MMORPG Reviews

MMORPG Reviews


Dungeon of Dragons Online has announced the launch date of its first expansion Menace of the Underdark

Posted: 27 Feb 2012 05:25 AM PST

Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment and Turbine is celebrating Dungeons & Dragons Online's 6th anniversary by announcing the launch date and pre-order program for the game's first expansion, Menace of the Underdark, which will launch on June 25, 2012. Starting today, the players can take can take advantage of three special pre-purchase offers to celebrate the [...]

Valiant has started its Open Beta and 2 promotions to celebrate this launch

Posted: 27 Feb 2012 04:18 AM PST

To celebrate the launch of the open beta for the action RPG Valiant, has started two promotions titled, “Like us and win Npoints” and “Level Racing“. The OBT of the game is going to start the 29 of February. - The First Event, Like us and win Npoints starts tomorrow February 28, and ends on [...]

BlackLight Retribution has released a new trailer named “Heavy Metal”

Posted: 27 Feb 2012 01:33 AM PST

Zombie Studios has released a new trailer of Blacklight Retribution that showcase one of the most exciting maps in the game right now, Heavy Metal. Heavy Metal takes place in a top secret experimental technology facility. Multiple levels, walkways and entry points make for intense battles around every corner.

World of Warplanes has started its Global Alpha

Posted: 27 Feb 2012 12:42 AM PST

Wargaming.net, has announced that its flight combat MMO World of Warplanes has entered the next stage in the game’s development. World of Warplanes Global Alpha has started in Europe, North America, and Russia, and will be recruiting a new army of test pilots to assist the development team in improving and polishing the game. Along [...]


General Gaming Article

General Gaming Article


Report: Office 15 to Feature 'Touch Mode'

Posted: 27 Feb 2012 07:22 PM PST

Microsoft reached a key milestone in the development of its popular Office productivity suite when it launched the "Office 15" Technical Preview Program late last month. At this stage, Office 15 (codename) is being tested by "a select group of customers under non-disclosure agreements." However, not everyone seems to be complying with the NDA.
 
One such person with access to the technical preview recently shared an image of the preview version of Word 15 with noted Microsoft watcher Mary Jo Foley. The image reveals the presence of a button for enabling something called "touch mode." While this button is said to be nonfunctional at the moment, Foley's unnamed contact told her that the aim is to let the user switch to a much more touch-friendly UI as and when needed. Of course, it seems to be the only logical explanation for the presence of a "touch mode" button in Office 15 apps.

This button is also visible in a number of screenshots of the technical preview versions of various Office 15 apps that were posted on tech blog The Verge on Thursday, but was overlooked until Foley wrote about it the next day.

Image Credit:ZDNet

Dell Begins Shipping XPS 13 Ultrabook

Posted: 27 Feb 2012 05:07 PM PST

Dell has begun shipping its first ultrabook, making it the latest PC vendor to jump on the ultrabook bandwagon. Announced last month at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, the Dell XPS 13 is now available on the company's website from $999. To sweeten the deal, Dell is offering a complimentary T-Mobile 4G Hotspot device to early adopters. Hit the jump for details.

The XPS 13, which weighs 2.9 lbs and measures 0.71 inches at its thickest point, sports a 13.3-inch, 1366 x 768 display made out of "edge-to-edge hardened Gorilla Glass." Dell, in fact, is marketing the XPS 13 as the most compact 13.3-inch ultrabook yet. The frame is made up of machined-aluminium and carbon fiber. Inside you will find the following:

  • Intel Core i5 2467M and i7 2637M processor choices
  • Intel HD 3000 video graphics
  • 4GB DDR3 SDRAM 1333Mhz memory
  • 128 GB SSD or 256GB SSD drive options
  • Intel Centrino Advanced-N 6230 802.11 A/G/N and Bluetooth 3.0 wireless connectivity[13]
  • High definition audio with Waves MaxxAudio 4
  • Built-in 47WHr 6-cell battery (not replaceable by the customer) with nearly nine hours of battery life; 45W AC  adaptor
  • USB 3.0 (1) + USB 2.0 with PowerShare, mini Display-Port, and headset jack
  • Built-in 1.3MP webcam with dual array digital microphones

As mentioned earlier, the XPS 13 has a starting price of $999. Then there is a $1,299 model that includes 256GB solid-state storage instead of the standard 128GB SSD. The most expensive model costs $1,499 and includes a Core i7 processor in addition to 256GB of solid-state storage. The complimentary T-Mobile 4G Mobile Hotspot is available with all models and includes 90 days of mobile broadband.

