Monthly Archives: June 2010

Win a Car in the Ndoors Summer Mega-Event

Win a Car in the Ndoors Summer Mega-Event
The gauntlet has been thrown:  Ndoors Interactive is hosting not one, but two mega-events this summer. Players of Atlantica Online and WonderKing can compete to win more than $30,000 in cash and prizes. Atlantica Online players can enter to win a brand new Chevrolet Camaro and other great prizes in the “Play, Win, Drive!” event, taking place from now until August 31, 2010. Fans of WonderKing can also win cash and various prizes in the “Summer Extravaganza” event.
 
“Last year’s Mega Event was a huge success, and we wanted to repeat that with even bigger giveaways for our fans this year,” said Peter Kang, CEO, Ndoors. “These Summer Events serve as a ‘thank you’ to our community as it continues to enthusiastically support Atlantica Online, WonderKing, and Ndoors Interactive. We are looking forward to watching gamers compete for prizes and we can’t wait to award one lucky player with a brand-new car.”

Ndoors giving away a Chevy!

The Atlantica Online “Play, Win, Drive!” event allows players the opportunity to vie for a brand new Chevrolet Camaro as well as a number of real-world prizes, including:

• Razer Keyboard and Mouse
• Bose Computer Speaker System
• AlienWare M15x Laptop

Beginning July 7, Ndoors Interactive will also be giving away up to $10,000 worth of items, including bonus experience for all players, in-game rewards, G coins, gift cards, and much more in WonderKing. Fans can obtain special tokens during the event in order to purchase in-games items or to enter milestone event raffles. Players can also enter a raffle more than once for each milestone in order to increase their chances of winning.

Pangya Celebrates 4th of July With a Scavenger Hunt and Forum Contest

Pangya Celebrates 4th of July With a Scavenger Hunt and Forum Contest

Ntreev USA announced today it will launch Independence Day special events for Pangya starting June 30th.  Players can participate in a 4th of July Scavenger Hunt Celebration where they will hunt for Card Remover Gift Boxes scattered across Pangya island, and the first-ever fan art comic contest invites players to depict their favorite characters celebrating the 4th of July!

4th of July Scavenger Hunt Celebration

To celebrate Independence Day, the Chronos Fairies have left 4th of July boxes all across Pangya Island!  The boxes will give players one of the three kinds of Card Removers: Shady Card Remover, Generic Card Remover and Premium Card Remover.  To aid in the search, the Chronos Fairies have dropped hints somewhere around the 9th and 18th holes of each course.  Starting June 30th through July 7th, players can use versus mode or tournament mode to find the 4th of July boxes and the
Card Removers hiding inside boxes.

Pangya Treasure Hunt

4th of July Fan Art Forum Contest

Ntreev is excited to announce its very first fan art comic contest inviting players to depict their favorite Pangya characters celebrating the 4th of July!  To enter the contest, players will be asked to create a comic strip (660×269 dimensions) to be judged by the Ntreev USA staff.

“We know we have some very talented artists in our community along with some strong opinions when it comes to the characters and what they do in their free time, so we’re asking players to unleash and express their creativity while celebrating Independence Day,” said Chris Lee, CEO at Ntreev USA.  “The whole team at Ntreev USA is really looking forward to judging these entries.”

Azuga: Age Of Chaos Review – Everybody is KungFu Fighting (HOO!)

Azuga: Age Of Chaos Review – Everybody is KungFu Fighting (HOO!)
By Kei Beneza (dividelife), OnRPG Journalist

 

For people who just can’t get enough of dynamic combat systems and flashy moves, this game is definitely for you. Also known as Mo Siang and Titan Online, Azuga delivers the  fine art of combat, guaranteed to satisfy the most hardcore of MMO fighters. The game is heavily influenced by the ancient Asian culture, specifically ancient China where various forms of martial arts were formed. Background concepts and such are easily identified as that of the Chinese, with a mixture of fine Japanese structures that blend very well with the game’s Kung Fu concept. Gamers welcome such hybrid concepts, as it adds up to the fantasy factor. It would be hella boring if the game is TOO real and historical, so the combination is a good idea.

