Yearly Archives: 2010

Tales of Fantasy: The Soul, Spirit and Strength of Armor

Tales of Fantasy: The Soul, Spirit and Strength of Armor

 

The Tales of Fantasy team has sent us this interesting piece on one of their more interesting game features: Fusion.
 
There is only so much that you can achieve with the one set of equipment that you equip and there are also times when it is really difficult to choose which of two equally awesome pieces of equipment to use as they both offer excellent qualities. But we have addressed these issues with the unique Fusion system. With it you can virtually fuse a variety of equipment into your soul, stacking permanent attributes onto your character!

Details
Obviously, the better the equipment you use for performing Fusion, the better the result – so don’t be stingy about it.  The attributes gained by this function will permanently strengthen your character’s constitution! Of course, when we say Fusion, we mean it.   All of the equipment you use for fusing ill disappear and become a permanent part of your character’s attributes!

Requirements
Fusion requires a container – and that container is known as the Soul Crystal. The higher the level of Fusion you perform, the more Soul Crystals required – these can be gained via storyline quests, or through instance rewards. Also, please take note that the level of equipment used for fusion must be same as, if not lower than, the level of the fusion itself. For example if you are performing a level 10 Fusion, then you may only use level 10 or lower equipment.

A little secret
Fusion may be done repeatedly.  So should you come across a better set of equipment later in game and you would like to redo a certain level of Fusion, you can do so as many times as you wish!

Tales of Fantasy - Use Fusion to Pew Pew Pew!

Kunlun Online Closed Beta to Launch March 31st

Kunlun Online Closed Beta to Launch March 31

 

SmartCell Technology announced launch of Closed Beta for its new MMORPG Kunlun Online. The CB starts March 31, 2010. Originally the CB was intended to start on the 26th, but this has been moved a few days ahead do the 31st.
 
 
Kunlun Online is a 2.5D Free-to-Play Chinese fantasy-themed MMORPG based on mythological classic Shan Hai Jing.
 
 
This is the second MMORPG title from SmartCell and developed on proprietary 2.5D Lumina game engine. It has a Chinese version that have recently entered open beta, registering hundreds of thousands players. The launch of Closed Beta in North America introduces an English based, international version of the game that is adapted with care while originality is preserved as much as possible.
 
Key Features
• A Beautiful Divine World – with mythical creatures unseen, stories unheard of , and rituals never experienced before
• Adrenaline-pumping  PVP System – free to engage in battles in form of tribe vs. tribe, clan vs. clan, team vs. team, or one on one. Legend making is for real!
• DIY Characters – allocate attribute and skill points hence build a unique character to your like.
• Dazzling Equipment Enhancement – legend says the Five Elements can strengthen or weaken each other. One’s power and fight become unpredictable when he or she enhances equipments with the star-upgrade and the five-element gem inlay
• Never Fight Alone – powerful and royal pets are always at your side
Many more features and CB information may be found on the Kunlun Online official game web site.

 

 

Kunlune Online Closed Beta Information

 

Kung Foo! Preview: Closed Beta Phase 2

Kung Foo! Preview: Closed Beta Phase 2
By Chen Fo Po (cinderboy), OnRPG Journalist

 

On 26th January 2010, Perfect World’s latest MMORPG, Kung Foo!, went into Closed Beta Phase 2. Last week, February 16th they closed the Beta and announced the game will return later in the year, after further development. In this beta, players were given level 60 characters as well as cash shop points to spend. This was to enable players to preview some of the current endgame maps and try out the various cash shop items available. Essentially they let us have a better understanding of the game before it went public. This is my report on the Closed Beta Phase 2.

 

Server settings

As this is a beta, there is only 1 server available. There should be more servers, including PvP servers, added in the future, so stay tuned. The beta server has various channels, or Realms in this case. This will allow players to hunt efficiently without overcrowding any spots for quests or hunting bosses.

