1996 · Starwave · MMO · Role-playing

Castle Infinity

Castle Infinity is an MMOG (Massive Multiplayer Online Game) designed for children as young as age 8. It emphasizes cooperative problem solving using non-violent methods in a colorful, imaginative atmosphere. Essentially it is a side-scrolling platformer with adventure puzzles. The main objective of this arcade-style game is to amass enough power points and earned objects to battle and remove the monsters that have penetrated the dinosaurs' sanctuary.

Released: 1996
Platforms: Windows
Genres: MMO Role-playing
Developers: Starwave
Publishers: Starwave
Perspective: Side view
Themes: Action
Country: United States
Age ratings: ESRB E

About

Castle Infinity is a discontinued Massively multiplayer online game, the first intended for children. It was launched by Starwave Corporation in 1996, and features personalized avatars, an embedded message system and live chat in a 2D side scrolling game world. It survives as a freeware MMOG.

The game is full of interactions that force players to collaborate with each other in order to pass from one area to the next, by way of four-person vehicles and other game-like lobbying devices.

›Story

Castle Infinity is the home of the last remaining dinosaurs. But there is a problem. Evil monsters are invading the castle, and the good dinosaurs' lives are in jeopardy! There is something you can do to help save the dinosaurs and the castle. Team up with players from around the world and together you can rid the castle of those pesky monsters.

Keywords

freeware

Media

The articlegameplay, story, development, reception

Gameplay

Castle Infinity is a 2D side-scrolling world, where players collect "grow caps" and "hats" to unlock new play areas. The game places a heavy emphasis on player interaction, and much of the game's map is constructed to encourage users to collaborate in order to proceed. Players complete challenges which require multiple players to participate together, such as piloting a submarine that requires four pilots to steer properly. There are many locations where, in order to access higher levels, at least 3 or 4 members are required to stand on the same spot for the lift to activate.

Much of the directing of players between single and multi-player environments was a solution to the challenges of latency. The game was launched when a majority of home users had 9600 or 14.4k Modems. By siphoning players into individual areas, they could experience side-scrolling action. Then, in 4-player or unlimited areas, the focus was on communication and exchanging items.

Story

Castle Infinity takes place in a virtual world created by dinosaurs 65,000,000 years ago to escape from a comet approaching the earth. The virtual world has become infested with monsters but mammals have evolved to the point that they have invented the internet and can now access the Castle. Players are welcomed in by dinosaurs, who want mammals (kids) to help them save the Castle from the monsters.

Development

Castle Infinity was first released in 1996, making it the first fully released MMOG designed for children. It was originally designed by Russell Ginns, Gregg Foster, and Scott Wallin, with art direction and animation by Jonathan Maier and Andy Norman. It was developed and published by Paul Allen's early internet company Starwave.

The initial launch included a joint promotion with Netcom, retail displays in Blockbuster Video, and coupons included in the packaging toward the purchase of a USRobotics modem.