Monthly Archives: January 2009

World of Kung Fu Celebrates the New Year with Special Gifts for Players

Just in time for the Chinese New Year, VestGame Entertainment has released an important upgrade to its popular MMORPG “World of Kung Fu”. The new version allows players to create and upgrade their own unique style of Kung Fu, debuts totally new armor sets for each class, and includes many new features and enhancements to gameplay.

VestGame Entertainment released the latest version of its popular 3D martial arts game “World of Kung Fu” this week to delight its many players and fans during this Chinese holiday season. World of Kung Fu (WoKF) is a free-to-play massively multiplayer online role playing game (MMORPG) based on the traditional arts and mythology of ancient China.

One key new feature is the ability for players to create and upgrade their own style of Kung Fu with the new Meridian system. The Meridian system allows players using their own Kung Fu style to become even more powerful by making available new skills and strengthening character attributes. Players can now become Kung Fu legends using styles they have created themselves. The Rebirth system is also new. This allows players to get beyond the existing level cap and explore new realms with enhanced powers.

The new version also features brand new sets of armor for all classes. Each set can be crafted and refined. Many new and exciting additions have been made to the item mall for players to customize their characters. A new mount is available – the Giant Elephant. And all of the looting pets have been made more helpful and will now enhance player attributes.

In addition to the new systems, armor classes, and item mall items, there are also new quests and significant improvements to gameplay that will enhance the overall player experience. Reward ratios from Fortune Boxes and Chao Treasure Boxes have been readjusted to allow superior items. A new Shelter Charm will soon be added to prevent white name players from being killed by other players. Divine items can now be refined, and several old bugs have been fixed.

All in all, the newest version of World of Kung Fu represents a major upgrade from previous versions, and everyone is encouraged to try for themselves. More detailed information about the many new features and enhancements can be found on the World of Kung Fu website.

Warrior Epic: Full Character Class details revealed!

True Games Interactive,revealed today the exciting details and a new video of the six unique character classes in Warrior Epic. Developed by Austin-based studio Possibility Space, the game has already developed a growing community and will launch in Spring 2009.  See below for the full details of each of the six character classes which include Pit Fighters, Illusionists, Pangolans, Dungeon Archers, Devotresses and Assassins.  
 
PIT FIGHTER: Pit fighters are the most powerful melee warriors. Hailing from two different regions, each specializes in different areas of combat.  While the two vary in practice, both are adept in the base tactics taught by their masters.  Targets that stray from the herd are dominated by the sheer power of the Pit Fighter’s melee swings.  They are experts in hand-to-hand combat which allows for skills in AOE melee strikes.  Their instincts are to defeat enemies swiftly, while escaping danger when overwhelmed.  Pits have the ability to "Master" equipped weapons and items.  This skill allows Pit Fighters to have altered weapons unique to any other weapon in the Kingdom of Providence.
 
      Outcast – Outcast Pit Fighters are from the harsh Northern Wilderness.  Far from towns, cities, or any form of civilization, Outcasts from this region are used to fighting alone, and as a result have become highly skilled in survival tactics, making them an excellent tanking class.
 
      Berserker – Berserker Pit Fighters are from the far reaches of the molten lands known as the Searing Plains.  As their name suggests, searing anger is what drives these Warriors; allowing them to channel berserker energy to decimate foes into oblivion. They excel at fighting masses of great hordes and are particularly deadly with hand-to-hand AOE attacks.
ILLUSIONIST: The Illusionist is a harbinger of torment and a master of illusion. She harvests stray souls and determines the fates of weak minds.  Her rumored ties with the underworld make her one of the most feared and persecuted warriors in the realm. Her sweet façade is a deception to the cold savagery she wields with indifference.
      
       Spellbinder – The Spellbinder Illusionist is a weaver of mental imagery and horrors specializing in skills that confuse her foes. She can plunder the minds of those foolish enough to stand in her path and has the capability to invade private thoughts in order to use the victim’s own fears and weaknesses  against them.
 
       Necromancer – Tales of the Necromancer Illusionist’s exploits are often told in legend alone as there are usually no survivors.  She is closely tied to the dark underworld lords, calling upon their minions to do her bidding.  The Necromancer specializes in skills that connect the underworld to the living.
PANGOLAN: The Pangolan ("people of the tree") come from regions where the Giant Trees grow.  They act as the custodians of nature. They live as one with the forest and are often seen working as guides or trackers. It would be foolish to mistake their gentle demeanor for weakness, for they can be as fierce as they are kind.  Pangolans are well educated in ancient healing practices; making them a welcome addition to any party.
 
