Nova Blitz teases a small spot of gameplay in preparation for their Kickstarter.
Nova Blitz Teaser Trailer 2
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Yearly Archives: 2015
Nova Blitz Now Seeking Steam Greenlight Votes
Are you ready to enter the futuristic world of Nova Blitz — and with the help of the five Aspects of Energy, win the ultimate prize? Dragon Foundry’s Nova Blitz, an innovative collectible card game played in real time, is now seeking votes on Steam Greenlight.
No More Waiting
A fresh take on the CCG genre, Nova Blitz offers players quick games that last less than five minutes. Players simultaneously summon monsters, play Powers, and duel in real time — without waiting for an opponent’s turn. To achieve victory, players need nerves of steel, a sharp mind — and the ability to mix strategy, tactics, and foresight at a moment’s notice. Combat is instant, intense . . . and vicious.
The universe of Nova Blitz is ruled by the five Aspects of Energy: Arcane, Tech, Divine, Nature, and Chaos. Knowing the differences between them is critical, since each Aspect has its own strengths, weaknesses, creatures, Powers, and optimum playstyles.
In Nova Blitz, players take on the role of a “Nova” — a being capable of wielding the Aspects of Energy. Crisscrossing the universe in search of fame and fortune, the player’s ultimate goal is to compete in (and win!) the Nova Blitz Championship — facing thousands of gifted individuals and impossible odds for the number one spot.
While Nova Blitz keeps some of the more familiar aspects of CCGs (e.g., having players supply enough energy to play certain cards), the game’s unique real-time turn system sets it apart from traditional CCGs. Developer Dragon Foundry has created a system that allows opponents to play cards simultaneously — and in combat, players also choose their attacks and blocks at the same time, which makes predicting the adversary’s moves vital.
“With Nova Blitz, we wanted to give CCG fans something truly original to play with,” says Paul Barclay, CEO of Dragon Foundry. “We gathered some of the best talent in the industry — veterans who worked on a number of AAA collectible card games including Magic: The Gathering, L5R, Star Wars, Eye of Judgment, and Magic Online — to create an incredibly polished card game. See you in the Nova Blitz arena!”
Wizards of the Coast
Wizards of the Coast
Bierzerkers: Fun and Fighting in the Afterlife (Alpha Thoughts)
By Jason Parker (Ragachak)
Most shooter style games feature insane guns, marines, soldiers, things of that nature. From the Industrial Revolution style work of Team Fortress 2, to the 1080p ultra-realistic graphics of Call of Duty and games of that style; Bierzerkers takes a considerably different turn: While the graphics are a little cartoony and light, the game features dead warriors, beer, and combat! They also answer the all-important question of “How do these men come back and respawn constantly?” with the location: Valhalla! This game takes place in Viking Heaven, where there are only two things: Beer and Battle! This title is still in its Alpha Stage, so there are bound to be changes, additions, and a steady slew of patches. Even over the last few days there have been a variety of updates to ensure the game runs smoothly in preparation for the July 9th Early Access testing on Steam!
Though I praise them for making a controller option, I do have to say the default settings are peculiar and incredibly confusing. I found myself struggling to get comfortable on my Playstation 4 controller before giving up in favor of keyboard and mouse. The game is simple and easy to understand, light-hearted and fun with plenty of campy and clever references complimented by matching dialogue spread throughout. From the Scoundrel declaring “Ninja Vanish!” a’la TMNT: The Movie, to the Archer stating that she’s reading to “Kick Some Ice,” I was entertained and enjoyed the game for what it was: A pleasant team based game, focused primarily on melee combat. There are some ranged characters, which seem to be balanced around the easy to follow map design. Rather than getting crazy CC heavy to keep melee foes at bay, melee units have plenty of obstacles to hide behind, while ranged characters can leap around the map to stay one step ahead of their pursuers. Overall it felt like a nice balance of 3D platforming with tactical positioning. After a few matches, I found myself lacking the appropriate Adult Beverages to truly get into character. Once I entered the fray in the same state of mind as my character, the game became immensely more enjoyable!
