MMORPG News

MMORPG News

Rift: Three Day Event for Child's Play

Posted: 07 Dec 2011 07:02 AM PST

Rift players have the opportunity to assist Trion Worlds to raise funds for the benefit of Child's Play. From Friday, December 9th through Sunday, December 11th, players who purchase a digital upgrade will see Trion donate $1 to Child's Play.

Luvinia Online: Age of Enlightenment Launched

Posted: 07 Dec 2011 06:52 AM PST

Outspark has successfully launched the first expansion to Luvinia Online. Called the "Age of Enlightenment", the expansion brings a host of new features and classes into the game.

General: Rosh Online: The Return of Karos Launches

Posted: 07 Dec 2011 06:23 AM PST

Ignited Games has announced that Rosh Online: The Return of Karos has officially launched in North America. Players can now download and install the F2P title and get started in battle.

CrimeCraft: GangWars Launches & New Steam Package

Posted: 07 Dec 2011 06:14 AM PST

Crimecraft players can now install the GangWars expansion according to Vogster. GangWars can be downloaded from the official site or installed via Steam. In addition, Steam clients will be treated to a new awesome package of goodies.

Star Wars: The Old Republic: Modification Madness Redux

Posted: 06 Dec 2011 11:54 PM PST

Back in October we wrote about the madness surrounding discussion of Star Wars: The Old Republic's item modification system. This week, with solid information in hand, we're looking at the past, present, and future of the item modification system. Read on to find out what we think and share your own thoughts in the comments below!

Little Space Heroes: The Game Hopper - Little Space Heroes

Posted: 06 Dec 2011 10:47 AM PST

Our goal with Game Hopper is to inform our readers about games that generally fly under the radar but are worth the time to investigate. One of said games is Little Space Heroes from Bubble Gum Interactive, a game for some of the fledgling MMOers in the game-iverse. Check out our Game Hopper preview for Little Space Heroes and then take your budding astronaut into space.

General: The No Elves Manifesto

Posted: 06 Dec 2011 12:05 PM PST

With our brand new column here at MMORPG.com, we are reaching out to those of you who are sick and tired of the traditional high fantasy MMO. Judging by a recent study, that means we're talking to a lot of you. Check out "No Elves Allowed" to find out what exactly we're talking about here. Leave us a few of your own thoughts in the comments.

Fallen Earth: Video Overview with Ripper X

Posted: 06 Dec 2011 02:25 PM PST

Ripper X gears up for Fallen Earth, a post-apocalyptic wasteland located near th Grand Canyon. Fallen Earth's gameplay features FPS/RPG, 1st/3rd person views, tons of items including improvised equipment and weapons, a variety of vehicles, a real-time crafting system, various skills and abilities, factions and tactical PvP, all existing within 1000 square kilometers of terrain based on real-world topo maps of the area. Check out Fallen Earth: Baby Steps in the Wasteland.

Fiesta Online: Expedition to Adealia Announced

Posted: 07 Dec 2011 06:10 AM PST

Outspark has the Expedition to Adealia expansion is on its way for Fiesta Online. According to devs, players will face off against new monsters and discover the "world of Isya and introduces a clandestine continent".

Final Fantasy XIV: Achievement System On Its Way

Posted: 07 Dec 2011 05:19 AM PST

When v1.20 arrives, Final Fantasy XIV players will have the opportunity to score achievements in tons of areas. The dev team has updated the official site with a list of achievements being considered for implementation in v1.20. Of course, the list is a working one and is subject to change.

Anarchy Online: Holiday Joy Abounds

Posted: 07 Dec 2011 05:11 AM PST

The Anarchy Online team has officially announced the commencement of holiday frivolity. Players can score a new snowman mask, twinkling snowflakes and even clean up with a snow blower.

War of the Immortals: Champion Class Trailer

Posted: 07 Dec 2011 04:53 AM PST

Perfect World Entertainment shines the spotlight on the Champion class from War of the Immortals. Champions are the ultimate front line warriors, durable and tough. See what makes them so special in this video preview.

City of Heroes: Issue 21 Goes Live

Posted: 06 Dec 2011 11:51 AM PST

Paragon Studios and the City of Heroes dev team have officially announced that Issue 21: Media Blitz is now live across all game servers. Issue 21 features two Incarnate Trials for players to work throug, pitting themselves against more and more difficult monsters.

