Wednesday, February 4, 2015

MMO News

MMO News


Cronix Online Preview

Posted: 04 Feb 2015 04:32 PM PST

By Jordan Hall (ApocaRUFF)

 

 

Introduction

Cronix is a a Korean MOSA (Multiplayer Online Strategic Action) being brought to the West by Gamengame. It features, as the name suggests, action combat with a strategic undertone. This puts it in the same genre of games like Smite. The theme is a post-apocalyptic version of our own world, which means guns and melee, but not magic. Strategy, action, guns, and hot women… Cronix seems to have all it needs to give you a good time, so lets see how it holds up to review.

 

 

Customization

Customization is decent for this type of game. You can change outfits, get new equipment or equipment effects, add accessories, and all those sort of things. Personally, I’m on the fence about the customization. I think it’s alright, but I also think more could be added (and I’m sure more will be added). I’m also of the opinion that it doesn’t add much to the game. Depending on the type of player you are and the sorts of games you’ve played in the past, you may or may not be impressed with what Cronix has to offer.

Items

 

 

Graphics

Right from the start I enjoyed the graphics in Cronix. The visuals are crisp and detailed, so I have no complaints when it comes to quality. The post-apocalyptic visuals and setting reminds me a lot of one of my favorite animes, Trigun. The UI is perfect for this type of game – it manages to give you all the information you need without cluttering the screen and ruining the experience. Simply put, I am completely satisfied with what Cronix offers in the graphics department.

Graphics

 

 

Controls

The controls are another thing I found spot-on, at least for the most part. I did have some minor disappoint; there is no jumping. Well, that and there is (so far as I can tell) currently no way to customize key bindings. The control scheme doesn’t feel natural to me, so I would like the option to change some things around. But neither of those hinders my ability to play the game, so I can’t complain too much.

UIControls

Rather than the usual 1-4 or Q-R that most MOBAS use, Cronix uses a different scheme. Left click, right click, Q, E, Spacebar, and F are what you’ll be using to activate abilities. You’ll also use 1-4 to activate various potions and buffs called Tonics. And, like I said, it currently doesn’t offer any ability to change this. So, if you’re the type of person who can’t make use of this control scheme for any reason, you’re SOL, unfortunately.

 

 

Community

The community… is not quite there yet. There will be a Steam release soon, as the game was recently Greenlit. But for now it’s difficult for me to find a game. I can definitely say the population will end up booming, though, as the game is fun and easy it pickup. The question is if Cronix can maintain that booming population for the long term.

 

 

Gameplay

Gameplay is very MOBA like, but with action combat. Personally, I don’t see anything in the game that differentiates it from a MOBA that would give a good reason for the MOSA title. If anything, it’s more "battle" focused than something like League of Legends or DOTA 2. MOBA, in this context, could stand for "Multiplayer Online Battle Action," but "arena" still applies. So, while I certainly found the game fun (which I’ll get to in a moment), I would say it doesn’t have as much strategy as the MOSA title it uses would imply.

CenterObjective

Game modes are objective-based, though, so there is some strategy involved in achieving those objectives. The primary game mode is a 5v5 match with a central map objective that the teams fight over. There are still three lanes, but they don’t play the same roles as they do in other games. You try to "refine" a resource called S.O.D. by taking it from a terminal in a side lane to the central objective of the map. However, you can also just focus on killing the enemy team to win. There’s also a 3v3 Deathmatch mode and a 7v7 capture-the-point mode.

GameModes

Combat is fast-paced, so you can potentially find yourself dead in moments depending on who you’re playing. Your go to skills are built around an Action Point (AP) system. Each ability you execute will consume AP. However, out of combat, this AP regenerates very fast. Of course, each character has an "ultimate" move that can be used to turn the tide of team fights. This all results in some interesting tactics, but still retains the fast nature of the action combat.

Combat

An interesting feature for the combat is the combo system. Every character has multiple combos it can execute. This makes things a bit more exciting and helps dissuade people from simply button mashing their way to victory. Making use of the combos will let you do the maximum amount of damage and be more effective as a player, so it’s something you’ll want to learn about each character. A lot of games have a combo system, but I would say Cronix takes it a step further than most.

Combo

Cronix has an interesting take on items. There are still potions and buff items, but you don’t buy them from a shop. Before the game starts, you choose what Tonics to take with you. Then you can use the 1-4 keys to activate them in the game. Nothing gets consumed (just a cooldown time between each use), and there’s no item buying while in the game. This goes along nicely with the game’s focus on "action."

