Meridian 59, abbreviated M59, is an online multi-player game developed by Andrew Kirmse and Chris Kirmse in 27 September, 1996. In this 3D role-playing online game you have to play as an adventurer in a medieval sword-and-sorcery world alongside other adventurers.
Meridian 59, the first commercial, 3D massively multiplayer game, was developed by Archetype Interactive and published by 3DO. Meridian 59 was Archetype Interactive’s only product; Archetype Interactive was acquired by 3DO in June 1996. Archetype was run by Steve Sellers, Mike Sellers, and John Hanke, with Andrew Kirmse and Chris Kirmse filling key technical roles. Damion Schubert contributed to the design along with a team totaling 22 employees and contractors. The game’s technological base was initially inspired by Scepter of Goth.
Gameplay
The game is now aimed primarily at fans of PvP (Player vs Player) combat, as it is virtually lag free and has a player-run justice system implemented to mediate killing of other players. Unlike many online RPGs, it is not based around character levels and classes. Instead, each individual skill and attribute, including health, develop independently of one another. Hit points (health) are acquired by killing monsters that are a challenge for the player. Mana (magic points) is acquired by exploring and finding mana nodes in the game world. All base attributes except karma are static, but they can be adjusted with certain items and spells temporarily.
Players can develop their character by obtaining proficiency in skills from seven schools. There is a school of weaponcraft and six schools of magic based on patron gods in the game world’s mythos: Shal’ille, Qor, Kraanan, Faren, Riija, and Jala. Each school has a different focus and application in gameplay. Unlike character classes in other MMORPGs, players needn’t limit themselves to a single school: the rate of learning and total number of proficiency levels across all schools a player can attain is limited by their intelligence stat.
Original cover
Developer(s) Archetype Interactive (original), Near Death Studios (current)
Publisher(s) The 3DO Company (original), Near Death Studios (current)
Platform(s) Microsoft Windows
Release date(s) December 15th, 1995
Genre(s) MMORPG
Mode(s) Multiplayer
Rating(s) ESRB: Teen (T)
You can play freely this game here