All Posts by Szark

IGG has announced that they are holding an expansion warm up event in advance of the release of the Lost Atlantis expansion for Angels Online.

The Lost Atlantis, the long-awaited Angels Online new expansion, is fast approaching. To celebrate this, AO team will be holding a New Expansion Warm up event from August 28th to September 1st.

Not only all items with 2x exp effects will be enhanced to 3x exp, but a training place-- the Flame Area will be available for all players. The AO team hopes that all Angels can level up fast and become strong enough to defeat the evil army from the Evil Lyceum.

Event Details:

1. From August 28th to the server maintenance on September 1st, all items with the double exp effect such as Double Exp Cards, Double Skill Exp Cards, and Pet's Double Exp Cards will deliver 3X exp effect.

2. All items with speedup effects such as Collecting Speedup Cards and Facture Speedup Cards will offer players quicker effects.

3. From August 28th to the server maintenance on September 1st, players can obtain a Flame Area Ticket if they buy one Lucky Bag. With the ticket, players can go to find the Guide Angel in the Angel Lyceum (157, 78) and enter the [Flame Area] for 24 hours.

4. From August 28th to September 1st, the upper limit of exp pet's Exp Stones can deposit will be double.

Read more here.

City of Heroes/Villains Lead Designer Matt "Positron" Miller has written a letter to the community detailing the ideas behind the recently announced content update, Issue 13: Architect.

I wanted to be the first to let you all know that the primary Feature list for Issue 13: Architect is now live! That said, I'd like to take this opportunity to talk to you about some of the new features, more in depth.

First off is the issue name, Architect. I liked the correlation that the name has between some of the improvements we are making to bases (in the way new things are purchased for them) and to our Mission Architect feature. Players can now be architects of their own story arcs that other players can play. When I first mentioned this system in the 4th Anniversary post, I had no idea how wildly popular that single concept would be. The thread that followed that post had a plethora of ideas of how such a system could, and should work from a player's perspective.

With virtually no information to go on, some people very much underestimated what would be possible with the Mission Architect. Some got it spot on, and some people wanted features that were simply impossible to get into the system at launch. Even so, we are very proud of the system as it stands. Players can make their own story arcs using a customized version of the tool used by our mission writers, in some cases rivaling our own internal tools in ease-of-use. I am really looking forward to playing the stories you all create with this amazing tool!

Read more here.

The latest edition of BlizzCast, Blizzard's podcast, talks about the recent Worldwide Invitational in Paris, and Diablo III.

In this special Worldwide Invitational wrap-up edition of BlizzCast, we briefly recap some of the events at the recent WWI in Paris, and then move straight into a discussion with Diablo III Lead Designer Jay Wilson. We quiz him on how the development team is evolving the classic series -- and then dive into a discussion of some recent hot issues surrounding the upcoming sequel.

Listen to the show here.

The folks at Ryzom have announced that in addition to re-activating the accounts of all former players, players can now sign up for a limited number of new accounts.

Recently we opened the game to every single account for free and removed all restrictions on Unlimited Free Trial accounts making them truly "unlimited". Since then everyone who ever had an account and wasn't banned has been able to come and play and we've been very gratified to see so many people enjoying themselves on Atys.

Of course we've not failed to notice the large number of people who have just learnt about Ryzom recently and can't wait to sign up and join everyone else. Starting right now we have opened account creation for a limited number of free accounts! If you don't have a Ryzom account already, hurry and sign up; this will only be possible for a short time because there's a limited number of accounts to be created across all three communities! If you already play and know some people who don't then tell them to come sign up and join you absolutely free.

Read more here.

The folks at Last Chaos have announced the introduction of Strayana, a new and dangerous zone that was added with the game's most recent update.

California, U.S.A. (Aug. 26, 2008) – In the most recent update for Last Chaos, a new state of the art zone has been introduced called “Strayana,” for players above level 80. Players who have achieved the milestone level can see a slew of new monsters, new items and will eventually come complete with a high level dungeon.

Clouds scatter the skies of the dark swamp filled with poisonous acid rain. Players’ attributes will be affected by the acid rain and he only way for players to avoid being affected is an antidote.

With the implementation of the antidote system, this allows a consistent gold sink to be placed in the game, thereby helping to control the games economic inflation.

Be aware of the new monsters that lie ahead as well, this new zone will not be easy according to Tim Adams, associate producer of Last Chaos.

