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Bruce Lee comes to Conquer Online... sort of
Conquer Online is co-opting one of martial arts cinema's greatest stars to be a playable character in its game. The team announced that it is bringing in a Bruce Lee "tribute" character called Lee-Long in a future update. "Many companies have put him in games to salute him, but there was no one putting his elements into an MMORPG," said the team. "As a popular oriental fantasy MMORPG in North America, and with the elements of martial arts and the Dragon combined, Conquer Online has the responsibility to create a character to show our respect to Bruce Lee." The creation of Lee-Long took a full year of work and involved motion capture and close examination of Bruce Lee's films. Bruce Lee died in 1973, but has remained a pop culture icon ever since. The team is being coy about the connection between Bruce Lee and Lee-Long, but said "more details" about be given soon. You can watch a making of video for Lee-Long after the break. [Source: 99.com press release]
The Game Archaeologist: Classic servers and you
Sometimes players don't want progress into the future; they want to regress into nostalgia. I've always seen this undercurrent of desire for classic servers run through the MMO community, manifesting in lengthy discussions about how cool it'd be to play a game the way it was "way back when." I also imagine developers reading those discussions with a combination of shared nostalgia and anxiety over the work required for such a project. I can understand this desire. We form attachments to MMOs based on several factors, not the least of which are when we started playing the game and what we remember most from it. While we generally applaud the change brought about by content updates, bug fixes, expansions, and the like, there's always a part of us that won't let go of the past. That's where classic servers come into play. Here and there, studios have recognized and responded to this desire for gaming the way it used to be by creating servers that deliberately call back to the past. It might seem to fly in the face of common sense, but I don't think it's that strange when you look at the larger video game community and how strong nostalgia gaming has taken root there as well. So what do classic servers have to offer you and where can you find them?
Conquer Online 10th anniversary trailer takes the cake
Hitting the big 1-0 is certainly a cause for celebration. So how does Conquer Online top its free trip to China offered last year? With a trailer that offers a unique look at the last 10 years and turns attention towards the future. That, and a number of festivities lasting through mid-June that span events, bonuses, and gifts galore. Oh, did we mention another trip to China? This time the trip goes to the supreme champion of the first World Fighting League, a contest open to all new and veteran players spanning all 10 versions of CO. Launched in 2003, the oriental fantasy game boasting plenty of kung-fu elements has continually added new content over the years, including pirates and more PvP-based activities. This year will see even more expansions, from a new character (the mysterious Kung Fu Master) to a new massive cross-server PvP battle, the Kingdom War. To accommodate new players, Conquer Online has opened two new servers and is giving away special Starter's Packs to aid the newcomers. Veterans have not been forgotten; they'll receive a gift when logging into their original servers. Want a glimpse at what the future holds for Conquer Online? You'll have to get through the first half of the video to see the preview. Check it out after the cut. [Source: TQ Digital press release]
MMObility: Mobile devices might breathe new life into older MMOs
One of the greatest things about the mobile market is the reappearance of older, single-player titles that are now being introduced to a new generation. Tablets and smartphones are quickly becoming go-to gaming devices offering not only more powerful processors and bigger screens but access to the internet and huge stores of digital goodies. Recently, I've been playing through titles I've missed, like Broken Sword, a point-and-click adventure game from 1996. Touch devices are proving to be perfect for many older-style games. We're simply replacing the mouse with the finger, and the move feels natural. When I interviewed the Ultima Online team during a livestream this week, I asked Producer Bonnie Armstrong about a mobile version of the game. After all, I've played games, like Conquer Online, that look almost identical to Ultima Online, so I know it can be done. Her answer? I would love to, personally. I think it would be pretty cool. I think somebody kind of joked around and said you know when somebody's 90 years old, they're going to be in an old folk's home playing UO on their phone. [...] That kind of sums us up. There are many MMOs that I could see offering a mobile version. Would it be better or worse for these classic titles?
