Project O.R.C.S.

Project O.R.C.S. (Online Roleplaying with Collaborative Storytelling) is a game that combines the mechanics of computer and "paper" RPGs. The game was developed by Lightforge Games, an independent development studio, led by Matt Schembari. He previously worked as a designer at Blizzard Entertainment and served as an interface director in Epic Games.

Mechanics

Project O.R.C.S. takes players to a classic fantasy world. What adventures await them depends on their own imagination. One of the game participants takes on the role of a guide (game master), who is responsible for the plot, the course of the story or the designs of the locations in which the action takes place. He is given access to an editor that allows him to shape the terrain and place various objects or characters in the world.

The other players take control of heroes representing different classes and travel around the world, watching the action from top-down view, carrying out quests set before them by the guide and facing opponents. The success or failure of their endeavors here is decided by the roll of the dice. Interestingly, however, the characters can improvise, interfering with the game master's plan and modifying certain elements of the adventure.

Heroes additionally receive a base of operations from which they set off on further expeditions. Over time, it can be expanded, improved and adapted to individual preferences, in return gaining access to new skills and increasingly powerful equipment. A single team doesn't have to do it all alone. Players can join large guilds and work together to ensure that their headquarters grows.

Game modes

Project O.R.C.S. allows to play cooperatively over the Internet for groups of at least three people. It's worth remembering that one of the participants in the game always has to take on the role of the game master.