MMO Updates

MMO Updates

SOE shows off new DCUO Green Lantern content

Posted: 21 Jul 2011 10:00 AM PDT

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Say what you will about Sony Online Entertainment, but the company is savvy when it comes to marketing. While interest in Green Lantern is at an all-time high (driven in part by the recent release of the mega-budget comic book movie), SOE is introducing its own Lantern Corps content into DC Universe Online.

To that end, we've got some new assets for your perusal, all of them focused around the new Fight for the Light update. Said update brings three new Lantern-themed group combat alerts, Lantern gear, and new light-based powers to DCUO, and you'll want to check out the one-minute trailer after the cut (as well as the new screenshot gallery below).

Gallery: DCUO: The Green Lantern

Continue reading SOE shows off new DCUO Green Lantern content

MassivelySOE shows off new DCUO Green Lantern content originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 21 Jul 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mythos orders up a PvP Battle Royale with cheese

Posted: 21 Jul 2011 09:30 AM PDT

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Loving the mindless slaughterfest of Mythos but wishing that the mobs showed a little more intelligence? Now you'll be able to pit your wits and reflexes against other players for the first time in the game with Mythos' new Lamento PvP system.

In this forthcoming update, players can form "Lamento Teams" on Heaven Island to participate in 1v1 or 2v2 battles in the heated arena pit. To make matters more interesting, the arenas will offer additional challenges for participants other than merely facing off against human players. Monsters will be roaming about (since some builds require corpses for skills) and potions will be disabled for fights, requiring gladiators to stay on their toes. Victors will rack up Lamento Points which can be used to purchase weapons, armor and pets.

This Mythos update also includes a level cap increase from 50 to 51 and a new "Dungeon Master" speed run feature.

MassivelyMythos orders up a PvP Battle Royale with cheese originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 21 Jul 2011 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Beta test weekends are set for Star Wars: The Old Republic in September

Posted: 21 Jul 2011 09:00 AM PDT

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If you're one of the many eager players of Star Wars: The Old Republic jumping all over this morning's pre-order, there's more good news on the way. According to TOROcast, an investor report from Electronic Arts shows that the game will be opening up special "beta weekend" events for players to get a glimpse of the game starting in September. This looks like the perfect opportunity for players to start jumping in and playing in advance of the launch date (which presumably would not be until at least a little after September, naturally).

While the report doesn't say if these tests will be open or closed, they certainly bring to mind the beta weekends that RIFT popularized, with a limited number of players, but a great deal of freedom in access. Seeing as how these will be tests, however, it's unlikely that this will constitute the early access set forth in the pre-order bonuses -- so if you're looking forward to the game, ordering now is still advisable.

MassivelyBeta test weekends are set for Star Wars: The Old Republic in September originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 21 Jul 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LEGO Universe dares you to make a 'Brickbuster'

Posted: 21 Jul 2011 08:00 AM PDT

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Have an itching desire to be an amateur filmmaker, but all you have to work with is a video camera and your toys? No problem -- LEGO Universe and The Ones and Zeros Pixelshow think that's all you need to become the next hit director!

From now until August 5th, you can film and submit your very own LEGO "Brickbuster" in the Build-a-Brickbuster Animated Film Contest. The best of the best stop-motion machinima will be awarded prizes, showcased at Pixelfest in Broomfield, Colorado on August 13th and 14th, and included in a special DVD later this year.

Pixelfest Producer Dylan Krider sees this as a perfect cross-over between the MMO and real world: "When players aren't busy battling to save imagination in LEGO Universe, they can bring their wildest creations to life with virtual building and behavior tools that make it simple for anyone to make their own machinima creations."

MassivelyLEGO Universe dares you to make a 'Brickbuster' originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 21 Jul 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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XLGames making Civilization MMO

Posted: 21 Jul 2011 07:00 AM PDT

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Get ready, Civilization fans, as your favorite franchise is heading to MMO-land (and no, we're not talking about the Civ World Facebook game). A couple of months ago we told you about XLGames' partnership with Take-Two Interactive, as well as the fact that XL would be making an existing Take-Two property into an MMORPG.

