MMORPG Blog: Online Games MMO

Path of Exile reveals the Shadow

System Requirements

Moonlight Online System Requirements

Coming Soon . . .

Posted: 07 May 2012 03:57 PM PDT

Path of Exile has revealed its sixth character class, the Shadow.

In an exclusive with RockPaperShotgun, the Shadow is revealed as a silent stalker who uses traps, dark magic, and mutilation to silence their enemies forever, execution style. Players will be able to focus on speed, leech the lives of their enemies, freeze his enemies, become more deadly at low life, and more, depending on how they choose to specialize.

Path of Exile will also be hosting a public stress test this weekend from 5pm (Pacific) May 11 until midnight May 13.

Path of Exile Gameplay Screenshot

Source:

The Path of Exile servers will be open for public access from 5pm Friday (May 11) to 11:59pm Sunday (May 13), Pacific Daylight Time for our second Public Stress Test Weekend. Our new character class, the Shadow will be available for everyone to play. We look forward to seeing you there!

Emobi Games announces 2112

Posted: 07 May 2012 03:46 PM PDT

Emobi Games, a Vietnamese game developer, has announced the development of a free-to-play MMO called 2012.

Set currently to release on December 21, 2012, 2112 is designed to combine base defense with real time strategy and branching customization. The game is set in a futuristic war between the humans and two alien races who battle over Herani, an energy source that allows humanity to explore the depths of space like never before. Players will be able to choose between the three races, research and develop new Herani technologies, place forward bases, build resource points, upgrade fortresses, and build an army out of a variety of units to secure their place in space.

Emobi Games also developed 7554.

2112 Concept Art

Source:

EMOBI GAMES ANNOUNCES NEW MMO WITH RTS, BASE DEFENSE AND MOBA FEATURES

VIETNAM – May 7, 2012– Emobi Games announces the development a massively multiplayer online (MMO) PC game titled 2112. Tentatively set for a December 21, 2012 release date, 2112 is a MMO that combines the intriguing game-play of the base defense games with the visceral action of real time strategy (RTS) with deep branching customization that come together in an epic storyline.

2112 tells a futurist story of intergalactic war between the human race and two mysterious alien races. Humans have discovered Herani, a powerful energy source that they have been able to harness for the use of deep space travel. The energy source allows humans to develop ships that are able to withstand the rigors of intergalactic voyages and travel at high speeds previously unimaginable. But this new discovery and the ability for intergalactic travel comes with direr consequences and as the human race boldly goes where it has never gone before, it attracts the attention of alien species who wish to possess this new source of energy at any cost. War breaks out and the race to not only survive but possess the Herani power source.

"The gaming industry is rife with innovation therefore it's not easy to make a game that can truly be labeled as unique. We would love that label and we are feverously working toward making 2112 a completely different experience from all competitors. Our efforts include a deep branching Campaign and Quest system that will help create long lasting wars as well as providing endless choices and strategy options found in PvP modes," said Nguyen Tuan Huy, Director of Emobi Games.

In 2112, players can choose to play as any of the three races. Players must research new technologies made from Herani to provide their army with an upper hand on the battlefield. From strategically placing forward bases for upcoming assaults, build upon resource point locations to block an enemy's tactical advance, to upgrading fortresses to better repeal an invading force's attack. Players will have a full range of defensive structures and offensive units and weapons to choose from and upgrades.

2112 will run on free to play model, so every gamers can try it at no cost. For more information about 2112 please visit http://www.game2112.com.

ChangYou announces Renaissance Heroes

Posted: 07 May 2012 02:33 PM PDT

Renaissance Heroes has been announced by ChangYou, publishers of Dragon Oath and Sword Girls.

Renaissance Heroes (once known as DaVinci Online, and developed by Bridea, creators of Huxley) is a first-person shooter, set in an alternate-universe world of 16th century Renaissance Europe. Utilizing the Unreal Engine 3, Renaissance Heroes will support up to 12 players per match, a ranking system, playable heroes, over 100 achievements, and Renaissance-inspired weaponry. The game promises to offer “old school, arena-styled FPS gameplay.”

Closed beta is expected to launch this summer.

Renaissance Heroes Gameplay Screenshot

Source:

ChangYou (US) Announces Renaissance Heroes
Fast-paced Online FPS Set in 16^th Century Brings Back Classic Multiplayer Action

SANTA CLARA, CA (May 3, 2012) – ChangYou.com (US) Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of ChangYou.com Ltd. (NASDAQ: CYOU) and a leading publisher of online interactive entertainment in North America, today announced Renaissance Heroes, a brand new online multiplayer first-person shooter (FPS). The game is set in the beautifully re-imagined world of the 16^th century Renaissance Europe, and is expected to launch its closed beta phase in summer 2012.

