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Ragnarok Online's War of Emperium event launches August 7th
Although Ragnarok Online recently introduced a classic server for fans who wanted to play the free-to-play fantasy game just like it was in the old days, that hasn't stopped Gravity Interactive from expanding and updating the game on the other servers. And one of those updates is the War of Emperium event that is set to launch on August 7th. In this new update, cracks in reality have appeared deep within the Halls of Abyss and an entrance to the Unknown Dimension has been discovered. Players will compete for these rare and coveted dimensional cracks. Producer Jason Koerperich states, "This WoE update is just the thing to spark that community competition! The new War of Emperium is a combined PvP and PvE mechanic that will pit players against each other in new ways." Players can keep an eye on the official facebook page for full details on the events as the week unfolds. [Source: Gravity Interactive press release]
Free for All: A roundtable look at Maestia
You might have tried out Maestia recently, thanks to our recent beta key giveaway. If not, don't worry: The game is in open beta and waiting for you to jump in. Wanting to learn more about the upcoming game, I sat in on a conference call with Alex Kim, Denny Kwon, and Garrett Cecchini of publisher Gravity Interactive. We discussed how the game will work and where it breaks from other foreign imports -- and doesn't. In fact, a "standard" experience was something the developers bragged about, meaning that control schemes and the overall experience would feel familiar. As I found out during the interview and later as I played the title myself, the familiarity was nice, but I found the many unfamiliar systems to be much nicer. I don't like to write about a game until I have had a chance to at least play through it for a while, so now that I have spent some time killing monsters, burning through quests, and enjoying the sights, I'll tell you what I found.
Free for All: The old becomes new on Ragnarok's classic server
Ragnarok Online might seem very familiar to many of my readers. In fact, if you are from a certain age group, the group that grew up with the internet instead of watching it come into being while you were already living on your own, you might have played Ragnarok Online. I can often tell a Ragnarok fan as well. They're OK with the grind as long is it pays off in the end, and they usually have a pretty exact way of looking at MMOs. I have yet to find a Ragnarok player who is over 30 and who roleplays more than anything. In other words, Ragnarok has affected almost an entire generation of MMO gamers. Personally, I always enjoyed the graphics of the game when I got a few chances to play it, but the overwhelming world and gameplay was a bit too much, and I didn't really enjoy the entire experience. Well, good news for me! I can now roll on a brand-new, old-school server that promises to be more like something from the early days of the game. The best news? All players will start off on the same page. Want to know more? Keep reading because I sat in on a conference call with Ragnarok producer Jason Koerperich to talk about all of the changes.
Ragnarok Online classic server coming on June 29th
If you're a Ragnarok Online fan who is prone to nostalgia, you'll be happy to know that Gravity Interactive has just announced a new initiative bound to put a smile on your face. The firm is gearing up to deploy a new classic server that uses all of "the original game settings and physics." Gravity says that the Ragnarok community has been asking for a throw-back shard for years. Now that it's here, fans of the 10-year-old title can choose between the current version and "its more simple and classic form." Ragnarok originally launched in Korea in August of 2002 before coming to North America in June 2003. The new server is scheduled to go live on Friday, June 29th. [Source: Gravity Interactive press release]
Ragnarok Online celebrates its ninth anniversary in style
Celebrating the anniversary of Ragnarok Online isn't a new thing -- the team at Gravity Interactive has been doing it every year -- but to help ring in the MMO's ninth anniversary, the publisher is throwing what it calls "one of the biggest in-game celebrations to date for RO veterans!" The theme this year is "Where the Old Meets the New," thrown in celebration of the defeat of the Demon Satan Morroc and the discovery of the New World. Sound like fun to you? Then head over to the game's main site to sign up or visit the game's Facebook page to join the community. [Source: Gravity Interactive press release]
Ragnarok Online update introduces the town of Port Malaya
It's been over a year since we heard anything from Gravity Interactive's long-running title Ragnarok Online, but today, the silence has been broken. The studio has announced the game's newest content update, which will allow players to visit the paradisiacal Port Malaya, where "the water's always warm and the monsters are always dangerous." Players level 100 and up will find plenty to do in the new port town, such as "dozens of new quests, including an entire suite of daily tasks to perform." New dungeons also await in Port Malaya, and with new dungeons comes new gear and a new tattoo system that will grant players permanent buffs. Players will need all the power they can get to square off against the myriad new MVP Monsters that inhabit the wilds of Port Malaya. More details on the update can be found on Ragnarok Online's official site, so head on over there and set sail for Port Malaya. [Source: Gravity Interactive press release]
Gravity Interactive announces free-to-play Maestia fantasy title
