Monthly Archives: January 2016

Homeworld: Deserts of Kharak

Homeworld: Deserts of Kharak is a sci-fi themed RTS title by Blackbird Interactive and Gearbox Software. As a prequel to the original Homeworld title, Homeworld: Deserts of Kharak takes players to a land where danger lurks over every dune.

Features:

Origin Story: Join Rachel S’jet as she leads an expedition to find salvation across an exciting campaign.

Massive Environments: Fight your way across the dune seas, deep craters, and vast, hostile canyons of Kharak.

Tactical Combat: Position your fleet to take advantage of the high ground or create ambushes across dune lines in terrestrial combat

Online Multiplayer: Compete solo or with friends to achieve a variety of win conditions. Rise through the ranks to become the most powerful Fleet Captain on Kharak.

3D Action Roguelike Necropolis Launches March 17

3D Action Roguelike Necropolis Launches March 17 header

Harebrained Schemes’ award-winning procedural death labyrinth Necropolis has set a release date… and you can bring your friends. Today, the company announced that they have added up-to-4 player cooperative multiplayer to their highly anticipated PC game, set to release on Steam March 17th. Pre-orders open February 2nd.

Necropolis is a third-person dungeon delve filled with intense action, off-kilter humor, and diabolical traps. The 3D action-meets-roguelike is filled with an ever-changing assortment of bizarre rooms, cool weapons, tasty treasure, and nasty monsters that’ll in all likelihood kill you deader than Dumbledore, only for you start all over again to see how much further you can get.

“We can’t wait to unleash Necropolis onto Steam players. Everyone thought the game was a blast when we played it single-player, but we were blown away by how fun it is to attack the Necropolis with our friends.” said Harebrained Schemes Studio Manager, Mitch Gitelman.

Star Trek Online Celebrates Six Years Online

Star Trek Online Celebrates Six Years Online header

Today, Perfect World Entertainment Inc. and Cryptic Studios announced the sixth anniversary for Star Trek Online. As a way of thanking players for their continued support over the last six years, this milestone will be commemorated with server-wide giveaways and the return of the ever-popular Anniversary Event from January 28 to February 24. In-game festivities include a brand-new episode titled “Time and Tide,” plus the return of Omega Molecule Stabilization, a series of mini-games players can participate in to earn item upgrades and an all-new Tier 6 Krenim Science Vessel.

From January 26 – February 1, players can log into Star Trek Online to participate in the Anniversary C-Store Giveaways. During this event period, Captains will be able to collect free rewards from the in-game store every 24 hours. Giveaway items will be revealed on the Star Trek Online blog: http://www.arcgames.com/en/games/star-trek-online/news/detail/9739823

The Anniversary Event takes place from January 28 – February 24 and invites Star Trek Online Captains to meet Q at the Earth Space Dock and First City to participate in a series of in-game missions and events for rewards. This includes the all-new episode, “Time and Tide,” where players will uncover a plot that will lead them to the signing of the Temporal Accords, hundreds of years in the future.

During the Omega Molecule Stabilization, players can collect Omega particles that Q has scattered across the galaxy. These molecules can be stabilized to earn Sixth Anniversary Prize Vouchers by playing mini-games in three different social zones throughout the game. Those who collect 1,000 vouchers during the Anniversary Event period can use them to obtain a Tier 6 Krenim Science Vessel.

Ragachak MMO Predictions 2016 – The Old Made New

By Jason Parker (Ragachak)

 

It’s that time of the year again! Where I correctly tap into my psychic powers, and predict everything that’s going to occur in the year of 2016! I’m going to stick to MMOs, because my cohort/minion ColtronXL went ham on the MOBA track yesterday. Last year’s MMO offerings were really. . . kind of a letdown. Skyforge was pretty but hyper-repetitive, no matter how much my editor overlords like it. WoW’s expansion was okay. It was fun for the first couple of months then I ultimately lost interest. Even building my base got kind of annoying after a while. Guild Wars 2 tried a new business model and most of whom I spoke to about it didn’t really like how restrictive it was for people that didn’t buy the game immediately. TOR did some new stuff, and joined the surprisingly small club of games to get something right in 2015. FFXIV didn’t make waves, but maintaining its status quo is good enough to stay on top of the mountain for now. So, what’s gonna happen this year? I think I have an idea. And honestly, I don’t think it’s going to be related to new games, but more a resurgence of what’s already popular.

2016 MMO Predictions Week Ragachak

Behold! The words of the prophet Ragachak. Once the hype of Blade & Soul and Black Desert fades, bandwagon gamers will realize they’re rats without a ship with no major new launch in sight. And return to a previous nostalgic title that’s had the time to make things right.