The implementation of new content allows players to strive for new achievements, which is what
T-Entertainment and Aeria Games has done to provide players with. With the new patch comes more in the future, especially with the above mentioned high level dungeon.

Read more here.

The Champions Online official site has been updated with a profile of lead content designer John Hopler.

Today we learn a little more about John Hopler, one of the lead content designers on Champions Online!

Q: What do you do on Champions Online?
A: I'm the content implementation lead for the Champions Online content team. Zeke (Sparkes) and John Layman come up with the who, what and where of our content; I concentrate more on the HOW. My time is split between implementing cool new mission content and events, answering implementation questions and talking with our programmers and producers about any new technology or tool features the team needs for the areas we are working on.

Read more here.

Disney Online has announced the addition of several new quests in Pirates of the Caribbean Online, which will grant access to new pirate gear.

This month marks the introduction of three new Quests that will give Unlimited Access Pirates a chance to suit up in some prime Pirate gear.

Stop by the tailor shop on Port Royal and start the Pirate's Life Quest -- you could earn a five-piece outfit that will cover your Pirate from head to toe. This outfit includes a red and white polka-dot bandana, yellow shirt, short buckle boots, belt, and patched pantaloons. What more could you ask for? How about a six-piece outfit? You'll definitely stand out from the crowd in this unique outfit that's picked up after completing the Clothing for a Pirate Quest. Looking to imitate an infamous Pirate? Try Captain Barbossa's wears on for size. For advanced Pirates, Adoria's Family Quest will give you a chance to earn Barbossa's effects, including his famous feathered hat.

Please note, you will need to have a minimum Notoriety Level of 10 to access the Pirate's Life Quest, a minimum Notoriety Level of 15 to access the Clothing for a Pirate Quest, and a minimum Notoriety Level of 20 to access the Adoria's Family Quest.

Read more here.

The folks at Infinity Online have announced that their latest update, which brings a new Auction House to the game, is now live.

Infinity Online, the action packed Free-to-Play MMORPG from Gametribe.com, today announced that the latest content update, which includes the games brand new Auction House, is now live.
 
The Auction House allows players to trade and purchase items through the market even when they are offline.  

Also in the update are 10 new levels for Time Attack Mode in the amazing Colosseum , this update joins Conqueror Mode in the Colosseum which was added into the game at the beginning of August.

Both of these Colosseum Missions offer up successively difficult rounds that players can battle through with up to 3 other players alongside killing monsters and collecting Luna Coins.

The new update will be available to players after the weekly Wednesday maintenance window.

Read more here.

Lockpick Entertainment has announced that they have signed an agreement that will see Dreamlords: The Reawakening fully localized and published in Russia.

Swedish online game developer Lockpick Entertainment today announced that it has signed an agreement with leading Russian publisher Akella Games regarding localization and distribution of online game Dreamlords – The Reawakening.

According to the contract Akella Games will handle all required localization and distribution of the Russian version of Lockpick’s online MMORTS game Dreamlords – The Reawakening. The agreement is effect immediately and the parties expect to begin closed beta testing early September.

"Akella is a well respected company and a very strategic partner for us, we are more than happy to team up with them. Our goal is to reach out to new audiences and the Russian market is fast growing and with Akella's expertise we're able to do just that. The increasing demand for quality online games such as Dreamlords - The Reawakening makes it a logical next-step in our expansion of the Dreamlords brand. We're excited that both already existing Russian players and new ones now will be able to play Dreamlords - The Reawakening in a localized version" said David Rosén, CEO of Lockpick Entertainment.

“We hope that collaboration between our two companies will benefit both parties and that such an interesting genre will draw gamer’s attention” said Alexander Trifonov, Managing Director of Akella Online.

Read more here.

IGG has posted a guide to aide players in upgrading their equipment in Myth War II.

Every Myth War II inhabitant knows that there are many ways to refine gear into better gear with breathtaking attack power and defensive performance. In addition to looking for the fabled Armor of Dreams, Equipment Enchanting, Forging, Equipment Imbuing and Refining are the best alternative choices to upgrade gear. Today the Myth War team is going to talk to you about upgrading gear..

Equipment Enchanting:

Players can enchant their hats, clothes, weapons and boots without limit. The attribute bonuses after every successful enchanting will take the place of the previous stats. Equipment Enchanting never fails so players don't have to worry about wasting time and gold. Just give Caladur their gear, essence, and enough gold to pay for the enchanting. After it’s finished, one of their gear’s attributes will get some bonus points that range from +3 to +30 depending on the level of the essence. What kind of essence is used decides which attribute gets the additional points.

