Yearly Archives: 2011

BATTERY introduces Clan Battle Mode Update with massive prizes

WEBZEN introduced Clan Battle Mode (clan vs clan) for its FPS game, BATTERY Online, in South Korea.

The Clan Battle Mode can only be played in the ‘Explosion Mode’ between clan units. Anyone in a clan can enjoy the Clan Battle Mode from 4vs4 to 8vs8.

All experience that gamers earn in the Clan Battle Mode will be reflected on Clan Rankings, but the personal scores (kills, deaths, assists) will be recorded separately. The Clan Battle Mode will give gamers more experience and game points than usual.

 

Free MMO Battery Online

 

WEBZEN has scheduled many online and offline team and clan tournaments to promote gamers to play in team battles.

They also revealed new weapons such as ‘Desert Eagle Gold’ and gold-plated ‘KRISS SUPER.’ they plan to plate all event weapons in gold.

To celebrate the Clan Battle Mode Update, WEBZEN will give out a total of $20,000 worth of gift certificates every day for 20 days starting today to February 15. they will also offer $10,000 worth of total prize to high ranked active clans for 2 months.

Meanwhile, WEBZEN will hold “Internet Café – Team Tournament” which is the first offline game- play contest with $6,000 of total prize on February 20.

They will also hold a separate tournament on the day of the contest for the first 80 players with a BATTERY account. The players must create a clan consisting of 5 members to participate, and then sign up by February 6.

Legend of Mir 3 Retro Review: Theres Still Something Here

Legend of Mir 3 Retro Review: Theres Still Something Here
By Kei Beneza (dividelife), OnRPG Journalist

 

There are several types of games that will hook you because of its awesome graphics. After playing for a while, however, it becomes apparent that the game is just like the airhead you might have met at the bar two weeks ago: all pretty, beautifully made up and packaged, but has no substance.

 

Gamers today often mistake “graphic quality” for “quality games”. Fortunately, WeMade Entertainment’s Legend of Mir 3 doesn’t fall in the airhead category. Let’s get this out of the way early on: if you play this game, do not expect flashy or jaw-dropping graphics. In fact, this game’s graphics is so dated that it can run on your technically challenged mom’s personal computer that she only uses to process Word documents.

 

Legend of Mir 3 is not exactly a new or original game. It has been released as a sequel to uber-popular Legend of Mir 2, though the game is more likely considered as its remake. The series is not a big hit in the Western countries, but the game thrived well in Asia (particularly in South Korea and China) enough to make it to the Guinness Book of World Records for having the largest numbers of subscribers playing online simultaneously. Legend of Mir 3 was released around a few years short of a decade ago, and it was only globally released in 2009. And in 2009, you have to admit that gamers will kind of want to play a game that will challenge and conquer their epic set up. Legend of Mir 3 is not that kind of game, but if you look past the graphics problem, then you’ll see why this game has amassed a huge and loyal following in past few years.

 

A Few Class Lessons

Legend of Mir 3 is an Oriental-themed game, with the Mir universe done in 2D isometric graphics. The first time I saw it, I was immediately reminded of good ol’ dungeon crawlers. Suffice to say, it doesn’t disappoint in that aspect because it feels and plays like one. Let’s start from the character creation screen where you can choose from four classes the Warrior, Wizard, Taoist or the Assassin; after naming and picking your character’s gender, you’re all set. You can’t customize your characters at all. Your starting town depends on your class. Either way, the game is brimming with assorted quests such as the generally easy errand quests, others are hack-and-slash types, and then there are the quests that will unravel the stories in the Mir universe. For the early levels, the game would technically feel the same for all class types since your character will be barely equipped. And I’m talking about your level 1 character in his or her birthday suit. The game is actually generous enough to provide you with your basic outfit, class weapon, a potion and a, hmm, a candle. This is something of notable importance which we will discuss later on.

 

Legend of Mir 3 Few Class Lessons

It doesn’t matter what class you choose at the beginning because you won’t have any class-specific skills as of yet. The Warrior is your usual melee type character; your regular damage dealer with high hit points, but has low resistance against ranged attacks. The Wizard deals offensive ranged attacks and area of effect spells, relying mostly on mana points; it has low hit points, but it has a high magic resistance. The Taoist is most balanced class among the four and uses soul charm to deal either holy or unholy spells. It is a support type character that will be always welcome to your group for the much needed heals and buffs. A pretty advanced class, the Taoists usually has a hard time gaining levels quickly because it neither has high attack power (like Warriors) nor high ranged damages (like Wizards). Questing alone means you only have yourself to heal or support, which is kind of sad for Taoists. The Assassin is a new class addition to the Mir series. Their specialty is dealing quick and fatal damages because, unlike the Warriors who usually acts as tanks, the assassins are still pretty susceptible to damage since their armours are not as tough as that of the Warriors’.

