Yearly Archives: 2012

E-Sports @ OnRPG: February 29th Report

E-Sports @ OnRPG: February 29th Report

By Umar Farooq (Kluey), OnRPG Journalist

 

 

The busiest week of E-Sports in 2012 hosting events as big (and controversial) as MLG Winter Arena and as action packed as ASUS ROG Winter 2012 along with one of the most anticipated GSL finals. These types of weeks only come so often and are to be reflected upon greatly. Once again, Spoiler alerts! If you have not seen MLG Winter Arena, ASUS ROG Winter 2012 or GSL Ro.4, go watch them and come back! They are most definitely worth watching.

 

 

MLG Winter Arena

Apart from TeamLiquid’s epic and awkward (especially HuK) interviews (see: http://www.teamliquid.net/forum/viewmessage.php?topic_id=315956), MLG went pretty smoothly. It started out fantastically. The quality was unparalleled to a live broadcast ever done before. Dreamhack might’ve come close but MLG’s 1080p was flawless. We had epic moments such as the Naniwa PvZ marathon, HuK doing well once again with his unappealing play style and most notably, MarineKingPrime, the Kong of Starcraft II has finally won a tournament. Yes, you heard correctly, the Kong took first place and in an impressive manner as well. Taking out Losira, Naniwa, Violet, PartinG, HuK and then, the ZvT beast, DongRaeGu is no easy feat. I’ve heard stories about him ripping through GSL winners on the Korean ladder and him secretly being an extremely feared player and this MLG shows that he has now overcome his nerves. I expect MKP to go fairly far into GSL Code S and at the very least secure his spot.

 

 

 

One of the major problems in my opinion was the countless ways to get around the PPV stream. Some could do some private browsing trick and bypass the PPV stream while others watched re-streams on smaller streaming websites. How many of these people would’ve bought the PPV if this option wasn’t available? No one knows. Sundance has said he’s happy that people get to watch his event no matter what and I really respect that as it shows he appreciates viewers and that this is not just a business for him.

 

 

As for the next MLG, I honestly hope they reduce the price or create ways to help people afford it. MLG is not large enough yet for that kind of price. A system that I personally think would really work is an online pooling system. I can pool money for Superbowl with neighbours or close friends because they can come over and watch. The closest friend I have that watches E-Sports lives in another continent. If there was an online pooling system where 2-5 people could pool money together, the sales would increase rapidly. I can find 5 people online willing to pitch in $4 to watch MLG easily and that to me is very convenient. The other option that I would be satisfied with is an optioned PPV. Quality from 240p to 480p is half the price of 720p and up. This way, people who can afford a pricey price tag will still be getting more but people who can’t afford it will still be able to watch.

 

 

ASUS ROG Winter 2012

ASUS ROG, in a way, shot themselves in the foot by making their event in the same weekend as MLG. You’re basically splitting the viewership of two events. That being said, one was PPV so, they didn’t do too bad boasting 50k unique viewers on a single stream. The event itself was nowhere near at the skill level of MLG. MLG flew in a tremendous amount talent, enough to be able to be compared to GSL talent. Regardless, you could see that the players were filtered out and the top 8 were clearly skilful. The greatest upset of this event was Liquid_HerO. While it could be debated that he lost to the eventual winner of the tournament and that’s a good tournament, HerO is as good as, if not better, than Polt. If you’ve ever watched HerO play PvT on his stream, it’s sick fast. The only player who can keep up is a Broodwar prodigy, PuMa. PuMa practiced with Flash and other top players. The mechanics you need to practice with Flash alone is unimaginable. So why didn’t HerO get first place? Nerves. His lack of confidence in a booth is killing him. Players like IdrA and NesTea feel no difference from their personal computer and a MLG competitor’s booth. HerO will go up against GanZi for a spot in Code S and it will truly be a test to see if he has overcome his nerves.