 

PSO2 Meme

Phantasy Star Online 2: Last year we had rumblings of an English Patch, or an English Server, or some bullshit that would lead us to believe that as a people, we could play an MMO that everyone is still hyped for, even though it came out four years ago in Japan. This is some Black Desert level hype. Alas, I wouldn’t count on it. Maybe…MAYBE at the end of the year, there will be some kind of announcement, but if I were you, I wouldn’t hold my breath. I love the Phantasy Star series, but I’m kind of tired of waiting. I’d rather play Hello Kitty Island before I held my breath on this title. At this point we’re more likely to see PSO 3 before 2. Hype Meter: 1/5 [Mild Hype]

 

Guild Wars 2 Meme

Guild Wars 2: I don’t really know how I feel about Guild Wars 2 right now. To be absolutely honest, I enjoy it a lot more than I did when it first came out. Heart of Thorns is kind of nice, and the new business model of giving the older game out for free is interesting. But it’s incredibly restrictive. Heart of Thorns is only a few months old, so I don’t anticipate an expansion yet. ArenaNet isn’t Blizzard. They don’t throw expansions out in their games like candy. There will probably be just a few exciting patches, but it’s not going to be enough to change general opinion on the game. The game is solid but just doesn’t bring what I’m looking for in my hardcore gaming experience. However, they have a system of collection and exploration that puts them above the competition by a wide margin. So long as they keep their Living World (read: developer hell) going with the new model, I see Guild Wars 2 maintaining its position at the pinnacle of MMO gaming for years to come. Hype Meter: 2/5 [Moderate Hype]

 

FFXIV Reborn Meme

Final Fantasy XIV: Ah, FFXIV; the little MMO that could. I love this game, I love it more than I have any MMO in a very long time. But I don’t anticipate another expansion this year. It’s a gorgeous game with solid gameplay, but it just… doesn’t have the attention of other MMOs. People can’t get over the “But it’s not a traditional FF game!” hump. Maybe when XV comes out, and the audience will pick up on it. I can have hope. I’m willing to bet by Pax Prime to CES time, we’ll get some rumors or announcement of another expansion, but it won’t drop til 2017. Catering to the lore maniacs with a few highly demanded classes like Time Wizards of course. It’s still incredibly fun, and the ability to play anything I want trumps having 1352135235 alts. Hype Meter: 4/5 [Crazy Hype]

 

World Of Warcraft Meme

World of Warcraft: Legion. Blizzard’s taking chances and making some big moves on Legion, with the return of the Burning Legion, Artifact weapons, Demon Hunters, and giving players all kinds of stuff that they’ve wanted for years. But is it enough? If the story isn’t good, consider this expansion to be Blizzard’s Swan Song. I love Blizzard, and I’ve been a part of WoW since the beginning, but that doesn’t mean I’m gonna fellate them. They have been steadily losing numbers, and if this expansion doesn’t deliver, it could very well be the end. Or a “free to play” model. For a good decade, World of Warcraft was the titan that made MMOs “cool” to play. I pray it doesn’t become the Lusitania. Hype Meter: 3/5 [Fair to Moderate Hype]

 

ESO Meth Meme

TESO: Yeah. This is gonna still be a thing. It’s about as relevant as the Warhammer MMO, and TESO even gave away a million dollars. That’s all I’ve got to say on that. Hype Meter: 404

 

DCUO Meme

DCUO: DCUO is going to be moving to Xbox One, to offer another f2p game for their market. Definitely not a bad idea, and I still think it’s a pretty fun game. I don’t think it’s going to revive their franchise, at least not yet. It’s getting better, and their new dev team has been really busting their asses to make something out of the rubble that was SOE. I’d at least keep an eye on DCUO as Daybreak Games new flagship title. Hype Meter: 2/5 [Moderate Hype]

 

SWTOR Meme

Dark Horse Pick: Star Wars: The Old Republic: The official “Dark Horse” pick is TOR. With the Star Wars hype at an all-time high, thanks to Episode VII, coupled with the new, fantastic story that the TOR writers came up with, I have a feeling that 2016 is gonna be the year The Old Republic gets its revenge. Lots of new story content, and finally enough things to do in the game to stave off boredom. I’d recommend people who haven’t subbed since it came out, and are unsure if they should try, ought to at least sub one month, get all the perks, and give it a swing. I don’t think there will be disappointment to be had. Just someone help this game to stave off the EA hammer of doom long enough to show its chops! Hype Meter: 5/5 [GET HYPED SON]

MU: Origin Reveals New Information

MU: Origin Reveals New Information header

WEBZEN, a global developer and publisher of free-to-play games, has revealed new screenshots and game information of its upcoming mobile MMORPG MU: Origin.

