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The Crew preps second console beta test for November
Gentlemen and ladies, start your virtual engines! The Crew is preparing to roll out its second closed beta test, starting on November 6th and ending on the 10th. PC players will have to wait in the wings, as this beta test is for Xbox One and PlayStation 4 players only. The test will cover two regions of the game, the Midwest and East Coast, and include PvP competitions and both Street and Dirt car specs. The Crew is currently aiming at a December 2nd launch date. [Source: Ubisoft press release]
Tree of Savior delays closed beta, talks classes
Classes are the hot topic for this week's Tree of Savior community Q&A, with many of the questions concerning the different roles that players will assume in the upcoming title. The Q&A was coy on a few specifics, such as which class only has five skills, but was more open on other topics. The Alchemist was singled out as a class that synergizes well with crafting, the Wugushi was noted as a class with a strong poison bent, the Pardoner was shown to be a scroll-producing Cleric, and the Peltasta was revealed as a sword-and-shield fighter. For those hoping to get some beta action in this summer, we have bad news: It's been delayed. "We focused on the development so that we can launch CBT within this year's summer, but more time was needed than we had expected on the overall balancing of the game so we think CBT will be delayed a bit," the devs wrote.
Swordsman gracefully leaps into closed beta
Sharpen your blades, for Swordsman has started closed beta and there's no going back. Perfect World Entertainment announced today that the free-to-play martial arts MMO has begun closed beta testing in the West. The closed beta will take place only for a limited time, ending on June 27th, but for those who get into it, there will be opportunities to unlock items for the launched game. The team is on top of known issues for the closed beta so far. Interested testers can register for a chance at a key or lurk on Swordsman's Twitter feed. [Source: Perfect World press release]
Transform yourself in Eclipse War Online's closed beta February 25th
A game that lets players transform into the mobs they kill? If you've got to see it to believe it, Eclipse War Online is opening its closed beta doors from February 25th to March 11th. All interested players have to do to get access to the beta is become a member of Playrohan.com, then watch the official Facebook page and Twitter for the exact times the servers open. Besides collecting transformation cards from monsters, players can also participate in PvP in arena mode or in the three-lane AOS mode (complete with minions and towers). If you just want just a bit more challenge to your PvE instead, know that time of day, geographic location, and predator/prey status affect gameplay in Eclipse War Online. [Source: Playwith Interactive press release]
Black Desert starts its first closed beta on October 17th
Are you ready to start exploring the darkest of all possible deserts? Are you also located in South Korea? Then you'll be happy to know that after several delays Black Desert has finally announced its closed beta test will start on October 17th. The first test will only run through the 23rd and will include four playable classes, leveling up to level 40, and two major areas to explore. As mentioned before, this test will be IP-locked, so international players are not allowed even with a strong grasp of the language. For those not eligible for the beta (i.e. most of our readers) there are also four new gameplay trailers embedded past the break showing off the various classes in action. They're not actually in life-or-death combat, but it's a chance to get a peek at what your various choices can do. Or what they would be able to do if you were able to get in on the testing... you get the idea. [Thanks to Lilian for the tip!]
MU Rebirth begins beta sign-ups
Never get to attached to an upcoming game title in this industry, as it can change at the drop of a hat. Webzen has renamed MU Chronicle R to the somewhat-less-unwieldy MU Rebirth and announced that the title is now accepting sign-ups for its closed beta test. MU Rebirth is a remake of MU Online with a heavy PvP emphasis. The level cap will remain at 400, although Webzen says that it is significantly speeding up the leveling process so that players will hit that number in two hours. Yes, you read that right. This plays into the "rebirth" feature, which allows players to go back to level 1 while retaining gained stats. The closed beta test of MU Rebirth will run from July 3rd to the 10th. Webzen will be hosting a global PvP tournament during the test, although details for this contest are forthcoming. [Source: Webzen press release]
Age of Wushu kicks off second closed beta
Have a hankering for an ancient Chinese holiday gift? Age of Wushu is dropping a lovely sandbox down some of your chimneys, as the title has just started its second closed beta test. Snail Games said that pre-purchased players will receive the benefits from their elite and deluxe versions of the game shortly after logging in. If you're interested in giving it a whirl without pre-purchasing, all you need to do is register for a limited trial. Trial players get 10 hours of game time with an additional hour per day after that. For Massively's look at this title, definitely check out Patrick's hands-on with the title and MJ's livestream tonight!
Otherland enters phase two of closed beta testing this Friday
Gamigo has announced that the upcoming Otherland MMO, based on the popular cyberpunk series of the same name, is about to enter phase two of beta testing. The new phase of testing is bringing with it a number of improvements and fixes for testers to enjoy. The new beta build includes a revamped tutorial, a new starter zone, a "refined" combat system, and more. If you're in the Otherland beta and can't wait to check it out, you'll have your opportunity when a "short preview and feedback round" begins Friday, December 14th at 4:00 a.m. Eastern time. The testing period will run until Monday, December 17th, so you've got all weekend to see what the new build has to offer. For all the delicious beta details, check out the game's official site.
