General Gaming Article

General Gaming Article


HP Wi-Fi Mobile Mouse Available Now

Posted: 18 Jun 2011 07:43 AM PDT

Last month, we told you about an upcoming Wi-Fi mouse from the world's leading PC vendor HP. Well, the company quietly stripped the wireless rodent of its upcoming tag on Friday. Available now for $50, HP Wi-Fi Mobile Mouse is the first of its kind. HP is making a big deal about the fact that you do not need to reserve a USB port for an external receiver, as the Wi-Fi Mobile Mouse does not require one. Actually, it is a big deal that it connects directly "using your computer's built-in Wi-Fi receiver," especially if you don't like the sight of dongles jutting out from your notebook

It features a laser sensor with adjustable sensitivity (1200 CPI default, 1600 CPI max) and has 5 programmable buttons. The company says that the mouse has a battery life of 9 months. If you wish to purchase it, just bear in mind that It is only compatible with a Windows 7-running machine with a WIN7 logo certified Wi-Fi network adapter.

MMO News

MMO News


BeGone Gameplay – First Look HD

Posted: 18 Jun 2011 02:53 PM PDT

To Learn More About the Game, Check out our BeGone (Game page may not be up yet) Page.

BeGone is a 3D browser based FPS game published by NPlay. Gameplay wise, the game plays a bit like Combat Arms, WolfTeam, and other tactical MMOs, except with a lot less to do. The game only has a handful of maps and few weapons to purchase. To learn more about BeGone check out the official MMOHut BeGone page which includes a detailed review, tons of screenshots, and additional videos. (We don’t have a review page for BeGone yet, as the game is in beta as of this video)

Vindictus: Karok arrives, Tokens leave

Posted: 17 Jun 2011 11:58 PM PDT

Vindictus’ latest update is now live, adding a new character and removing the token system.

Karok, the newest character to join the team, uses a pillar to fight enemies, and is capable of using pillar charges, dropkicks, power grabs, clash and counter-attack, and earthquakes – adding a host of new skills that synchronize and compliment the remaining three characters. All players have an additional character slot now available to them in celebration.

Transformations are also being changed so that Stage One may be available once per hour to all players (without requiring 10 AP and a full SP bar). Stage Two transformations are also available, and Hard and Hero mode dungeons are now more rewarding.

Meanwhile, the token system has been removed, removing all restrictions on game time for players, and a new leaderboard is also available.

Vindictus is published by Nexon, which also publishes MapleStory, Combat Arms, and Mabinogi.

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Vindictus Gameplay Screenshot

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Karok brings the pain in today's "Pillar of Strength" content update

Players have made their wishes known and Nexon has delivered – today's "Pillar of Strength" content update adds the highly anticipated Karok character and a host of other new features and improvements to Vindictus.

At seven feet tall and weighing in at 400 pounds, Karok is a beast of a man who will bring an entirely new style of combat to Vindictus. After leaving his people far to the south to help the humans fight against the tide of invading Fomors, Karok now stands poised to add his strength, resolve and fighting prowess to the epic battles waged in Vindictus.

A whole new set of skills

Make no mistake – Karok's fighting style is unlike anything you've experienced before. Instead of a simple sword, Karok wields a massive pillar that he uses to crush his enemies and drive them before him. He can conduct a "pillar charge" while sprinting to break through lines of normal monsters, and then go immediately into a "dropkick" to knock out anyone who dares to stand in his way.

Also among his many skills is his ability to "power grab" monsters that the other characters can't, such as vampires and giant spiders.

Among the most impressive of Karok's feats is his "clash" ability, wherein Karok can stop the blow of even the biggest boss monsters and engage in a battle of dominance. If successful, Karok will counter-attack with a mighty blow of his own.

At higher levels, Karok can even create an earthquake, dealing massive damage to nearby monsters and knocking them down in the process.

So that all players can enjoy Karok right away, Nexon is adding an additional character slot so that players can create a new character without having to replace any of their other characters.

Transformations get upgraded

Want to feel extremely powerful but think that Karok might not be your style? Don't worry, because with today's update the transformations that all characters can perform are also getting a major upgrade. First, Nexon has removed the biggest hurdle to using the skill, which was the need for 10 Ability Points and a full SP bar. The Stage One transformation is now a clickable skill available once per hour at any time to all players.

Transforming into an alternate form (either the Dark Knight or Paladin) grants a significant boost to payers' Attack scores, Stamina and Hit Points. The Stage One transformation lasts for exactly two minutes and is on a one hour cool down, so be sure to use it when it counts most. Today's update adds Stage Two transformations, adding even more power and functionality.

Tokens = gone

Players have been asking for the removal of tokens, and Nexon has responded. With today's update, Nexon has permanently removed the token system from Vindictus. Now players are free to enjoy the game as often as and for as long as they want, with no penalty and no cost whatsoever.

The greater the challenge, the greater the reward

Rewards should be commensurate with the challenge, so from now on all "Hard" and "Hero" mode dungeons will grant bonus experience points and gold, offering even more incentive for players to hone their skills against the toughest challenges in Vindictus.