ChangYou is teaming up with Bridea, the creative minds behind Huxley, to bring Renaissance Heroes to FPS fans in North America. The game, previously known as “DaVinci Online,” combines classic multiplayer action with unparalleled visual realism powered by the Unreal Engine 3 technology to deliver the fun of fast-action shooters to a new generation of gamers. Renaissance Heroes invites players of all skill levels to experience the adrenaline-pumping action coupled with easy accessibility in a completely free to play environment later this year.

“We’re excited to be collaborating with Bridea on Renaissance Heroes,” said Dirk Metzger, VP of Publishing at ChangYou.com (US), Inc. “The team understands what it takes to create an awesome online multiplayer action game, and Renaissance Heroes represents the kind of unique, quality free-to-play games ChangYou is committed to publishing in the North American market.”

“Renaissance Heroes is all about old school, arena-styled FPS gameplay,” said Michael Powers, Senior Producer at ChangYou.com (US), Inc. “Whether you’re a long-time FPS player or just looking for a great, fun way to blow off steam, this game offers all the intense action of the classic shooters.”

Renaissance Heroes takes place in an alternative history in which famed inventor Leonardo da Vinci has created a machine that could change the world. In the wake of his death, the plans for the mysterious invention have been scattered, and warring factions vie to claim them. Features of the game include:
The beautifully re-imagined world of the 16^th century Renaissance period powered by the advanced Unreal Engine 3 technology with characters, weaponry and locales all elegantly designed to reflect the regal atmosphere of the time.
Competitive multiplayer environments of up to 12 players, including popular game modes such as Deathmatch, Team Deathmatch and Capture the Flag. The game features a comprehensive ranking system as well as over 100 unlockable achievements!
A roster of playable heroes, each with their own unique visuals and abilities to suit different play styles.
An arsenal of over a dozen of Renaissance-inspired weaponry familiar to any FPS fan. Snipe opponents from a distance with the crossbow or crush them at close range with a battle hammer.
Enhanced A.I. bots, in-game currency and experience reward system provide challenges to level up your character.

For more information on Renaissance Heroes and to sign up for the upcoming closed beta test, please visit the official website at www.RenaissanceHeroes.com.

Illyriad goes Organic – questions and answers

Posted: 07 May 2012 02:03 PM PDT

On April 23, Illyriad switched its world biology from a random generator to a new “organic” model.

Before, animals and troops were distributed randomly on the map; these have now been changed to follow a more logical model that follows animal habitats, breeding, and migration. This new system tracks over 1,500 variables and thousands of non-player populations and player interactions.

As a step in the growth of Illyriad, which will also include development of the NPC Factions system and a redesign of trade and economics, this change has warranted an FAQ from Illyriad, who explains the changes in depth:

Q: Illyriad’s new release changes the way that non-player characters behave in the game world. So is this an Artificial Intelligence upgrade?

James Niesewand, creator of Illyriad: It isn’t simply about having some artificial intelligence routines. We’ve built an organic intelligence system which allows us to model Mother Nature at a macro level, using fuzzy rules rather than scripted intelligence. Rather than have us seed the world with random groups of animals, armies, and so on, all with scripted behaviours, we have settled populations on the world, and built systems that influence their movement, breeding, aggression, and so on.

Q: Is this a system that the developers are particularly pleased with?

James: Pleased? To some extent, yes. We have some very cool maths here, and programmers like maths. But mainly, we’re excited. We don’t know of any other browser games that are attempting this kind of organic system. We’re using maths to simulate nature itself, which is a big deal for any game. And because our wonderfully unpredictable players are part of the system, because their actions have such a big impact, we have no idea what the exact consequences will be. That’s pretty exciting!

Q: In practical terms, how will this show itself to the players?

James: The first thing that players will notice with the animal populations, is that they now move around the map, with their herds or packs growing as they breed, and then dividing to form new populations. It will take longer for the depth of the logic to become apparent.

Q: What sort of behaviour will become apparent after that?

James: Players will soon notice that different animal populations thrive in specific biomes, regions and terrains. Migration patterns will develop organically, and will change as the players’ behaviours change. Of course population levels will be impacted by the players’ behaviours: the players are part of the system. So, as an example, without player intervention, if a pack or herd strays into territory where food is scarce, they will start to die off. And with player intervention there could be radical impacts on the populations of individual species, for example through over-hunting or player settlements.