        Shaman – Shaman Pangolans have been handed down the secrets of the "Golin Pa Uru" or "Magic of the Dark Forest" for thousands of generations and can call upon nature’s forces as well as its inhabitants. Shaman Pangolans specialize in utilizing elemental forces to defeat enemies and heal party members.
 
        Tamer – Tamer Pangolans come from the largest forest known as Evervale.  They are known for their extreme devotion to the forest, and their chosen lifestyle as guardians of the Tree Regions.  As the protectors of Evervale, they can call upon the assistance of the creatures that live among its lush forests.
 
DUNGEON ARCHER: The Dungeon Archer is a Master of Ranged attacks. He is also well versed in survival skills and trap making.  Although Archers come from all over the world, there are very few that can master the art of bow and arrow.  The Dungeon Archer has the ability to infuse elements into the arrows he shoots, allowing for ranged damage of all types.
 
        Stalker – The Dungeon Archer Stalker is a Ranger at heart and a true Master with the bow.  He has the ability to shoot from great range with high accuracy.  He can channel his energy into his attacks, often doubling the damage dealt from normal arrows.  He can also channel his concentration into his reflexes, boosting his agility and accuracy boosts.
 
        Warden – The Dungeon Archer Warden is often known as a musician.  He is able to influence others by playing mesmerizing notes with his bowstring.  These mysterious sounds can both inspire fellow warriors or confuse and demoralize the enemy.  He specializes in dealing mid-range damage and applying significant buffs to allies.
 
DEVOTRESS: From an ancient order of Guardians, Devotresses seek to protect civilians from harm.   After the Fall of the Great Kingdoms, many ranks of Devotress broke off into different Orders, each following their own core beliefs.  Many Devotresses are still hunted by those who seek to fully destroy any evidence of the old Kingdom. Masters of sword and shield, Devotresses fight using skills in melee attacks and block defenses.
 
        Sentinel – All Sentinel Devotresses share horrible memories from the great "Falling of Kings". They journey through life with sorrow that both focuses and fuels their need to help others. They aspire to restore the prosperity of the Old Kingdom.  Sentinel Devotresses will sacrifice themselves in order to help their allies.  She specializes in melee skills that will protect the party from any foe.
         Avenger – The Avenger Devotresses hold onto emotion and anger, seeking vengeance against those responsible for the Great Falling of Kings. Avenger Devotresses are well-seasoned fighters that emphasize their training in agility.  In order to put their restless minds to peace, Avengers have learned to channel their anger into their skills. As a result, she has the swiftest attacks that are fueled purely by her emotions.
ASSASSINS: The Assassins are mysterious nomads known for their adventurous nature and signature weaponry. Many take the trade of bounty hunter, privateer, or mercenary. All are known for their unmatched skill with firearms and tenacity in battle.
 
          Dead Shot – Dead Shot Assassin’s skills excel in ranged combat.  Using her firearms as extensions of herself she is a fearsome shooter. Dead Shot  Assassins are able to shoot with amazing accuracy and evade at the same time.  They are untraceable, deadly warriors.
 
          Trapper – The Trapper Assassin employs numerous trap and ambush techniques to slay her quarry. She takes personal joy in catching an unwary enemy off guard. In addition, Trapper Assassins can add extra firepower for her allies by mounting her guns. She specializes in burst-ranged damage.

Ether Saga Online: Closed Beta launch announced!

Perfect World Entertainment Inc. today announced the Closed Beta program for its newest MMORPG, Ether Saga Online will begin on February 10, 2009.



Beginning today, gamers are invited to visit: eso.perfectworld.com, for a chance to receive beta keys that will provide early access to the Ether Saga Online game world prior to its official launch this spring.

Based on the Chinese literary classic, Journey to the West, Ether Saga Online combines lavish graphics with a youthful anime style and features a variety of unique features and systems for a truly one of a kind experience. Unlike other MMORPG games that charge subscription fees, Ether Saga Online will be free-to-play. Once inside the game world, players can earn and spend money to upgrade a large variety of items in real-time to enhance and personalize their game play experience.


“We are excited to provide gamers with early access to Ether Saga Online as we’re confident they’ll find its robust feature set, expansive game play world, and free-to-play model offers a greater level of player immersion and overall customization than traditional MMORPG games,”
said Dr. Alan Chen, CEO of Perfect World Entertainment Inc.

