| City of Heroes launches free-to-play Posted: 27 Sep 2011 02:24 PM PDT NCSoft has officially launched City of Heroes Freedom, the new free-to-play model for City of Heroes. Free players can access all content up to level 50 for free, with access to eight Archetypes, two character slots, and most Task Forces, Strike Forces, Trials, and Raids. Free players will not be able to access alignment changes, day jobs, mission architect, or live support unless they upgrade to a premium (subscription) account. The launch of the model coincides with Issue 21: Convergence, a patch which introduces a new starting experience, a new zone with a special public event, Signature Story Arcs, the Underground Incarnate Trial, and new powers and costumes. NCSoft also publishes Aion and Lineage II.  City of Heroes Gameplay Screenshot
Source: City of Heroes FreedomTM Blasts into a New Era Players Experience Super-Powered Choice, Rewards and Content on Their Terms NCsoft® and Paragon Studios™ are excited to announce the launch of City of Heroes Freedom™, the new gameplay model that offers existing and new players unparalleled access to acclaimed content found within the world's most popular super heroic MMO. Starting today, the Freedom model allows all players to reach level 50 at no cost, while providing players with the option to purchase new content a la carte to build a one-of-a-kind gaming experience. Kicking off this era of choice, reward and content is Issue 21: Convergence, which is ready for players as soon as they log in. Issue 21: Convergence and City of Heroes Freedom come packed with a whole new zone, Incarnate Trial, powers, costumes and more, including the new monthly Signature Story Arcs and the Paragon Rewards Program. "Our fans have come to expect great content and with City of Heroes Freedom we've clearly raised the bar by delivering the best gameplay we've ever developed, and giving players the choice to truly customise their gaming experience" said Brian Clayton, Executive Producer at Paragon Studios. "We aren't just flipping a switch and going 'Free-to-Play.' We're embarking on the biggest content and feature update to City of Heroes in its seven-year history." The launch of Issue 21: Convergence leads the charge of City of Heroes Freedom with a plethora of new content for eager participants. Below is what players will experience with City of Heroes Freedom today: · New Zone: First Ward, the training and testing grounds for some of Praetoria's most elite forces and sinister weapons, is where players will encounter all new threats, including the massive zone-wide event, the Seed of Hamidon.
· New Epic Challenges: The Underground Incarnate Trial takes place deep below the streets of Praetoria, in the secret lair of the Devouring Earth. Those strong enough to break through their stronghold may reach the devastating Avatar of Hamidon for a final showdown of epic proportions. Up to 28 players can team up to fight new menaces and unlock great rewards.
· New Power Sets and Costumes: Time Manipulation (free for VIP Players), Beam Rifle and Street Justice represent just the beginning of new powers coming to players with City of Heroes Freedom, while the Barbarian and the Circle of Thorns Costume Sets, as well as the IDF and Defense Costume Sets (free for VIP Players) add even more options to the millions of customisation options at a players' fingertips.
· New Starting Experience: Puts new players right in the middle of the action, giving them access to all archetypes with no alignment restriction. During the new starting experience, players will have the opportunity to determine whether they ally with the forces of good, or harness the powers of evil.
· New Missions: The debut of monthly Signature Story Arcs (free for VIP Players), enables players to play a key role in the main storyline as they fight alongside iconic heroes and villains and discover which of Paragon City's premier heroes will die!
· New Rewards: The Paragon Rewards program is our way to thank players for investing in City of Heroes and provides new and unique in-game rewards designed around each player's unique tastes and play style. For more information on today's announcement, Issue 21 content and Freedom, please visit www.cityofheroes.com/freedom.