Lenovo Dumps Netbooks From Online Store

Posted: 27 Feb 2012 11:04 AM PST

With all the talk about the hot new tablets and smartphones at this year's Mobile World Conference, it's easy to forget about the lowly netbook. Once the cool kid in the computing club, netbooks have suffered an amazing fall from grace, with sales plummeting even faster than Congressional approval ratings. How bad are things for netbooks? About a year ago, Lenovo was pumped about three new netbook offerings. Now, the company has stopped selling netbooks whatsoever on its website, and doesn't know if it will ever offer them online again.

The netbooks that were online have all sold out, and Lenovo spokesman Ray Gorman told PC World that they are "not being replaced in the near future." There's no word on whether or not Lenovo will continue to sell netbooks in stores. (Although, to be fair, Lenovo's IdeaPad S110 "mini notebook" toes the netbook line pretty hard.)

Part of the reasons for Lenovo's decision to dump netbooks: online sales of the company's A1 and K1 tablets are much more brisk. It's the same "tablet killed the netbook" story we've heard over and over again, and we have to say, between the abundance of cheap laptops and the ability to pair tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, the future of netbooks isn't looking so hot. Are any of you diehard netbookers? Why?

Asus Shows Off PadFone Tablet/Smartphone Hybrid, Two New Transformer Tablets

Posted: 27 Feb 2012 10:41 AM PST

Asus is one of the few manufacturers who have been able to carve itself a niche in the Android tablet market, but the company isn't about to rest on its laurels following the successes of the Eee Pad Transformer and Transformer Prime.  Two new Transformer products -- one high end, one low end -- were unveiled today at the Mobile World Conference, the smartphone/tablet/notebook hybrid called the PadFone got hard specs and a release date, and if that wasn't enough, Asus dropped the "Eee" and started calling its tablets plain ol' "Transformer Pad."

First up, the two new tablets are the flagship Transformer Pad Infinity and the more budget-friendly Transformer Pad 300. Both models pack Nvidia's new Tegra 3 proc, although interestingly enough, the 3G/4G models of the Infinity use Qualcomm's energy-efficient "Krait" S4 processor. The 10.1-inch Infinity also sports a Super IPS+ 1920x1200 display, setting a new high water mark for "Oooh, pretty" in tablets. (You can check out more details here.) The $400 Pad 300 sports a normal 1280x800 IPS display and a plastic -- rather than aluminum -- body available in several color choices.

The PadFone is an interesting little beast(s) for people who can't decide whether they need a smartphone, tablet, notebook or some mixture of all three. We'll let Asus' press release describe it for you:

The ASUS PadFone is an incredible 4.3" smartphone featuring a Super AMOLEDqHD display, the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 dual core processor and an ultra-sharp 8-megapixel digital camera with Fuji image processor all wrapped in an exquisite design that is optimized for Google's Android 4.0 operating system. When placed inside the optional PadFone Station, it transforms into a 10.1" tablet with 5 times the battery capacity.

The PadFone offers unmatched versatility via ASUS' proprietary Dynamic Display technology which allows seamless transition between the PadFone and PadFone Station display screens. In addition, the PadFone Station offers an optional keyboard dock that essentially turns the PadFone into an ultraportable computing device.

Do any of these products pique your interest?

Windows Live, Zune Brands Purged From Windows 8

Posted: 27 Feb 2012 10:04 AM PST

The more things change, the more they stay the same, as the old saying goes. The cliché looks to be in full effect in Windows 8. No, Microsoft hasn't suddenly and miraculously decided to drop the contentious-to-some Metro UI for its upcoming operating system, but it will be killing two other branding efforts. Windows Live and Zune are all rumored to be going the way of the Dodo, dropped in favor of Apple-esque simplified program names.

According to The Verge, Windows Live Mail, Windows Live Calendar, Windows Live Photo Gallery and Windows Live Contacts will be replaced by the creatively named Mail, Calendar, Photo and People apps, respectively. Dumbed down for the masses? Sure, but we always thought the "Windows Live" branding seemed a bit superfluous anyways. Windows Live IDs will be shoved off the proverbial cliff as well and replaced with "Microsoft Accounts," a term that grandmothers and other casual users are sure to confuse with standard Windows user accounts.

Zune Music Player and Zune Video Player will be replaced by -- you guessed it -- straightforward Music and Video apps. Zune Pass will stick around, at least for now; reports say Microsoft wants to kill off Zune and Windows Live completely by the end of the year.

