| Warhammer Online: Wrath of Heroes In-Depth Preview Posted: 12 Apr 2012 04:58 PM PDT By M. Hauschel Offering players more action, less wait time, and intense matches, Bioware Mythic Studio distilled the best parts playing an MMORPG and MOBA style game and created Warhammer Online: Wrath of Heroes. "Fast, fierce, and fun" is the motto of the Wrath of Heroes. Taking the best of Warhammer and making it accessible to a wide range of players. I was given a chance to preview the upcoming free-to-play MMORPG, visit the studio, and chat with the creators behind the game. WOH is a unique MMO that is ultimately hard to place into just one category. It does not follow the existing RPG, MOBA, or DOTA model. If you extract the best qualities of each existing style, you'll get Wrath of Heroes as the result. Using a 6v6v6 pvp model, players are provided with more fast action and less time wasted on waiting for matches to start. During gameplay, whatever heroes you have unlocked can be used interchangeably during matches. Say you started as a mage, but nobody on your team chose a healer, after you die in the match you can choose to change your hero before you respawn. Giving players the option to have an ever-changing strategy during gameplay. Because of the complexity of this, it makes gameplay unpredictable. If one team is dominating at the start of the match, another team can change strategy and quickly become the top team. Which means less resignation happening during gameplay. Following MOBA, matches are fast, lasting just 15 minutes. Not only is the gameplay fast, so is the download. Making WOH accessible to the general public, the download is under a GB. The studio plans on keeping it under one GB to allow quick access to players. 
Mentioned earlier, Wrath of Heroes has some qualities of a RPG, but is not entirely a RPG. While there is no character progression within a match, what you gain with each match are mastery points. Rather than focus on gaining experience with individual heroes, you gain an overall account experience. With these mastery points you can unlock certain perks in the hero's mastery tree. Perks are additional abilities or add-ons onto the character that can be switched and if compatible with other heroes, used interchangeably among heroes. These perks can be added onto your character to make them more powerful. For example, there is a perk called Terrible Transformation; attached to hero, once activated your hero turns into a huge Rat Ogre, smashing everything in sight. Perks can be a game changer if used strategically. With the lack of items or equipment for characters in game, these perks are essential to make your collection of heroes as powerful as they can be. There are three map styles to choose from, arena, capture the flag, and rune. Arena is a battle dome of a fast action. A close quarter with the two other rival teams, where you just wail on each until the time runs out. Capture the flag is a classic take on the teamwork game, where you work to capture the most flags. For each flag captured, it works as a multiplier for you team's overall score. The more flags you capture, the more points you'll receive for every kill you make. With one flag under your control, you're able to head to the map's center and secure the artifact. With a secure artifact, your team is able to gain more points over time. If you lose any of the flags you capture with a secured artifact in place, that artifact will be lost. The rune map, works similarly as a capture the flag, but with runes that can be picked up and moved around by individual players. Each team has a building that can house the runes. With each rune captured, it works as a point multiplier. 
The Bioware Mythic Studio had the press play with, and against the staff. While the QA testers often outmatched us, having the 6v6v6 made the matches more playable and less of a complete slaughter. I decided to play with the Bright Wizard, Felicia, for the most of duration. If I had one criticism, the screen would often become overwhelming cluttered with animations during the battles. Having a mage standing back behind the action of the animations allowed clear and visible gameplay. Mentioned earlier, Wrath of Heroes has some qualities of a RPG, but is not entirely a RPG. While there is no character progression within a match, what you gain with each match are mastery points. Rather than focus on gain experience with individual heroes, you gain an overall account experience. With these mastery points you can unlock certain perks in the hero's mastery tree. Perks are additional abilities or add-ons onto the character that can be switched and if compatible with other heroes, used interchangeably among heroes. These perks can be added onto your character to make them more powerful. For example, there is a perk called Terrible Transformation; attached to hero, once activated you turn into a huge Rat Ogre, smashing everything in sight until you are killed. Perks can be a game changer if used strategically enough. With the lack of items or equipment for characters in game, these perks are essential to make your collection of heroes as powerful as they can be. 
