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German fantasy epic Blackguards spawns sequel in January
Developer Daedalic Entertainment will return to the dark fantasy world of German pen and paper hit The Dark Eye for a sequel to 2013's Blackguards to be released on January 20, 2015. Fans of the first game will be pleased to hear that several Blackguards from that adventure will return in the sequel, though Daedalic warns that things have been going poorly for the original cast. Since the events of Blackguards, the dwarf Naurim, for instance, has grown fat and lazy following his success as a gladiator while the wizard Zurbaran was found by his former captors and sold into slavery. Though these characters have fallen from glory, Blackguards 2 protagonist Cassia seeks them out in the hopes that the once-heroic figures can aid in her goal of assuming the Shark Throne. Daedalic offers scant information on gameplay changes, but claims that Blackguards 2 enhances the turn-based tactical roleplaying elements of its predecessor with numerous fan-requested changes, like improved line of sight and combat cover mechanics. At launch, Blackguards 2 will be available from all major online retailers, though eager fans can currently pre-order the sequel for $30. [Image: Daedalic Entertainment]
Major Herokon Online update includes sequel to Blade of Destiny, new region
Denizens of Aventuria have a lot more to keep themselves occupied thanks to Herokon Online's latest update. Not only has an entire new region opened up for exploration and adventuring, but The Dark Eye fans will get to experience the sequel to the Blade of Destiny campaign. Additionally, the level cap has been raised to 45, players can earn new achievements and titles, and a new world map provides a travel system. The new land of Thorwal, located in the northwest, is home to six new types of enemies and new NPCs and allies, some of which will be familiar characters that fans meet for the first time. Players will also find many new quests and Thorwal-specific weapons and equipment. For a taste of the update, check out the artwork and screenshots in the gallery below. [Source: Herokon Online press release]
Herokon Online brings new features in The New Order update
Fans of the The Dark Eye fantasy RPG have another avenue to pursue their adventures: the browser-based MMORPG Herokon Online. And thanks to the newly released beta update, there is even more for fans to enjoy. The latest update offers a totally reworked hero creation system with new specializations as well as new quests, a redesigned hero sheet, a new valley to explore, more inventory slots, and new systems for attribute and talent advancement as well as magic and combat talents. Players who haven't yet tried the game can also experience the mystery of two children and the demon that pursues them in the new tutorial. More information on this update can be found on the official forums. For a deeper look at the game, check out our Rise and Shiny coverage.
Rise and Shiny: Herokon Online
I knew I would likely enjoy my time in Herokon Online, but not because I enjoy every game I come across. The truth has always been that I will gladly complain, tear up, and criticize any game that deserves it. No, I knew I would like Herokon Online for established reasons. First, I covered the game in its initial stages at GDC Online in 2012. I loved the fact that it runs in a browser (the "mobile app" that came before mobile apps) and that it came from the same incredible IP that Drakensang Online and its standalone cousins boast. The Dark Eye is one of those IPs that I have always wished I could dig into more deeply. It's been going strong for a long time, and I know that there must be layers and layers in its lore that I can hopefully dive into one day soon. So Herokon Online had a grip on me before I began to play it. It's by no means perfect, but I'll explain that.