The Windows 8 Consumer Preview is barreling towards its February 29th launch at the Mobile World Congress, so you'll be able to see the changes for yourself very, very soon.

Intel Executive Further Confuses Ivy Bridge Situation

Posted: 27 Feb 2012 06:54 AM PST

We've never been so confused about a processor launch date as we are now. Actually, it's Intel that appears the most confuzzled over when exactly Ivy Bridge will make its official debut, as conflicting and incomplete reports continue to surface. The latest we're hearing is that Ivy Bridge is definitely being delayed until June, but let's back up a moment and see if we can make some sense of it all.

News of an Ivy Bridge delay first surfaced a couple of weeks ago when DigiTimes reported it was hearing that Intel was intentionally pushing back Ivy Bridge's launch so OEMs could clear out inventory of Sandy Bridge systems, not to mention giving itself a chance to unload its own stockpile of Sandy Bridge chips. It was said that Intel would launch a few Ivy Bridge processors in early April, as planned, but that mass shipments wouldn't take place until summer.

A follow-up report a week later suggested that DigiTimes was only half correct. The real situation, as reported by VR-Zone, is that Intel only planned to delay dual-core mobile chips built around Ivy Bridge, for reasons listed above. Desktop and quad-core parts would launch as scheduled, or at least that's where we last left off.

Fast forward to today and things aren't looking so rosy...again. Sean Maloney, executive vice president of Intel and chairman of Intel China, has apparently confirmed Ivy Bridge is being delayed until June, the Financial Times reports.

"I think maybe it's June now," Malone is quoted as saying in an interview.

Maloney blamed the delay on the new manufacturing process and said it had nothing to do with a lack of demand. What's not so clear, however, is whether previous reports stating the delay only applies to dual-core mobile parts are correct, though FT (and Maloney) make it sound like all of Ivy Bridge is being put on hold until summer.

HP Reveals (and Pulls) Windows 8 SKUs from Website

Posted: 27 Feb 2012 06:28 AM PST

Once you post something on the Internet, it takes about a nanosecond for it be picked up by a wandering Web surfer with his or her finger on the Print Screen key, let alone Google's Web crawling bots that take cached snapshots of everything it finds. So even though Hewlett-Packard has taken down a couple of driver documents that made references to Windows 8 SKUs, we can still take a peek thanks to a pair of cached copies.

ZDNet's Stephen Chapman said he stumbled upon the driver documents on HP's website while doing some research, both of which relate to drivers for an Alcor Micro Smart Card Reader. What's interesting about these documents is the list of supported OSes, which include various versions of Windows 7, XP, Vista, and Windows 8. Here are the Windows 8 versions outlined in the documents:

  • Windows 8 32 Edition
  • Windows 8 64 Edition
  • Windows 8 Enterprise 32 Edition
  • Windows 8 Enterprise 64 Edition
  • Windows 8 Professional 32 Edition
  • Windows 8 Professional 64 Edition

Could Microsoft be attempting to streamline its Windows 8 SKUs? It sure appears that way. There were only three versions of Windows 8 listed in HP's support documents, each of which comes in 32-bit and 64-bit flavors. There's no mention of a Starter edition or Home Premium, Business, or Ultimate.

It's still early in the game and it's possible HP simply didn't list all versions of Windows 8, but wouldn't it be nice if Microsoft kept it simple?

Orange Squeezes Intel's Medfield Platform into Upcoming Smartphone

Posted: 27 Feb 2012 06:06 AM PST

It's fair to say that Intel has conquered the desktop market and will probably remain on top for a long time to come, but it when it comes to mobile platforms like tablets and smartphones, ARM is the one with a stranglehold on the market. The Santa Clara chip maker has long said it plans to make a serious run at mobile devices, and starting soon, you'll see a bunch of smartphones sporting Intel inside.

One of the first companies to tap into Intel and its Medfield platform is Orange, according to a Reuters report. Orange is France Telecom's mobile division, and it plans to launch a smartphone in France and the U.K. this summer built around Intel's mobile chipset.

The co-branded smartphone is being designed by Intel and will feature its popular 'Intel Inside' logo on the back cover. More important is the fact that Intel is getting involved in a market segment it's left virtually untouched up to this point.

"This is a really big deal for us," Mike Bell, VP and GM of Ultra Mobility at Intel, told Reuters. It's phenomenal that Orange has asked us to participate and put our Intel logo on the back."

