MMO News |
- Space Engineers Update 0.1071 Review
- Dynasty Warriors 8 Empires to Offer Free to Play Edition
- Dynasty Warriors 8: Empires Playstation 4 Review
- Dying Light Interactive Story Trailer
- BANDAI NAMCO Games America Announces Supernova
- League of Angels Fire Raiders: Coming Soon for iOS and Android
- SuperNova Early Access Feature Preview
- Blitzkrieg 3: Business Model Change + Alpha Test Announced
- The Skies Launches Alpha Access
- Europa Universalis IV El Dorado: Now Available
| Space Engineers Update 0.1071 Review Posted: 26 Feb 2015 03:35 PM PST New armor ships and encounters are released.
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| Dynasty Warriors 8 Empires to Offer Free to Play Edition Posted: 26 Feb 2015 01:22 PM PST Tecmo Koei has announced that it will offer a free-to-play trial edition of Dynasty Warriors 8 Empires soon, MCV reported. “Free Alliances Version” will be available on the PlayStation Network, expected to release in March 2015. Free players will be able to use the Edit and Free modes, and will be able to purchase microtransactions for additional Edit Mode content. PS Plus subscribers will also get access to Empire mode. |
| Dynasty Warriors 8: Empires Playstation 4 Review Posted: 26 Feb 2015 01:19 PM PST By Jason Parker (Ragachak), Console Writer
Thinking Wei Outside of the Box I was thrilled to see another Empires title; I realize I'm probably in the minority there though! I actually did not start playing the Dynasty Warriors series (despite my love of the era, and the Romance of the Three Kingdoms series) until 4: XL. In some ways, I enjoy the Empires expansions even more, because it's not all historically accurate. There are lots of ways to influence the flow and pace of the game, and change the course of Chinese History in your own way. Using the DW8 Engine is also an excellent choice. Every character has a unique weapon and style to their own, and there are a pile of customizable options (including Warhorses!). While I do wish there were more cutscenes that didn't all feel the same, overall I'm pretty satisfied with what's on offer.
One Seal to Rule Them All As always, the goal is to unite China under one banner. Whether you are a grunt in the system, or the Ruler, calling all of the shots is entirely up to your play style. In most of my playthroughs I started off as a free officer, wandering until I found the right ruler for me (or at least had the other characters I wanted to interact with) and applied to join them. As time went on, I performed well in battle and gained Merit. Merit is accumulated by accomplishing goals set out in battle, on the pre-battle screen as well as during the Planning Phase, which occurs twice a year. The goals are pretty standard: In the Planning Phase you will likely see "Join one invasion and win," "Complete one quest," or "Increase happiness in one province you control." They are varied enough so that any style of character can at least do something, or several things, depending on how you play. In battle it's a little different, but still the same. Defeat Target Warrior/Base, defeat X Warriors or Capture Y bases, and keep troop strength above a certain level. While these are all really pretty standard, you don't have to be a virtuous and kind character. You can be villainous and evil, much in the way Dong Zhuo was. Sure, it's easier to win the game as a good guy; traditionally Shu are painted as the virtuous, benevolent heroes, and even though it was Wei (or Jin if you prefer) that really got the unification victory, Shu were shown as heroes no matter what. If you choose the darker route, extorting the people and executing your foes that won't join your cause, you will see far more uprisings and rebellions. But again it's all about what makes it fun for you! It wouldn't be fun if you didn't at least have the option to be as human or inhuman as you choose to be. Depending on your rank in the kingdom you also get more options on each turn. If you are the Ruler, expect to be able to hold banquets and donate money across the kingdom. Conversely, you can also force conscription and tax constantly if you want to take the more evil route. What separates Empires from the rest of the series are the choices you can make. It's all about choices; you don't have to join invasions, you don't have to take the people's needs into account.
