Monthly Archives: April 2015

Karos Returns Goes Live and Brings the Pain!

Karos Returns Goes Live and Brings the Pain!

Leading online game publisher Games Campus is proud to announce the official launch of Karos Returns!  The long standing Hardcore, open world PvP focused MMORPG returns after a successful CBT at 11:00am PDT (GMT-8). Register your GamesCampus account and play today: http://karosreturns.gamescampus.com/

Player’s will power through an epic 65 level journey.  Battling Friend and Foe alike in the hardcore open world PvP MMORPG!  Increased level cap means players will experience new zones as well as large scale PvP and Guild vs Guild Battles like the Weekly Castle Siege, where players battle it out to control the Berneo Castle for access to special recipes, and levy taxes against their defeated opponents.  Players will also be able to unlock Class Specific Super Skills, amazing skills that level up alongside your character and reach absurd levels of power!  Karos Returns will also unlock a second Class Change which allows dozens of classes available to users, each Class with a unique focus and strength in both PvP and PvE!

“After a successful Closed Beta, We’re excited to be able to push through to launch so quickly.” Says Karos Returns Producer Elliott Coward.  “Player feedback was fantastic, we’ll be making some small changes here and there, and of course adding all the awesome new features at launch!” Karos Returns launches April 3rd 11:00am PDT (GMT -8)

World of Tanks Generals iOS Closed Beta has Begun

 

World of Tanks Generals iOS Closed Beta has BegunWargaming’s TCG, World of Tanks Generals, is now available in Closed Beta for iOS (iPad 2 or higher).

World of Tanks: Generals is a free-to-play, turn-based collectible card game featuring epic World War II warfare. With over 200 cards available from Germany, US and USSR, each battle turns into an intense combination of sudden strikes, massive onslaughts and tactical trickery in dynamic 1-on-1 online PVE and PVP combat. Available on Chrome, Firefox, Opera 15, Internet Explorer 9 or higher and now iOS, World of Tanks Generals offers all new strategic gameplay tying together the World of Tanks universe with familiar tanks and abilities.

DC Universe Online – Munitions Press Preview

By Jordan Hall (ApocaRUFF)

 

DCUO Munitions Preview

This April 1st I was invited to participate in a press preview for DC Universe Online’s latest power, Munitions. This new update allows Heroes and Villains access to military-grade weaponry to protect or terrorize. You’ll have access to things like pump action shotguns, mounted turrets, or even a mini-nuke. As you might imagine, the Munition power is focused on dealing damage and using crowd control – Guts or Glory. If you’re a fan of guns, explosives, or any form of devastation, but perhaps aren’t a big fan of Gadgets, this may be the power for you.

 

DCUO Munitions Preview

The Basics

In the past, DC Universe Online took a more traditional approach when it came to DLC – giving Powers, new instances, new content, and more packed together. Recently, however, they’ve taken a different approach with their DLC, allowing players to purchase content in smaller, cheaper chunks. Munitions is the first Power ‘DLC’ that will be made available to players (“Soon” is all we got, sorry!). Personally, I’m not sure how I feel about this type of “mini” DLC in MMOs – I’m generally against anything that can’t be considered “expansion” level content. But then again, DC Universe Online IS a Free-to-Play game, so it’s not like you’re having to pay $60 and then have a DLC tacked on as well.

 

The Munitions power is for those who want to be like Sgt Rock, Lady Blackhawk, Arsenal, or Deadshot. Those who focus on weaponry, but not specifically gadgets (such as Batman). And although there are some similarities between the concepts behind Gadget and Munitions, they are still completely different styles of powers and offer a completely different gaming experience. If you’re the type that loves explosions and revels in carnage, you will want to pick up the Munitions power as it has both in spades.

 

When a character is created, there are a few key choices that are made by the player. These are things like the mode of movement, the character’s mentor, their “weapon” which can be things like rifles, fists, or power-blasts from your hands. And, of course, there is the choice of power. You might wonder why Munitions is needed if DC Universe Online already allows players to make use of assault rifles or pistols as weapons. Well, weapons are more for basic attacks – your basic “one, two” type moves. Munitions brings firearms (and various other modes of modern and slightly futuristic destruction) to the level of a ‘superpower,’ allowing those who are a fan of this type of hero or villain to live out their fantasy.

