Yearly Archives: 2010

Cataclysm Launch Date Confirmed

Cataclysm Launch Date Confirmed

 

Blizzard Entertainment announced that World of Warcraft: Cataclysm, the third expansion for the world’s most popular subscription-based MMO, will be released starting on December 7, 2010. The expansion will be available on DVD-ROM for Windows XP/Windows Vista/Windows 7 and Macintosh and will also be offered as a digital download from the Blizzard Store. A special Collector’s Edition packed with bonus items will be available exclusively in retail stores.

 

World of Warcraft: Cataclysm, the third expansion for the world's most popular subscription-based MMO, will be released starting on December 7, 2010

 

“Cataclysm includes the best content we’ve ever created for World of Warcraft. It’s not just an expansion, but a re-creation of much of the original Azeroth, complete with epic new high-level adventures for current players and a redesigned leveling experience for those just starting out,” said Mike Morhaime, CEO and cofounder of Blizzard Entertainment. “With the help of our beta testers, we’re putting on the final polish, and we look forward to welcoming gamers around the world to enjoy it in just a couple of months.”


The first two World of Warcraft expansions, The Burning Crusade and Wrath of the Lich King, each shattered PC game sales records upon their release. In Cataclysm, the face of Azeroth will be forever altered by the return of the corrupted Dragon Aspect Deathwing. Players will explore once-familiar areas of the world that have now been reshaped by the devastation and filled with new adventures. In an effort to survive the planet-shattering cataclysm, two new playable races – worgen and goblins – will join the struggle between the Alliance and the Horde. As players journey to the new level cap of 85, they’ll discover newly revealed locations, acquire new levels of power, and come face to face with Deathwing in a battle to determine the fate of the world.

What Is An MMO? To Be Honest I’m Not Even Sure Anymore

What Is An MMO? To Be Honest I’m Not Even Sure Anymore
By Kei Beneza (dividelife), OnRPG Journalist

 

MMOs have been around for a very long time, serving their massively multiplayer goodness to players all over the world. It’s amazing how MMOs have managed to evolve through the years, unleashing an unforgiving barrage of patches and updates to keep gamers entertained. Used to be, MMOs were played in small chat room interfaces, allowing players to team up with each other in order to beat whatever the dungeon master threw at them. Like an online version of pen and paper RPGs where players roll electronic dice in order to resolve in game situations.

 

Now we have tons of MMOs squirming all over the place. MMO Shooters, MMORPGs, MMORTSes, MMO Fighting Games, damn! That’s a lot of MMOs. If you think about it, most of these up to date MMOs no longer have anything in common with their ancestors. So what exactly is an MMO? To be honest, I’m not even sure anymore. Note that I really didn’t know what to write down when I started this article. It’s a journey for the truth! Join me?

 

What Is An MMO

 

What Is An MMO?

MMOs are online multiplayer video games that allow hundreds or thousands of players to interact with each other inside the game. Here players are taken to a persistent, living, and breathing world where one’s decisions can greatly affect the people around them. It’s almost like a real world simulator. Here, players are given a mock economy which is also being run by the virtual population. The game is played through personal computers, allowing players to both play and converse with each other through the keyboard or voice chat. Here players also level up as they work their way through the game, allowing them to gain skills to combat higher and more powerful monsters or players.

 

Let’s Set Things Straight

So let me get things straight… MMOs, meaning massively multiplayer online are games, allow players to enter an online world where they are free to interact and play with other gamers. Whether it’s  a racing MMO like Crazy Kart, or a fighting game like Rumble Fighter Online, anything that lets players interact with tons of players ONLINE can be considered as an MMO.

 

Exploiting The Term

If that definition is true, then what’s stopping console games or perhaps other PC games like StarCraft from being an MMO? Call of Duty lets you rank up, allowing you to gain access to different items like guns and armor. You can even get new skills (perks, as they call them ) upon leveling up just like an MMO. The thing is, the line between MMOs and other genres is starting to deplete. If it’s leveling up that makes an MMO what it is, then what’s stopping Demon Souls from becoming an MMO?

 

What is an MMO

 

Lack Of Persistence?