For the casual gamer, if you have a limited amount to time to dedicate to a game, and don't want to focus on leveling up a character, MOH is a right fit for you. The focus is fast gameplay, packed with action. Following the Warhammer lore, and expanding the world, WOH offers exciting Heroes with complex characteristics. Join the fierce competitive action as WOH is currently in open beta. |
| Pax East Smite Preview Posted: 12 Apr 2012 04:19 PM PDT Continuing our F2P coverage of Pax East we had a chance to check out Smite, Hi-Rez Studio’s new third person MOBA. We had a chance to interview Todd Harris, Chief Operating Officer at Hi-Rez, about the game, and just what it’s going to bring to the MOBA genre. Check out our interview below! |
| Eden Eternal launches Diamond server Posted: 12 Apr 2012 03:41 PM PDT Aeria Games has launched a new server for Eden Eternal: Diamond. Diamond will host a special event until May 11, rewarding players who reach level 40 with a Sabretooth mount and a 5-slot Pack expansion. Players who reach 65 will earn a Nightshade Scythe (Prime). Guilds will also earn extra milestone rewards during the bonus event. Meanwhile, three existing servers are being merged into Sapphire, increasing security and improving events. Features will be hosted on both servers to offer special item rewards. Aeria Games also publishes Grand Fantasia and the upcoming Lime Odyssey.  Eden Eternal Gameplay Screenshot Source: Aeria Games Launches New Diamond Server for Eden Eternal; Players Reap Rewards of Priceless Treasures! SANTA CLARA, Calif. – April 12th –Aeria Games, a leading global publisher of free-to-play online games, has launched an all-new server for its vastly popular MMORPG, Eden Eternal. Known as the Diamond server, the new server will allow even more players to join its already monstrous user base. All players logging in to the Diamond server through Friday, May 11th, will be eligible to receive hard-to-find item rewards. Players who reach level 40 within the specified time will receive a Sabretooth mount to snarl fear into the hearts of their enemies, as well as a 5-slot Pack expansion so their backpack can carry even more sweet loot. Players who attain level 65 will receive an ultra-rare Abracapaca pet—a pocket-sized alpaca guaranteed to make you squee. Additionally, the first 50 players to reach level 65 will receive a Nightshade Scythe (Prime), a jagged, cursed costume weapon which will not only make enemies soil themselves, but will also greatly increase the user's stats. Guilds can even join in on the hot-treasure-on-treasure-action, with all guild members receiving rewards for each milestone the guild successfully reaches. The Diamond server launch also marks the merge of three existing servers into the Sapphire server. While allowing for increased security, the merge will also provide players with more events to join. Feature-focus events running across both servers will offer players on the current server the chance to win the aforementioned items and much more. Published by Aeria Games, Eden Eternal is free to download on the PC and free-to-play. Gamers can learn more and play Eden Eternal by visiting http://edeneternal.aeriagames.com.