Read more here.

Zu Online is getting a new navigation function and IGG has posted an overview of the changes.

Zu Online will release the new navigation function to help players to find their targets quicker.

Navigation Intro:

After entering Zu Online, players can click a spot or any entity to automatically move their character. There are two main methods when using the navigation function.

Method 1: Click the destination on the map. After the player clicks the destination on the map (Pressing the M key opens the map), the system will mark out the closest way and move the player automatically towards their destination. We suggest players use the auto-flight function if the destination is far away to save time.

Method 2: Click the key word in the quest log or use the direction indicator. Players can click the key word in the quest log to move their character automatically towards it (Pressing the L key opens the quest log). When the player gets close to an NPC who has a quest to complete, there is a direction indicator to point your way.

Read more here.

NDOORS Interactive has announced a referal program where players can earn in-game rewards for inviting friends to join the beta.

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. – August 26, 2008 – NDOORS Interactive’s Friends Referral program is rewarding players who invite 10 friends into the Atlantica Online beta with in-game prizes. The next stage of the closed beta will begin on Tuesday, August 26.

Players who refer 10 friends will win this prize package:

• Three (3) Skill Reset Books
• Two (2) Extra Inventory Licenses for seven days each
• Fifty (50) Ambrosia

Atlantica Online is set on Earth, in a parallel reality that takes players through an arduous journey to unravel the hidden secrets of Atlantis. With its heavy emphasis on strategy, Atlantica was designed to stand out amongst the ‘cookie-cutter’ MMOs. The strategic gameplay incorporated into the turn-based combat, mercenary and country management systems will appeal to strategy and RPG players.

Read more here.

The folks at Silkroad Online will be holding a Summer Festival Event where player can take part in a number of activities and earn rewards.

Joymax, an independent developer and publisher of interactive entertainment, today announced that the Silkroad Online Summer Festival will begin today. By participating in one of three events, players will be able to win powerful items and earn bonus experience points as they defeat specially spawned monsters and compete in capture the flag matches. A lucky few will even receive one of the legendary star, moon, or sun seals, so there’s sure to be some stiff competition.

Read more here.

NCsoft has announced Issue 13: Architect for City of Heroes / Villains which gives players the ability to design their own missions, get day jobs for offline character progression, wear shields, and more.

Mission Architect:

First the City of Heroes Character Creator set a new standard for player creation and customization. Now, Issue 13 takes another giant step, allowing players to design their own missions and story arcs to share with the entire City of Heroes community. Using an intuitive interface similar to the game’s detailed Character Creator, players can create missions from the ground up. Players will determine details ranging from environments, mission objectives, and enemies, to written fiction and character dialogue; giving their stories nearly infinite depth and personalization.

Among other rewards, authors and architects who create the most extraordinary content will garner acclaim and reputation. Community feedback will be paramount and some missions will elevate in status unlocking new rewards and benefits for their creators.

Day Jobs (Offline Character Progression)

Scholar? Caregiver? City Official? Now when players log out of City of Heroes / Villains they’re just getting started! A character’s day job is determined by the actual in-game location from which he or she logs out. If players log out from a University their day job is considered to be a Scholar. If they log out from City Hall they're a City Official. The benefits are thematically appropriate to the location. For example, a City Official earns extra Influence, a Scholar is granted Salvage, a Caregiver is granted Health Regeneration Buffs, etc.

Read more here.

Turbine has announced the launch of the landmark 100th update for Asheron's Call, which adds a new faction system, new PvP options, 8th level spells, new areas and more.

Greetings and welcome to the 100th content update for Asheron’s Call! This is a special time for all of here at Turbine, having reached this most incredible milestone. With this update we wanted to make sure we did something special for the players. For the longest time, the one thing we have been asked for was an Elder Game system. So with this update, we are giving players the beginnings of that system. We are also giving our PvP players something to fight over, with two new PvP controllable towns.

The entire staff here at Turbine is proud to be able to release this update to our players as a small token of our appreciation for everyone who has heard the call over the years. So lets get in to all the new and exciting things coming this month in Asheron’s Call!

Societies are Coming!
A new faction system has been introduced with this update. Players wishing to join one of the three new Societies will speak with one of the Society Recruiters located in the capital cities of Dereth. The Celestial Hand will be in Hebian-to, the Eldrytch Web will be in Cragstone, and the Radiant Blood recruiter will be located in Zaikhal. Once players choose which society they wish to join, they will begin their journey with the initiate quests. The recruiters for each society will have all the details a player will need to make their choice as to which side to join. When a player completes the tasks set out by one of these recruiters, they will be well rewarded and then instructed on how to claim their rewards.