Other details about Orange's Intel-powered handset are few and far between at this early stage, though it's being reported the device will run Google's Android platform.

Qualcomm's Snapdragon S4 Processor Goes 'Pro'

Posted: 27 Feb 2012 05:43 AM PST

Mobile World Congress is now in full swing, which means an added emphasis on mobile devices and related technology announcements. One of the more interesting to come out of MWC is Qualcomm's unveiling of its upcoming Snapdragon S4 Pro MSM8960 processor. The S4 Pro adds a bit of graphical kick with an Adreno 320 GPU baked in.

According to Qualcomm, the Adreno 320 GPU offers up to four times better performance, which purportedly pays dividends in everything from simple Web browsing to playing games, and of course smoother scrolling through advanced UIs and improvements to other graphics applications.

"As a result of strong customer demand for Snapdragon S4 processors, we've added a new Pro version of MSM8960 to continue delivering the highest performing mobile processors in the industry," said Cristiano Amon, senior vice president of product management, Qualcomm. "By delivering the S4 Pro processor in 2012, we are fulfilling our promise that Snapdragon processors will remain the industry's barometer for excellence in mobile computing while helping our customers bring the most innovative smartphones and tablets to market."

Adreno 320 brings more multimedia capabilities to Snapdragon, such as computational camera, which gives developers "the ability to tap directly into the computational capability of the Adreno 320 GPU through new APIs like OpenCL," Qualcomm says. The S4 Pro will be capable of more realistic 3D graphic effects though hardware acceleration of advanced rendering features, and it boasts dedicated hardware to accelerate Windows 8. It also fully supports popular game engines from Unity, Epic, and more.

Qualcomm says Snapdragon S4 Pro processors will show up in tablets and notebooks in the second half of 2012.

MMO News

MMO News


Hawken raises over $10 million

Posted: 27 Feb 2012 12:13 PM PST

Venture Beat has released an exclusive report that Meteor Entertainment has raised $10 million for its upcoming MMO, Hawken.

The investors, Venture Beat reports, include Benchmark Capital and First Capital, who also backed Riot Games in creating League of Legends.

Hawken is being developed by Adhesive Games, a development studio belonging to Meteor Entertainment, as a free-to-play mech combat MMO. This is their first title, but has already gained hundreds of thousands of beta sign-ups. For more information about the game, check out our Hawken preview.

49388  420x310 hawken 06

Hawken Gameplay Screenshot


gamigo announces Nexus Conflict

Posted: 27 Feb 2012 11:49 AM PST

Publisher gamigo has announced an upcoming game to their line-up: Nexus Conflict.

Nexus Conflict is a science fiction MMO that takes place in the past of Black Prophecy’s universe setting, and is powered by Unity 3D. Designed as a real-time strategy game, players will take control of a battle cruiser, and battle for control between the Tyi and Genides through PvE and PvP missions. The game will feature a variety of battleships and ship classes, extensive ship configuration, individual skill system, faction territories, and a crafting system.

The game is now accepting closed beta signups at the official website, nexusconflict.gamigo.com.

Nexus Conflict Official Trailer:

Source:

Nexus Conflict: Epic battles in gamigo’s new strategy MMOG

Hamburg, February 27, 2012 – Battles in space aren’t won and lost in the cockpit of a fighter ship, but on the bridge of a mighty battle cruiser! In gamigo’s new tactical real-time strategy game Nexus Conflict, players jump into the past of Black Prophecy’s universe to take command of one of these titans during the height of the Species Wars.

The battles for control of strategic regions are waged in the Nexus – a place where universes are colliding – and fought between the cybernetically optimized Tyi and the genetically perfected Genides. By completing PvP and PvE missions, players can earn improved weapons, stronger shields and other enhancements. Over the course of the game, captains will have access to ships ranging in size from an 80-meter cruiser to a massive battle titan measuring in at 1.5 kilometers in length.
The spectacle of space battle is presented by the powerful Unity 3D graphics engine, thanks to which Nexus Conflict bedazzles with astounding 3D visuals.The game, available as a client game to start with, will also be playable as a browser game in the future. Nexus Conflict is being developed by the German developer studio Limbic Entertainment.

The first beta testing phase is scheduled to start in March. Registration for closed beta testing is open on the game’s official website.

