Grand Chase Unveils Rufus Wilde

SG Interactive is unveiling a mysterious character in its MMORPG, Grand Chase: Chaos. Rufus Wilde, a bounty hunter with a checkered past, brings a whole new style of combat for players to master: with the deadly firearm Eyetooth, Rufus excels at delivering close and mid-range attacks and stunning enemies with powerful, summoned weapons. Fans of Grand Chase: Chaos can preview Rufus now, before his debut on Tuesday, Dec. 20, and new users can sign up to check out the latest addition to the game, by registering for a free account at the game’s official page.

After being abandoned and driven by his resentment towards his estranged father, Rufus Wilde set out to surpass his father’s abilities and become one of the world’s greatest bounty hunters. He spent many years as a lone wolf honing his skills and perfecting his deadly trade, and after the end of a lengthy pursuit in the Mundane World, Rufus prepared to return to the Underworld until he suddenly discovered an enigmatic blue flame. Now, players can help the gun-for-hire uncover the mystery behind the source of the blue flame.

To prepare for the new character, SG Interactive is hosting in-game events to unlock a special mission for Rufus. The events include:

Log In and Play: Until Dec. 20, players will receive a Crystal of Other Worldly Powers for each day they log in. By staying logged in, players will receive additional crystals. Any player who collects 10 crystals can combine them to create the Rufus Mission Voucher.

Just In Time: Players who are in-game on Dec. 17 will see a red alarm clock go off at precisely 3 p.m. PST / 6 p.m. EST. Any player who clicks on the alarm clock will receive the Rufus Mission Voucher.

Any player who receives the Rufus Mission Voucher from either event will also get the Rufus’ Justice Bounty Hunter Coordi set, which includes the special Justice Bounty Hunter skin and Eyetooth weapon.

Elsword Releases Holiday Promotions

In tune with the spirit of the season, MMO Elsword is giving players the gift of fresh content by offering additional levels, character job classes and updated features.

Leveling Up

Players who have adopted the newly-added character Eve as their melee combat queen are in for a bonus upon reaching level 35, as they will now be able to choose between two kick-ass jobs classes: Code Nemesis and Code Empress. While either option increases Eve’s power, Code Nemesis focuses on upgrading her weaponry into stronger firearms and blades, making her a more lethal damage dealer. Code Empress gains an additional robotic servant she can summon, named Ophelia. Using the deadly duo of Oberon and Ophelia together, Eve has even more combo tricks up her sleeve.

Players who want a sneak peak at the action before making their decision can view an all-new trailer here.

In addition, the long-awaited final levels of the Feita world will become available on December 21, allowing Elsword and his team to take the fight to the home of invading demons for an epic and climactic battle.

Upgraded Capabilities

While fighting for the finish, imaginative players longing to extend the manga experience of Elsword also can create their own movies or simply record their best combos with a new video recording feature.

Holiday Specials

Players can now subscribe to a limited-time newsletter notifying them of different daily deals, available from Dec. 21-25. Courtesy of Elsword’s master merchant Hoffman, tech-savvy players will receive advance notice on special merchandise available at the in-game item mall for discounted prices.

League of Legends Brings an Early Christmas

It seems Christmas has come early thanks to Riot Games, publisher of hit MOBA, League of Legends. Not only have they brought back the loved winter Summoner’s Rift map and holiday minions with their reindeer and santa hats, they are also introducing four new limited holiday skins and one of the most beautifully designed champions yet.

This years holiday skins include:

Festive Maokai: Everyone’s favorite grumpy old tree gets adorned with lights, ornaments, and other holiday decorations.

Snowmerdinger: Heimerdinger gets adorned with the classic snowman apparel, right down to a carrot nose.

Mistletoe Leblanc: LeBlanc, the Deceiver gets into the holiday spirit with a red and green classic outfit.

Toy Soldier Gangplank: A perfect (and festive) wooden toy replica of the scurvy pirate himself

In addition, later today Ahri the 9-Tailed Fox will be entering into the shop. Ahri brings a slew of tricky assassination mechanics sure to leave any glass cannon champion quaking in their elven boots. Let’s take a look at her skills:

Soul Eater (Passive): Ahri gains a charge of Soul Eater whenever one of her spells hits an enemy (max: three charges per spell). Upon reaching nine charges, Ahri’s next spell has a large amount of Spell Vamp (35%).

Orb of Deception: Ahri sends out and pulls back her orb, dealing magic damage on the way out and True damage on the way back. Ahri sends out her orb, dealing 40/65/90/115/140 (+0.33) magic damage, and pulls it back dealing 40/65/90/115/140 (+0.33) True damage.

Fox-Fire: Ahri releases three fox-fires, which after a short delay lock on and attack nearby enemies. Ahri releases three fox-fires. After a short delay they lock on to nearby enemies (prioritizes champions), dealing 40/70/100/130/160 (+0.38) magic damage. Additional fox-fires that hit the same target deal 50% damage [max damage: 80/140/200/260/320 (+0.75)].