 

Azuga Problem
Azuga: Age of Chaos

 

Simplicity Matters

One thing I found annoying was the game’s inability to allow players to log in through the launcher; instead, players are asked to open their browser and log in through the game’s main website. It’s not something that should discourage players from trying the game, but the hassle of opening your browser and logging in somehow defeats the purpose of installing the game on your PC. It’s not that hard to create a launcher… really.

 

Please Select Your Charac—- I mean Weapon!

Unlike traditional MMOs, Azuga: The Age of Chaos relies on the Weapon System for character customisation. Yes, the game does not support class archetypes; instead, the game allows players to select their weapon of choice to further define their character or create their desired class. The character creation screen is quite generic, with only a few customisable features like: hair styles, pre-made faces and colours to choose from. Although the customisation screen only has a few things to choose from, the selection still provides enough diversity to promote character individualization but expect to run into a few doppelgangers every once in a while.

 

Character
Character creation

 

Character Customisation… Literally

After giving your character his/her distinct look, the game takes you to the weapons screen where you must pick your weapon of choice. This serves as the players guideline to what type of character or class they are able to make. What makes this feature awesome is the bendable character definition as you are not limited to the weapon you pick during this stage. Players can freely try every weapon out there, allowing countless hours of fun with experimentation. It’s always a pain to start over, especially if you managed to reach a high level with a weapon that does not suit your build. I guess there’s no need to worry about that now.

 

Each stat compliments a certain array of weapons; allowing players to enhance usage with each, so always pick the one that uses your desired stat.

 

I Knew This Hybrid Goodness Was Too Good To Last

For a hybrid game its hybrid class system sucks by a mile. Since each stat emphasizes the weapon’s power, dividing your attention to different weapons can limit the powers they project.

 

Example: Let’s say the player distributed 50% of their stat on swords and 50% on bows. This can only mean that the weapon’s proficiency is cut by half and can only project HALF of what a pure bred can muster. You cannot hit as hard as pure classes, but at least you can pick between two weapons. Worth it? I don’t think so. This means that pure classes can kill you twice as fast, given that they have distributed 100% on a single weapon. The system does have its charm but lacks the relevance to deem it proper. You can try out different weapons, but at a heavy price.

 

Azuga Fight Grind
Azuga grinding

 

On Your Mark! Get Set! GRIND!!!!

The game is a grindfest, no doubt about that. Much like games such as RF Online, players must continue to spam their skills to further enhance its power level. Levelling up is different from levelling your skills, so don’t go around thinking that you’re king of the hill with just your attack power. Spamming skills is always fun at first due to their flashy nature, until the experience becomes mundane, eventually making those skills look like a simple attack gesture. Another thing that promotes grinding is the two experience bars provided for you to fill. Two Experience Bars? /wrists

 

Yes, that’s right! The fist bar is your average levelling bar that levels up your characterwhile the second one focuses on the stat points you can distribute for your weapon proficiency. Adding the skill spamming bars that allow you to boost your skills, that makes three experience bars overall, provided that you don’t include the skills individually. Too much of something isn’t good, and this game can serve as a prime example of what too much can bring.

 

Azuga Graphics
Azuga graphics

 

FLASHY!!!

Flashy is definitely the best word to describe the in game visuals. It’s not really the best one on the market, but it’s definitely more than bearable for something that’s actually outdated. The game lacks detail and the characters are not rendered well compared to today’s active MMOs; however, the low system requirements definitely makes up for this lack of texture as it caters a beautiful array of lighting effects that compliments its desired system specs. It’s beautiful in its own way.

 

The Verdict

I say the game is quite awesome, with all the features catered above. Explosive combat, flashy lighting effects, a fun character building feature (provided that you’re not in it for competitive play), total non-stop action, Azuga online definitely has something going. It’s a very fun game overall, especially for people who are looking for a bit of diversity after bearing with the generic class system provided by other MMOs. The hybrid system has its flaws, but who knows? Maybe there are some builds we’ve yet to discover. My opinion remains untouched… if you’re looking for a game that involves awesome combat and satisfying effects, Azuga: Age of Chaos is a must play.

