MMO News

Legends of Mount Hua Now Available for Age of Wushu
S2 Games Annonces New MOBA Strife In Development
Age of Wushu Mount Hua Launch Q&A
Vindictus Season 2 Episode 2 Extra Content Update Now Live
MU REBIRTH Returns – WEBZEN Kicks Off Second Beta Celebration
TERA Introduces Factions, New Zones, Evolved Political System
Neverwinter: Fury of the Feywild Teaser Trailer
Marvel Heroes Update Preview and Human Torch Giveaway
Alternative Soviet Medium Line to be Added to World of Tanks
Civilization Online

Legends of Mount Hua Now Available for Age of Wushu

Posted: 08 Aug 2013 06:22 PM PDT

Legends of Mount Hua, the first North American expansion for Snail Games’ popular martial arts massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG), Age of Wushu, is now available for free download. Bringing eight new features to the martial arts sandbox, the Legends of Mount Hua expansion introduces an original story and instance, an 80-player battle arena and a player vs. player (PvP) competition.

“Age of Wushu has captured the enthusiasm and dedication of martial arts fans worldwide through its fast action combat and expansive exploration,” said Shi Hai, Founder and Chairman, Snail Games. “Legends of Mount Hua takes the game to the next level with a new storyline and journey coupled with a huge battle arena. We expect the game’s audience to grow substantially with additional content.”

Released earlier this year, Age of Wushu places players in the roles of ancient martial artists as they journey and fight for glory against in-game foes. The Legends of Mount Hua expansion adds even more immersive qualities to Age of Wushu’s Wuxia universe by bringing in new story events, combat features and a special competition. In addition, the expansion includes a new large-scale battleground, titled Youyun Sixteen Prefectures Battle Arena, where players can test their combat skills alongside more than 80 other players.

Age of Wushu: Legends of Mount Hua includes:

Mount Hua Competition – Top players of the server fight for legendary titles, costumes and the famed Heavenly Sword.

Yanmen Pass – Re-enact history with this new 18-man instance: 3 storylines, each with different gameplay and escalating difficulty.

Youyun Sixteen Prefectures Battle Arena – Fight for conquest in this 40 vs 40 PvP battleground filled with supporting tasks and multiple ways to victory.

Martial Brothers System – Bridging the gap between old and new players, low levels can quickly power up and enjoy discounts on learning skills by mentoring under a veteran player.

Jianghu Factions System – Players spread fame amongst major Jianghu factions / NPCs to earn titles, costumes, missions, items and more.

Jianghu Heroic Playstyle & Treasure System – Players fill the Heroic Bar and challenge Jianghu Heroes to earn unique treasures with stat bonuses.

Jianghu Gratitude & Revenge System – Players earn reputation with certain NPCs for companionship in forbidden instances and the over-world (gratitude) or install lethal distraction upon enemies.

S2 Games Annonces New MOBA Strife In Development

Posted: 08 Aug 2013 06:14 PM PDT

S2 Games, developers of the free-to-play Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA) Heroes of Newerth, today introduced their brand-new title, Strife. The only studio with two MOBAs currently in development, S2 has focused their long-standing industry expertise, passion and talent toward building a collaborative, engaging experience that truly stands apart from those offered by competing MOBAs. Strife's approach is simple: rich, community-driven gameplay paired with mechanics that make teamwork easy, rewarding and satisfying for all.

"S2 Games has been in the MOBA market from its inception," said Marc DeForest, CEO of S2 Games. "Since then, we've learned a great deal about this maturing genre through a wide range of analytical studies and experience. For Strife, we want to take MOBAs to the next level, utilizing our resources to blend the processes of game development and player engagement to create a more enjoyable experience that grows the community and evolves the idea of what MOBAs can be."

Unlike other MOBAs, Strife is built entirely around the idea of a collective, contributing community. Predicated on creating a more connected multiplayer experience that incentivizes cooperation, Strife streamlines communication between players with innovative, in-client social systems and rewards players for team collaboration, not simply placing highest on a leaderboard. It also employs design elements that instruct and inform, providing immediate feedback for genre newcomers and veterans alike.

Strife aims to make strides in MOBA storytelling, delivering an engrossing world with a layered backstory to further connect players with the heroes they choose. It all begins when the invasion of the Dharkwave, harbingers of darkness foretold by prophecy, is imminent, promising catastrophe upon the world. Its only hope is an Army of Light, forged in the crucible of battle to hold the line against their impending arrival. Players must overcome "The Trials of Strife," as well as one another, to prove themselves as champions worthy to face the Dharkwave.