GodsWar Online: Forging System Preview

There are now three methods of item creation: Forge Equipment, Material Compound and Equipment Compound. Below are the details about these three methods:

1. Material Compound
At present, only event items are usable for Material Compound. It is very easy to perform material compounding. Just start the compound after filling in enough materials, then wait for the process to finish.

Six Level 1 gems can be compounded into a Level 2 gem; six Level 2 gems can be compounded into a Level 3 gem… Gems include rubies, emeralds and sapphires. However, crystals cannot be compounded.

Forge Equipment
By using the “Forge Equipment” function, the player may increase the stats or level of gear by using gems. Gems can be gained from monsters, quests and the Item Mall.

Each type of gem is classified into three levels. Higher level gems grant a better chance to forge the equipment successfully. For example, a Level 1 Sapphire may increase the success rate of equipment forging to 25%. But a Level 2 Sapphire may make the success rate of equipment forging 50%. Additionally, the same gem grants a lower success rate when it is used to forge better equipment.

Crystals can be used to increase the change to forge equipment successfully. At most 25 crystals can be used at one time.
Rubies can be used to increase a gear’s level. For example, level 46 gear can be upgraded to level 58 when it is forged successfully using rubies.

Sapphires are used to augment gear stats displayed in white. By using Sapphires to forge equipment, players may improve a piece of Common gear into a piece of Solid, Delicate, Excellent or even Perfect gear.

Emeralds are used to augment the gear stats displayed in green. By using emeralds to forge equipment, the player may augment the gear’s stats displayed in green and increase the gear’s star level.

As shown in the picture above, all the related items should be placed in their specific slots to start performing equipment forging. Gems should be placed in the left slot. Crystals can be placed in the bottom slot to increase the success rate of the equipment forging. If the success rate is not 100%, the equipment forging has a chance to fail. If equipment forging fails, the source gear will remain but the gem and crystals for forging the equipment will vanish. If equipment forging succeeds, a piece of new gear will appear in the middle slot.

2. Equipment Compound
By contrast with the equipment forging, equipment compounding seems to be a bit more fun because the result of equipment compounding is much more difficult to predict. By using the equipment compounding function, players may gain cool equipable items just by using some poor items.



The source equipment used for equipment compounding should be placed in the top slot. The equipable items to be compounded should be placed in the other three slots. The source equipment in the top slot determines the type of equipment yielded after the equipment has compounded. For example, if the source equipment is a head slot item, then the yielded equipment will be a head slot item too. The item to be compounded cannot be more than -5 levels compared with the source equipment, otherwise the equipment compound cannot be performed.

Better items will yield even better items after equipment compounding. For example, if you compound four Common items, then you will be likely to gain a Common item. If you compound four Solid items, then you will gain a Solid item or even a Delicate one.

The stats displayed in green will be changed completely at random after equipment compounding. If you compound four Common items that all possess three types of Green stats, you may gain a Solid item that possesses three types of Green stats or even a Common item that possesses no Green stats. In a word, you will understand the phrase that “risks always comes with benefits” more deeply after trying equipment compounding.

Archlord: Four City Tournament

Enter the Four City Tournament and compete against your fellow players to win the coveted prizes each day as your combat prowess is put to the test and ranked for all to see.

All players who enter the Battle Square and engage in Player versus Player (PvP) combat will be automatically entered into the tournament and ranked based on their points scored.

Running from Friday 23rd January to Sunday 1st February, the tournament will have thousands of fantastic prizes up for grabs!

2029 Online: An InsiderÂ’s Look into the Game

2029 Online is a massive online sci-fi based multiplayer experience set in a world ravaged by hatred throughout the Helen Continent, and never-ending conflicts between races and rebel forces. Players from across the globe come together online, and combat to uphold their faith and glory. As the game heats up, they will soon break away from killing mobs to level them and play the game with a PvP element.
 
What can expect from 2029
Players’ exploits in the Helen Continent will give them access to a huge variety of class-specific skills. This game brings visualized flamboyance back to MMO fans’ game experience, featuring stunning 3D graphics and variable game modes. Sometimes, the game will go full screen, blending intense game play and fantasy appeal together into one work of art. It allows players to create their own rooms on the purpose of forging lasting bonds of friendship with heroes who share a dream and fight to turn sword and sorcery tales into a reality. The moment-to-moment interaction with the game and players will help increase the role playing fun during periods of increased tension. Its quest system offers assorted quests with a story element. Some of them are branched out and composed of many addictive branching quests. The interaction between NPCs and players has been intensified. The game based on a solid idea for its design guarantees a smooth control while players are slashing enemies.
 
