MMO News

MMO News


Zombie Mode released for Mini Fighter

Posted: 08 Jul 2011 02:37 PM PDT

Mini Fighter Online released a new mode today: Zombie Mode.

Zombie Mode places Mini Fighters versus a horde of zombies inside the Battle Room. Players defeated by zombies become zombies themselves. If all the players are turned into zombies, the battle ends with the zombies victorious; but if at least one fighter survives, the team wins.

Power Ryusei has also returned with this patch, available until July 28. Players can earn 3 million mifa and Power Ryusei’s High Skill Package for obtaining 9 Star or 12 Star Power Ryusei cards through fusion. Players will also get a coin for a special slot machine every 20 minutes, until July 28, where they can try their luck to win items including 4 Star Gems, 9 Star Gems, and Siege HP & MP potions.

Mini Fighter is published by NetMarble, which also publishes Uncharted Waters Online.

Mini Fighter Zombie Mode Screenshots:

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CJ E&M Games today introduced a new Zombie Mode for their 2D brawler MMO Mini Fighter Online.

SEOUL, South Korea – July 7, 2011

CJ E&M Games today introduced a new Zombie Mode for their 2D brawler MMO Mini Fighter Online. The free-to-play sensation combines fighting and role-playing elements, and now the game's heroes will face their toughest challenge yet: a shuffling undead hoard! Players can fight back with a new power character, Power Ryusei. To celebrate one of the biggest updates in Mini Fighter history, Netmarble is also hosting an exciting Slot Machine Event. Jump into the lightning-fast action today at minifighter.com.

Zombie Mode
This summer, brainless zombies are rising from the ground, attempting to devour everyone in sight! Our brave Mini Fighters must fight back the hoard in order to preserve world peace. Who will become a zombie snack and who will be the last man standing? Starting today, it's open season on all zombies!
- Zombies vs Mini Fighters battles will take place in the Battle Room. Recruit all your friends to fight against them!
- When a player is defeated by zombies, he will be transformed into a zombie.
- When all players are transformed to zombies, the battle ends and the zombies win.
- If there is a single survivor remaining, the Mini Fighters win!

Power Ryusei
Armed with a bigger Saber and faster shurikens, Power Ryusei is back with a vengeance! This powered up Ryusei packs upgraded skills to deftly eliminate opponents. The Power Ryusei Event runs from July 7th to July28th. Obtain 9 Star or 12 Star Power Ryusei Card by fusion, and receive 3 million mifa and Power Ryusei's High Skill Package as a prize.

Slot Machine Event
- Event Period: July 7th – July 28th
- Every 20 minutes, all players will receive a coin for the slot machine.
- Use your coin, pull the handle and win amazing items from the slot machine!
- Prized items include 4 Star Gems, 9 Star Gems, [Minor] Siege HP & MP Potions (5pcs)
[more Slot Machine information]

To accept the Mini Fighter challenge and battle your way to the top, please visit http://global.netmarble.com/minifighter

Learn more about this massive update at the promo page.

Rusty Hearts previews Angela and Tude

Posted: 08 Jul 2011 02:20 PM PDT

Two of the characters of Perfect World Entertainment’s Rusty Hearts, Angela & Tude, have been revealed today.

Angela, a young witch apprentice, has left her home of Rumania to visit Bramunez to look for help in a siege against Curtist Castle. She fuses her soul with an ancient, possessed blade – Graestra – which grants her powers far beyond her age and experience. She can use the Magic Sword, Graestra’s original form (which evolves as she grows in power); a hard-hitting, slow weapon with a short range that allows her to summon fire and energy. Graestra’s other form is the Magic Scythe, which is slower than the Magic Sword but with longer range attacks that make her spells more deadly and less accurate.

Tude Macleod is a warrior who once was bitten by a wolf whose fang remained in his chest, ultimately turning his arm into a claw that he must hide within a gauntlet. Tude can fight with the Gauntlet, which allows him to fight at short range to punch, uppercut, and move with agility without the use of magic. Tude may also choose to use his claw, which grants him larger area of effect on his attacks, the ability to charge attacks and go into a frenzy.

Perfect World Entertainment also publishes Battle of the Immortals, Jade Dynasty, and Forsaken World.

Rusty Hearts Angela & Tude Screenshots:

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The characters is Rusty Hearts have their own backgrounds, weapons, and skills that are as unique and vibrant as the game itself. Where they came from, how they got their special powers, and what motivates them in their quest against the evil armies of Lord Vlad are integral the Rusty Hearts story, and their arsenals of devastating weaponry will keep you happily hacking and slashing through dungeons for a long, long time.

Allow us to introduce two character from the Rusty Hearts team. Angela, an apprentice witch with a sharp tongue and an even sharper sword, and Tude, a reluctant hero with unmatched speed and ferocity.

