MMOGaming News

MMOGaming News


Bleach Online: Shinigami Yoruichi Shihoin

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Bleach Online: Shinigami Yoruichi Shihoin


Shinigami Yoruichi is the next up in the Ultimate BP. She is an assaulter who randomly attacks two people. The cool thing about her is she is immune to damage afterwards. Now to be honest I consider her a troll character. Unless you get her to a really high damage and crit level. She pretty much is just prolonging a death to a enemy.

Overwatch's Announcement Cinematic is Nominated for Webby Award

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Overwatch's Announcement Cinematic is Nominated for Webby Award


Overwatch's announcement cinematic was firstly unveiled at last year's BlizzCon. As one of the world's biggest game companies, Blizzard always gives us some amazing cinematics, but unlike its traditional trailer such as Warcraft, Overwatch's movie-style trailer is more unique and impresses players deeply. And even, it has been nominated for a Webby Award for Online Film & Video: Best Editing.

Kingdoms Charge, Action Packed Mobile RPG Released for Android Devices

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Kingdoms Charge, Action Packed Mobile RPG Released for Android Devices


Global game developer IGG announced today the release of their latest mobile title named Kingdoms Charge, an action packed RPG available for Android devices

Master X Master in May: Beta Tests in China and South Korea

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Master X Master in May: Beta Tests in China and South Korea


This May must be a big month for NCsoft's first MOBA Master X Master. Because NCsoft has officially announced that Master X Master final test will launch in South Korea on May 1st, and this upcoming test will last ten days long. Meanwhile, as the publisher of China server, Tencent has announced the first closed beta of Master X Master CN will be scheduled to release in late May.

Sony Pictures Wants to Make a Super Smash Bros. Movie?

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Sony Pictures Wants to Make a Super Smash Bros. Movie?


Last Thursday, WikiLeaks unveiled a new portal, showcasing all the leaked materials from the 2014 Sony hack

Shards Online: Celador Shard to Make its Debut on May 9th

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Shards Online: Celador Shard to Make its Debut on May 9th


Shards Online, a sandbox RPG in development by Citadel Studios, gives a good news for its fans today. The Celador Shard of the game will be available for players on May 9th

$250 Games Giveaway!

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$250 Games Giveaway!


5 copies of The Elder Scrolls Online: Tamriel Unlimited, 2 copies of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, and 1 copy of Guild Wars 2 will be given away. If you are the first to be drawn, you are the first to pick out of the pool. Those chosen after the first, will have to pick from what is left until everything is gone. A valid email must be used in order to pick your prize. All winners will receive their game 48-72 hours after they have chosen it.

Continue reading $250 Games Giveaway!.

DN KR 22nd April: Crazy Duck Nest, Dark Avenger and Saint Boost

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DN KR 22nd April: Crazy Duck Nest, Dark Avenger and Saint Boost


Event time: 22nd April – 17th June 2015; Entry level: Level 80; Party size: 1 player (cannot enter in party); Clear count: Once per day; Revive count: Cannot revive (instance is ended when you die); You control "DJ Duck" and can use special skills to clear the stage.

Free to Play New MMO Light of Darkness Detailed Features Review

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Free to Play New MMO Light of Darkness Detailed Features Review


This year will be the revival year for publisher 3 Claws Game. After succeeded on Touch International, in this April we prepare our newest game "The Light of Darkness", a free-to-play web based action game inspired from historical iconic figure all over the world! Player will get a lots of excitement and tons of joyful experience within the game. Now, it's your turn to take action in The Light of Darkness!

Lineage II: Infinite Odyssey: New Free Content Expansion Goes Live

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Lineage II: Infinite Odyssey: New Free Content Expansion Goes Live


Ncsoft, the world's premier publisher and developer of massively multiplayer online games, today announced that Infinite Odyssey, the next free content expansion for Lineage II, one of the longest-running MMOs in history and flagship title for Ncsoft, is now live and available for players.

Preview Black Desert KR's New Class Valkyrie Gameplay Video

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Preview Black Desert KR's New Class Valkyrie Gameplay Video


New Class Valkyrie arrived in Black Desert OBT Korean server last week. Apparently players are pleased with her versatility as both melee combatant and support roles in the veins of a traditional Paladin.

Plunder Pirates - Android Version Trailer Released by Rovio

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Plunder Pirates - Android Version Trailer Released by Rovio


Plunder Pirates, a popular animated 3D mobile game from Rovio Stars is available for download on Android devices worldwide today.