Characters

Last, but certainty not least, I will talk about the various characters available to you. There is a decent assortment of types to pick from; front-line fighters, supports, tanks, ranged damage dealers, etc… Each has its own unique skills, buffs, and ‘ultimate’ abilities that make them all a completely different experience from one another. The art and animation on these guys (and gals) is also superb, which makes them a blast to play. Right now, the selection isn’t much, and you’re restricted at first, as about half of them require that you unlock them using a currency known as "Seed."

 

 

Conclusion: Good

Cronix is the type of game you can pick up and enjoy in short bursts. A lot of MOBA (Or MOSA, I guess) games will require a huge time commitment and a lot of research and planning to be decent. With this one, you still need to practice, but you’re not going to be required to quit your job and dedicate six hours a day to become good. Strategy elements, at least in the currently offered game modes, aren’t very strong, though the action more than makes up for this (in my opinion). In the end, I would definitely checking this out AFTER it’s available on Steam (which shouldn’t be long after this article is released). If you don’t want to wait for that, though, I wouldn’t discourage you from heading over to the website and downloading the game right now.

 

Features: 3/5 – Some nice features, but not many.

Customization: 3/5 – Customization is weak, but more than the ‘skins’ that most games offer.

Graphics: 4/5 – Nearly perfect.

Controls: 4/5 – Needs key re-binding.

Community: 3/5 – Needs more people, but decent.

 

Overall: 3/5 – It didn’t blow me away, but it’s a solid game that I would suggest to almost anyone.

One Screen to rule them all! Skreens – PAX South Overview

Posted: 04 Feb 2015 03:29 PM PST

One Screen to rule them all! Skreens – PAX South Overview

Skreens PAX South Preview 620x348

Many Windows… One Display = The Ultimate Command Center!

Marc Todd, Founder, President & CEO of Skreens Entertainment contacted me at PAX South to show off a really cool piece of hardware that gives you the freedom to organize multiple video devices such as consoles, computers, and other feeds on one screen.

The opportunity here is awesome for all kinds of gamers, streamers, viewers, and even personal use!

Join the Skreens community and help them build this device the way YOU want!

Facebook
Twitter

For more information, please contact them at info@skreenstv.com

Current Features

All On One Screen – Combine up to 5 independent gaming consoles, PCs, TV and Internet. See Everything You Need Conveniently, in one screen or split the screen and share it with someone else!

One Field of Vision – Solve the "glance away" issue for critical information during live games. Keep an eye on blogs, PC performance readouts, and more

Programmable -Advanced applications HTML5/JavaScript API allow programmable interactive backgrounds

Plug and Play – Works with any HDMI input devices and 1080p/UltraHD 4K displays Controlled with your tablet, smart phone or through API

Stream to Command Center – Play local and watch streaming session at the same time

Streaming to Twitch.tv and Others – Combined output to third party capture cards is supported. Stream more complex multi-system sessions to your Twitch channel

Technology and Performance – Blends video at hardware speeds using a high performance FPGA combined with processing without performance or lag issues

Marvel Contest of Champions Electro Reveal

Posted: 04 Feb 2015 03:27 PM PST

Catch the teaser earlier today? Now meet Electro and see what he can do.

 

Summoner’s Legion

Posted: 04 Feb 2015 03:09 PM PST

Battle alone or alongside friends in this browser-based CCG.

71536  320x240 summoners legion overview 05

Publisher: R2 Games
Playerbase: Low
Graphics: Medium
Type: CCG
EXP Rate: Medium
PvP: Yes
Filesize: N/A

Pros: +Solo campaigns. +Dungeons. +Supports 2v2 PvP.
Cons: -Generic gameplay. -No mobile apps. -Class balance issues.

download nowcreate accountofficial site

Overview

Summoner’s Legion Overview

Summoner’s Legion is a collectible card game/MMORPG from R2 Games. Playable completely in a browser, Summoner’s Legion offers players both multiplayer and single player gameplay options. Players can choose one of four classes (Warrior, Ranger, Mage, and Priest) and build their deck from nine distinct factions. Game Modes include:

  • Campaign: A single player mode with a story that allows players to earn rewards including cards.
  • Dungeons: Battle in two stages alone or with other players against a computer enemy for rare rewards.
  • Arena: Compete against other players in 1v1 or 2v2 PvP.
  • Training: Go solo to learn how to better use your deck and counter others’.
  • Spectator: Watch matches in the arena as others compete.