 

Kung Foo

 

Character creation

As with every MMORPGs, players will have a chance to create either a male or female characters. I was pretty amused when my male character came moonwalking onto my screen. In this beta phase, there are only 5 facial features and 4 hairstyles to choose from. Players can choose to purchase various cosmetics from the cash shop, or Foo Shop in this case, to doll up their characters. Personally, I hope more default choices are added at launch.

 

Kung Foo

 

Interface

The interface of the game is pretty basic and easy to navigate for both new and veteran players. As you can see in the screenshot below, players have the option to turn off the help guide. “Newbs”, or new players, should keep this feature turned on in the early part of the game to get the hang of how they can progress.

 

Kung Foo

 

Character progression

Characters, upon levelling, will not have the option to add points to any stats. Stats can only be increased by wearing better gear or by having a good achievement title or a pet. After advancing into new classes, players can improve their stats too. By level 60, players will have the option to advance a 3rd time, which is the final class advancement currently planned. There will be choices to be made for each class, be it melee or ranged magic, so choosing a class that fits your style of play is very important. At launch, the seven Martial Arts Disciplines will be ‘Grasshopper’, ‘Sharpy’, ‘Mager’, ‘Tank’, ‘Slasher’, ‘Medico’ and ‘Augurer’.

 

As the character levels, the new skills learnt will also get more flashy and exciting! Skill points are given after each level for players to add. Players should choose their skills carefully as there is a limited amount of points to be added.

 

Kung Foo

 

Questing

Questing is an important part of Kung Foo!. While the yellow signs signal a main storyline quest, purple signs signal side quests. It is advisable to complete any quests available, as yellow quests allow players to advance through the storyline, while purple quests can sometimes reward players with fantastic experience points and items. By opening up the Quest window, players can auto-track to the NPC by clicking on his or her name, which is green in color.

 

Kung Foo

 

World of Kung Foo!

The world of Kung Foo! is separated into 6 areas, each with its own unique style, design and flavor. From barren wastelands to lush green forest areas, from a seaport city to dark and ghastly plains. Players will be intrigued at how the game showcases all these maps along with the storyline. Not to forget, each map will also have its own special design mobs in order to fit appropriately into the environment. All of them will no doubt feel right at home!

 

Screenshots:

Kung Foo

Kung Foo

Kung Foo

 

Gear and Equipment

Gear and equipment in Kung Foo! are gender specific, meaning that male gear cannot be worn by female characters and vice versa. There are also a few different grades of equipment, from the common ones to rare ones like Legend equipment. These usually drop from bosses and are soulbound after equipping. Other than increasing equipments stats by upgrading them (+1, +2 etc), players can also imbue them with various stones; this will allow additional bonuses to be added, like HP, MP and more.

 

Kung Foo

 

Costumes

One of the main features of Kung Foo! is the ability to wear some rather wacky and hilarious costumes, most of which do not fit into the ancient Chinese setting at all! Most of the costumes are permanent and can be gotten from the Foo Shop. Elvis Presley, cowboys, gangsters, which loony costumes have you set your eyes on?

 

Kung Foo

 

Pets

The pet system is one of Kung Foo!’s main features. Pets not only help players during attacks, but also provide extra stat boosts. All pets will be able to evolve into bigger and grander forms, learning new skills at the same time. Two pets, with the right attributes and conditions, can also be merged to become a single more powerful pet. As pets do receive combat damage when attacked and players will need to heal them with special items purchased from the pet trainer NPC.

 

Kung Foo

 

Mounts

The mounts in Kung Foo! are plentiful. Golden pigs, graceful stallions, ferocious tigers and many more out-of-this-world mounts will be available for players to choose from. While some mounts can be used at any level, players must take note that others have a minimum level before it can be used. Mounts are not just for looks, they increase movement speed and allow players to engage in combat while mounted. Unlike pets, mounts don’t need to be fed and will not receive combat damage.

 

Kung Foo

 

PvE (Player Vs Environment)

Like any other MMORPG, PvE is an essential part of the game. In Kung Foo!, the traditional point and click system is used. Other than open field mobs, players will also be able to go into various dungeons and also hunt various mini or strong bosses for rare equipment. For the first few maps, the mobs are usually passive, but after that, mobs are usually in aggro mode. Unless players have good gear, it’s advisable to train in a party, as mobs’ attacks start to vary, like ranged magical attacks and ranged physical attacks which can deal serious damage.