 

Pros:
– Dungeons
– Character Customisation
– Diverse playstyle compared to some up to date games
– Definitely fun
– Relatively addictive.

 

Cons:
– Too Grindy
– Relevance issue on some features
– Outdated graphics.

Torchlight MMO: First Details!

Torchlight MMO: First Details!


PC Gamer has a bit of a scoop about the Torchlight MMO. One of the first things they have now released is that the game will be free-to-play supported by microtransactions. Although little’s known about the MMO, the Torchlight team talk about their plans in the new issue of PC Gamer, on-sale in the UK on Thursday.

In the mag, they reveal that they’re aiming for an MMO that feels like a single player game, and it’ll retain the same fast action. 

 

The Torchlight MMO just got a little bit closer!

Baldree says, “our vision is to have an MMO that plays as close to single player as we can get it. It will have the same focus on relatively fast action: carving your way through hordes of monsters with a large number of hugely devastating skills. The game has to be solo-able, but players will have to have skills that make them useful in a party and make them work together.”

Travis also says that even though the Torchlight MMO business model will be based around microstransactions, he won’t be buying any items. “I will never, ever buy a microtransaction item,” he states. “I’m that kind of player. And the game has to be enjoyable for me, too. We don’t want our monetisation stuff to offer ways to skip the game because the game is boring.”

Source: PC Gamer

Drop Shock

 

Drop Shock represents an evolution of the massively multiplayer turn-based strategy game, playable from almost anywhere with a web browser.

The previous version, TinyWarz, has given us all an incredible ride up-to this point, but it is not longer a fitting representaton of either the vision of this game or what it offers players.

Drop Shock is:
– 24 / 7 PvP combat for strategy-minded players
– The abiliy to out-think your enemy and take what he loses
– A completely player-drive economy
– Conflicts which scale from PvP duels to massive faction vs. faction wars

In an era of graphics before substance; Drop Shock is a thinking gamer’s online simulation. 

Featuring player vs. player combat, over 10 million vehicle customizations, faction vs. faction battles, and twenty different planets to fight over, Drop Shock is the ultimate massively multiplayer turn-based strategy game.  Lastly there are no subscription or sign-up costs, Drop Shock is free to join and play.

DDO Revamps Guild System

DDO Revamps Guild System

 

Turbine released the latest major update to Dungeons & Dragons Online: Eberron Unlimited.
DDO Unlimited’s newest update adds a brand new adventure pack Phiarlan Carnival as well as dozens of new items and payment methods available in the DDO Store.

This latest update also officially introduces a completely revamped Guild System with many new features for the guilds of Stormreach including fully customizable Airships which will serve as floating guild halls.

“DDO Unlimited continues to grow in every way and is now one of the most played MMOs in North America,” said Fernando Paiz, Executive Producer of DDO Unlimited.  “We have aggressive plans to invest in the future of the game and the addition of our new Guild System is a great example of how we will continue to deliver AAA features that are normally found in subscription-only games.  We can’t wait to see what players do with their new Airships!”
We can’t wait to see what players do with their new Airships!
The latest DDO Unlimited update introduces mind-bending new dungeons and a lot more:

New Adventure Pack: Phiarlan Carnival
A brand new series of epic adventures from DDO that calls on players to confront a fiendish carnival that has come to House Phiarlan Enclave and vanquish the evil Tieflings and their Ringmaster leader, a succubus named Malicia.  Phiarlan Carnival is free to all DDO VIPs and available for purchase in the DDO Store.

New Adventure Pack: Phiarlan Carnival
Guild Airships!
Guilds can now earn the ability to purchase an airship exclusively for use by its members in the new Airship showroom in Stormreach Harbor.  Airships are fully customizable and come in standard and luxury models that provide Guilds with many amenities including rest shrines, private PvP arenas, storage, faster travel and more.

Celebrate the Summer!