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| Pangya celebrates third anniversary Posted: 12 Apr 2012 02:57 PM PDT Pangya United is celebrating its third anniversary through April with several events for players to earn prizes and awards. Players who log in each day until April 25 can earn daily prizes, including exclusive third anniversary outfits and other special gear. On April 14, 15, 21, and 22, from 8am to 2pm Pacific, players can also enjoy double experience and pang. In-game characters are also on sale for a limited time. In-game, players can hunt down four kinds of candy boxes on the island, which can be exchanged for the third anniversary club set and outfit, other prizes, and community boxes earned by total candy submitted by all players. The players who collect the most boxes may win a limited Pangya USB drive with custom artwork. And on April 20, a first-come-first-serve Third Anniversary Tournament will offer a three round competition with the top three players winning the Gold Duo Feather Club Set. Pangya is published by SG Interactive, which also publishes Grand Chase and Trickster Online.  Pangya United Gameplay Screenshot Source: Pangya United Celebrates Three Years with New Items and In-game Events New clubs, new gear and bonus experience will help players tackle the challenges that await in the free-to-play golf MMO Irvine, Calif. – April 12, 2012 – Pangya United is rolling out the green jacket treatment for its players to celebrate the third anniversary of the massively multiplayer online (MMO) golf game. Publisher SG Interactive is giving players the jumpstart they need with several vital boosts in experience and gold to enjoy the new in-game items and the multitude of festive events, including the Pangya Third Anniversary Tournament. Players can begin the celebrations by registering for free on the official Pangya site. SG Interactive’s in-game events for Pangya’s third anniversary include: Just Login Event: By logging in until April 25, players will receive daily prizes, including chances to win special gear and outfits exclusive to the third anniversary. Double Pang and Double Experience Weekends: From 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. PDT on April 14 and 15 as well as April 21 and 22, players will receive double the experience and double the in-game currency to help them rocket up the ladder and unlock advanced items, such as golf club sets and player costumes. Fruit Candy Box Scavenger Hunt: Players can find four kinds of candy boxes scattered around Pangya Island, which can be traded for gear, including the third anniversary club set and outfit. Community bonuses such as 2x events and item boxes will be unlocked after the total number of boxes found hit various milestones. Players who collect the most boxes will have chances to win limited, one-of-a-kind Pangya USB drives with custom artwork. Third Anniversary Tournament: On April 20, the celebrations culminate in this tournament, open to 594 players on a first-come, first served basis. Various rewards will be handed out during each of the three rounds of gameplay. In the final round, the top 3 players will receive the Gold Duo Feather Club Sets. Major Character Discount Sale: For a limited time, players will be able to tailor their appearance by purchasing any of the in-game characters at discounted prices. SG Interactive also has a bonus set up to help get players new and old back into Pangya United. Existing golfers can “Ping their Pangya Friends” through the game’s official website to get inactive friends back in the game in return for special in-game prizes. Pangya Unitedis a free-to-play, anime-style, casual online multiplayer golf game, providing seven different modes: Versus, Tournament, Battle, Ghost, Shuffle, Approach and Family mode. For more information and to play the game, visit http://pangya.gamerage.com. Fans can also “Like” the game on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/NAPangya.
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| Forge of Empires announces open beta Posted: 12 Apr 2012 02:13 PM PDT InnoGames has announced that Forge of Empires will launch its open beta on April 17 (German – April 19). layers can still enter and register for closed beta, with keys being given away daily. Forge of Empires plans to release new PvP content and ages for players soon, in addition to the game’s existing strategy, solo player missions, city building, and social features. InnoGames also publishes Tribal Wars and Lagoonia.  