A leader board ranking system has also been added in today's update, allowing players to compare their accomplishments against their friends and the wider Vindictus community. Players can now track a wide variety of player stats such as: number of battles cleared, amount of AP used, number of titles attained, number of stories completed and much more.

For more details on today's update, visit www.vindictus.com.

Sacred Wars returning to Tales of Pirates 2

Posted: 17 Jun 2011 10:40 PM PDT

Tales of Pirates II is restoring the Sacred Wars event, where players split into Navy and Pirate factions and seek to destroy the opposite team’s Hero Statue.

In order to participate, players must be in a guild, at least level 45, and must have a Token of Life & Death. Players may then enter the portal within the first 10 minutes of the battle, and may continue to battle for up to three hours. Special item restrictions are in place; but the winning team can earn rewards and titles only available through the PvP Battle.

Tales of Pirates is published by IGG, which also publishes Angels Online, Zodiac Online, and Tales of Fantasy.

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Tales of Pirates Gameplay Screenshot

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Sacred Wars Reloaded in Tales of Pirates II

IGG is bringing the fan-favorite Sacred Wars event back to their popular Tales of Pirates II (http://top2.igg.com) MMORPG. The feud between players split into Navy and Pirate factions promises intense action as both sides attempt to destroy the opposition's Hero Statue. Prestigious titles and awesome rewards hang in the balance, but before you jump at your chance to join in the fight, check out the rules below so you'll be ready when the battle begins.

After entering the Sacred War region, players can attack other players from a hostile faction at will. Players can also do quests, gather resources or defeat BOSS monsters to improve their abilities.

Event Eligibility

Players must meet the following requirements to be eligible for the Sacred Wars.

·         You must have 1 Token of Life & Death.

·         You must be in a guild.

·         You must be at least Level 45. There are two level ranges for Sacred Wars battles: Level 45-64 and Level 65 and up.

·Each faction is limited to 45 participants at most.

Entering the Region

The portal for players Level 65 and above is at Magical Ocean (979, 3608). The one for Level 45-64 players is at Deep Blue (1450, 613). Only eligible players may enter the Sacred Wars region through the portals. Players from each faction will be teleported to the vicinity of their side's Hero Statue. Additional restrictions:

·The region will be open for 3 hours, but the entrance is only open for 10 minutes.

·       The region will be closed for 1 hour after it has been open for 3 hours. The opening times for Sacred Wars are (in 24-hour format) 7:30, 11:30, 15:30, 19:30, 23:30 and 3:30. The opening times for Mini Sacred Wars are 7:00, 11:00, 15:00, 19:00, 23:00 and 3:00.

·         Players are not allowed to carry the following items when they enter the region: Crystal Ore, Hard Tortoise Shell, Tortoise Shell Fragment, Repair Wood, Moon Tail Eel, Diving Clam, Squirting Fish or Fish Bone.

Objectives

The battle ends once one of the faction statues is destroyed. If neither statue is destroyed within 3 hours, neither side will earn the rewards.

Death and Penalties

If a player's character is killed during the battle, they will be revived immediately in their faction's base. The player will drop 1 Blood Covenant and a Token of Life & Death as penalties the first time they die. The second time they will drop 1 Snuff (Navy player) or 1 Eye Patch (Pirate player).

Rewards
Awesome rewards and titles can be redeemed by using the items found during the Sacred Wars. Whether you choose the noble Navy or the plucky Pirates, you can win both glory and gear, so rally your friends and get ready for PvP mayhem in Tales of Pirates II!

About Tales of Pirates II
Tales of Pirates II is a new adventure game set in the age of the Vikings. It's a time of great discoveries and also great brutality. Roam the vast oceans of northern Europe and engage in intense battles, using technological superiority and magical powers to determine who will claim mastery over the seas.

Tales of Fantasy launches new expansion

Posted: 17 Jun 2011 10:06 PM PDT

A new large-scale update for Tales of Fantasy, “Veil of Darkness,” is now live.

The update raises the level cap to 60, the refining cap to +12, and introduces two new instances (Ghost Tomb and Serpent Shrine), a new Hero class set, several new weapons, two new bosses, brand new skills, five new maps (Starlight Lake, Cloud Mountain, Eagle Plain, Phoenix Ridge, and Northern Plain), new monsters, new quests, and more.

Tales of Fantasy is published by IGG, which also publishes Zu Online, Destiny Online, and Tales of Pirates.

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Tales of Fantasy Gameplay Screenshot

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Tales of Fantasy: Veil Of Darkness – Level 60 UNLEASHED!

Much turmoil has battered the land of Elterra, spreading chaos and destruction as the fires of war rage across the land between Ashland and Bohren. Ancient evils lying asleep beneath the land have begun stirring amidst these troubled times; the brash Zan Korrel, as well as the brutish and ruthless criminals of Evdar have been observed to be making their moves. Some even report the sightings of demonic beings and possessions… It is time, heroes, to pick up your weapons and put aside your differences to unveil the mask of darkness!

IGG is proud to present the newest Tales of Fantasy (http://tof.igg.com) expansion patch, Veil Of Darkness! This exciting new patch will include the below.