Nexus Conflict’s features at a glance:

  • Stunning graphics both as a client game and in the browser thanks to state-of-the-art Unity 3D technology!
  • Set in the well-known sci-fi universe of Black Prophecy
  • Spectacular strategic battles with gigantic battleships
  • A variety of ship classes, from small frigates to megacruisers
  • Ship system with extensive configuration options
  • Individual skill system
  • PvP, PvE and PvE Co-op missions
  • Conquering and defense of faction territories
  • Crafting system

MMOHut Weekly Recap #75 Feb 26 – Eden Eternal, Sword Girls, Blacklight, & More

Posted: 27 Feb 2012 11:45 AM PST

A quick look and discussion for every major announcement and update during the week! This week we discussed updates from the following games: Eden Eternal, Lucent Heart, Sword Girls, Carte, Divinia, Fallen Earth, Realm of The Mad God, Shadow Company, Microvolts, Tribes, and Blacklight Retribution. The biggest news comes from the MMORPG Eden Eternal. Aeria Games announced the new Ranger class as well as a new level cap of 65 for Eden Eternal. In addition to this players can also expect new PvP maps to play on. All of this content is now live for players to enjoy. You can view all the individual news articles mention over at the MMOHut.com News section.

Crimson Blades cross in Vindictus

Posted: 27 Feb 2012 11:29 AM PST

Vindictus (North America) has released the Crimson Blades update, adding new PvP modes to the game.

The three new modes are Capture the Relic, Monster Brawl, and Triple Monster Brawl. In Capture the Relic, players are charged with competing in an arena to capture relics (instead of flags) with two teams of up to five players each. Monster Brawl pits teams against each other’s monster, which can turn on its own team in its violent rage. Triple Monster Brawl offers three team monsters to vanquish instead of one. All of these modes are available at the dock for players of any level.

New PvP rewards have also been added, including stat-enhancing buff items, monster summon scrolls, and party revival feathers. These rewards can be earned by exchanging Combat Seals or Seals of Enjoyment.

Vindictus is published by Nexon, which also publishes Dragon Nest and Sudden Attack.

49529  420x310 vindictus relic pvp

Relic PvP

Vindictus Gameplay Screenshot

Source:

Brutal Player Versus Player Combat Arrives in Full Force in “Vindictus”

Nexon America unleashes all new ways for players to prove their worth with The Crimson Blades update

Nexon America's award-winning physics-based action MMORPG “Vindictus” has received The Crimson Blades update, which adds a robust player versus player (PvP) combat system to the game. Players will be able to compete against each other in three new game modes: Capture the Relic, Monster Brawl and Triple Monster Brawl.

Capturing a flag is so 2011. In Capture the Relic, two teams consisting of up to five players each compete in an arena to capture the opposing team's Relic, all the while striving to defend their own. Players will need teamwork, fast reflexes and communication with their teammates to emerge victorious.

Players looking for unexpected twists and turns in their PvP experience need look no further than the Monster Brawl mode. Inside a battleground, two teams of players must assault the opposing team's monster. No idle participant, the opposing monster will fight back with vindictive ferocity. The monsters may even turn on their own teams, so combatants are warned to always watch their backs.

Players up for the most intense PvP challenge can sign up for Triple Monster Brawl, a Monster Brawl with three times the danger. After the first opposing monster is defeated, two more will take its place, with victory coming only after all three have been vanquished.

A series of powerful PvP rewards have also been added to "Vindictus," purchased from Royal Army Recruits. After completing a PvP match, players will receive a Combat Seal or a Seal of Enjoyment, which are redeemable for stat-enhancing buff items, monster summon scrolls, party revival feathers and more.

These three new PvP game modes are accessible via the Exploration Boats at the docks, and are available to players of any level.

For more details and to learn more about the latest events in “Vindictus” visit: www.vindictus.com.

Carte – First Look HD

Posted: 27 Feb 2012 11:08 AM PST

To Learn More About the Game, Check out our Carte Page.

Carte is a 2D TCG  published by GamesCampus the same company behind 9 Dragons and Asda 2. Players are able to choose one of five factions and their respective cards to build decks from and compete with and against other players. The game currently is in closed beta Unlike other TCG’s Carte is a downloaded client and is not played on a browser.  The game currently is in closed beta. To learn more about Carte check out the official MMOHut Carte page which includes a detailed review, tons of screenshots, and additional videos.

Dungeons and Dragons Online launches Update 13

Posted: 27 Feb 2012 11:03 AM PST

The Web of Chaos, Dungeons and Dragons Online’s 13th update, has gone live today.