Bierzerkers is a game of team-based combat; as of this writing there are two game modes I have experienced, a Team Deathmatch (first to 200 points), and a Team Battle Royale, which has a fairly short timer. The Deathmatch has no time limit. While you can’t change loadouts like most games in the genre, you can swap your character on respawn. With seven characters available right now, this is more than enough to keep each match feeling fresh. I imagine the roster will only grow with time. Unfortunately two characters (Highlander and Shaman) are still just concepts and unavailable for play, but the remaining cast was freely selectable for all testers in the pre-Early Access alpha. There are three styles of characters: Offensive (More aggressive style), Defensive (Mobile and utility), and Support (Healers/Tanks). The only support available right now drops a keg of beer that heals those near it, which leads me to the next point:
This game has Friendly Fire! Why, you might ask? This is the afterlife! Heavy drinking is a part of the lifestyle in Valhalla, and so it makes sense that occasionally the players will damage each other, even if they’re on the same side! Though the maps have Chokepoints (A, B, C), the purpose of them is not really very clear at this time. They appear to bring in a slow, steady point flow, but other than that, it didn’t seem to make any sense why they are there. Based on Dizzy’s E3 meeting with the team, it seems most of their maps and mode types are still very much in flux, so they’re clearly just testing concepts at this point. The choke points only appear on the Team Deathmatch maps; the smaller Battle Royale maps do not appear to have them. Both are five on five though, and it is quite easy to see who is on which side. Those with a white name are on your side, red are the enemy!
Final Thoughts: Ready to Ride with the Valkyries!
There are a few other things forthcoming, such as skins and costumes, the usual monetization extras. This is a good indicator that the currently lacking customization options are certainly in the works. On the progression front I stumbled on “Bier Levels,” which serve no purpose right now other than to show how much time you have played. A dev playing in one of my matches confirmed it will have a more important purpose at a later stage of development though. There was only one major issue I had in the game, and it relates to the ranged attacks. As far as I have seen, ranged abilities fly the entire length of the map, until they hit a target or some obstruction in the way. I cannot always tell if I have landed one of these ranged blows, but there are not all that many ranged attackers, so it should not be a huge issue, but one I hope will be addressed. It differs from arena style MOBA games in that there are no minions, no character levels/skills to enhance. It’s just team on team combat, and it’s all around quite enjoyable. The devs were with us playing, and are paying attention, so I am curious to see how this particular game grows. Even in the Alpha it’s quite pretty, and doesn’t require reading a novel of game guides to stand a chance competitively. The story is as simple as it gets; the Gods grow bored, and are pitting great combatants against one another! This is keep it simple, stupid gameplay meant for LAN parties and guild warfare on a hilarious level that only the true tools of the Internet could take serious enough to get mad at.
Are you ready to ride with the Valkyries, and enter another realm, one filled with beer and battle? I know I am! Check them out on Steam Early Access starting July 9th!
Super Mega Games
Super Mega Games
Plants vs. Zombies Garden Warfare 2 Seeds of Time Map Reveal
PvZ Garden Warfare 2 reveals the Seeds of Time map for SDCC 2015.
Fiesta Online Summer Update 2015 Trailer
Fiesta Online teases an upcoming update with a short cinematic.
SMITE enters Open Beta on Xbox One
Hi-Rez Studios today announced that its free-to-play MOBA SMITE, the mythology-themed third-person action game, has entered its open beta testing phase on Xbox One, the all-in-one games and entertainment system from Microsoft. Xbox One users* can now access SMITE’s open beta directly via the Xbox Games Store, or by visiting www.SmiteGame.com/Xbox.
SMITE’s in-game marketplace, which allows players to acquire new gods, cosmetic skins and more, is already live on Xbox One, and all purchases, progress and achievements earned in open beta will transfer seamlessly when SMITE officially launches on the console later this summer. SMITE players who link their PC and Xbox One accounts will receive a free Zeus Xbox skin for use with both accounts. Players can also take advantage of a one-time account merge option to copy select progress and items from their PC account to Xbox One.