Instilling in players personal attachments to their heroes as much informs S2's approach to art and character design as it does lore, producing units that are not only fun and intuitive to control, but that each feature their own definitive style. Everything from the pets they fight with to the crafted weapons and items they bring to battle is informed by the look, feel and personality of each hero. These customizable character choices encourage players to experiment, adapting tactics appropriate to personal play style.

Age of Wushu Mount Hua Launch Q&A

Posted: 08 Aug 2013 03:22 PM PDT

Questions by Jordan Hall (ApocaRUFF)

Answers by Tyler Rawlins, Producer at Snail Games

There is lots of excitement surrounding the new expansion coming to Snail Games USA’s Age of Wushu, named Legends of Mount Hua after an important part of Wuxia lore. Not only is it including a bulk of PVE content, such as instances and world PVE bosses. But it also includes a bunch of PVP content for those cold bloody killers who want more rewards for killing, such as a MOBA-style arena gamemode. Perhaps one of the most meaningful additions will be the new Mentor system, that will allow experienced veterans to speed up the cultivating of new players, giving them both rewards in the process. Thankfully, Tyler Rawlins, Producer at Snail Games, took the time to answer all of our questions and clear-up a few things concerning the expansion and the changes to the game that it will bring.

Thank you for taking the time to answer our questions. Please introduce yourself to our readers.

Tyler Rawlins, Producer at Snail Games.

Can you elaborate on what it is that you do at Snail Games USA?

Snail Games USA (SGUSA) helps bring the vast library of games that Snail Game China has created to North American audiences.

The new expansion, Legends of Mount Hua, brings a lot of new stuff to the game. What are you most excited about concerning its release?

There is so much to be excited about. A tutoring system for our experienced players to help newer ones, a MOBA style battleground for heroes to enter and compete. I am probably most excited for the Mount Hua Competition itself. It has a "Bloodsport" and "Highlander" feel where players across the server widdle the competitors down to a few before the competition officially begins, then a spectacle where everyone can watch and be rewarded in game.

One thing that caught my eyes while looking over the features list for the expansion was the "MOBA-like" PVP game mode. What makes it MOBA-like and what sorts of rewards or bonuses will we get for participating?

The arena setup is similar to that of all your traditional MOBA titles. Lanes, turrets (siege weapons), and minion/creep/cannon fodder troops. Players take their main hero into the arena and compete with one of two battle factions and upgrade abilities in a stand-alone format. After, you leave the way you came in, but are rewarded cultivation, items, and the chance to earn a new skill set.

Can you tell us a bit about the new instance being added? Will there be the player assassins like in other instances?

The Yanmen Pass let's players choose from a few different stories to play through the instance. Assassins are still in effect, but players can take part in not only different difficulty settings this time, but different points of view too.

I’m not sure if I read it right, but it’s possible for players to win rewards just from watching competitors in the Mount Hua Competition?

At the end of each round, a School is selected by the server. The School represents one of the schools that a competitor belongs to. 3 sets of skills will be randomly chosen from that school and sent to a few lucky spectators during that round. This is to encourage players to watch and learn what it takes to become a better martial artist in certain scenarios by studying the skills of those in this elite competition.

What rewards can the actual competitors and winners of the competition win?

The main reward is a special title and exclusive fashion set of mythical status. The top 5 will be rewarded different outfits and weapons skins to walk around and strike aww or fear in others they encounter.

As for the new treasures and artifacts, will we be able to gain these through random encounters or will they be restricted to boss drops?

The treasures can be acquired from instance boss drops / world PvE (the newly introduced Jianghu Hero System) where an elite mob will appear after slaying a number of normal spawns in one area, measured by an event bar. We also offer players the option of exchanging treasure through the cash shop item "Fire Washing Platform."

New skill-sets are being added, such as the Astonishing Goose Blade. Will these new skill-sets be balanced with the older school-based sets? Or are they intentionally going to be more powerful?

These skills will only be as powerful as the player makes them and typically more useful in specific situations. Right now these skills are no longer being sold in shops, but rather rewarded with certain events and arenas so players have more ways to be rewarded and more cause to explore the many areas of the game.

The mentor system sounds like it will be a lot of fun. Can you explain it a bit and tell us if there will be any content (such as mini-instances) that will only be available to teachers and students with the release of the expansion, or maybe in the future?