MMORPG Reviews

MMORPG Reviews


Lineage II Launches Infinite Odyssey

Posted: 23 Apr 2015 01:32 AM PDT

To celebrate the 11th anniversary of their popular free-to-play MMORPG, NCSoft today releases the latest content expansion for Lineage II. Titled Infinite Odyssey, the expansion is already live and available to everyone, raising the level cap and introducing new skills, new zones, a new raid boss as well as new items for the shop. In […]

The post Lineage II Launches Infinite Odyssey appeared first on MMORPG Reviews.

Hands-On with Chaos

Posted: 22 Apr 2015 08:09 AM PDT

RATING: Pros: Graphics weren't too bad. Cons: Boring content, boring combat, no player involvement required. Gameplay: 2 Graphics: 7 Performance: 4 Overall Score: 4 We recently took some time out to try the free to play fantasy browser RPG Chaos by Joybit, we had played this game previously as a First Look but decided to […]

The post Hands-On with Chaos appeared first on MMORPG Reviews.

Players Speak about SWTOR

Posted: 22 Apr 2015 03:56 AM PDT

We’re talking with our community members once more in the Players Speak, our piece where we get the opinions of our chosen players on a free to play game, and this time we’ve asked them to let us know what they think about Star Wars: The Old Republic! The game is still going strong after […]

The post Players Speak about SWTOR appeared first on MMORPG Reviews.

How Free-to-Play is Heroes & Generals?

Posted: 22 Apr 2015 01:56 AM PDT

Here there is our latest F2Pmeter instalment, which is putting Heroes & Generals to this popular free-to-play-ness test. Set during the 2nd World War, this pretty interesting and perhaps underestimated first-person shooter/ strategy MMO game provides players with massive battlefields to fight on as they engage in objective- and vehicle-based gameplay. The MMO is undoubtedly […]

The post How Free-to-Play is Heroes & Generals? appeared first on MMORPG Reviews.



General Gaming Article

General Gaming Article


Play Ghost Recon Phantoms, Get Maximum PC

Posted: 22 Apr 2015 05:31 PM PDT

Giving back to the community always feels good

At Maximum PC, we do a lot with our computers, work, content consumption, and gaming. We love gaming. Gaming is the one major industry that really pushes the PC ecosystem forward. So what better way to support the community than to give back?

Ubisoft is celebrating the one year annivesary of Ghost Recon Phantoms—previously called Ghost Recon Online. There's a new team deathmatch mode that's being introduced to celebrate the anniversary. I've been a fan of the Tom Clancy series of games since the beginning. So, I figured it would be a nice gesture to say hey Ghost Recon, happy birthday, here are some subscriptions we can give to the fans!

Ghost Recon Phantoms

To participate, all you have to do—if you play Ghost Recon Phantoms—is to gift a Birthday Box to a friend between today and April 29th, which is when the giveaway ends. Ubisoft will then enter you in a raffle, automatically. We're putting up a bunch of 1 year subscriptions, either in full print form or digital, the choice will be yours.

The promotion is available globally, so wherever you may reside, we will get Maximum PC to you!

Are you guys fans of the Tom Clancy series of games? If any of the games could be remade, which one would it be? Let us know in the comments.

Intel Compute Stick Review

Posted: 22 Apr 2015 11:58 AM PDT

Intel delivers an impressive first step in the ultra-small PC movement

When Intel announced the Compute Stick earlier this year at CES, we were excited. There are a handful of devices already on the market that get content onto your TV. Amazon's Fire Stick and Google's Chromecast are both competent devices, and then there are more powerful devices like the Roku. The main difference is that Intel's Compute Stick is a full-fledged x86 Windows 8.1 PC—and it makes a big difference.

With any of the other content devices, you usually have to play by the rules negotiated between the device manufacturer and the content producers. If, for example, HBO doesn't license to Roku, you won't get to watch HBO programming on your Roku device. Having a full PC lets you skip through all that red tape. You can do almost anything you want, and that alone is worth the price of admission.

Intel Compute Stick

The Compute Stick is going to be priced at $149, which isn't cheap. But what you're paying for really is the cost of Windows 8.1. We're sure Intel is getting a nice discount from Microsoft at the OEM level, but typically, Windows adds roughly $100 to a normal desktop computer. However, depending on device usage and price, Microsoft will offer special pricing in the range of $25 to the OEM. You can technically get another OS installed, but if you want the most flexibility, we recommend leaving the pre-installed Windows installation intact.

Intel sent us a Compute Stick configured with 32GB of storage space and 2GB of memory. Now, when using the Compute Stick, one must be open-minded. It's not meant to be a powerful PC; it's not meant to run Crysis. It's meant to be a general computing device. Web browsing, chatting, emailing, movie watching, music listening. The Compute stick only has an Bay Trail 4-core Intel Atom Z3735F CPU running at 1.33GHz. This CPU is what usually gets put into tablets, so it competes with Qualcomm's Snapdragon family. For reference, the Snapdragon 600 runs at 1.7GHz and has a dual-channel memory controller versus the Atom's single-channel setup. Granted, the Atom runs x86 and thus supports the massive PC software ecosystem. So with that in mind, let's take a look.