Q: And in the longer term?

James: Illyriad’s world operates on a real annual cycle, so it will be a while before seasonal animal migrations become apparent, for example. Beyond that, there may be extreme impacts on the populations and distributions of different species, but as developers even we don’t know what the outcomes will be.

Q: How can the developers not know what the results will be?

James: Because we aren’t scripting specific behaviours, where we know that a chain of events will unfold. We’re creating a framework and then unleashing an intelligence within that. Since the players are part of that system, and we have no wish to control our players’ actions, we don’t know how it will unfold.

Q: What are the limitations of the system?

James: We’ve limited ourselves in two ways.

First, there’s no point simulating factors that the players can’t hope to understand. For example, it will make intuitive sense if animals tend to drift away from heavily populated areas, or if aggressive animals attack defenceless prey, or if populations are reduced by over-hunting, yes? But if we started to invisibly simulate the movements of prey animals that aren’t on the map, like rabbit populations for wolves to feed on, then we’d be introducing what would look like randomness – and that won’t make the game a more interesting place, just a more perplexing one.

Second, there are some hard and fast constraints. So, we do not allow extinction events. Players’ hunting and NPC interactions can massively vary species’ populations, but no species will ever be wiped out entirely. In the future players will need access to certain animal populations for different reasons, so, however zealous players may be in trying to eradicate certain species, they will never be entirely successful.

Q: So what is next for Illyriad? Is this organic system something that future releases will build on?

A: Certainly we will be building on this organic foundation. But we want to watch how it develops, what consequences emerge, before we build on or tinker with it. So the next couple of releases will be expanding other areas of Illyriad.

Illyriad Gameplay Screenshot

Source:

Illyriad Goes Organic
April23rd 2012; London, UK: From today, acclaimed Free-to-Play Strategy game, Illyriad, will switch from a randomly-generated world biology, to an organic and emergent model.
Simplistic random distributions of animals and troops have been replaced with a coherent, logical model, encompassing different animal habitats, breeding, and migration. The mathematics behind the calculations include over 1,500 variables, and the game database tracks thousands of non-player populations, whose numbers and attitudes will be determined by players’ interactions with them.
"The depth of Illyriad has always been important to us as developers, just as it has been important to our players, and has been noted by the press," explains Illyriad’s founder, James Niesewand.
"So we wanted the non-player populations to behave sensibly, and organically, in response to players’ actions. As an example, animal populations in Illyriad have previously appeared randomly; now, each pack or herd of animals will be tracked in real time, its population increasing over time, and the pack splitting when the population grows to a certain point. Players will be able to dramatically impact the sizes of animal populations, which will have multiple consequences."
These changes are not only an evolution in the design of strategy games. They are also an important step in the growth of Illyriad itself, a necessary precursor to an overhauled trade and economic system, and further development of the NPC Factions systems, expected later this year.
Illyriad’s latest release, including organic animal populations, and other features, goes live from today.

Illyriad

Posted: 07 May 2012 01:51 PM PDT

Illyriad offers players a browser-based, free-to-play city building RTS. The world offers you a great many challenges as you build an empire from the ground up. Will you focus on trade, becoming an important part of the flow of goods? Perhaps a war-like city state or even an information network. Join with others, or forge your own path as you quest, scout, raid, and conquer.

Publisher: Illyriad Games
Playerbase: ??
Graphics: Medium
Type: MMORTS
EXP Rate: ??
PvP: Enabled
Filesize: N/A

Pros: +Very in-depth for a browser RTS. +Different styles of play to suit different players. +Large variety of troops, tactics and magic to choose from.

Cons: -May seem generic to most. -Limited information available.

Overview

Illyriad Overview

Illyriad is an in-depth browser RTS that gives players a wide range of playstyles. The game features hundreds of different troop types, from infantry and archers, to cavalry and siege engines. However, players are also free to establish themselves as a trade kingdom, or even utilize a spy network instead. With multiple races to choose from, and nearly a hundred factions vying for control of the country, there is plenty of ways to play the game.

Illyriad Screenshots

Illyriad Featured Video

Full Review

Illyriad Full Review

Coming Soon…

Screenshots

Illyriad Screenshots

Coming Soon…

Videos

Illyriad Videos

Illyriad Two Year Anniversary Dev Chat

Links

Illyriad Links

Requiem offers new browser celebration events

System Requirements

Illyriad System Requirements

Coming Soon . . .