 

One interesting feature is the ability to transform into various mobs and bosses using an item called Souljade. Souljade can be obtained via various quests. While players will not be able to ride on their mounts when transformed, they can attack as a mob and gain extra stats boost during the temporary transformation.

 

Kung Foo

 

PvP (Player Vs Player)

While the full PvP system is not activated during this Beta phase, Territory Wars and Alliance Wars are. In the Territory War feature, certain maps are listed as territorial maps which guilds can fight for. The guilds which occupy the map will have several bonuses, especially when hunting in that particular map. Alliance wars will pit different alliance, formed by different guilds, against each other. In addition, from what I experienced on foreign servers, there will be an option to turn PK mode on.

 

Conclusion

While most veteran players will feel it’s yet another MMORPG from Perfect World, Kung Foo! distinguishes itself through its bright, colorful storyline and scripts helmed by guest writer Devin Grayson. No doubt most of the games features are inherited from other Perfect World Entertainment games, but from a neutral point of view, Kung Foo! will certainly delight players who have never played PWE’s games before. For the other players, it’s also a great opportunity to immerse themselves in the wacky storyline and plot, which is definitely the main highlight of the game.

 

Given Perfect World Entertainment’s track record of holding regular events in their games, not forgetting constant content updates too, I am sure players will appreciate the effort being put into the game. Personally, I feel that Kung Foo! is good to go for an official release soon, so stay tuned!

Blackshot closes the 1st Closed Beta Phase

eFusion has released details from their first phase of closed beta and are now announcing the 2nd phase!

 

Starting from the 10th of March till the 17th of March 2010, Blackshot performed the 1st phase of their closed beta tests. In this period they had more than 7000 unique tester online on their servers from various European and North American countries, giving their servers the first stress tests. 

The servers had been opened to their testers from 03.00 PM until 12.00 AM including an all open weekend, in total more than 100 hours. The result from these tests and also the reports of the testers are currently getting reviewed by the product team to evaluate changes for the next phase!

Based on the results gathered, the next closed beta phase will focus on network improvement and analyzing to increase the quality of service for Blackshot’s future players. The 2nd Closed Beta phase will focus only on European territories and there for players from other regions won’t be able to connect.

Additionally to the European focus in the 2nd phase of the closed beta, Blackshot will increase the numbers of lobby’s to three. Germany will get its own lobby next to lobbies for West and East Europe!

The 2nd phase of the closed beta will start on the 24th of March and lasts until the 31st of March! In this time the reporting event for the testers, which will provide them some special and unique items if they report valuable feedback, is continuing as well!

Last but not least, Blackshot will be working with OnRPG again to give out more keys to players who are interested!

eFusion MMOG GmbH are looking forward to the next phase of the closed beta and hopes to finish it as successful as the 1st one!

 


First Closed Beta is Dead, Second Closed Beta is ALIVE!

Dragon’s Call hot T-Shirt Designs

Dragon’s Call hot T-Shirt Designs

 

 

The first Dragon’s Call Apparel Design Contest has wrapped up, and many passionate players were showing off excellent designs in the contest.

As we can see, players have used various ways to represent their adoration to the game, and printed it on T-shirts or caps. As the contest coordinator Exgalado said: “Selecting the top 3 was a very challenging task as there were many great designs to choose from.” Most of the submitted designs were extremely creative and very professional. The contest proves that Dragon’s Call players are a talented and thriving community.

Here are some of the cool designs:

Bloody Design is bloody!

 

 

 

Dragon's Call - T-Shirt Design Contest - Blue Ice Dragon

Blue Ice Dragon

Dragon's Call - T-Shirt Design Contest - Complete with Cap!

Complete with Cap!

Putting out an APB for all potential Beta Testers!

Putting out an APB for all potential Beta Testers!

Realtime Worlds Ramps Up Closed Beta Signups for All Points Bulletin.
 
