Monthly Archives: December 2014

TERA: Fate of Arun – Preview Tour

By Michael Sagoe (mikedot)

 

TERAFateOfArunMap

It’s been a long time coming, but Bluehole Studios and En Masse Entertainment is just about ready to release their first major expansion for TERA Online in over two years. The expansion known as “Fate of Arun” will update the game with the final continent in the realm of Arborea’s “Northen Arun” continent, along with an increased level cap of 65, new combat skills and so much more.

It’s been quite a while since I had played TERA, in fact not sense their major PvP arena push in 2013. So I was incredibly excited to get back into the swing of things and see just what was coming down the pipeline with this expansion. Recently, I joined up with CM Treeshark, who gave me and many other participants a chance to get reacquainted with the game, as well as preview what to expect in this update.

TERAFateofArunAction_5

First off, they explained to us about all the new skills and changes that will be available for all classes, such as the Warrior’s new Binding Sword move that allows warriors to stun and chain multiple enemies together (just like Lancers can) or Berserker’s new Tackle skill that lets them charge a bolt of energy to hurl at enemies. Personally, I’m really digging the changes to the Slayer class, as they now have a new skill called Eviscerate that lets them chain an extra knockdown into their combo rotation, as well as be able to dodge attacks twice in a row. All of these changes mostly reflects Bluehole Studio’s strive to achieve gameplay balance among all classes, since now all classes have some kind of CC, ranged attack, gap closer or MP boosting skill on par with every other class. If these changes will reflect balance in the fields of battle still remains to be seen.

TERAFateOfArunTownMounts

The first area we got to see in the new expansion was Spring Valley, a glorious valley for players to battle against LV61-62 monsters and BAMs, and as the story goes: This area is where a group of freedom fighters and refugees hide out from the deadly new archdevan forces, which are the central focus in the story for the expansion. This was the place where we also got to spread our legs a bit and re-sharpen our combat skills on trash mobs. It didn’t take long for me to get back into the swing of things, and I was also able to pull off my patented hitstun slayer combo against another player in a friendly duel. Sadly, I lost the fight, but I really gave my opponent a good run for his money.

TERAFateOfArunInTheJungle

Next, we were teleported to an earlier zone in the expansion: Savage Reach, which players will be able to visit at LV60. This zone features thick green jungles and is home to several new NPC races, including the savage but noble Khirians, and the brutal lizard-like guwangi. We took this moment to take in all the sights and sounds of this new zone, and it still blows my mind a little just how much visual splendor and detail that the art designers from Bluehole Studios have been able to put into this game.

TERAFateOfArunNewUI

Treeshark also took the time to introduce a new Quality-of-Life addition to the game called “Vanguard Requests.” This new system will give players a daily to-do list of quests and objectives to complete. All players have to do to access these requests is hit the H key on their keyboards. Players will also be able to check their daily and weekly log-in rewards which include increased out-of-combat movement speed, increased HP and even increased attack damage, which are tied to all characters on a player’s single account. While it may seem a bit like hand-holding, this new system gives players a great sense of conveyance over where to go and what to do, ensuring that players will be able to maximize their playtime when logged in.

Next up, we were teleported out towards the final zone in the Arun contentment known as Arx Umbra. It sets the stage for the big showdown against Lord Dakuryon and his minions as players attempt to stop his evil goal. I won’t give too many spoiler details for all of those that are interested in TERA’s storyline, but I will say that it’s pretty damn evil, and that giant laser you see in the screenshot below will have something to do with it.

TERAFateOfArunHeartOfDarkne

But that was all the time we had for sightseeing. It was now time for some action!

Treeshark then took us into one of the newest 5-man dungeons that players will experience in the new update called “Bathysmal Rise,” which is a unique, water-themed dungeon that will have players going through the most chaotic aquarium known to man.

TERAFateOfArunTurtlePower

Just to give readers some insight on how the dungeon works: First boss up will be a giant turtle monster which uses several spinning and huge AoE strikes against players. While this battle contains mechanics similar to boss fights such as the Cyclops in the Crucible of Flame dungeon, there’s also an opportunity to use the environment to your advantage, as the players will be able to destroy a set of rocks that are off towards the side of the arena to create a landslide capable of punishing the turtle. Of course, you need to time this move at the right time, but that will be up to you to figure out.

TERAFateOfArunTurtleTerror

Next, for anyone that has fears of the deep dark sea should probably avoid the next boss, because players will have to do battle with an insanely fast Anglerfish which causes several different debuffs and poison effects to teammates. The only way to get rid of these debuffs is to cleanse yourself by swimming around in a pool that can be seen in the middle of the boss room.

TERAFateOfArunAnglerFish

Last up, the final boss will challenge your twitch and dodging skills as players battle against a mystical creature on top of a floating water tower. Players have to be quick on the draw in order to dodge spinning saw blades as well as proper positioning during key phases of the fight in order to prevent themselves from drowning, and so much more.

TERAFateOfArunArchdevans

What I got to experience from this tour was only a small taste of what this new expansion has to offer, and it will have something for everyone, new players and old. The new expansion will be here on December 16th, and I can’t wait to jump back onto my Popori Slayer once more.

TERAFateOfArunDarkSecret

One For Eleven

One For Eleven is a free to play football (soccer) management game. Recruit players, create a team, and compete for the top!

Features:

Real Players: A large roster of real football players is available for you to create your fantasy team.

Realistic Data: Evaluate players over 30 abilities, 50 skills, and 26 positions.

Real Time Match Management: Change tactics and players in real-time to gain the edge.

Full Team Control: Recruit, negotiate, and manage each player’s concerns and tactics. You have full control over team formation, tactics, substitution, and everything else you need to win!

