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The Game Archaeologist: Neocron and Neocron 2
It's the distant future. The high-tech battle armor you wear sharply contrasts with the ruins of civilization that you traverse. You spot an enemy and raise your pulse rifle, firing off shots as you strafe to cover. Technology hasn't solved the issue of war; it's just made it that much more bloody. PlanetSide 2? Nope -- this is Neocron, the quite-forgettable MMOFPS from the way-back era. I like to call it "that game with the most regrettable cover art in the history of video games," but that isn't quite as snappy. Going into this article, I have to admit that I previously knew absolutely nothing about Neocron other than the fact that it was a sci-fi MMO that vaguely reminded me of Anarchy Online. Oh, also the fact that nobody I know or perhaps ever will know played it. Is it just a myth? A practical joke to make us believe in a MMO phantom? Only sifting through layers of dust and grime would produce results, so I rolled up my sleeves and started digging.
Reakktor Media financial woes resolved, full speed ahead for Black Prophecy
Those following the news surrounding development of sci-fi MMO Black Prophecy from Reakktor Media know there's been a significant hurdle to this title seeing the light of day -- the issue of insolvency. When parent company 10Tacle filed for insolvency, this adversely impacted subsidiary Reakktor Media and threatened continued development of Black Prophecy, which Reakktor addressed in an interview with Massively in April. It was announced today that their restructuring plan has been successful, and that their insolvency plan saved the jobs of all 36 employees at the company. Even better, Black Prophecy is on track for a release next year, according to the press statement released by the HERMANN law firm which oversaw the insolvency proceedings.
The future of the MMO pet class
Almost every MMO has them; the typical pet class. Whether it's charming a beast of nature, raising one from the corpse of a fallen enemy or creating one from scratch, the mechanics of the pet classes are always intriguing to players. Over at Van Hemlock's blog, he tears down the basics of the pet class and shares his experiences with his favorites on various online games he's played through the years.His feature example is from 10tacle Studios' Neocron 2: Beyond Dome of York. In this game, there's a Rigger class which enables a drone as it's pet of sorts. Van Hemlock goes on to describe exactly how this drone works and why it intrigues him so much in spite of the fact that the game is several years old, and there are so many other online games out there with similar classes.[Via VirginWorlds]
Boulder Dash makes rocky comeback
10TACLE Studios (Panzer Tactics DS) is bringing back the classic Boulder Dash to PSP with Boulder Dash-Rocks! (see, I'm not the only one that can do bad puns). The game will attempt to appeal to both fans of the original, as well as new gamers. The PSP version will have it's own unique play mode, as will the DS version. The game involves collecting diamonds, while avoiding enemies and traps. Find the level exit, and do it all over again. This rebirth will also feature multiplayer and other additional game modes. It seems like Boulder Dash-Rocks! will offer quick, short-burst gameplay which many believe PSP is lacking. Let's hope the title can be fun for those who don't have Boulder Dash nostalgia.[Via PSP World]
Want some Elveon for your PS3? Good news, then. [update: nevermind]
10tacle Studios, the crazy fantasy-charged individuals behind the 360 game Elveon, have recently announced the game will make it's way onto the PlayStation 3. The 3rd-person action RPG has been rumored as an enjoyable title and now more people will be able to get their hands on it and, possibly, enjoy it. That is, if you like playing as an elvish warrior fighting an epic struggle dating all the way back to the origins of the race of elves. It's got the Unreal Engine 3 under its hood and has, uh, "unique sword-based gameplay".The game will have over 100 weapons and 4 weapon classes (if it's all swords... there'll be a broad sword, great sword, rapier, and short sword/knife if you ask me). Expect the game this summer... and read up on the mythology of the elves. If you want. It probably has a strange, fake language surrounding it... so bring your Elvish to English dictionary![Update: nevermind... seems there was some misinformation passed around. Oh well.]
Ready 2 Rumble 2 Return on multiple platforms
Though esteemed game designers fight to deny it, a great deal of modern games are built upon the solid foundation of human beings punching each other in the face. Swords, guns, and uncharacteristically aggressive dolphins are occasionally added to the mix, but handheld weapons simply pale in comparison to the might and satisfaction imparted by unassisted knuckles hurtling into an opponent's surprised jaw. Upholding this fine tradition is 10Tacle Studios, which today announced a third game in the Ready 2 Rumble boxing franchise. Further details are practically non-existent, save for the fact that it will be appearing on "various videogame platforms." The Ready 2 Rumble series, which first stepped into the ring during 1999's Dreamcast daze, was adored for its amusing characters, over-the-top boxing action and, as mentioned earlier, its entertaining depiction of people punching each other. In the face. The game will be developed in conjunction with AKI Corporation, the Japanese group responsible for several entries in the Def Jam and WWF Wrestlemania franchises.
Let's Get Ready 2 Rumble on 360?
While you may not have seen a Ready 2 Rumble game since 2000, by no means does that indicate the series is not going to see the light of day again. Publisher 10tacle Studios of Germany announced that it will be working with Japanese developer Aki. Michael Buffer will also return as the announcer with his trademark catch phrase. While details are a little sketchy in regards to platforms and release date, would you like to see this as a more playful counterpart to the Fight Night franchise? While we're here, did you ever play either game on the Dreamcast?
Strategy grows up on the DS
UK site Pocket Gamer recently sat down for a pair of interviews with Sproing's Johanna Schober to discuss the upcoming DS strategy game Panzer Tactics, and the first subject on the table was Advance Wars. With Panzer Tactics, it seems Sproing set out to make a more "grown up" version of the beloved DS strategy title -- one with more depth and challenge, as well as a real historical setting, so that strategy fans would have something with a little more meat to balance against the fun of Advance Wars. They also spent a little time discussing the online aspect of Panzer Tactics, which is easily one of the most exciting aspects of the forthcoming title. According to Schober, "The game allows you to narrow your search to certain map sizes or the amount of currency available. And before the game starts, you'll always see who you're playing with, so you can decide whether you want to enter that game or not." Further, there is a system in place to track those folks who so conveniently "disconnect" when they're not having the best game ever. That's sure to be a breath of fresh air in online DS gaming!
Elveon brings Unreal 3-powered fantasy
Turns out Legolas isn't the only elvish hero around. In the action-RPG Elveon, you'll play a mighty elven warrior charged with defending your realm from some angry gods. Probably not the most original plot, but Slovakian developer 10Tacle Studios is promising adaptive battle AI in the form of enemies who learn to defend and counterattack against your fighting style.WorthPlaying has posted a bunch of new screens showing off the Unreal 3-powered graphics, and GameTrailers has a recent combat vid and this year's E3 trailer. Elveon is schedule to launch next summer for the PC and Xbox 360. Check out the game's official site for more details.
