For you megalomaniacs out there who want to reap terror and destruction on other unsuspecting online gamers, Travian may be the game for you. Travian is an MMORPG time-based game in which you build up your resources and your village in an attempt to win the server. Travian is spread out over multiple servers and across the globe. There is also a ‘3x’ server where time limits are 1/3rd what they are in the other servers. There are several versions of Travian available depending on which server you choose to play. The ultimate goal is to build a Wonder of the World which requires assistance from another player in your alliance. Whichever alliance has the highest level Wonder of the World at the end ‘wins’ the server.

Gameplay is fairly simple. There are three tribes: the Romans, the Gauls, and the Teutons. Each tribe has their own strengths and weaknesses which I will go over a little later. When you start off the game, it is best to find a location which is not already surrounded by strong players. Although your location is random, you can cancel the account at any time if you feel you are too close to a strong village in order to advance in the game. In order to promote fairness and prevent ‘farming’ of new villages, Travian has set up a beginner’s protection (BP for short) of 7 days (3 days in the 3x speed version) where you can set up your village (and your defenses!) without fear of being attacked. However, after the BP ends, you are open game to other players on the server. During this time period a chieftain will assign you ‘tasks’ in order to help you learn the rules and strategy of the game as well as give you some useful free stuff. The best strategy is to join a server when it’s brand new so as not to get obliterated by the other established players.

Romans: The Romans are a highly militaristic and prolific people. They have the best trained warriors but because of this they are also the most expensive and take the longest to train. Their city wall offers the highest defense bonus but is the easiest to destroy. They have the ability to increase a building level AND a crop at the same time. This is an extremely time saving measure. This tribe is best for those who want a balanced and productive game.

Gauls: The Gauls are an extremely defensive people. They have the best defensive warriors in the game as well as the fastest troops. The Gauls have double crannies which mean they can store twice as many resources away so they don’t get touched by attacking opponents. Their wall gives you a medium defense bonus but is harder to destroy than the Romans’. The Gauls are best for a player wants a defensive and productive game before moving on to become a big hitter.

Teutons: The Teutons are a barbaric race of people who are made for attacking. They have the ability to dip into crannies and steal 1/5th of the resources hidden there. They have the cheapest troops to build and are best made for someone who wants play a plundering gamestyle.

There are many siege weapons one can use to conquer other villages with the aid of an elder warrior such as a Roman Senator or Gaul Chieftain. There are many tactics usable throughout the game in order to accomplish any goals you may set for yourself. Don’t expect any high-tech graphics here, it’s all still images and no movement whatsoever. No sound either. If you’re looking for a visually exciting and symphonic game, this may not be the game for you. However, if you’re into causing mayhem, building armies, and establishing empires, this may be just what you’re looking for. It’s a real thrill to see your village grow as well as destroy anyone foolish anough to try and raid you.

You can find Travian online at http://www.travian.com

Game On!
Chet Scott