 

 

GSL Season 1 Finals

The first non-IM team kill finals, the closest PvZ match-up in a GSL final and finally, the first DRG finals. DRG is in my opinion the best player in the world as of right now. He has good mechanics, sick game sense and little to no nerves. Genius on the other hand is weird. He’s always been good but just randomly he makes it to finals. No one saw it coming, not even the great Artosis. Is he good enough to steal the well deserved GSL final from DRG? I don’t know but most likely not. DRG wants this bad and everyone knows he deserves it.

 

My Prediction: 4-3 DRG.

 

 

Notable Events to look out for

Because of how lengthy these weekly columns are becoming due to the overflow of events, this will become a sub category. I’ll briefly go over what you should look out for and the dates of these events.

 

 

IPL 4: Las Vegas! Should you watch this? Hmm, let’s take a look at IPL. Great games, great players, great production, great stream and great fillers (no MLG crowd shots). Now, if that wasn’t enough already, GSTL finals will be at IPL. Yes, that means they will fly an entire team out to IPL. Why wouldn’t one watch IPL? Date: April 6th, 2012.

 

 

Red Bull LAN: Orlando! Worth watching? If you have time. Red Bull LANS aren’t the main event of E-Sports. It’s mainly for people who are trying to improve. I’ll definitely drop by when some of my favourite Protoss players are playing but there’s no reason to watch every game of Red Bull LAN. That being said, Red Bull is pretty wealthy and could pull something crazy so expect a spectacle! Date: March 16th, 2012.

WEBZEN Brings C9 VIP Test to a Close

WEBZEN Brings C9 VIP Test to a Close

 

 

WEBZEN Inc., the Next Generation of Free-to-Play Online Games, has successfully finished their first VIP Test for ‘C9’ (Continent of the Ninth Seal) and takes one step closer to its official launch. With the end of testing, a new competition has sprung up on WEBZEN’s C9 page in which editor’s from various review sites are battling it out to claim the most votes. Be sure to check out DizzyPW’s C9 Early Access article and then visit WEBZEN to cast your vote for us!

 

 

On February 28th, WEBZEN closed the test server for the VIP Test that started last February 4th. To end the VIP Test, an event took place where the VIP testers and GMs gathered around to say goodbye. With satisfactory results and various feedbacks from the VIP testers, WEBZEN has a better view of localization and what the users want.

 

 

A limited 10,000 VIP Testers and about 10 times more of whom were eager to join the VIP Test visited C9’s official website and Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/C9Webzen) to express their excitement and anticipation.

 

 

For this VIP Test of C9, 3 of the 9 continents were introduced along with 3 playable characters: the Fighter, Hunter, and Shaman with their advancement classes. Another main feature, the PVP system, was introduced later in the VIP Test with its ‘Arena’ and unique ‘Intrusion’ system, allowing users to test their precise control against other users.

 

 

Testers expressed their thoughts about C9 through their feedback, where many testers mentioned they could actually feel the action and perform infinite skill combos which are some of C9’s key features. Also, other comments and suggestions were about the localization of C9.

 

 

Jihun Lee, Head of Global Publishing, said, “With the results and valuable feedbacks from the VIP Test, we will be able to improve the localization of C9.” Also he said, “We will focus on localization and development to bring the service of C9 global as soon as this summer with a possibility of additional tests in between.”

 

 

Meanwhile, WEBZEN will attend the 2012 Game Developers Conference in San Francisco, USA, starting from March 7th to the 9th giving visitors a chance to play ‘C9’ and their new FPS title ‘ARCTIC COMBAT’.

Blacklight Retribution Enters Open Beta Testing

Blacklight Retribution Enters Open Beta Testing

 

 

Perfect World Entertainment brings gamers one step closer to the future of war. With Blacklight Retribution‘s Open Beta, competitive shooter fans can finally experience next-generation visuals, polish and gameplay in a tightly presented free-to-play package.

 

The Blacklight Retribution Open Beta features all-new content:

New Multiplayer Maps
Three new maps will be released throughout the Open Beta period, beginning today with Vortex. Live and die fighting in a sprawling missile silo complex with cover heavy terrain and flooded walkways that create intense firefights around every corner.

Playable Hero Characters
Get a unique look and a defined role by utilizing carefully crafted Heroes pre-built for battle.