New Instances!
Ghost Tomb, Serpent Shrine

New Level Cap!
The maximum attainable level is now increased to 60!

New Class Specific Set!
The Hero Set will now finally be available!

New Weapons!
The Bloodletter, Berserk Axe, Crimson Stave of Faith, Solar Hammer, Star Axe, Shield of the Summoner and many more!

New BOSSes!
Test your might against 2 new BOSSes, Chi You Illusion and Bahamut!

New Skills!
Hurricane, Ray of Hope, Prideful Soul, Blood Bash, Merciless Execution, Toxic Mist, Shrilling Shot and many more!

New Maps!
Starlight Lake, Cloud Mountain, Eagle Plain, Phoenix Ridge and Northern Plain will now be available!

New Monsters!
Commander Herve, Blade Lord Bary, Blade Master Jabr, Du Ku Swordsman, Shadow Warrior, Corrupted Psychic and many more!

New Refining Level Cap!
Equipment and weapons can now be refined to +12 for even stronger stats, as well as a new set of wings promising eve more stunning visuals!

New Quests!
The plot thickens, as much more quests are added, and the story develops further into the mysterious Serpent Shrine of the Zan Korrel! Expect more NPCs and more challenges to come into play, as you uncover the deepest, darkest secrets of the land!

Of course, what you see here is not all we have to offer in Tales of Fantasy: Veil Of Darkness – in fact, it's just the tip of the iceberg! Much, much more exciting new content awaits your discovery; be you the adventurous type, the challenge loving type, or simply the silent grinder, you'll find everything you want and more, only in Tales of Fantasy!

BasketDudes launches open beta

Posted: 17 Jun 2011 03:35 PM PDT

The open beta for BasketDudes – a free-to-play basketball game – is now live for all players as Season One begins.

Open beta comes with a number of improvements, including new players, 400 new equipment pieces, new gamecards, and improvements to the game interface and balance. A weekly competition has also been introduced with trophies as a reward.

BasketDudes is published by BitoonGames.

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BasketDudes Gameplay Screenshot

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BASKETDUDESTM opens its doors, setting the start of the WBCTM official "SEASON ONE"

BITOON GAMES and the WBCTM (World Basketball Clubs) are pleased to announce the official start of “SEASON ONE” at BasketDudesTM

Madrid, SPAIN – June 17th, 2011 – After 14 months of production and a Pre-Season (CLOSED BETA) of 4 additional months, BasketDudes™, an original and refreshing Free2Play basketball MMO game for PC and Mac developed by BITOON GAMES, has finally entered its OPEN BETA stage, setting the start of its "SEASON ONE".

The WBC™, an international federation of online basketball clubs, is now calling for registration, open to all participants who wish to join the official competitions at www.basketdudes.com.

This official release implies an important update with significant improvements and additions, including new incredible players to discover, over 400 equipment items to power-up your play, and more game cards to set your strategy and keep an Ace under your sleeve. Also adjustments in the game interface and gameplay balancing have been introduced, as well as the possibility of playing in English and Spanish languages. The new "Weekly Board" competition system will dynamize challenges among players, who now can play for cool trophies to win and collect.

So get in onboard, register as a Manager, set up your own Team, and start signing and training your Players.

Discover all the possibilities BasketDudes™ has to offer in the Getting Started and Rookies Guide, where you will find practical and useful advices as to start a brilliant career in the WBC™.

Come join the WBC™ at the BasketDudes’ official website, and download the game to start enjoying the most exciting basketball online competition of the world!

BITOON GAMES and the WBC™ welcome you to BasketDudes™ "SEASON ONE"!

Chapter III revealed for Pockie Ninja

Posted: 17 Jun 2011 03:21 PM PDT

Pockie Ninja’s next update, Chapter III: Hokage Village, is now set to launch on June 23rd.

The update will let players build, upgrade, and visit player villages. The villages offer farms, weather systems, a special egg hatching system, and offer bounty quests to visitors. Villages can progress and this progress can be seen at each village’s Achievement Tower.

New titles will also be released in the update, including common Zodiac titles and Attribute Titles, which grant special abilities, stats, and powers to characters.

Pockie Ninja is published by Game321 (Ngames) which previously published Fairy Story Online.

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Pockie Ninja Gameplay Screenshot

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Pockie Ninja’s “Chapter III: Hokage Village” update coming soon

Browser-based brawler’s second update due late-June.

Publisher NGames have revealed a massive update to their Naruto/Bleach-inspired MMO, Pockie Ninja – “Chapter III: Hokage Village”. With Chapter III, players will be able to build and upgrade their own villages, visit and interact with friends villages, release their own quests, and earn new titles to unlock further vital abilities.

NGames have released details of a huge update for their popular browser-based brawler, Pockie Ninja – “Chapter III: Hokage Village”.
Due to be rolled out on June 23rd, the update evolves Pockie Ninja’s world to introduce a slew of brand new gameplay features, including a game-changing player village system.

Restoring Hokage Village

Pockie Ninja’s recent update, Chapter II: Revenge of Aizen, introduced an extended storyline based on evil demon warrior Aizen, who was hiding at the very top of the Las Noches challenge building.
Hokage Village was devastated during the countless battles against Demon City. Now that the war has ended with the defeat of Aizen, ninjas have started rebuilding their home!