Realtime Worlds, the leading British independent video game developer behind APB: All Points Bulletin, have today laid down the law to all wannabe Criminals and Enforcers looking to get hands-on with APB during the third and final closed beta session. With the beta test already underway, gamers are required to sign up at the Beta Application where lucky applicants will gain early access to the vibrancy and violence of gangland San Paro.
 
Incorporating frantic third-person action into a persistent online multiplayer world, APB will offer a whole new perspective on MMO gaming: this is ‘Mass Mayhem Online’. Those fortunate enough to gain access to the closed beta will be able to experience the near limitless customisation and brutal urban combat APB has to offer.
 
“We’re looking forward to welcoming thousands of new players to San Paro in the coming weeks.” said Dave Jones, Creative Director at Realtime Worlds, “As APB enters this final stage of closed beta testing, we’re anticipating a huge surge of interest with gamers from all over the world applying to take part and provide invaluable feedback to the development team preparing us for launch.”
 
APB is set to launch simultaneously in North America and Europe later this year. For more information about APB and to sign up to the beta, visit the All Points Bulletin official website.

All Points Bulletin Closed Beta Registration Application Sign Up

Tales of Fantasy: Alpha Test Winds Down, New Version Coming

Tales of Fantasy: Alpha Test Winds Down, New Version Coming

 

The Tales of Fantasy Alpha Test officially ended on March 16th. The main objectives for this round of testing were to let players experience the early stages of the game, and to test the capabilities of the game systems.
 
The Tales of Fantasy Team would like to take this opportunity to thank our players for their continued support and constant input – invaluable assistance that helped us correct a lot of bugs, and improve on many aspects of the game.
 
The wide selection of mounts available during the Alpha Test was quite the eye-opener, as it turns out – there were hardly any players seen without a mount! With the unique feature of being able to combat freely while riding astride a mount, it was quite a sight indeed as players did battle on all fronts. Galloping across the land and clashing with a group of enemies has never been so much fun!
 
The epic quality of sights such as that was amplified in the last day of the Alpha Test, when all players rallied as one, and fought gallantly against players from the opposite faction. Such intensity, even at the eleventh hour, was something that exceeded our expectations this early in development.
 
Even more surprising, and exciting, was that with only 8 days to explore all the features of the game, exquisite sets of customized equipment were already popping up. Some players were were even spotted equipped with their very own set of wings – the envy of many to be sure! Other elements like horse racing were also a hit during the AT.
 

Imagination Mounts Tales of Fantasy Alpha

 
 
Of course, how could we not mention the lethal hot springs. If you thought your chances for survival in battle were slim, you should’ve seen the slaughter that took place at the hot springs. Who knew stepping foot in hot water could be so dangerous? Well, with the help of our GMs, players were seen taking the initiative to team up, and watch each others backs, helping one another to overcome a the vast amount of challenges that ToF poses, together. Selflessness, creativity, and teamwork ruled the day, forging many strong bonds between players that are sure to last through to the Closed Beta!
 
There are simply too many tales to be told of all that happened in Alpha Test – the epic sight of hundreds getting in line to claim rewards was just one of the many unforgettable moments.
 
With the final mass screenshot having been snapped, Tales of Fantasy’s Alpha Test came to an end – but it’s not really an end, simply the beginning of the next stage, with much, much more to come. In the month of April, we will be bringing to our players the new and improved Closed Beta version – so keep your sword handy, and let your imagination take flight…only in Tales of Fantasy!
 

Tales of Fantasy Mounts Battle Alpha Test

Tactical Intervention

In Tactical Intervention, players play as either Terrorists or Counter Terrorists, defending or assaulting over different urban locales to fight over the lives of innocent hostages. Counter-Strike creator Minh Le will be delivering a vast arsenal of weapons, multiple weapon and equipment customization options, a dynamic cover system and a new K9 attack dog system in a fun FPS to players all over the world. Meant to be a realistic yet fun shooter, Tactical Intervention will cater to both battle hardened clan warriors and the casual FPS fan.