Brand new players (with no internal level learned at all) will be able to apprentice under a maxed internal skill player. There won't be any exclusive content, but both the apprentice and mentor will receive substantial rewards for completing instances, influence challenges together, and earn internal skill progression rewards (every 5 levels for the apprentice).

NA players have been hearing about the marriage system that is available in the Chinese version for a while now. Will that system be added into the game with this expansion, or can we expect that at a later date?

If the Marriage was included with Legends of Mount Hua, that may have been the feature I would be most excited for. Sadly, that has been pushed back a bit, but not too far into the future. I really can't wait to see that on our servers and witness all the parades and parties…and party crashing involved.

Will the expansion come packed with bug fixes? Such as exploit fixes, translation improvements and additions, etc?

There are a lot of new additions which will be the primary focus of the expansion. We are constantly updating the localization still and the exploits are always being addressed. We recently incorporated a system with our gold purchasing to try and curb some of the extreme examples in game. Since that is still new we want to see how it goes before moving on infighting those.

From a player's perspective, player numbers have been getting quite low in the recent month and players from certain servers (White Tiger and Black Tortoise, for example) have been asking to have their servers merged. However, you are about to release a new server called Golden Kirin. Is there any plan to merge low-population servers together, or are you hoping that the new content from the expansion will bring back old players?

With all the new content, we want to encourage a new start for players with the Golden Kirin server launch. New players can start fresh with others, returning players can knock off the rust a bit, and experienced players can start over and try new ideas in their training. Down the line, merges may be investigated more. Without community and economy depending on each other in game, low populations will be a major detriment.

Thank you again for your time. Is there anything else you would like to share with the readers?

Stay up to date on our website for the news and events for Legends of Mount Hua and all of Age of Wushu! Also check out our partnered giveaway event here for a chance to win a physical collector’s editions of Age of Wushu!

Vindictus Season 2 Episode 2 Extra Content Update Now Live

Posted: 08 Aug 2013 12:05 PM PDT

Nexon’s fast-paced MMO Vindictus keeps the action coming with its Season 2 Episode 2 content update. The latest installation features Pantheum the Executioner. A creature of unimaginable evil from beyond the grave, Pantheum is not pleased to meet players. He’s is one of the toughest bosses players will face, with three terrifying forms and no sympathy for the living. Gathering a strong party to take on this new enemy is a must in the 8-player Shadow of Death raid.

MU REBIRTH Returns – WEBZEN Kicks Off Second Beta Celebration

Posted: 08 Aug 2013 11:02 AM PDT

WEBZEN, a global leader in next-generation free-to-play games, launches the highly anticipated Second Beta Celebration for MU REBIRTH: The Official PVP Server. Starting today, players will be able experience this new action-packed RPG without having to worry about activity being wiped after beta ends. To celebrate the thrilling return of MU REBIRTH, WEBZEN also kicks off a series of free giveaways and special in-game events for players to enjoy during second beta. The Second Beta Celebrationends August 21 at 8am (Global Standard Time).

Second beta for MU REBIRTH will be available to all players and does not require a beta key code for activation. Unlike the game's closed beta test, all activity during the Second Beta Celebration (including character creation, leveling and item purchases) will be saved after the beta period has concluded. This provides all players with the opportunity to strengthen their characters in preparation for MU REBIRTH's Massive Global PVP Tournament. Details on the game's Open Beta will be announced shortly after the Second Beta Celebration ends on August 21.

MU Rebirth Giveaways

Free In-Game Cash Giveaway – WEBZEN has teamed up with 38 MMO sites to offer players free in-game cash. During the beta period, gamers can visit WEBZEN's partnering sites to obtain free codes, which can be redeemed for 3000 cash points. These points can be used to purchase weapons, armor, enhancements and other items in MU REBIRTH.
W Coin Giveaway – Players will be rewarded with W Coins just for being a part of MU REBIRTH's second beta. All participants who log into the game will automatically receive 100 W Coins (C). For every 10 Rebirths, each player will receive an additional 100 W Coins (Players will be rewarded for up to 50 Rebirths, which can be redeemed for 500 W Coins). The Top 10 Rebirth Players will also be rewarded with 10,000 additional W Coins. (W Coins will be distributed on August 28 (GST) after maintenance. Please check WEBZEN.com for promotion regulations.)