Data Nodes
Pump up abilities and go next level with new socketing and crafting systems.

 

For a quick look at the Blacklight Retribution Open Beta, check out the new Vortex trailer.

 

Perfect World Entertainment is also hosting numerous events to celebrate the Blacklight Retribution Open Beta launch, including leveling and video contests, as well as raffle giveaways where gamers can win a variety of cool prizes!

Grand Chase Warns Players to Prepare for Rin-sanity

Grand Chase Warns Players to Prepare for Rin-sanity

 

 

SG Interactive is proud to announce Rin the Phoenix, the next character to be released in its action MMORPG, Grand Chase: Chaos. Rin is a fan wielding class and represents the reincarnation of a deity who sealed away the ancient evils that threatened the world long ago. Coinciding her launch will be two special events for players to enjoy:

 

Increased Exp: Players who collect Rin’s silhouette emblem in dungeons and PvP modes will receive a 10% EXP boost.

 

Sales Items: The “Karma Fusion Package” will be on sale for a week until March 5 when Rin makes her official debut.

 

 

For more information on Rin be sure to check out the new trailer!

Otherland Releases First Gameplay Trailer @ NextG

Otherland Releases First Gameplay Trailer @ NextG

 

 

 

During the European press event “next-g”, publisher gamigo and developer RealU released the first gameplay trailer for the MMORPG Otherland, which is currently being developed in Singapore. The trailer is made entirely of scenes from the game in top-notch graphics displayed by the Unreal Engine 3 that are sure to raise the bar in the free-to-play genre.

 

 

Otherland features lush landscapes, highly-detailed character models and top-notch effects thanks to the state-of-the-art technology of the Unreal Engine 3. The developers had a wealth of material to draw upon when creating the highly-varied mulitverses. There is little to limit the imagination in virtual reality, making an endless variety of settings imaginable. “Eight Squared” is a classic medieval world with fairy-tale castles and massive chess pieces floating in the air. Mars is hardly a red wasteland but instead boasts impressive Oriental buildings. Additional worlds are already in development.

 

 

The “non-targeting system” makes fighting in Otherland focused on the action. The game features long-range weapons such as bows or guns as well as weapons designed for melee combat such as clubs, swords and lances. Attacks are not aimed at a specific target, so sweeping blows or mighty swings will hit all enemies within range! Position and separate targeting are important aspects of battles, making them far more dynamic and intuitive.

 

 

Socializing plays a huge role in Otherland.  In the colorful neon gorges of the “Lambda Mall”, players can make plans to meet up for a chat in one of the many bars to unwind from the hubbub of battle. They can also take part in a variety of mini-games such as dancing competitions or aerial combat. The Lambda Mall is a central meeting place, a shopping center and a place for relaxation, all rolled into one.

 

 

Those who prefer to have their own private place to relax can create their own little realm in “MyLand”. Throughout the multiverse, players can gather what is known as “eDNA” from opponents. After collecting enough eDNA, they will be able to place, among other things, creatures to protect them in the MyLand.

Lime Odyssey Welcomes more Players into Alpha Testing

Lime Odyssey Welcomes More Players into Alpha Testing

 

 

Aeria Games, a leading global publisher of free-to-play online games, announced today that more fans of Lime Odyssey: The Chronicles of Orta will be able to experience the game prior to its launch. Lime Odyssey, a highly-anticipated 3D MMORPG, is currently in production and will be published in North America by Aeria Games in 2012.

 

Following the success of its initial Alpha session in November, Lime Odyssey will expand its user base to support over 10,000 Alpha players. The expansion will offer a significant number of new and returning players an early taste of the title’s North American version. Players interested in future participation are encouraged to sign up now for a chance to join the upcoming Closed Beta.

 

Lime Odyssey delivers an engaging and immersive player experience. Its high-quality graphics provide a realistic open-world setting brimming with unique races and creatures. The game’s dual-class system and three playable races, each with a unique, robust starting zone, offer players a truly customizable adventure as they scour the breathtaking continents of Orta for fragments of Lime – a sacred substance with the power to restore order to a troubled world.