Conquer Online 9th anniversary celebrations include a free trip to China
Reaching the nine-year mark is quite an accomplishment in the MMO world, and Conquer Online plans to celebrate this milestone in style with a number of special events, bonuses, and gifts both in-game and out. From now through May 31st, players can enjoy a variety of festivities and goodies: Ongoing special events like Crazy Lotto, Naughty Bunny, and Crazy Invasion. Special discounts on offers in the shopping mall, including a four-hour event on +3 stones from May 26th to 27th. A chance to prove which server is truly best in the cross-server Capture the Flag battle. A Nurture Pack with useful healing and XP items to welcome newcomers. VIP gifts. Special upgrades to certain event rewards. Oh, but that's not all! The pièce de résistance: Three lucky current Conquer Online players will win a free trip to China to take in the sights of Beijing and visit the TQ headquarters. To enter the drawing, players must credit at least one $15.99 or one $29.99 TQ Point Card during the period between May 15th and June 30th (the more you credit, the more chances you have), have at least one level 50+ character, and be at least 18 years of age. For full details, check out the contest rules. [Source: Press release]
Conquer Online expansion includes new pirate class
You might recall that Conquer Online made the jump from free-to-play PC MMO to iPad action RPG last December. Today NetDragon has announced the title's first expansion, called Invasion of Pirates. Unsurprisingly the content drop features a new Pirate class. You can see a video of it in action after the break. The class wields pistols and rapiers, and NetDragon describes the resulting gameplay as the "most fiery, action-packed combat" in Conquer Online. The expansion pack is currently free if you download Conquer Online HD in the iPad App Store. [Source: NetDragon press release]
Conquer Online adding new 'hardcore' PvP features
At the beginning of the month, NetDragon's F2P fantasy title Conquer Online received a large new update in the form of the Invasion of Pirates expansion, but the team isn't done yet. The devs are now adding a number of new (surprisingly hardcore) features to the Gale Shallow PvP zone. While players will receive no PK points in this zone, the chance of plundering a fallen enemy's armor will be tripled, meaning that life and death are a matter of great consequence. And finally, to top it off, a number of powerful mobs in the zone will grant players high-level dragon souls should they prove themselves worthy in combat. For more information on the upcoming update and to get in the game yourself, just click on through the link to Conquer Online's official site. [Source: NetDragon press release]
Conquer Online details upcoming Invasion of Pirates expansion
Conquer Online, NetDragon's free-to-play fantasy MMO, is getting a taste of the high seas come January 11th as the team launches the game's newest expansion, Invasion of Pirates. The expansion will introduce the new Pirate class, which will allow players to use new weapons and abilities while also finally letting them take sides in a real Pirates vs. Ninjas battle. The Pirate class itself can utilize pistols and rapiers, and its abilities rely on stamina, "with many of the skills requiring a cooldown period." As such, the key to winning a battle as a Pirate is, according to the press release, determined by how well a player can string the Pirate's attacks, buffs, and other abilities into an effective combo. The studio adds that while the Pirate will certainly have a steep learning curve, "with a little strategy and know-how, the new class can easily become the most deadly in PvP battles." For the full details on the new expansion, or to get in on the action yourself, head on over to Conquer Online's official site.
MMObility: The year in mobile
What a year, huh? We gamers have seen a lot of changes, but especially in the mobile market. New devices came and went, technologies spread out even further in the world, and MMO gaming established itself on the smallest screens possible. Of course, the mobile market is not as large as the standard MMO market, but it is definitely growing. As more devices appear, more players come to fill up the games. Our phones are not what they used to be, even five years ago. They are now truly tiny and powerful computing devices that are always connected. A player can literally live all of his digital life on one small device. If we look at the laptop and netbook market, we see even more growth and power. All of these devices need games to play on them, and MMOs fit perfectly into the mobile lifestyle. Click past the cut and I'll recap many of the best stories from Massively's mobile coverage!
MMObility: A first look at Conquer Online for the iPad and a giveaway
Over the last few weeks, I've been checking out Conquer Online for the iPad. I don't really have anything to compare the game to because I never played the full PC version, but the mobile version I played felt a lot like a "real" full MMO. I logged in, made a character, and ran around the lands doing quests and leveling, just like in a normal client-based game. This should not be that surprising at this point in the world of mobile development. There have been several "real" MMOs made for the iPad and other devices. Celtic Heroes has been trying to achieve that classic look for a while now and has come pretty darn close. There's World of Midgard as well, made by the same developers who are releasing the cross-platform Lords at War very soon. I was told that Conquer Online should feel a bit like Ultima Online on the iPad, but I'm not sure about that. Yes, it features the isometric view that we are all so familiar with in UO, but I don't think the comparison holds up beyond that. Click past the cut and I'll break it down for you. Also, if you would like to receive a free super item pack for the game, you'll find it at the end of the article!
Conquer Online's Invasion of Pirates expansion slated for January
Last week we told you about Conquer Online's migration to the iPad. This week, it's time for a bit of info on the game's newest expansion. The Invasion of Pirates update will feature a new Pirate class (yeah, it shocked us too) and a new adventuring zone called the Flaming Sea. NetDragon is also gifting players with additional abilities, among them new cannon bomb and pistol skills that are a must for any Pirate. The company's press release is light on gameplay details, but it does promise "an epic journey full of hidden treasure, ancient evils, dangerous traps and other mysterious challenges [that] await new and old players alike." Invasion of Pirates is scheduled to sail sometime in January of 2012. [Source: NetDragon press release]
Conquer Online now available on iPad
NetDragon Websoft claims that Conquer Online was the world's first free-to-play MMO. Given that it debuted way back in 2003 when MMOs (nevermind F2P) were decidedly uncool, we're a little fuzzy on whether it was in fact the first of its type. What we do know is that Conquer Online is now available in the iTunes Store, and NetDragon says that the game is "the first ever completely free MMORPG arriving on the iPad; [there's] no charge to download and no monthly subscription fee." The game is set in ancient China and features six martial arts-based classes, player housing, and plenty of questing and monster-killing. There's even a player marriage mechanic if you tire of more traditional MMO gameplay. We've got a launch trailer for you behind the break, and you'll find more info at the iTunes Store and the game's official website.