Angela

Deep in the Fog Forest of Rumania lies a small village.  This village has survived for hundreds of years under the protection of the witches who are trained there.  Now, in these dark times, a young witch apprentice named Angela has been sent to the city of Bramunez to aid in the siege on Curtis Castle.  To gain the power she would need to survive the coming conflict, Angela fused her soul with that of Graestra, an ancient blade possessed by an evil spirit.  This turned her hair fiery red and spiky, as well as granted her the sorcerous abilities of a witch many times her age.

Angela is foul-mouthed and tough, but a bit naïve having been raised in a small village in the forest her entire life.  Still, no one can match her powerful spells.

Angela's Arsenal:

Magic Sword

This wicked blade is Graestra's original form, though it shifts and grows as Angela becomes more skilled with it.  The Magic Sword form is hard hitting but slow and has a short range.  Its real power is its effect on Angela's own magic.  She can summon fire and orbs of arcane energy to blast all who stand in her way.  As Angela grows in power, she can master all the elements, heal her allies and even learn some abilities Lord Vlad's own minions use against her.

Magic Scythe

It has been a long time since Graestra tasted blood and the thought of doing battle with the countless minions of Vlad within the halls of Curtis Castle has the spirit bound within the blade absolutely giddy.  If Angela will allow it, the spirit's bloodlust will manifest in the weapon of death itself, a large and wicked scythe.  Slower even than the Magic Sword form, Graestra's scythe form trades magical superiority for long range, brutal attacks.  The weapon seems to have a will of its own as it leaps from Angela's hand to seek out new prey.  This weapon form makes Angela's spells more violent, but less precise, and has fewer support or healing abilities.

Tude

Tude Macleod is a lifelong wanderer.  In his travels he was attacked by a wolf.  He managed to slay the beast, but not after it broke off one of its huge teeth inside his chest.  Strangely, the wound healed quickly, sealing the tooth within his body.  Before long, Tude discovered that the wolf's bite and its tooth were having an effect on his body.  His arm turned into a wicked claw that he keeps hidden within a bulky gauntlet.   He was traveling from town to town to avoid arousing suspicion when he stumbled into Bramunez on a whim.  In a serious case of wrong place at the wrong time, Tude was sealed within Curtis Castle when the Golden Seal team erected the barriers to trap Vlad inside.  He joins up with Frantz and Angela once they enter the main levels of Curtis Castle (although you may play as Tude from the beginning of the adventure, he doesn't make his storyline appearance until later levels).

Tude's Arsenal:

Gauntlet

At a young age Tude learned that the only weapon you can trust completely is your own fist.  Except maybe  your foot, knee, elbow or any other part of you that can break a bone or bloody a nose.   Since his encounter with the ancient wolf, his style of in-your-face combat has only grown more vicious.  Tude's gauntlet is the fastest weapon on the Golden Seal team, able to uppercut enemies into the air and kill them twice before they hit the ground.  It is an extremely short range weapon, and Tude wouldn't have it any other way.  He never had the patience for all that magic stuff, anyway.  In combat, he is the perfect combination of man and beast; ducking and weaving like a boxer before pouncing like a ravenous wolf.

Claw

After seeing what Vlad's minions are capable of, Tude has the option of choosing a weapon that more suits his animalistic tendencies.  His claw sacrifices the quick and precise strikes of the gauntlet in favor of wide, reaping arcs of razor-edged death.  Although slower and much bulkier than the gauntlet, the claw has the ability to charge up even its most basic attack in order to unleash a frenzy of strikes against all foes that stand in his way.  As with the gauntlet, the claw abilities favor close combat strikes and charging attacks over fancy spells.

Luvinia begins closed beta

Posted: 08 Jul 2011 01:54 PM PDT

Luvinia Online has begun closed beta testing through its publisher, Outspark.

The closed beta allows players to level up to 69, and have access to three main class archetypes and six of the subclasses. Special events during the beta will include a race to level 40 (with a reward of Panda Rabbit Mounts to those who make it), a weekly “Bingo Society” event held on Tuesdays to fight monsters for a chance at a treasure map; and a special graduation celebration at the end of closed beta with a variety of mini-events hosted by the GMs.

Outspark also publishes Fiesta Online, Divine Souls, and Wind Slayer.

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Luvinia Gameplay Screenshot

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Luvinia Closed Beta Begins

The road to the future opens to those who dare to tread it

SAN FRANCISCO – JULY 8, 2011 – Outspark, the destination for MMO gamers, has officially opened the gates to the closed beta for the highly anticipated new MMORPG, Luvinia Online.

Luvinia Online launched into closed beta with game content available up to level 69. The three main class archetypes and the first set of six subclasses will be opened for play. This means that players in the beta will have the opportunity to get deep into the game to explore the different classes and worlds that it has to offer.

"The Luvinia closed beta showcases many of the unique features of the game and allows players to immerse themselves into its expansive world," commented Philip Yun, COO of Outspark. "We really want players to have a good taste of what this new franchise has to offer and we want to deliver an experience that is unique to Outspark and its strong community."