Every player of Pockie Ninja will be able to build and upgrade their own village, with each village making a vital difference to the whole ninja family.

Players can upgrade and interact with their villages in a number of ways.
Building farms will allow users to customize their home and discover fancy gifts for their characters. You can even control the weather system to manipulate your village’s productivity, as well as upgrade and expand your village to become the envy of your friends.

Be sure to prepare your village well for your friends, as they will be able to visit your new home and even help you improve your surroundings. Friends can drop by to lend a helping hand, improve the look and productivity of your village, or even play some tricks on you. Helping friends with their villages will reap a great number of rewards, making it a vital part of Pockie Ninja’s ever-expanding universe.

You can even use the brand new Quest Board feature to post original bounty quests for your friends to complete. Upgrading your village level increases the number of daily quests you can post and accept.

Meanwhile, hatching eggs across the village will reap all kinds of in-game treasures. You will need to nurture the eggs before they hatch to ensure you get the best rewards, which can be aided by your Master/Apprentice – setting them the task of guarding your precious eggs will allow you more time to raise your village.

Your in-game achievements will be reflected on your village’s Achievement Tower – a landmark that visually improves and grows alongside your ninja’s progress. Other players will be able to see that you’re a master of the martial arts just by visiting your village!
Deeper strategy with brand new titles

With great updates comes great powers, and Chapter III: Hokage Village introduces a wide range of ability upgrades to the Pockie Ninja world.

Power of the Zodiac.

Players can choose a common Zodiac title for their characters, each coming with unique gameplay benefits, from increased attack and defence capabilities, to improved health and casting.

When active, the chosen zodiac title will grant players with it’s associated benefits, adding a deep layer of strategy to Pockie Ninja’s already epic anime-inspired brawls.
The names and benefits of each Zodiac title are as follows:
Title Description
Brave Aries Attack 4.1%, Min Attack 11, Critical Strike 33
Steady Taurus HP 4.1%, Stamina 47, Constitution 49
Witty Gemini Speed 4.1%, Agility 47, Dodge 36
Tender Cancer Block 36, HP 43, Chakra 43
Passionate Leo Critical Strike 33, Strength 47, Armor Break 49
Faultless Virgo Defence 55, Critical Strike 33, Min Attack 11
Impartial Libra Dodge 36, Defence 55, Block 36
Mysterious Scorpio Pierce 54, Hit 54, Block 36
Optimistic Sagittarius Hit 54, Speed 4.1%, Critical Strike 33
Resolute Capricorn Armor Break 49, Block 36, Stamina 47
Independent Aquarius Pierce 54, Dodge 36, Max Attack11
Artistic Pisces Block 36, Defence 55, Chakra 43

Unleash the Beast

What’s more, players can earn additional Attribute Titles to greatly enhance their skills in battles. The 8 new abilities each introduce a range of battle related benefits, meaning they could be the decider of a vital PvP fight. The names and effects of the new abilities are:
Blue Beast (Effect: Strength 98,Hit 58,Armor Break 55)
Yellow Flash (Effect: Agility 98,Attack 4%,Speed 4%)
Guardian of Sand (Effect: Defence 124,Block 55,HP 4
Night Dancer(Effect: Dodge 78,Pierce 58,Armor Break 55)
Blade of Chaos(Effect: Hit 116,HP 4%,Attack4%)
Red Sunset(Effect: Critical Strike 71,Armor Break 55,Speed 4%)
?White Fang(Effect: Armor Break 109,Constitution 58,Hit 58)
?Ninja Hero (Effect: Attack+5%, Speed +5%, hp+5%)

Watch the teaser trailer!

NGames have released a special teaser trailer for Chapter III: Hokage Village; available now through their official YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Reo6-4b4oNk

You can sign up and play Pockie Ninja for free now!: http://www.pockieninja.com

World of Planes launches website

Posted: 17 Jun 2011 02:20 PM PDT

World of Planes, a new MMO flight simulator from Gaijin Entertainment, now has an official website, complete with newsletter and beta sign ups.

The game will be based on the World War II era of history, and will be available for PC and Mac. Players will be able to engage in air, land, and sea combat, and customize their weapons and flying skills as they progress as a pilot.

World of Planes will enter alpha testing this July, and plans to enter closed beta in September.

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World of Planes Gameplay Screenshot

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Gaijin Entertainment Launches Website for World of Planes MMO

Visit www.worldofplanesgame.com for game news to request access to the closed beta coming in September.

June 17 – Award winning Gaijin Entertainment is announcing the launch of the official World of Planes website at www.worldofplanesgame.com. This MMO flying simulation game, based on World War II history, coming to PC and MAC.

What had been taken as April fool joke after initial presentation on April is in fact a very real and advanced project. «We decided to use this special date to open the curtains a little on what we had secretly been working on for the last two years. But of course we kept some things secret, for instance that we’re also bringing this new game to the MAC» says Kirill Yudintsev, Chief Creative Officer of Gaijin Entertainment.