 

Although some of the power names are lighthearted, the military-grade weaponry of the Munitions power is nothing to scoff at. There’s Flak Cannons, Mounted Turrets, Miniguns, Chain guns, and more. One moment you might be firing away with your Pump-Action Shotgun, then switch to your Small Package (think of the ‘Noisy Cricket’ from Men in Black), and then you’ll unleash a Mini-Nuke right on top of what is left of the enemy for good measure. All along you’ll be knocking-down, knocking-back, stunning, snaring, burning, or even juggling your enemies with bullets.

 

DCUO Munitions Preview

Munitions: Guts and Glory

Munitions is a power with two different skill trees available. There is Guts, which focuses on DPS and general mayhem. And there is Glory, which focuses on control-type moves, such as nets to trap opponents or buffs that benefit the whole group. You will find that the way abilities ‘act’ can change drastically just by switching between the DPS and Controller stances. Both are different means to the same end – the complete extermination of your target.

 

Guts is definitely more focused on “modern” firearms, shotguns, .50 cal, minigun… That sort of stuff. Of course, there’s some really over-the-top weapons such as the Rocket Launcher that lets you do rocket jumps and the mini-nuke (which is exactly what the name suggests, mini-nuke cloud and all!). Then there’s the Killer Instinct buff that gives you a Rambo headband tied around your head, along with some damage and critical hit chance increase. Essentially, Guts is for when you’re out to kill.

 

Glory, on the other hand, is more specialized towards turning the tide of battle. It has an assortment of future-tech weaponry such as the Particle Gun or Multi-Net Launcher, which might look a bit like Gadgets. This is also where you begin to get into some of the more whacky ability names, such as Biggun (Big Gun), which shoots a large energy bolt at the enemy. There’s also ‘Splosion, which does what the name suggests and causes an explosion that can knock an enemy down. There are also more Crowd Control (again, net cannon) and AOE-type abilities present, such as the Flak Cannon that hits multiple enemies or Reload which will revitalize the three most tired members of your team.

 

DCUO Munitions Preview

Gameplay

If I haven’t made it clear yet, Munitions is all about causing destruction. What might not be apparent is just how mobile this power is. You’re constantly on the move – not even pulling a rocket launcher out of thin-air and unloading with it will slow you down. Heck, you might find use for that rocket launcher and propel yourself towards your enemy as he tries to run away. The closer you are to your target, the more damage your Munitions abilities will do. Or, if you find the fight going sour and you need to step back to chow on an MRE, you can rocket jump yourself back.

 

During the preview, I couldn’t help but be awed by how fast-paced and intense everything about Munitions is. You can even get bonuses for changing between your various weapons, called Bullet Frenzy. As you use your weapons, you’ll activate Bullet Frenzy and give yourself access to a variety of benefits. So you’ve got this guy (or gal) totting around a wide assortment of weaponry to unleash complete and total annihilation on the battlefield, all the while constantly on the move and jumping about like it’s nothing. I can safely say that if you are the type who aspires to be like Rambo, you’re going to love Munitions a great deal.

 

There are also plenty of Crowd Control abilities such as the Chain Grenade Launcher, which fires two grenades chained together at your target, tangling them up and then exploding. To start with, most of the abilities in Munitions will be able to move your opponents in some way. The Chain Gun can push back, stun, or even juggle enemies. Just about every ability in both Guts and Glory has a knock-down effect attached. Glory seems to have more stunning effects, though. Between all the CC, you’ll be able to move your enemies as much yourself. This really gives meaning to “Controller.”

 

Combos and buffs play a big role for those with the Munitions power. For example, if your target is burning and you hit him with a Rocket, the enemy will explode. If Bullet Frenzy is activated, most abilities have an additional effect such as the Five Barrel Minigun giving extra damage when Bullet Frenzy is on. If you have Killer Instincts on, you’ll gain Eye of the Tiger which can give Power Restoration. At first it may seem that Munitions is all about going mindless with a ton of firepower, but there is a method to the mayhem.

 

DCUO Munitions Preview

Conclusion

There’s no doubt that Munitions is a fantastic new power for DC Universe Online. I’m sure a lot of people have enjoyed the stories of munitions-based heroes and villains like those I listed at the beginning of the article. I love how mobile and active playing as Munitions will be – there will never be a dull moment in combat when someone with Munitions is around. Definitely one of the more interesting DPS and Control powers I’ve seen in the game so far. If you’re a fan of DC Universe Online, or perhaps are interested in coming back to the game, definitely check out and keep an eye on the up-coming Munitions DLC.

 

Triad Wars Closed Beta Key Giveaway

OnRPG has partnered with United Front Games to bring you inside the action of Triad Wars, a new open world MMORPG where players must learn to live day to day in the seedy underground of Hong Kong’s organized crime world.