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| Luvinia Launch Tour Posted: 27 Sep 2011 11:56 AM PDT Luvinia Launch Tour Chip Smith, Outspark’s PR Manager, and "Mecha Rambo," one of Luvinia’s GMs, recently sat down with MMOHut to give us a tour of the new features in Luvinia’s open beta and launch. The Item Shop The item shop opened Thursday, September 22, giving players a chance to access special gear and boosts in the game for the first time, namely costumes and mounts (some of which are also obtainable in game). Costumes come in two pieces, head and body – Chip explained that they kept the costume slots limited to help players feel like they are buying a complete, unified costume, rather than having to buy several pieces to make a matching set. Both costume pieces range from the cute and playful (like civet costumes) to the serious and class-bound (like scout’s outfits), and go over the player’s current armor. Mounts are another main feature also available in the cash shop (players do get a permanent mount at level 10). Mounts come in three varieties, which can be upgraded with certain crafting materials. Mounts – and costumes, too – come in either 7-day or 30-day purchases in the shop. All of them can also be made permanent through the use of Planar Essences and a special synthesis box in game. These planar essences come sometimes from special events, and are otherwise available in the cash shop, but expect to see at least 100 of these required to make a mount permanent.  Enhancement & Cards The tour also showcased how gear can be improved in Luvinia Online. Each item in Luvinia comes in one of five grades – gray, blue, green, purple, and orange, from most common to most rare. All items can be enhanced through the Enhancement system. With specific enhancement items, players can raise the stats of their gear, all the way to +20. There are four grades of enhancement (0-5, 5-10, 10-15, and 15-20) that require a different item to improve the gear. While enhancement can fail, items will not be destroyed , they’ll only be stripped of their enhancement level. Enhancements can also add a particle glow effect to your gear (including armor!) to make it stand out more. The most impressive part of the enhancement system is that it raises the stats of an item so significantly, a well-enhanced gear piece can be better than a higher level piece of better quality. Items can also be enhanced through the card system, enchantment that blends socketing with trading cards. As players quest and kill monsters, they have a chance of obtaining a card representing the monsters they’ve killed. These cards come with special stat boosts, and can then be placed in empty card slots inside a piece of equipment, to add their stats to the weapon for further customization. Cards can also be removed from items to replace them with new ones, although cards are destroyed in the process.  Badges of Honor Also showcased was the badge and title system. Players can earn badges as they complete quests or events in game. These can be equipped through a special tab on the character screen, and may have several effects, including stat bonuses and special titles. These badges act as both an achievement system, letting players find and mark their progress overall, as well as granting another layer of character customization.  It’s Your Time The game also features a daily calendar system. Each day, players can log in and complete a set of daily quests based on their level. These change every day, and grant experience based on a percentage of the character’s current level. Complete all the daily tasks, and you can gain an entire level, guaranteed. Players can also see their horoscope, part of the constellation system that will be fully implemented in a later patch to add more stat boosts based on the star sign of a character. Luvinia’s Game Plan Chip told us that the community feedback for Luvinia is strongly supportive of how much content the game already has (in fact, no player reached the level cap in either closed beta or open beta). Luvinia is developed by Shanda Games, a major game developer who is granting Outspark the first North American publishing rights to any of its games. The support, Chip assures us, is fantastic; content is already prepared for the next few months to raise the game’s level cap, introduce the secondary sub-classes, and enjoy holidays like Halloween and Christmas. Shanda has also helped offer Outspark a schedule of content to prepare for how fast players will consume content, so that players will always have something new to advance into.  Luvinia Online launched officially on September 22, and is free-to-play along other Outspark titles.