This morning, various Asian gaming websites confirmed that said property is the venerable Civilization series that began way back in 1991. Details on the new game are sparse, but Google Translate versions of the news articles indicate that XL has begun "large-scale recruitment of MMORPG developers [...] including server [programmers], client programmers, artists, planners, project managers, story designers, [and] mission designers."

Prior to its involvement with the Civilization franchise, XLGames was known exclusively for ArcheAge, a fantasy sandbox MMO that is currently undergoing closed beta testing in Korea.

[Thanks to Mark for the tip!]

MassivelyXLGames making Civilization MMO originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 21 Jul 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Daily Grind: What's your favorite winter zone?

Posted: 21 Jul 2011 06:00 AM PDT

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OK, how weird is the whole "Christmas in July" thing, anyway? Are people jonesing for sleigh bells and mistletoe so badly they can't wait for a few months? Who thought it would be a smashing idea to make us think of the cold, dark days of winter in the middle of 90-degree weather?

So if we're already at the weird point of thinking about snow while our thermometers are melting, we might as well go the whole hog and talk about winter zones in MMOs. I've always been partial to a good snow-and-ice-themed area, whether it be Winterspring in World of Warcraft, Forochel in Lord of the Rings Online or, y'know, Hoth.

What's your favorite winter zone in MMOs? Which areas make you want to wrap a warm fur cloak about you as you venture forth into the fluffy powder and pristine icefields? And what makes that zone special for you?

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 winter zone? originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 21 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Star Wars: The Old Republic pre-order is live! [Updated]

Posted: 21 Jul 2011 05:00 AM PDT

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After a few days of speculation, rumor, leaked images, and downright wishful thinking, the real pre-order for Star Wars: The Old Republic has officially gone live early this morning.

Along with the fact that the initial rumors were true (including that Gamestop price for the 150 USD Collector's Edition), we get information on a Digital Deluxe Edition (79.99 USD) and a Standard Edition (59.99 USD), for those who don't really care about the physical extras.

It's important to note that this pre-order is for US/EU players only; nothing for Oceanic players just yet.

So what are you still reading this for? I said the pre-order is live!

[Update: We asked BioWare about the Mac info on the Amazon pre-order page, and they said that's a mistake. It's not available for the Mac at this time.]

MassivelyStar Wars: The Old Republic pre-order is live! [Updated] originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 21 Jul 2011 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Enter at Your Own Rift: A guild-tool wishlist

Posted: 20 Jul 2011 06:00 PM PDT

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As we fended off dripping, soggy, Abyssal infiltrators all over the cities, many rejoiced at seeing the arrival of guild banks with the latest update. Finally, guild members could unload their stacks of tradeskill resources, extra shinies, and other random loot that ends up cluttering the bank and making guild leaders cringe in frustration.

Now that our patience has paid off, and the non-stop calls for guild banks has been answered, I'd like to show my appreciation by doing what any true MMOer would do -- rattle off a wish list of new guild tools that I want to see in RIFT! Read on for a look at what I'd like to see added, and also what I hope isn't put in game.

Continue reading Enter at Your Own Rift: A guild-tool wishlist

MassivelyEnter at Your Own Rift: A guild-tool wishlist originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 20 Jul 2011 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Massively Speaking Episode 157

Posted: 20 Jul 2011 05:00 PM PDT

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Massively Speaking Episode 157 returns this week with Shawn and four very special guests from the Massively team: Eliot Lefebvre, Brandon Felczer, Larry Everett, and Matt Daniel. Topics include Allods Online's newest patch, Star Trek Online's Season Four launch and the latest Engineering Report, SWTOR's rumored collector's edition contents, and much more!

Have a comment for the podcasters? Shoot an email to shawn@massively.com. We may just read your email on the air!

Get the podcast:
[iTunes] Subscribe to Massively Speaking directly in iTunes.
[RSS] Add Massively Speaking to your RSS aggregator.
[MP3] Download the MP3 directly.
Listen here on the page:



Read below the cut for the full show notes.

Massively Speaking is the official podcast of Massively.com. Hosted by Editor-in-Chief Shawn Schuster and Community Manager Rubi Bayer, Massively Speaking takes on the week's biggest news and dev interviews with plenty of opinion, rants, and laughs thrown in for good measure. Join us every Wednesday afternoon to listen in and see what we'll say next!