To add to the fun of exploring and leveling during the closed beta, a variety of unique in-game events will be held daily to help educate, entertain, and even reward all the players who participate:
• Luvster Race – All players who reach level 40 in the game during the closed beta will get a special Panda Rabbit Mount after the closed beta to help them hop along.
• Bingo Society – Don't let the name fool you. In this weekly event held on Tuesdays, players must fight monsters to gain pieces of a treasure map that leads players to a bounty of epic loot.
• Graduation Celebration – As the closed beta draws to an end, the GMs will be in game to have a special graduation celebration with the players to answer questions, spawn monsters, and hold a variety of festive events.

These events running during the closed beta will also be a part of the Festival of Sparks event that is going on right now with many of the Outspark games. Players participating in an event in game will gain Summer Sparks which they can use later in the summer to purchase cool prizes in their favorite game. This includes some of the new and exciting items coming to Luvinia Online when the game launches. More info on the Festival of Sparks is available at: http://events.outspark.com/2011/outspark/summer-event/
Check out all the news and events on the new Luvinia Website (luvinia.outspark.com/cbt), comment on the forums (http://www.outspark.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=424), and follow Luvinia Online on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/outsparkluvinia) and Twitter (http://twitter.com/LuviniaGame).

Mission Against Terror officially launches

Posted: 08 Jul 2011 01:28 PM PDT

Mission Against Terror (M.A.T.), which has been in beta for months, is finally emerging to its official launch today, complete with a large update.

Version 2.0 of the game adds a new game mode, Hybrid Invasion, where players must band together and battle hybrid robot-mummy-biological weapon creatures, and then beat the Tyrant. Two maps for this mode will be added, along with Plesetsk Cosmodrome for Ghost Mode, Ancient Tomb for Mummy Mode, and Trinity Rowe, Metro Airport, and Xingcheng Street, for a total of seven new maps.

The game’s crafting system has been improved to allow new crafting recipes and components, including PCB boards, diodes, metal, nylon, leather, and dyes. New items will include clothing and items, in addition to the weapons system. New gear includes the Porcelain QBZ-95, M4A1 Golden Beast, F2000, and Golden AK-47, all earnable through special events.

Mission Against Terror is published by Suba Games, which also publishes Cross Fire, Metin 2, and ACE Online.

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Mission Against Terror Gameplay Screenshot

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Mission Against Terror 2.0 Lands North America for commercial launch

Introduces 7 New Maps, New Game Mode, New Weapons, and more.

TORONTO, ON July 8, 2011— Wicked Interactive, a leading North American MMO publisher, today announced that the popular, free-to-play, online first-person shooter Mission Against Terror(M.A.T.) will begin commercial launch today.
Wicked Interactive’s SUBA Games platform (www.subagames.com), best known to shooter fans for such titles as Cross Fire, is hosting M.A.T. at http://mat.subagames.com. With the official commercial launch of M.A.T., SUBA Games endeavors to blow through expectations of all SUBA Games’ Cross Fire and M.A.T. fans.
“We are delighted to be launching M.A.T. 2.0 today,” said Sam Ho, Director of Wicked Interactive. “M.A.T. 2.0 comes with a massive amount new content and updates.  The biggest change is that the game is no longer in Open Beta status.  M.A.T. 2.0 strikes hard with its commercial release; rocking a new user interface, a new game mode, an expanded crafting system, seven maps and over a dozen weapons.”

Hybrid Invasion is a brand new game mode that is being introduced with this patch, expanding on the need to band together as team mates to survive.  Players will survive wave after wave of hybrid creatures that are a combination of AI robots, mummies and biological weapons.  If players survive long enough, they will encounter the Tyrant; a hammer-swinging monstrosity that'll take a well trained and well armed squad to put down!

The expanded crafting system will allow players to create a variety of items out of multiple types of materials.  Before the patch, players had to collect just a robot part from AI Mode and use a Weapon Casting Machine on it to create one of several weapons.  With the new patch, players will be able to use all kinds of materials like PCB boards, diodes, metal, nylon, leather, dyes, etc to create not just weapons, but clothing and items as well.

The new Hybrid Invasion game mode will have 2 maps associated with it, while new maps are sprinkled over several game modes to spice them all up.  Ghost Mode will see the inclusion of Plesetsk Cosmodrome, a Russian spaceport.  Mummy Mode will see Ancient Tomb as an addition, furthering the exploration of the mummy outbreak at the heart of their origins.  Other additions include Trinity Rowe which takes place near a church, Metro Airport and Xingcheng Street.

To complement all of the exciting action, players will be engaged in a healthy supply of events that can land them all-new and powerful weapons.  The Porcelain QBZ-95 is a beast and can be acquired by winning 50 games over the event period.  Speaking of beasts, the M4A1 Golden Beast can be obtained by converting 40,000 Suba Points into Gold Coins.  A total of 30 hours spent online playing M.A.T. will land players a sleek camouflaged F2000 and collecting the letters "I L-O-V-E M-A-T" will score players the illustrious Golden AK-47 which was previously the first rare weapon obtainable through the lottery wheel.

