La Frontera''
"La Frontera" is the first expansion pack for ''Uncharted Waters Online'' released in 3 installments the first of which is titled "Aztec" on August 30, 2006. This extends the
Age of Exploration
The Age of Discovery (or the Age of Exploration), also known as the early modern period, was a period largely overlapping with the Age of Sail, approximately from the 15th century to the 17th century in European history, during which seafari ...
from the early 16th century into the 17th century with new areas in South America & North America. The second chapter of the expansion titled "Angkor" was released December 6, 2006 expanding the world map through Southeast Asia. The third chapter of the expansion titled "Spice Islands" will continue to expand the world map throughout Southeast Asia.
Apart from new storyline the expansion includes "pirate islands" for irreputable players, "debates" using discovery card battles for adventurers' bragging rights, "joint built shipwrightery" for craftsmen, duels in towns, housing for all players, and a commissioned ferry service between large cities. The expansion will also include interactive towns that players can change from being a Merchant, Adventurer, or Navy town.
In further developer announcements
, KOEI announced that the land battle system will be overhauled into a "Ranged-Shift Battle" system where players will choose from short, mid, and long-ranged combat positions with strengths and weaknesses. As well, 3 combat classes will be released to enhance land combat-oriented players. New "Imperial Quests" will allow players to run quests pertaining to a specific country.
The expansion pack will be cost an additional fee for current subscribers to be released both as a download and expansion box set like the original game. New subscribers purchasing "La Frontera" includes access to the original setting. The subscription price has not changed.
''Cruz del Sur''
The second expansion pack titled "Cruz del Sur" was released in the late summer of 2007. As with the first expansion pack, "La Frontera", this second expansion will also include 3 chapters, the first of which is entitled "Circumnavigation". Also similar to the expansion pack system users must pay an additional fee (2940 yen) to download the expansion.
The second chapter (Special Ornaments) opens the special ornaments in players' flat and allows players to have a pet.
The third chapter (Grand Anniversary) and the fourth chapter (Inca) have been released.
The fifth chapter (Menace Of Ottoman) enabled players to be part of Ottoman by contract.
The extra chapter (Expedition) added new ports and fields in pacific region.
''El Oriente''
The third expansion pack 'El Oriente' was released in December 2009. The new expansion opened 4 east Asian countries: Japan, Taiwan, Korea, and China. Unlike previous chapters, the first chapter will be released respective to the countries the game is being hosted, which changes the order of chapters depending on the countries of the players.
The first chapter (Zipang) opens new ports and fields in Japan.
The second chapter (Ilha Formosa) opens new ports and fields in
Taiwan
Taiwan, officially the Republic of China (ROC), is a country in East Asia, at the junction of the East and South China Seas in the northwestern Pacific Ocean, with the People's Republic of China (PRC) to the northwest, Japan to the nort ...
.
The third chapter (The Morning Calm) opens new ports and fields in
Korea
Korea ( ko, 한국, or , ) is a peninsular region in East Asia. Since 1945, it has been divided at or near the 38th parallel, with North Korea (Democratic People's Republic of Korea) comprising its northern half and South Korea (Republic o ...
.
The fourth chapter (The Land of The Dragon) opens new ports and fields in
China
China, officially the People's Republic of China (PRC), is a country in East Asia. It is the world's most populous country, with a population exceeding 1.4 billion, slightly ahead of India. China spans the equivalent of five time zones and ...
.
''Tierra Americana''
It was released in the US version and introduces two new cities: Paris and Firenze ( Florence ), also includes the possibility of colony founding by companies. In late August, it was announced that the City of Panama update will be the last for Tierra Americana.
''2nd Age''
The expansion pack "2nd Age" added a number of new features into the game. In Chapter 1, the World Clock function has been added. The era of time in-game will now change with players' actions. Each era represents a century of time with collaboration of historic events that happened in Europe during that century.
''Gran Atlas''
Released Dec 13, 2013
Chapter 1
Released February 2015
- 90% of the world map has been completed.
- A new map making feature has been added to allow players charting all sea regions.
- New story line quests have been added.
- New Bounty Hunter and Piracy system added.
- Game balances adjusted.
Episode Atlantis
Released March 3, 2015
Chapter 2 - Astronomy
Released June 2015
- New Adventurer skill Astronomy added
- New type of Astronomy quests and discoveries added.
- New storyline quests added.
Chapter 3 - Wild West
Released October 2015
- New City San Francisco
- New Feature Gold Mining (Gold Rush)
- Honorary Mayor system allowing players to become city mayors.
- New storyline quests added.
Chapter 4 - Ancient glory
Released February 2016
- New Treasure Hunts and Adventure Discoveries
- New Hidden location Hanging Garden
- Sea Region Battle quests
''Age of Revolution''
Chapter 1 Industrial Revolution
Released April 19, 2016
Chapter 2 Cross a Continent
Released August 2, 2016
Chapter 3 Age of Reason
Released February 7, 2017
''Order of the Prince''
Chapter 1
Released August 29, 2017
Chapter 2 Horizon
Released Jan 16, 2018
Chapter 3 Honor
Released April 17, 2018
''Lost Memories''
Chapter 1
Released August 28, 2018
Chapter 2 Colossus
Released January 22, 2019
Chapter 3 Cetus
Released July 16, 2019
Seven Wonders
Released March 30, 2020
Music
Different game score soundtracks for the different expansion packs have been released over the years: "La Frontera" on August 30, 2006; "Tierra Americana" on February 22, 2011; "2nd Age" on September 30, 2012; "Gran Atlas" on December 3, 2013; and a 10th anniversary complete soundtrack on March 3, 2015,
encompassing the aforementioned four albums and some previously unofficially released tracks from the installation disc of "El Oriente."
References
{{reflist
External links
Global/International Site (English)
2005 video games
Active massively multiplayer online games
Massively multiplayer online role-playing games
Koei games
Naval video games
Windows games
Trade simulation games
PlayStation 3 games
PlayStation 4 games
Age of Discovery video games
Video games developed in Japan
Video games scored by Taku Iwasaki
Netmarble games
OGPlanet games