 

The best you can do at the beginning is to equip your given outfit and take on hack-and-slash your way until you level enough to obtain a Mu-Gong (or martial art) skill book. The skill trees of each character is wide and varied, like seeing twice or thrice the number of skills you can acquire in Diablo 2 (which is the first game I thought of upon seeing the interface). It is more advisable to stick to a particular tree to unlock the highest skill in that tree.

 

Let There Be Light

As mentioned above, the candles are quite important in the game. This is because the game operates a day and night feature, wherein at night you will have to light up something (a candle or a torch) to let you see through the environment. Unlike newer games that also have the same feature, seeing in Legend of Mir 3 is a tad bit difficult because of the graphical limitations. It will be harder to see if a beast or monster is just around the corner… unless your eyes are sharp enough to detect the slight difference in depth of the background and the monsters. While there are helpful name tags in the monsters, it still proves to be a little annoying because the all too simple font makes it hard for me to read or identify which is which, especially when a barrage of enemies appear on my monitor. Lighting a torch or candle adds a touch of realism to the whole feel of the game, though.

 Let there be light Legend of Mir 3 MMORPG

It’s A Limited Edition

Legend of Mir 3 is a game that doesn’t lack substance, but it has some limitations that made it feel too old when compared to this year’s array of MMORPGs. The character classes seem to be a tad limited, but even though there are hundred thousand others who are Warriors or Assassins just like you, your build can still be unique with its expansive skill sets. The interface, in my opinion, takes quite a huge space at the bottom. The user interface windows are too simplistic and uninspired. Generally a PvP-oriented game, this game may prove to be a challenge for those used to PvEs. Having a guild in this game will pretty much make your gameplay more exciting with its siege wars. This game is unlike the other games of today that may be aesthetically pleasing but lacking substantial or serious gameplay. Legend of Mir 3 is the kind of game I would play only for sheer nostalgia, of going back to basics so I don’t think I’m closing my doors on this one. Are you?

 

Legend of Mir 3 Limited Edition MMORPG

Good

– Old school PvP goodness

– Several options for your character build

 

Bad

– Old school graphics can be a burden

– Texts are not aligned and font type makes it harder to read sometimes

NCsoft and ArenaNet announce the Guild Wars 2 Guardian Profession

NCsoft and ArenaNet announce the Guild Wars 2 Guardian Profession

 

Guild Wars Hero Guardian

 

NCsoft and ArenaNet announces its Guardian profession today for Guild Wars 2. The Guardian calls upon powerful virtues to smite enemies and protect allies. The Guardian is the definitive support fighter, both offensively and defensively. With a mastery of combat weaponry at his disposal and virtues such as Justice, Courage and Resolve to employ, the Guardian is both a worthy adversary and instrumental ally. The Guardian can also bring his own special skills to aid in the support of his allies and the defeat of his enemies.


GuildWars 2 Chop Chop MMO


The guardian is a devoted fighter who calls upon powerful virtues to smite enemies and protect allies. As dangerous with a staff as he is with a mighty two-handed hammer, a true guardian is a master tactician who knows when to sacrifice his own defenses to empower his allies to achieve victory.

 

Each guardian is supported by passive benefits, but he can relinquish those benefits, passing his powers on to his allies. This ability makes the guardian an excellent supportive fighter whether they are leading an assault or defending your party’s flanks.

 

Guardians have developed three virtues that empower them in combat. By wielding Justice, the guardian’s attacks can burn his enemies. With Courage, the guardian can shrug off even a mighty blow. Through Resolve, the guardian passively regenerates health, allowing him to wade into the most dangerous situation and come out alive.

 

Guild Wars 2 Chardian

 

Guardians also have a number of special skill types:

 

Spirit Weapons—The guardian can summon spirit weapons to fight at his side for a limited time. Spirit weapons cannot be attacked by enemies and can be commanded to inflict a powerful attack before disappearing. For example, Hammer of Wisdom can be summoned to fight alongside a guardian, then commanded to knock down an enemy and vanish.

