Wednesday, May 29, 2013

MMO News

MMO News


Elsword Transformation Review Update

Posted: 29 May 2013 01:33 PM PDT

Elsword Transformation Review Update

By Taylor Lux

 

ElHistory

Elsword is a side-scrolling, fast-paced, fighting MMORPG developed by KOG Studios. When the game was originally created, it was to be a reboot of fellow side-scroller Grand Chase, another creation of KOG Studios. Elsword (the character), Aisha, and Rena were near identical to characters from Grand Chase, but were scrapped when different producers took on Elsword. Because of this reboot mentality, there are many similarities to Grand Chase; however, there are a few key differences, such as the job class system, that it diverges quite a bit from its predecessor.

 

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Nexon published the game initially, releasing it in South Korea on December 27, 2007 and it has been free-to-play since launch. Many different publishers have taken the mantle to bring Elsword to many different countries, such as NHN Japan, Gamania, and Kill3rCombo, which allowed releases in Taiwan (10/23/2009), Hong Kong (11/9/2009), Japan (3/17/2010), and North America (3/23/2011). Elsword also has had 6 manwas written that take place within the story of the game itself called ElType, 4 are focused on the "El Search Party" while 2 are centered on the character Chung.

 

Gaming Nostalgia

When I began playing Elsword, I had not realized that side-scrolling MMORPGs existed. It reminded me of the NES days, but more specifically that of a Zelda game where it hybridized RPGs with side-scrolling. The nostalgia took a back seat once I started to delve deeper into the mechanics of managing my MP, aiming my shots to maximum effectiveness, and utilizing various attack combos to slowly climb my combo meter higher and higher.

 

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Spells and special skills use both an MP and a cool down system. When in cooling, there is a countdown that lets you know exactly how much longer you need to wait until it can be used again, which is useful for those long cool down abilities. Combos use a collection of "Z" and "X" along with direction keys. The best part for new players is once you have started using a combo key, it instantly expands your entire possible tree of combos and highlights as you continue along your combo. You gain more combos as you gain new classes, so there is still some learning when you achieve those changes.

 

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El Search Party

The possible playable characters are limited to 6 possible choices, each gender locked. However, each character is not a cookie cutter mold of each other, as at level 15 each playable character has the choice of taking up one of 3 advanced classes which advances further at level 35 with a story arc for each class advancement. You have Elsword, the great sword wielding adventurer; Aisha, the former greatest mage of Elrios; Rena, an elven ranger who protects her allies with a bow; Raven, an atoning swordsman with a Nasod claw for a left arm; Eve, a Nasod who wants to bring the coexistence of humans and Nasods; and finally Chung, the nobleman who wields a giant cannon as if it were nothing.

 

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Let's Play Dress Up!

There's a large lack of customization in the game, outside of playing dress up with the characters. The characters are gender locked; their hairstyles and colors are locked as well. However, the money store comes with costume pieces that you can wear over whatever equipment you're actually wearing to maintain a set look, though without it you'll constantly be mix and matching colors and gear types based on what you pick up along the way. One nice feature though that other titles in the F2P spectrum often lack is the ability to mix cash shop pieces with actual gear to create a hybrid look rather than just being naked wherever any of your pieces lack a cash shop covering.

 

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There is one unique thing I did notice. You can actually press F6 and change the view of yourself and all other players into a Chibi art mode when not in a dungeon. This mode disregards all equipment, but it does make for a cute and funny looking approach to heavy populated areas such as towns. It's a nice way to improve performance while also sidestepping the usual graphics of everyday MMOs or even other side scrolling RPGs where everyone is very humanoid looking.

 

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Once More unto the Breach, My Friends

Ah yes, the quests. It's quite easy to find the quests, with people on the map with large yellow exclamation points floating over their heads. There are many times where you have to replay levels in order to finish quests, though on different difficulties. Each level has 3 difficulties, Normal, Hard, and Intense. In order to help figure out where a quest is, when you click on the map of the different areas there's a large golden Q on top of the level. Since some quests must be accomplished on harder difficulties, they add the golden Q to indicate that you've chosen an appropriate map and difficulty level to accomplish your activated quest. It might seem like a small benefit but you'll be glad when it saves you from having to grind out an easy map only to realize you wasted your time.