Stay cool in Stormreach and join your fellow players to celebrate Festivult in July!  This month-long celebration will feature events for players throughout the month, including the return of the Risia Ice Games, and daily specials in the DDO Store. 
DDO Store Enhancements
Players can now choose from a host of new items and improvements being added to the new DDO Store including guest passes for the Carnival of Shadow adventure pack, Favored Soul & Bard Hirelings, and Airship Sails & Paint Colors.  The DDO store now also features a host of new payment methods including BOKU, Visa Electron and others that provide even more choice for players in how they purchase Turbine Point bundles.

Magic World Online Celebrates It’s Second Anniversary

Magic World Online Celebrates It’s Second Anniversary

 

Because of the hearty support from its players, Magic World has enjoyed wide popularity over last two years. And at this very moment of its 2nd anniversary, it steps up to a new level, with the release of new expansion Nirvana and the opening of new server of Moonlight.

Magic World Online Celebrates It's Second Anniversary

To mark this milestone, the publisher Ingle Games is going to hold a variety of hot events within the Magic World. You can join this grand party by taking part in following events, starting from July 1st:

1. The Spelling Bee
Starting from July 1st, players can find word boxes from the loots. In these boxes you may find a card with one of the following seven words on it: For, Magic, World, Online, 2nd, Anniversary, Celebration. After collecting a certain combination of these words, you can exchange them for a certain prize at MWO Ambassador in Sun City or Sky City. A better prize requires a collection of more words.

2. 20% Extra Plats on Credit
During the 2nd anniversary celebration period, the concession on platinum point credits is raised from 10% to 20%, meaning that you’ll receive 120% platinum points as the par values shown on the virtual platinum point cards. For example, if you buy 1000 platinum points and then credit them into your account, you’ll receive 1200 points. The exact ending time of this event is at 23:59 August, 31.

3. Double Exp During July 1st and July 4th
All players will get double exp from battles during this period. This double exp does not affect the exp rewards of quests.

Except for the ones above, more events will be unfolded in the coming two months. All players please keep an eye on the official website (http://mwo.enjoymmo.com) for details. Now Ingle Games is sending a warm invitation to all players and request your presence of this grand ceremony. Let’s have fun!

Quick Look At All Points Bulletin

Quick Look At All Points Bulletin
Blogpost by Tully Ackland, OnRPG Journalist
Originally posted on Tully’s blog XPedition

Nearly 9 years ago I was playing Grand Theft Auto III for the first time and pondering over what it would be like if the game was made into an MMO, most likely seeing me and my buddies cruising around looking for some trouble. Most people growing up may have moved on to more sophisticated dreams, not me!

Its a good thing Real Time Worlds the developer of Crackdown, decided to try and make that dream a virtual-reality. All Points Bulletin is a MMOG set in the city San Paro in which players have the option between taking a part in the ongoing street war by being an Enforcer or a Criminal.

APB’s Head-start went live on the 28th of June and I had my client all ready waiting for the opening, while I’m no where near ready to put a review together I do have some good and bad points to say.

APB's character creation and customization is some of the greatest ever available in an online game

Lets start off by saying that APB’s character creation and customization is some of the greatest ever available in an online game, you really have absolute creative control when putting your look together.

With hundreds of items to choose from, choice on how to position them, what colors they are, the choice to place custom words and logos and with much more to purchase with in-game currency you’ll always be able to upgrade your “pimpness”

Of course the majority of launch day players chose either hooded up, hot-pant wearing females with tatooes or cyber punk muscle bound dudes in shorts.

Attempting for the more stylish looking character I put together a first formal outfit for my Enforcer, Arkez.

Similar to the character creator, players can customize virtually every aspect of their own personal vehicle. Beginning with pain jobs and liveries, you are able to recreate any artwork and place it on your car, be it gang tags, badges or just a Personalized Licence plate. Tully 2010 was mine – Too vain?

Tully 2010 was mine - Too vain?

Later on in character development you unlock the ability to change the body of the vehicle with spoilers, wheels and seats.