Read more here.

SOE has announced the launch of the Star Wars Galaxies Trading Card Game: Champions of the Force.

Due to all of your hard work the Star Wars Galaxies Trading Card Game beta test is complete. Now we're ready for the big time! Are you?

Join fellow trading card enthusiasts in battles with and against Rebel and Imperial forces, Jedi and Sith. Discover exciting Loot cards and even challenge the fearsome IG-88 in a four on one duel and gain glory! No one has managed to take his head yet!

While you're resting in between epic battles, come to the official Star Wars Galaxies Trading Card Game forums and read strategy articles, comment on game play, or discuss your favorite card art.

Read more here.

The folks at Fallen Earth have announced that female characters have gone through a series of upgrades and are now complete and in the game.

In an announcement today, Fallen Earth released the final round of female character developments, including upgrades with re-texturized armor and clothing and advanced rendering techniques such as per-pixel lighting and specular highlights. With male character developments completed in mid-July and a tentative content complete date in mid-September, this is another sign for MMO gamers worldwide that the Apocalypse is indeed coming.

“We provide the best experience for our fans by giving players many high quality choices for customizing their characters as much as they like,” said Steve Coyle, Art Director for the independent LLC. “We also want to make game play as real as possible, and our characters have to reflect that.”

Read more here.

Cryptic Studios answers burning questions from Star Trek Online fans in the latest edition of Ask Cryptic.

Will Star Trek Online be considered canon in any respect? How much of the game will stick to the canon?

Al "Captain Geko" Rivera (lead designer): Every series and movie is considered canon, and we are staying very true to this in our development. Star Trek is rich with lore and history, and there is a great deal of material to build upon as we move into the 25th century with Star Trek Online. We are working with CBS to ensure that everything we create is true to Trek and makes sense.

We know that fans want to play Star Trek Online because they want to explore the Star Trek universe, and we are striving to deliver as authentic an experience as possible. Our team has seen all the shows and movies and we're watching them again every single day. We are also studying other soft canon resources such as novels and comics. From those, we are looking for inspiration and references to further enhance our game. Where it makes sense, we will include some soft canon elements in Star Trek Online as well.

Read more here.

Mythic Entertainment and EA have announced that Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning has gone gold.

FAIRFAX, Va. - August 26, 2008 - GET READY FOR THE WORLDWIDE WAAAGH! Electronic Arts (NASDAQ: ERTS) and Mythic Entertainment today announced that the highly-anticipated MMORPG, Warhammer® Online: Age of Reckoning™ (WAR), has gone gold and will open its servers on September 18, 2008 at an MSRP of $49.99 in North America.

"We've done our best to create the next great MMORPG experience, but it's the fans that will bring our world to life," said Mark Jacobs, vice president at EA and general manager of Mythic Entertainment. "The Day of Reckoning approaches and it's going to be glorious! It's time to go to WAR."

Based on the popular tabletop game from Games Workshop, Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning is an epic fantasy MMORPG featuring innovative Realm vs. Realm™ game play that pits the forces of Order and Destruction against one another on the battlefield to determine the fate of nations.

Read more here.

The Lord of the Rings Online Lorebook has been updated with new entries detailing locations, creatures and characters in Turbines incarnation of Middle Earth.

When Oskari, brother of Iivari and First Hunter of the Suuri-lehmä tribe, led many of the Earth-kin hunters in a revolt against their brethren, he aided in the creation of a new tribe: the Rauta-lehmä, the tribe of the Iron Aurochs. He led them eastward into lands controlled by the Rauta-lehmä’s masters, the Angmarim. There, in the North Downs, they established a war-camp at Fashat Laug, near the ruins of Ost Crithlanc.

At Fashat Laug, the Rauta-lehmä gather their might, recruiting more of their kindred and replacing their crude hunting tools with iron weapons provided by the Hillman-armourers at Ost Crithlanc. When the storm of Angmar’s wrath is finally released, the Rauta-lehmä of Fashat Laug will stride forth against their own people and all others who stand against the Iron Crown.

Fashat Laug is a site created by Turbine for The Lord of the Rings Online™: Shadows of Angmar™ to further develop the giant-race called the Earth-kin. Players will likely find many items