Continue reading Massively Speaking Episode 157

MassivelyMassively Speaking Episode 157 originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 20 Jul 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SWTOR pre-order confirmed by Gamestop?

Posted: 20 Jul 2011 04:30 PM PDT

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As if to confirm the rumor from yesterday, GameStop's website briefly displayed a pre-order page for the Star Wars: The Old Republic collector's edition. According to the page, the full collector's edition will be priced at $149.99 US and chock full of CE goodness.

According to the rumor, the full collector's edition will contain these items physically in the box:
  • Exclusive Gentle Giant Darth Malgus statue
  • Star Wars: The Old Republic game disks in collectible metal case
  • The Journal of Master Gnost-Dural annotated by Satele Shan
  • The Old Republic galaxy map
  • Music of Star Wars: The Old Republic CD
  • High-quality Collector's Edition box
Also, when the game goes live your account will be granted these seven additional digital items:
  • Flare Gun: Fire flares into the air
  • Training Droid: Hovers at your side for combat assistance
  • HoloDancer: Project your own holographic dancer
  • HoloCam: Keep visual records of in-game adventures
  • STAP: Sleek and unique in-game vehicle
  • Exclusive Mouse Droid: Spunky Droid to join your adventures
  • Exclusive Collector's Edition Store: Unique in-game vendor with an assortment of items
If that was not enough, Gamestop's pre-order is said to grant early access to the game as well as a crystal that changes the color effect on your weapon. Perhaps tomorrow we will hear the official information at San Diego Comic-con.

MassivelySWTOR pre-order confirmed by Gamestop? originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 20 Jul 2011 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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EVE Is Real website presents visual record of EVE, hosts launch contests

Posted: 20 Jul 2011 04:00 PM PDT

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Two weeks ago, EVE Online developer CCP Games announced a new advertising campaign with a twist. An external marketing company was hired to create a unique virtual museum of EVE artwork, screenshots and videos that would function as a growing visual record of what EVE means to its players. People interested in seeing what EVE is all about could then skim through the site and hopefully get a better impression of what it's like to be part of the EVE community. Players got a head-start in uploading content to the EVE Is Real website last week and we've been eagerly awaiting the website officially going live. Although no official announcement has been made, it appears that the EVE Is Real website has launched.

To encourage players to upload their work, the site's creators are running launch contests with some huge prizes. The top 20 images uploaded to the site will win their owners a brand new EVGA GeForce GTX 460 SE graphics card, and the video that gets the most votes will secure its creator an expensive Alienware gaming desktop machine. Submissions end on August the 18th, and the voting phase then takes place between August the 18th and September the 1st. If you've created some nice screenshots, an epic EVE video or even an awesome My Little Pony version of the latest EVE trailer, submit it before August the 18th for your chance to win.

In an interesting move, CCP will be rewarding every single EVE player with several thousand of its new microtransaction currency Aurum if the website takes off. A running total is maintained of the number of times images and videos on the site have been shared via Facebook and Twitter, and at certain share levels every single EVE player will be gifted a lump sum of Aurum.

MassivelyEVE Is Real website presents visual record of EVE, hosts launch contests originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 20 Jul 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Star Trek Online producer previews the new Enterprise-F

Posted: 20 Jul 2011 03:00 PM PDT

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Star Trek Online producer Daniel Stahl has penned a new dev diary about the recent fan-driven Enterprise design contest. The piece appears on the official Star Trek website and offers a bit of insight on both the winning entry (submitted by STO fan Adam Ilhe) as well as the lore behind the revamped Enterprise-F.

"In the Star Trek Online timeline of 2409, the galaxy is embroiled in war with numerous threats to peace and stability. This Enterprise is designed to carry a message of peace, as well as to show the strength of resolve that forms the foundation of the Federation," Stahl explains.

Ilhe's ship design will be revealed to players in a forthcoming STO feature episode, and players will get to meet the ship's crew as well as earn their own Odyssey-class vessel. Warp to the official Star Trek website for further details.