At the website, players will find World of Planes news, screenshots, new game details, community features, and more! Players may also apply to participate in the World of Planes closed beta test. A small group of lucky players will be selected to receive early access to the game's alpha version in July. Everyone else who applies will get to join in with the game's beta version in September.

Black Prophecy Gameplay – First Look Part 2 HD

Posted: 17 Jun 2011 01:43 PM PDT

To Learn More about the game check out our Karma Online Page.

Black Prophecy is a 3D sci-fi themed MMORPG published by Gamigo – the same company behind Martial Empires, Dungeon Empires, Golfstar, Loong, and War of Angels. Gameplay wise, Black Prophecy is a bit like Eve Online (especially interface / appearance wise) except with a bit more emphasis on action. The game has gorgeous graphics and a good variety of missions to keep players busy. To learn more about Black Prophecy check out the official MMOHut Black Prophecy page which includes a detailed review, tons of screenshots, and additional videos.

RayCity adds new gaming mode

Posted: 16 Jun 2011 10:25 PM PDT

A new gaming mode, called Xtreme Survival, has arrived this month in RayCity.

This mode supports upto 100 racers. The race has 5 elimination rounds, dropping the bottom 20% of the players after each round. Every player will start on an even field, regardless of level, and will have a maximum speed of 311km/h – meaning the race boils down purely to skill. Any player not in first place will get an SP boost, and all players can earn in-game rewards for participation.

RayCity is published by AsiaSoft.

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RayCity Gameplay Screenshot

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OUTDRIFT. OUTSPIN. OUTLAST. in the new xtreme survival mode!

RayCitySEA brings online racing to new heights with the launch of the new Xtreme Survival Mode, pitting players’ skills to become the ultimate winner.

16 June 2011, Singapore and Malaysia – Asiasoft Online (“Asiasoft”) today announces the launch of the new Xtreme Survival Mode for RayCitySEA in June 2011, a new content update set to ignite players’ desire to become the top racer in this new mode.

Raycity™ (http://RayCity.PlayPark.net) is a free-to-play online racing MMORPG (Massively Multiplayer Role Playing Online Game) developed by EA Seoul Studio, a studio of Electronic Arts Inc. (ERTS), and is very popular with casual gamers, car enthusiasts and fans of racing games.

Currently the only online racing MMORPG game in Singapore, the race maps and surroundings of RayCitySEA were modeled exactly after the towns of Seoul, Korea, that even the smallest detail was not spared to give RayCitySEA gamers, known as Racers, a real-life feel of the area as they weaved through the roads and alleys during races.

With the launch of this new Xtreme Survival mode, racers will now have the opportunity to prove themselves as the best drivers on the online racing scene, as the playing field has been leveled for everyone who participates in this mode. No longer depending on their gears and car kits they had lavished on their beloved cars to gain an edge during races, participants will have to outdrive and outlast one another with their driving skills to win the Xtreme Survival race.

Each round of Xtreme Survival race can take up to 100 participants. Racers will have to register like any other race to participate. There is a total of five rounds per race and after each round, the bottom 20% of the players will be eliminated.

Participants do not have to worry about level difference from other players as everyone will start with the same condition applied to their cars, including the maximum speed of 311km/h for all. Therefore, it all boils down to the individual driving skills and strategy to win.

To increase the competitive nature of Xtreme Survival mode, racers who are not in the first position, or falling behind others in the course of the race, will receive SP boost as an advantage to help them with the game. At the end of the race, participants will also stand to receive in-game rewards to further enhance their gaming experience in RayCitySEA.

"We are pleased to launch the new Xtreme Survival mode in RayCitySEA, providing our racers a new challenge and avenue to showcase their driving skills,” said Sherman Tan, Chairman of Asiasoft Online. “It is an exciting new mode that creates the opportunity for both hardcore and casual players to exchange tips and improve their own gameplay on a level playing field,”

Register for the Xtreme Survival races now and stand to win limited edition Swift Panther, Furious Wolf and Emperor Eagle sets. Visit

MMO Updates

MMO Updates


Massively chats Heaven, Hell and destructible churches with Faxion Online

Posted: 18 Jun 2011 10:00 AM PDT

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It's been only a short time since Faxion Online launched, and despite some issues with performance and balance, the game is already seeing a strong, dedicated playerbase. Perhaps the PvP-centric world, along with its open, skill-based class system, has encouraged this sort of dedication. UTV Ignition Games is fully aware of the issues that are in the game now and has promised that it's on top of them. The game was created with a smaller team, time frame, and budget than most games that we talk about here on Massively, so it's important to note the growing pains.

How do you divide your time between balance and performance? What do you do, as a developer, when the loudest wheels are squeaking about one issue, while others claim they have no issues at all? These are the quandaries of the smaller developer, especially a developer running a game that obviously offers something different.

We took some time to ask Mike Madden, Director of Product Management, and Frank Lucero, Studio Head, about their concerns as well as what they see happening in the future. So click past the cut to see what they had to say!