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Teaming is actually quite easy in Elsword. Even if you're going to solo, you have   to create your own team. If you create a team, you can leave the designed member count on 4 and then people can click "Join Team" to quickly jump in. The creation of your team is automatically broadcasted so you won't have to put much effort into finding party members if you want to. After your new teammates join and click ready, you're all set to start the countdown for the actual quest. The group stays together after the boss is defeated and can either do another quest or leave the team. From my experience, it most common for a group would disband instantly after the quest was complete.

 

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Verdict: Good

The old side scrolling nostalgia was really what I enjoyed the most of Elsword. The lack of customization was a large drawback for me, though the expanding classes from the base characters did help some. The customizable fashion idea is something that I enjoy on the surface, but it really should allow you to overlay regular equipment you like aesthetically while maintaining the better gear's stats. Their systems for teaming and questing made joining up with others in the community and avoiding running unnecessary maps a snap. Overall the game offers just enough nostalgia, skill-based combat, dress-up, and Manwa story-telling to keep its target audience enthusiastic for each update.

OnRPG and MMOHut Partner with GamingEvolved for Akaneiro Livestream

Posted: 29 May 2013 01:07 PM PDT

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It's been three months since OnRPG and MMOHut gave Akaneiro: Demon Hunters a detailed look, and while it had plenty of bugs at launch, it was certainly the only niche title to offer the feel of an ARPG with the look of action art title Okami. So a few elite members of our team are jumping onto the Gaming Evolved Livestream tonight at 5pm PST to check the game out!

Tune in and discuss your thoughts with us and other members of the Gaming Evolved Audience as we see just how far Spicy Horse Games has upped their game.

Discover File Island (2nd Update) in Digimon Masters

Posted: 29 May 2013 10:41 AM PDT

Joymax, a leading online game developer and publisher of free to play MMORPGs, today announced it will launch part two of its successful File Island content update for its popular MMORPG, Digimon Masters Online.  Based on the popular Japanese animation series, Digimon Masters takes place in both the human and digital worlds, with players taking on the role of Tamers, ensuring the two don’t collide with disastrous results. Check out the rest of the island beginning June 2nd and all the digital world has to offer at http://www.joymax.com/dmo/

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Beginning June 2nd through July 4th, Digimon Masters will release the second half of File Island featuring File Island Waterfront, the Lost Historic Site and Infinite Mountain which includes Dungeon, Boss Mob; Devimon!  File Island Part 2 comes on the heels of the successful first update which received more than 300,000 Facebook likes putting it at a 200,000 increase since last year!

To celebrate, bonus EXP point and movement speed booster (30%) events will be going on everyday!  Tamers can expect more news to come on the official Digimon Masters Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/digimonmasters; check out all the latest news, GM interviews, and more at http://www.joymax.com/dmo/

InnoGames Announces Grepolis for Android and iOS

Posted: 29 May 2013 10:36 AM PDT

Full-functionality mobile apps for popular strategy game, Grepolis, have just been announced for release this summer – along with the first splash screen. Publisher InnoGames  sees this platform expansion as an important step in the company's cross-platform future.

Those who can't wait to bring Grepolis to their mobile device can already download Grepolis Toolbox – a light version of the app, which features essential functions only. Grepolis Toolbox is used as an important analytic tool, allowing InnoGames to test out interface design and the most popular functions. This will insure the highest quality results to compete in the mobile gaming market.

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"We aim to offer all the features that you know from the online game in the upcoming app," explains Product Manager Sebastian Seeber. "On the other hand, it was important for us to keep it attractive and uncluttered for new audiences. It is crucial that the app keep up with industry standards."

InnoGames is in the process of evolving into a cross-platform gaming company. In addition to the upcoming Grepolis iOS and Android apps, the classic browser title Tribal Wars is available on iOS and Android devices. More than 200,000 users per month are using the apps already. The company also has several projects in the works that will be released as cross-platform at launch-time.