Posted: 07 May 2012 11:20 AM PDT

Gravity Interactive has launched new events to celebrate the browser version of Requiem.

All players (web client or full client) will earn a 40% experience bonus when logged in, which will stack with all premium items. Players can also earn up to three chances to win a $100 Amazon.com gift card. Players can also go collecting pieces of the Nightmare Accessory Sets in Nightmare Crescent, and by collecting two to eight of these components, they will be entered to win in another raffle with gaming gear, WarpPoints, and in-game items as prizes.

A GM Hide and Seek event will reward 500 WP and 5 Gift Boxes to players who take a screenshot of a GM and post it on the Requiem Facebook Page. Finally, a new 4v4 Battlefield Tournament (for characters above level 69) will take place.

Gravity Interactive also publishes Ragnarok Online and Dragon Saga.

Requiem Gameplay Screenshot

Source:

REQUIEM SCARES UP TWO CONTESTS
EXP Bonuses, PVP Sweepstakes, And Much More!
Marina del Rey, California – May 07, 2012 – Gravity Interactive, a publisher of exciting massive multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPGs), today launch two simultaneous contests for the browser version of their popular dark-fantasy MMO title, Requiem, which players can now enjoy right in their web browsers courtesy of the Kalydo service (http://www.kalydo.com/). Players both new and old have the opportunity to win some of the sweetest prizes yet on the official website at http://www.playrequiem.com/.
Whether beginning a new character or already an established player, Gravity has a treat in store for you. All users will be treated to a 40% EXP bonus when logged in using the web client or the full client. This bonus stacks will all premium items including pets and scrolls for the biggest boon found in Requiem yet! Use this time to build your character, preparing for the PVP sweepstakes. Win up to three entries into a drawing for a $100 Amazon.con gift certificate.
One does not simply retire from Requiem. All inactive characters will be welcomed back with open arms, and their own competition. Go hunting for loot in Nightmare Crescent to gather the ingredients for crafting new Nightmare Accessory Sets. Collect from two to eight of these coveted components for a chance to win prizes including gaming gear, WP (WarpPoints), and other in-game items!
All players should keep their eyes peeled for GMs during the Hide and Seek event. Snap a screenshot beside any of the GMs, post it on the Requiem Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/playrequiem, to win 500 WP and 5 Gift Boxes. Then join with three allies for the 4 vs. 4 Battlefield Tournament, open to all characters level 69 and above.

C9 Global PVP Tournament takes next step

Posted: 07 May 2012 10:56 AM PDT

Webzen has announced the start of the registration for the first C9 (Continent of the Ninth) Global PvP Tournament.

Yesterday (May 6), the C9 Tournament Registration Test came to an end. Today, and until May 9, players can now register for the actual tournament. The tournament will begin on May 16.

The top two qualifying teams will go to Los Angeles to compete in the finals at E3, for a chance at a $10,000 grand prize.

During the tournament, the final closed beta test will take place and the new class, Berserker, will be revealed.

Webzen also publishes Archlord and Mu Online.

51281 420x310 c9 championship tournament

C9 Championship Promotional Artwork

Source:

The '2012 C9 Championship Tournament' is One Step Closer to $10,000
WEBZEN Inc. (WWW.WEBZEN.COM), the Next Generation of Free-to-Play Online Games, announced the finale of the Tournament Registration Test for their Action RPG 'C9 (Continent of the Ninth Seal)' and has begun preparation for the first Global PVP Tournament.

Last May 6^th, the C9 Tournament Registration Test had come to an end after a month of non-stop action. To continue action, registration for the online tournament has started and will continue until May 9^th(PDT).

The online tournament that starts on May 16^th(PDT) will determine the final top 2 qualifying teams that will head on to Los Angeles, U.S.A. where the first official offline tournament finals will be held. Only one team will be victorious and win a grand prize of $10,000 (USD).

Currently among the registrations, there are many teams with diverse backgrounds. Some have experience in other competitive tournaments, while others are e-sports teams from ESL, or guilds from other well-known MMORPGs, masters of action games, and more. However, all have one thing in common; the goal to win the final grand prize.

Jihun Lee, Head of Global Publishing, said, "During the 2012 C9 Championship Final, the producer and developers of C9 will join us to add to the excitement." Also he said, "We hope to see many participants for online tournament that will build the excitement for the finals in June.

Meanwhile, C9 will have its Final CBT during the online tournament and reveal the new class, Berserker. The Berserker is an advanced class from the elite fighter and has the most powerful attacks using its two handed sword.