 

Symbols—The guardian places symbols on the ground, where they inflict damage to enemies or deliver a benefit to allies. Symbols persist for a few seconds and then go away. For instance, Symbol of Faith is a hammer attack that leaves a transient symbol on the ground, giving allies the Vigor boon.

 

Wards—A ward is a marked area on the ground that stops enemies from passing through while allowing allies to move freely. For example, a staff-wielding guardian can create a Line of Warding in front of him that keeps enemies from reaching the allies behind him.

 

Aegis—Guardians are adept in the use of Aegis, a removable boon that blocks the next attack. Guardians have access to this boon through the virtue of Courage.

 

For more information on the Guardian including the complete list of Skills, Weapons and Virtues, please visit the official guildwars 2 website

World of Tanks Open Beta Launched for Europe and North America

World of Tanks Open Beta Launched for Europe and North America


Wargaming.net today announced the highly-anticipated start of the open beta phase for its upcoming free-to-play action-MMO game World of Tanks.

 

World of Tanks Field Release Date MMORPG

 

After months of closed beta testing the company is ready to invite all players to sign up for the beta at:http://game.worldoftanks.com/registration/ – for the North American server http://game.worldoftanks.eu/registration/ – for the European server.

 

World of Tanks Bridge Release Date MMORPG

Fans of MMO, action and strategy games, history enthusiasts and all those seeking for adrenaline pumping and fast-paced gameplay, can now download the client and engage into massive tank clashes with a wide variety of legendary WWII-era military hardware available in the game. In cooperation with their friends, players will be able to join the fight for global tank domination in fierce and uncompromising Clan Wars. 

 

World of Tanks House MMORPG Release Date

“Everyone at Wargaming.net is very excited about launching the open beta as it’s an important milestone in the development of World of Tanks”, said Victor Kislyi, CEO of Wargaming.net. “We want to thank all those players who participated in the closed beta test and helped us make the game open to a bigger audience by reporting bugs and providing valuable feedback. Now it’s time for us to further enhance and polish the game before its final release”.

 

For more information on World of Tanks, visit the official website.

City of Heroes MetaÂ’s Verse: Striking

City of Heroes Meta’s Verse: Striking

 

This week in the wonderful world of City of Heroes Black Scorpion released an announcement on the official forums about some new exciting things to come. Now, I know what you’re thinking… this is maybe what the third week in a row of good news and awesomeness? How much more can we possibly take!? Well, the answer is lots. Because really who hates good news? I’m a glass half full type of girl. And right now my glass is spilling over. The news that came out last Thursday is nothing but more awesome from our dev crew. By now you must be screaming at me, “Meta just tell us the good news!” And maybe I will, or maybe I’ll just keep teasing you about it.

 

Of course if I did that then my editor would find someone to replace me and we don’t want that! So I suppose, since I know this is what you’re all really interested in, here it is, straight from Black Scorpion’s mouth.

 

City of Heroes metas verse Column

“In early February we are launching an update to Issue 19 called the Strike Pack. The Strike Pack introduces the Weekly Strike Target and the Rare and Very Rare tiers of the Incarnate Alpha Slot.”

 

Strike Pack, Weekly Strike Target, Rare and Very Rare tiers? Ok so most of you might already know what the last to are and be awaiting them eagerly just like me. But those first two? Something completely new.

 

Unlike what the name suggests this isn’t another Booster Pack. I know we’re all used to seeing the word pack referring to a mash up of costumes and a nifty power or two that do fun things. But that isn’t the case this time. There’s nothing for you to buy, no new costumes or powers. This is merely a mid issue change, I might even go so far as to call it a long running event. Or Issue 19.5 as much of the fanbase has been referring to it.  Which brings me to the weekly strike target: It sounds mysterious, and awesome and new. But it isn’t! It’s the same task forces and strike forces we already have. However every week a task force and a strike force will be the targets of the week.

 

The first time you do the specified task for that week you get double the merits and “a bunch of additional XP.” Every time you do the task of the week after that for the week you’ll earn progress towards a new badge. These will be repeatable as many times as you want and the first time rule isn’t account wide! That means you can run the specified task on one character then alt to another and get double the rewards all over again. The tasks will be changed every Tuesday morning, most likely with the regular server downtime. These will be insanely popular, so even if you aren’t in with a crowd that enjoys doing task forces, either they will during this time or you won’t have any trouble finding a PUG.