Conquer Online's upcoming expansion introduces new zone, Pirate class
Watch yer booty, mateys! No, I meant your treasure, you freaks. Jeeze. NetDragon WebSoft has announced a new expansion for its free-to-play MMORPG, Conquer Online. This update does what it says on the tin: Invasion of Pirates. Players will find themselves on a brand-new map, facing off against new monsters, discovering new quests, and playing the Pirate class. The new class brings an entirely new playstyle with new weapons and abilities to use. And players will need every bit of firepower they can get, as bands of evil pirates arrive upon a newly discovered island in search of a dark and mysterious treasure. Of course, it's up to players to ensure that the pirates do not succeed in their mission. The expansion will go live in January 2012, so you've got plenty of time to head over to the game's official site and sign up. [Source: NetDragon WebSoft press release]
Conquer Online arrives on Facebook
NetDragon's Conquer Online is looking to live up to its namesake by spreading to every platform possible. First it was Macs, then the iPad, and now Facebook. The top-down, free-to-play title has launched the beta version of its Facebook client for all to experience. The Facebook version is very similar to the regular Conquer Online except that the default screen size is smaller (it can be expanded to full-screen mode, however). NetDragon hopes that by expanding to the popular social networking site, Conquer Online will gain an even larger audience. You can watch the trailer for the Facebook edition after the jump -- and we dare you to do so without thinking of the Roseanne theme song. You can't, can you?
Conquer Online taking itself on to the iPad
Conquer Online took the step toward cross-platform play options not so long ago with the release of a Mac client, but it's moving forward yet again. The game is going to be launching on the iPad as well in the very near future, complete with a touch-based interface and all of the game's existing free-to-play content. While the iPad has seen its share of MMO-style games since its introduction, this is the first time an established game has been ported over to the platform. And make no mistake, there are a lot of features available to players, as evidenced by the game guide for players planning on moving in to the iPad version. Take a look past the cut for a trailer previewing the gameplay and mechanics on the tablet, and keep your eyes peeled for the exact release date. It's not quite the World of Warcraft demo someone managed to run on the iPad a few years back, but it's still quite interesting. [Source: Press release]
Conquer Online coming to the Mac on May 3rd
Mac MMORPGs have come a long way. Titles as wide-ranging as World of Warcraft, Fallen Earth, and Free Realms now boast their own native clients, and Conquer Online is set to join the ranks of OS X-flavored MMOs on May 3rd. TQ Digital has just announced the creation of a new Conquer Online server (dubbed Garden of Eden) exclusively for Mac users. The free-to-play title originally launched way back in 2003 and sports a 2.5D game world set in ancient China. The Mac version of the game is undergoing beta testing through April 26th, and you can download the beta client via a number of sources including FTP and bit torrent. Mac beta testers will be kitted out with equipment, skills, and necessary in-game items according to a TQ press release, and you can learn more at the official Conquer Online website.
Conquer Online is ready for kung-fu fighting
It's been a very long time since we looked into Conquer Online, but the game is approaching its next major update, dubbed "Returning Light." This update features the addition of a new playable class, the Monk, which makes up the sixth entry into the game's mix of classes. While these ascetic disciples of elemental harmony have long remained isolated from the rest of the world, the events of the upcoming patch will force Monks into combat once again, much to the benefit of players. Monks are capable of bestowing a number of beneficial effects upon party members, healing and supporting others through their elemental skills. But the class is also capable of moving into the fray via powerful martial arts, allowing players to split their time between the class functions or pick one as a specialty. The official preview for the Monk is already available, so Conquer Online players should look forward to the currently scheduled release of December 16th for the patch.
First Impressions: Conquer Online
Welcome to the First Impressions: Conquer Online! Brought to you by 91.com, purveyors of Eudemons Online and other Asian MMOs. Featuring a non-3D, fixed isometric viewpoint, the graphics seem at first to be a little dated, and there are a few oddities that might irritate players who are used to World of Warcraft and that style of MMO. But there is some charm to be seen in CO, and these in-game screenshots will display them to you. Check out the Gallery for our First Impressions of Conquer Online -- don't forget that the images can be seen in two resolutions, low and high. Depending on your screen settings, you will want to choose the one best optimized for your monitor. Read On >> %Gallery-32670%