While on the subject of the lottery wheel, M.A.T. is introducing multiple wheels, all with their own sets of items and rare weapons.  There will be three different wheels accessible for Gold Coins, one for Silver Coins and the beloved "daily 200 PVP kills for one spin" event continues on with a wheel of its own.

The summer is going to be an action-packed ride in the world of M.A.T. Register on the M.A.T. home page at http://mat.subabgames.com, gamers can download the game client and start playing immediately.
M.A.T. is a free online military first-person shooter for the PC platform. It includes a military ranking system, in-game friends lists, an integrated clan system, deep character customization options and social media integration via the M.A.T. website. More MAPS. More GUNS. More MODES. More HEADSHOTS. Join millions of players online today in the ultimate military FPS experience.

The Skinny:

Set in a near-future not so different from our own time, M.A.T. pits teams against one another in a bitter battle for the survival of the human race. Unanimously hailed for its solid gameplay and wide variety of game modes, M.A.T. has taken North America by storm, after becoming quite popular in Asia and other parts of the world.

For more information on M.A.T., visit the M.A.T. site: http://mat.subagames.com.

Dream Drops announced by Gamania

Posted: 08 Jul 2011 12:47 PM PDT

Gamania (beanfun), publisher of Lucent Heart and Hero 108: Online, has announced another new MMORPG in the works: Dream Drops.

Dream Drops is based on popular fairy tales from Europe, but with a “warped and surreal” twist: for instance, Snow White isn’t innocent, the Queen of Hearts is kinder, and Pinocchio is no weakling. One of the characters is Sophie, a Dream Painter, who is in search of true happiness by traveling through time and space – like Alice in Wonderland – to the After Dreams. Sophie’s skills transform paintings into actual abilities, while the player works at her side to help her world.

More details about Dream Drops are promised soon, but for now, we have a first look at screenshots and artwork of the game.

Dream Drops Screenshots & Artwork:

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GAMANIA ANNOUNCES THE UN-FAIRY TALE MMORPG, DREAM DROPS
Unique World and Twisted Characters Revealed

07.08.2011– IRVINE, Calif. – July 8th, 2011 – Gamania Digital Entertainment Co., Ltd. today announced a new Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game (MMORPG) being developed by PlayCoo games, Dream Drops. Based on well-known fairy tales, players can get their first look at the warped and surreal world of Dream Drops with the first in a series of just-released videos.

Dream Drops Sophie Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGqTHUjItNU

The video reveals how players will travel into an unexpected world of fairy tales. It's not all sunshine and sparkles as players will find that the plots of these familiar stories have been thoroughly twisted. The sweetest storybook characters have changed into evil creatures beyond imagination. The official Dream Drops website and Facebook fan page are now available online, with more game details to be revealed soon.

Dream Drops Global Official Website: http://www.dream-drops.com/
Dream Drops Facebook Fan Page: http://www.facebook.com/DreamDropsOfficial

In Dream Drops, classic fairy tales are altered and well-known characters are transformed
Following its award winning games, Lucent Heart and Divina in Taiwan and Japan, Gamania introduces the adorable online title, Dream Drops. Inspired by beloved European fairy tales, Dream Drops offers a new spin on these classic stories, settings and characters. In this new fairy tale world, Snow White's sweet innocence is only skin-deep; the Queen of Hearts isn't quite so cruel and arrogant, and the not-so-timid Pinocchio is steadily growing more and more powerful! The perverse personalities of these familiar fairy tale characters, together with their new, surprising abilities, will amaze and delight players as they help the game's heroine, Sophie, on her mission.

In the first released video, Sophie travels through time and space to uncover the myth of time
Dream Drops will launch storyline videos in three parts, introducing the stories and various features from the game.

In the first video, Sophie is introduced as a sentimental Dream Painter. Unwilling to become a Royal Artisan Painter, she escapes from the palace with a magical paint brush and embarks on a journey in search of true happiness. Dream Painters achieve happiness by painting beautiful scenes, but for some unknown reason, the world she depicts is in constant chaos. Determined to set things right, Sophie remembers Alice's travels through time and space to a place called After Dreams, and realizes the key to restoring her world's peace may lie there. However, before she can follow in Alice's footsteps, Sophie must prove herself by overcoming various challenges and her deep-seated fear of darkness. As she begins to fall asleep, she catches a glimpse of Alice's retreating form and follows her into the land of After Dreams.

In a parallel world live the characters from fairy tales: enchanted creatures, princes and princesses, witches, wizards, and more. When she was very young, she might have visited this place, herself, after falling asleep.

In this world, time is a precious resource. People who can control time and travel to different places are called Sleepwalkers. Able to freely travel to and from various story settings, they spend their time embarking on different adventures. However, in order to escape the real world and enter a new time and space, one must pass through the deepest and darkest of dreams. This is why Sleepwalkers call their destination After Dreams.

