Monthly Archives: April 2010

Ether Saga Online: The Obscurity Preview

 

The Ether Saga “Land of Obscurity” dungeon has been available for raid sized groups of players for a while, but now The land of Obscurity is finally coming for smaller groups to explore if you dare.

Ether Saga Online - Obscurity now available for smaller groups

Obscurity is now redesigned to allow up to 6 players to enter the land of the underworld, but you need a minimum of 4 to enter. You can obtain a map from the Dweller of Vacuity once per day. You can also obtain maps from completing the Pit of Champions. Use the map at the Queen of Amaz to enter the instance.

Obscurity has always been a challenge for the protagonists in the Journey to the West, and now you can explore the lands that have terrified even the mightiest of heroes. Obscurity will feature 5 different boss fights to test your skills. Zappah has taken over Obscurity, it is up to you and your party to restore order to the underworld of Obscurity.

The very first boss fight will have you fighting the fearsome guardians of Obscurity in Chinese mythology, Ox Head and Horse Face. In the classic mythology, they are the first creatures that a dead soul meets upon arriving in the underworld. They even tried to capture Sun Wu Kong, the Monkey King, but were overpowered by his might. Can you fight them off and break into the Obscurity like the Monkey King before you?

 
If you were able to best the guardians of the gates of Obscurity, your next challenge will be the Fallen Deity. Once a powerful Deity who has fallen from grace, the once proud Deity is now one of the leaders of Zappah’s army.

If you can defeat the Fallen Deity you will be able to advance into the Underworld to face the many horrors that await you.
Once you defeat him, you can advance to the slumbering dragon. Make sure you are ready for the battle if you dare awaken the beast known as the God-Slaying Dragon

After slaying the mighty God-Slaying Dragon, you will advance pass a series of platforms filled with mobs who will attempt to slow you down. Fight pass the mobs and you will see a horrific beast standing at the end of a platform. This three headed monster, with what looks to be six lets is known as the Archdemon of Emptiness. This is your last obstacle from the dragon Zappah.   

As you approach the great waterfall you will see a dragon hiding behind it. The final challenge with Zappah will commence, fighting in the waterfalls, can you defeat the mighty dragon in his own territory? Zappah will not go down without a fight, so make sure you are prepared for a gruesome fight!

Ether Saga Online - Fight the mighty Zappah


Zappah
Survivors of the Obscurity will be rewarded with epic drops from the bosses they take them. Drops include various jades for crafting Diplomatic and Dragon Slayer Gear and much more. The 6 Man Obscurity will be coming very soon.

Kingdom Heroes Interview: Ancient Warfare Comes to Life

Kingdom Heroes Interview: Ancient Warfare Comes to Life
Questions by Chen Fo Po (cinderboy), OnRPG Journalist
Answered by Keith Kawahata, Aeria Games Producer

 

Kingdom Heroes is an upcoming large scale war MMORPG to be published by Aeria Games. The game is based on Romance of the Three Kingdoms, one of China’s Four Great Classical Novels. With the detailed and immersing storyline found in the novel, not forgetting the various battles fought, what can players look forward to in this game?

 

The Closed Beta signup is now available at Kingdom Heroes official website.

 

OnRPG: Hello, I am Fo Po, journalist at OnRPG. Can you please introduce yourself to the readers?
Aeria:
Hi, Fo Po. I’m Keith, a producer at Aeria Games. Great to meet you.

 

OnRPG: Why the decision to bring Kingdom Heroes into Aeria Games’ stable of MMORPGs?
Aeria: We’re always on the lookout for outstanding games to add to our portfolio. Userjoy, the developer behind Kingdom Heroes, has a strong track record of creating stable, high quality games, and we’re very excited to be partnering with them. Kingdom Heroes offers a number of unique features including guild controlled battleships, tactical soldier formations, and transforming siege weapons, as well as a compelling storyline.

 

Kingdom Heroes Army
Kingdom Heroes Army

 

OnRPG: There are several MMORPGs on the market now with large scale wars and also based on Romance of the Three Kingdoms. Can briefly tell us what sets Kingdom Heroes apart?
Aeria: The Three Kingdoms era is a rich and storied period in the history of Ancient China. Kingdom Heroes is actually based on the earlier sections of Romance of the Three Kingdoms, near the height of the Yellow Turban Rebellion.

 

What differentiates Kingdom Heroes from the rest of the pack is its unique set of primary game features. Where else can you team up with your guild and attack an opposing kingdom’s port with a fully-manned battleship? Where else can a well-placed transforming siege engine tip the scale of an important battle? It’s these and other major features in Kingdom Heroes that separate it from other similarly themed MMORPG’s on the market.