Open beta users can also purchase the SMITE Founder’s Pack for $29.99 through the Xbox Games Store. The Founder’s Pack includes the following: every god currently in the game (65 so far on Xbox One) and all future gods, 400 Gems, the exclusive Ares “Soldier of Fortune” skin, and the limited Ymir “Cacodemon X” skin. The Founder’s Pack is available for a limited time and will be discontinued when the game launches fully on Xbox One.
Already one of the world’s leading eSports franchises on PC, SMITE is the first MOBA to arrive on Xbox One. It features a rich and constantly growing pantheon of playable gods, with an engaging third-person camera that pulls players right into the action. SMITE’s emphasis on expert skill shots and strategic thinking rewards fast reflexes and teamwork. It offers a wide variety of modes to suit a range of player tastes, from traditional 5v5 multi-lane battles to smaller, single-path jousts and wide-open arenas.
SMITE is scheduled to officially launch on Xbox One later this summer. *Xbox Live Gold account required to access online multiplayer.
MARVEL Future Fight Surpasses 20 Million Downloads Worldwide
MARVEL Future Fight, the blockbuster Mobile Action RPG from leading gaming company, Netmarble Games, has officially surpassed over 20 million downloads within two months of its initial launch. Within the first month of its debut in late April, MARVEL Future Fight garnered over 10 million downloads and since then, the game has doubled its success globally.
Best known for its standout titles such as Seven Knights, Raven and Monster Taming overseas, Netmarble Games has quickly established itself as a global powerhouse with the success of MARVEL Future Fight. Published in the latest AppAnnie report, the action-packed mobile RPG took the reigns at the top of both the App Store and Google Play Store worldwide charts, landing overall at #6 for May 2015. MARVEL Future Fight dominated the iPhone games ranks, reaching #1 in daily downloads in over 40 countries including the United States, South Korea, and France.
“We are overjoyed at the vast popularity of MARVEL Future Fight,” said Young-sig Kwon, CEO, of Netmarble. “Our goal is to continue to provide fans with ongoing new content, whether it’s additional characters, bonuses or stages that will keep adding to the game’s robust offerings. In doing so, we strive to further engage and reward our loyal players as well as reach new audiences around the world.”
In addition, Netmarble Games is very pleased to join Marvel at San Diego Comic-Con next week for exclusive livestreams, including award-winning Marvel Comics writer Peter David. Netmarble executives and creators of Marvel Future Fight will also be on hand at Comic-Con. The first 2,000 visitors to the Marvel booth will receive an exclusive custom lithograph, in addition to a digital comic, featuring the enticing storyline from MARVEL Future Fight. Marvel Entertainment will be located at Booth #2329.
For those unable to attend Comic-Con, the livestream will be aired live on Marvel.com.
Magerealm Introduces Colosseum
With its latest content update to Magerealm, GTArcade is excited to introduce the Colosseum, a new feature that brings two unique PVP modes to the game. In addition, players can now create their own PVP rooms to test their might with friends and rivals. Log in today and check out all the new features!
Welcome to the Colosseum
Mighty champions must train rigorously to have a competitive edge and the Colosseum will be their new proving grounds. Visceral combat is always the theme of PVP and players can seek out Arena Admin Bern to partake in the new Colosseum PVP modes. Players may choose which mode suits them, according to their prowess and tenacity.
Competition Mode:
To be called the best in Magerealm, players need to continuously prove themselves by challenging and defeating rivals. Players that still thirst for action after finishing the daily errands can compete with others in Competition Mode. This is a place of fair competition. With no level limit, players can pick anyone to duel. Rise above the competition and show the world who deserves to be number one.
Prizefight Mode:
If normal dueling is not enough excitement, players are encouraged to try Prizefight Mode in PVP. The rules are simple; both contestants place their bets and winner takes all. With the stakes ever so high, players need to do their best at controlling their team and utilizing their skills. In this mode, there’s much more on the line than one’s honor.
Players can join countless others in PVP and hone their skills to perfection. Bring your friends and see who is truly the best!