| New details about Phantasy Star Online 2 Posted: 29 Mar 2012 06:36 PM PDT A recent media conference from Sega, held in Japan, offered new insights into the fate of Phantasy Star Online 2. According to AndriaSang, the game will use a free-to-play MMO model, making it free to download and play with optional microtransactions. Sega also announced that iOS and Android are being added to the list of platforms that includes PC and PlayStation Vita. The smartphone versions will not be cross-platform, and will focus on simpler character creation, control, and gameplay elements, with additional social game elements attached. Phantasy Star Online 2 is expected to launch for PC in Japan in early summer, for smartphone in winter, and for PS Vita in spring 2013. Closed beta will begin in April. There is still no word as to whether Sega will release the game in the West.  Phantasy Star Online 2 Gameplay Screenshot |
| Meet the Maned Dragon Tribe in Spirit Tales Posted: 29 Mar 2012 05:52 PM PDT KoramGame has offered a new look into another tribe of Spirit Tales: the Maned Dragon. This tribe offers the Archer and Warrior classes. The Archer holds honor and camaraderie to their heart, and excels at long-ranged combat. They can utilize the bow from a long range, or the cross bow from a shorter range (with more powerful damage). The Warrior seeks to become the guardian of their friends and community, and specializes in close-range defense. Warriors can utilize the warhammer or polearm. You can get a glimpse of both of these classes in the image below. Earlier this week, Spirit Tales previewed the Lunar Tribe.  |
| Auto Club Revolution begins open beta Posted: 29 Mar 2012 04:45 PM PDT Auto Club Revolution, a free-to-play online racing game from Eutechnyx, has begun open beta testing. The open beta test will allow players to experience both free and premium content, with officially licensed cars from leading automobile manufacturers. Players can own, customize, upgrade, and race their cars in challenges. The game features a dual-currency (in-game and E-Bucks) system. Registration can be found at www.autoclubrevolution.com.  Auto Club Revolution Gameplay Screenshot Source: AUTO CLUB REVOLUTION® ROARS INTO OPEN BETA The revolutionary online racing game and car community successfully completes its Closed Beta Test phase. 29th March 2012, Auto Club Revolution today announced its Open Beta phase following the successful completion of the Closed Beta Test programme. Players can now join the game without invitation atwww.autoclubrevolution.com Auto Club Revolution is a free-to-play online racing game and car community built in collaboration with the motor industry. Featuring officially licensed cars from over 40 of the world's leading motor manufacturers, it delivers a 'best in class' racing experience to the free-to-play market while providing a social platform for owning, customising and enjoying cars online. From today, Auto Club Revolution will feature both free and premium content providing players with a range of options for car ownership. Players can unlock free cars at regular intervals through the game's progression as well as enjoying free access to performance upgrades, tracks, and the game's many customisation tools. They can also optionally purchase items for the new cash currency E-Bucks which, alongside 'Credits' earned by racing and completing challenges, completes the dual currency system. "We have benefited from the best beta test community a game could ever hope for", said Team Lead, Doug Wolff. "These are some of the most dedicated players I've ever encountered and the amazing feedback that we've received has been critical to us reaching the stage where we can open the game to all players." Since the launch of the Closed Beta, the game's dedicated testing community has racked-up millions of miles driving officially licensed cars on a variety of race tracks. CEO, Brian Jobling explains, "The team has worked incredibly hard to get to the Open Beta phase and we're very excited to welcome everyone into the game. The fundamental philosophy of Auto Club Revolution is our commitment to producing a premium quality game, built around large quantities of stunning licensed content and deployed in a game world that delivers a 'best-in-class' game play experience." Auto Club Revolution has already licensed content from over 40 car and over 150 upgrade parts manufacturers plus a raft of licensed race tracks, such as Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, Silverstone and Infineon Raceway plus the game's range of custom race tracks. From today, players can register for free today and collect their free starter car at www.autoclubrevolution.com