 

OnRPG: I have seen one of the most iconic figures, Guan Yu, in the teaser trailer. What roles do famous people from the storyline play? Will they just plainly be NPCs?
Aeria: These legendary figures play an important role in the world of Kingdom Heroes. Players will be able track them down and take them on. If successful, a player can capture the essence of one of these heroes, gaining special abilities and enhancements, even becoming one of them at crucial moments in the game. We’re looking at around 12 of these characters at launch, with many more to follow.

 

OnRPG: What will be the learning curve of the game like? Will there be an in-depth tutorial when players first start out?
Aeria: The tutorial is very well designed; it’s both quick and thorough. After character creation, players find themselves in a small village where they have the option of learning about basic game mechanics including combat. Within the first few minutes, players should have a strong grasp of controls and the UI. Once players leave the introductory area, they must fight their way through a dangerous war zone before entering the larger world of Kingdom Heroes.

 

Kingdom Heroes Drums
The Dangerous World in Kingdom Heroes

 

OnRPG: Let’s discuss the game features. There will be 3 kingdoms for players to pledge their loyalty to, Wei, Shu and Wu. Will there be any difference in choosing from either of the 3 kingdoms?
Aeria: It really depends on the server you choose to join. Each kingdom has a starting city that serves as a base of operations for all players within the faction. The remaining cities, villages, strongholds, and ports that make up 99% of the map are dynamically controlled by one faction or another, depending on the affiliation of the guild that controls it. It’s entirely possible that the Shu might have the upper hand on one server, while the Wei and the Wu might be more powerful on others. It all depends on which faction comes out on top during Kingdom Wars. We’ll be releasing more information on the kingdom system later on. 

 

OnRPG: In ancient China, which the game is based on, there will be an Imperial Court with various ministers and magistrates within. Will there be such a system in Kingdom Heroes for players to become an officer serving the court?
Aeria: There exists a very robust political system inside Kingdom Heroes in which guilds and alliances will control cities, ports and villages growing the power and influence of their kingdom.  Players can be appointed to various government positions, construct and upgrade buildings, manage resources and collect taxes. 

 

Yes. Kingdom Heroes offers a robust political system in which guilds can form alliances and work together towards capturing and controlling cities, expanding the influence of their kingdom. Players can be appointed to various government positions, construct and upgrade buildings, manage resources, and earn salaries from merchant taxes.

 

OnRPG: What are the requirements needed for players to take part in the massive PvP wars? How many players can the sever hold for each war?
Aeria: One of the core features of Kingdom Heroes is the Kingdom War. All players have the option of joining their guild and faction during a war and can collaborate with other guilds to conquer strategic locations, cities, and other territory. The front lines are in constant flux as factions battle with mounts, player controlled NPC troops, siege weapons, and battleships. The recurring Kingdom Wars are open to anyone on each server and can support thousands of players at any given time.

 

OnRPG: Will Aeria Games have measures to prevent either one of the 3 kingdoms from being overpopulated which will most likely to cause an imbalance during the PvP wars?
Aeria: There are a number of built-in mechanics that maintain a level playing field between the factions. As a kingdom grows more powerful, prestige rewards for defeating one of its members increases. As a result, players, at times, may have some motivation to switch sides and betray their former kingdom for greater rewards. Planned future content includes the ability for very powerful guilds to break away from the three factions and even form their own kingdom.

 

OnRPG: It is seen on the game’s teaser website that players will have the ability to control an army of their own to aid them in their battles. Does this hint that there will be some sort of Real Time Strategy (RTS) element in the game?
Aeria: The player controlled NPC system is one of the most exciting features in Kingdom Heroes.  Soldier classes, upgrades, and specializations offer virtually limitless customization of a player’s personal army. Formations will also play a key role in PVP and PVE combat with different soldier/formation combinations supporting different play styles.  Combinations as simple as ranged classes in the rear and melee units up front, to more complex wedge formations will make strategy a key component to life and death in the game.

 

OnRPG: What are the few types of mounts which will be available? Will Kingdom Heroes be supporting mounted battles?
Aeria: We aren’t quite prepared to release a full mount list at this time; however, there will be a number of different mount types available at launch, including horses, wolves and tigers. Mounts become available to players within the first couple of hours of game play with different types and upgraded mounts becoming critical to success in battle.  Mounted combat is also part of Kingdom Heroes with players able to cut down their foes from atop their mighty steeds.

 

Mounted combat Kingdom Heroes 
Mounted Combat

 

OnRPG: From viewing the trailer, many eager players have been discussing about 2 things, one of which is the siege weapon. What are the requirements needed for players to use this weapon? What role does it play during PvP wars?
Aeria: There are a large number of available siege weapons all serving different functions.  Players will be able to man siege weapons on top of city walls to defend from invading kingdoms, lay siege to enemy ports with ship mounted cannons and lay waste to hordes of enemies with large ballistae.  There are different requirements for the different types of siege weapons depending on the power and function of the siege weapon.

