The Independent Games Festival, which recently took place during the Austin Game Developer’s Conference on September 15th - 17th, awarded Ashen Empires for Best Fantasy MMORPG and Fireteam Reloaded for Best Multiplayer Arena Action. Both titles are published by Pixel Mine Games.

Ashen Empires Screenshot

Ashen Empires is an MMORPG created as a tribute to Ultima V by Jason “Lothgar” Ely, one of the developers of Ultima VIII. It started as a free underground 2D MMO called Dransik, which garnered such a cult following that it went pay-to-play. Shortly after, a new free version of the game was released alongside Dransik, called Dransik Iso. The game was based off of the Dransik engine using improved 2D isometric graphics. Over the years, Dransik Iso evolved and became a more robust game than Dransik, changing its name to Ashen Empires. Though, Lothgar ceased working on it since Asylumsoft Inc. sold it, where it changed studio hands numerous times prior to now being owned by Pixel Mine. Currently, both Ashen Empires and Dransik Classic are available for free. AE, however requires a subscription for premium content. It should be noted that a new AE expansion called Tides of Fate is also in the works, which will be introducing ships, guild halls and various other content and updates.

Fireteam Reloaded Screenshot

Fireteam Reloaded is a free online multiplayer team-based isometric urban combat game. Gameplay description:

“Play as one of three unique character classes across a variety of post-apocalyptic urban settings in a bloody struggle to dominate your opponents. You can go solo or team up with up to three other friends in thrilling matches that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Just like in a real life fireteam, the smallest military unit, teamwork and communication is critical to success in Fireteam Reloaded. You and your team will succeed by formulating strategies that take into account class strengths/weaknesses, items, and the map layout. Only the smartest and fastest players will rise to the top of the ranks.”

After a successful open beta testing phase, team-based 2D isometric multiplayer action game Fireteam Reloaded is now an officially launched title at Pixel Mine Games. Fireteam Reloaded combines arena-style gameplay objectives with intense tactical warfare and in-game voice chat. The game can be downloaded for free which initially includes a couple of maps, three character classes and four gameplay modes but more maps, classes and items can unlocked for a small fee. An interesting note is that players enlisted in the military with e-mail accounts ending in “.mil” get a 20% discount on all premium Fireteam Reloaded content.