MU Rebirth Events

Epic Moment Event – WEBZEN wants to reward players for sharing their most epic moments while playing MU REBIRTH. Players who record themselves playing the game during second beta and upload their video to YouTube (or any other public video hosting site) will receive 500 W Coins (P). The Top 3 videos with the most views by a designated date will also earn additional prizes (1^st Place – 5,000 W Coins, 2^nd Place – 2,000 W Coins, 3^rd Place – 1,000 W Coins). (All participants must follow all of the requirements designated for this promotion in order to receive W Coins. Official rules and regulations will be posted on the MU Rebirth website).
New Player Level Up Event – New players can earn free in-game cash for participating in the Second Beta Celebration for MU REBIRTH. All new players who have signed up for a WEBZEN account within the last year will be rewarded with up to 600 free cash points for leveling up their characters. (Offer only valid for new members who have created a WEBZEN account after August 30, 2012. Please visit the MU Rebirth website for details).
Daily GM Events – WEBZEN has recruited GMs from all over the world to offer localized assistance to all MU REBIRTH players and host exciting in-game events on a daily basis. Players can win virtual prizes and currency by participating in special missions, team building exercises and fun events inspired by popular games such as Hide and Seek, Word Scramble and Capture the Flag.

TERA Introduces Factions, New Zones, Evolved Political System

Posted: 08 Aug 2013 10:59 AM PDT

Together we are strong! En Masse Entertainment, a player-driven publisher focused on delivering fun and innovative online games, announced today that the upcoming "Alliance" update for its action MMO, TERA: Rising, will take allied warfare to the next level with the introduction of factions, the Exarch political system, new zones, and powerful new gear and weapons. With over 2 million TERA: Rising players and an active community that's growing every day, there's never been a better time for veterans and new players alike to login and prepare for war.
With the Alliance update, TERA: Rising evolves its innovative political system, by allowing guilds to now join forces via three new factions headquartered in major cities throughout the world: the Free Traders Collective in Velika, the Enlightened Union in Allemantheia, and the Iron Order in Kaiator.

As a member of an Alliance, players will do battle with new enemies and allies in three new instanced zones called Alliance Territories. In these battlegrounds, players will attack and defend their respective fortresses for great rewards. In addition, players can earn Contribution Points or steal Noctenium resources to obtain powerful Alliance gear, including new combat items such as flash grenades and invisibility potions.

The Alliance update for TERA: Rising is set to launch on August 13, 2013.

Neverwinter: Fury of the Feywild Teaser Trailer

Posted: 08 Aug 2013 10:50 AM PDT

The Feywild update is nearly here! Grab your pack and prepare for the next branch in the Neverwinter story.

Marvel Heroes Update Preview and Human Torch Giveaway

Posted: 08 Aug 2013 10:03 AM PDT

How do you troll a bunch of Marvel Heroes developers? Tell them your favorite superhero is Superman. This was how the Press Preview of what is coming up in Marvel Heroes started. I answered the question honestly, I am a long time fan of Superman. But even if he wasn't I would have said him simply because they said "no Batman." But you aren't here for my amusing dev stories! You're here to find out what is coming up in Marvel Heroes. Before we can get there we're going to talk a bit about what has recently come out, including a surprise and what has been announced. So let's jump right in!

Human Torch

Johnny Storm, aka Human Torch is now available in Marvel Heroes. He flies, he shoots fire, and he looks awesome doing it. But getting him looking so awesome wasn't easy. Marvel Heroes is known for having alternate costumes, so the development team had a bit of a problem on their hands. How do you make costumes for a man who is always a ball of fire? After a bit of time debating and experimenting the team came up with technology which would allow the costume to be seen through the flames while still leaving the Human Torch burning bright. And thanks to Gazillion 5 lucky readers will be walking away with the Human Torch Hero Pack.

Eternity Splinters

Out with the old, in with the new. Have you ever felt like when it came to loot drops you have the worst luck in the world? Well you need worry no longer. Now you will be able to earn Eternity Splinters through playing which, when collected can go towards heroes, and more. Which means after about 20 hours of solid gameplay you should be able to purchase the hero of your choice instead of relying on the luck gods to look your way.

So now that we've talked about a couple of things already revealed, we're finally at the juicy stuff. The reveals.

Difficulty Modes

Though there has been some mention here and there of the desire for difficulty modes to be brought in since launch there hasn't been anything concrete, until now! Heroic and Superheroic difficulty modes are incoming. Going with a higher difficulty will mean new ambushes you won't be expecting and unique enemies you wouldn't otherwise see. And these unique enemies will have unique bosses who will have unique powers. UNIQUE!