After dwelling on this topic for more than 24 hours, I decided to ask various MMO players about what makes an MMO an MMO. According to one of them, “Persistence” is what truly makes this genre unique. Of course I couldn’t simply accept this as fact without stating my counter argument, so I asked him about the difference between Guild Wars and Demon Souls (PS3), and no, I wasn’t referring to the differences in gameplay. The thing is, both games let players invite other players and allow them to share the same scenario. Both games also give access to various items and gimmicks upon leveling, so what’s the difference? Well, I guess you could say that I didn’t get the answer I was looking for, and so, the search for truth continues.

 

Player Base! Definitely the Player Base!

Of course! It’s called Massively Multiplayer Online because of its huge player base! Well, Blade Mistress Online didn’t have much of a player base; In fact, I think Warhawk (PS3) had more players than BMO, so I guess it’s not the player base that makes it what it is. Don’t even get me started with the fact that these games can only be played online, because I can name a couple of non-MMO games that share the same type of requirement before playing. I see around two hundred thousand players playing Halo 3 (Xbox 360), but that doesn’t make it an MMO right?

 

What is an MMO

 

I’ll Kill You If You Say Item Mall Or Subscription

No, seriously! If you say that monthly subscriptions and item malls make this genre, then I will craft an almighty sword and make you sleep with the fishes. Errrhm… about that answer regarding persistence… the dude said Item Mall… forgive me for the sudden rant. Oh wait, could it be that an MMO is a game that carries the word ONLINE along with the title? It sort of makes sense you know. Ragnarok Online, RF Online, Whatever Online. šŸ˜›

 

What is an MMO

 

*POOF* And Then It Hit Me

Yes, the term MMO can have various meanings, and simply going online to play doesn’t necessarily mean that you’re playing an MMO. It wasn’t the persistence factor or online game play that makes an MMO what it is. It’s how the world is presented. In other games, you simply connect to other players to fight and pwn noobs. In real MMOs, players take part in a persistent STORYLINE, which literally means that each of them has their own role to play in the game. The same can be said for shooters as non-MMO games don’t really have a specific storyline that revolves entirely on its multiplayer function. This isn’t about a sudden versus mode between terrorist and counter terrorists. This is about a group of players entering a specific world where they are instantly absorbed by the said storyline. This is a world where they can make tons of virtual life-changing choices. One more thing, in this world, they make characters to represent themselves, not the other way around. It’s not about the population but rather the way the world is designed to fit a large number of players, not as a squad instantly, but as individuals with individual choices and destinies. As the line between MMOs and other genres thins, at least we’re still able to see what a true MMO is. It’s a living and breathing world, not a linear “Round One, FIGHT” session.

Anmynor

– Anmynor is a different title. It mixes several genres in a unique way that brings together the best things of each ofĀ  them in order to give rise to an exciting game that will captivate the lovers of role, action, tactics, collecting and MMO.

 

-The player plays in third person, but the game is not focused on oneĀ  character. During the whole game the player manages a unit of 5 golems and has always to go to the battle with 5characters.

 

– The player will enjoy exciting combats full of action in real time in which it will have to display its better tactical skills in order to defeat. The preparationĀ  for the combat is essential for the victory.

 

– Each golem is composed by 4 elements ( arms, legs, torso and head) and each element

 

–Ā  The aim of the game is to gain battles, obtain runes and thanks to this to improve and to customize your golems to the maximum, like that you will be a better warrior. You can collect your golems and used them however you want in combinations of 5. This make each combat different.

 

– Anmynor is an MMO; it has to be played online and the combats are always fight against the golems that belong to other players.

 

Story

 

A long, long time ago, in a time so far that nobody is able to set in the History, magic emerged from the nature and its original existence was fully savage. This natural state was maintained until man interfered in the natural order of the things manipulating magic and experimenting with its powers. The alchemist masters, wise and hermit beings who hoard ancient secrets, were the unique holders of the power and the knowledge needed to treat and mould magic. They were the creators, through complex spells, of the runes, powerful and enigmatic stones that condense magic and powers, hiding who knows how many enigmas to be discovered.

Magic, the runes, the spells… that at the beginning were source of prosperity and wealth for mankind, soon became cause of quarrels amongst the clans, villages and civilizations that would change the destiny of the world. The outbreak of a global war devastated the earth and decimated mankind brutally, but it didnĀ“t satisfy the yearning for revenge of the conflicting villages, that found in magic, once again, the way in order to continue the fights.