Spring and Autumn Annals Where you are located matters as well. Certain items are only found in particular provinces. And in order to purchase these items as well as strategies, you may have to build particular structures in these provinces. Each province can have two structures, each with their own benefit. Academies let you purchase strategies (not the only way to unlock them!), Blacksmiths let you purchase new weapons, and Merchants will let you buy equippable items (various stat bonuses such as in earlier Dynasty Warriors games). Location is key: It influences who you can recruit and who you can associate with. And these choices also matter. Depending on who you spend your time with, you can wind up married or having Sworn Brothers! The marriage is new for several reasons; while an earlier title did include marriage, in this you can have a child that can also join your faction as time progresses. Your significant other occasionally can give you items or weapons as well. Your actions also give you titles that can affect your stats in minor ways, but are also a display of how your character lived. Here is where the replay value can come in. At the end of the game if you played as a created character, you can see them again in other replays, provided you are playing someone new. How you acted and the choices you made will influence their stats, and how they act and fight in the game. You can also register these characters online so that they might show up in other peoples' games! Now that's fantastic. I like the idea of Zhang Rong (one of my characters) showing up in a friend’s game potentially causing mischief. How you live your life will directly impact that character in a fascinating way. You can also choose to save your children as playable characters at the end of the game. Replay also comes in the form of Custom Scenarios. You can create a new scenario with any parameters you'd like, officers wherever you want, the strength of their kingdoms, et cetera. From what I've seen you can also upload these online for other players to struggle through (as you will no doubt not want them to be easy!), which can create an unlimited amount of replay value.
Online Play Pushing On Don't get me wrong, I'm thrilled that Koei is using more Online play options. Samurai Warriors 4 had crossplay, the Dynasty Warriors: Gundam series and even One Piece had some online play, even if it was minor. The basic online functions in 8: Empires are simplistic, but there's room for growth. What would really make it stand out is a versus scenario; sure the logistics would probably be insane and it would probably feel like you're playing Civilization versus other players online. Clearly any fan of the series would be in love with that function if it existed though. The current rendition may not be all the way outside of the box, but Tecmo-Koei is moving in the right direction. Creating custom scenarios is definitely a start, and the idea that you can upload yours onto the Internet for others to play should be a lot of fun. Fans of the era will make interesting What-If scenarios, and people that just like beat 'em ups are going to make insane challenges just to see how others deal with them.
Not Quite a Golden Age While I was definitely thrilled to see an Empires title on the Playstation 4 (and even on Steam), there is so much more that could have been done here. The cinematics list is very small; small enough that I witnessed nearly all of them in a single playthrough. I find myself skipping them, but doing events just to get the bonuses. Not all Sworn Brothers were found under the Cherry Orchards, but it is definitely a nice touch. I'd like to see more historic work and events that haven't been covered in a Dynasty Warriors title yet, though 7 and 8 were a very large step in the right direction with the addition of Lu Bu's story and the creation of the Jin faction. It can be very repetitive I'll warrant, but there are enough ways to change gameplay to give more replay value to your title. While I was delighted to see character creation, I was ultimately quite disappointed in the choices of costume. I feel like I've seen the same gear since DW5: Empires. Ogre Armor, Samurai Armor, Imperial Robes, et al. There's no way to unlock more that I've seen, though perhaps there will be DLC. I'd love to see faction specific armor, or perhaps particular barbarian tribes (Nanman, Shanyue, Qiang, et cetera). Koei got their big push with their Historical Simulation Series, so they definitely have the tools to do stuff like this. I was mortified that almost all of the custom character stuff was either not period specific or just the same stuff as all the other games. Come on guys. You can spice it up a little! I understand that Dynasty Warriors is the same era every time, and the combat might feel a little boring after a while, but that's why we have 82 or so different weapons now. Surely we can come up with a few more articles of clothing.
Remember, Do Not Pursue Lu Bu: Score: 4/5 Great While the big argument is "Dynasty Warriors titles are repetitive and boring after 7 iterations," they must be doing something right to keep going strong. The game is beautiful, and it's a more in-depth Empires title than we've ever seen. One of my few, but huge gripes with Koei is that they don't take enough chances, don't stretch into new directions hard enough. There's so much that can be done even if it's just this one era that spans about 185-280 AD. I really want to see more out of the cutscenes and more functions in online play. Despite that, the game is fun for fans of the era, and definitely fun for fans of the beat 'em up style of Dynasty Warriors that want a little something more in their game to mix things up. Plenty of items to unlock though sadly none of them are cosmetic that I have seen. If you’ve never experienced a Dynasty Warriors title before, this one should blow you away.