Camelot Unchained Crashes into Pre-Alpha Test 3 Checklist with Gusto

CityState Entertainment today released the third goal list for their upcoming third rendition to sandbox fantasy faction PvP MMORPG, Camelot Unchained. After pushing through two lists and successful (possibly record breaking) pre-alpha tests with Kickstarter backers, their third checklist seems to be the most ambitious by far.

CamelotUnchainedPAT3Promo

Key features planned for implementation in this list include the first test of the crafter building system, as well as ability customization builder for offering classes more control of their tactical strikes than just about any target-based MMORPG prior. A full list of magic types and FX tech systems are on there as well and already checked off.

Those more concerned with the world and their role in it can rejoice to see multiple sections of the checklist dedicated to lore writes and rewrites, as well as initial implementation of character building systems to make sure your freaky beast runs smoothly with minimal clipping issues.

Catch the massive list here, but grab a nice hot tea as it’s quite a read through.

Golden Black

Golden Black is a pirate-themed MMORTS, planned for release on Steam, iOS, and Android. Expand your base and crew and find rare treasures in the vast oceans.

Features:

Build a Pirate Empire: Start with your own island and captain, then gather resources, build structures, and collect a crew.

A Captain All Your Own: Customize your captain hero, the game’s main unit and only way to perform certain actions.

Gather & Craft: Gather resources, and then use them to craft gear for your captain, or trade with other players.

Real-Time and Asynchronous Multi-player: Explore the world and confront other players in real-time, or send attacks & receive bounties from neighboring islands.

Warface Update Brings First Siberia Map into Play

 

Warface Cold Peak

Fight on a new front and discover fresh combat possibilities as the first map in the Operation Cold Peak Co-op setting comes to Crytek’s Warface today.

The “Spearhead” map introduces new enemies, new tactical options and intense winter warfare to Crytek’s free first-person online shooter for PC. Acting as the gateway to Blackwood’s Siberian stronghold, Spearhead throws experienced players straight in at the deep end as they attempt to secure a central position on the map and recover classified intel from the enemy’s network.

To complete their mission, players will have to fend off waves of attackers dropped into the area by combat helicopter. For the first time, some Blackwood operatives will come equipped with jet packs, providing a new challenge for Warface Riflemen, Snipers, Medics and Engineers as they team up and try to survive. Also new to Spearhead is the possibility for players to complete secondary objectives that will earn them in-game currency – which can then be spent in real-time to deploy mines, build barriers and set traps that will help them to hold their position. Balancing their need for resources with the necessity of taking cover makes for nerve-wracking action every time players tackle Spearhead.

Spearhead is the first of three new maps coming to Warface as part of Operation Cold Peak. The second and third additions – Ambush and Zenith – are coming soon, and will challenge players to escape a deadly deception and bring the curtain down on Blackwood’s Siberian schemes.

World of Tanks Blitz Launches on Android with Cross Platform Gameplay

WoT Blitz British Steel

Wargaming today announced the Android version of World of Tanks Blitz has gone live worldwide. The free-to-play mobile action MMO is now available on Android devices and has been updated alongside iOS version with a host of new content including the British tank line, crew skills, new map and cross platform functionality.

“We are thrilled to release World of Tanks Blitz to Android users and continue to deliver AAA MMOs in the competitive mobile space,” said Andrey Ryabovol, Director of Global Operations at Wargaming. “Since the initial launch on iOS, we have worked to build the Android version based on player feedback and we are extremely happy to provide cross platform play between Android and iOS users.”

In addition to the release, iOS and Android versions of World of Tanks Blitz have received a significant content update, 1.5. British Steel, which brings the British tank line including 10 medium tanks to the fight, the Winter Malinovka map, and newly introduced crew skills.

Since the iOS release in June 2014, World of Tanks Blitz has amassed over 10 million installs worldwide and has seen an average daily use of 60 minutes per user with 20 minute session length. Over the past 6 months, World of Tanks Blitz has received an average score of 4.5 on the App Store and has climbed the ranks in dozens of countries as the top apps on iPad and iPhone.

The game is free to download on Google Play and the App Store.

IGG Unveils Clash of Mafias

Clash of Mafias Key Art

Global game developer and publisher IGG (I Got Games) has released their latest mobile game Clash of Mafias today, now available for download for Android devices.

Clash of Mafias unfolds in a sin city where the darker side of humanity prevails. Players start off as an ambitious and cunning gang member in a dystopian city brimming with danger and surprises. They must fight and work their way up the ranks to conquer other gangs and become the ultimate Mafia Godfather.

Battles take place in Turf Wars, where players engage in gang fights, raid turfs, and extort money to expand territory. Players command a team of Henchmen and Bosses, each with their own unique set of skills, strengths and weaknesses. Manipulating the combination and placement of Bosses and Henchmen in Turf Wars is the strategy for success.

Key Features

  • Techs – Unleash powerful Techs for an extra edge in battle. Techs can be obtained and upgraded by unlocking the Arsenal!
  • Bosses (Heroes) – Form combat units with Bosses and Henchmen (minions) and send them out on raids. Each Boss and Henchman has unique skills and talents, which form countless team combinations!
  •  Traps – Build Traps on your territory. Traps are defense mechanisms that activate and inflict damage when enemies get too close for comfort.
  •  Pits – Conquer the Pits by taking on powerful opponents with five of your strongest Bosses in a three-lane arena. Study your opponent’s defenses and place your Bosses wisely to overpower them. You have only one objective: wreck their base before they wreck yours!
  •  Turf Wars – Integrating PVE, PVP, and Arena-style combat into one single entity. Commit atrocious crimes on your turf to earn cold hard cash while expanding your power!

To see more or download the game, visit the Clash of Mafias Google Play Store page: http://goo.gl/3VjBUV