 

City of Heroes Junk Yard

 

At the same time this is going on the rare and very rare tiers of the alpha slot will be released. But! (Yes, I know there’s always a but.) The only way to craft the rare and very rare tiers is by collecting “Notice of the Well.” How does one get this notice? By running the strike target of the week on an already incarnate able character. It will take only one to craft the rare slots. But for the very rare, you’ll have to save them up to make a “Favor of the Well” bonus. Once Issue 20 comes out this will change, there will be more ways to collect Notice but until then the only way to do it is by running the weekly task/strike force. When you have your rare or very rare tiers slotted you will experience a level boost.

 

Yes, that is that one XP you’ve been waiting for to ding 51! This won’t mean more hit points or a change in your speed though. It just relates to how much damage you put out, control and other level dependent things.

 

Black Scorpion ends his announcement adding that more detailed information will be coming out in the following weeks. I think I might need a bucket.

 

City of Heroes Surrounded

More good news! I know, you thought I was done. That I’d run off to get a bucket for my overflowing cup of joy. But there’s more to say! Two new veteran badges are coming out, and they are awesome. The 81 month badge called “Uncompromising” will include a power called Return to Battle. A self rez that will give you a full bar of health and endurance as well as give you a couple large inspiration buffs for your troubles. Of course its going to have a bit of a cool down time. One that sadly isn’t announced. But really, you can’t complain about a free self rez power. The 84 month badge is being called Loyal Customer. And while the name may seem like a bit of a cheat, what comes with it more than makes up for it. Remote access to the auction house. Its just a slash command, no pretty power to sit in your tray but who cares! This way you never have to worry about your pockets being too full again. Just type in /auctionhouse in the middle of a mission, on a task force or anywhere. And problem solved! Unless of course your market is full. Which is always troubling.

 

The biggest let down for me is the fact that I won’t get those badges for another four years. And in that time who knows what else they’ll come out with that I must have!

 

City of Heroes Metas Verse Before Last

 

Allow me to remind you all one last time that this weekend is Double XP Weekend. We haven’t had one in nearly a year and its about time we do! I hope you all asked for time off work and school so you could take part in the extended weekend of XP goodness. If you didn’t, well that’s ok too. There will be plenty going on all weekend for all. Good luck this weekend, and if you see me about the city be sure to give me a shout.

 

Meta

Meta’s Verse is written by Meticulous Meta who lives in Atlas Park with her dog Snuflé

Age of Empires Doesn’t Try to Nickel and Dime its Players, or Does it?

Age of Empires Doesn’t Try to Nickel and Dime its Players, or Does it?


A common issue in the F2P games industry is the perception, perceived or real, that one can simply ‘buy power’. As seasoned F2P players the OnRPG readers will know that games that give people with larger wallets a big advantage eventually always lose out to games in which free players can stand toe to toe with paying players.

 

Even though Age of Empires Online Producer Danan Davies keeps repeating “We’re not doing microtransactions.” and  “We’re not going to try to nickel-and-dime players. We’re not going to allow a player to come in and buy the ‘Epic Sword of Foo’ to win the entire game.” it seems that the game will not be entirely void of the ability for players to ‘buy power’.

 

While there will be no monthly subscriptions there will be quite a significant restriction on what kind of gear free players can use.“Free players can only use gear labeled uncommon. They’ll still collect more powerful rare and epic items, but they won’t be able to use them.”

 

So rather than nickle-and-diming players by letting them buy overpowered items, the game will let people find overpowered items and then coax them into paying so they can use them. All they’ve really done is reverse the usual F2P model in that rather than paying for getting items, they will now get them by playing the game and then have to pay for the ability to use them.

 

Age of Empires Online will not nickel-and-dime you, or will it? Free MMO

 

While we have to respect Microsoft’s creativity we sincerely doubt anyone will trully be fooled by this little reversal. It will still come down to paying players having quite significant advantages over free players. As if the item use wasn’t bad enough yet, the following things will be restricted as well:

 

“Free players be limited to the free-version of player-versus-player combat. They’ll be limited in the amount of resources they can collect and the goods they can craft. They won’t be able to use Advisors, which are essentially powerful abilities personified.”

 

We’ll keep a close eye on Age of Empires and only time will tell how this will pan out.

 

Source: [Kotaku]

Faxion States that Traditional Character Classes Can Go to Hell!

Faxion States that Traditional Character Classes Can Go to Hell!
Faxion Online Reveals Its Lineup of Character Classes And Its Extensive Multi-Classing System For Its Upcoming MMORPG

UTV True Games revealed details today about its unique character class and multi-classing systems for the highly anticipated MMORPG, Faxion Online. Scheduled to go into closed beta later this month, Faxion Online promises to take players through the gates of heaven and hell as the divine struggle between good and evil wages on.