Gravity Interactive has announced the latest addition to its WarpPortal online service. The new game is called Maestia: Rise of Keledus, and it's scheduled to debut later this summer. Gravity says that the game, which is being developed by ROC Works, is "an eternal struggle for power and righteousness in a world where friends and enemies are not easily discernible." Maestia features instanced dungeons, guild and faction PvP, and traditional questing and crafting systems. Huge world bosses and epic class-based mounts round out the feature set, all of which is available via a free-to-play business model. You can view a ton of screenshots and a comprehensive features list at the official Maestia website. [Source: Gravity Interactive press release]
Requiem: Momento Mori now streaming to your browser
Earlier this week we told you about Runes of Magic and its new client-free play option. Gravity Interactive's Requiem: Momento Mori title is following suit, as it's coming to a web browser near you. Like RoM, Requiem is making use of Kalydo's streaming service, which gives users full access to the same servers used by the traditional client application. Requiem originally launched in 2008 and is best known for its mature setting and a monster-spawning mechanic that varies the challenge level based on the in-game time of day. The game also makes use of the Havok Physics Engine to power its "action-packed" 3-D combat. More info on the streaming service and the game proper can be found on the Requiem website. [Source: Gravity Interactive press release]
One Shots: Dead men don't fly
I thought I'd travel off the beaten path this week and see how Requiem: Memento Mori is doing. I couldn't find my old character, but I started a new one and took advantage of a months worth of premium time. I also think there's a bonus XP event going on right now. This is my level 26 Battle Mage taking a trip from Zakate to South Watchtower on a Wingrider, the mode of transport between hubs. I always enjoyed Requiem's graphics and the areas between Kurt and Zakate both feel open and diverse. It's like one giant zone, but with individual areas all styled differently. All this week, we Massively writers are spotlighting some of our personal favorite One Shots. What exciting stories revolve around our screenshots? Stay tuned to find out. Next week, after staff picks week, will be free-for-all week for you, our readers. Send any eye-catching, beautiful, scary, or generally epic screenshot to oneshots@massively.com, and we'll pick the best of the best for next week's One Shots!%Gallery-112285%
One Shots: Requiem for free-to-play week
We're ending One Shots free-to-play week on a scary note thanks to Tanek today. Requiem, the F2P MMO title from Gravity Interactive, claims to bring players into "dark world of bloodshed devastated by generations of scientific and magical abuse." Next week begins player housing week here at One Shots. Do you think you've got the most well-decorated abode in any game? Prove it by sending a screenshot to us at oneshots@massively.com along with your name, the name of the game, and a description of what we're seeing. We'll show it off here on One Shots so everyone can admire your digs! %Gallery-112285%
Ragnarok Online goes free-to-play
Ragnarok Online's been pretty quiet following its Renewal update last year, but the free-to-play train is now passing through town and it looks as though the game is hopping aboard for the ride. Gravity Interactive has announced that it is dropping the subscription model from Ragnarok Online effective immediately. The company encourages new and returning players interested in this F2P format to make their home on the Yggdrasil or Valkyrie servers. The company is also offering a premium VIP subscription package for players looking to turbo-boost their advancement. VIP players not only have the option to play on a VIP-only server (Ymir) but will also benefit from a 50% increase in experience gain, loot drops, more storage, a lessened death penalty, access to special areas, and the full use of all nine character slots. If this low, low cost of entry tempts you to check out the game, all it takes to play is a free Warp Portal account through the official website.
Ragnarok Online brings new updates to Renewal
Ragnarok Online fans have something new to enjoy lately thanks to the recent content update, Renewal. Renewal has been bringing some exciting events to the game, including the race to 150. The first 10 players to reach the current level cap of 150 will receive a a "Hall of Honor interview, and a free upgrade of their most important leveling item to +11." The developers aren't done with the surprises, though. They'll be taking feedback on Renewal in the coming weeks, and you'll find even more updates, changes, and additions to the game as time goes by. For now, make sure you check out the lore behind Renewal and all the details on the Race to 150!
Ragnarok Online II scrapped, new Ragnarok Online II takes its place
It's always a difficult decision to take a game that you've put a ton of work into already and scrap it. Sometimes, no matter what developers dream up, it just turns out to be nowhere nearly as fun as originally intended. While we don't know the specifics on what precisely made Gravity Interactive change directions on Ragnarok Online II, news has come down the wire that they have nonetheless decided to heavily alter the direction they were headed in and instead deliver a true sequel to Ragnarok Online. The new version of Ragnarok Online II, now subtitled "Legend of the Second" will offer players familiar systems from the first game, only this time in an updated, immersive 3D world. Gone are the chibi graphics of the initial design in favor of more mature-looking characters. Gone too is the character-based weapon leveling system, the new leveling system, and unfamiliar races. Back in the mix are all the things that players enjoyed about the original Ragnarok Online: pets, cards, familiar classes, and more. This new version will launch into closed beta in Asia on August 31, 2010, with no specific date for the Western crossover at this time. Still, it warms our hearts when a gaming company is willing to make the hard choice and change direction -- making a game enjoyable, rather than sticking to the original plan and sacrificing fun. [Via iRo Wiki forums] [Thanks Coldbrand!]