Summoner’s Legion Screenshots

Summoner’s Legion Featured Video

Full Review

Summoner’s Legion Review

Coming Soon…

Screenshots

Summoner’s Legion Screenshots

Coming Soon…

Videos

Summoner’s Legion Videos

Official Kickstarter Trailer

Links

Summoner’s Legion Links

Official Game Site

System Requirements

Summoner’s Legion System Requirements

Coming soon…

Nebula Online hits Kickstarter and Steam Greenlight

Posted: 04 Feb 2015 11:13 AM PST

Nebula Online Pic

Space MMORPG Nebula Online from Komar Games is now on Kickstarter with 45 days campaign to raise funds. During this time the developers hope to connect to the future players and get valuable feedback to improve game according to the wishes of the community. At the same time, Nebula Online that is now in pre-alfa starts to collect votes on Steam Greenlight.

For more info, visit http://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=378162067

Rise of Incarnates Now Available on Steam Early Access

Posted: 04 Feb 2015 11:12 AM PST

Rise of incarnates annoucement

BANDAI NAMCO Games America's free-to-play action game, Rise of Incarnates is now available on Steam Early Access. Packed with a diverse library of characters and customization options, Rise of Incarnates offers a highly cooperative experience with a variety of maps, modes and combat options.

With today's Early Access launch, Rise of Incarnates debuts with eight playable characters and every character boasts a unique set of powers and skills that will appeal to the play-style of any gamer. Players battle in a 2 vs. 2 arena set in New York City or Paris maps, and can choose from a variety of different modes including Versus matches, Arcade mode and Bot matches. During these battles, players must employ sharp reflexes, mental resolve and strategic insight as they run, jump, and fly through these 3D arenas, engaging in both close-quarters combat and long-range assaults.

For more info, visit http://www.riseofincarnates.com/

Heroes In the Sky: Now Available

Posted: 04 Feb 2015 11:11 AM PST

HIS Now Available

Today, JC Planet has announced that Heroes in the sky has been started official service. They strongly recommend HIS anyone who ever dreamed to be a pilot; HIS will be a chance to your dreams come true. Dynamic air battles, more than 200 scenarios based on WWII, more than 1,300 various items would make you feel take control of the sky. JC Planet expects that those attractive points would addict many players. Opening events also help exciting play. To celebrate the opening of HIS, JC Planet prepared 2 opening events. Anyone who uses JC Planet account or reaches LV.30, players will receive useful item set as rewards into their account automatically. Moreover, newly integrated its server would give better gaming environment to battle with others. Are you interested to play?

Go to download HIS: http://his.jcplanet.com/germany/dwpage.php

For more information: http://his.jcplanet.com/

Underworld Ascendant: Now on Kickstarter

Posted: 04 Feb 2015 11:10 AM PST

Underworld Ascendant Player Characters

Today marks the launch of the crowdfunding campaign via Kickstarter for Underworld Ascendant, which is a rekindling of the legendary fantasy RPG series Ultima Underworld. Underworld Ascendant is being developed by Otherside Entertainment, led by Paul Neurath and several team members from the original series as well as games such as System Shock, Thief, Bioshock Infinite. Deus Ex, etc.

Backing the game grants users an unprecedented front row access to the creation of the next epoch of this storied masterpiece. With the help of backers, they plan to build a Exquisitely Realized Underworld with Dynamic Factions, with a unique class system that can be mixed and matched, all with the use of an improvisation Engine.

For more details, visit http://www.underworldascendant.com/

Freestyle 2: EuroGameZ Launches Official Service for Europe

Posted: 04 Feb 2015 11:09 AM PST

FreestyleFeature

German-based MMOG publisher, EuroGameZ GmbH would like to announce that they are launching the commercial service for the official European service of Freestyle2, Basketball MMOG today.

EuroGameZ would like to invite European gamers to play their MMOG Freestyle2. There will be various European languages and customer support available for players. European gamers have been challenged to become the best in Freestyle2. All registered new players who play just one hour or reach level 5 will receive a 10 euro value gift package for upgrading their characters in game. Other Events will be launched and gamers will enjoy various event rewards during gameplay.

The German version of Freestyle2 will also be updated on February 10, 2015 and other European languages will be added during the next month. EuroGameZ hopes many of European sports gamers would enjoy this terrific and exciting game, Freestyle2. EuroGameZ also plans to set up the European e-sports league of Freestyle2 in near future.

All Sports fans of Europeans Gamers can begin playing Freestyle 2 at http://www.eurogamez.eu.

SpeedRunners: On Sale Now

Posted: 04 Feb 2015 11:09 AM PST

Speedrunner

Today is a big day for SpeedRunners, as the game is the Steam Daily Deal with 75 percent off the regular price — which means there’s going to be thousands of new people coming into the fray.

To celebrate, the team at TinyBuildGames is holding an official SpeedRunners Twitch Day: Anyone who livestreams SpeedRunners anytime over the next 24 hours, and fires us a tweet to @tinyBuild, will get some tasty Steam keys to give away to their viewers.

For more info, visit http://store.steampowered.com/app/207140/

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