Monthly Archives: March 2009

Silkroad: Legend IV update launched!

Joymax, an independent developer and publisher of interactive entertainment for the global market, today announced the launch of the Legend IV: Tomb of the Qin-Shi Emperor, an update for historical fantasy MMORPG Silkroad Online. The Legend IV update includes a new Turkey Traditional Outfit item available in the store and adds new features, including a high level dungeon, high grade skills, and quest updates for the Qin-Shi Tomb and Roc Mountain. These new features will provide great challenges for players seeking to restore the Qin-Shi Tomb in Silkroad Online.


“We are dedicated to providing our audience with new and entertaining storylines, challenging quests, and epic battles in Silkroad Online,”
said Jina Song, General Manager at Joymax. “We’re really looking forward to hearing how audiences react to the Legend IV Update: Tomb of the Qin-Shi Emperor.”

In the Legend IV update, an ancient white viper named BeakYung has been awakened from her meditation by humans exploring the Tomb of Qin-Shi. Players must fight their way through the dungeon’s powerful guardians and defeat BeakYung in order to restore order to the imperial tomb. The dungeon is playable by characters level 70 or above with six floors containing nearly 50 new monsters that must be defeated before facing BeakYung herself. New quests have been added for the Roc Mountain as well as the Qin-Shi Tomb, and the new Scenario Quest system gives players a true cinematic experience. Players will have access to new weapons and armor, and high-level abilities in order to take on the new monsters and BeakYung.

For a limited time, slain monsters will also randomly drop Jewel Boxes to celebrate the new content. These boxes are valuable artifacts that may be traded in for B-grade Devil’s Spirits and mysterious alchemic stones. Players who are up to the challenge will be able to use these alchemical rewards to craft the most powerful 10th-grade weapons imaginable, tools that should serve them well as they explore dark and dangerous Tomb of Qin-Shi!

Myth War II: New VIP Privileges Added

The official team of Myth War II today announced that they have started a new VIP Zone on its official site and players entitled to the VIP rank have certain privileges, as well as receiving personalized service and special offers only available to VIP. Below is more details.

After logging into the IGG Zone as members, players will find all the latest information regarding VIP privileges, special offers and special events exclusively for VIP players. They can also leave comments there with questions or problems and receive quick replies. The lineup of benefits also includes top priority for resolving account problems and virtual property theft and losses. Special birthday gifts, including coveted Armor of Dreams gear, will be sent to players to make sure they have a happy birthday.
To ensure that IGG VIP enjoy the best service, two new privileges have been added this month as well.

–Starting in March, VIP players will have a chance to receive one Short-term Royal Card, one Cloth Gripesack and one Short-term Home Upgrader every month. Prizes will be awarded based on VIP rank.
–Anyone who becomes a VIP during the period lasting from March 10th to March 21st will get an exclusive VIP pet.

Soldier Front Interview: Alive and Kicking!

Questions by:  Vincent Haoson
Answered by: Vincent Sangho Kim, project manager
 
SF Online is one of those FPS games that have been a mainstay in the MMO scene for quite a while now. Even with other FPS games out in the market, SF has established itself as a game that’s more than just a passing trend.
 
With three years and tournaments under its belt, SF Online is sure to still wow its players as the months progress.
 
We here on Onrpg got the scoop to what’s happening behind closed doors in the SF world and here’s what they have to say about the game.
 
Onrpg: Soldier Front is nearing almost three years of operation, how is the game faring now?
 
With more than 3 million users since it launched on May, 2007, I think SF has more loyal users than any other first-person shooter (FPS) games in the Unites States.  In contrast to many other FPS games, SF also draws a number of hardcore gamers, who contribute considerably to the fast-paced, edge-of-your seat game play experience.
 
Onrpg: How vibrant is SF’s community?
 
With more than 1,000 clans in SF, new and existing members will always encounter a flurry of action and challenge.  Joining and initial game play in SF is quick and easy.  However, you should spend some time getting accustomed to it before you dive in, and you will need to know some skills in order to master it. Current players are very active in sharing advice and general information about the SF through clans and forums as well.  Minute-by-minute, experienced users anxious to share their knowledge answer fellow player’s questions.
Onrpg: What measures do you take when it comes to keeping your in-game community content and happy?
 
We are always contemplating new content and making it available to SF players.  Every month we push the envelope with new maps, weapons and game modes, and we have plenty planned for 2009.  Additionally, providing a clean and fair environment for our users is paramount. Our GM and security teams are consistently monitoring for illegal activity so our in-game community is disturbed as little as possible.
Onrpg: Do GMs take a direct role in helping out the in-game community in SF online?
 
Our most important goal is simple: make sure all players are happy with the game.  We appreciate that a community-oriented FPS like SF would not be possible without each and every player.  Accordingly, we do our best to assure user’s needs are met and surpassed. 
Onrpg: What do GMs do to make their presence felt in-game?
 