MassivelyStar Trek Online producer previews the new Enterprise-F originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 20 Jul 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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One Shots: Dead men don't fly

Posted: 20 Jul 2011 02:00 PM PDT

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I thought I'd travel off the beaten path this week and see how Requiem: Memento Mori is doing. I couldn't find my old character, but I started a new one and took advantage of a months worth of premium time. I also think there's a bonus XP event going on right now.

This is my level 26 Battle Mage taking a trip from Zakate to South Watchtower on a Wingrider, the mode of transport between hubs.

I always enjoyed Requiem's graphics and the areas between Kurt and Zakate both feel open and diverse. It's like one giant zone, but with individual areas all styled differently.

All this week, we Massively writers are spotlighting some of our personal favorite One Shots. What exciting stories revolve around our screenshots? Stay tuned to find out. Next week, after staff picks week, will be free-for-all week for you, our readers. Send any eye-catching, beautiful, scary, or generally epic screenshot to oneshots@massively.com, and we'll pick the best of the best for next week's One Shots!

Gallery: One Shots: 2011

MassivelyOne Shots: Dead men don't fly originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 20 Jul 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GamersFirst launches Sword 2: Revelations

Posted: 20 Jul 2011 01:30 PM PDT

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GamersFirst announced today that it has launched Sword 2: Revelations (formerly known as Granado Espada: Sword of the New World). But this isn't just a simple re-name and re-release; The team is introducing "three brand new expanded skill systems, a new area for questing and exploration, [and] a new unique playing character and pet to both drive the continually evolving story of Sword 2."

The new skill systems are all crafting-related, introducing new Alchemy, Cooking, and Wing Crafting systems. Viron Island is the aforementioned new area, complete with new quests and three distinct forests, each with its own distinct challenges. And lastly, the game introduces Raven, a former spy that offers "complex gameplay options and the new pet Capybara which provides players with increased experience gains and item drop rates. For more information, head on over to Sword 2's official site.

MassivelyGamersFirst launches Sword 2: Revelations originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 20 Jul 2011 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Free for All: Recreating my teenage superhero with Champions Online

Posted: 20 Jul 2011 01:00 PM PDT

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I grew up drawing. I was known as the artist kid in all of my classes, and the other students would often sit around me and just watch me draw. I have to admit that it was a nice feeling, but a lot of the time I would be drawing such emotional things that it was a little embarrassing as well. As I battled my way through puberty, I discovered that my love for comics had transferred to a love of making my own comics. The main characters were often based on me and people I know, filtered through a superhero lens.

I have always disliked the Supermen of the comic world. I preferred to make characters that had flaws or weaknesses. Still, I wanted to make my superhero powerful enough to survive a scrap. Don't ask me why (I don't remember), but I came up with a character named Check, named so because of his use of the "in-between" energy of the universe. While some villains harnessed dark powers, and others fought with light, Check fought with the energy of the mundane, the bland, the boring. I know it sounds odd, but he fought using the same energy that someone might feel during meditation or sleep. Essentially, it was energy that was everywhere, very dependable, and very powerful. Still, controlling it made Check a very somber fellow.

Lately I had been thinking more about Check -- and his gray step-mother, Grin -- and decided to give him another go inside one of the wonderful superhero MMOs. Even though I had made him before in City of Heroes, I wanted to try him out in Champions Online this time. Click past the cut and I'll walk you through my creation!

Continue reading Free for All: Recreating my teenage superhero with Champions Online

MassivelyFree for All: Recreating my teenage superhero with Champions Online originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 20 Jul 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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A Mild-Mannered Reporter: The life of the alter-ego

Posted: 20 Jul 2011 12:00 PM PDT

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In response to my original column about City of Heroes Freedom, I got an email. This in and of itself isn't particularly unusual; I get a lot of email, even if I don't respond to all of it. (I do read all of it, but there are only so many hours in the day.) The mail itself was pretty angry, however, claiming that I had sold out to NCsoft and was being just another corporate shill. Exact terminology has not been preserved, but you get the general idea. It's the sort of letter that pretty much everyone at Massively gets from time to time, insisting that we've sold out at some point.