Once again, man used magic for his own benefit and created the golems, magic beings built with runes, with incalculable and splendid powers that were controlled by the mind of their masters. From this moment they fought for the man, and in order to mitigate the extermination of the human race and its cities, they combat not in the physical world, but in magic parallel worlds created for the war, the arenas.

Nowadays, the confrontations continue; the territorial and dominations aims are far in the memory. There is no rest even of the feeling of revenge. The golems fight to life or death under the orders of their masters in order to satisfy their greed. This thirst for power is dimmed only by winning battles in which gaining runes to improve their golems and in that way to be able to claim victory in battles more and more arduous and destructive. The victories allow the masters to climb in the rank of warriors proving who is the best expert in the magic arts. To be the best master, the most powerful of the warriors and the most respectful magician is the motivation of fighting for the men of Anmynor world. Do you want to become one of them?

Combat Arms Europe Gets New Mission: Seize and Secure

Combat Arms Europe Gets New Mission: Seize and Secure

 

Nexon Europe is pleased to announce its monthly update for its free-to-play shooter, Combat Arms Europe. The new update includes the new strategic mission, Seize and Secure plus new gears, new features and many game improvements that will take the gaming experience to another level. Together with the addition of engaging game events, Combat Arms promises to keep your fingers and triggers real busy this October.

 

Soldiers will be required to defend their honour in Seize and Secure. Players will need to use their brains and brawn to survive the terrifying battle. Their mission will be to activate the flag trigger of the flagpole in the middle of the map, and raise their team’s flag to the top. Keeping the flag at the top of the flagpole for two consecutive minutes and defending the flag against the hostile other team will win the battle. This new mode builds on the success of ‘Capture the Flag’, bringing that mode to a whole new level!

 

Nexon Europe is pleased to announce its monthly update for its free-to-play shooter, Combat Arms Europe

 

As well as this exciting mission, Combat Arms Europe is introducing the GP item gifting feature which allows the player to gift GP items to other players. To encourage the usage of this new feature, Combat Arms will unleash some high valued gears to those who have eagerly gifted GP items to their comrades during the GP item gifting event. Players who are feeling generous shouldn’t miss this very special opportunity.

 

In addition, players have the chance to earn even more rewards through the great events that will be taking place. Following the huge participation the previous Capture the Video contests have received, Combat Arms is bringing a bigger version of the event, with better rewards, to the players this month. After the fantastic entries Combat Arms received from the last contest, the subject ‘Parody’ has been chosen as the next challenge for the users to tackle. They will need to create a video of their game play relating to the subject and upload it to YouTube for a chance to win some of the amazing rewards on offer.

 

And if this wasn’t enough, the ‘School the GM’ event will also be taking place throughout October, not only allowing players to use their skills to fight the GMs, but they’ll also be able to receive rewards for their hard work. During the event dates, the GMs will appear randomly throughout the game, meaning that players will need to use their intuition to guess when they’ll have a chance to participate in the event. But those who are lucky enough to encounter the GMs will stand to win generous amounts of NX cash.

 

Finally, to whet the appetite of the soldiers, Combat Arms Europe is thrilled to announce that the latest Fire Team addition will be updated to the game in early November! Combat Arms Europe has never failed to bring new content every month this year and it seems that the game still has plenty ahead.

Mission Against Terror Launches Ladder System

Mission Against Terror Launches Ladder System


On the heels of a successful weekend which saw the début of ladder competition in Mission Against Terror (M.A.T.), Wicked Interactive has announced that World Online Gaming League (WOGL) will extend competitive gameplay for its popular free-to-play online shooter through the end of October. The competition, celebrating the third explosive week of the game’s open beta, begins today, Friday, October 1 and runs through Sunday of every weekend through October 31, Halloween.

 

World Online Gaming League (WOGL) will extend competitive gameplay for Mission Against Terror

 

“Last weekend was about getting players comfortable with the new ladder system,” said Stephen Tucker, CEO, World Online Gaming League. “Now we have teams in place as we add more and more players each weekend throughout the competition.”