Graphics: 4/5 Dynasty Warriors 8: Empires is beautiful. Cutscenes are a little bland and dry, But the actual art assets with the game are spectacular. They really capture the environment in a bold and terrific fashion. It's a little over the top in some aspects (such as Red Hare's fiery mane) but it's designed to capture the attention of the player, and I think they do a phenomenal job of that.
Controls: 4/5 While the controls are pretty solid, I do think it's a little awkward to have R2 be the strategy button and up arrow to be the button to activate them. The directional pad is only used in combat to sort through tactics, and give the occasional order. Other than that controls are great, though I do have a problem riding a horse after a while. Every time I hit left or right they look like they're going to fall right over and that's distracting.
Features/Gameplay: 3/5 Gameplay is great, just what I'd expect of an Empires title. But alas, it is still kind of stale. They made huge strides in adding lots to the War Council/Strategy phase, but that's really all that got added, outside of the customization options (which are great outside of clothes). The Custom Scenarios are definitely a nice touch that I want to explore more.
Sound/Music: 4/5 The music in Dynasty Warriors has always gotten my blood pumping. The guitarist that does their work is terrific, and so many of the different music tracks are outstanding and different. I was rather hoping that I would get English voices again, or at least an option for Chinese. Watching Chinese heroes speak Japanese is just wrong somehow. All in all the game sounds terrific, the animal roaring and the bellow of the soldiers all just work right.
Want to see the game in action? I captured some gameplay during the preview, though audio was not recorded.
Looking to try the game out on PC without shelling out your cash? Sounds like a free to play edition is in the works and will be live shortly. |
| Dying Light Interactive Story Trailer Posted: 26 Feb 2015 11:47 AM PST A new interactive story trailer for Dying Light. See the full experience here.
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| BANDAI NAMCO Games America Announces Supernova Posted: 26 Feb 2015 11:31 AM PST BANDAI NAMCO Games America Inc. announces the epic new addition to their growing free-to-play lineup, Supernova, set to launch on PCs later this year. Set in the distant, space-faring future Supernova takes an innovative approach to the multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) genre by adding real-time strategy (RTS) elements and promises an exciting science fiction setting with vast potential. In Supernova the universe is the battle arena, and players must battle as humans or aliens for their race's right to exist. Commanders from across the galaxy pit themselves against each other to save their race from extinction — only the strongest commanders can save their species from interstellar annihilation. Players choose from a wide variety of commanders to control, such as giant robots, cyborgs, or interstellar races adapted to the unyielding harshness of space. Atop this creative foundation, Supernova, allows lane minions to be upgraded in ways familiar to any RTS player providing an additional element of strategy to this truly unique MOBA. Infantry, mechanized land and air units provide a rock-paper-scissors triad to push the lane with depth only possible in Supernova. "Supernova offers players an innovative multiplayer experience, combining a fresh science fiction setting with strategic and contemporary gameplay elements" said In Joon Hwang, Director of Digital Games for BANDAI NAMCO Games America Inc. "Primal Game Studio has done an incredible job of creating a MOBA that is set to redefine the genre, and will offer both MOBA and RTS players a captivating experience." Supernova aims to take traditional MOBA gameplay another step further with a crafting mechanism that allows players to improve their battle prowess by combining drops from their matches to create durable boosts to the abilities of their favorite commanders. This ability allows players to extend their strategies beyond their chosen commanders' base abilities. Supernova also introduces the Mechanoughts and an unparalleled line-up of Commanders. Mechanoughts are a planet-razing ancient technology that will grant a savvy team megalithic blasting drones, which relentlessly drive to the heart of an enemy's defenses. Lastly, the possibilities offered by a future, universe-spanning set of civilizations presents a variety of Commanders not limited by any terrestrial imagination. Supernova is created by Primal Game Studio and is a continuation of BANDAI NAMCO Games' growth in the free-to-play space. Supernova is a new intellectual property that strives to advance current gameplay standards and deliver pioneering experiences to its players. Supernova starts its Alpha today and will Launch for PC later this year. |