Charm: Ahri blows a kiss that damages and charms an enemy it encounters, causing them to walk harmlessly towards her. Ahri blows a kiss dealing 60/90/120/150/180 (+0.35) magic damage and charming the first enemy it hits, causing them to walk harmlessly towards her for 1/1.25/1.5/1.75/2 second(s).

Spirit Rush (Ultimate): Ahri dashes forward and fires essence bolts, damaging 3 nearby champions. Spirit Rush can be cast up to three times before going on cooldown. Ahri dashes forward and fires essence bolts at 3 nearby enemies (prioritizes champions), dealing 100/140/180 (+0.3) magic damage. Spirit Rush can be cast up to three times within 10 seconds before going on cooldown.

Do you still demand further satisfaction? Well League of Legends has reached deep into Santa’s bag to bring you a refund on the obsolete dodge runes just in time for the launch of special edition holiday runes! Hop into the store to get the best deal possible on flat HP, flat armor penetration, flat magic penetration, and movement speed quintessences!

Aion Europe Announces F2P Business Model

Gameforge, Europe’s leading provider of online games, and NCsoft, the world’s premier publisher and developer of massively multiplayer online games, today announced a new and free to play business model for AION. From February 2012, players will be able to download the full version of the game for free and play without any subscription costs. AION will be launched in the UK, France and Germany first and will be accessible to play across Western Europe.

AION is one of the world’s most popular and numerous awards winning MMOGs including a very loyal fan base in Europe. Songyee Yoon, Chief Strategic Officer from NCsoft commented that “by introducing the free-to-play model, we hope more gamers in Europe will be able to experience the epic story of Aion” and added that “NCsoft welcomes the partnership with Gameforge with its long MMO experience in the F2P sector and its excellent knowledge of the European market.”

Gameforge’s Executive Director Alexander Rösner also welcomes the collaboration: “In AION we have received a flagship title for our MMO sector which perfectly complements our current portfolio. We have worked hard with NCsoft to develop a fair free-to-play model for new players as well as the current community. In the future we will of course continue to develop new content and extend it, working in close cooperation with the players.”

Digimon Masters Releases Joy the the World Update

Joymax today announced the “Joy to the World” holiday event for their popular MMORPG, Digimon Masters, is now live.  The latest content update will showcase a variety of exciting new features including the first appearance of Ulforce Veedramon in the Digital World, alongside a fun Christmas event running now until January 10th.

Based on the wildly successful Digimon anime series, Digimon Masters takes players on a raucous ride as they complete quests while acquiring new Mercenary Eggs and leveling up both their character and Partner Digimon as well as acquire new Digimon by hatching a variety of eggs.  The update brings in two additional Mercenary Eggs, which must be hatched using data found throughout the Digital World.  War Greymon stomps onto the scene and is joined by Ulforce Veedramon, who will make its first ever worldwide appearance and will be exclusive to the global Digimon Masters game – this is the only place to capture this elusive and highly desirable companion!

The content update will also include the new Digimon Reinforcement System (DRS), which players can use to increase their Digimon’s defensive abilities. The DRS produces an awesome looking glowing protective shield around each Digimon that changes color based on shield strength.  In addition, to get players into the holiday spirit, a Christmas Event will start today, and run through January 10th, with maps being decorated in a festive Christmas motif!

A game for all players and all ages, Digimon Masters provides a simple interface coupled with an intuitive control scheme that is completely hassle-free.  With more than 1,000 characters featured from seasons 1 through 5 of the Digimon anime, not only is it faithful to the series’ art design, Digimon Masters closely follows a story that will satisfy both loyal fans of the series as well as welcoming new gamers to the Digital World.

Lucent Heart Holiday Festivities Announced

Gamania Digital Entertainment today announced its Zodiac inspired social MMORPG, Lucent Heart, has begun its holiday festivities. Players are invited to join the Winter Festival, running through December 31st, for special quests, items, and events.

Holiday Quests: In Acadia even the naughty get presents. Players can choose to help out Jolly Father Winter or Naughty Ice Miser for stockings filled with goodies. Exclusive red or black Winter Holiday Sets are waiting to be found.

Step-Up: Holiday Edition: Lucent Heart’s popular Step-Up Dance Competition is back. Participants will be creating fresh dance videos from their favorite holiday themed music – competing for amazing prizes. Permanent outfits, Zodiac Pets, and even the rare Black Wrath Battle Mount are all up for grabs.

31 Days of Giving: Gamania is running its largest giveaway yet over at the official Lucent Heart Facebook page. Those who take a shot at the “daily question” have a chance to win unique costume sets and Goodie Bags. Each day more winners will be chosen, with a total of 496 fans receiving prizes.

Also be sure to check out the new trailer announcing all these events!