Of course, after I had my usual laugh, I realized that there are some genuine misconceptions about what it's like being on the other side of the screen. They've been touched on from time to time with reader questions, but rather than scattering information hither and yon, I figured I'd just take a column to clear the air and dispel some misunderstandings about what goes on behind the scenes at Massively.

Continue reading A Mild-Mannered Reporter: The life of the alter-ego

MassivelyA Mild-Mannered Reporter: The life of the alter-ego originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 20 Jul 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Digimon Masters Online closed beta registrations open

Posted: 20 Jul 2011 11:30 AM PDT

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If you're excited about Joymax's upcoming Digimon Masters Online MMO, you'll be happy to know that the free-to-play gamemaker has just issued a press release heralding an impending closed beta test. Interested players can register via Joymax's main website and set about watching their emails for confirmation.

Joymax is also hosting a Digimon contest on the game's Facebook page, and winners will be chosen each day between now and August 2nd. What's in it for you? How does a $20 Facebook gift card grab you?

Digimon Masters Online is the MMORPG continuation of the popular Digimon franchise. Players will take on the role of a tamer and experience "adrenaline pumping real-time combat" according to Joymax's news blurb.

MassivelyDigimon Masters Online closed beta registrations open originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 20 Jul 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Choose My Adventure: Nuttin' happened, boss!

Posted: 20 Jul 2011 11:00 AM PDT

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Ever thrown a birthday party and had no one attend? I haven't, but I experienced a similar sensation on Saturday, probably due more or less to my own poor planning. But it wasn't just events that didn't go according to plan this past week. Virtually nothing did, mostly due to real life intruding into my play time in frequently unpleasant fashion (not to mention a nicely bizarre computer problem that took several weeks of research and effort to finally identify and fix). So, awesome all around!

So this week featured distinctly less choppin' than usual. But there are still interesting anecdotes to relate, even if I've got a bit less material about Warhammer Online than usual. Click on past the break for this week's exploits, the latest round of polls (a bit different than the predecessors), and the usual randomly assembled letters that form words which hopefully entertain the audience.

Continue reading Choose My Adventure: Nuttin' happened, boss!

MassivelyChoose My Adventure: Nuttin' happened, boss! originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 20 Jul 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Posted by Shri Krishna

General gaming

General gaming

Aliens: Infestation Appears to be a Game Made by Mind-Readers

Posted: 21 Jul 2011 01:05 AM PDT

It doesn't happen very often, but every once in a while I come across a game that seems so similar to what I'd design for myself if I had the time and talent that it's almost unnerving. Sega's Aliens: Infestation is one such game. In fact, it hits pretty much all the sweet spots I look for in an action game.

1. It's by WayForward


I don't need games to be developed by WayForward specifically in order to like them, but I always appreciate when a game's design is perfectly matched to the creators behind them. So it is with WayForward and Aliens Infestation: This is a portable action game that will rely heavily on atmosphere and setting. Who better to create a believable 2D rendition of the classic film series than WayForward, a company known for infusing ridiculously high production values into licensed properties that have no business being decent, let alone good? This is a developer that made The Scorpion King for GBA kind of cool, for crying out loud. Imagine what they can do with something like Alien.

Click the image above to check out all Aliens: Infestation screens.

Lack of Fan Participation Prompted Mega Man Legends 3 Cancellation

Posted: 20 Jul 2011 06:30 PM PDT


Many fans were disappointed with this week's cancellation of Mega Man Legends 3 (including former Mega Man producer Keiji Inafune). It was a project heavily focused on participation from the fans; the Capcom Devroom was set up to solicit ideas and provide reports on the status of development. According to the Capcom Europe Twitter account, it's the lack of support for this initiative that led to the game being canned.

As the Twitter account describes it, "The game was meant to show people how games are developed." In response to a tweet expressing disappointment in the decision to cancel it, Capcom wrote, "Unfortunately so few fans took part in the creation of the game. It was felt the project was not worthwhile. :-(" Subsequent tweets reinforce this point; one states, "We weren't asking people to do much but response to dev rooms was cool at best," while another reads, "It's a shame the fans didn't want to get more involved :-( if we saw there was an audience for MML3 people might change minds."