Background Music
Its background music is adaptive, which means it changes between different scenes or parts of game play. People will combat against evil with their hearts set afire by its vivid inspirational sound effects. Not all tracks in the game are fast paced. There are also some soul soothing melodies. Listening to them will lift spirits and give minds a relaxed sensation.
 
Multiple Cultures
2029 Online puts players right in the middle of a clash of civilizations. The planet Earth was destroyed by nuclear weapons and homeless human beings piloted a huge spaceship through space in search for a new planet to thrive and survive. They settled on Helen Continent and found a world shattered and plagued by fights between the races living here. These alien races were intelligent and had highly developed forms of culture. But their hatred toward each other was such that they wanted nothing but to hack each other into pieces and see their enemies’ blood spill everywhere. The planet was under the constant threat of war. Humans quickly grabbed a keen advantage in the struggles, striving to become the dominant species and forging new alliances of cultures. After many years passed, only a few outstanding and resilient species have remained: Humans, Dryads, Electronic Elves, Ice Energy and Mechanicals. Since then, Helen Continent has gradually built a world of peace and co existence.

Dragonica: PvP system unveiled

Dragonica, the free-to-play 3D side-scrolling MMORPG, will be available this Spring in English, French and German from the Gpotato.eu portal. While the gPotato team prepares for the launch, we are proud to announce information about the PvP system which will be available to all players once they reach Level 20.

Dragonica’s PvP features frantic arcade-style action, a straightforward and easy to use interface and epic battles allowing up to ten players to battle head-to-head. Players have the choice of a variety of options to play alone or as part of a team, with free for all, team death matches and last-man-standing modes available. There are also plenty more modes to come including capture the flag and dedicated Guild War modes.
These can be played in a variety of locations from across the land of Dragotaka. Battle on a narrow strip of land in a magma chamber deep underground or elude your foes in the mysterious labyrinth. Bring the fight to a mushroom village hidden deep in a forest or descent into the crater of an active volcano. Regular players can earn special achievements, while Combat Points earned in PvP mode can be cashed in with an in-game character for a unique set of armour to assist you in the main quest and identify as a top PvP player to the rest of the Dragonica community.

Whether you are a hardcore or casual player, you can quickly jump between the main quest and battle modes. Starting or joining a multiplayer game in Dragonica is simple, easy to understand, and allows you to quickly get straight into the action with a click on the PvP button. From the matchmaking screen you can view your friends list to see who is online and join them, or browse through the games and join the match that best suits your mood and skill level.

Pirate Galaxy

A galaxy in turmoil. The Mantis have gained supremacy over the mining colonies and are exploiting the only remaining cryonite deposits.

Board your starship and fight alongside other outlaw pilots to hunt down the alien transports, loot their valuable cargo, and reclaim the colonies!

Have you got what it takes to conquer a galaxy?
You can purchase new starships and customize them individually, choosing from hundreds of modifications and upgrades. To hunt down and destroy your enemies more effectively, you can team up with other players from around the globe. As you and your clan mates explore the galaxy and travel to distant planets, you will gain access to new technology and cooler ship enhancements. Prove yourself in tournaments and epic clan battles, and conquer entire planets. Can you unravel the secrets left behind by an ancient alien civlization and become the most renowned space pirate in the galaxy?

A Tale in the Desert Review: Thriving Community

By Vincent Haoson, Onrpg Writer

When we talk about MMOs, the first thing that comes to our minds are games where there are monsters to eliminate, quests that needs to be accomplished and characters that are battling against the forces of evil. A Tale in the Desert is a game that tackles the less RPG-ish feel of most MMOs in the market today by going into a more developmental approach of gaming.

Set in Ancient Egypt

A Tale in the Desert is a game where you are a character that is living in Ancient Egypt. Your main goal is to improve yourself as a citizen of Egypt through various quests that require you to learn and apply your knowledge from the different schools found in-game. Think of A Tale in the Desert as an MMO version of Sims minus the social complexities that Sims is famous for.

Simulation is the main theme of A Tale in the Desert. The game in fact is chock full of quests you need to accomplish to be successful in the game. The leveling system here is based not on the usual ‘how-may-exp-I-earned-by-killing-monsters’ but rather on the amount of skills and abilities you learn as you progress through the world of A Tale in the Desert.

Upon entering the game, you are already given your first quest, which is the ‘Principles of Citizenship’. This basically would be your introduction into the game. While doing your quest you would get acquainted with the controls and the game system that’s unique for A Tale in the Desert.