Triad Wars is an online open-world combat adventure game where you experience high-octane violence and non-stop martial arts action as the #1 badass in a hard-hitting Hong Kong Cinema-styled world of crime. Forge your personal empire in the dark heart of Hong Kong and manipulate the Triad underworld as the ultimate criminal mastermind. Succeed through strategy via extortion, hacking & money laundering or muscle your way to the top with the lethal combination of guns, knives, & fists. Own the streets before they own you.

 

 

To Redeem your Key:

  • Register for the Triad Wars Beta at https://www.triadwars.com/.
  • NOTE – Please check your email and be sure to confirm your email address after registering.
  • Click the link here to install Triad Wars at https://prod.services.triadwars.com/distribution/api/v1/installer.
  • Login using your Triad Wars account (if you’re already registered for the Closed Beta, this will be the same username and password created at Registration).
  • Enter the Beta Key when prompted.
  • NOTE – Be sure to remove any spaces before the beta key when cutting/pasting as that may trigger an “Invalid Key” error message.
  • Let the launcher finish downloading the files and applying the patches.
  • Start the game!
  • If you have questions or feedback, check out the forums at http://www.triadwars.com. See you in Hong Kong!

Prove Your Fighting Fortitude in Two New Warface Game Modes

Prove Your Fighting Fortitude in Two New Warface Game Modes

Get set for a double dose of fresh shooter action as two brand new game modes come to Crytek’s free online FPS, Warface, today.

In the fast and furious Domination Versus Mode, players will scrap to fend off the enemy team and hold down three different positions on the map. Securing each of those strategic points for a set period of time will put players on the path to victory, but with every second that passes the mounting pressure will ensure only those who can work together will survive. For the debut of Domination Mode, players will compete on the newly-launched SubZero Versus map; which invites them to return to the ice-locked mountains of Siberia as they battle for supremacy.

Adding to the exciting addition of Domination Mode, today also sees the arrival of the Marathon Survival Mode in Warface. Bringing together the three original maps from the game’s Siberia setting, Marathon Mode challenges players to outlast and outgun the enemy as they tackle the Operation Cold Peak Co-op campaign in the form of one continuous level.

Operation Cold Peak’s three individual acts – Spearhead, Ambush and Zenith – have already been pushing hardened veterans to their limits as they team up and brave hostile territory together. The introduction of Marathon Mode ramps the adversity to a whole new level by merging the diverse and deadly challenges of each snow-bound environment.

In Spearhead, players will have to fight off waves of incoming Blackwood operatives as they attempt to hack into a console and snatch precious enemy intel. Ambush heightens the tension with more back-to-the-wall combat and a boss battle that coincides with a deadly avalanche. Rounding off the campaign, Zenith features blockbuster action as teams take to the trenches and build towards a truly explosive finale.

Star Trek Online Delta Recruitment Begins Now

STO MACO

The looming Iconian war is the greatest threat the Galaxy has ever faced. Enlist now.

 

Over the next eight weeks, both novice and veteran players will have the opportunity to earn unique rewards when embarking on a tale five years in the making and only available in Star Trek Online. In an effort to deliver unique Star Trek adventures for science-fiction fans, the Delta Recruitment event unveils the invasion of the Iconians – an ancient race threatening to reassert their rule over the galaxy – creating a call-to-arms to combat this ultimate threat.

 

New characters created during this event will unlock several rewards including gear and upgrade materials through both personal and community-wide goals. Existing players will receive a new character slot and account-wide unlocks in order to keep their alternate characters up to speed while leveling new recruits.

 

Everquest Roundtable Discussion: Pirates Gone Wild!

By Jason Parker (Ragachak)

 

Everquest2PiratesAhoy

Journalists of the Round Table

This afternoon, I had the distinct pleasure of sitting in on a roundtable with Holly, Executive Producer of Everquest 1 and 2, and we had a bit of a discussion concerning the direction Everquest 2 is about to take. In regards to expansions, the team spent a good year or so on each one, and it could be quite harrowing when new ideas or thoughts come up.  With the forthcoming “Rum Cellar Campaign,” Everquest 2 is taking an exciting, new direction on how they release content!  Doing away with the idea of the yearly expansion, they are going to start releasing content in these “campaigns,” several times a year. The prices on them will vary with the amount of content that is coming, with the Rum Cellar being priced at 15 dollars (No, you cannot use Station Cash!), and there is a great deal of replayable content coming in this campaign.