Gogogogo.com Launches Open Beta Test For Third-Person Shooter, Tata Blitz

Posted: 29 May 2013 10:29 AM PDT

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Gogogogo.com, a leading provider of online games, today unleashes the Open Beta Test for their new and exciting free to play browser-based 2D third person shooter, Tata Blitz (www.tatablitz.com).  With a lively and comical cartoon style and featuring a variety of interesting maps, characters, weapons and quirky background stories that will leave players in stitches, Tata Blitz is ready to storm onto the international stage.

Beginning today and running until June 30th, players will be able to register for an Open Beta account and begin playing Tata Blitz from any computer – all they need is a browser.   During the OBT, players will receive daily online gift packs.  The longer you stay connected, the more gifts you will receive.  New equipment has also been added to the Shop, including extra guns and costumes, are now available; all items in the shop are now arranged by Grade quality.

 

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Also added for the OBT is the new refinement system, which upgrades your current equipment to be more powerful.  The highest upgrade color still remains a secret: who will discover it and be the first to post a screen shot to the forums?  New random events during battle maps have also been added such as traps and buffs: use these wisely to secure victory for your team.  Finally, the music and audio can now be controlled individually within the game.

Several events kicked off today and will run until June 30th.  This includes the Newbie Training event, which rewards players based on what military rank they achieve, up to Rank 24; the Save The World! Events, where players are challenged to defeat the Hard Mode of several bosses and post their victory screen shots in the forums for amazing prizes; and the GM Party event where players may find themselves randomly paired with or against a Tata Blitz GM while in Deathmatch PVP.  Those who are lucky enough to find a GM, win or lose, will receive some very cool prizes.

To prevent the Doomsday Envoy from spreading misfortune any further, Captain Max has assembled the Tata Blitz team, including Instructor Steve, Doctor Lee, and Weapons Researcher Maggie, and YOU, alongside other members ready to take on the responsibility of saving the world!

Uncharted Waters Online Opens the Door to Historical Korea

Posted: 29 May 2013 10:22 AM PDT

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Land, ho! Uncharted Waters Online, the historical massively multiplayer online role playing game (MMORPG), sails into brand new territory with the latest update hitting today. Players can now discover the land of the Morning Calm, otherwise known as the Korean peninsula, and venture into a tranquil and picturesque world full of majestic mountains and pure water. Players will have seemingly endless options to acquire new skills, seek out new adventures and learn about historical Korea. Interested players can check out the game on Netmarble or Steam for free, where they can embark on a nautical adventure on the high seas.

The Morning Calm update includes:

Open Korean Towns – The update presents three distinctive new towns, including Hanyang (known as modern-day Seoul), Busan and Pohang. Players can command new ships made only in these areas, including the Stacked Turtle Ship and Caoyun Ship. Adventurous explorers also can dock their ships in an abundance of new territories such as West Pohang, as well as the west coast and north coast of the Korean Peninsula.

Quest, Discover and Suit up – New quests and a dungeon have been added for players to enjoy, including the Songsan-ri Tombs, a dungeon filled with new NPCs to face. Furthermore, Netmarble introduces new quests and discoveries including: Dragon Swallowtail, Sin Saimdang Folding Screen, Jeju Island and more.

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For more information on newly added items and features, please visit: http://uwo.netmarble.com/expansion/morningcalm.asp

Exclusive to the Steam version of Uncharted Waters Online is a new item package, Steam Voyager’s Limited Edition. The package contains exclusive decorations and equipment, which will help players during their adventures on the high seas. Also in this package are several Additional Registration Long-term Permits, which allow players to create up to three extra characters.

 

 

 

Kings and Legends Global, the Battle Begins Now

Posted: 29 May 2013 10:15 AM PDT

GameFuse, a leading publisher of free-to-play online games, is pleased to announce that Kings and Legends Global, a highly addictive and competitive trading card game (TCG) with MMO and RPG twists, is now available worldwide on GameFuse.com.

"We are proud to present Kings and Legends Global on GameFuse," says Henry Law, Producer of Kings and Legends Global. "Players can expect in-depth and challenging gameplay that consists of seemingly endless content, monthly new cards, numerous and rich events, and a strong gaming community."