 

There are a large number of siege weapons in the game, all serving a variety of functions. Players can defend their strongholds against invading forces by manning these weapons from atop city walls, use mounted cannons to lay siege on rival ports, and lay waste to hordes of enemies with large ballistae and catapults. There are different requirements for each type of siege engine, depending on the power and function of the weapon.

 

OnRPG: The second most anticipated feature of the PvP wars will be the naval combat. How many ships can each guild own? What are some of the features players can enjoy when onboard the ship? Will players “drown” when their ships are destroyed?
Aeria: Battleships are an exciting and unique feature of Kingdom Heroes. The restrictions on ownership are still in development therefore we will have to hold off on the specific details until they are complete.  While on board a battleship players can man mounted siege weapons, fire off ranged attacks, board enemy ships and invade enemy ports.  The specifics of each battle will determine the best use of a battleship be it part of a large invading flotilla or a small covert invasion force.

 

Battleships are definitely an exciting and unique feature in Kingdom Heroes. Guilds can own multiple ships, depending on how they allocate their resources. While on board a vessel, players can steer the ship; man mounted crossbows, cannons, and other weapons; fire off ranged attacks while moving about on deck; board enemy ships, and invade enemy ports. The specifics of each battle will the determine the best use of a battleship, be it part of large, invading flotilla or a small, covert invasion force.

 

So far, when I’ve played, I’ve yet to be sunk, so I’m not quite sure if drowning is part of the equation during ship battles. I’ll swallow my pride and allow my battleship to sink next time and get back to you with the results.

 

OnRPG: I have read that certain players who occupy a city after the PvP wars can claim it as theirs, hence the ability to upgrade and build the city possibly into an impregnable fortress. What more can you tell us with regards to this feature?
Aeria: City ownership and management will be part of the spoils of conquest for powerful guilds and kingdoms. As mentioned previously, taxes, government appointments, and upgrades are just some of the features available to the rulers of a city.  Salaries will be available for government appointees and taxes can be levied to improve city defenses and upgrade NPC merchants. Different territory types, like cities, ports, and villages, will offer varying benefits.

 

OnRPG: After going through some, if not most of the features, will there be an features unique to Aeria Games’ version?
Aeria: We are working closely with UserJoy to bring specific content to the Aeria Games version of Kingdom Heroes.  I’m not at liberty to name all of these unique features, but some of them include special character customization options and UI changes.

 

OnRPG: What are some of the activities and events planned leading up to Kingdom Heroes’ official release?
A
eria: We have a number of events scheduled to celebrate the launch of Kingdom Heroes with special rewards for closed beta and open beta participants. The Kingdom Heroes community is growing rapidly and we look forward to giving back to our players with rewarding prizes and events.

 

OnRPG: Thank you for your time! I am sure many players will be looking forward to the game!
Aeria:
Thank you, Fo Po. It’s been a pleasure.

Heroes of Might and Magic Online

Heroes of Might and Magic Online (HoMM Online) is an MMORPG licensed by UBISOFT and developed by TQ digital. It is an online game that combines the classic elements of HoMM III with the updated graphics of HoMM V to present a unique gameplay. HoMM Online is also a turn based online game that puts the emphasis on strategic planning and tactical skill while allowing players to socialize and create their own stories. You will take on the role of a hero and improve your castle with resources gained from your adventures all the while gathering armies and preparing alliances for the inevitable wars of domination that lie ahead! Your legend is only beginning.
 
Below are some features found in Heroes of Might and Magic Online.

* First Persistent World Turn-Based Strategy MMO
* 8 towns, 16 classes and 56 creatures
* Hundreds of campaigns with epic storylines
* Unique Anima and Dragon Scale Forge System
* Glorious Guild Building & Exciting Guild Wars
* Challenging Arena and PK Tournaments
* Heroes can build towns of different factions

Jade Dynasty: New Dungeons Preview

Jade Dynasty: New Dungeons Preview

The hardworking team at Perfect World Entertainment have sent us the following preview of a new dungeon, The Dread Labyrinth that is about to be added to Jade Dynasty!:

The Dread Labyrinth

Once considered a wasteland, this deathly swamp with creatures never meant to see the light is churning. Mysterious rays of light have awoken this place. There are whispers of great treasures located within the dark depths of this hallowed grave. What warriors dare to enter?

Flower Cave
Entering this cave will show you plants that react as if they have souls. The Tree Fairy gains power through these souls and they guard the entrance. This will be your first test.

Jade Dynasty - New Dungeon Preview - Dread Labyrinth - Flower Cave

 
Stone Fall Cave
If you’ve found the path this far, perhaps there is hope for you yet. This test will require all of your strength against these brutal monsters. Legend says these monsters can summon the “Lord of Carnage”. Move fast and enter the Demon Cave next, the mutations there are horrid.