On the outside, the Compute Stick is minimalistic in design. It's slender and black and has slits for intake and a small fan that exhausts hot air. The fan isn't loud by any measure, but does emit a high-pitched whine. You won't notice it if you're playing music, but you will in a quiet environment. The sound isn't a show-stopper, but it's there. If you're just reading content and emailing, you won't hear it. Install an application, though, and it will spin up.

On one side of the Compute Stick is a micro-USB port for charging, and a regular USB 2.0 port for accessories like a keyboard and mouse. The other side has a Micro-SD slot, if you feel 32GB is too claustrophobic. For light computing duties, we didn't feel the need to upgrade. The only outbound connector on the Compute Stick is the lone HDMI output. Plug the Compute Stick in a TV's HDMI input or a normal display and you're good to go. We opted for a 24-inch Dell LCD panel. Internet connectivity is handled by 802.11bgn. Unfortunately, no 802.11ac support is integrated, and the onboard Wi-Fi is only single channel 2.5GHz with no 5GHz support.

On bootup, we went through the normal Windows 8.1 setup phases, and input our information and personal preferences. Once that was over, we landed on the desktop. It felt like a normal PC, which is awesome because the Compute Stick is so small. After all Windows updates were installed, we loaded our usual array of apps: Google Chrome, Skype, TeamViewer, VLC, Spotify, and Steam.

Once Steam was installed, the Compute Stick became another beast entirely.

Intel Compute Stick
Yep. It's a full-fledged PC.

Valve enabled Steam Home Streaming a while ago, and we realized that the Compute Stick would be a pretty great solution—and it was. We tested Ori and the Blind Forest, Grand Theft Auto V, and DOTA 2. All games played without fail through Steam Home Streaming and felt like we were playing on an actual desktop. We then attempted to play games natively on the Compute Stick—that was a futile exercise. Even Valve's original Portal was a miserable experience with all settings turned to low or off. Streaming is where the Compute Stick really excels, and we're happy to stick to that.

Aside from streaming, performance on the Compute Stick was relatively good. With four or more casual applications open, you start to feel the effect of having only 2GB of RAM and limited CPU power. Chrome tab refreshes start to noticeably lag. General computing performance is on par with a netbook.

We ran some basic benchmarks on the Compute Stick, since it can't really handle our usual array of desktop-class benchmarks. For reference, we included numbers from an Intel Core i7 4960X desktop with 8GB of RAM (thus showcasing a David vs. Goliath scenario):

GeekBench 3.3.2 32-bit
Compute Stick (default BIOS settings)
Single-core: 781
Multi-core: 2195

4960X Desktop (optimum default BIOS settings)
Single-core: 3413
Multi-core: 20891

As you can see, the Compute Stick isn't meant for heavy-duty PC chores or native gaming. It really is meant for casual work or content consumption and entertainment. For all intents and purposes though, that's fine by us.

Intel Compute Stick
Portal 1 running on low settings. Unplayable framerates at below 20FPS.

For those who do light workloads on their computers, the Compute Stick offers an attractive, low cost, and simple solution. Gamers who are looking for a light-weight streaming streaming solution should give the Compute Stick a serious look. Associate Editor Alex Campbell indicated that wiping the Windows installation and replacing it with a Linux install with Steam would make for a streaming solution with low OS overhead.

There's a lot of promise in the Compute Stick platform. Consider this iteration a step in the right direction, pointing to a bright future for small computing machines. There will be a day when a device such as this will be able to hold its own as a full-fledged HTPC. For the Maximum PC reader looking for a powerful solution, though, today is not that day.

[Updated April 22, 2015: Clarified pricing for Windows licensing]

Newegg Daily Deals: AZIO MGK1 Backlit Mechanical Keyboard, Fractal Design Define R4 Case, and More!

Posted: 22 Apr 2015 11:06 AM PDT

 

AZIO KeyboardNewegg

Top Deal:

Do you remember the first time you did it? The pure ecstasy, the way it felt, the noises your actions made? And once you do it, you can't get enough of it! Ah yes, the joy of typing on a mechanical keyboard. If you're a virgin to the pure delight of pecking away on a mechanical plank, you're in for a treat. And if you're ready to make the leap, take a loot at today's top deal for an AZIO MGK1 Mechanical Gaming Keyboard for $70 with free shipping (normally $80 - use coupon code: [0421SGSL128]). Just be warned, typing on a mechanical keyboard will ruin your for regular planks -- those squishy membrane boards will never again suffice. This particular board uses Kailh Blue key switches, has an adjustable white LED backlight, aluminum faceplate, and a soft touch detachable palm rest.