| League of Angels Fire Raiders: Coming Soon for iOS and Android Posted: 26 Feb 2015 11:29 AM PST League of Angels is coming soon to mobile devices! League of Angels – Fire Raiders, the sequel to the immensely popular web-based MMORPG League of Angels, is a strategic MMO card game that sets out to change the way mobile games are played. With a wide selection of Heroes and Angels to choose from, multiple ways to deploy your forces in battle, and full player control over the customization of Heroes and Angels, League of Angels – Fire Raiders promises a groundbreaking experience in strategic RPG gameplay on mobile devices. The game is expected to launch soon on iOS and Android. League of Angels – Fire Raiders features a variety of action-packed game modes such as cross-server arena battles, team dungeons, unique PVE and PVP modes and plenty of mini games! With over a hundred available Heroes and Angels to choose from, be sure to unlock the perfect ones for you. Train your Heroes and Angels, and enhance their weapons to build a mighty team to take on evil forces, mighty bosses and opposing players. United through fire, your Heroes will prove to be the most loyal companions you could ever ask for. Your beautiful and protective Angels will do their best to defend them along the way. Prepare yourself for a revolution in mobile game strategy! The choices you make will have a huge impact on how you fare in the game, beginning with which Heroes or Angels to recruit. Each team is unique, so finding the perfect combination will be the first step in forging a path towards victory. Once a hero or angel is recruited, there are many options when it comes to leveling up, learning skills, and upgrading equipment. But building a strong team isn’t the only factor; you need to be quick-witted as well. Some enemies will be impossible to bring down if you use the same combination each time. Players have the option of choosing which Heroes and Angels to deploy in each battle, so customize your tactics and pick the best formation of Heroes and Angels to prevail. To play League of Angels – Fire Raiders is to play a game that never ends. With weekly hot events, players from all over the world, and constant updates, you can enjoy the action everywhere you go. Armed with the power of choice, your resources, battle level and recruited heroes will all play a crucial role in how you play the game. Only by assembling the right party and discovering the perfect strategy can you make it to the top! As an MMORPG, players also have the opportunity to connect with thousands of others via live chat and make new friends who will follow you throughout your journey, through good times and bad. League of Angels – Fire Raiders will be available soon in the App Store and on Google Play. The game is completely free to play, and there are many ways to take part in the launch festivities to earn valuable gifts. Don’t forget to like us on Facebook to get the latest news and receive even more free gifts!
For more information, visit angelmobile.gtarcade.com |
| SuperNova Early Access Feature Preview Posted: 26 Feb 2015 11:23 AM PST By Scott Braquet (SimpleAnatomy)
Earlier this week I had the pleasure of attending a private Bandai Namco event in San Francisco for an undisclosed game. Things were kept so close to the chest on this event that the others invited and I literally didn’t even know the name or genre of the game we were previewing until we arrived. As such it turned out to be Bandai’s attempt to get into the core MOBA genre through Primal Games, a company with the vision to build on the existing success of MOBAs by adding an extra layer of tactics that, arguably given the nature of the genre, should have existed from the beginning. Read on to get the full details on SuperNova, an RTS MOBA science fiction hybrid. Introduction:
Background:
MOBA Gameplay: Commanders are given 3 Alliance Powers to compliment their basic attacks. These skills are picked before the game starts and can be used in tandem with basic attacks to create serious damage, heal allies, or slow enemies. Alliance Powers have extra long cool downs so strategic placement is recommended. The SuperNova jungle comes with one primary focus – the Quantum camp. Quantum monsters are units that can be added to your army for additional firepower. Quantum camps require commanders to team up together to kill and then capture the camp in order to get control of the Quantum monster. Both actions must be done before your team takes control, so if the other team is able to capture the camp after it has been killed they gain control of the Quantum and will use it against you. This becomes a main focus late game as it can help seal the victory for the controlling team.