The Secret World: New Trailer Shows Off Egypt

Posted: 06 Dec 2011 11:46 AM PST

Gamespot UK has a new trailer featuring a look at The Scorched Desert, one of the locations from The Secret World. In it, the narrator speaks of Aten returning to Egypt with some pretty danged impressive locusts among other monsters. Check it out at the link above.

Dawntide: World Redesign Incoming

Posted: 06 Dec 2011 11:40 AM PST

The Dawntide forum has been updated with the news that the dev team will be shutting down the game's beta test server and wiping all current player account. The move is in preparation for the planned redesign of the game world.

DC Universe Online: Lightning Strikes Released

Posted: 06 Dec 2011 10:40 AM PST

Sony Online Entertainment has announced that the latest DC Universe Online downloadable content pack has been released. Called "Lightning Strikes", the new content includes the introduction of The Flash into the game as well as Electricity powers.

ArcheAge: Death Penalty Detailed

Posted: 06 Dec 2011 10:22 AM PST

In a fan-translated post on the official ArcheAge forums, it has been revealed that the game will utilized a death penalty in the form of building materials being dropped on death or log out. Basically, the interview states that these materials are carried on a player's back forcing them to walk, not run making them easy pickings.

APB: Reloaded: Now On Steam

Posted: 06 Dec 2011 10:08 AM PST

GamersFirst has announced that APB: Reloaded has arrived on sTeam for players to download and enjoy. The Steam version allows players to take part in the San Paro activities and keep their game clients updated through Valve's game host.

Star Wars: The Old Republic: Item Modification & You

Posted: 06 Dec 2011 09:54 AM PST

Emmanuele Lusinchi has posted a new article on the Star Wars: The Old Republic forums that goes into pretty decent detail on how items will be modified in the game.

Dofus: Kwismas Island Deployed

Posted: 06 Dec 2011 09:39 AM PST

From now through January 6th, DOFUS players will have a holiday-themed island on which to play with the arrival of Kwismas Island. The new content features a new pet, new armor sets and four mini-bosses to battle.

Pockie Ninja: Card Collecting Update to Launch Today

Posted: 06 Dec 2011 09:00 AM PST

NGames has announced that a new update will be applied to Pockie Ninja servers today. Update 6 will include a new card-collecting system included. Players will be able to collect and trade these cards which developers call "prize heavy".

General: 14 Million MMO Players Dig Sci-Fi

Posted: 06 Dec 2011 08:52 AM PST

According to a new report from NewZoo, over fourteen million MMO players in North America prefer to play sci-fi or space-themed titles. The report indicates that 27% of all EU MMO players prefer sci-fi and space-themed games as well.

Conquer Online: iPad Version Launches

Posted: 06 Dec 2011 08:32 AM PST

NetDragon has announced that Conquer Online has officially launched its iPad iteration and that the game client is now available on iTunes.

General: Wii U MMO in the Works?

Posted: 06 Dec 2011 08:28 AM PST

Ubisoft Quebec's Emile Gauthier has post on his Twitter account the the gaming company "is working on a NEW AAA MMORPG Game and we need people to fill these very strategic positions".

League of Legends: Frost Queen Janna & Hyene Warwick Screens

Posted: 06 Dec 2011 08:13 AM PST

Riot Games has sent out a half dozen new League of Legends screens. The new images feature Frost Queen Janna and Hyene Warwick's new skins. Check them all out in our League of Legends gallery.

General: 8Realms Beta Giveaway

Posted: 06 Dec 2011 02:39 AM PST

Jagex has partnered with MMORPG.com to give you Early VIP access to their new MMORTS, 8Realms.

General: 8Realms: First-Look Preview

Posted: 05 Dec 2011 08:19 AM PST

Jagex has been hard at work on 8Realms, a browser-based strategy title. Before summarily dismissing 8Realms out of hand, be sure to read our first look preview of a game that is said to "sap Internet users' remaining free time". Leave us a couple of comments when finished!

General: F2P and the 2011 MMOG Market

Posted: 05 Dec 2011 08:46 AM PST

Recently, games research company NewZoo.com released a report that took a closer look at the free to play market and its impact on the overall MMO genre. In The Free Zone today, we give our take on the report and offer a few opinions as well. Check it out and then leave us your thoughts in the comments.