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| Star Trek Online launches European free-to-play Posted: 29 Mar 2012 04:04 PM PDT Cryptic Studios and Perfect World Entertainment have officially launched Star Trek Online’s free-t0-play model in Europe. The European free-to-play launch brings German and French players into the fold with fully translated clients in their respective language. Star Trek Online is over two years old, and has featured five seasons of content updates and made itself available at no-cost to players this past year. Cryptic Studios also publishes Champions Online.  Star Trek Online Gameplay Screenshot Source: STAR TREK™ ONLINE SETS COURSE FOR EUROPE Popular Sci-fi MMO Releases French and German Versions (Amsterdam, Netherlands) March 29, 2012 — Perfect World (Europe) B.V., the European subsidiary of Perfect World Co., Ltd. (NASDAQ: PWRD), and Cryptic Studios, Inc., an acclaimed developer of MMO games, along with CBS Consumer Products, have announced today the European launch of the free-to-play, massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG), Star Trek Online. With this European free-to-play launch, German and French players can now lead their crew on missions in their own language and also participate in events, in-game chats, competitions and episodic missions that will immerse them even more in the always expanding Star Trek universe. As the first AAA quality MMO to feature space and ground combat, Star Trek Online has continued to grow in popularity. Over the past two years, the game has expanded with five seasons of content updates, delivered story-driven Feature Episode Series, and introduced new systems that allow for enhanced gameplay, such as spacewalk missions in zero-gravity and the new Duty Officer system. In addition, the recent conversion of Star Trek Online to a free-to-play model has opened its doors to anyone who wants to experience the game at no cost. “The launch of Star Trek Online in Europe is the culmination of our efforts over the past several years to bring gamers the Star Trek universe on a truly massive scale,” said Dan Stahl, Executive Producer for Star Trek Online. “We’d like to share this accomplishment with our community of players that have given their ongoing support to help us create an innovative game that captures Star Trek’s essence and we are happy to offer a localized experience for our French and German-speaking players. Our team is looking forward to sharing this experience with players in Europe and across the world.”
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| Luvinia introduces Abbes Dungeon Posted: 29 Mar 2012 03:22 PM PDT Luvinia Online has just released a new dungeon and raised the level cap in its latest update. The level cap has been raised in 87, just in time for players to tackle Abbes Dungeon. This dungeon features an enchanted garden, an Underground Palace, and the boss of Abbes: Shin, accompanied by Kohler the Minotaurus. As part of the update release, Outspark will host seven Kill Billy PvP events on Weekdays until April 6, where players must try to be the last one standing in a battle for some awesome loot. Players can also get a free experience boost from redeeming the code ABBESEXP. Outspark also publishes Fiesta Online. Luvinia Abbes Trailer: Source: Luvinia Online Releases Abbes Dungeon: Epic PvP Fighting Where Hell Reigns King Level Cap Raise with Massive Instanced Zones, Badass Bosses, and a Monster Rock Soundtrack SAN FRANCISCO – March 29, 2012 – Today, Outspark raised the level cap on its brand new free-to-play fantasy MMORPG, Luvinia Online, to Level 87, and opened Abbes Dungeon, a massive instanced zone of fierce PvP fighting, to players Level 80 and above. Players have been training for weeks for the bloodbath that's about to ensue in this kill-or-be-killed, loot-rich zone of no consequence. Upon approach, a guitar shreds as fireflies dart around the enchanted garden entrance, but the roar of the God of Darkness can be heard from the Underground Palace where Shin, the ruthless boss of Abbes, lay waiting with his faithful sidekick, Kohler The Minotaurus, and his thug militia. Only the strong will survive. "Abbes has incredibly cool graphics and a killer soundtrack to accompany the attacks of unrelenting bosses and mobs – our players will be impressed with how hard they're going to have to fight," smiles Philip Yun, CEO, Outspark. "Kudos to our developers, Simo and Shanda Games, for rewarding Luvinia's highest level players with such challenging content." Weekdays, from now until Friday, April 6, 2pm PT, Outspark is hosting seven wicked Kill Billy PvP events where players can test their mettle by trying to defeat an all-powerful GM. Big loot will be dropping and there's sure to be mayhem as players vie to be the last one standing. REDEEM CODE ABBESEXP FOR A FREE EXP BOOST, http://www.outspark.com/redeem?src=osk&aff=PR&kyd=media.