Forge of Empires Gameplay Screenshot Source: Forge of Empires Starts Open Beta on April 17! InnoGames announces date, is confident with closed beta feedback Hamburg, April 12, 2012.Today InnoGames announced that its strategic browser game Forge of Empires will go into open beta on April 17. The German open beta will begin on April 19, other language versions, including French and Polish will soon follow. A few thousand players already helped InnoGames put the final touches on Forge of Empires by delivering crucial feedback during a closed beta phase. Players eager to play the game now can still enter the closed beta by pre-registering on www.forgeofempires.com or visiting the InnoGames-Facebook page, where keys will be given out daily leading up to the open beta launch. The team’s high expectations for Forge of Empires’ closed beta were exceeded by the overwhelmingly positive response from beta testers and media alike. Particularly the graphical quality, as well as variety and depth of the gameplay, were received positively. Many players enjoyed the possibility to approach the game in an entirely peaceful way. In the future, InnoGames plans to add a number of updates and features: Players can look forward to additional PvP-content and new ages. Forge of Empires is a browser-based strategy game that allows players to create a city and develop it from the Stone Age and onward throughout the centuries. Players can create a vast empire through military campaigns and skillful dealings. InnoGames provides additional information in the game’s very own 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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| Divina announces Challenge 72 beta Posted: 12 Apr 2012 01:51 PM PDT Gamania has announced its first beta event for Divina – the Challenge 72 beta. An invite-only beta (earned through registering at the official website) will grant a full 72 hours for players to get their first hands-on with Divina. Players who participate will have the chance to earn prizes, and will earn exclusive items should they return to the next PvP beta. The beta will run between April 20, 10am Pacific and April 23, 10am Pacific. The beta will feature the Quick Change system (letting players swap between main and sub classes at any time), the Sidekick system, and the Creature Tome system. Gamania also revealed class information for the Knight and Cleric today. Gamania (beanfun) also publishes Lucent Heart and Bright Shadow.  Divina Gameplay Screenshot Source: DIVINA TO LAUNCH ITS CHALLENGE 72 BETA EVENT ON APRIL 20 Exclusive Early Look at Gamania's Upcoming MMORPG IRVINE, Calif. – April 12, 2012 – Gamania Digital Entertainment announced today that starting Friday, April 20, 10:00AM PDT, MMO fans can get their first hands-on experience with its upcoming free-to-play, 3D MMORPG, Divina, during the Challenge 72 beta event. Players will have 72 hours to explore Divina's features and game world while competing in exciting weekend challenges for cool prizes. In addition, those who participated in the Challenge 72 beta event will receive exclusive items if they return to the next PVP beta. The Challenge 72 beta is invite-only with Gamania distributing a limited number of beta keys to those who've registered at the official website. This week will be the last chance for players to sign up before the invites have all gone out: http://us.beanfun.com/divina/signup/beta.aspx. Divina is a colorful 3D MMORPG filled with thousands of quests, unique characters, intense open world Player versus Player (PvP) combat, and numerous fun features. Gamania has been steadily revealing information on the game – most recently the Quick Change, Sidekick, and Creature Tome systems – building up to Divina's PVP Closed Beta, planned for this year. Features: http://us.beanfun.com/divina/overview/features.aspx Quick Change System: Using Exchange Points (EP), players can instantly swap between a Main Class and Sub Class at any time – even in battle. The Quick Change system adds significant depth to combat, as complimenting classes must be carefully paired and Quick Changes used strategically – it can mean the difference between victory and defeat, especially during PVP battles. Sidekick System: Adventurers are accompanied by a trustworthy Sidekick of their choice that can be evolved in unique ways through player interaction. Much more than a pet, Sidekicks are an essential companion in battle and gain levels, classes, attributes and skills just like a normal character. Creature Tome System: Throughout the world of Divina, there are hundreds of monsters to be researched and collected in the Creature Tome. Once fully researched, players can activate special transformation abilities and gain both the monster's skills and appearance in battle. Players can register for Divina's upcoming Closed Beta at the official website: http://us.beanfun.com/divina/signup/beta.aspx. All registered players will automatically be entered for the chance to win an invitation to the Challenge 72 beta event beginning April 20, 10:00AM PDT and ending April 23, 10:00AM PDT.