PvP

And if that uniquely unique uniqueness wasn't enough! (Sorry, I'll stop now) You can go kick some ass in PvP. This is something that the team has been working on since launch and they hope to have up on the test server in a little bit over a week. Two teams of five will go head to head using existing powers, existing gear to defend their base while beating eachother into a bloody pulp.

The First Hour

The first hour of Marvel Heroes is getting a bit of a revamp. By which I mean it will be a completely new experience. Oh, don't worry about your favorite content from that first hour, most of it will still be available just in a slightly different way. The new zone will have you in action in less than five minutes and allow you to work with friends a colleagues to kick thugs in the face.

Emma Frost

Emma Frost mind controlling a T-Rex. Yes, you read that correctly! Emma Frost will be able to mind control a T-Rex. She has a unique mind control ability which will allow her to summon people she mind controls as a pet. And if that isn't cool enough for you she also has some other interesting mental abilities. And yes, diamond form.

New Item Types

Three new item types will be stirring up a storm very soon. Relics, Uniques, and Superteam items. Relic will be stackable items which give awesome bonuses and advantages. In one example there was a stack of 1,000 which gave an ever increasing crit chance though it does have diminishing returns. Uniques like Wolverine's Leather Jacket, and the Daddy Deadpool Device will be brought in. Each unique will have…you guessed it, unique abilities. You won't find a list of these items on any Marvel Heroes page though. The dev team wants the players to uncover them on their own.

X Mansion Attack

The X Mansion is under attack and only you and your friends can save the mansion! In this neverending scenario the X mansion comes under attack from wave after wave of bad guys. Beat them up to move on to the next wave. The longer you play the better your rewards, and the harder the enemies get.

One last thing that didn’t fit in anywhere else, it has been said that in the future players will be able to play some characters which are NPCs already in the game. All of this is really just scratching the surface of what is to come. There is so much more planned for the rest of 2013 I could write a novel about it. Instead, I'll leave you to process the awesome that just came and thank both Jeff Donais and David Brevik for taking the time to show us around.

Don't worry! I didn't forget about those Human Torch Hero Packs. Head on over to the forums by following this link to find out how to win. Good luck and stay safe hero.

Alternative Soviet Medium Line to be Added to World of Tanks

Posted: 08 Aug 2013 08:43 AM PDT

Wargaming, the leading free-to-play MMO developer and publisher, today revealed the first details of Update 8.8 for its MMO action game, World of Tanks.

"Update 8.8 will introduce some very cool new machines into the Soviet and German lines," said World of Tanks Producer Mike Zhivets. "Strengthened with the addition of even more medium and heavy vehicles, the game's roster will offer players extra variety, while the rebalance within the German line will provide for a more well-rounded experience".

The upcoming update will bring an alternative branch of Soviet medium tanks, starting at Tier 6. This new line will include the A-43 (Tier 6), the A-44 (Tier 7), the Object 416 (Tier 8), and the Object 140 that will take its place as the nation's top medium tier option.

Fans of the German tech tree will see the debut of two new vehicles—the Tier 4 DW heavy chariot and the Tier 6 VK3002 (M) medium tank. The VK3001H heavy tank will be moved to Tier 5, undergo rebalancing, and become a heavy tank, just as the VK3601H.

Update 8.8 will also introduce two new Chinese premium machines—the Tier 8 T-34-3 medium tank and the 112 Tier 8 heavy tank, as well as a new battle arena with autumn setting—Tundra.

Civilization Online

Posted: 07 Aug 2013 09:27 PM PDT

Civilization is ready to move on to a new age – the age of the MMO! Prepare for the open world where your strategy can build or crush civilizations overnight.

Publisher: XL Games
Playerbase: ??
Graphics: High
Type: MMORPG
EXP Rate: ??
PvP: Yes
Filesize:??

Pros: +Play as an individual within your chosen civilization. +Gameplay will last in long-term “sessions.” +Sandbox style play.

Cons: -Limited information available.

Overview

Civilization Online Overview

Civilization Online is a new awakening for the Civilization franchise. Instead of controlling an entire civilization, players will take an active role as an individual within the civilization (although some of those active roles do involve leadership!). Gather resources, craft, and develop your cities as you go forward to conquer the land – and join in small or large scale battles to defend your civilization and move forward on the terrain. Games will be long-term sessions in which players of each civilization participate until one civilization reaches victory, and a new game can begin.