Jade Dynasty - New Dungeon Preview - Dread Labyrinth - Stonefall Cave

 
Demon Village
What? What is this?! Those mutations have created villages! Destroy them at all cost, we are not safe while these stand strong. Slay any inhabitants and move swiftly to the Cave of Souls!
Jade Dynasty - New Dungeon Preview - Dread Labyrinth - Demon Village
 
Kirin Cave
Warriors I applaud you for your courage. You now face a great beast that resembles the Kirin! Beware the heat that can melt rock. This creature has a fiery hatred for all who enter.

Jade Dynasty - New Dungeon Preview - Dread Labyrinth - Kirin Cave

 

Date of Release: April 2010
Level Requirement: Ascended 120 – 150
Recommended Level: Ascended 130+
Realm Register: Any realm.
Registration NPC: Illusion Dispatcher Hoi (Sunstream 173, 168)
Per Day Limit: 3
Party Size: 5 – 6 players
Requirements to Register: Must have Sky Mystic Map (can purchase from Dispatcher Hoi)
Registration Details: When player activates instance, 2 minute waiting period for other players to join. Party leader can accept/reject players.
Rewards: Taichi Pills and Sky Coins. More bosses defeated (farther progression) and least amount of deaths, the better the rewards. Sky Coins can be used as currency to purchase Unique Pets, Sky Serenity Charms and in the future, awesome Espers.
More details coming soon…

Erebus: Travia Reborn

Erebus: Travia Reborn is Outspark’s new free-to-play MMO Action-RPG with a dark, sweeping storyline, and non-stop action for you and your friends.

Join your allies in the battle against Erebus, the god of Chaos, and his destructive minions.  Betray your friends in open PvP combat and massive guild warfare.  Find and enchant thousands of unique items and customize your hero as you fight for the fate of the world. Prepare for a new kind of MMO Action-RPG.

Chaos is coming…

SUN Gameplay Video

Are you fully prepared to face SUN? Probably not. The visuals are beyond anything we’ve seen; even the spell effects are all 3D. That combined with awesome combat, makes SUN a winning title.

Ntreev Announces Sieghart’s 3rd Job in Grand Chase

Ntreev Announces Sieghart’s 3rd Job in Grand Chase

 

Starting Tomorrow Players Can Train Their Character For His Next Job As A Duelist In The Popular MMO
 
Ntreev USA, a leading online game developer and publisher, announced today that Sieghart, a popular character in its online action-brawler MMO, Grand Chase will get a new job starting April 14th: Duelist.  The company is celebrating the upcoming launch of the new job with a pre-event kicking off tomorrow, April 7th through April 13th where players can train their character for his new job.  In addition, Grand Chase has a Dungeon Weekend event planned which runs April 9th to the 11th. 
   
Players of the popular action-brawler can begin training Sieghart for his next job as the Duelist which will be available April 14th.
During the pre-event, a shadowed Sieghart emblem will appear in dungeons giving a 5% attack buff and all players will receive a shadowed Sieghart signboard at first login.  The signboard will give a 20% EXP boost that can only be equipped by Sieghart!  In addition to the Sieghart 3rd Job Pre-Event, Grand Chase will also feature a Dungeon Weekend event where characters will have unlimited resurrecting in Dungeons from April 9th through the 11th. 
 
“The pre-event that starts tomorrow will allow Grand Chase players a chance to get a sneak peek at the upcoming job of Duelist so they can practice and get ready for the launch on April 14th,” said Chris Lee, CEO at Ntreev USA.  “Combined with the Dungeon Weekend, and the recent launch of the all-new character, Mari, April is an exciting month for Grand Chase players.”
 
About Sieghart
Sieghart was a renowned hero of Bermesiah 600 years ago, but disappeared in the midst of ruins. Reappearing in the times of Grand Chase, he tells the people that the Highlander gods saved him from death and gave him the gift of immortality. He joins the Grand Chase to stop the God of Conquering from a planned invasion to Bermesiah. 
Sieghart bears the name of Elesis’ grandfather and has a chargeable gauge to strengthen attacks (similar, though not identical to Jin’s gauge) that fills over time, faster when damaged or dealing damage. 
He wields a long blade that, in contrast to Elesis’ weapon, he holds in reverse.   Like Jin, he appears to be adept in several styles of combat. 

Grand Chase Sieghart Job Class Duelist

Kung Fu Hustle The Game

Based on the Stephen Chow movie of the same name, Kung Fu Hustle is a free-to-play fighting game that will be released later this year.
 
There will be five bodies to choose from (two male and three female) and two fighting styles; Iron Fist and Flying Dagger. What sets your character apart above all will be the different hairstyles and clothing options.
 
This game will also offer a story mode with quests, transforming you from a nobody from a small village, into a proficient fighter.