MU: Origin is about to embark on the Closed Beta test involving a few thousand of its testers early next week. WEBZEN gave players a sneak peek of key game features, including 3 playable classes, character & wing’s customization, many challenging dungeons, Arena and more. The official game guide and tips are now available at the official MU: Origin forum.

MU: Origin is a 100% Real-time mobile MMORPG, featuring fast paced easy levelling, endless levels and contents. MU: Origin is successfully transferred Full 3D PC MMORPG MU ONLINE’s enormous amount of contents and applied the latest mobile game trends: the game system and user interface which are optimized to mobile devices, and the splendid graphics. MU: Origin allows players to experience a full 3D PC quality real-time MMORPG on their mobile device.

Players can choose between a total of 3 distinct classes – Dark Knight, Dark Wizard, and Elf. Dark Knight is a master of melee combat, slaying enemies with advanced sword arts and destructive skills. Dark Wizard is the wielder of radiant magic, casting their foes away with overwhelming powers. Elf is the goddess of war and beauty, shooting down their target and heal their allies with the power of spirits.

MU: Origin will allow players to delve into the adventure through the vast dungeons, including Story Dungeon, Daily Dungeon, Party Dungeon and Endless Tower for EXP and rewards. In addition, PvP enthusiasts will be able to take part in Arena to defeat other players to win exclusive rewards.

The Closed Beta for MU: Origin will begin on Google Play on the Android mobile platform on the 25th of January, and be running until 1st February, 2016 (UTC). Any Android phone or tablet user who can access to Google Play and a compatible device in Europe, North and South America can sign-up for Closed Beta on the official MU: Origin website.

Full release of the game is currently scheduled for spring 2016, as well as expansion into other platforms including iOS.

Crusader Kings II: Conclave Confirms Release Date

Crusader Kings II: Conclave Confirms Release Date header

Your chancellor wants you to press his claim on a neighboring county. Your marshal is a bit of an incompetent. And no one thinks you should execute your uncle, like you had planned to – even though he’s a nasty rebel. Difficult problems with easy solutions? Not quite.

Crusader Kings II: Conclave, the newest expansion for Paradox Development Studio’s celebrated medieval grand-strategy game, will bring out the politician, diplomat or tyrant in you as your royal council demands to be heard – and the loudest voices demand a seat at the table. Paradox is happy to announce that this new expansion will be on February 2, 2016.

Conclave adds greater depth to ruling your realm with a host of new laws and council interactions. Will you placate your vassals by giving them a say in matters of war and peace? Will you raise the status of women in your kingdom by recognizing their right to inherit lands and title? Can you find a place on council for that one duke who has too many armies to ignore, but no talent for anything?

This expansion will also increase the importance of marriage alliances, introduce systems to block rapid overexpansion, and allow you to rent out some of your soldiers as mercenaries – just because you’re not at war doesn’t mean you can’t make a ducat or two off someone else’s aggression.

So mark the date on your calendar – February 2, 2016: the day that Crusader Kings II challenges you to up your king game. Be ready for Conclave. It will be available from major digital retailers and the Paradox store for $14.99, 10.99 GBP or 14.99 Euros.

Heroes Tactics Boss Endurance Mode Now Available

Heroes Tactics Boss Endurance Mode Now Available header

Camex Games, a mobile game developer committed to creating strategy games that actually allows players to control the gameplay, is proud to announce that Heroes Tactics has surpassed over 500,000 downloads since its recent launch.  To commemorate this milestone, a very special Boss Endurance Mode upgrade is now available to Android gamers and includes added hero characters, new levels and maps, and the exciting Boss Endurance Mode where guild members must band together in order to take on massive boss monsters that take up half of the screen. This mode excitingly requires strategy, teamwork and heavy firepower to defeat.

“The community response surrounding Heroes Tactics is tremendous and we thank our players for their support. This huge upgrade shows our commitment to expanding the experience in compelling ways on a regular basis,” said Michael Tseng, Senior Production Coordinator at Camex Games. “The Boss Endurance Mode upgrade adds several features our fans have been requesting. Most of all, Boss Endurance Mode is an unprecedented gameplay that brings a new challenge that allows guild mates from around the world to take on huge monsters that takes teamwork and skills to defeat. And of course, the best players will get recognized worldwide in the new Guild Rankings.”

In Boss Endurance Mode, players in a guild must combine their power together to defeat an enormous boss for glorious loot. Several turns will be used to take down the giant creature, encouraging players to make use of the Hero Exchange feature where they can borrow guild mates’ heroes. The players that execute the finishing moves gets bonus loot that includes elite items that cannot be gathered in other modes of the game. New hero characters and additional Story Mode and Scrimmage Tower Mode levels will also be added to this tremendous game update.