 Tribes Ascend Gameplay Screenshot Source: |
| Tribes Ascend out of beta Posted: 12 Apr 2012 01:25 PM PDT Hi-Rez Studios has announced the official launch of Tribes Ascend. Tribes: Ascend releases with nine playable classes, five game modes, and sixteen unique maps, along with its feature list, which includes jetpacks, skiing, vehicles, and team-based competitive gameplay. The game is available as a free-to-play shooter with a free download from the game’s official site. Tribes: Ascend’s beta included over 575,000 beta participants, and racked up over 150 million player kills. The beta recently released the CTF map Raindance and the new Capture and Hold game mode. Custom Server functionality will also be available soon. Hi-Rez Studios also publishes Global Agenda. Tribes Ascend Gameplay Screenshot Source: Tribes: Ascend Launches Today as Free-To-Play
Anticipated fast-paced shooter now generally available ATLANTA. April 12, 2012. Hi-Rez Studios, independent developer of AAA free-to-play online games, today announced the official release of Tribes: Ascend. The fast-paced, sci-fi multiplayer shooter has completed Beta testing and is now a live PC game available for digital download. Tribes: Ascend is the world's fastest shooter. The game features jetpacks, skiing, vehicles, team-based gameplay, and cutting-edge graphics using Unreal 3 technology. With this official release, the game is available for download directly from the developer at www.tribesascend.com The Tribes: Ascend release build includes 9 playable classes, 5 game-modes, and 16 unique maps. Recent additions include the CTF map Raindance, as well as a new game-mode called Capture and Hold. The Release build also includes a preview of the Custom Server functionality that will soon be available to players. Hi-Rez Studios also released a summary of Beta statistics including:
· 575,000+ beta participants
· 150 million player kills
· Over 3 million Blue Plate Specials
· Over 3 million flag captures "For the past 15 months, we've had a very passionate dev team working hard toward this goal", said Todd Harris, Hi-Rez Studios COO. "Along the way some publishers told us modern gamers couldn't handle an FPS that was fast-paced and skill-based. We believe otherwise. Players seem to agree since we've had well over 500,000 join our Beta. We're excited to now grow the community further with the official release."
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| Spirit Tales reveals Guild Island details Posted: 12 Apr 2012 01:06 PM PDT Spirit Tales and KoramGame have revealed new details about the Guild Island system. During open beta, players will be able to build a private zone (guild island) for their guild, allowing them access to special buffs and unique guild-only content. Each island can be upgraded with special add-ons to make the island a unique get-away, including hot springs, statues, a throne room, guild warehouse, and buff vendor. Spirit Tales will be showing off this feature during its live stream event tomorrow.  Spirit Tales Gameplay Screenshot Source: Spirit Tales Introduces Guild Islands; A New Twist on Guild Gameplay Sunnyvale, Calif. — (April 12, 2012) – KoramGame Ltd., a leading developer and publisher of free-to-play online games, today unveiled further details about the unique Guild Island system for Spirit Tales, an upcoming cute 3D fantasy MMORPG. Players will have the ability during open beta to construct a private zone specifically for their guild to access special buffs and content.
“Guilds have had a long standing tradition in most MMORPGs,” says Yann Wang, General Manager. “But never has there been a feature this extensive and dedicated to guilds. We’re convinced that our Guild Island system will not only add to the traditional guild experience, but also take it in an exciting new direction.” With a Guild Island, members can either construct special add-ons that will make their guild truly one-of-a-kind, or forgo upgrades entirely and use their Guild Island as a simple getaway from the hustle and bustle of everyday MMO life. No matter what the use is, Guild Islands offer a fun new twist to conventional guild gameplay. Key features include: - Hot Spring – Unwind with cleansing bath salts and receive powerful buffs
- Statues - Immortalize prominent guild members by building glorious statues in their likeness
- Throne Room - Discuss battle strategies with friends at this designated meeting hall
- Guild Warehouse - Store additional equipment or add to the communal stash to help others
- Buff Vendor – Access unique buffs that aren’t available anywhere else
To learn more about Guild Islands, visit: http://st.koramgame.com/2012/0412/article_19.html. See a Guild Island in action by tuning in to the Spirit Tales live stream event on April 13. For more information, visit: http://forum.koramgame.com/thread-56526-1-1.html.