More information about the Action RPG 'C9' can be found at the official Facebook community (www.facebook.com/C9Webzen) and website (c9.webzen.com).

Loark

Posted: 04 May 2012 05:57 PM PDT

Loark is a 2.5D action-adventure game. Players adventure in various maps, defeating monsters and gaining gold, loot, and experience. Choose between a Charmer, Giant, and Shaman, and use your skills to defeat your opponents. Engage in fast and intense PvP with various maps, all chosen randomly throughout play. Loark is easy to pick up, play, and enjoy.

Publisher: Clap Along
Playerbase: ??
Graphics: Low
Type: MMORPG
EXP Rate: ??
PvP: Yes, random maps.
Filesize: N/A

Pros: +Simple, intuitive gameplay. +Action-oriented. +Variety of skills and abilities.

Cons: -Too much like other action MMOs. -Limited information available.

Overview

Loark Overview

Loark is similar to games like Mythos and Diablo, being a 2.5D top don experience. Players choose from one of three classes, and use their unique skills and abilities in monster filled maps. Along the way, you will gather loot and coin. Weapons can be upgraded through the game’s Morale system, which gives them more and more power to defeat opponents. Every five minutes, the game determines one map that is an evil zone, where players can freely PvP each other.

Loark Screenshots

Loark Featured Video

Full Review

Loark Full Review

Coming Soon…

Screenshots

Loark Screenshots

Coming Soon…

Videos

Loark Videos

Official Loark Trailer

Links

Loark Links

System Requirements

Loark System Requirements

Coming Soon . . .

MilMo

Posted: 04 May 2012 05:06 PM PDT

MilMo is an adventure MMO played right in your browser. Explore an island world full of surprises, finding hidden tokens to create amazing items and weapons. Create your own avatar, using a huge selection of clothes, armor, haircuts, and more. Discover an epic storyline, filled with action, mystery, and intrigue as you engage enemies in fast paced combat.

Publisher: Junebud AB
Playerbase: ??
Graphics: Medium
Type: MMORPG
EXP Rate: ??
PvP: No
Filesize: N/A

Pros: +Action gameplay in a browser game. +Many customization options. +Quest driven.

Cons: -Designed for younger players. -Limited information available.

Overview

MilMo Overview

In MilMo, you get to explore a 3D island full of hidden places and interesting locations. Your avatar is fully customizable, down to the clothes you wear and the expression on your face. The game is a quest driven experience, however, you’re also free to roam around the island to discover new things. The game rewards exploration with Exploration Tokens, which can be used to craft items.

MilMo Screenshots

MilMo Featured Video

Full Review

MilMo Full Review

Coming Soon…

Screenshots

MilMo Screenshots

Coming Soon…

Videos

MilMo Videos

Official MilMo Trailer

Links

MilMo Links

Leaderboard: Gaming on desktops vs. laptops

System Requirements

MilMo System Requirements

Coming Soon . . .

MMO Updates

Leaderboard: Gaming on desktops vs. laptops
ClassRealm MMO rewards kids for being good students
Wargaming.net looking to conquer Korea
Looking at the brighter Moria in Lord of the Rings Online
Phantasy Star Online 2 producer reveals new planet, open beta details
City of Steam goes into alpha testing this July
Guild Wars 2 fan compares new game map to original
MV Guide: May 7 - 13, 2012
The Daily Grind: How far would you go for cosmetic gear?
MMO Week in Review: Seen any elves?
EVE Evolved: Nine years of EVE Online
One Shots: Sequelizin'
Design your own robots with upcoming MMO Panzer Pets
League of Legends runs Make-A-Wish charity campaign

Posted: 07 May 2012 10:00 AM PDT

Filed under: Polls, Culture, Opinion, Miscellaneous, Leaderboard

I have both a desktop and laptop computer that I use regularly. My desktop is my mainstay; a gaming fortress with loads of power and storage space with a 22" screen. My laptop is the best portable gaming machine that $650 could buy, which was surprisingly quite a lot. While it doesn't have the muscle of my desktop, it will run most everything just fine -- and let me do so while I'm reclining on the couch, in bed, or in line at the DMV (their wifi is awesome).

It strikes me that there's no gold standard when it comes to gaming platforms for MMOs. Excluding mobile and console devices for the moment, I'm vastly curious how many of you prefer to game on a desktop or a laptop. Do you enjoy the extra bang for the buck that desktop machines give you, or is your trusty laptop with its size and portability all the technology you'll ever need?