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| Scrimmage in the Wild Microvolts West Posted: 29 Mar 2012 02:54 PM PDT MicroVolts has released a new update, Scrimmage in the Wild West. The update, themed around the 19th century “American West,” releases a new map called Wild West. It also introduces a new “Scrimmage” player mode, where players can practice and hone their skills without affecting their kill/death ratio. Players can also find a new costume set for C.H.I.P. in the Capsule Machine, a new ensemble for Pandora, and new accessories and weapons. April will host new events, including Double Micro Points and Double Experience days, the GMs vs. The World Tournament, and Sniper-Only and MicroGun-Only tournaments. MicroVolts is published by Rock Hippo, which also publishes Brawl Busters.  MicroVolts Gameplay Screenshot Source: SADDLE UP! MICROVOLTS TAKES PLAYERS TO A SCRIMMAGE IN THE WILD WEST STARTING TODAY Today’s Update Features An All-New Wild West Map, New Player Mode, Costumes And A Variety Of In-Game Events Markham, Canada – March 29, 2012 – Rock Hippo Productions Ltd. announced today the launch of its latest update, Scrimmage in the Wild West, for its cartoon style third-person shooter, MicroVolts. The latest update takes players back to the 19th century American West with a brand new map, “Wild West.” But gun-slinging and cowboys aren’t all .. the new update also features a brand-new player mode, new costume sets and a host of exciting in-game events complete with prizes. Players can check out the latest screen shots and new update at www.MicroVolts.com. Cowboys on horseback will be the least of players’ worries as toys battle it out for Micro World supremacy on a brand new frontier! The new “Wild West” map will challenge players as they fight off every two-bit predator in their path. In addition to the new Wild West map, players can also perfect their MicroVolter skills with the latest player mode. Players can use the new mode to try out strategies and fine-tune their MicroVolting skills without affecting their kill/death ratio in “Scrimmage” mode. What’s more, a new costume set in the Capsule Machine for popular character C.H.I.P. is now available and will have music enthusiasts clamoring for an encore! Players can view the latest screen shots for a peek at MicroVolts’ tribute to the late musical legend “Jimi.” Players can also look forward to a new ensemble for Pandora, new accessories and new weapons. To kick off the update, the MicroVolts team has put together a slew of exciting events for April. Players can capitalize on Double Micro Points or Double Experience days, challenge the MicroVolts’ GMs in the next “GMs vs. The World Tournament,” or show of their expertise in the Sniper-Only and MicroGun-Only Tournaments. MicroVolters can expect awesome prizes for each event including a chance at grabbing some of the newly released items that are part of the new update. To view the latest screen shots or to download the game for free, visit www.MicroVolts.com .