City of Heroes: Freedom Video Review

Posted: 05 Dec 2011 08:27 AM PST

MMORPG.com is committed to bringing our readers innovative and interesting ways to find out about their favorite games. In our latest video review, we take a look at City of Heroes: Freedom. Check out City of Heroes: Freedom Video Review and then let us know what you think in the comments!

Guild Wars 2: Professing on Professions

Posted: 05 Dec 2011 07:52 AM PST

Guild Wars 2 fans have been waiting a LONG time to find out what the final profession will be and it doesn't look like that information is coming in the immediate future either. In today's column devoted to GW2, we opine about what that last profession will be or even what it should be. Check it out and then weigh in with your thoughts in the comments.
Posted by Shri Krishna

General gaming

General gaming

Nippon Ichi Software: Past, Present, Future

Posted: 07 Dec 2011 02:40 AM PST

If you've become a fan of Nippon Ichi Software's work over the past decade, you definitely have Sohei Niikawa to thank for that. The president and CEO of the Gifu, Japan-based developer is also the producer and chief writer on nearly all of their most well-known games, including the Disgaea series and off-kilter PS1 classic Rhapsody: A Musical Adventure.

Being in this position had been Niikawa's dream pretty much his whole life, although he wasn't expecting it to turn out like this. "I applied for work [at NIS] as a game project planner," he recalled in an interview published in this week's Famitsu magazine. "I don't know how to program, and I can't draw or write music, so I really didn't have any technical skills to show off. What I did have, though, was this intense, long-building desire to make games. NIS was only recruiting programmers and designers at the time, and I still wanted to go on as a planner, but in the end I wound up joining the company's sales and PR division."

Pac-Man Creator Discusses How He Got Started

Posted: 07 Dec 2011 02:00 AM PST

The history of Pac-Man and its development cycle -- the drive to attract female gamers, the extremely Japanese name, the flash of inspiration that came from a pizza missing a slice -- is pretty well documented by this point. What hasn't been talked as much about is how the 1980 arcade game's creator, Toru Iwatani, got into the business in the first place. It turns out that, despite the Japanese-ness of Pac-Man Iwatani was driven into the game industry by a love for pinball, an almost completely American invention.

Born in 1955, Iwatani had a penchant for creating little board games and such to amuse himself with since childhood. The turning point for him, however, didn't come until he developed an addition to pinball as a middle-school student. "This was before video games, so in the lounges of bowling alleys and so forth, you'd have pinball," he told Famitsu magazine in an interview published this week. "The art on the tables was always neat, and the way that people stood in front of the machine and played was just really cool to me. There's a simple beauty to the gravitational physics that those games use, something that I think really sung to me as a boy. So I was charmed by pinball all through high school."

Japan Review Check: Final Fantasy XIII-2

Posted: 07 Dec 2011 12:37 AM PST

We're nearing the end of the holiday release window, something that's plain in the smaller-sized review section in this week's issue of Famitsu magazine. The PlayStation Vita hits stores December 17 in Japan, and while the editors review some other titles due out around that date in the current issue, no Vita reviews were printed. A couple of blockbuster reviews were still in the offing, though:

- Final Fantasy XIII-2 (10/10/10/10, 40 points): The 18th game in Famitsu history to land a perfect review score (on both the 360 and PS3 versions, no less). If Famitsu's reviewers can be trusted, then Square Enix has apparently done a fantastic job of improving over the previous FF. "The setting and presentation is fantastic," wrote assistant editor Norihiro Fujiwara, "and the issues people brought up with the first game -- its linearity, its lack of meaty gameplay -- are a thing of the past. You're sucked into the game right from the beginning, and the story's very easy to get into."

Sega Brings Samurai & Dragons to Vita

Posted: 06 Dec 2011 11:59 PM PST

Kingdom Conquest (above), a free-to-play RPG released by Sega for the iOS platform earlier this year, has garnered a lot of positive attention internationally in a relatively short time. Over 1.3 million user accounts have been created worldwide for the title, which mixes dungeon-crawl sequences with strategic bits like resource management and alliances with other players. Now the interal team behind the game -- led by producer Masayoshi Kikuchi -- is working on an upgraded version of Kingdom Conquest for the PS Vita.

Called Samurai & Dragons, the port (first revealed in this week's issue of Famitsu magazine) will retain the core gameplay of the iOS title while updating the graphics and interface for the new system. "It's a game that features two different attractive aspects melded together," Kikuchi told Famitsu. "There's the dungeon-crawling in the action part, and then there's the struggle for territory in the battle part with the cards you've earned and strengthened. Taking over the world is a major goal of the game, but you're also free to keep hacking away in the dungeons if you like."