By Jaime Skelton
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| Drakensang reaches 1 million Posted: 27 Sep 2011 11:43 AM PDT Bigpoint has announced that its browser-based RPG, Drakensang Online, has reached one million registered players since the launch of open beta. Drakensang recently launched its first big update, introducing Teganswall, a new area with new quests and challenges. The next major update is also being developed currently, expanding PvP features to include a guild system, arena battles, statistics, and a PvP-only server, along with an in-game buddy list. Bigpoint also publishes Battlestar Galactica Online.  Drakensang Gameplay Screenshot
Source: An army against evil: Drakensang Online and one million players · Drakensang Online sets new milestone after less than two months · Various new features expand game world and thrill the community Hamburg, September 26, 2011 – Bigpoint (http://www.bigpoint.com/) celebrates a huge success story: With over one million players registered for Drakensang Online (http://www.drakensang-online.com) since the official launch of the Open Beta on August 8, 2011, it's not just the registrations that are on the rise, but the excitement too: With the first big update launched as well as many more to come, such as the community's highly anticipated PvP features, Bigpoint Berlin is keeping players on their toes with new adventures and challenges in the epic fantasy world of Drakensang Online. "Drakensang Online helped us prove, only after just a few short weeks, that it's possible to launch browser games with the same level of quality as traditional PC or console games," says Philip Reisberger, Chief Games Officer at Bigpoint. "Action RPG fans looking for an outstanding gaming adventure should definitely get in on this game now and experience the free-to-play Drakensang Online for themselves!" Since the launch of the first big update just a few short weeks ago, Drakensang Online players have had the chance to delve into "Teganswall" and discover not only many new quests and new items but also a completely new game region. The development team also plans on expanding the game with other PvP features, including a guild system, arena battles, statistics, buddy lists and a PVP-only server. "Our community keeps us supplied with a continual pool of ideas to further improve Drakensang Online," says Bernd Beyreuther, Head of Development of Bigpoint Berlin. "We already have a plethora of new content updates planned – and Drakensang Online is just in its infancy. As a developer, it's a great feeling to be able to develop the game world together with the game fans themselves." Drakensang Online's free-to-play and browser-based Open Beta is available to play on the official website http://www.drakensang-online.com/ in a variety of different languages such as German, English, French not to mention Spanish, Italian and Polish. Additional game information can be found on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/drakensangonline/) as well as Twitter (http://www.twitter.com/drakensang/).
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| The Lord of the Rings Online launches Rise of Isengard Posted: 27 Sep 2011 10:45 AM PDT The Rise of Isengard, a new major expansion for The Lord of the Rings Online, is now live and available for players. The expansion, available through purchase in the in-game store, expands the game’s major story through three new regions (Dunland, Gap of Rohan, and Isengard) and raises the game’s level cap to 75. A new 24-player raid is also introduced. The expansion also comes with a host of in-game changes and new concepts like quest phasing and public dungeons. The Lord of the Rings Online is published by Turbine, which also publishes Dungeons and Dragons Online.  The Lord of the Rings Online: Rise of Isengard Gameplay Screenshot
Source: TURBINE LAUNCHES THE LORD OF THE RINGS ONLINE™: RISE OF ISENGARD™ Third Major Expansion to the 2010 MMO of the Year Now Available Across North America & Europe
Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment and Turbine announced today the launch of The Lord of the Rings Online™: Rise of Isengard™, the next expansion to the award-winning free-to-play massively multiplayer online roleplaying game (MMORPG). Players across North America and Europe can purchase and play Rise of Isengard starting today by visiting http://www.lotro.com/isengard. "We're very excited to launch the first major expansion to LOTRO since going free-to-play," said Aaron Campbell, Senior Producer of The Lord of the Rings Online, Turbine. "We can't wait for players to continue their adventures through Middle-earth and engage with epic locations such as Orthanc and iconic characters such as Saruman and Grima Wormtongue. We're seeing tremendous excitement from our players as Rise of Isengard is already LOTRO's best selling expansion ever!" THE LORD OF THE RINGS ONLINE: RISE OF ISENGARD FEATURES: Ø Explore Three New Regions! — The time has come for you to turn eastward, toward the vale of Isengard. Where ancient forests once flourished, a corrupted waste of metal and wheels suffers under the thrall of the traitorous wizard Saruman. Here, in the shadows of the tower of Orthanc, gathers an army of Orcs and Uruk-hai, toiling to make ready for war. Forge ahead into these devastated lands and uncover new quests, skills, and traits as you strive to thwart Saruman's ambition. - Dunland – Adventure amidst the bright forests in the foothills of the southern Misty Mountains. Beware the Dunland Clans, rugged warriors tempted by the dark promise of power. - Gap of Rohan – Battle over the legendary pass between Eriador and the plane of Rohan. This key strategic point must be defended against the ambitions of Sauron. - Isengard – Explore Orthanc, one of the iconic Two Towers as it rises over the once beautiful Isengard valley. The once beautiful vale now desecrated beyond imagination by the Wizard Saruman the betrayer. Ø Advance to Level 75! - Face new challenges and continue to forge your own legend in Middle-earth with all-new epic quests, skills, and deeds as you fight new enemies on your journey level 75! Ø Master the Legendary New 24-Player Raid! - Face the ancient evil of Draigoch, one of the most powerful creatures in Middle-earth! Prepare for the ultimate challenge where nothing less than the strength of an entire force of 24 heroes stands the chance of victory. The Lord of the Rings Online is the ultimate adventure. This award-winning free-to-play massively multiplayer online role-playing game delivers an interactive experience brimming with life and filled with the familiar people, places and monsters from the most famous fantasy of all time. For more information, visit www.lotro.com.