Let's hash it out on the Leaderboard today: Is it better to go with a gaming desktop or laptop? Vote after the jump and then back up your opinion in the comments!

Continue reading Leaderboard: Gaming on desktops vs. laptops

Leaderboard: Gaming on desktops vs. laptops originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 07 May 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

ClassRealm MMO rewards kids for being good students

Posted: 07 May 2012 09:30 AM PDT

Filed under: Culture, Game mechanics, MMO industry, News items, Kids, Family, Miscellaneous

Who says video games are bad for you? Not Ben Bertoli, a sixth grade teacher from Indiana who has built an MMO called ClassRealm that has students, teachers, and administrators singing his praises.

Kotaku reports that the game is basically an experience point system that rewards kids for being studious and helping their classmates. There's also an achievement system and classes and races that include wizards, zombies, ninjas, and vampires. Bertoli initially started with something approximating a Google document, but has since moved on to full-blown graphics and an app that works on mobile devices as well as laptops and PCs.

Bertoli has partnered with a computer engineer, a graphic designer, and an illustrator to fully flesh out the project, and there's also a Kickstarter campaign in case you want to contribute. Bertoli and company are currently slaving away on ClassRealm in their spare time, but the rewards are well worth it. "If [kids are] struggling in a certain thing, but they are pushing hard because they want the XP, or an achievement, and then suddenly it clicks, seeing that happen is really rewarding. The student feels like, 'I was going for XP, but now I am happy that I learned something,'" Bertoli explains.

ClassRealm MMO rewards kids for being good students originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 07 May 2012 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Wargaming.net looking to conquer Korea

Source: Kotaku

Posted: 07 May 2012 09:00 AM PDT

Filed under: Historical, Business models, MMO industry, News items, War, Free-to-play, World of Tanks

One of these days we're going to write a story about how Wargaming.net has colonized another planet and is busy converting its indigenous population into fiendishly addicted action MMO players. Today, though, the company is settling for Korea.

The month of May brings the latest territorial expansion for the firm's ubiquitous World of Tanks brand as well as a new Korean office. "We are proud to announce that Wargaming.net is just a couple of steps away from establishing its Korean presence," says CEO Victor Kislyi. "Now that we're fully prepared to meet [the] high expectations of the Korean gaming community, I don't see any reasons for World of Tanks not to become a success."

Wargaming.net launched World of Tanks in 2011. The company is currently conducting global alpha tests for its World of Warplanes followup as well as developing World of Battleships.

[Source: Wargaming.net press release]

Wargaming.net looking to conquer Korea originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 07 May 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Looking at the brighter Moria in Lord of the Rings Online

Posted: 07 May 2012 08:30 AM PDT

Filed under: Fantasy, Screenshots, Lord of the Rings Online, Patches, Free-to-play

Does Lord of the Rings Online's Moria benefit from a brighter night-light? The folks over at A Casual Stroll to Mordor went on the test server to investigate just how different the underground zones look now that Turbine's gone back to give the area additional lighting effects.

The fansite examines four different locales on both the live and test server, and took screenshots to document the changes. The Great Delving, Silvertine Lodes, The Waterworks, and Durin's Way are the stops on the tour, and out of all of them, Silvertine is the most noticeably brighter.

"While playing, I can say that I do feel like it's easier to see," Goldenstar writes. "I don't know if I would fall into 'it's too bright' category. It still feels like Moria to me."

A revamp to half of Moria is planned with Update 7. Head on over and check out the differences for yourself!

Looking at the brighter Moria in Lord of the Rings Online originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 07 May 2012 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Phantasy Star Online 2 producer reveals new planet, open beta details

Source: A Casual Stroll to Mordor

Posted: 07 May 2012 08:15 AM PDT

Filed under: Betas, Fantasy, Sci-fi, Game mechanics, MMO industry, New titles, News items

Phantasy Star Online 2's closed beta has caused a fair bit of excitement in the game's fan community. As open beta draws near, Sega is unveiling more of the MMO sequel's features.

The next testing phase will feature a new desert planet called Liliipa, not to mention new story quests, new costumes, and something called a time attack quest. Fan site Bumped.org has the details on these and other reveals from last week's live event in Tokyo.

PSO2 producer Satoshi Sakai also showed off a new snow zone on the planet Naberius. He told fans that the upcoming open beta will be level-capped at 30, while players at level 20 and above will have access to hard mode quests and encounters.

PSO2 is currently in development for Windows, Android, and iOS platforms. The open beta is tentatively scheduled for "early summer 2012."