“The WOGL community continues to provide us with invaluable feedback on improving the game,” said Sam Ho, Director, Wicked Interactive. “We are extremely serious about fostering a competitive gameplay environment for gamers. Based on feedback we have gathered thus far, we have provided our developers with prioritized changes for the next patch as we advance toward Clan Mode at the end of the month.”


The Competition


Format: 5v5
Mode: Bomb Mode
The Payoff: Points rewards to winning teams + other in-game surprises
Ladder: http://www.wogl.org/index.php?page=mathome
Official M.A.T. site: http://mat.subagames.com

 

THE SKINNY:


The highlight of the open beta patch is the debut of one of MAT’s most popular game modes, the Phantom Mode. Phantom Mode is a spin-off of the highly popular Bomb Mode. In Phantom Mode, one team plays as the ghosts who are highly translucent figures that are difficult to see but are restricted to melee attacks only, and they’re out to bomb key locations around the world. The other team is identical to that of Bomb Mode–soldiers with anti-Phantom training who are out to drive the ghosts back and save these locations from being bombed.

 

Along with Phantom Mode are two brand new maps to keep the white-knuckled action of MAT fresh for the Closed Beta veterans. Black Mountain Institute is the first of the two, taking place in a research institute filled with highly confidential information about their origins that the ghosts want to destroy.

 

Tableland Base is the second new map, consisting of a tactical training facility for elite soldiers at a secret location somewhere in the Antarctic where soldiers are given special anti-Phantom training. The stakes couldn’t be higher as the ghosts are out to keep their origin a mystery and prevent the training of new soldiers in the fight against them.

 

Complementing Phantom Mode and the new maps are brand-new items. These include various clothing options that will be available in the item shop. Players can also look forward to a handy C4 Tool Clamp that will speed up the act of diffusing the bomb. Weapon aficionados will love the new weapons to test out on the battlefield as well. The P90, the M249, a Flying Tigers edition MP5, an engraved XM1014, and the lethal Broadsword make their debut for open beta.

 

THE SET-UP:


M.A.T. is set in a fictional time not far from our own, pitting two teams against each other all around the world. From the male civilian with a vengeance to a war-torn female soldier with something to prove, characters from all walks of life come together to fight for a common goal.

 

Gamers looking for a serious shooter will be glad to know that M.A.T. was the only first-person shooter game good enough to be sanctioned for tournament play in 2009 by the China Electrical Gaming Committee, a nationwide online gaming tournament organizer that is part of the All-China Sports Federation.

Destiny Online Review: Who Says Playing Won’t Pay?

Destiny Online Review: Who Says Playing Won’t Pay?
By Vincent Haoson (Vincenthaoson), OnRPG Journalist

 

Destiny Online is your typical F2P MMORPG with a flimsy storyline and a myriad of game features that aren’t innovative in the MMORPG scene. These features are definite necessities for providing a mix of entertaining game play and an interesting online game which Destiny Online brings in spades.

 

First Impressions

Upon seeing the promotional video I immediately assumed that Destiny Online is an online game that has the elements of MMORPGs and online dating. However, as I played the game my assumptions were dead wrong. I’d have to stress the fact that the advertisement you are seeing on the website is a viral video. In fairness to the ad however, it did capture the game’s bubbly, feel-good atmosphere that greets you once you’ve logged in.  It brings a harmonious mix of cutesy animations and graphics and a familiar game play system that rivals every feature packed MMORPG out. However, the game still lacks the proper “oomph” factor that you would be looking for in an MMORPG.

 

Destiny Online

 

Gameplay

As I mentioned earlier, Destiny Online uses a very familiar gameplay system that every Asian themed f2p MMORPG uses. So don’t expect any surprises upon playing the game. The familiarity of the game play does however provide you a sense of comfort while playing which may be a good or bad thing for you. The game also uses a stat point build system that we often see in a lot of Asian MMORPGs. This provides you with enough familiarity that you don’t need a lot of time to understand how things work and it provides you with enough customization to satisfy your basic needs.

 

How it Looks

In terms of appearance customization, the game enables you to “clothe” your character depending on the armor you use. However, you won’t get to see all the equipment your character wears which is a letdown. The game doesn’t provide much customization with how your character looks. You only get to change the hair color, hair style and gender of your character and that’s it. To be honest, I don’t think that you will really concentrating on these aspects of the game as you play. The way I see it, the game doesn’t really care much in terms of the customization because it’s not really a game that provides as much eye candy as any the next game, but then, that’s not the game’s strength anyway.