Six Ways to Build a Better Mario Kart

Posted: 06 Dec 2011 04:36 PM PST

Feature

Header

Six Ways to Build a Better Mario Kart

By borrowing from their competition, Nintendo's racer could go from staid to stellar.

By: Marty Sliva December 6, 2011

If you'd like to find a title that best indicates Nintendo's stubborn aversion towards adapting to the current gaming climate, look no further than Mario Kart 7. It presents itself boldly as a Nintendo product with no regard for changes or advancements that the competition may have employed; and while this pride has led to some of their greatest triumphs, it's also contributed to many of their memorable missteps. As we pointed out in our staff review, there's nothing inherently bad about MK7 -- in fact, many of us still find ourselves playing the game even during this season's deluge of titles. It's just that we've grown weary of the creative rut that the franchise has found itself in over the past few installments.

In order to bring Mario Kart back to its former glory, Nintendo would be wise to take a look back at their competition; after all, it's no secret that traces of Mario Kart DNA can be found in countless titles within the racing genre and beyond. There's no denying that each of the following games took inspiration from the Mario Kart franchise in various amounts, but they did so while also bringing a few unique ideas to the table. Nintendo should take note that being in first place doesn't mean you can't learn a thing or two by checking your rear-view mirror.

Skyrim 1.3 Patch Won't Fix Lingering PS3 Lag

Posted: 06 Dec 2011 02:09 PM PST

Skyrim

Even after downloading the forthcoming version 1.3 patch for Skyrim, PlayStation 3 owners may continue to face the sometimes crippling-lag that prevents the game from being played for long stretches of time.

The issue has been well-documented since Skyrim's release just under a month ago. As players' save game files increase in size, lag becomes a more and more serious problem, particularly for those playing on PS3. The only solution is to restart the system often; in a game that players can spend hours at a time with, that's hardly ideal. And, as many gamers see it, it's an unacceptable workaround after spending $60 to pick up the game they've been waiting years for.

Grand Theft Auto III to Cost $5 on iOS and Android Next Week

Posted: 06 Dec 2011 12:48 PM PST

Grand Theft Auto III iOS

In just over a week's time, one of the most influential games of the last generation of consoles will be playable in its entirety on your phone.

As previously announced, the 10-year anniversary of Grand Theft Auto III's release (it came out on PS2 on October 22, 2001) is being celebrated with the release of it on iOS and Android devices. Only more recent hardware will be capable of running it, at least at launch -- additional support for other devices could come later. For the time being, you'll need one of the following to play it:

Play the New RTS from the Developer of RuneScape, Get a 1UP Flag

Posted: 06 Dec 2011 12:12 PM PST

Those interested in trying out the latest game from the developer of RuneScape can do so beginning today. Jagex Game Studio opened up VIP access for the browser-based 8Realms this morning, but you'll need a code to get in. If you don't already have one, we can get you in with a 1UP-branded in-game flag and a few dollars' worth of in-game currency to help you start out.

Getting in is simple. All you need to do is use this link to sign up. You'll receive the flag pictured below and about $4 in gems, the currency used in-game.

Final Fantasy XIV Subscription-Free Period Ending After More Than a Year

Posted: 06 Dec 2011 10:37 AM PST

Final Fantasy XIV

After more than a year of allowing Final Fantasy XIV owners to play the game online for free, Square Enix is now just a month away from instituting a monthly fee.

The game's free trial period was extended twice last year following its September launch due to the "current state of the game." Subscriptions were then (temporarily) shelved altogether and have not returned in order to keep players from abandoning the game due to what was, by all accounts, a disastrous launch. Major personnel changes were made in November and the PlayStation 3 version was indefinitely delayed as Square Enix promised it would make things right.

Xbox 360 Fall Dashboard Update "Slightly Delayed"

Posted: 06 Dec 2011 09:24 AM PST

Like the UFC app which was dated and then pushed back, the Xbox 360 fall dashboard update slated for release today has been "slightly delayed."

That's according to Xbox Live's director of programming, Larry Hryb, better known as Major Nelson. He tweeted word out this morning about the delay and promised to "have a status update later today." The update had been scheduled to be out this morning.

Posted by Shri Krishna
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