The first unique feature in A Tale in the Desert is the way you finish your quests. You would need to collect various minerals that are found along the environment. You would need to ‘gather’ said materials to progress through the game. Gathering and building are the only routes you have to take here in A Tale in the Desert if you want to improve your character unlike in most games where crafting only comes secondary and the only use you have for them is for better equipments.

Skills instead of Levels

The other unique system in A Tale in the Desert is the way you level up. Unlike in games where you need to gain experience to level up, in A Tale in the Desert, the only way you can level is through learning. School is cool in A Tale in the Desert and if you really want to progress through the game you would need to study a lot. You need to gather the necessary materials the school asks of you and viola! With just one click you immediately learn the skill! Now if real schools are like that, wouldn’t life be easier?

Besides the uniqueness of the leveling system in A Tale in the Desert, the game has the law making system. This game system sets A Tale in the Desert apart from other MMOs because players can take direct actions in helping or controlling the laws in-game. Of course the laws you can create in-game are limited to what the game has, still it adds flavor and fun that you can actually affect the game by the laws that you try to pass.

Weighing it Over

Right of the bat, A Tale in the Desert is not a game that is for everyone. The first reason is that A Tale in the Desert is totally unlike most MMOs found in the web. The game play itself is superbly unique but the uniqueness also comes with the price that not a lot of players are willing to try this one out.

The game pace is slow and a laborious process. This wouldn’t fare well for those who are used to wham bam type of actions especially on MMOs who are already established in the online gaming scene. The graphics is not that great too, especially for a game that requires a subscription after one day of free play.

Another quite disappointing factor for the game is that the game isn’t newbie user friendly. In my earlier experiences on the game I would need to ask people around to realize that I already passed a lot of mining areas where I need to gather for a quest. True the game doesn’t lack in icons where it’s user friendly, but the user friendliness of the icons are only useful when you know what it means.

A Tale in the Desert has a big learning curve plus the default controls need time to get used to. Another thing is that most of the in-game controls are point-and-click, this is kind of unnerving especially if you are used to games where there are icons that you can use to navigate through the game.

Still with the graphical limitations the game has, I’ve never seen a community as active in A Tale in the Desert. What practically helped me stop pressing the alt+f4 key from the frustration of trying to figure out what to do were the people who courteously helped me out with the barrage of questions I have about the game.

Amazing Community

The game has a following that you would never see in most games. Majority of the players you see in game are people who you can actually talk to. Unlike in some games where a lot of people doesn’t necessarily mean a “live community”. A Tale in the Desert is in fact a nice game to play if you are into games where basically what you do is collect, talk and be with people.

A Tale in the Desert is basically one of those games where the community is how it should be. It is an developmental kind of MMO where a live community is needed to make it thrive. So I say if you are the type of player who wants to socialize in a friendly environment and also have fun then you could try out A Tale in the Desert. I think a day’s worth of trying out of the game could in fact help you decide to actually spend on it or go to another game out there.

Conclusion

A Tale in the Desert is basically a simulation game where you need to build your character into a citizen that Egypt can be proud of. Even if the game lacks some of the elements that make other MMOs great and that the games play is totally different from what we are used to, A Tale in the Desert has its charms. A game like this wouldn’t last four evolutions and almost a decade of operation if there is nothing special about it.

Pros

– Thriving Community

– The game isn’t level dependent

– It’s like sims without the social complexities

Cons

– The game isn’t that graphically stunning

– The controls needs to get used to

– The game pace is slow and tedious

– The interface isn’t newbie friendly

Online gamer face $6000 bill!

The Australian Daily Telegraph reported the following news:


When Justin Cavanagh decided to play online games with his mates over the Christmas break he didn’t realise his actions would cost him thousands of dollars.

Mr Cavanagh, 29, connected three computers at his North Gosford home so his friends could go head-to-head on the popular online World War II strategy game Battleground Europe.

But he exceeded his Telstra Bigpond 60GB ADSL2+ plan by more than 38GB.

Telstra’s policy is to charge excess data at a rate of 15c per megabyte but, the company says, Bigpond customers are always sent email notification when they are nearing their download limit.

When Mr Cavanagh’s next Telstra bill arrived it said he owed them $6041. A distraught Mr Cavanagh contacted Telstra about the massive bill and was told to send an email.

Have you got examples of Telstra over-charging you online? Tell us below!

It was a bit hard to send an email because they cut off my connection, he said.

When The Daily Telegraph contacted Telstra a spokesman rang Mr Cavanagh immediately and said the bill would be waived as a gesture of good will.



(source:The Daily telegraph)