Three districts make up the world of APB, The Social District (F2P), Financial District and Waterfront District. The game ships with a unique subscription plan so you only spend game-time hours outside of the Social District.

Three districts make up the world of APB, The Social District (F2P), Financial District and Waterfront District.

Missions may be picked up from NPC contacts who as you work for and unlock more rewards from, if you choose not to work for an NPC there are often calls coming in over the radio to collect a bounty for an enemy player. Each mission pits you against  the opposing faction so its extremely wise to team up with others.
While initially unimpressed with the combat, after changing weapons and improving my ability to sprint out of the enemies line of sight I warmed to its charm, however it wasn’t until I started rolling with a party of 4 and became the wheel man did it strike me that this is exactly what I was after 9 years ago as a young lad.
 
Hitting the road

My biggest gripe came with my initial moments of entering the Social District, being familiar with many MMO’s its second nature for me to believe that I can change clothes and weapons from my inventory. That’s not the case with APB and you’ll need to go to a number of different terminals spread over the social district to change: Clothing, Weapons, Vehicles and Theme songs.

I’m not against moving around, but after spending over 20 minutes wondering why I couldn’t change my appearance I learnt a valuable lesson: Don’t skip the tutorial thinking you know it all 🙂

APB contains a feature packed music studio

 
An interesting part of game design is intergration around of music. While it certainly doesn’t rival a professional software package, APB contains a feature packed music studio that allows you to create, mix and edit their own signature themes to accompany them in-game. Once created, you are able to deploy themes so they can be heard during various parts of the PvP based mission structure (such as arresting other players, winning a mission, etc…). In addition to this, you can create songs, which are longer variants of themes that can be played from a players vehicle, or from the social district music performance points. I can only imagine what kind of mad annoyance this will end up expanding into once the community gets their hands on it for a while.
APB is a great looking and sounding game

APB is a great looking and sounding game, the payment model of “pay for hours” is a new one for me and its a clever way playing on the fact I’ll never stop wanting to make my characters and cars look more and more slick.

Full review to come.

APB Goes Gold

APB Goes Gold

 

Realtime Worlds, Inc. and Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: ERTS), today announced that APB: All Points Bulletin™ is on sale in North America and has shipped to retailers around the world. APB will be available to buy at retail in Europe on July 1 and in the UK on July 2.

All Points Bulletin has gone gold. See you online!

 

APB, recently nominated for Best PC Game by 1Up.com at E3 2010, takes the universal theme of Criminals and Enforcers and brings it to a persistent, open-world, online multiplayer setting in the modern, crime-ridden fictional city of San Paro. Some players achieve notoriety by feeding on the city, its people and its businesses…the Criminals. Some live by a higher code and instead feed on the criminals and their organizations…the Enforcers.

Dave Jones, Creative Director of Realtime Worlds, said: “APB shipping to retail represents the fruits of five-years hard work from everyone here at Realtime Worlds. We’re delighted that APB has launched and look forward to seeing how the player-base drives the San Paro story forward through urban conflict and in-depth customization.”

David DeMartini, Senior Vice-President and General Manager, EA Partners, added: “It’s a great source of pride for us to work with Realtime Worlds in the launch of APB, a game that defines a new genre in online multiplayer action. We look forward to seeing how the streets of San Paro will be shaped over time by the creativity of its virtual citizens.”

APB is rated 18 by PEGI and M for Mature by the ESRB. APB is available from leading retailers and online from www.apb.com and www.eastore.com at a standard retail price of $49.95 / RRP £34.99 / €49.99. Game includes 50 hours of action gameplay plus unlimited time in APB’s social districts customizing, socializing and trading in the marketplace. Once the 50-hours are up, players have flexibility: top up their game time from as little as $6.99 (£5.59, €6.29) for an additional 20 hours, or opt to purchase a 30-day unlimited package for only $9.99 (£7.99, €8.99) with discounts available for 90 and 180 days. APB also provides avenues for accomplished gamers or creators to earn rewards for their creativity and subsidize their ongoing costs with their in-game efforts.