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| RiotZone introduces raids and game guides Posted: 29 Mar 2012 01:33 PM PDT RiotZone has recently introduced an update, expanding features for its players. Raids are now available for players above level 5, and can be completed 8 times a day (20 times for premium members). These raids let players loot resources by sending their army on patrol; increased rewards can be earned by adding a Hangar. Game Guides are a new system for newbies to RiotZone, which offer introductions to the layout and combat; guides are also being introduced for veterans on subjects like tuning. RiotZone is published by Mail.Ru, which also publishes Juggernaut.  RiotZone Gameplay Screenshot Source: PATROL THE RIOTZONE New Game Features and Game Guide Released Hamburg, Germany – March 29, 2012 – Leading publisher Mail.RU Games unveiled recently new features for their fast paced PVP war title, Riot Zone, free to play from anywhere without any downloads. The recent patch expands the actions players can take, even while logged off. With a new game guide also available to give tips for green recruits and grizzled veterans alike, players can march over to http://www.riotzone.net/ and sign up via email or Facebook connect. Spoiling for a good fight? Raid your enemy’s bases in heated PVP combat! Raids are now open to all characters level 5 and above, eight times per day or 20 per day for premium members. Guns blazing, topple your foes defences and loot precious resources , which can be improved by adding a Hangar to your own camp. Avoid being raided by sending your army out of patrol where they can earn some extra cash, but beware: while you cannot be attacked, this also means you cannot perform a raid, so choose when to patrol wisely. Newcomers will be delighted with the introduction of Game Guides, which steer players through the first steps of combat via the starter pack. Those looking for help using all the buttons can surf over to the user interface guide for a quick and easy layout introduction. Veterans aren’t being left out either: the new Tuning guide provides insight on what stats provide the best boosts, depending on the role players wish to take, as well as outlining some of the best weapon buffs available in game. Game Guides will be published on a regular basis and will focus on a variety of topics. The update from March 19th expands the daily mission list for all players, implements an improved clan interface, making clan versus clan wars and soldier management faster, as well as the new clan action log, so players can catch up with all the combat that occurred while they were unavailable. The new patch also brings a set of exclusive boots to the shop – but only for a limited time, so grab this rare equipment before it disappears forever! Hot battle for cool heads Anti-malaria’s? Check. Food? Check. Adequate equipment? Check. Good preparation is essential in “RiotZone”. Gamers will not only fight for one of the two factions – The Red Alliance or the Coalition of the Crown – but also train their soldiers, upgrade weapons and expand their base. These role-playing elements turn out to be authoritative in later gameplay. Only the coolest strategic thinkers will prevail in numerous missions and PvP battles. “RiotZone” scores with many PvP modes: 1on1, 2on2 and 3on3 are just the beginning. Raids on enemy territory, conquest of resource-rich areas and large-scale battlefields require you to surpass just being a gamer, and ascend to the level of a commander. Semi-automatic fights allow dynamic and spontaneous quick battles where players can bring in a lot of extra firepower in the form of various special abilities.
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| Forge of Empires begins closed beta Posted: 29 Mar 2012 01:19 PM PDT InnoGames has launched the closed beta for Forge of Empires. Forge of Empires’ closed beta will be in English only, although other languages will be supported in open beta. Keys remain available through the game’s official website. Forge of Empires is a browser-based strategy game, featuring a single player campaign, PvP elements, hex-based combat, and detailed city building and resource management. InnoGames also publishes Tribal Wars and Grepolis.  Forge of Empires Gameplay Screenshot Source: Forge of Empires Embarks on a Closed Beta Hamburg, March 29, 2012. InnoGames just launched its newest browser game, Forge of Empires, into a closed beta. Perspective players can now apply for one of a few thousand keys to access the game before the official launch by registering on www.forgeofempires.com. While the closed beta will be in English, InnoGames also plans several other languages to be available for the upcoming open beta. Forge of Empires is a browser-based strategy game that allows players to create a city and develop it from the Stone Age onward throughout the centuries. Players can create a vast empire through military campaigns and skillful dealings, as well as discovering new technology and building impressive historical buildings. On top of this, one must foster a healthy culture for citizens and develop trading techniques to ensure proper building supplies. Besides an ever-growing number of PvP-elements Forge, Empires contains a long-term single player campaign which offers months of entertainment and a turn-based battle system on a hex-field. Tactical facets to the game will keep strategists challenged and a unique research tree enhances player control in the title. InnoGames provides additional information in the game’s blog. With about 75 million registered players, InnoGames is one of the world’s leading developers and providers of online games. The Hamburg-based company has scored major successes with games such as Tribal Wars, The West and Grepolis.