The update introduces three new free quests: The Lords of Dust, Servants of the Overlord, and The Spinner of Shadows. Players can now also start at level 7 in Veteran Status, and two new items – Omnispell Dust and Omnispell Stone – make it easier for casters to save inventory space and manage material components. New items have also been released in the store, including Elemental Touch weapons, the Necklace of Protection, and the Cloak of Resistance.

The content leads into the new expansion for DDO, Menace of the Underdark, which has been announced as having a launch date of June 25. Preorders of the expansion are now being accepted at the game’s official website.

Dungeons and Dragons Online is published by Turbine, which also publishes The Lord of the Rings Online.

49360  420x310 ddo update13 13

Dungeons & Dragons Online Gameplay Screenshot

Source:

Dungeons & Dragons Online – Update 13: Web of Chaos

Serving as the prequel to DDO's upcoming expansion, Menace of the Underdark, Update 13: Web of Chaos brings:

3 New Free Quests

  • The Lords of Dust: The Silver Flame must now contend with an uprising cult! Controlled by the Rakshasas, the cult of the Lords of Dust have one priority – free the ancient demons trapped in Khyber.
  • Servants of the Overlord: Venture deep down into Khyber and fight resistance as you attempt to thwart the Rakshasas from freeing the imprisoned “Spinner of Shadows”!
  • The Spinner of Shadows: Engage in an ambitious battle as you fight to hold off the release of the Spinner of Shadows! Though beware of thinking your task is over, for a menacing journey awaits.

Veteran Status (7)

  • · Now start your new character at level 7 and gain a head start! Earn through favor or purchase in the DDO Store.

New Items

  • · Use the Omnispell Dust and Omnispell Stone in place of the material component of any magic spell. Free up inventory space!

New to the DDO Store

  • Cloak of Resistance – Aid yourself in the defense of magic attacks and traps
  • Necklace of Protection – Increase your armor class by 1
  • +1 Elemental Touch Weapons – A full suite of level 1 weapons are now available

MMO Updates

MMO Updates


Leaderboard: Lockboxes yea vs. lockboxes nay

Posted: 27 Feb 2012 09:00 AM PST

Filed under: , , , ,

Leaderboard
While the concept of lockboxes -- or gift boxes, or super packs, or whatever nomenclature you prefer -- are certainly not new to MMOs, it seems like they're finally making headway into some of the biggest free-to-play titles as of late. From Star Trek Online to Lord of the Rings Online to City of Heroes, studios are making beaucoup bucks from hosting these mystery treasure chests that cost real-world money to acquire or unlock.

Some love them and some despise them, but the truth is that they're incredible moneymakers for companies. But money isn't what Leaderboard is about; we're in search of public opinion. Do lockboxes have an acceptable place in MMOs? Not only would finances seem to suggest so, but the psychology of these goodie bags offer euphoric rushes that normal monster looting does not provide. Sure, maybe it's gambling, but nobody's forcing you to buy them -- and if you do, you're guaranteed to get something somewhat useful, if not incredibly rare.

Should lockboxes be shunned and boycotted from all MMOs? Are they ruining the reputation of F2P and representative of the worst mentality this business model has to offer? Do lockboxes kill koala bears and deforest Brazil? Has a lockbox been the cause of one or more breakups in your dating life?

Let's put it to a vote: lockboxes yea or lockboxes nay? Keep in mind that if you've spent money on one or more in a game, then you don't want to come across as hypocritical in this poll!

Continue reading Leaderboard: Lockboxes yea vs. lockboxes nay

MassivelyLeaderboard: Lockboxes yea vs. lockboxes nay originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 27 Feb 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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    Guild Wars 2 beta signups peaked at 4,000 a minute

    Posted: 27 Feb 2012 08:00 AM PST

    Filed under: , , ,

    Guild Wars 2
    Last week we brought you the news ArenaNet had received over a million signups for the Guild Wars 2 beta. In a press release today, that success was further clarified with an impressive statistic: during peak periods of the signup, the company recorded more than 4,000 signups a minute. That seems to be a huge testament to player's anticipation of the upcoming MMO, if the feat of achieving 1,000,000 tester signups in just under 50 hours wasn't cool enough.

    The press release also contained some details about future tests, saying that the next bout of closed beta testing will come in late March and "will provide players with an opportunity to experience its deep RPG game elements, epic World v. World battles and inviting social gameplay while helping the team load test the servers." According to a blog post from January, this will be followed up by larger events in April leading up to the eventual and long-awaited release.