[Thanks to Kassandra for the tip!]

Phantasy Star Online 2 producer reveals new planet, open beta details originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 07 May 2012 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

City of Steam goes into alpha testing this July

Source: Bumped.org

Posted: 07 May 2012 08:00 AM PDT

Filed under: Betas, Fantasy, Sci-fi

City of Steam's been building up some strong word-of-mouth in the community, and we've been quite eager to get our hands on this steampunk MMO. The good news is that we just may have that chance come July, when City of Steam enters alpha testing.

Mechanist Games recently announced that work on the game is progressing to the point where it's ready to undergo player testing. While there isn't an exact date yet, it's certainly enough to know that July will be a special month.

"We're actually quite pleased that quite a few of those who participated in the sneak peek test told us that the game was already looking like an alpha build," the team writes. "Thanks and we would like to say we're quite proud of that fact."

City of Steam goes into alpha testing this July originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 07 May 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Guild Wars 2 fan compares new game map to original

Source: City of Steam

Posted: 07 May 2012 07:30 AM PDT

Filed under: Betas, Fantasy, Guild Wars, Guild Wars 2

Enterprising Guild Wars 2 player and Reddit member that_shaman went above and beyond the call of duty by providing a useful tool for the growing beta community: a giant, fleshed-out map of the new Tyria. In it, he fits the current explored player regions of Guild Wars 2 on top of the preexisting Guild Wars 1 world map to show just how faithful ArenaNet has been in staying true to its landscape and outposts.

The full Guild Wars 2 map encompasses around 25 zones, six cities, and some odds and ends. Of course, not all of Guild Wars 1 areas are revisited in GW2 (at least, not yet), and Guild Wars 2 has a few areas that were never explored in its predecessor.

Guild Wars 2 fan compares new game map to original originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 07 May 2012 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

MV Guide: May 7 - 13, 2012

Source: Reddit
Via: Hunter's Insight

Posted: 07 May 2012 07:00 AM PDT

Filed under: Livestream, Miscellaneous, MV Guide

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: May 7 - 13, 2012

MV Guide: May 7 - 13, 2012 originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 07 May 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The Daily Grind: How far would you go for cosmetic gear?

Posted: 07 May 2012 06:00 AM PDT

Filed under: World of Warcraft, Fantasy, Game mechanics, MMO industry, PvP, Endgame, PvE, Opinion, The Daily Grind, Roleplaying, Miscellaneous, Dungeons

Massively's got so many cosmetic-gear gurus and sandbox aficionados on staff that sometimes I suspect no amount of character customization and housing and achievements and titles would ever be enough for us. We'd do just about anything for more ways to distinguish our characters in an MMO.

But what about raiding for cosmetic gear? Enter OpenRaid, a World of Warcraft website that helps players organize cross-server PvE dungeon raids and premade PvP teams for the express purpose of acquiring achievements and gear to transmogrify (i.e., map the skin of something cool onto something with good stats). While I'd hope that needing to run large-scale endgame content for gorgeous weapon skins isn't going to become commonplace in future MMOs, it's still fascinating to see roleplay-oriented players playing content they wouldn't normally touch, just to collect a dress.

So how far would you go -- or have you gone -- to get your hands on a sweet piece of cosmetic gear, title, or achievement?

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!

The Daily Grind: How far would you go for cosmetic gear? originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 07 May 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

MMO Week in Review: Seen any elves?

Posted: 06 May 2012 06:00 PM PDT

Filed under: MMO industry, Week in Review, Miscellaneous

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.

This week, all those terrible/wonderful rumors about The Elder Scrolls Online were proved true, thanks to a series of leaks and an official trailer that promises the world of Tamriel will soon be headed to an MMO near you. Even if you're one of those fans whose immediate reaction was terror and dread, you still have to be thinking that the genre could use another three-faction PvP game. Personally, I just feel sorry for the dev who has to design terrains for the province of Morrowind. Hope you like brown, bro!

Follow on for the rest of the week's top MMO stories.

Continue reading MMO Week in Review: Seen any elves?

MMO Week in Review: Seen any elves? originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 06 May 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

EVE Evolved: Nine years of EVE Online

Posted: 06 May 2012 04:00 PM PDT

Filed under: Sci-fi, EVE Online, Culture, Expansions, MMO industry, Patches, EVE Evolved, DUST 514, Sandbox, Anniversary

Last week I celebrated the fourth anniversary of the EVE Evolved column with a competition to win one of two 30-day pilot's licenses. Congratulations to winners Dong Yi and Atrameides Denard, whose prizes have been contracted in-game. Today EVE Online itself turns nine years old, and so this week's EVE Evolved column takes a look back at the top EVE stories of the year. It's been a rollercoaster of a year for CCP, with the infamous monoclegate scandal hitting subscriptions hard during the summer and only recently starting to recover.