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| Do MMORPG’s need a New Spin? Posted: 29 Mar 2012 12:54 PM PDT By Gavin Dickson As all of us know, MMORPG's have followed the same structure from game to game for many years now. When looking at the foundation of an MMORPG, we can pinpoint many different features that make up the genre: Skill Trees, Classes, Loot, PVP, Quests, and everything in between. These are just fragments of what makes a Massively Multiplayer Online game, yet they are always present when players go from game to game. When looking at the currently available MMORPG titles, we start to see a pattern from every developer. Are these features essential for a good MMORPG experience, or have developers become a creature of habit? Sitting down and playing an MMORPG can be fun and overwhelming; usually they are bursting with content for the player to enjoy, yet when analyzing MMORPG's as a whole the content itself, one can notice a content pattern from game to game. This isn't a bad thing by any means, but it makes a person wonder if it will ever change or why it hasn't already. Yes, there are games that have tried to bring this content to life through other means; SWTOR and RIFT come to mind. But gameplay still follows the same structure: Grab Quest, Travel to Quest Area and Kill/Obtain "X" number of things, Turn in Quest, Obtain Reward, rinse and repeat. This is the bulk of MMORPG gameplay and sometimes it can wear a player out.  A decent start in the right direction…but its still just a dressed up quest.
Consider if MMORPG's didn't have quests; players took it upon themselves to forge their own stories through a book that they obtained at the start of the game. The book would have gaps that the player had to fill in by doing SOMETHING in the game. For instance, the book reads, "_____ the _____ hopped upon his/her trusty _____ to slay the powerful _____". The player would then fill in the blanks by interacting with the environment creating something like this: "Gavin the Wombat Psychiatrist hopped upon his trusty Rocket Powered Sheep to slay the powerful Beard Stylist." Imagine if a game gave the player the freedom to craft their own destiny within the walls of the world they explore. I certainly wouldn't mind being a wombat psychiatrist, nor riding a rocket powered sheep. It only takes one risk to ensure profit, unless you fail miserably. 
Rocket Sheep, My Mount of Choice This structure could potentially redefine the way MMORPG's were played. Players could become whatever they'd set their hearts on and play the way they wanted to play. This would also give players a distinct identity when playing the game because no two characters would be the same. Taking it one step further; imagine adding another layer of depth to MMORPG design by creating your own loot. Lets say each player in the game could create one piece of loot and aftewards that custom loot piece was shuffled into the game's item database. The piece of loot would then be given distinct stats and rarity to be distributed as a drop or shop item in game. This would mean that the loot the players obtained could have been made by another player adding a lot more creativity and customizability in games today. Beyond that of simple static crafting. Even though there has been a lot of success for MMORPG's using the same recycled systems, their needs to be room for taking risks. Often players want to have more interaction with the world they are in and not be stuck on a set path. Giving players the opportunity to craft their own experience from start to finish could be a way to bring the genre forward. Granted I am not the almighty game design wizard and maybe I am wrong and everything is as it should be, but I can't help feeling that the MMORPG market has a lot more to offer than what it brings forth currently. |
| Prius Online and Luna Online have shut down Posted: 28 Mar 2012 05:02 PM PDT gPotato officially shut down Prius Online and Luna Online yesterday, March 27. All players of Prius Online or Luna Online are eligible to redeem a special package for other games on the gPotato portal, which include free gPotatoes and in-game items to give new players a boost. Eligibility requires logging in three times in the past 90 days. Packages must be redeemed by April 10. Other games still published by gPotato include Aika Online, Allods Online, Flyff: Fly For Fun, and Rappelz.  Prius Online Gameplay Screenshot Source: Since Prius Online launch, gPotato has enjoyed providing the highest quality of service for all players. Unfortunately, we are regretfully announcing that we will be closing all services with Prius Online as of March 27th, 2012. In order to give back to our valued players and fans, ALL players, including spending and non-spending users, will be able to redeem a package to check out the other amazing games on the gPotato portal! Each package consists of FREE bonus gPotatoes as well as FREE in-game items to help new players. To qualify for the package, players must have logged in 3 or more times in the past 90 days. It is our highest priority to make sure all players are satisfied and are able to enjoy their time when playing gPotato games. To redeem your package, simply click on the button below after logging in to your account. Please note that only ONE package can be redeemed per account. You MUST also redeem your package by April 10th.
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