In this seemingly pleasant world, danger is ever present. As a skilled Dream Painter, Sophie must travel through different fairy tales, using her skills to transform paintings into powerful attacks. The elements she produces are taken or "split" from the paintings. For example, red painted flames on the canvas are changed into a real blaze that can scare off and burn enemies.

Sophie knows that she cannot find the answers she seeks alone. She must find a companion who possesses an adventurous spirit and enough bravery to help take down the monsters that cross their path. Together, they must solve the world's twisted mysteries and restore the land to its former peace.

Along her journey, Sophie has a sudden sense of déjà vu. As she regains fragments of her memories, she begins to remember a time when she was truly happy. But will that be enough to make her efforts worthwhile?

Rise of Immortals Gameplay – First Look HD

Posted: 08 Jul 2011 11:41 AM PDT

To Learn More about the game check out our 9MM Online Page.

Rise of Immortals is a 3D fantasy themed MOBA (Multiplayer online battle arena) style MMO published by Petroglyph games. Gameplay wise Rise of Immortals plays a lot like League of Legends, Heroes of Newerth, and Avalon Heroes. One of the game’s drawbacks though is its limited variety of playable “immortals” which are the game’s heroes. Graphically speaking, the interface in Rise of Immortals look extremely polished and the visuals are somewhere between League of Legends and Avalon Heroes. To learn more about Rise of Immortals, check out the official MMOHut Rise of Immortals page which includes a detailed review, tons of screenshots, and additional videos.

MMO Updates

MMO Updates


Kill 100 players, win an APB pistol this weekend only

Posted: 09 Jul 2011 10:00 AM PDT

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Feeling bloodthirsty this weekend? If so, GamersFirst has an APB Reloaded contest for you. The 1.5.2 patch is coming soon, and as a result the servers are in need of stress testing. If you can manage to kill 100 unique players between July 8th and July 11th, you'll be the proud new owner of a (virtual) Joker RFP-9 handgun.

Notice we said unique players, so banish all thoughts of grabbing a buddy and scoring yourselves a pair of pistols by killing one another over and over.

GamersFirst is also giving away a cowboy hat to the first 100 folks who manage to kill 100 unique players, so log in to San Paro and get busy on your murdering rampage before it's too late!

MassivelyKill 100 players, win an APB pistol this weekend only originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 09 Jul 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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WRUP: Your house might be on fire edition

Posted: 09 Jul 2011 08:00 AM PDT

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It's time to face the facts. Your house could be on fire right this moment, and you wouldn't even necessarily know it. Oh, sure, it might be a small part of your house, but once it reaches your oil-soaked rags lying next to your bonfire supplies and your surplus gunpowder kegs, all bets are off. Check the floor. Is it warm? That might be an indicator of fire. Just to be on the safe side, you should probably carry a squirt gun at all times. That'll fix it.

As long as you're reasonably confident that your house isn't on fire, you can probably take the time to read this week's WRUP, which is remarkably clear of anything remotely related to fire. We here at Massively will let you know about our plans for the weekend as well as our most memorable character deaths, and you can share your plans for the weekend in the comments as well. Sound good? It won't fix that house fire, but it should be fun.

Continue reading WRUP: Your house might be on fire edition

MassivelyWRUP: Your house might be on fire edition originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 09 Jul 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Daily Grind: What's your favorite post-launch feature?

Posted: 09 Jul 2011 06:00 AM PDT

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Single-player games can occasionally get major DLC or expansions to change the face of the game, but for the most part MMOs are the field where a game can change between two patches. Champions Online recently made a major change with the addition of hideouts, adding in a form of housing to the game that hadn't existed at all when the game launched. It's a recent example, but it's hardly the only time that a game or a expansion has gone live and later had a major addition to its features list.

Sometimes features are added in shortly after launch as promised features not quite ready at the time the game went gold, but far more frequently an entirely new feature is developed and added. So what's your favorite feature that was introduced after the game's launch? A player-generated content system a la City of Heroes or Star Trek Online? The addition of instanced PvP such as World of Warcraft's Battlegrounds? Let us know!

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: What's your favorite post-launch feature? originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 09 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New Final Fantasy XIV producer's letter announces the next patch date

Posted: 08 Jul 2011 07:00 PM PDT

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Naoki Yoshida is many things, but a man of brevity is not usually among his qualities. Most of his letters to the Final Fantasy XIV community are quite long, with a great deal of information contained therein. But the most recent producer's letter is a departure from form, with only one real substantial piece of information -- the release date for patch 1.18. However, considering that the patch will usher in new combat mechanics, new content, and large overhauls to the game's content development, it's the sort of thing that can speak for itself.

According to Yoshida, the patch is scheduled for July 21st, with only some testing on the upcoming instanced raids to be completed. (As he puts it, the team is opting for "raid" rather than "dungeon" just because you can raid something that isn't quite a dungeon in structure.) There may be a slight change in either direction by a couple days, but Final Fantasy XIV fans will be happy to have a target date for this large patch.