 

Char Overview

 

Features

Destiny Online offsets the lack of stunning visuals and innovative game play with a ton of game features. The game has a lot of features you’d find in other games and more. It has a marriage system, a pet system, guild system in the form of tribes, tribe wars and PvP. In fact, the pet system is so in-grained in the game play that you get a pet as early as level 10. The features in the game will make you want to keep on playing just because they’re there. The other thing I liked in Destiny Online’s list of features is the master and apprentice system. The game’s master and apprentice system isn’t exactly exclusive or new but what I liked about it is that the high level characters are very enthusiastic and active. In fact I was helped through the early stages of the game by a high level character. The nice thing was that she sent me the permission to become my master when I had just been playing the game for ten minutes.

 

Pay you to Play

While I was with my master (ign: Xaleria) she told me that the game in pays you one gold per each hour you play. In Destiny Online the currency is segregated into three, you have silvers (the smallest currency), gold and bullions. The compensation system seems to be a measure of Destiny Online to make its players keep on playing without being too obvious about it. Personally, this kind of system won’t keep me playing but it is a good way to at least keep the interest of the players. Though the effect of this is that the economic system is inflated but it’s not that high that newbies can’t really cope with the prices.

 

NPC

 

Bot System

In my history as a MMORPG player, I think Destiny Online is the third MMO I experienced that allows a bot system in-game.  In fact, Destiny Online has three types of bot programs that you can use. Upon starting the game you get to use a bot program for about an hour before it expires. Destiny Online’s bot program is primarily geared to automated PVE gameplay. To use this legal program however you need to purchase premium points before operation. Also the bot program duration is time-locked to better maximize the “income generation” capabilities of this system.

 

Destiny Online

 

Conclusion

Overall, I liked my brief foray into the world of Destiny Online. The game still has a lot of things to let you experience that words fail to describe. The game’s strength is not its competitive gameplay, visual looks or even its features. If I may even be so bold to say it, but the main reason why players will play Destiny Online is it’s simply a fun game to play. Dissecting the game into different categories will show that it’s not really a good game to play; however, the true beauty of the game is composed of these separate parts which make Destiny Online a truly enjoyable online game. Player s who are looking for something serious and fun then I suggest you move on to another online game. If you’re the type who longs for a fun game and isn’t really choosy on what he/she sees and experiences then I suggest you try out Destiny Online.

 

Pros:
– Newbie Friendly
– Gameplay is easy to understand
– Tons of features
– Provides in-game money compensation for playing.

 

Cons:
– Provides nothing innovative
– Lack of in-depth customization features
– The gameplay’s too familiar.

Lego Universe Interview: They’re Not Just Bricks

Lego Universe Interview: They’re Not Just Bricks
Questions by Vincent Haoson, OnRPG Journalist
Answered by Ryan Seabury, LEGO Universe Creative Director (NetDevil)

 

There has been buzz that the latest Lego game, Lego Universe is at its final stages of before its commercial release this coming October. Before that happens we got the chance to talk to Ryan Seabury the creative director of the game. Here’s what he has to say.

 

OnRPG:  What exactly is Lego Universe? The trailer you guys have of the game didn’t show any gameplay videos so we’re mighty curious on what kind of game is Lego Universe really?
LEGO Universe is the first MMOG based on the LEGO play experience. Players build anything they can dream up, bring it to life and share creations with friends. LEGO Universe is not limited to one genre, though, as fans have a wide variety of options depending on how they want to engage with the game. Players will be able to explore the LEGO Universe, collaborate with other players in quests, embark on adventurous missions and uncover an original storyline as they fight to save Imagination.

 

OnRPG: How is Lego Universe connected to the Lego merchandize you have?
LEGO Universe is developed by NetDevil, published by the LEGO Group and distributed in mass retail by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment. The LEGO Group has been closely involved throughout the game’s development and LEGO Universe is an integral part of the LEGO Group’s overall digital strategy. Creativity is at the heart of the game, staying true to the essence of imagination and building, while bringing the brick online for fans to interact with it in new ways. 

