Snail Games has announced that its browser-based MMORPG Heroes of Gaia has now entered open Beta testing. Players create a character from one of four warring factions -- Humans, Elves, Orcs, or Undead -- build castle, recruit heroes, embark on quests for magic items, and raise armies.

The game incorporates elements of strategy games as players accumulate the resources needed to erect buildings and gaia gold train units. While wandering the kingdom of Gaia, they'll encounter computer- and human-controlled opponents to fight or ally with. Battles can be handled manually or automatically.

Heroes of gaia gold is currently free to play. It doesn't require a proprietary browser plug-in or other download from the game's web site. System requirements include Flash Player 9.0, a 2GHz processor, 512MB RAM, 64MB video RAM, and gaia gold a minimum 56k Internet connection.