Believe it or not, the team here at NHN USA loves jumping in and playing the game as much as our users do.  Daily we can be found in the community, as gamers first, but also making sure Soldier Front is keeping up with expectations.  Once in a while we make our presence more obvious by hosting events for the users to try, events like ‘Kill the GM’, offering awards for participation.
 
Onrpg: What factors do you consider whenever you make an event when in SF online?
 
A positive user experience is top priority in planning an event, so we try to find new ways for players to enjoy SF.  We ran a video contest last year on YouTube, which surpassed our expectations by inciting the most interesting and creative outpouring of user-generated game play videos. By participating, users were able to really have fun with SF and share their fondness and skills with others. It was a great time!
Onrpg: Where do you get your ideas when including new game modes in SF online?
 
New ideas are constantly being kicked around for SF, creativity is key and can come from anywhere.  Generally the inspiration comes from sporting events and contests that actually exist in the real world around us.
Onrpg: What is your basis when it comes to choosing the weapons you put in SF online?
 
Actual, existing weapons are the initial pool we draw from.  From there, we have fun with rare weapons, such as the Gold AK-47 and the Engraving PSG-1.  The novelty of these particular items really seems to appeal to players.
Onrpg: Do you need to have a license when reproducing actual weapons in SF online? If so, would that mean that every weapon you sell or use in-game is a licensed copy of the weapon? If not, what then would be your basis for the stats of the weapons in the weapon market?
We use the actual weapon as inspiration, sometimes customizing them for in-game balance.  For example, the stats of the golden AK-47 found in the game have been altered to be more powerful in order to provide a novelty item for players.
 
Onrpg: How do you gauge the points you allocate on weapon strength, recoil, rate of fire, etc. whenever you include a new gun on the weapon shop?
 
Each weapon is categorized as one of the following:  rifle, submachine gun, sniper rifle, machinegun, shotgun or pistol.  Each category has its basic specifications, which generally outline the strength, frequency, etc. of the weapon. For example, sniper rifles have very high power and precision compared to rifles.
 
Onrpg: What other soldier units are you planning to include in SF online? Will you include some famous historical units?
 
Great question.  The answer is: yes.  We are going to introduce Australian and Chinese Special Forces, among others, in near future. While I cannot share the specific names of the units, they will be exciting additions – stay tuned!
Onrpg: What factors do you consider when you are thinking of new outfits to include for your characters in SF online?
 
I personally prefer Force Recon and SRG characters with premium gears who give players a boost in stats.  Others consider new outfits that can increase a player’s speed and special points. As a result, many different player styles and preferences are represented when we make decisions on new outfits.
Onrpg: What other add-ons are you considering for SF online in the future?
 
In 2009, we will host more tournaments, including a National Championship later in the year.  We are also touting even more opportunities to get involved in clan warfare, so new and existing players can reach a more involved level of game play.
Onrpg: Is there a possibility that SF online would have a global tournament in the future?
 
Actually, SF already holds a world championship every year where players from around the globe vie for a title.  The first World Championship was held in Thailand in 2007, the second was held in China last year.  We send a team representing the U.S. to compete every year. This year’s location hasn’t been decided on yet, so keep an eye out for that news.
Onrpg: Besides from the other plans and updates mentioned earlier, what other major updates should players look out for in the succeeding months of 2009?
 
Given the financial environment and users’ wishes, we are making SF free to join.  The ‘Free Join’ feature will be added this year, at which point users will not need to wait or wander from room to room to play.
Thank you!

Alganon

Alganon is a free-to-play fantasy MMORPG featuring a rich history with commanding deities, powerful weapons, deadly magic, epic quests, ancient places, detailed tradeskills, and more.

Features:

Study System: Ever wanted to make progress even when you don’t have the time? The unique study system allows you to research benefits and bonuses whether you’re online or offline!

Enhanced Economy: Players are encouraged to trade items and equipment not only through an auction house, but through a special Requisition House, making it easier to hawk your wares.

Exotic Mounts: Ride dozens of exotic mounts, or even take to the skies with the addition of flying mounts in Rise of the Ourobani.

Customizable User Interface: Move, resize, scale, and hide your user interface to suit your playstyle.

Dark Orbit

DarkOrbit is a browser-based science fiction MMO. Become a space pilot and battle for your faction in this competitive title from Bigpoint.

Features:

Three Playable Factions: Choose one of three rival factions, each with its own goal, and help gather resources and boast your might.

Ship Command: Choose from many specialized ships to fit your needs and playstyle in the intergalactic battle.

Massive Online Community: Millions of players world wide have help make DarkOrbit a cult classic.

Fight With or Against: Join with friends in clans to make large alliances to bolster your efforts, while fighting against others in massive battles.

DDO: welcome back week!

From 23rd until 30th March, 2009 all players are invited to come back and play Dungeons & Dragons Online. The doors will be open for former players to re-enter the city of Stormreach for a week of FREE game play.

The Welcome Back Week forms part of DDO’s 3-year anniversary celebrations, so there will also be events going on around Stormreach and players will be able to benefit from the special bonus 50% XP and +1 loot drops for the entire week!