Kings and Legends Global offers players robust and enjoyable gameplay with numerous features that combine the best of the TCG and MMORPG genres right in your browser. In Kings and Legends Global, players literally determine their own fate with hundreds of uniquely customizable cards, all of which can be enhanced and/or traded to create unique and powerful decks. The game requires players to think strategically in order to take down their opponents in battlegrounds and boss battles that are certain to challenge their will and power. Players can also group up with friends to create an alliance in the Guild Hall, or pit themselves against the trials and tribulations of Challenge Hall and Ascension Tower, each of which provide epic loot to those able to survive the encounter.

In celebration of the launch, players that log in during May 29th – July 1st will receive a special party pack. Also, each week players can take part in a Player vs Player (PvP) tournament for a chance to win a Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 and a prize pack containing 100 in-game gold.

Chrono Tales Chicken Run to Adventure for Hope

Posted: 29 May 2013 10:09 AM PDT

A series of interesting events are holding in Chrono Tales, such as Chicken Run, Take Adventure For Hope, which stimulate player's enthusiasm. From so many replies and their positive participation, it is obviously that this game is popular among its players.

 

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Chicken Run is the event that players race freely with own pet to show the speed of the wind. A team more than 4 players can be an enroll to race; and one GH (volunteer Game Staff) to judge; the GH must be fair and balance. After players take a photo of the race (the photo can be the result of race, group photo and so on), the official will choose 10 beautiful screenshots as winner, and post on CT FaceBook.

 

 

Another event- Take Adventure For Hope: This event asks players to pass through Rain Forest, Desert… to search Supply Point NPC and take screenshots with them. 10 best entries will be rewarded and post on CT FaceBook Page after the event ends.

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Attention you Land Lubber, Scurvy-Fighting, Powder Monkey!

Posted: 29 May 2013 09:49 AM PDT

JOYHUBs continues its parade of high quality browser games with the open beta release of Seven Seas Saga, an MMORPG that allows players to fight on the bloody seas for pirate treasure, fight pirate ships, do business, and contribute their countries. SSS allows players to choose from merchants, pirates, or those who fight to keep the seas free. Players also can choose to play as any group at any time, being full time pirates, naval officers, or a combination of the two. Players are given quests, maps to discover treasure, and items to trade at the many harbors in the game.

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A few features from the game:

- Firing, Ramming and Boarding, creative multi-mode real-time sea fights.

- Create your own ship: Build a ship and upgrade the cabins, equip it with cannons, rams, armor plates, figureheads and crew, even give it a name.

- Hundreds of cargoes that can be traded in the harbors all over the world.

- Find the missing buried treasures found throughout the game.

- Daily, Weekly, and Story quests that all players can take advantage of.

- Guilds and group play available for players.

- Many famous fictional and real ships as world bosses.

- Contains PvP contents: Captain Duels, Port Sieges, Relic Sieges, Sea Fight Arena and Piracies.

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Servers will be open at PDT 9:00 on May 29th and free for all players. Awesome events will be held to celebrate it. We are also offering luxury gifts to all players. OnRPG and MMOHut will also be offering gift codes coinciding with the open beta launch so keep an eye out on our giveaway page! Also be sure to catch Proxzor’s preview article on SSS!

Soldier Front 2 – First Look – “Hero Mode”

Posted: 29 May 2013 09:38 AM PDT

Soldier Front 2 – First Look – “Hero Mode”

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Following in its predecessor’s success comes Soldier Front 2, an MMOFPS packed with realism and clan warfare. Customize your load out, earn achievements, and battle in a variety of competitive and even cooperative modes in this upcoming shooter.

In this video James checks out a MOBA hybrid option available in Soldier Front 2 where the objective involves pushing three lanes of baddies and acquiring gold to quickly purchase upgraded weaponry. It’s pretty damn unique in the fps space and worth checking out!

 

There’s no official word on beta testing for Soldier Front 2 but we’ll likely be hearing from Aeria Games shortly. Be sure to catch Part 1 of our First Look as well to understand the basic concepts of the game.

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