Meridian 59

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Game Info

Developer:

Near Death Studios

Genre:

Fantasy

Release Date:

September 27, 1996

Monthly Fee:

P2P Monthly Subscription

Official Website

Meridian 59 is an online 3D graphical RPG. It was originally released in 1996 by the 3DO company and was one of the first commercial online games available for sale in retail stores in the US....

Meridian 59 is an online 3D graphical RPG. It was originally released in 1996 by the 3DO company and was one of the first commercial online games available for sale in retail stores in the US. The game was purchased by Near Death Studios, Inc. in 2001 and relaunched commercially.

There have been seven updates to the game since its initial release and each update added new content for players to enjoy. The game has a unique blend of interesting game mechanics, a strong community, and excellent player vs. player (PvP) gameplay. Together, these aspects make for a game that is fun, friendly, and balanced.

As the first graphical retail MMORPG, Meridian 59 is definitely one of the oldest still-running MMOGs on the market today. Canceled and then restarted in 2002 by a pair of former developers, Meridian 59 has one of the strangest histories in gaming today. Shutdown on August 31, 2000, the game was re-released by Rob "Q" Ellis and Brian "Psychochild" Green in 2002 and a new rendering engine was introduced in 2004. Meridian 59 now runs with a very small team of customer service reps and developers.

Meridian 59 is a typical sword and sorcery type fantasy MMORPG with some very basic 3D graphics for players to enjoy. Player versus player combat is the main focus of the game with a player-run justice system implemented into the game to control rampant player killers. The game also uses a skill-based system rather than a class-based system of advancement. Players choose from seven skill/spell schools, six of which are based on patron gods in the game world's mythos: Weaponcraft, Shal'ille, Qor, Kraanan, Faren, Riija, and Jala. Each school has a different focus and application in gameplay.

Meridian 59 charges a monthly subscription to players. Currently, the monthly subscription costs $10.95.

Near Death Studios Closes Down

2009 was a rough year for the gaming industry as we learned that even our vast entertainment medium wasn't immune to the harsh economic climate that befell the world.

News

Sun, Jan 03, 2010

Martuk
Online Gamers Anthology Podcast: Meridian 59

The best three-dimensional 2D graphics that money can buy.

You probably don't know what Meridian 59 is, but before EverQuest came around and dominated the MMO scene, there was another 3D online game in town, and the first of its kind. Listen as Brian "Psychochild" Green discusses his fond memories of one of the first real MMOGs.

- Some adventurers in Meridian discuss the typical struggles in an
adventurer's life, such as breakups, guild take-overs, and fast-food.

Audio / Podcast, Media

Wed, Oct 31, 2007

Aelryn
Exclusive Brian Green Interview

An Interview with Brian "Psychochild" Green, Founder of Near Death Studios

Features, Interviews

Mon, Jun 04, 2007

Ethec
Meridian 59 Interview at MMORPG.com

Back from the dead.
MMORPG.com has a Meridian 59 Evolution interview posted featuring Brian Green of Near Death Studios. We can assure you that they may have written this:

"A few weeks ago at E3, I had a chance to catch up with Brian Green of Near Death Studios, the company hard at work on Meridian 59. The show had just ended, and as he and I were in the same hotel, we decided we could not leave E3 without one last interview each. So, in the hotel lobby, laptop in hand, Brian took me on a brief tour of his game and we chatted about where it has been and where it – and he – are headed."

You can read the entire Meridian 59 Evolution Interview at MMORPG.com.

Features, Interviews

Fri, Jun 17, 2005

Boomjack