Legends 3 would have been a 3DS retail title. Capcom was to first release a Prototype Version on the 3DS eShop once it launched, and its success (or lack thereof) would determine whether the full game would be completed. Even with the 3DS's release pushed back, Capcom delayed Prototype Version, which was one sign that things weren't proceeding as planned.

Respawn's First Game Won't Really be in Development Until 2015

Posted: 20 Jul 2011 05:35 PM PDT

Respawn teaser

An innocent comment made at the ongoing Develop Conference had been taken by some to mean the first game from Respawn Entertainment -- the company formed by the former heads of Call of Duty developer Infinity Ward -- won't be out until 2015. In reality, that isn't the case.

Iain McCaig, who has previously worked on James Bond movies, the newer Star Wars trilogy, and The Secret of Monkey Island, is contributing to Respawn's game as a concept artist. According to GameSpot, he said at the conference he is "having the most fun working with Respawn Entertainment right now, but I can't show you, and I won't be able to show you, until 2015."

The date in and of itself is fairly ridiculous given what we know. Respawn was founded last year by Jason West and Vince Zampella and quickly amassed a staff of former Infinity Ward employees, in addition to other hires. It has a publishing deal with Electronic Arts, which has indicated Respawn's game will be a sci-fi shooter of some sort. The developer launched its official website late last month, complete with a blurry teaser image (above) for its first game.

This is the Most Important Thing Activision Does to Encourage Innovation

Posted: 20 Jul 2011 04:44 PM PDT

Bobby Kotick

Activision is slammed by a segment of gamers for not innovating probably more than any other game company. The Call of Duty series, in particular, is targeted as being a rehash year after year. There are many who would disagree, including those at Activision, but the company has undeniably been successful with a lot of what it's done. Since its merger several years ago with with Vivendi Games (a deal that included Blizzard), it's been the largest publisher in the world. Innovation is key to staying on top, so what is it that the company believes it does to drive innovation?

Asked that very question by Forbes, oft-criticized CEO Bobby Kotick said, "The most important thing we do to encourage innovation is give people the freedom to fail. And I think you can articulate that and establish that as a value in a lot of different ways. I don't want to say celebrate the failures, but in a lot of respects it's sort of that.

"We have what we call the post mortem process, really evaluating what is it that caused an outcome not to be aligned to the original expectation. And sometimes it's not even like an abject failure, if the game just doesn't sell, sometimes it's a game that doesn't sell as well as you would have expected, or in some cases more importantly, if it doesn't feel like it meets the expectations of the audience.

Inafune Sorry for Fans, Developers That Mega Man Legends Was Axed

Posted: 20 Jul 2011 03:45 PM PDT

Keiji Inafune

The cancellation of Mega Man Legends 3 earlier this week may not have come as an enormous surprise, but former Mega Man producer Keiji Inafune is sorry for fans and development staff nonetheless.

"The decision for the cancelation was out of my sphere, but as someone who took part in the development, I'd like to convey something to the staff: I'm sorry that I couldn't be of assistance," Inafune wrote earlier today on his blog, as translated by Andriasang.

Inafune never once mentions the game by name in his blog, although it's quite obvious what he's referring to. He did the original design work for the very first Mega Man game and continued to work on the series for more than two decades, including serving as producer for the first three games in the Legends series. He left Capcom last year, shortly after Legends 3 was announced.

Wii U to Offer Select GameCube Games as Downloads - Report

Posted: 20 Jul 2011 02:40 PM PDT

Super Mario Sunshine

Update: Nintendo has addressed the report and, as you'd expect, it isn't confirming things one way or the other. Nintendo of America told 1UP in a statement, "To clarify the capabilities of the Wii U system: As correctly stated, Wii U will not play Nintendo GameCube discs, however Nintendo has not made any announcements regarding downloadable content."

Original Story: While Wii U will be fully backwards compatible with all Wii games and controllers, it won't play the previous generation's games. GameCube support was ruled out during E3, although a new interview from the show has surfaced that indicates select GameCube games will be made available as downloads on the new system.