RTS Elements:
Conclusion: We’ve been given continued access to the alpha test client and hope to bring about a more in-depth look soon. Follow us on twitter and youtube to not miss out on our coverage! |
| Blitzkrieg 3: Business Model Change + Alpha Test Announced Posted: 26 Feb 2015 11:17 AM PST Nival, an independent game developer renowned for their strategy games, have today announced changes to the business model for Blitzkrieg 3, the long awaited next installment to one of their most beloved franchises, as well as details of the launch of the Closed Alpha Test for the game. Rejecting the current market trend for so called 'free-to-play' with in-game micro transactions, Blitzkrieg 3 will instead require players to only make a one-time payment for the game. Commenting on the business model, Sergey Orlovsky, CEO and founder of Nival said, "The pendulum is swinging once again when it comes to how consumers want to pay for their games. The market is shifting back towards a cleaner, simpler and more transparent model of one-time payments. This trend inspired us to return to the classic distribution model of the series, thus honoring the series' traditions." The digital pre-sale of the full version of Blitzkrieg 3, which includes three single player campaigns, has now launched. Anyone that pre-orders the game will be eligible to join the Closed Alpha Test that begins today. Blitzkrieg 3 will be free from micro-transactions, in-game currency and any other form of in-game payments. In future, players will, however, be able to buy optional additional campaigns as DLC. The premium account system previously announced has also been removed from the game. The brand new Alpha trailer can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SXYByz1AmuU The second walkthrough video looking at the defensive side of the asynchronous multiplayer mode can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W-M8vqUncC8 For more information on Blitzkrieg 3 CAT and to pre-order the game head to http://www.blitzkrieg.com |
| The Skies Launches Alpha Access Posted: 26 Feb 2015 11:16 AM PST Eforb, an independent games and applications development studio focusing on rich and engaging cross-platform games, announced that its upcoming post-apocalyptic title, The Skies, is entering a limited alpha phase today. In The Skies, real-time multiplayer role-playing game, players can explore vast regions and cities in a rich 3D world, passing quests, trading resources and engaging in battle for power. Recently Greenlit on Steam, The Skies franchise will be coming to PC, console and mobile platforms. The title is planned for an additional open beta release through Steam later in 2015. Community members can request access to the alpha by contacting: skiesmmorpg@gmail.com Based on the novel "The Skies", the multiplayer game is centered on a real-time evolving experience in which each player's action causes a change in the world, including relationships with characters, factions and other events. Players can engage in battle across the mountains in the West and the desert in the East as well as cities in the North and South. The Skies features an original multi-level economy system and a multi-tiered resource production system that depend on the player actions in game, a non-linear storyline where players can combine online games and a single pass, and a world that evolves and scales over time. Players will have early access to the following features during the alpha phase:
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| Europa Universalis IV El Dorado: Now Available Posted: 26 Feb 2015 11:16 AM PST After a long voyage through rough seas (game development is hard), the newest expansion for Paradox Development Studio's hit empire-building game Europa Universalis IV has arrived! El Dorado lands with a nearly infinite array of new possibilities and alternate histories, and explorers can begin their voyage into uncharted territories today on PC, Mac and Linux for $14.99. Take a look at the fabled El Dorado in the launch trailer here. With its focus on the empires of South and Central America, El Dorado includes three new major Native American faiths for the Aztec, the Maya and the Inca. Sacrifice vassal kings to stave off doomsday as the Aztecs or endure centuries of cyclical rise and fall as the Maya. If your game choices tend more to exploration and plunder, you can send your fleets on specific missions across the seas or task your conquistadors with a quest to find the lost Seven Cities of Gold! But, if you tire of "history," you can now create your own kingdom with the brand-new Nation Designer included with El Dorado. Choose your starting provinces, your national ideas, your starting ruler and everything else you need to prove that you know the value of real estate and strong leadership. Then, for a new thrill, randomize the map and fight a France reborn in Manchuria. El Dorado features include:
For more information, please visit www.europauniversalis4.com . |
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