MassivelyNew Final Fantasy XIV producer's letter announces the next patch date originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 08 Jul 2011 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Betawatch: July 8-14, 2011

Posted: 08 Jul 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.

Bright Shadow Online joins the Betawatch list this week, and while beta testing is technically open to everyone, you're going to have to work for it a bit. The Bright Shadow team has created a memory game, and successfully completing it will award you a beta key. Good luck!

Luvinia Online began taking closed beta signups at the beginning of June, and the closed beta testing began today. Bug-finders, start your engines!

Head on past the cut for the full list of this week's betas!

Continue reading Betawatch: July 8-14, 2011

MassivelyBetawatch: July 8-14, 2011 originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 08 Jul 2011 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The MMO Report: Oh come on can we please just drop it already edition

Posted: 08 Jul 2011 05:30 PM PDT

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Welcome to this week's edition of The MMO Report.

The first order of business on The MMO Report this week is Age of Conan: Unchained. Funcom's bloody MMO went free-to-play last week, and also released their new Blood and Glory PvP servers yesterday.

Next up we have BioWare's latest class video for Star Wars: The Old Republic. It focuses on the Bounty Hunter class and details the progression options available to Boba Fett wannabes.

And then it's... Oh, not again. Monocle-gate, okay? Do we really need to say anything else?

Lastly, we come to the announcement that Blizzard's project Titan is going to be a casual MMO. Considering the fact that, as Casey puts it, many players consider World of Warcraft to be casual as it is, what this means for Titan is ambiguous at best.

For the full MMO Report, including (for the first time in a while) Uncle Casey's Mailbag, jump on past the cut.

Continue reading The MMO Report: Oh come on can we please just drop it already edition

MassivelyThe MMO Report: Oh come on can we please just drop it already edition originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 08 Jul 2011 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Gamania announces fairy tale-inspired Dream Drops

Posted: 08 Jul 2011 05:00 PM PDT

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Today's funky name award goes to Dream Drops, a newly announced free-to-play fantasy MMO from Gamania Digital Entertainment. Gamania's press release makes good use of the words surreal, warped, and unusual, so we're guessing that the company is looking to highlight Dream Drops' unique take on genre conventions and traditional fairy tales.

"Classic fairy tales are altered and well-known characters are transformed," the company says, and "the perverse personalities of familiar fairy tale characters [...] will amaze and delight players as they help the game's heroine on her mission." Who is that heroine? Her name is Sophie, and you can get a glimpse of her, as well as some Dream Drops atmosphere and gameplay footage, in the video after the cut.

Continue reading Gamania announces fairy tale-inspired Dream Drops

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Aventurine talks Darkfall 2.0, character wipes, and more

Posted: 08 Jul 2011 04:30 PM PDT

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Last week we told you about an Aventurine blog entry that touted Darkfall's forthcoming update as a "new game." This week, producer Tasos Flambouras sheds a wee bit more light on the Darkfall 2.0 situation, but readers of his latest blog post will likely be left with more questions than answers.

To summarize, the new game is not a sequel but rather an iteration on all the lessons learned after two-plus years of operating and updating Darkfall. Aventurine now boasts a much larger dev team than the one that shipped the original game in 2009, and "no aspect of the game has been left untouched" when it comes to the revamp and relaunch.

Speaking of relaunches, Flambouras addresses the seemingly odd decision to incorporate Darkfall 2.0's extensive siege mechanic changes into the current game. As it turns out, Aventurine is planning some sort of epic end-of-1.0 event before transitioning to the new game, and sieges will play a part in the action. Finally, those of you who have already purchased Darkfall will not be charged again for the 2.0 client.

What about character transfers and/or wipes? That's a bit murkier, and though Flambouras says "it would not be necessary to wipe" in the new version, he also says that the topic is still under discussion. Head to the Darkfall Epic Blog to read this week's activity report.

MassivelyAventurine talks Darkfall 2.0, character wipes, and more originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 08 Jul 2011 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Road to Mordor: Soundtrack bonanza!

Posted: 08 Jul 2011 04:00 PM PDT

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One of the probably-not-very-interesting things about me is that I'm somewhat of a video game soundtrack aficionado. Ever since MP3s became all the rage, I've been collecting my favorite tunes from console and computer games, often replacing the in-game score with my own personal soundtrack.

MMO soundtracks, as a whole, are hit or miss with me. While there are many incredible pieces out there, a bulk of what you find is low-key atmospheric stuff that isn't meant to be on anyone's Top 40 playlist. Lord of the Rings Online has its up and downs as a soundtrack, but overall it really does evoke the spirit of Middle-earth. It's hard to imagine playing the game, especially the early levels, without hearing these tracks.