The drama kicked off as the much-touted Incarna expansion drew close and CCP revealed that it would contain no multiplayer elements and would introduce a microtransaction store for vanity items. Players didn't seem to mind the cash shop as long as it contained only vanity items, and CCP had previously promised that microtransactions would be limited to those types of items. When the Incarna expansion finally launched and players got a first-hand look at the cash shop, however, it became apparent that something was fundamentally wrong.

In this week's EVE Evolved, I look back at the top EVE stories of the year, from the incredible videos and scams to the story of how CCP brought EVE Online back from the brink of disaster.

Continue reading EVE Evolved: Nine years of EVE Online

EVE Evolved: Nine years of EVE Online originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 06 May 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Continue reading One Shots: Sequelizin'

One Shots: Sequelizin'

Posted: 06 May 2012 02:00 PM PDT

Filed under: Fantasy, Galleries, Screenshots, Events, real-world, Guild Wars 2, Massively Meta, One Shots, Miscellaneous

Massively reader Sharvis, a familiar name throughout our comment section, landed today's One Shots feature with a screenshot from the most recent Guild Wars 2 beta event for pre-purchasers. And it looks like he managed to figure out a way to see the Asura and Sylvari in NPC form, in spite of their absence from the test as playable characters. He writes in,

My Ranger, Leander Delmanos, overlooks the water beyond Lion's Arch in Guild Wars 2. He's accompanied by Snoots, his faithful bear companion, and two NPCs.

We've got more GW2 pics for this special One Shots edition after the cut!

One Shots: Sequelizin' originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 06 May 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Design your own robots with upcoming MMO Panzer Pets

Posted: 06 May 2012 01:00 PM PDT

Filed under: Game mechanics, MMO industry, New titles, News items, Free-to-play, Browser, Mac, Post-Apocalyptic

If you've been desperately hoping for a Pokémon MMO all these years but have been disappointed by Nintendo's unwillingness to release one or let anyone else develop one, you might be interested in upcoming MMO Panzer Pets. Panzer Pets is set in a post-apocalyptic world in which robots have taken over, but robot builders have found a way to build their own pets to fight back. In Panzer Pets, rather than capture creatures, you'll hunt for robot parts and design your own customisable 3-D pet robots.

The game focuses on the exploration opportunities that a post-apocalyptic setting delivers, with a world filled with randomly generated zones, dungeons and towns to explore, and robot parts to collect. Players will be able to trade parts with each other, challenge other players to battles, form guilds, and embark on quests together. As it uses the Unity 3-D engine, the game will be released on iOS, Android, and both PC and Mac web browsers.

New studio Gamundo has been working on Panzer Pets for free so far but now needs support to work on the game full-time and complete it. If you're interested in exploring a post-apocalyptic world with a customised pet robot in tow, you can help Gamundo finish the game by pledging money to its Kickstarter campaign, which launched last night. The estimated date for completion of the game is October 2012, and the team needs to raise $85,000 to make it that far without giving a publisher or investor a controlling interest in the game.

Design your own robots with upcoming MMO Panzer Pets originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 06 May 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

League of Legends runs Make-A-Wish charity campaign

Source: Panzer Pets Kickstarter campaign

Posted: 06 May 2012 12:00 PM PDT

Filed under: News items, Promotions, MOBA, League of Legends

The Make-A-Wish foundation is a charity that helps make seriously ill children's dreams come true. Several months ago, Riot Games worked with the foundation to bring 17-year-old League of Legends fan and cancer sufferer Joe up to the studio where his favourite game is made. Riot was so inspired by Joe's visit that developers decided to give back to the Make-A-Wish in any way they could to make more children's dreams come true.

Following on from the success of community donations to the Red Cross during Japan's earthquake and tsunami, this week Riot announced a new donation drive in support of the Make-A-Wish foundation.

"From now, May 4, until 10:30 a.m. PT on May 18, 2012, Riot Games will donate 100 percent of the RP sale price for Joe's favorite champion, Jax, and his Jaximus skin to Make-A-Wish. To make it easier to help, we'll also be lowering the price of both the champion and skin by 50% during this period."

League of Legends runs Make-A-Wish charity campaign originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 06 May 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.