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New video and 2-for-1 deal announce Forge's launch
A few weeks ago, Massively dived into the Forge beta for a hands-on experience of the unique PvP fantasy game. And soon, all players will be able to forge their own experiences: Dark Vale Games has just released a new gameplay video and announced that the arena-style game will launch on December 4th, 2012. Available via digital distribution for $19.99 USD, each purchase of Forge comes with the added bonus of a second free copy to give to a friend. Tim Alvis, COO/CTO of Dark Vale Games, explained the 2-for-1 deal for what he calls "an incredible AAA-quality multiplayer fantasy game at an amazing indie price." "We understand that these titles are all about the community. That's why we're offering the best of both worlds – a great price point and a free copy that purchasers can give to their guild- or clan-mate or anyone else they would like to have fighting by their side. The more people we have playing FORGE, the more fun it will be. We truly believe that and we're putting our money where our mouth is to prove it." Forge is rated T for teen due to violence and blood. Curious about the in-game action? Watch the new video after the break! [Source: Dark Vale games press release]
Newest Mabinogi 2 Arena video showcases sword and board
While a previous combat trailer gave players a peek at a variety of fighting styles in the upcoming Mabinogi 2 Arena, the newest release focuses on just the use of the sword and shield combination. Throughout the clip, developer DevCat showcases stabs, cuts, kicks, and rolls against a room full of foes. The video also demonstrates a certain level of gore, as every slice and dice leaves a swath of blood on the floor. Want to get a better look at the action for yourself? Check out the demo after the break!
Forge reveals a new trailer of beta gameplay footage
While it's still very much in beta, Forge is a title worth watching for all PvP fans in the audience. Our last hands-on explored a fairly recent build, but unfortunately text pieces do a poor job of showing off what the game actually looks like in practice. So if it piqued your curiosity but you weren't in the beta, you were kind of out of luck. But there's good news today, as the team behind the game has released a fan-made trailer assembled from beta gameplay footage. The trailer is fairly short, as trailers are wont to be, but it still gives a picture of what the game looks like in terms of animation and gameplay. Take a look at the full video just past the cut, which covers both navigation and combat from the viewpoint of several classes within the game. There's reason to hope that release dates and pricing information might not be too far off, either. [Source: Dark Vale Games press release]
New combat trailer demonstrates Mabinogi 2 Arena battles
Mabinogi 2 Arena, Nexon's recently revealed companion to Mabinogi and Vindictus (AKA Mabinogi Heroes in the east), takes a good fight and makes it the centerpiece of the game. Slated to launch later this year, the action MMO allows players to fight in arena combat as well as spectate others' matches. While a previous video showed off some character models and environments for the upcoming game, Nexon's latest official trailer gives folks a taste of the actual combat moves players can expect. The video shows off both 1v1 and one vs. many scenarios; various kicks, throws, slaps, and slices are exchanged between characters as well as inflicted upon nondescript practice dummies. Footage also demonstrates battle atop dinosaur-like and mechanical mounts, with the pet/mount dealing its own damage. Check out the action after the break.
Massively exclusive: WindSlayer 2 PvP dev diary
The fount of information about Ignited Games' WindSlayer 2 continues to gush forth, as the studio continues to release developer diaries about its upcoming title. We've already heard about WindSlayer 2's economy, ranged classes, and melee classes, not to mention an overview of the game proper. Today it's all about the brutal, cutthroat element of PvP combat. Hit the jump to read our exclusive dev diary on the subject!
Mythos orders up a PvP Battle Royale with cheese
Loving the mindless slaughterfest of Mythos but wishing that the mobs showed a little more intelligence? Now you'll be able to pit your wits and reflexes against other players for the first time in the game with Mythos' new Lamento PvP system. In this forthcoming update, players can form "Lamento Teams" on Heaven Island to participate in 1v1 or 2v2 battles in the heated arena pit. To make matters more interesting, the arenas will offer additional challenges for participants other than merely facing off against human players. Monsters will be roaming about (since some builds require corpses for skills) and potions will be disabled for fights, requiring gladiators to stay on their toes. Victors will rack up Lamento Points which can be used to purchase weapons, armor and pets. This Mythos update also includes a level cap increase from 50 to 51 and a new "Dungeon Master" speed run feature.
Massively revisits Bloodline Champions and gets pwned
The last time I visited Stunlock Studios' Bloodline Champions, I was impressed but not very turned on. Sure, it worked well, and despite its only semi-original art design, it looked good enough. It just wasn't really my game. I'm not a PvPer, and I'm certainly not an arena-combat type of guy. Yes, I enjoy a good romp in the pits once in a while, but arena-type games just seem repetitive. Well, that was back in the early release or beta of the game. Now that I have returned, I have found a much improved, smooth, and more full-featured game. I can even say that I had (gasp!) quite a bit of fun. Granted, I was not able to play many games, simply because during the day it seemed that only the European players had any games available -- and even those were generally locked out -- but I played a few that made me feel, well, kind of tough. Click past the cut and let me explain.
Funcom publishing Stunlock's 'Bloodline Champions'
Age of Conan and The Secret World publisher Funcom has announced a publishing deal with Sweden-based Stunlock Studios AB for the PC multiplayer arena game Bloodline Champions. Under the deal, Funcom will operate and provide support for the 10-player online combat game. The deal has more significance than just bringing Bloodline Champions to audiences, though. While Stunlock will retain ownership of Bloodline, Funcom has also agreed to purchase a minority stake in Stunlock. It seems likely, then, that it will work with Funcom for future titles. If you'd like to see what Funcom's money is going into, you can try to get into the current Bloodline Champions beta here. Otherwise, you'll have to wait until "late 2010."
Breakfast Topic: Arena dreaming
I love playing in the Arenas, but I'm getting kind of bored with the same three maps. I was very exited Ruins of Lordaeron map was introduced with Season two. It was something new and exciting. It's still my favorite, but now its just as dull as the other two. I wish they would introduce a new fighting ground for Season four.I would love to see a map in Stormwind City. I picture it as something like the legendary tournament venues of the Medieval Knights. There would be banners all around it and an audience of noisy NPCs in the stands. In order to spice things up, it would be awesome to include environmental hazards like boiling oil or escapable, but painful pit traps. Also, if I were designing an Arena, players would be forced into combat more quickly, since the preparation areas would close one minute after the battle began.It would never happen, but a girl can dream. If you could design a battleground for Arena combat, what would it look like? What new features would you add?