    [Source: NCsoft press release]

    MassivelyGuild Wars 2 beta signups peaked at 4,000 a minute originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 27 Feb 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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      New Korean MMO Bless reveals English website

      Posted: 27 Feb 2012 07:00 AM PST

      Filed under: , , ,

      Bless - Archer and warrior vs. big lion thing
      Stop us if you're heard this one before. There's a new MMO coming out of Korea. It's drop-dead gorgeous, it's built on the latest version of the Unreal engine, and it features fantasy armor that doesn't leave much to the imagination.

      No it's not Aion, or even TERA. The new kid on the block is called Bless, and though we told you about the game back in October, it's taken Neowiz a while to come up with an English website. That website is now live (though it does take forever and a day to load). The site features a trailer, a few screenshots and character concepts, and brief snippets of lore that seem to indicate two factions (Cosmopolis and Hierapolis).

      We've heard a rumor that Neowiz has more than 150 developers working on the project, some of whom worked on Aion, TERA, and Lineage II. We'll bring you more on the new title as it becomes available.

      MassivelyNew Korean MMO Bless reveals English website originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 27 Feb 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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        MV Guide: February 27 - March 4, 2012

        Posted: 27 Feb 2012 06:00 AM PST

        Filed under: , , , ,

        Wizard101
        MV Guide is a weekly rundown of the MMO gaming events planned on Massively TV.

        Every week, the Massively staff logs in to play various MMOs live and in person, and we'd love for you to drop by the channel and visit. We have a combination of regular weekly games and new surprises, so you'll find a variety of titles to take a look at. During our streamed events, you can participate in the live chat, ask questions to learn about the game, and simply spend some time with Massively staff and readers. (Of course, streaming is subject to the whims of outside forces like server-side gremlins once in a while.)

        Follow along after the jump to see what's on this week's schedule!

        Continue reading MV Guide: February 27 - March 4, 2012

        MassivelyMV Guide: February 27 - March 4, 2012 originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 27 Feb 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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          DDO's Menace of the Underdark releasing June 25th, opens up pre-orders

          Posted: 27 Feb 2012 05:15 AM PST

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          DDO Menace of the Underdark
          Speaking of Guinness World Records for video games, I wonder whether Dungeons and Dragons Online would be eligible for "Longest time between game release and launch of its first expansion?" Six years may just be the longest we've ever witnessed, as DDO released in 2006, and it wasn't until 2012 that Menace of the Underdark was revealed. The good news is that come June 25th, the drought will be over.

          We asked Turbine why now seemed like a good time for an expansion. The devs said that Atari had made some noise back in the day about one, but it never came to fruition. With the success of free-to-play, Turbine wanted to see whether the expansion model was still viable, so Lord of the Rings Online was chosen as a test subject. When Rise of Isengard became the best-selling expansion for the company, the company felt secure letting DDO have a chance, although there was quite a lot of wrangling with Wizards of the Coast about the details and permissions.

          Record or no, it's an exciting event for DDO players, and the today, Turbine has announced the two biggest details for the expansion's schedule. The first is that Menace of the Underdark has a release date, and the second is the opening of pre-orders. Read on to get all of the juicy infos.

          Continue reading DDO's Menace of the Underdark releasing June 25th, opens up pre-orders

          MassivelyDDO's Menace of the Underdark releasing June 25th, opens up pre-orders originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 27 Feb 2012 08:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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            The Daily Grind: Should players get a vote on content?

            Posted: 27 Feb 2012 05:00 AM PST

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            Glitch
            Nevermind games with complicated player councils -- TinySpeck's browser sandbox Glitch puts the power in the hands of the people. The game is free-to-play and back in beta, but once the game relaunches, those who've subscribed can make use of their accrued benefits, which include up to five votes per month in dev-led referenda on the game's content. Players can save their votes up and then cast them all at once or one at a time on whatever issues they feel deserve prioritization, although it's the devs, not the players, who will decide what each referendum entails.

            So what do you think -- is it a good idea to let players vote (or pay to vote) on what content makes it into a game?

            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: Should players get a vote on content? originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 27 Feb 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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              MMO Week in Review: One million served

              Posted: 26 Feb 2012 05:00 PM PST

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              GW2 screenie
              At the end of every week, we round up the best and most popular news stories, exclusive features, and insightful columns published on Massively and then present them all in one convenient place. If you missed a big MMO or WoW Insider story last week, you've come to the right post.

