Virtual World News
Filed under: Fantasy, Trailers, Video, Events, in-game, Patches, Free-to-play, Giveaways, Allods Online
Well, Allods Online is certainly lavishing affection on the beginner experience in its October update, Undaunted, although high-level players have quite a bit to enjoy as well. Undaunted is removing the fatigue system and lowering enemy health, which should expedite the leveling process. There's also a new level five zone for Imperial players and an additional class for each faction: the Elven Psionicist and Xadaganian Mage.
Experienced adventurers can try their hand at the Mausoleum of Sparks, a "survival mode" dungeon that seeks to pick off players one by one until only the toughest remain, or the new high-level zone, Kingdom of Elements. Allods Online's arena system now boasts a matchmaking feature that allows players to jump into PvP bouts anytime from anywhere.
To celebrate Undaunted's release, gPotato is handing out boxes of Gem Shards (US) and Boutique Coins (EU) that are worth anywhere between $1 and $100 worth of in-game currency. New players will have to wait until level 20 to receive their prize box, however.
You can watch the trailer for Undaunted after the jump!
[Source: gPotato press release]
Continue reading Allods Online: Undaunted goes live with gifts for all
Allods Online: Undaunted goes live with gifts for all originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 12 Oct 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Filed under: Fantasy, Dungeons and Dragons Online, Classes, MMO industry, Patches, News items, Free-to-play, Dungeons, Crafting
Much of the virtual ink is devoted to describing a myriad of small fixes. That said, there are a couple of interesting nuggets related to the new Artificer class that was added to the game back in September. The steampunk ranged damage-dealer is now able to access the sneak feat at level one, and he's also able to revive dead Iron Defenders (even if said Iron Defenders are in another instance).
Turbine has also adjusted DDO's user interface based on player feedback, and the changes are most notable when viewing party vitals. Head to the DDO compendium for the complete list of updates.
DDO Update 11 gets a ginormous patch originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 12 Oct 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
- Source: Update 11 patch 1
Filed under: Fantasy, Galleries, Video, Aion, Expansions, PvP, Opinion, Hands-on, First Impressions, Wings Over Atreia
Unfortunately, logistical and technical difficulties stretching for days plagued this endeavor. Yours truly was especially cursed. However, just when it seemed like the event wouldn't happen, there we were, standing in Kaisinel's Academy in spiffy new duds and queued to enter what is arguably the highlight of 2.7: the PvP arenas. At this point, I forgave all previous problems because I got to commence some slaughter on a few NCsoft employees. What?!? You all know you want to! I tested my dagger and sword against Scott Hannus, producer of the game guide; two members of the game guide team, Sean Orlikowski and Ryan Compton; Adam Christensen, Associate Producer; Dom Wai, Brand Manager; and two members of the community management team, Felicia Johnson (Nyx) and Curtis Grooms (Anhtoo).
Oh, and I learned some pretty neat things about the upcoming patch as well.
So how was the experience? And just exactly how tasty are Aion's forthcoming goodies? Whet your appetite past the cut with my impressions of the two instances and the new PvP gear as well as check out a video. Then join in on the PTS server to experience for yourself.
Continue reading Wings Over Atreia's Aion 2.7 sneak-peek: Dev death match
Wings Over Atreia's Aion 2.7 sneak-peek: Dev death match originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 12 Oct 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Filed under: Fantasy, Business models, News items, RIFT
Trion Worlds has introduced the new RIFT: Ashes of History edition. This new upgrade, available for $10, includes a new spindrel mount, a portable banker, and a faction tabard for each of your characters, making the upgrade perfect for those looking for a little extra convenience and cosmetic enhancement, but not-so-perfect for the arachnophobic. If you want to shell out a bit for some fancy swag, the Ashes of History edition upgrade can be purchased at RIFT's official site.
[Thanks to Scott for the tip!]
RIFT introduces Ashes of History edition game upgrade originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 12 Oct 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
- Source: RIFT Ashes of History upgrade
Filed under: Sci-fi, Fallen Earth, Economy, Patches, Free-to-play, Post-Apocalyptic, Sandbox
As part of the F2P launch, patch 2.0 has hit the servers, and with it several changes and hotfixes. Loot drop rates from mobs have been increased and crafting has been tweaked as GamersFirst continues its efforts to rebalance the economy. In a new dev blog, GamersFirst discusses what's going on with the economy and why these changes are taking place. The primary reason that the devs are monkeying with this system is to get players interacting more and to introduce an element of challenge for crafters.
Unfortunately, the world events that were scheduled to go live today have been postponed until next week following the discovery of several bugs and performance problems.
Fallen Earth launches F2P, postpones world events originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 12 Oct 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
- Source: Fallen Earth dev blog, Patch 2.0 notes
Filed under: Sci-fi, Launches, News items, Warhammer 40k
[Thanks to Andru for the tip!]
Warhammer 40K Dark Millennium Online launch date revealed originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 12 Oct 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Filed under: Sci-fi, MMO industry, News items, WildStar
While it remains to be seen whether or not Cain will be returning to his old stomping grounds of the Fallout universe, it would be considerably apropos. As for Carbine, it remains to be seen who will replace Cain in the position of Design Director, but here's to hoping it's someone who can do justice to the promising sci-fi MMO.
WildStar design director Tim Cain joins Obsidian Entertainment originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 12 Oct 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Filed under: Fantasy, Classes, Patches, News items, Free-to-play, Dungeons
[Source: Aeria Games press release]
Eden Eternal update introduces Templar, player housing originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 12 Oct 2011 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Filed under: Business models, Culture, MMO industry, Opinion, Free-to-play, Miscellaneous
I decided to sit down and look at my top five most-played games over, say, this last month or two. I love analyzing my own playing because I am a pretty honest gamer. I will never feel obliged to a game or a group of friends; I never log in to grind or raid simply because everyone else does. If I find a game boring, or if it doesn't work out for any number of reasons, I don't play it.
Click past the cut to see my list and be sure to leave your top five games in the comments! (If you play that many.)
Continue reading Free for All: Why these are my top five
Free for All: Why these are my top five originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 12 Oct 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Filed under: Fantasy, Lord of the Rings Online, News items, Free-to-play, Rumors
Rumors abound that the forum outage may be linked to some sort of security breach. Of course, we repeat, and please do listen when we say, this is only a rumor and in no way has it been verified. If and when it is verified or dismissed, we promise to let you know. Until then, please remain calm and carry on. That is all.
Turbine forums down, security breach rumors rampant originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 12 Oct 2011 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.