 

Lego Universe

 

OnRPG: What’s the storyline the game is using in Lego Universe? How are players connected to the game’s story?
In LEGO Universe, players will be building, battling and playing to save Imagination from the chaotic Maelstrom. In efforts to accomplish this mission, players can acquire different powers by joining one of the four Nexus Force Factions. The Nexus Force is an alliance of four groups (Factions), composed of the bravest Minifigures in the Universe, and dedicated to protecting Imagination and eliminating the Maelstrom. The 4 Factions include: Assembly, Sentinels, Venture League and Paradox.

 

OnRPG: Your Lego Universe trailer showed various “worlds” like the medieval ages, the eastern and the technologically advanced worlds. Are they connected to the game?
LEGO Universe will bring LEGO worlds to life – past, present and future and all settings imaginable.  We took great care to craft the fiction and game design mechanics to allow for any genre to co-exist with any other, because that’s one of the things that makes the LEGO play experience so cool.

 

OnRPG:  In your trailer there seemed to be Dark Lego emerging, how did they come about?
The Maelstrom’s chaos can spawn many kinds of dark forces (called Stromlings) that are all trying to cause destruction and extinguish creativity. Technically, there’s no such thing as a “dark LEGO”, but players do fight Stromlings and other evil beings to save Imagination in the game.

 

OnRPG: Lego has a lot of genre’s covered (sci-fi, medieval, eastern etc.) how did you manage to put them all in one MMORPG?
Creativity and customization are at the heart of the LEGO Universe experience. We wanted to ensure that LEGO fans of any age could choose what genre they wanted to explore, whether that be building a spaceship or battling ninjas and pirates. So for our initial directed content set, we designed very carefully to not be too much of any one thing to set the stage right for future releases, when we will take deeper dives into specific play themes.

 

Lego Universe Ninja Hut

 

OnRPG: The Lego merchandize also covers a lot of popular culture icons such as indiana jones, star wars, batman etc. will you guys be including them in the game?
There will not be any licensed IP play themes in LEGO Universe at launch, for the same reason we didn’t really go 1:1 with any pure LEGO play themes initially, mainly because we want LEGO Universe to have its own identity to start with and not get carried away in any one particular theme.  We are definitely exploring possibilities for future updates on all these ideas.

 

OnRPG: What’s the target age group of Lego Universe?
LEGO Universe has an ESRB rating of E10+ because we wanted children and families to be able to enjoy exploring the Universe together. However, the game offers both simple building missions as well as open-ended opportunities for more complex invention so that LEGO fans of all ages can find both fun and challenges throughout the game.

 

OnRPG: Do you think the game will appeal to the more hardcore MMORPG players?
Yes, we believe it can appeal to both hardcore MMORPG players as well as players who have never experimented with the genre. The world is fairly open-ended, letting players gravitate toward experiences that they prefer.  There are delightful details within the game that will be revealed over time and players have the power to shape the constantly evolving landscape, providing countless hours of interaction and entertainment for all levels.

 

OnRPG: One of the basic elements of Lego is that people can create anything out of scratch, is that included in the game?
Yes, the game revolves around this central building experience, letting players design elaborate creations of all shapes and sizes. We provide players with several different ways to build with the LEGO brick so that players can enjoy any level of involvement, from simple building challenges within the storyline, to building rockets and race cars modularly, to building modular castles or houses or forts on your own property worlds, all the way to building anything from scratch and bringing your creations to life with “Behaviors”. The Behaviors system in LEGO Universe is, at its core, an easy to use, graphics-based programming language. This means players of any skill level can apply Behaviors to their LEGO models – making them move, react to other players and literally come to life in countless ways. It’s a pretty powerful tool that’s accessible and fun to use.

 

OnRPG: How customizable is the world or the characters in Lego Universe? Or is customization only limited to the player’s avatar and equipments, weapons, vehicles etc?
Customization is a central element in LEGO Universe. Beyond customizing your avatar, you can build anything on your property worlds!  So you can create your own stories, make your own machinima movies, build your own games… And at the end of the day, because it’s all LEGO, once you get tired of one thing you can break it all apart and recombine it into something completely different. 