"You know it's interesting that you bring up backwards compatibility and Nintendo's history usually goes back one system," said Amber McCollom, Nintendo of America's director of entertainment and trend marketing, during an E3 interview with NintendoGal (via Eurogamer). "The Wii was compatible with GameCube and Wii U will be compatible with Wii and that's pretty traditional in launches from Nintendo."

Star Fox 3DS Gets a New Date, Avoiding the Usual Sunday Nintendo Release

Posted: 20 Jul 2011 01:39 PM PDT

Star Fox 64 3D

With The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D coming out last month, the next big 3DS release is none other than... another Nintendo 64 game remake.

Star Fox 64 3D has been given a new release date in North America of September 9. That falls on a Friday, as opposed to Sunday, when Nintendo games and systems are traditionally released. Nintendo hasn't said as much, but with the next Sunday being September 11, it would have been a tasteless time to release a flight game.

Star Fox is already out for 3DS in Japan, where it got strong reviews from Famitsu. One of the key additions in the 3DS version, besides the obligatory 3D effect, is the ability to play with gyro controls.

Contra 4 Developer Has a New Aliens Game Headed to DS

Posted: 20 Jul 2011 12:51 PM PDT

Aliens: Infestation

The amount of quality DS titles coming out nowadays is not what it used to be. While Sega just yesterday said it was pushing back two upcoming titles for 3DS, today it's followed up with some excellent news for portable gaming fans -- WayForward's Aliens game for DS has been officially announced, and it's coming soon.

An ESRB listing for Aliens: Infestation was recently discovered which described it as an action platformer. Today's press release takes that one step further, calling it an "action-heavy side-scrolling exploration game" set in the Aliens expanded universe, a description that makes it sound like a Metroidvania-style game.

One thing that sets it apart from Metroid and Castlevania is the ability to recruit up to 19 different marines that players can assume the role of. They'll explore (and battle xenomorphs in) different locations from the Aliens movies including the U.S.S. Sulaco, LV-426, and more.

Marvel vs. Capcom 3 Goes Ultimate, Full Character Roster Leaked

Posted: 20 Jul 2011 11:40 AM PDT

Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3

As a fighting game, it was almost a given that Marvel vs. Capcom 3 would eventually get some sort of updated version. Following the release of Fate of Two Worlds this past February, Capcom has announced Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 will be out later this year on Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3.

Eight new stages, new modes (including Spectator Mode, allowing players to watch online matches as they take place), and rebalanced gameplay are among the updates it brings. New characters are of course the highlight, and Ultimate doesn't disappoint with 12 new fighters in total. With the existing cast of Iron Man, Wesker, Ryu, Magneto, and so on, that brings the total up to 50 characters.

Capcom has only officially announced four characters, two from each side: Strider and Firebrand (from Ghost 'n Goblins) for Capcom, Ghost Rider and Hawkeye for Marvel. However, by way of GameFAQs (via NeoGAF), the entire roster of characters has been leaked, including two Capcom characters -- Phoenix Wright and Frank West -- who didn't end up making it into the original version of MvC3.

1UP's iMainGo X Giveaway

Posted: 20 Jul 2011 11:33 AM PDT

1UP's iMainGo X Giveaway
How To Play

Prizes

Your ears deserve better, which is why we are giving away the iMainGo X all day long!

The iMainGo X is the ultra -portable speaker system and protective case for your iPhone, iPod touch or MP3.

Here are it's specs:

* Custom fits and protects all iPods®, iPhone®, iPod Touch® and most MP3's.

* Doubles as a premium external stereo speaker system for any device with a 3.5 mm connection

* Control and view your device without opening the case

* Comes with a rechargeable lithium-ion battery and plug in charger for extended use

* Daisy-chain feature allows you to connect more than one iMainGo X for a larger sound experience

* Comes with custom travel bag, wrist strip and adjustable carry strap

* Size 5.7" x 3.8" x 2.4"

Here's what it takes to win:

We'll post a secret message on our homepage, right next to our Top Story area. Here's a pic:

How-To

Simply copy the phrase and Tweet it to @1UPsweeps.The first to tweet wins! The winner will be contacted via a direct message, so be sure to follow @1UPsweeps. Keep your eyes on 1UP.com for your chance to win!

OFFICIAL RULES
iMainGo X Giveaway
Posted by Shri Krishna
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