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| Act XIII arriving in Dungeon Fighter Online Posted: 26 Sep 2011 06:12 PM PDT Dungeon Fighter Online will be adding its next major update, Act XIII: Chaos Reigns, on September 28. The update will add the Altar of Infity, found in the Valley of Fallen Souls. Players will face off against 15 waves against enemies, and then face off against the boss Chaos Agares. All players who beat the boss have a chance to become the week’s “Chosen One,” a special title granted each Friday evening. Also introduced is a mentorship system (granting experience and gold bonuses to the mentor and apprentice), and 2nd Chronical sets for each class. Dungeon Fighter Online is published by Nexon, which also publishes Dragon Nest and MapleStory. Dungeon Fighter Online: Act XIII Screenshots: Source: To Infinity and Beyond Massive new dungeon opens its gates in Dungeon Fighter Online during Act XIII Update The Altar of Infinity will be opening up its gates in Arad this month during the Act XIII: Chaos Reigns Update in Dungeon Fighter Online. Nexon's arcade-style massively multiplayer online game will receive the Act XIII update on September 28. Players levels 30-70 will soon be able to explore the Altar of Infinity, which is Reaper Dreyfus' third structure in the Valley of Fallen Souls. While the new dungeon may be familiar to players who have battled through the Tower of the Dead and the Tower of Illusion, at the Altar of Infinity players will face 15 rounds of deranged beasts to test their body and spirit. Once players fight through the Altar they will ultimately face boss monster Chaos Agares. Any Dungeon Fighter who challenges the Altar of Infinity will have the chance to be selected by Chaos Agares to become the Chosen One, a title that will be bestowed upon the anointed ones each Friday at 5 pm PT. The Act XIII update will also feature a mentorship system which allows players to be both a Mentor (a high level character) and an Apprentice (a lower level character). By forming an Alliance, players can help each other's characters level up by battling through dungeons together as party-playing will grant both an EXP and gold bonus. A Mentor can have up to nine Apprentices under them, and after reaching the Alliance level ten, the Mentor and the Apprentice will receive rewards even when they are not party-playing with each other. Dungeon Fighters will also be able to experience even more power with the 2nd Chronicle Sets, which are exceptional items that can be acquired through specific quests, NPC Dorothy and from dungeons run on King's Road. Each character class will have an enhanced new set of items giving them the edge against evil and other Dungeon Fighters. To learn more about Dungeon Fighter Online or to download and play for free, visit http://dungeonfighter.nexon.net. You can also "like" DFO on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/dungeonfighteronline
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| Flyff World Tournament means free prizes for players Posted: 26 Sep 2011 05:32 PM PDT The Flyff: Fly For Fun World Championship is now taking place, with the US Flyff team heading up against Brazil in the next match on September 30. To celebrate, Flyff is offering free goodies for players to log in and support their team. Starting September 28, players will automatically receive a free item per day, each day they log in. They will also receive a prize for every level they gain until October 31. A week of double experience will also be offered. gPotato also publishes Tales Runner and Allods Online.  Flyff: Fly For Fun Gameplay Screenshot
Source: $100,000 Flyff World Championship: Prepare for Glory and Prizes! 16 Teams Represent Their Nations in a High Stakes eSports Tournament Sunnyvale, Calif. – September 26th, 2011 Thirteen weeks of competition have finally led up to the event 16 lucky teams have been waiting for: the $100,000 Flyff World Championship (FWC)! On September 24th the opening rounds were broadcast all over the world for friends, family, and the Flyff community to see. Teams from around the world went head-to-head for the chance to win $100,000 in prizes including a trip to G-Star 2011, the biggest online gaming convention in Korea! US wildcard team SOD went up against Spanish home team HEROES in the first round of the FWC. Both teams sent their best eight