Continue reading Massively chats Heaven, Hell and destructible churches with Faxion Online

MassivelyMassively chats Heaven, Hell and destructible churches with Faxion Online originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 18 Jun 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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WRUP: All's fair for love of WAR edition

Posted: 18 Jun 2011 08:00 AM PDT

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Color me surprised. With two days left to go, it looks like my Choose My Adventure poll is all but set, with Warhammer Online coming out as a real dark horse victor. Let this be a lesson to fans the world over: If you want something to win at a poll, posting a link on the official forums and saying "go vote for this" works remarkably well. It's really just that easy!

This week's edition of WRUP contains no further discussion of the game in question, however, instead being solely focused around what games the Massively staff will be playing over the next couple of days. It also details our opinions on flying mounts and how they affect the state of the game worlds we live play in. So read on past the break to see what we'll all be up to, and return the favor by letting us know your weekend activities in the comments.

Continue reading WRUP: All's fair for love of WAR edition

MassivelyWRUP: All's fair for love of WAR edition originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 18 Jun 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Daily Grind: How welcoming should a game be?

Posted: 18 Jun 2011 06:00 AM PDT

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In the old days, games started you out in a few tattered rags, and if you were very lucky, you had a weapon after character creation. The tutorial was "try not to die." You learned where things were by asking other players or blindly stumbling from place to place. In many ways, themepark games like RIFT can be seen as a direct counter to that playstyle, giving players a clear sense of purpose and a direction so reliable it can feel like handholding.

But there's another side to the discussion: the fact that how easy it is to figure things out at the start of a game contributes to how welcome you feel. There's a rush when you realize you're in a hostile world that won't hand you what you need to survive, but there's also a question of whether or not you want to carve out a niche in a world that doesn't seem to want you anyway. So how welcoming should a game be to new players? Should it be gently guiding at the risk of over-protectiveness, or should it throw you in the deep end and let you sink or swim?

Every morning, the Massively bloggers probe the minds of their readers with deep, thought-provoking questions about that most serious of topics: massively online gaming. We crave your opinions, so grab your caffeinated beverage of choice and chime in on today's Daily Grind!

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: How welcoming should a game be? originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 18 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Allods Online reveals more about... Revelation

Posted: 17 Jun 2011 07:00 PM PDT

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Free-to-play favorite Allods Online marches ever closer to Patch 2.0.04. While we got a good look at the interesting Reincarnation system last week, today gPotato is highlighting two of the patch's new areas: Twilight Isle and the Cave of Tka-Rik.

Twilight Isle will be the latest end zone to hit the game, with a height requirement of 46 or above to go on this ride. It's no happy carnival, either; the Isle is populated by the Demonic Cult and its deathmetal decor. Players will be tasked with figuring out why the demons are starting to move through the Astral and to stop them posthaste. Among the many new quests to come with the zone is the ability to take out demons with a portable cannon, which automatically makes it the coolest feature we've heard of this week. So far.

Tka-Rik's Cave is another endgame challenge, wherein lie many deadly trials that are guarding the secret behind the Revelation.

We don't have a firm date for 2.0.04 yet, but the way Allods is promoting it, it shouldn't be too far off!

MassivelyAllods Online reveals more about... Revelation originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 17 Jun 2011 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Betawatch: June 10 - 17, 2011

Posted: 17 Jun 2011 06:00 PM PDT

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Welcome to Betawatch, Massively's weekly report on the state of MMO betas. In each installment, we'll report everything from the latest open betas, closed betas and even alphas in one convenient place. Plus, we'll make sure to include as much info on each game's current status, including projected release dates (if known) and links to the sign-up forms to get yourself into that beta you've been seeking.

Gods & Heroes, Eden Eternal, and Black Prophecy all move to open beta this week, so if you haven't had a chance to try one or all of those games, the doors are open to you now! Our closed beta list gets a little longer as well thanks to the addition of World of Planes and Dragon Nest.

Follow along after the cut for the latest Betawatch list!

Continue reading Betawatch: June 10 - 17, 2011

MassivelyBetawatch: June 10 - 17, 2011 originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 17 Jun 2011 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ra's al Ghul's Revenge goes live for DC Universe Online

Posted: 17 Jun 2011 05:00 PM PDT

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Are you ready to face off against a nearly immortal enemy? That's what DC Universe Online players will be up against starting today, as the latest game update throws Ra's al Ghul at the players. The eponymous terrorist and assassin is embarking on his latest scheme to wipe humans from the planet with biological weapons, forcing players to brave the League of Assassins' Stronghold with the possibility of earning several new rewards. But there's more to the latest update beyond just the new villain for players to oppose.

Poison Ivy is also hitting the scene in a big way, trying to strengthen her connection the mystical plant realm known only as the Green. That puts her at odds with the elemental Swamp Thing, forcing heroic and villainous players to team up with the faction-appropriate character and either aid or thwart Ivy's goals. DC Universe Online players can begin downloading and playing the update immediately, just in time to get some solid play in for the weekend.