“Faxion’s Class System is somewhat of a misnomer;” said Frank Lucero, Studio Head at UTV True Games. “In reality, the classes are nothing more than fundamental components that the players themselves can use to create their own toolbox of hellish destruction or heavenly onslaught. During character creation, players select a base class which determines their initial set of skills and abilities and soon afterwards they have the option to train into a second class’s line of abilities and, if they desire, a third.”

So, what does this mean for the player?  With the multi-class system, players will find that they can create their ideal character, experiencing Faxion their own way. If someone should want to play a Druid-like character they can create a Guardian who undertakes training from the Diviner and Crusader classes. If they want to be that evil-aligned Cleric they’ve been running in their table-top campaign for years they should start as a Zealot and then learn from the Reavers how best to wield a weapon, turning their character into an armored healer that fights alongside weapon toting derelicts of hell. How about that Battlemage; duel-wielding blades and casting meteor storms? All of the above and much more can be created through Faxion’s multi-class system.

“We are not here to choose for you, but to guide you along the way in your afterlife,” offered Lucero. “Below we describe to you the basics. From there your path is your own…”

Faxion Crusader MMORPG

 

Crusaders, the backbone of the armies of Heaven, stand at the forefronts of the war – ready to defend the holy gates and all they stand for. While reliant upon their weapons and armor, it is their faith that makes them a force to behold, sustaining them during lengthy skirmishes. No stranger to hand-to-hand combat, Crusaders are strong fighters who rely on mobility and sheer brute force to bring low malefactors. Glory shine upon these celestial warriors who eternally push back Sin’s shadow.

Faxion Guardian MMORPG

Heralds of peace, Guardians bolster their allies with miraculous healing, protective sanctification, and unfaltering conviction. More than simple medics, these agents of mercy lend their spiritual aid to virtuous Crusaders and Diviners while humbling those who abdicate from the light. Still, they mourn those who have lost the path and grant what peace they can to the fallen. Guardians understand that patience is key when guiding the ignorant, and are willing to repeatedly rehabilitate those lured by Hell’s deceit.

 

Faxion Diviner MMORPG

Diviners step onto the battlefield knowing that the wary eyes of the accursed are upon them.  Their mastery of the elements, righteous fury, and enthusiasm for chastising the wicked justify these concerns. Eons have been spent gathering divine truths, and Diviners use this wisdom to unleash destructive forces from afar. Truly fearing no evil, they hardly even bother to armor themselves. Instead they rely on their skill to call upon divine winds, raining down holy retribution to devastate entire hordes.

Faxion Character Reaver MMORPG

Reavers are the favored marauders of Hell – dark champions who worship at the altar of battle. They believe the cries of their victims to be the purest hymn and shedding blood the only true prayer. Wrapped in armor and warped by infernal blessings, Reavers are often surrounded by enemies, taking on multiple opponents with cleaving blows and peerless defense. One day they will march on Heaven itself, and the groan of Heaven’s Gate breaking will briefly drown out the cries of the newly damned.

Faxion Zealot

Devotees of misery and Hell’s foremost strategists, Zealot’s are notorious for their proficiency in matters of life and death. Regularly found on the front lines alongside Reavers, they place potent wards that offer protection to the forces of Hell or destruction for any servants of Heaven that stumbles upon them. Pragmatic in all things, Zealots are far more willing than their comrades to consider a plan of action where murder isn’t the first and only step. After all, why would they want to limit their options for spreading chaos, corruption, and madness throughout Limbo?

 

Faxion Occultist

For Occultists, power alone simply isn’t enough.  But being seen wielding power… controlling the ebb and flow of battle while blighting the land in flashy demonstrations of supremacy – this is what drives Occultists to study with such fevered intensity. Bending the elements through sheer strength of will, these students of the dark arts are careful to confront the forces of Heaven on their terms, lest their lack of martial skill be the deciding factor. With a unique blend of contempt and arrogance, they use their expertise to tear the heart out of even the most formidable regiments.

Faxion Online is being developed internally at UTV True Games’ Austin, Texas studio by a group of industry veterans with significant experience on titles such as Shadowbane, Ultima Online and many other popular MMORPG’s. Faxion Online players can expect to see a ground-breaking, competitive action game that strips away the typical experience and leveling grind observed in many MMORPG’s today.  

For more information and to register for the closed beta test, visit the official website.