Lineage

Lineage is a 2D fantasy MMORPG set in a medieval world. The game utilizes an isometric camera view and places a strong emphasis on PvP combat. Lineage was one of the earliest graphical MMORPGs and has been played by over 43 million gamers worldwide.

Publisher: NCsoft
Type: MMORPG
Release Date: September 3, 1998
Closure Date: June 29, 2011 (NA/EU)
Pros: +Low system requirements. +Open PvP ruleset. +Castle Siege Guild Battles. +Player driven economy.
Cons: -Dated graphics, interface, and game mechanics. -Steep learning curve. -Small English speaking community.

 

Overview

Lineage Overview

Lineage is one of the oldest Korean MMORPGs and remains popular in its home country. Lineage itilizes a 2D isometric camera view found in many classic RPGs such as Ultima Online, Diablo 2, and The Legend of Mir 2. Many of the game's original stat, monster, and item systems were inspired by a single player RPG from the 1980s titled NetHack.

While much of the progression in Lineage requires grinding off monsters, the main appeal is the end game PvP. Guilds can take part in Castle Sieges with the victor gaining the ability to set tax rates in nearby regions. Like many early MMORPGs, Lineage had an open PvP game world where players could attack each other freely outside of a few safe zones such as cities.

Classes - Elf, Dark Elf, Knight, Prince, Magician, Dragon Knight, Illusionist.

Note: Only the Prince class can found a Blood Pledge (guild.)

Lineage Screenshots

Lineage Featured Video

Lineage - Gameplay Footage

Videos

Lineage Videos

Playlist: Lineage (Shut Down)

Music

Lineage Music & Soundtrack


Additional Info

Lineage Additional Information

Developer: NCsoft
Designer: Jake Song
Composer: Joey Newman
Executive Producer: Richard Garriott

Release Date: September 3, 1998
Closure Date: June 29, 2011 (NA)

Development History / Background:

Developed by the Korean studio NCsoft in 1998, Lineage is one of the oldest continuously running MMORPGs in the world. The game gained an enormous following primary in its home market of South Korea and in China, but did not enjoy as large an audience in the West. The official North America servers closed on June 29, 2011 due to declining revenues. Lineage was designed by Jake Song who also designed an older Korean MMORPG titled Nexus: The Kingdom of the Winds which is also still running. Richard Garriott, best known for the Ultima series and the Western MMORPG Ultima Online, was also involved with Lineage as an Executive Producer.

NCSoft has announced that as of November 2013 Lineage has generated over $1.8 billion USD in revenue. Lineage remains one of NCSoft's top revenue earners as of 2015.

Private Servers

Lineage Private Servers

While the official service for Lineage is no longer available in North America, there are several player-run servers still accessible. The software these servers use is modified and may not be safe. Download and install files from these sites at your own risk.

L1J Resurrection
Lineage Zero
Lineage Rocks