The Warlords: Entourage System

The Entourage System is the soul for the Warlords. As the name indicates, the theme of the game is to grow into a powerful and dominant warlord in the truceless late Qing Dynasty. To achieve this goal, players should not only enhance their characters’ attributes as in most MMO, but also organize a loyal and strong private army.

In the very beginning of the game, players will automatic obtain a guard, who will go wherever the player wishes to go. As the game progress, players can capture or hire more guards in various professions. With the help of these loyal understrappers, you can organize a versatile force, and depend on it to promote your status and fame in this cataclysmic era. If you’re lucky enough, you will rise from a humble squire to a dominant warlord, eventually!

In the Warlords, there are up-to 100 types of guards available for players to collect. This includes nearly all professions that existed during the late Qing Dynasty. Players can capture these guards in battle and trade with other players. Every guard has a unique status and profession, from the elite class, such as a Manchu general or princess, to the grass-root, bottom of the barrel, like thieves and clowns. The differences between these guards are not just their names and appearances, but also their attributes, combat skills and weapons. In actual combat, guards will help you kill enemies, give you protection, share your burden, or even die for you. Guards’ attributes contribute to players’ Kungfu. Different guards have different attributes. The higher the attributes, the more skillful your guards will be. Valor is the general term for the guards’ 5 attributes. Generally speaking, Valor shows your guards’ current status.

To endow your guards with more power, you can reincarnate them when they reach level 70. After the Reincarnation, guards’ attributes will increase and each reincarnation will give the guard 0.01 Valor. Total Valor gained from the reincarnation will not exceed 5. After the Reincarnation, the guard will return to level 1 and such attributes as HP, Attack and Defense will return to what they were when the guard was at level 1. But other guard attributes will increase greatly. As the guard practices and reaches level 70 again, the guard will undergo Epiphany and return to the level before the reincarnation. In conclusion, the Entourage System makes The Warlords a unique MMO from all others. In the chaotic late Qing Dynasty, only a loyal and versatile force can help you become an influential warlord.

Everquest celebrates 10th anniversary!

An epic online adventure a decade in the making, Sony Online Entertainment LLC (SOE) is proud to celebrate the 10-year anniversary of the launch of the groundbreaking 3-D fantasy-themed massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG), EverQuest®. Since its release in 1999, EverQuest (EQ) has proved to be a monumental and inspirational entertainment property, spawning 15 expansion packs and subsequent franchise titles, introducing millions of players to the virtual world of Norrath, and inspiring virtually every other MMORPG made.

EverQuest has earned many awards, including the 1999 GameSpot “Game of the Year” and a 2008 Technology & Engineering Emmy Award. The City of San Diego, where SOE is headquartered, has also recognized March 16, 2009 as the official “Sony Online Entertainment Day” due to its enormous contribution to both the city and the gaming industry.


“This year marks a major milestone for SOE and the entire interactive entertainment industry,”
said John Smedley, president of Sony Online Entertainment. “While it was hard work and a dedicated vision that brought EQ to fruition, without our loyal fans, EQ would not be the game that it is today. This year’s Fan Faire will definitely celebrate our players and their integral contribution to the EQ legacy!”

To further commemorate the 10th anniversary of the EverQuest franchise, a number of events, both in-game and “IRL” (in real life), are scheduled throughout the year:

Fan Faire Returns to Las Vegas, June 25 – 28, 2009!
If you have never been to an SOE Fan Faire before, this is the year to make the trek to Bally’s Hotel in Las Vegas! SOE is planning a big birthday bash for the EverQuest 10th anniversary, and players of all SOE games are invited to join the party! Fan Faire is a great place for SOE gamers to mix and mingle with each other, and meet some of the faces behind their favorite SOE games. Here’s just a taste of some of the great activities we’re planning:

* Special announcements and sneak peaks of upcoming SOE titles at the Third Annual Community Address from SOE President John Smedley
* Autograph signings with members of the original EQ development team and other key contributors
* Lots of in-game tournaments; and live, game-themed competitions and quests
* Developer forums and roundtables
* Cool giveaways and other fun items!
And, that’s just the beginning!

EQ In-Game Events
Party all the time! In celebration of the anniversary, we are proud to bring you fresh EQ content for the next few months! Solo, group or raid, there’s content for everyone to enjoy! Earn great quest rewards, and show off your raiding skills on the Anniversary leaderboards. Log in now to receive your piece of cake and see what other fun events are planned.


EverQuest: The 10th Anniversary Collector’s Edition Book

EverQuest: The 10th Anniversary Collector’s Edition celebrates EverQuest’s legacy by taking a look at the past, present and future of the EverQuest brand. The book, written by veteran video game book author Rusel DeMaria, includes essays by the developers, and illustrations and artwork that has graced the world of Norrath throughout the entire franchise’s history. Rich in vivid detail, each page tells the story of the evolution and its place in our culture.

Be sure to check out the new EverQuest 10th Anniversary site to read up on the history of EverQuest, find out about 10th anniversary events, see where you stand on the Anniversary Raid leaderboards, and find out when to register for Fan Faire! For more information, visit EQ10th.com.