 

Lego Universe Maelstrom

 

OnRPG: What do you think is the game’s edge against other MMORPGs?
Simply put, LEGO Universe stands apart from the rest because it’s LEGO, and not just because we slapped a LEGO logo on it.  We’ve taken creativity and added heroism to it in a way I’ve never seen done before, such that the very act of you building within LEGO Universe is literally saving the universe.  This results in an open-ended “end game” that encourages experimentation, as players can build with LEGO bricks, bring their creations to life, and share these experiences with their friends.

 

OnRPG What can Lego fans expect from the game? Will they be experiencing the same Lego experience on other Lego based games?
In LEGO Universe, players explore different worlds, gathering bricks and other creative items, customizing their characters, and interacting with friends. Players can then use items and inspiration gathered in the game world to build and create their own Universe to share with friends.  So while there are some similarities to other LEGO games, there are many new and unique experiences in LEGO Universe as well.

 

OnRPG: How’s the game’s Closed beta going? Can you give us an estimate when the game’s going Open Beta? Why did it take that long?
The beta has actually been running for almost a full year, which is quite typical for an MMOG of this scale.  We’ve had a lot of enthusiasm surrounding the closed beta, and tens of thousands of fans are contributing new content to the game and giving us their feedback on a daily basis. In fact, the beta closes next week – on September 27th so the team can prepare for the LEGO Universe Founders release on October 12th – we’re almost there!

 

OnRPG:  what’s in store with Lego Universe in the coming months ahead?
Launch is just around the corner! Starting October 12th, LEGO Universe will offer early access to fans who have pre-ordered the game through LEGO retail stores or online at LEGO.com. The Official launch will take place on October 26th in the U.S., and LEGO Universe will be available through mass retail channels then. We can’t wait to see you all in the game soon!

Can Gaming Create A Better World?

Can Gaming Create A Better World?
By Kei Beneza (dividelife), OnRPG Journalist

 

The article was based on the concepts in this video.

 

When I first heard about this video, the first thing that popped into my head was that someone was really trying to get people to play games. Could this be another form of advertising to hook non-gamers into playing MMOs? Jane McGonigal, a video game designer famous for creating games like World Without Oil, Superstruct, and Evoke thinks that playing video games can help make a better world for the people of tomorrow. At first I thought it was a joke, at least until I heard her claims. She did stress a lot of fine points, which we will break down as we go on with this article. What could video games possibly offer that can be beneficial to our crisis-filled world? This I gotta see…

 

Obesity? No way!

One of the first things from her monologue that struck me was that playing video games can actually help people who are obese. I don’t mean to be a total arse but most of the players I know are pretty obese (and are getting fatter by the minute). Well she’s right in a way… MMO gamers can play as their best possible version (who knows? Taurens are pretty hot yes?). No one’s fat, unless he/she is designed to be like that. People don’t exercise because they are inspired by their online physique! They do it because they need to.

 

Stressing Her Fine Points

I must say, her speech really did capture me as she managed to stress some of the most important aspects that should be addressed today. People today have become quite unstable and are on the brink of self-destruction. Today, people would rather argue than work together, which is why we must all be the best person we could possibly be….

 

Epic Win

 

Behold THE EPIC FACE! According to Jane McGonigal, the portrait above reflects the gamer’s desire to win, massive concentration, and overall optimism. This is the face most gamers have when on the verge of something called an EPIC WIN. Figuratively speaking, this form of excitement (or inner face) should be acknowledged by today’s population as it shows the spirit and determination of a gamer who’s on the verge of losing but at the same time on the verge of reaching something great.

 

It’s kind of similar to a basketball game when the losing team has possession of the ball and decides to shoot a BUZZER BEATER. If I were to compare it with the people of today, they would be too scared of being laughed at after throwing an AIRBALL, hence them accepting their defeat even though the chance for a buzzer beater was there. As I understand it, this is the face of a person/gamer who’s not willing to go down without a fight. This is the face of the guy who took the risk with utmost optimism, a quality that’s rare for most people.

 

What Gamers Gain(?)