players into the new, never-before-seen PvP arena for two sets of matches. SOD emerged triumphant and now the US Flyff community hopes to send two champions to the next round as top-ranked Invictus guild prepares for their match against Brazil on September 30, 6PM PST. To watch the Invictus match live on September 30 at 6PM PST, go to the FWC livestream! Recordings of matches will also be available on the official Flyff Youtube channel. Flyff players can log in to support their team – and get goodies for themselves, too! Starting September 28, anyone who logs in will automatically receive one free item per day. This could be anything from useful amplification scrolls to rare pets, including the ever-popular Mocomochi. Players will also receive a prize for every level they gain until October 31, and with one week of double experience in effect, it's never been easier to gain those levels quickly. Get in on the excitement and play Flyff today by visiting the official website!
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| Eden Eternal previews October update Posted: 26 Sep 2011 04:28 PM PDT October will feature another major update for Aeria Games’ latest free-to-play MMORPG, Eden Eternal. The patch will raise the level cap from 55 to 60, and introduces the new Templar class (third under the defensive tier), letting them use holy magic to heal or smite their foes. The patch also will introduce player housing, where players can rent a house and decorate with items (found through quests or purchased), as well as let others visit their house for stat buffs; new maps (Decay Swamp and Highlands, each with their own dungeon, plus Cyclone Basin and Viper’s Forest); a new daily event featuring pirate invasions in Aven; partial enchantments; and the ability to earn Alpaca coins in higher level areas. Aeria Games also publishes Grand Fantasia and Dream of Mirror Online.  Eden Eternal Gameplay Screenshot
Source: New Content Planned for Eden Eternal in Early October Prepare for Customizable Player Housing and the Templar Class SANTA CLARA, Calif. – Sept. 26, 2011 – Aeria Games, a leading global publisher of free-to-play online games, is expected to release a new content heavy patch for Eden Eternal in early October that will pack features such as the new Templar class, raise in level cap and customizable player housing. Player housing is a new feature that will allow players to rent a house from one of the new Innkeeper NPCs and fully decorate their houses with various items they can purchase or earn through quests. Players now have the ability to hold "parties," which will allow players to visit their homes and earn various status boosts. Eden Eternal's level cap will also increase from level 55 to 60 and will give players the ability to change to the new Templar class. The Templar class is the third class under the defensive tier and they possess holy magic, which allows them to either heal or deal holy damage to enemies. The Templar class will be accessible to those at level 60 along with any level 55 Cleric or Knight. Also included in the upcoming content patch: · Uncharted Territories: The new content patch has a variety of new areas that are tailored for those who have hit high levels. The Central Continent will include two new level 55 maps named "Decay Swamp" and "Highlands," which both include 2 dungeons as well. The Southeastern Continent will include two new maps that are called "Cyclone Basin" and "Viper's Forest."
· Pirate Invasion Event: Pirates will be invading Aven at random times in the day. Players must eliminate all pirates and the almighty One-Eye Roger will appear as the last boss. Participants will be rewarded but the top 4 players that deal the most damage to One-Eye Roger will have statues of their character on display in town until the next invasion.
· Partial Enchantments: This new system will allow players to craft even better items than before. Players will be able to purchase various specialized enchants from a new merchant in Aven.
· Alpacas Coins: Gold and silver Alpaca coins will be available through quests in higher level areas and the coins can be redeemed for various items. Just like all of Aeria Games' other titles, Eden Eternal is free to play. For more information regarding Eden Eternal, please visit http://edeneternal.aeriagames.com.
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