              One million eager players signed up to test Guild Wars 2 during ArenaNet's two-day closed beta blitz this week. Whether those one million will be invited to the actual test is still unknown, but while you wait, there are plenty of GW2 snacks to nibble. Why not check out our closed beta impressions, the latest Flameseeker Chronicles, our video guide to crafting, and the latest on the game's anti-queue overflow servers?

              This week's other top MMO stories are just behind the cut!

              Continue reading MMO Week in Review: One million served

              MassivelyMMO Week in Review: One million served originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 26 Feb 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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                CCP: DUST will offer a 'more intuitive' EVE experience

                Posted: 26 Feb 2012 04:00 PM PST

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                DUST 514 - Merc from cinematic
                Rock, Paper Shotgun has a new interview with CCP CEO Hilmar Petursson and CMO David Reid. The pair have a few interesting nuggets to share about DUST 514 and EVE Online, as well as how the two games are related.

                Petursson says that initially, DUST mercenaries will not be riding the proverbial space elevator into orbit to parlay with their capsuleer counterparts in EVE. As in the eight-year-old spaceship MMO, though, the design will evolve and change, and "the two experiences are going to be more and more crafted over time."

                The interview also also posits that DUST's accessible shooter design may lead new players into the world of New Eden in spite of EVE Online's legendary learning curve. "EVE is a very particular type of experience, made for people who want to commit a lot of energy to have a game experience like that," Petursson explains. "Over the years we've seen a lot of people interested in the EVE universe, the single shard and the political drama, but [they] might not be particularly looking for an experience like the game itself. We see DUST as a way to allow people to participate in this universe by offering them a more intuitive, familiar, speedier, quicker, shorter time-commitment type of experience."

                MassivelyCCP: DUST will offer a 'more intuitive' EVE experience originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 26 Feb 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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                EVE Evolved: Setting the universe on fire

                Posted: 26 Feb 2012 03:00 PM PST

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                EVE Evolved title image
                This week CCP Games announced the name and focus of EVE Online's upcoming summer expansion. The Inferno expansion aims to re-invigorate PvP with some long overdue gameplay changes. CONCORD-sanctioned wars will be iterated on for the first time in half a decade, and faction warfare will hopefully be getting the updates it should have received in 2008. Following on from the success of the Crucible expansion with its hundreds of small features and gameplay changes, Inferno will also contain dozens of small gameplay changes, usability fixes, and minor improvements.

                We'll hear more about DUST 514 in the coming months as CCP reveals more concrete details of the game's link to EVE Online and the motivations behind planet-bound wars. Incarna fans will apparently also see some movement, with Team Avatar focusing on avatar-based updates for this release. While Inferno is a rather uninspired name and coincidentally would make three of the last four expansions start with the word "in," the expansion's content is genuinely exciting. Fundamental changes are coming to EVE's PvP mechanics for the first time in several years. CCP hasn't revealed the exact changes, but that hasn't stopped players from speculating on what might be heading their way.

                In this week's EVE Evolved, I speculate on the changes coming in the upcoming Inferno expansion and what changes I think might be coming to EVE's PvP.

                Continue reading EVE Evolved: Setting the universe on fire

                MassivelyEVE Evolved: Setting the universe on fire originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 26 Feb 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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                  League of Legends reveals Fiora, The Grand Duelist

                  Posted: 26 Feb 2012 12:00 PM PST

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                  League of Legends title image
                  If you're fed up with all the recent mage champions added to League of Legends, you'll be happy to know that the next champion due to hit the scene is a true melee carry. Fiora is a competent initiator able to dash around a teamfight picking off fleeing heroes. Fiora's passive causes her to regenerate health every time she hits a target, stacking up to four times if the target is an enemy hero. Her first move, Lunge, is a double-dash that can be used to land a hit and escape, chase down a fleeing target, or initiate teamfights.

                  As if that weren't enough mobility, Burst of Speed gives bonus movement speed for every basic attack or lunge that hits while it's active. Burst of Speed also provides an attack speed boost, and its cooldown resets if Fiora kills an enemy champion. Riposte gives Fiora a massive attack damage buff, causing the next basic attack or spell against her to be reflected back at the attacker. Fiora's ultimate, Blade Waltz, makes her rapidly bounce between nearby enemies, slashing each one for physical damage. Fiora is invulnerable during the move, but could easily be counter-attacked when it ends.

                  MassivelyLeague of Legends reveals Fiora, The Grand Duelist originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 26 Feb 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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