MassivelyRa's al Ghul's Revenge goes live for DC Universe Online originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 17 Jun 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SWTOR dev diary steps beyond story

Posted: 17 Jun 2011 04:30 PM PDT

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Star Wars: The Old Republic separates itself from other MMORPGs by introducing the element of -- say it with me -- story. But how deep exactly is this wormhole? BioWare Writer Ian Ryan explains to us in the latest developer diary that a TOR writer's work is not done once the last word is penned. "Armed with [our] knowledge, we set out to provide feedback on each planet's art as it relates to story," Ryan reveals. The writers log into the game and play the levels they created story for. It is a collaborative effort. The writers attempt to give the environmental artist a clear picture of what best sets the scene for the stories they have created.

In the gallery below, we have some before-and-after renders of the Promenade on Nar Shaddaa and the Blastfield Shipyards on Corellia. Both of these areas received major overhauls after the writers witnessed the first incarnation of the environments.

Following the before-and-after pictures is a new piece of concept art of Corellia released for the fans. Lastly, we have featured some new pieces of art created by the SWTOR fans Micah_Vale, CuriousOne, and SkinRuder77. Enjoy.

MassivelySWTOR dev diary steps beyond story originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 17 Jun 2011 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Wasteland Diaries: Weapon balance

Posted: 17 Jun 2011 04:00 PM PDT

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Rock, scissors, paper. It's not quite that simple when referring to the three weapon classes in Fallen Earth. You have the two ranged disciplines: rifles and pistols. And then you have melee weapons. They all have distinct advantages in combat, and they are all viable in PvP and PvE when played properly. There is a lot of debate about weapon balance on the forums and in the game (gotta love global chat) about weapon balance.

I come from the school of thought that believes the weapons are currently as balanced as they have ever been. Many people will disagree with me on that point. But the vast majority of people who agree that the combat is well-balanced in Fallen Earth's current system are my contemporaries who have been PvPing since alpha, beta or launch. Many newer, less experienced players feel that certain weapon classes are overpowered or useless. I say that is not the case. Continue past the cut and I'll explain why I feel that way.

Continue reading Wasteland Diaries: Weapon balance

MassivelyWasteland Diaries: Weapon balance originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 17 Jun 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Get RIFT for $9.99 this weekend

Posted: 17 Jun 2011 03:30 PM PDT

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Trion's got a couple of weekend deals in store for all you last-minute Father's Day shopping slackers, provided of course that the gaming dad in your family plays RIFT.

First up is a $9.99 special that gives you the full game client. Gameplay time will cost you extra, though, so assuming you go with the standard monthly fee, you're looking at around 25 bucks for full access to Telara.

Next up is the trial upgrade collector's edition special, which will set you back $16.99. You get the full client per above as well as a tartagon mount, a collector's satchel, and a bogling wastrel pet. Both deals are digital only, so if your dad, husband, or baby's daddy wants a box, you'll need to check out the brick and mortar or online retailers listed on Trion's website.

MassivelyGet RIFT for $9.99 this weekend originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 17 Jun 2011 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Road to Mordor: Packing for Isengard

Posted: 17 Jun 2011 03:00 PM PDT

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Isengard. Isengard. ISENGARD. It's all I can think about since last week's E3 reveal, and I know I'm not the only one. For some reason, having a firm launch date for Lord of the Rings Online's third expansion feels like a starting pistol's gone off, and we're beginning the race to the expansion in earnest.

Of course, we're not in that much of a hurry at this point. We still have well over three months to go, the beta has yet to begin, and something tells me that Turbine's got a few more tricks to pull out of its top hat before all is said and done. Still, I'm officially in "Go!" mode, and I bet I'm not the only one.

While I can't make September 27th come any sooner, I can think of six ways that we can prepare for our upcoming journey into Dunland and beyond. Seven, if you include putting together the absolute perfect outfit to slay Saruman in, but that's a given.

Hit the jump and I'll walk you through everything you should be doing this summer to get ready for Rise of Isengard!

Continue reading The Road to Mordor: Packing for Isengard

MassivelyThe Road to Mordor: Packing for Isengard originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 17 Jun 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Gods & Heroes releases estate system screens

Posted: 17 Jun 2011 02:30 PM PDT

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Current-gen MMOs that ship with player housing options are seemingly a dying breed. Gods & Heroes: Rome Rising, debuting next week courtesy of Heatwave Interactive, is bucking that trend by launching with something the devs are calling an estate system.

In a nutshell, your Roman hero will inherit his very own ancestral estate. Unfortunately you'll take possession of the place after it's been razed to the ground by the evil machinations of the Telchinist cult. Part of the Gods & Heroes progression experience involves rebuilding your home, which in turn affects the power and quality of your NPC minions as well as other as-yet unnamed benefits.

The rebuilding process takes the form of various quest lines throughout the game, and you'll get a glimpse of what's in store by checking out our new estate system gallery below.

MassivelyGods & Heroes releases estate system screens originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 17 Jun 2011 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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One Shots: Everyone has pants edition

Posted: 17 Jun 2011 02:00 PM PDT

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Today's One Shots image comes from the APB community with a little twist: nobody in his or her underwear!
"Carnage is a criminal clan in All Points Bulletin: Reloaded. We think that we are the biggest French Canadian (Quebec) clan. We all play together to destroy those Enforcers, but we enjoy having fun with some events."
Are you ready to show off your guild? Gather up your best group shots of you and your guildmates. Whether you're hanging out, enjoying guild housing, taking out a huge enemy, or throwing a party, send a screenshot of your guild in action to oneshots@massively.com along with your name and the name of the game, and tell us about your guild!