Everquest2PiratesAhoy6

Though we did not hear anything about level caps going up, they did mention that lateral growth is well on the way!  New powers to be acquired that are exceptional and powerful, and updates that will benefit players in that manner instead of simply giving more character levels. Holly also had this to say on the actual opening of the Rum Cellar Campaign:

“Join us in The Rum Cellar Campaign which starts in the Phantom Sea zone from the Altar of Malice expansion behind Castle Highhold. You must speak with an ogre named “Groo.”  You will work with the Brokenskull Pirates in order to prevent the Rumpocolypse – an end to rum production! Sober pirates would be devastating for Norrath. You must take on the harrowing mission to gather intel from the Far Seas Distillery while being guided by a shaman’s undead parrot named ‘Nibbles’.”

 

Rumpocolypse

What Can Be More Metal Than A Rumpocalypse?

I have to say, I like the idea of a “Rumpocalypse”. That’s a pretty horrifying concept, sober pirates causing untold havoc and destruction for all of Norrath. I like this idea because it’s entertaining; it’s surely the end of the world, but it’s not an Elder God, or a nigh-unstoppable Dragon, it’s…Prohibition in a fantasy setting, and that caught my attention almost immediately.  Though this campaign does require the “Altar of Malice” expansion, there will be a discount offered to players who do not already have it, so they can acquire the needed content patch for their campaign.

 

This will be more like a DLC than expansion, which I think is sort of a refreshing idea, not having to wait forever for something new.  Though they will not be doing quite as much on the free content side, still expect to see game updates and balancing coming. You can still expect fun holiday content as well! This is but the first of several campaigns to come, and players can expect a larger campaign in the late summer/autumn, though details on that remain elusive.  Players can also look forward to a cross-server dungeon finder, starting with the US players and then adding in the International players afterwards. That will definitely be an exciting addition to the Everquest Universe, and I for one look forward to being able to party in dungeons with people across the community.

 

Everquest2PiratesAhoyParrot

Relentless (Rum) Rats

The Rum Cellar Campaign is a level 100 Campaign, and though the zone is primarily a single player area, there is a Raid at the end with roughly six events contained within, as well as some instanced content for players to explore as well. There are hilarious characters, rare items to find, and an entertaining story to experience. I have to say, I think my favorite character I heard about was an Undead Monk who flails at players with a dismembered arm (his own? I think so!), and from what I have gathered, it will be a lootable item. Here’s hoping my Paladin can wield somebody’s arm in his pursuit of even greater glory. While the Rum Cellar campaign does have an overarching story, you can do content in whatever order you desire, doing the instanced/heroic missions at your leisure. They should take roughly a half hour or so (standard Event fare with Everquest 2), and there are plenty of hidden and rare items to acquire and loot to collect as you explore the Distillery and its surroundings.  The coolest piece I heard about was the Zepplin mount.  I collect mounts in any MMO I play, and the idea of cruising in a Zepplin has an intense amount of appeal.

There are two additional options that will be added to Rum Cellar:  an Advanced Solo and a Challenge Heroic.  This brings the instances from 4 to 6:

·         Solo

·         Advanced Solo

·         Heroic

·         Event Heroic

·         Event Heroic – Challenge Version

·         Raid

Sadly, players who do not raid will likely miss some of the story, but not so much that it will ruin the content for them. The essence of the story occurs in the heroic/solo events as well, so it will not be a total wash for those players who simply do not enjoy raiding. It is also important to note that this new area is not contested, so players are free to enjoy it in safety. Players should also not fear that there is no replay value here: There are tons of new and rare pieces of equipment and loot that can only be found here, so you will have a fun time exploring and seeking out valuables!  There is more scouting and sneaking from what I understand in the quest line in the Distillery area, so it is less a kill-fest, and more exploration.

 

EQIIzeppelinmount

The Final Word

The last thing I want to express interest in, is money.  Money makes the world go ‘round, and it is the bane of many MMORPG players. Shelling out piles of money for expansions becomes even worse if you play as a family, or have several accounts. There are lots of different players in EQ2, probably more than many other MMOs. There are collectors, who run around amassing items off of enemies, decorators, who want to construct amazing homes that feel alive in their own right, and families, who raid and dungeon together, and the list goes on. There is talk of flexibility in the upcoming content campaigns, where the EQ2 team may offer various bundles or discounts, depending on what the players want. The EQ2 development team is listening to their people, and adjusting the game accordingly. That’s such a novel concept, and I was delighted to see proof that they are in fact listening and modifying their game plan to tailor to the needs of the fanbase.