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New Greed Monger screens show character creation
All's been quiet on the Greed Monger front lately, but some new screens have surfaced for the crafting-centric sandbox that show off the character creation system. The four new screenshots released on the game's Facebook page show off male and female models as well as various facial and body features that can be affected by 46 different sliders that adjust the details of your avatar. These screenshots also show a slightly different system than the Unity avatar building system that players have been able to mess around with since June (although you can still make an amusing she-hulk-monkey-girl there). See what you think about the new system in our gallery below.
New Archeage CBT4 clip shows expanded character options
If the latest XLGAMES' video is any indication, there have been some significant changes to ArcheAge since the close of last spring's third Korean beta. A new clip recently uploaded to the development firm's YouTube account shows off a new login screen, new avatar models, new character creation options, and new music. Our experience of the game's CBT3 phase found the character customization a bit lacking (mostly because a ton of the options were greyed out), but it looks like XL is going to remedy that by adding a lot more functionality for CBT4. Have a look at the new clip after the break.
Atari starts Test Drive Unlimited 2's engines
MMO racers are an interesting breed, seemingly rarer than a '68 GT40. Whether it's due to EA's relatively under-the-radar Need For Speed World or the gone-but-not-forgotten Motor City Online, car enthusiasts with a shared passion for MMOs have endured slim pickings in recent years. Happily, Atari and Eden Games are looking to change all that with this week's release of Test Drive Unlimited 2, an ambitious new racing title for the PC, Xbox 360, and PS3 platforms. TDU2 lives up to its MMO billing (and its "beyond racing" tagline) by delivering a non-linear experience that is as much about collecting and progression as it is about driving. Also in the mix are a variety of social options such as avatar, housing, and furniture customization as well as the requisite car tuning and parts tweaking minigames. TDU2 also aims to out-MMO many current MMOs by delivering large playfields and emphasizing shared social spaces (including gambling hubs, player-run clubs, and cooperative races). TDU2 can be played sans a sub fee after you purchase the digital download or retail box, and Atari plans to offer DLC in the form of car, clothing, and furniture packs to monetize the game over time. Check out our exclusive in-game gallery below and head to the game's official website for more info. %Gallery-116007%
First Impressions: Perfect World
Time for another episode of 'First Impressions'! The show that asks the question "Where has Akela been playing lately?" Today's installment: Cubizone's Perfect World. Remember, kids, this is not a guide, this is not an in-depth look. It's a post about how the first hour or so of a game strikes me, with no preconceptions or foreknowledge. Caveat emptor!What you're looking at above is my avatar, Akelatal the Beastman. He's a cheery sort, isn't he? Don't you just wanna cuddle him and feed him treats? Throw a riven skull for him to chase and chew on? He's adorable, like much of this MMO, though there are a couple of issues, to be sure. Rest assured, at least a couple of them are adorable too.%Gallery-12224%
Should there be better physiology representation in MMOs?
Reading the comments I received on my recent post about playing against your real life gender, I noticed that many people made mention of the fact that males in many games tend toward ridiculous excesses of mesomorph formation -- unlikely musculature, epic height, etc. On the other hand, when they're not saddled with over-large breasts, females are much more sensibly structured with regard to proportion.Even so, there aren't any overweight avatars. There aren't many options for height. Perfect skin, perfect posture, no deformities, etc. World of Warcraft plans on offering more variety in hairstyles with the upcoming expansion Wrath of the Lich King, but is that really substantial? Would you like to have more options in creating your avatar? EVE Online goes a little farther, but you never see your character after that anyway. City of Heroes/City of Villains does a great job of it -- is there a reason why they can't all do the same? Would you like Second Life-level customization in your MMO of choice, or are you happy with what you have?