I've collected both the soundtracks to Shadows of Angmar and Mines of Moria and have been saving them for a special occasion. Today is that special occasion. These were composed by Chance Thomas (who's scored many Lord of the Rings-related games) and Stephen DiGregorio. Ranging from bombastic to sinister to folksy, this score covers the gamut of themes and emotions related to the journey of the Ring. It's cool to listen to it independently of the game, as you can appreciate the score for what it is -- and see how the pieces evoke memories of your times in LotRO.

Instead of individually reviewing all 40 or so tracks, I'm simply going to pick my 10 most favorite to share with you!

Continue reading The Road to Mordor: Soundtrack bonanza!

MassivelyThe Road to Mordor: Soundtrack bonanza! originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 08 Jul 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Old Republic maps out success

Posted: 08 Jul 2011 03:30 PM PDT

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The BioWare developers have always talked about polish and immersion when designing Star Wars: The Old Republic. They have described some of the challenges of perfecting the game in their many developer blogs. Everything from art design to combat has been discussed. In the center of it all are the game testing metrics that everyone from Lead Combat Designer Georg Zoeller to Community Manager Stephen Reid have talked about. What do the metrics tell us is the most important part of the SWTOR user interface? Lead Systems Designer Damion Schubert tells us in the latest dev blog:
When Georg told the design team that maps were the most-opened part of the user interface in the game, our map specialists just nodded in understanding. They already knew that being able to find your way around the world was going to be hugely important to our success. Thanks largely to the enduring efforts of those on the map team who believe passionately in the importance of what they are doing, our maps system are a core, essential part of the adventuring experience in Star Wars: The Old Republic.
Schubert tells us the details of making a proper map should not only be esthetically pleasing but dynamically help the player move about the complex environments of The Old Republic. Check out everything else Schubert has to say in the blog on the official site.

MassivelyThe Old Republic maps out success originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 08 Jul 2011 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Storyboard: If it walks like a duck...

Posted: 08 Jul 2011 03:00 PM PDT

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If you play Warhammer Online, my column here is probably pretty much useless to you. The game's last roleplaying server has been shut down for quite some time now, and to be honest, the environment was never spectacular for roleplaying. You don't even have a "walk" toggle or the ability to sit comfortably in chairs -- minimal functions that even World of Warcraft manages to pick up. None of this is news.

What might surprise some members of the non-Warhammer Online audience, though, is how much roleplaying is still going on.

Oh, it's not the large and elaborate character ensembles that I tend to wax poetic about in Storyboard, but it's still roleplaying. And the fact of the matter is that there's a lot of roleplaying that has virtually nothing to do with our regular topic of discussion here, some of it small and some of it elaborate, all with the purpose of immersing the player in the game world. And while I focus on the subject that I know, it's worth noting that there are more things out there than just creating a bunch of characters and playing them off one another. Heck, sometimes it doesn't even involve creating characters per se.

Continue reading Storyboard: If it walks like a duck...

MassivelyStoryboard: If it walks like a duck... originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 08 Jul 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New Secret World dev walkthrough delves into the Savage Coast

Posted: 08 Jul 2011 02:30 PM PDT

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All right now, all you occultists, paranormal investigators, and conspiracy theorists, it's your turn to squeal with delight. Funcom has treated the world to a spankin'-new dev walkthrough of The Secret World's Savage Coast instance. You may remember we got our first look at the Savage Coast at the beginning of the month. Now, we get to go in for a first-hand look at just what makes this coast so savage.

The walkthrough -- which is so expansive it has to be presented in three parts -- begins with our dev tour-guides Martin Bruusgaard (Lead Designer) and Joel Bylos (Lead Content Designer) jumping into the dungeon linked to the Solomon Island zone, which they note is the first that players will encounter as they play through The Secret World. After a short preview of the quest-receiving experience (which includes voice acting that's rather good, especially for a game still in development), it descends into a rollercoaster ride into the mouth of madness.

The developers take on the Draugh (undead Norse warriors out for vengeance) and their masters throughout the course of the dungeon, which culminates in a scene straight out of Lovecraft's best. We'd hate to spoil the whole thing for you (and it's so long we really don't have the space!), but believe us, it's well worth the watch for any TSW fan. So head on past the cut for the full walkthrough videos!

Continue reading New Secret World dev walkthrough delves into the Savage Coast

MassivelyNew Secret World dev walkthrough delves into the Savage Coast originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 08 Jul 2011 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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One Shots: Just hangin' out with my gigantic insect...

Posted: 08 Jul 2011 02:00 PM PDT

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Star Wars Galaxies is center stage for today's One Shots. This is Tristik Deen hanging out with his pet, Adama:
Just a nice little shot of Imperial Pride as me and my pet kliknik take a break outside of an Imperial Base.
Now it's your turn! Large or small, deadly or purely decorative, we want to see your favorite pet companion. Just let us know your name, the name of the game, and a little about your pet and how you acquired it. Send it all to oneshots@massively.com and we'll feature you and your pet on One Shots this week.