Ragnarok Online cares and wants to give you free play time for being laid off
Now that's some title, isn't it? Yet, the title doesn't lie -- Gravity Interactive does care and they do want to give their subscribers who have been laid off some free play time.If you were a subscriber on Ragnarok Online International as of June 1st and you've lost your job on or after June 1st, then you're eligible for the new "Gravity Cares" program. All you need to do is simply fill out a short form to prove that you've lost your job and then send it over to Gravity via regular mail. Once they approve the form, you'll get a free three month subscription to Ragnarok Online so you can keep playing without having to worry so much about paying while you get back on your feet.The program is certainly a nice gesture to those who have been hit by the troubled economy, and a unique offering in the MMO world. If you're eligible, go take advantage of it so you can keep playing with your friends.
Ragnarok Online II dated for 2010... finally
Gravity Interactive's first major title in the Western market, Ragnarok Online, is well known for its sugary-sweetness and unforgiving experience curve. While the title proved to be a hit for the developer in the Western and Eastern markets, it's newest brother, Ragnarok Online II, doesn't share the same story. RO II was released in 2007 to a mass-panning by the Asian market, and the game has undergone some significant revisions in that time, including a change of the engine from Unreal 2.5 to Gamebryo and an update to all of the in-game systems. However, with those systems in place, Gravity has announced that the title will be seeing a 2010 release in the Western market. Meanwhile, the Ragnarok franchise will be expanded with a social networking game as well, marking Gravity's new focus on the growing social network division of games.
Ragnarok Online creator to make new MMO in the vein of Ragnarok
At this year's G* Game Expo, in addition to the earlier sexy Blade & Soul gameplay video, it seems that the original creator of Ragnarok Online is working on a new MMO project that he describes as "in the same vein" as Ragnarok. Gamasutra is reporting that Hakkyu Kim, RO's creator, is working on two new MMOs. One a more basic MMO that features the control of a single character, and another MMO that is done in the 2D sprites/3D backgrounds style of RO, except with a focus on action. While neither of these games will be a new Ragnarok, as Gravity Interactive holds the license to the Ragnarok series, it's good to see Kim returning to his roots after his work on Granado Espada, more commonly known as Sword of the New World in the US.
Requiem updates to "Memento Mori"
Requiem, the free-to-play MMO that insists on making sure that all living creatures squirt out 20 gallons of blood upon their deaths, has recently updated the game with a new expansion -- Memento Mori.Memento Mori, the Latin phrase meaning "Remember you will die," is a great description for the expansion that focuses on integrating learned skills and DNA directly into the character as they level. Previously, players would have to visit a trainer to learn skills, or assemble DNA strands with a DNA scientist in order to equip DNA mutations. Now these two aspects of character development have been placed into the game as talent-esque windows, which allow you to spread your points amongst new upgrades the moment you level. It's almost like you're "remembering" your skills and DNA abilities instead of learning them. We appreciate that.
One Shots: All we wanna do is eat your brains
We haven't heard too much from the folks over at Gravity Interactive since they launched their monster-and-blood filled Requiem: Bloodymare. That said, it seems things are going well, as they've just wrapped up a contest to let players build monsters even more nightmarish than this guy. Today's One Shots comes to us from sgamer, who decided to go toe to toe with this towering pile of fug in Requiem: Bloodymare and writes in to tell us a bit more about it. Here, I was fighting the big Ancient Ghoul outside of the Ruins of Lament. [He's] a big, fun mob to solo with my Rogue. He looks pretty hungry to us. If you've got a picture of a game we don't often see - or perhaps yourself running around in skimpy armor like sgamer here - we want to see it! Just email it to us at oneshots AT massively DOT com along with your name, the name of the game, and a quick description. Please try to turn off or minimize UI elements, too. Yours could be next. %Gallery-9798%
News from the Wider MMO World: August 26, 2008
The MMO genre is more than World of Warcraft, Age of Conan, and Warhammer Online. Here's what's going on in the rest of the world.Mabinogi welcomes Generation 3The MMO that bills itself as "your fantasy life" has gotten its next upgrade with Generation 3. Now Mabinogi players will have the ability to marry each other, complete with license and wedding attire for both genders. An overarching quest will require warriors to recover dungeon seals to prevent the Fomor from entering the world. And finally, the pet system gets an overhaul, with new interactions, behaviors, and controls. The removal of the combat cap, increased UI options, and new items all await players in Generation 3.Neocron 2 developer declares insolvency10Tacle Studios AG, parent company of Reakktor Media GmbH, developers of Neocron 2, declared insolvency on August 6th. They are awaiting an insolvency administrator to determine what will happen with the game servers. In a later update to the original forum post, Kirk Lenke, CEO of Reakktor Media announced that the insolvency will not affect business operation of Neocron 2, and that they are still in development for upcoming title Black Prophecy.
ROSE Online goes free-to-play
ROSE Online, the fantasy MMO from TriggerSoft, has just announced its new plans to switch over to a free-to-play business model. Previously, the game was $11.99 a month for several years, and while successful within the Gravity Interactive family of games, this new plan hopes to attract even more users.This changeover will take place on July 29th. On July 22nd, they will be removing the subscription page from the ROSE Online website. Any paid subscriptions that are set to expire after the 29th will be credited 40 mileage points per day from that point. You can read more about the details of this plan and player reaction at the ROSE Online forums.