Age of Wushu opens next closed beta to all
Is it possible to have an open closed beta? Yup, and Snail Games is doing just that for Age of Wushu's next round of beta testing. Due to the overwhelming response of folks wanting to participate, the game is adding a special trial version for the upcoming CBT. How it will work is that any and everyone who wants to get a taste of the game will have 10 hours of unrestricted access when the next CBT starts on December 20th. After exhausting those 10 trial hours, players who have not purchased the deluxe edition will be capped at one hour of play per day throughout the rest of the beta test, which closes in early 2013. Folks who own the deluxe edition will get more perks besides just unlimited playtime throughout the entire closed beta period. All customization, progression, and skills of all characters will be saved when this beta closes and will be available when the next play period opens. Players who already own Elite, E3, or New York Comic Con editions of the game will have the same unrestricted access as the deluxe owners.
Age of Wushu closed beta begins today
If you've been looking forward to Snail Games' upcoming martial arts title, Age of Wushu, then you should prepare to get your Wuxia on. The studio has announced that the game's closed beta test begins today and will go on until the 25th of November. While the beta was originally going to be open only to players who pre-ordered the game, Snail Games has decided to provide a limited number of keys to players who haven't yet bought the game. The game is being endorsed by iconic martial artist and actor Jet Li, so if that's not a big enough stamp of approval for you then we're not sure what to tell you. If you want to get your hands on some adrenaline-pumping, House-of-Flying-Daggers-esque martial arts action, you can either pre-purchase the game or request a beta key from Snail Games by e-mailing beta (at) snailgamesusa (dot) com. But be sure to act quickly, because supplies are limited!
DUST 514 connects to EVE Online in upcoming closed beta test
CCP Games Executive Producer Brandon Laurino opened up on the features coming to DUST 514's closed beta "precursor" release, which begins August 21st. It will be during this closed beta that DUST 514 and EVE Online will finally meet and shake hands (or try to strangle each other for profit). The team will put DUST 514 on EVE's test server Singularity to see how the games interact in a live environment for the first time. Best part? All EVE Online subscribers now get access to DUST's beta. "We can't wait to see what happens when these games collide in the same shared universe," Laurino wrote. With this move, the team will also be testing out orbital strikes on the battlefield. Players will be able to call down powerful attacks from space onto the heads of their enemies. For right now, the orbital strikes will come from computer-controlled barges, but eventually EVE players will be able to fill the role. Another future feature will be the ability for groundpounders to use orbital artillery to fire on ships in return. The August 21st build of the game will also include new matchmaking features, plenty of additional environments, keyboard and mouse implementation for PlayStation 3 users, and lots of polish. The team says that its Vita companion app, DUST 514: Neocom, is going live at the same time. [Source: CCP Games press release]
ArcheAge trailer shows off new houses and more
ArcheAge is a little more than a week away from its fifth closed beta test, and the new features up for testing are being highlighted one by one. The newest trailer introduces the Mirage Island, a location where players will be able to window shop and preview different sorts of items. The video shows players testing out mounts, looking at fancy clothes, and inspecting houses. The island allows players to try out items and see what suits their fancy, with everything from adorable pets (which can grow up to be big, strong mounts!) to miniaturized towers lined up side-by-side for comparison. Jump below the cut to see for yourself.
New ArcheAge video shows new styles for next closed beta
XLGAMES has been showing off more and more of ArcheAge's goodies in preparation for the games' upcoming fifth closed beta test. After a story teaser trailer and a video introduction to new areas last week, it's time to see some of the shiny in store for your characters! This newest video highlights some of the new armors and weapons available in CBT5. Each gorgeous armor piece and weapon is shown in fine detail, presumably to make people not in the closed beta even more jealous than they already were. Check out the video after the cut for some very snazzy outfits accompanied by a brief interlude in a room with a sleeping woman and half-naked man.
Blade & Soul on track to launch in Korea this July
If all goes well, NCsoft's Blade & Soul will be making its public debut in July. That's the good news; the bad news is that the launch will be confined to Korea for the time being. The company recently announced in an earnings call that the title is on track to go into open beta testing by June and then launch this July. There's some hope at NCsoft that the release of Diablo III will grow the potential gamer audience in the country, an audience that could be attracted to Blade & Soul come this summer. Currently the game is in closed beta, with the next round of testing commencing on May 22nd. ThisIsGame reports that Blade & Soul has stirred up controversy with testers due to a vitality system that limits how fast a player can advance his or her character.