It's time to start preparing for next week's One Shots theme as well. We've seen your gear, your mounts, and your pets; now it's time to see you! Snap a screenshot of your favorite character in your favorite MMO. Let us know about him or her, and we'll feature the character here on One Shots!

MassivelyOne Shots: Just hangin' out with my gigantic insect... originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 08 Jul 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Anvil of Crom Extra: Silirrion on Unchained, buying power, and more

Posted: 08 Jul 2011 01:30 PM PDT

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It's been a huge couple of weeks for Funcom and the Age of Conan community. Unchained brought a new freemium business model, thousands of new (and old) players, and new dungeon content to Hyboria. One week later, PvP fans were treated to the opening of the new Blood and Glory servers, with hardcore rule sets that included increased PvP XP, corpse looting, and a return to the game's unforgiving free-for-all roots.

AoC game director Craig "Silirrion" Morrison recently took the time to answer a few of our burning questions about Unchained and the game's immediate future. Head past the cut to see what Silirrion has to say about earning Funcom points in game, veteran point allotments, paying to skip the grind, and some spiffy new community-focused server tech.

Continue reading The Anvil of Crom Extra: Silirrion on Unchained, buying power, and more

MassivelyThe Anvil of Crom Extra: Silirrion on Unchained, buying power, and more originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 08 Jul 2011 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Exciting contests from gPotato celebrate launch of Uncharted Waters Online

Posted: 08 Jul 2011 01:00 PM PDT

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The folks at gPotato want you to hit the high seas! Their newest game, Uncharted Waters Online, puts players in the role of a 15th century sailor under the flag of one of six nations -- England, the Dutch Republic, France, the Spanish Empire, Portugal, or the Republic of Venice -- and allows them to trade, explore, and battle to their hearts' content.

To promote the launch of this unique new game, gPotato is running a series of contests with some serious swag as the prize. The first is a race to level 80, with the first three players to do so receiving an iPad2. The second contest calls for players to write a review or guide on Uncharted Waters Online. The five best will received a Nintendo 3DS. So if you wanna put your MMO skills to good use, head on over to the official site to sign up!

MassivelyExciting contests from gPotato celebrate launch of Uncharted Waters Online originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 08 Jul 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bounty Bay Online prepping Raging Seas expansion

Posted: 08 Jul 2011 12:30 PM PDT

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Is your life lacking a little high seas adventure? Yearning to unleash your inner pirate, learn to be a naval captain, or possibly even score some booty? If so, you'll want to check out Bounty Bay Online's new Raging Seas expansion.

The update features a group instance called the Naval Battle of Gravelines, and players bold enough to brave the waters will be rewarded with a face-to-face encounter with the fearsome Spanish Armada.

According to a new Frogster press release, "a special points-based system will play a decisive role in whether you leave battle victorious or are cast down to Davy Jones' locker." You can learn more, as well as download the game, at the official Bounty Bay Online website.

MassivelyBounty Bay Online prepping Raging Seas expansion originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 08 Jul 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SOE Fan Faire 2011: Planetside panel and interview with Creative Director Matt Higby

Posted: 08 Jul 2011 12:00 PM PDT

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Sony Online Entertainment President John Smedley and members of the Planetside 2 development team sat down with press to talk more about the highly-anticipated sequel to the original Planetside. Joining Smedley were Creative Director Matt Higby, Senior Art Director Trammell Isaac, and Executive Producer Josh Hackney.

Smedley began by talking about how Planetside 2 is both an MMO and a FPS game, and that there are very few titles in that particular genre. He added that it will be a remarkable experience, and that he feels they can deliver in a way that no one else has. Read past the cut for more details.

Continue reading SOE Fan Faire 2011: Planetside panel and interview with Creative Director Matt Higby

MassivelySOE Fan Faire 2011: Planetside panel and interview with Creative Director Matt Higby originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 08 Jul 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Scarlet Legacy mounts revealed in new screens and video

Posted: 08 Jul 2011 11:00 AM PDT

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GamesCampus has released some new screenshots and video of its Scarlet Legacy title and frankly my dear, we don't give a damn. Er, wait... it's not that Scarlett, so we do give a damn. The reveal concerns the game's mounts, and since closed beta testing is rapidly approaching (August 4th to be exact), players would do well to get their in-game transportation arrangements in order.

Scarlet Legacy is an action-oriented martial arts fantasy wherein players take on thousands of quests in an effort to save Princess Scarlet. A new GamesCampus press release highlights an "auto-pilot" fighting system that allows players to "jump straight into the fray alongside their friends" and dispenses with the need "to spend hours deciphering complex control combinations."

The game also does away with targeting according to GamesCampus, and whether you're fighting hordes of enemies or controlling one of Scarlet Legacy's numerous beast and vehicle mounts, you'll be having a grand old time. Hit up the game's website to learn more, and cozy up to the trailer after the cut.

Continue reading Scarlet Legacy mounts revealed in new screens and video

MassivelyScarlet Legacy mounts revealed in new screens and video originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 08 Jul 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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