When playing games, we become the best version of ourselves. How, you ask? When playing games, not only are we stronger (and able to run great distances without breaking a sweat), smarter, and far for enduring than our real selves; we are also able to exercise various traits that are essential for what we are facing today. In the online world, we are a lot happier when working. For some reason, our characters are used to handling problems and actually prefer solving them rather than staying at the inn with a bunch of woodland fairies. There’s always something to do, and we’re unafraid to embark on a long journey to try and fix things in our own individual way.

 

Gamers Gain
What Gamers Gain

 

Communication

Another thing that captured me was her perception on a gamer’s level of exercising communication. In the online world, people are able to coordinate with one another to achieve long-term goals. Even though these individuals just met, players are able to invest a high amount of trust in each other to have their backs in a moment of crisis. Tanks for example have a hefty repair fee (if they die, at least) and yet they rely on the healers and DPSers to heal them and finish off the enemy before they drain their lives to zero. It’s a big responsibility, and a single mistake can topple down the whole system, but regardless of these consequences, players are able to band together to achieve their goals even after meeting each other merely minutes ago.

 

Communication
Communication

 

Where Humans Should Level Up

May I say that her stand on the four personalities struck me hard. Aside from those mentioned above, players (or their characters) are filled with the desire to act immediately. There is definitely no time to stare into blank space after a terrorist attack. Why? Because people should enjoy working hard for a brighter future, always ready to face hardships whether it be a frost wyrm attack or global warming.

 

We Should Level Up

 

If players can chronicle a whole Wiki chapter about a nonexistent world that offers limited content, what more could they do in the real world? Everyone is individually capable of changing the world and I myself believe some of her claims (YES SOME). Humans should trust each other rather than brush ideas aside so that people can continue to bring up new ideas to help make the future a better place.

 

The Verdict

Though the video managed to embed these life changing thoughts into our brains, it’s time to face reality as it is. One simple factor to consider would be that playing games is a waste of time for a lot of people, and try as she may, people would rather be productive in real life than stroll the imaginary world of MMO games. It’s fun when you’re fighting dragons and smashing beholders, but it’s different when you’re facing the stock market and other real life jobs. Yes, people should act like their online personas (if they have one). With the glorious mindset, inspired personalities, and uttermost devotion, we can really change things. Some people lack productivity when introduced to this parallel universe. Playing video games isn’t the key to a better world, because everyone can be their best versions in their own special way.  

Vindictus Open Beta Start October. 13th!

Vindictus Open Beta Start October. 13th!

Nexon America has announced that it will start the open beta for Vindictus on Oct. 13, allowing all players in North America to participate in the game. Vindictus is a physics-based action online role-playing game that combines stunning visuals with high-speed combat and uses a modified Source Engine. Open Beta will add new content for players to enjoy, including a new horror-filled dungeon with new monster mobs and bosses, deeper customization options, a fishing feature, item enhancements and guild tools. The game’s level cap will also increase to level 38 to give players more access to the Vindictus’ brutal elegance.

Vindictus is currently in the Early Access to Open Beta phase, and all players participating in the current beta will be able to bring their characters, rank, loot and other earned elements into Open Beta, all the way through the game’s live launch later this year.

The new dungeon, Ainle, will be accessible from the boat on dock three and is the home to a variety of new horrifying monsters and bosses, including fireball-throwing vampires and evil goblins. Hordes of monsters have invaded Ainle, a once quiet and idyllic town, causing its citizens to flee in terror. Players need to defeat these evil creatures, using all weapons available, including hurling the corpses of their defeated enemies at the attacking mobs.

Prior to entering these brutal, action-packed battles, players can now customize their avatars to look their best in battle with visits to dye and beauty shops to help make unique hairstyles and facial features.

Vindictus' new fishing feature gives players a chance to gather loot by catching big fish off the boat dock, allowing them to take a break from bashing in monster skulls

 

Vindictus’ new fishing feature gives players a chance to gather loot by catching big fish off the boat dock, allowing them to take a break from bashing in monster skulls. Players can also access the newly introduced enhancement system to strengthen weapons and armor. Additionally, the new guild system will allow players to find their friends and create monster-bashing teams.

In preparation for the Open Beta, service for the Early Access to Open Beta will end at 10:00pm PST on Oct. 5. To learn more about Vindictus and prepare for the Open Beta, visit: www.vindictus.com. Join friends and fans at www.facebook.com/vindictus.