Mytheon is a new MMO published by True Games that comes from former Westwood Studios employees at Petroglyph. Shifting from commercial games to free to play may be a risky maneuver, but everything is looking great. Let’s learn more about Mytheon.

FreeMMOGamer: Can you introduce yourself and describe your role in Mytheon?

CR – My name is Chris Rubyor and I’m the Lead Designer on Mytheon (at Petroglyph). As lead, I’m responsible for the overall design vision, interfacing with the publisher, managing the design group, and of course building game content.

FreeMMOGamer: Petroglyph is formed by veterans of Westwood Studios and developed Universe at War: Earth Assault. Why the shift to a free to play MMORPG?

CR – For the past few years, Petroglyph has been observing the shift from boxed PC products to digital downloads and content on demand. For us as a developer, it meant we had to adapt and change how we create games.

Technically speaking, Mytheon is not a traditional MMORPG. Mytheon takes the best elements of action, strategy and RPG and fuses them together for a very unique experience. Simply put, Mytheon is an Online Action/Strategy game with light RPG elements. This combination allows us to create a unique blend of tactical game play with a familiar feel that action and RPG gamers will ease right into. The game environment is instance-based with a hub in which players will be able to meet, trade, obtain new quests, craft and socialize.

FreeMMOGamer: Mytheon uses several mythologies as a backdrop. Why did you choose this theme?

CR – Mythology gives us a vast wealth of content to build from. It’s a familiar theme that people from all around the world can relate to. In addition, mythology gives us flexibility. We will be able to expand from Greece to various parts of the world and seamlessly integrate each new experience in our game design.

FreeMMOGamer: The power stones are the focus of the adventure. Can you explain to us exactly how they can be used against a foe?

CR – Power stones contain the essence of many powerful beings and earthly elements. When an enemy is encountered, these stones can be unleashed on your foe with devastating force. For example, using a Gorgon stone in tactical combat will allow the player to turn enemy targets to stone for a limited duration. Now team that Gorgon up with a Cyclops Defender stone, and you’ll be able to turn creatures to stone and smash them into oblivion. Fun!

FreeMMOGamer: Mytheon looks more Titan Quest than World of Warcraft. But does it play more like the former or the latter?

CR – Mytheon is unique in that the systems and interface were designed to have a familiar feel to most RPG’ers and action gamers. We did this so that players could initially ease right into the game experience without much complication. At the game-play level, Mytheon looks and feels like an action/RPG, but offers more tactical diversity in the amount of creatures and spells the player controls simultaneously. It is a very fun experience, especially when you start building up your collection of power stones to use in battle.

FreeMMOGamer: And is it supposed to challenge World of Warcraft and other MMOs, or is it trying to find its own niche, mostly due to the ancient Greece setting?

CR – We created Mytheon for those gamers looking for something new and fresh from the micro-transaction online game market.

FreeMMOGamer: Can you reveal to us some of the Gods we will find (and battle) in Mytheon?

CR – I can’t call out specific gods at this time, but I can say players will be able to battle at the top of Mt. Olympus and in the depths of Hades.

FreeMMOGamer: Micro transactions will be available. What kind of items will be for sale, and are mostly cosmetic or used to strengthen the character?

CR – Good question. Currently we are still working through our itemization list for launch and determining what will make sense for our game. We’ll have more details in the coming the months.

FreeMMOGamer: Speaking of characters, how many classes and how deep is the customization?

CR - At launch, players will be able to choose from three very distinct classes (Warcaster, Elementalist, and Eidolon). To set each class apart, we designed them around unique abilities and power stone sets. This will give players flexibility when they run PVE instances solo or challenge the gods as a group.

Our customization system is similar to that of other free-to-play games. Players will be able to tweak and tune their character’s appearance before launching into the world of Mytheon. As they progress, new items, gear, weapons and stones will become available via in-game drops or purchase to equip on their characters.

FreeMMOGamer: Mytheon is looking really good. But what do you think will be of the hardware requirements?

CR – Unfortunately we don’t have specifics to release at this time.


FreeMMOGamer: Do you see MMOs as the future of PC gaming?

CR – I see MMO as being a staple for the PC gaming market with the largest chunk of the pie.

FreeMMOGamer: Less than a year to go for the release. When can we expect a beta?

CR – Soon…