Black Prophecy

Black Prophecy is an action packed space combat simulator and MMORPG hybrid by Reakktor Media GmbH. The game came out in March 2011 and it's my opinion it has received less exposure than it deserves.


The game is set in the distant future where two superior races, the Genide and the Tyi, vie for control of the known Galaxy. In their exploits for conquest they uncover a dangerous unknown alien race that threatens to overpower humanity as a whole. Story telling in Black Prophecy is very good and it features an enjoyable plot, interesting characters, voice acting and cut scenes for major missions. Black Prophecy also has stunning visuals and an excellent soundtrack by Tilman Sillescu. Overall, the game has a very nice high quality production feel to it.


Character creation is on par with bleeding edge games like EVE Online but unlike most other space MMORPGs, the ships are customizable to a degree. Every time you swap out a piece of equipment on the ship, be it a wing or a new set of engines, the look of the vessel changed a little bit. You can even use the game's crafting system to create superior (and sweet looking) gear and paint to further tailor your engine of destruction. What you can equip on your ship, however, is limited to your skill level.


As you level up in the game you earn skill points that are allocated into various ship skills (ship, shields, energy, hull, engines and tactics). Each skill determines the limit of quality for its corresponding module type. The ship skill in particular is extremely important as it dictates the maximum level of skill you can pump up the other skills to. Tactics is unique because it grants you "tactics points" to spend on flight maneuvers. To execute tactics you need to quickly carry out key combinations on the W,A,S,D keys while in combat and perform tricks and evasive maneuvers.


Skills can customize your gameplay experience as they correlate with different types of weapons and resistances. If you prefer hot lasers or lighting rods, energy is the skill for you. Mechanics grant you access to projectile weapons and explosives allow missles & grenades. Shield and hull change up what kind of damage your vessel is adept to resisting. Game mechanics like these that take away from the "may the man with the biggest gun wins" aspect of MMOs and gives it a more "rock, paper, scissors" effect. Being able to pick you targets carefully is important as the wiser pilot knows who to gun for first based on their own capabilities.


On the note of gunning things down, content (both PvE and PvP) is delivered in several ways. Aside from epic story arcs via contacts in game, there are repeatable and scalable PvE missions at every station. This leaves you free to fly with friends or alone. PvP is delivered in warzones and in public zones outside of stations. If your faction is able to secure a warzone then all of their members get an experience boost. Contact missions often send you into public zones where open world PvP between factions occurs often so it's wise to stay on your toes.


I naturally have a bias for space and science fiction themed games and MMOs so it's no doubt this game gets my recommendation. If you like fast pace action with that RPG hook, this game is definitely for you. I personally hadn't sunk my teeth into a good space combat sim since the late Star Wars Galaxy's "Jump to Light Speed" expansion (rest in peace, SWG). A good flight stick definitely adds to the experience but it is very playable with a gamepad or keyboard and mouse. My only complaint is a small number of "pay to win" items in the micro-transaction store. Beyond that, Black Prophecy delivers above and beyond my free to play expectations. There's no purchase cost or monthly subscription. Enjoy!