Other Deals:

Intel Core i5-4460 Haswell Quad-Core 3.2GHz LGA 1150 Desktop Processor for $180 with free shipping (normally $190 - use coupon code: [EMCARNK22])

Gigabyte 2x204Pin SO-DIMM Intel Iris Pro graphics 5200 Mini-PC Barebone for $418 with free shipping (normally $464 - use coupon code: [EMCARNK94]; additional $30 Mail-in rebate)

Fractal Design Define R4 with Window Black Pearl Silent ATX Mid Tower Case for $85 with free shipping (normally $90 - use coupon code: [EMCARNK89])

Acer S240HL bd Black 24-inch 5ms Widescreen LED Backlight LCD Monitor for $115 with free shipping (normally $130 - use coupon code: [EMCARNK39])

Microsoft Expands Bug Bounty Program to Include Project Spartan

Posted: 22 Apr 2015 10:30 AM PDT

Microsoft BugsFind bugs, get paid

If you're good at finding security flaws in software, you could add more than just a little jingle to your pockets. That's because Microsoft is significantly expanding its bug bounty program, part of which includes a new bounty for Project Spartan, the codename for Microsoft's new browser found in Windows 10. You could make up to $15,000 per security vulnerability, depending on what you uncover.

"Microsoft's new browser will be the onramp to the internet for millions of users when Windows 10 launches later this year. Securing this platform is a top priority for the browser team," Microsoft stated in a blog post today.

The bounty includes Remote Code Execution and Sandbox Escapes, as well as design-level security bugs discovered between today and June 22, 2015. Microsoft says to be sure and use the latest version released in the Windows 10 Technical Preview. Bugs that pay range in reward from $500 to $15,000. For specifics of the program, see here.

Microsoft will also line your pockets with cash for certain bugs you might discover in Azure, the company's cloud platform and the backbone of its cloud services. This applies to Azure virtual machines, Azure Cloud Services, Azure Storage, Azure Active Directory, and other Azure services. Like Project Spartan, the maximum payout per bug is $15,000.

"Bug bounties are an increasingly important part of the vulnerability research and defense ecosystem and will continue to evolve over time. We will be regularly managing the Microsoft Bounty Programs to help us best protect our many users," Microsoft added.

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AVADirect Announces VR Desktop PCs for Sixense Stem System

Posted: 22 Apr 2015 08:39 AM PDT

AVA SixenseA real desktop for virtual gaming

You can feel that we're on the verge of a virtual gaming revolution, or so several companies heavily invested in VR technology hope. We're right there with them -- not from an investment standpoint, but from the perception of a fan, as we've played around with some awesome VR demos. Looking to give the category a nudge, Ohio-based boutique builder AVADirect today announced a pair of desktops designed in collaboration with Sixense for the latter's Stem System.

Our own Jimmy Thang spent some hands-on time with the Sixense Stem VR controller several months ago, a wireless devices that tracks movement with barely any latency. The system as a whole offers a whole body presence in virtual worlds, and in one of the demos Thang got to experience, he was able to wield a lightsaber noting that "it felt incredibly immersive." You can read more of his experience here.

Getting back to AVADirect's custom desktops, both offerings are decently spec'd machines that promise 1080p gaming at a minimum of 75fps. The first is the AVA Sixense VR Desktop priced at an even $1,800 (kudos to AVADirect for omitting the 99 nonsense). For that you get an Intel Core i5 4460 quad-core CPU nestled into an EVGA Z97 Stinger WiFi motherboard, 8GB of Kingston HyperX Fury DDR3-1866 RAM, GeForce GTX 980 SuperClocked ACX 2.0 graphics card, 1TB Seagate Barracuda HDD, slim-slot 8X DVD burner, Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit, and a 3-year limited parts and labor warranty with lifetime tech support.

Several of those components are upgradeable, like adding a 500GB Samsung 850 Evo SSD for $260 or doubling the RAM for $60. Alternatively, you can pony up $2,300 for the AVA Sixense VR Ultimate Desktop, a non-configurable system consisting of an Intel Core i7 4790 quad-core CPU, 16GB of Kingston HyperX Fury RAM, and the aforementioned SSD paired with the same hard drive. Other components are the same, as well.

Note that the Sixense Stem system is not included with either desktop, nor is it available yet. According to the project's Kickstarter page, there was an unexpected setback in production due to failed testing for FCC/CE regulatory standards. There's already been a redesign, and if the new model passes testing this month, units will begin shipping in July.

You can pre-order a Stem System from Sixense's website, and of course the AVADirect systems are available now.

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