MassivelyOne Shots: Everyone has pants edition originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 17 Jun 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Darkfall possibly headed to Asian market

Posted: 17 Jun 2011 01:00 PM PDT

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Darkfall's brand of FFA PvP and sandbox-style fantasy elements may be headed to the Asian market, according to a new post on Aventurine's weekly dev blog. Tasos Flambouras reports that company staffers recently traveled to the Far East for discussions with "several of the Asian majors." What became of those discussions is still shrouded in secrecy, but Flambouras does hint at more news in this regard down the road.

"This will be good for the game overall since we'd be tapping into some vast development resources. Unfortunately I can't be more specific but there will be announcements when we can," he explains.

Today's Epic Blog entry also talks a bit about some new PvE dungeons in the works, and there are some interesting pieces of concept art as well as a screenshot or two of the new Cairn dungeon. Read all about it at the official Darkfall site.

MassivelyDarkfall possibly headed to Asian market originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 17 Jun 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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A look at Luvinia Online's Berserker and Watchman

Posted: 17 Jun 2011 12:00 PM PDT

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As Luvinia Online's heading toward closed beta testing here in the states, Outspark is trying to pump up interest in the title by highlighting the game's classes. Two of the revealed classes are the Berserker and Watchman, subsets of the Fighter and Scout roles.

The Berserker is your typical barbarian-who-unleashes-his-inner-Hulk character, utilizing rage to increase his damage, hit multiple targets, and pump up critical strikes. As Outspark says, "The heavens hath no fury like a Berserker scorned!"

On the flip side of rage is the Watchman's cool, collected poise. She uses ranged skills, traps and tricks to frustrate and kill enemies from afar, preferring the use of a bow over melee weapons. An interesting mechanic to the class is that the farther the Watchman is from her target, the more damage she does.

You can take a peek at the many classes of Luvinia Online, including the class grid, in the gallery below!

MassivelyA look at Luvinia Online's Berserker and Watchman originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 17 Jun 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Age of Empires Online dev diary is all about the goods

Posted: 17 Jun 2011 11:30 AM PDT

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Using tongue-in-cheek stick puppets, the folks at Age of Empires Online have emerged to give us a quick overview of the gear system in a new dev diary. Yes, even empire-building titles rely on good ol' fashioned MMO gear to equip armies.

Once attached to an army, gear changes the appearance and stats of your troops. The more rare the gear, the tougher they become. Gear can be found, purchased, and crafted as you may expect. You have to purchase the civilization with real-world money in order to be able to equip the very best items, however.

And if you're curious about Age of Empires Online's pricing structure, ShackNews has the full skinny. Some of the purchases are merely cosmetic, although it looks like there's bad news for those looking to avoid a "pay to win" scenario: "Unfortunately, Microsoft's approach to monetising Age of Empires Online seems to be one of placing non-paying players at a significant disadvantage."

Age of Empires Online is slated for an August 16th launch. You can watch the dev diary on gear for a chuckle or two after the jump!

Continue reading Age of Empires Online dev diary is all about the goods

MassivelyAge of Empires Online dev diary is all about the goods originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 17 Jun 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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CCP and White Wolf celebrating Vampire's 20th anniversary with new rulebook, fan gala

Posted: 17 Jun 2011 11:00 AM PDT

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Vampire: The Masquerade is gearing up to celebrate its 20th birthday (20 years!?), and while two decades may be a drop in the proverbial bucket to your average vampire, it's quite a chunk of time for mere mortals. White Wolf (which MMO aficionados probably know as a subsidiary of CCP) is celebrating the milestone with a limited-run anniversary edition of the RPG's core rulebook.

The tome is available via pre-order and will set you back a hefty $99.99. The book's release will coincide with The Grand Masquerade 2011, a fan event scheduled for September 15th to 18th in New Orleans that will feature, among other things, "the next look at the future of the World of Darkness MMO."

MassivelyCCP and White Wolf celebrating Vampire's 20th anniversary with new rulebook, fan gala originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 17 Jun 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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World of Tanks invades LA in new videos

Posted: 17 Jun 2011 10:30 AM PDT

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Get out of the way! Tanks are invading Los Angeles? Wait, what? That was at E3? Oh, OK. Well then, I suppose you're safe... for now! That's right, those wacky cads over at Wargaming.net took the opportunity during E3 to invade LA with some very large, very real tanks. In case you weren't at E3 to see the madness first-hand (the team even brought a tank into the convention center to guard its booth), the team was kind enough to post a few videos outlining the (completely and utterly insane) task of invading Los Angeles with three different kinds of tanks.

Having chronicled World of Tanks' ongoing plans for world domination at E3, we can think of no better way to celebrate but to bring out some real heavy artillery. So strap on your helmets and Kevlar and army-crawl past the cut for some tanks-on-the-road madness.

Continue reading World of Tanks invades LA in new videos

MassivelyWorld of Tanks invades LA in new videos originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 17 Jun 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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