New MOBA SmashMuck Champions fights its way into closed beta this month
Watch out, MOBA fans: A new challenger has appeared! Indie game developer Kiz Studios announced in a press release today that its upcoming MOBA title, SmashMuck Champions, is set to enter closed beta this month. Of course, if you're anything like us, you're probably wondering what the heck a SmashMuck Champions is. According to the game's official site, the title is "a free-to-play action/strategy game featuring online multiplayer combat" in which players "build and train their own SmashMuck teams... to do battle in the toughest sport on Planet Muck." Gameplay-wise, the game seems to be your standard MOBA with a few not-so-standard twists. The addition of persistent champion gear plus interesting new mechanics such as stat-boosting training routines aim to put a new spin on the old formula. But hey, you don't have to take our word for it. The game will be entering closed beta testing on May 27th, so if you're a MOBA fan looking for a new thrill, just head on over to the game's official site and sign up for yourself. Oh, and while you're at it, don't forget to check out the game's latest official trailer after the cut. [Source: Kiz Studios press release] %Gallery-155368%
Watch 17 minutes of unadulterated Blade & Soul PvP footage
There's nothing that South Korean gamers love more than hot-blooded PvP, which is why they went bananas to see NCsoft's Blade & Soul's player-vs.-player combat live at the recent Soul Party 2. In two filmed videos by ThisIsGame.com, testers give the game's intense, kinetic action a workout during a 20v20 PvP match. The characters' full range of motion is on display in these clips, as are their various methods of impaling, soul-sucking, and fireballing opponents. Blade & Soul recently announced its adorable Summoner class, which will be playable when the game heads into its third closed beta test on May 9th. And yes, you have our full permission to stay up past your bedtime to watch the following PvP bout.
Ready, aim, Firefall: Impressions of the closed beta
Last year at PAX Prime, I had the opportunity to get my hands on an early version of Red 5 Studios' upcoming MMOFPS, Firefall. The game's come a long way since then, having gone into closed beta shortly after PAX Prime. As of Friday, the game's NDA has finally dropped, and I can finally tell you fine folks all about my experiences with the game's beta. For those of you somehow not in the know, Firefall is essentially two games in one. On the one hand, you have the title's open-world PvE content that sees players exploring the lands of New Eden in an attempt to find a way to fight back the destructive alien force known as the Melding. On the other, there's the competitive e-sports-esque PvP, which lets players test their skills against each another to see who's the best shot in New Eden. So how much has Firefall changed between PAX Prime '11 and PAX East '12?
TERA sheds some light on open beta as test weekends draw to a close
TERA's launch is now just beyond the horizon, and that means that it's almost time for the game's closed beta testing to draw to a close. Specifically, it means that this weekend will mark the fifth and final closed beta test weekend, so En Masse Entertainment has put up a new blog post discussing what was learned from CBT 4 and what players can expect from CBT 5, open beta, and launch. One thing that the team is looking at very intently for open beta and launch is the difficulty of the starting experience -- or perhaps more appropriately, the lack thereof. Players have long said that the starting experience is not challenging enough, and the team has been listening. On top of that, En Masse has been working on a number of other changes as well, including tweaks to the enchantment system, some additional equipment and skill options, and even an entirely new tutorial zone that "serves as the precursor to the current Island of Dawn experience." The full details, of course, can be found in the official post over at TERA's official site, so go on and read up and we'll see you in in Arborea again soon.
ArcheAge evaluates CBT4 and revs up for CBT5
After 95 days of intense testing, ArcheAge has put an end to the game's fourth closed beta and is evaluating the results in preparation for the next round. XLGAME's Jake Song said to the press that over 2,000 pieces of feedback were gathered from the event and most all of them were directly addressed by the team. ArcheAge's fourth closed beta test expanded the game significantly. Three land regions, four sea zones, siege warfare, pirates, an auction house, the Kraken, and the new Hariharan race were added for players to try out. The team also improved the look of the Ferre race and clarity during character creation. During the event, XLGAMES incorporated a Footprint system into the game that would "mark" a trespasser who attempted to steal another player's resources, such as cutting down trees. One new feature was removed, however. The team had a combustible liquor barrel in the game but yanked it when griefers threw it into the middle of a wedding ceremony and killed everyone. As the devs put a wrap on closed beta four, Jake Song says that they're hard at work preparing for the fifth test. Before that happens, however, the team will attempt to fix many of the bugs that popped up during the last test, improve client downloading speeds, and incorporate instant dungeons and housing improvements.
Spirit Tales threatens cuteness overload as closed beta begins
Free-to-play MMO developer/publisher KoramGame Ltd. has announced that its nauseatingly adorable title Spirit Tales is making the jump into closed beta. The chibi-anime-style game boasts extensive character customization with "over 40 million unique fashion combinations for your character," while further customization is possible with the game's pet system. Almost any creature in the game can be captured and tamed as a pet, after which point players can either summon their pets as battle companions or merge with them in order to enhance their characters' abilities. Yann Wang, General Manager of KoramGame, is enthusiastic about the game's beta test, stating that the game's "unique character customization and pet system" and "explosive PvP battles and intense instanced dungeons are sure to win [players] over." Of course, there's only way to test the veracity of his statement, and that's to head on over to the game's official site and get in on the test yourself. But be sure to act quickly; testing slots for this phase are limited. [Source: KoramGame Ltd. press release]