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| C9 begins PvP Tournament Posted: 12 Apr 2012 12:32 PM PDT Webzen has announced the start of its Global 2012 C9 (Continent of the Ninth) Championship Tournament. The Tournament Registration Test is now open as the first step for players interested in battling in the Championship, and will run from April 14 until May 4. Players will first need to have a C9 beta key, which are being given out across multiple media websites and through the official game site. Players must first accomplish an in-game mission to register for the tournament, whose registration opens on April 25. The test will introduce new content (including the Ultimate Fury Skills) and new PvP systems (Deathmatch and Relay Match). The final qualifying teams will be invited into the 2012 C9 Championship Tournament held during E3 2012, with a $10,000 grand prize. Webzen also publishes Archlord and is developing Arctic Combat. Global C9 PvP Trailer: Source: 'C9' Marks the Start of the '2012 C9 Championship Tournament' WEBZEN Inc. (WWW.WEBZEN.COM), the Next Generation of Free-to-Play Online Games, announced the start of the 'Tournament Registration Test' for their Action RPG 'C9 (Continent of the Ninth Seal). During the test, participants will be able to register for the 'online PvP tournament' prior to the '2012 C9 Championship Tournament'. Starting from April 14th until May 4th, the 'Tournament Registration Test' will be open to users with a C9 beta key that will be given out through various partner game media websites beginning from the 12th. During the test period, participants who wish to register for the 'online PvP tournament' must first accomplish an in-game mission. The registration for the 'online PvP tournament' will open on April 25th at C9's official website where more detailed information will be announced. Later on, after the 'online PvP tournament', the top final qualifying teams will be invited to the offline '2012 C9 Championship Tournament' held during E3 2012 in Los Angeles, where the top team will win a grand prize of $10,000 (USD). The 'Tournament Registration Test' will reveal new contents including the 'Ultimate Fury Skills', currently the most powerful and dynamic skills, and also new PvP systems, 'Deathmatch' and 'Relay Match'. Jihun Lee, Head of Global Publishing, said, "For the 2012 C9 Championship Tournament, we have opened the test to start the online events that will continue to the offline finals during E3 2012." Also he said, "We will focus on the localization for global users to launch the official service this summer." Meanwhile, WEBZEN has started the 'Media Focus Test' today where game media will be able to gain early access to experience the new contents. The 'Media Focus Test' will continue until May 5th. More information about the Action RPG 'C9' can be found at the official Facebook community (www.facebook.com/C9Webzen) and website (c9.webzen.com).
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| Karos Online shuts down Posted: 12 Apr 2012 12:04 PM PDT Tomorrow, April 13, NHN will shut down Karos Online “indefinitely.” Instead, NHN is encouraging players to transition to Rosh Online: The Return of KAROS, published by Ignited Games. Ignited Games is welcoming new players with special welcome packages, benefits for veterans of Karos Online, and transferring Karos Points to iCash. Karos Online players will also be able to enjoy an updated client, with new content including new areas, monsters, and treasures. NHN also publishes Alliance of Valiant Arms and Soldier Front, while Ignited Games also publishes Wind Slayer 2 and DarkEden.  Karos Online Gameplay Screenshot Source: Dear Karos Online Players, All of us at NHN have greatly appreciated the support and dedication you have shown to Karos Online. There have been many memorable experiences of friendship, fearlessness, and accomplishments while living, fighting and growing in the world of Karos Online. We have watched with delight as our community has grown and it is with a heavy heart that we must announce that the Karos Online service will be suspended as of April 13th, 2012. Although the Karos Online service will be suspended indefinitely, NHN is pleased to share that Ignited Games, the publisher of Rosh Online: The Return of KAROS, will be welcoming all Karos Online players to join the Rosh Online: The Return of Karos community. With over 10 years of experience in global publishing, Ignited Games’ operation team provides constant support and entertainment for all its titles. We believe that you will find an exciting and rewarding experience continuing your adventures in Rosh Online: The Return of Karos which include many benefits such as: - Special Welcome Packages to help settle in your new home - Special benefits for veterans of Karos Online - Existing Karos Points transferred directly to iCash - Updated client - New lands! - New monsters! - New treasures! - Brand new server! We encourage you to continue your adventures in Rosh Online and wish you all the best in the future! Please download Rosh Online client at DOWNLOAD Become a Rosh Facebook fan at ROSH FACEBOOK Thank you again for your dedication and support. The Karos Online Team
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