kingdom-heroes
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Kingdom Heroes shows off PvP in new screens
Aeria Games wants players to know what to expect out of Kingdom Heroes, and one of the biggest draws can be explained in three letters: PvP. More specifically, large-scale PvP that features up to 100 participants on each side, culminating in the bloody Kingdom Wars that are shown off in a new set of official screens. The first picture in the gallery is a brief moment of calm before the storm, with the subsequent images showing off just how bloody the fighting can get. Set during China's Three Kingdoms period -- the setting for Romance of the Three Kingdoms and the Dynasty Warriors series among others -- the game is still in open beta, with a variety of weekend events running to help entice new players. If you're fond of the historical setting (with some exceptions made for the sake of gameplay) or just fond of large-scale PvP, take a look at the gallery and consider giving Kingdom Heroes a shot. %Gallery-97107%
Kingdom Heroes scoots into open beta with weekend events
After a short couple weeks of closed beta, Kingdom Heroes has announced their transition into the open beta phase. This would be the "historical" MMO that teaches you all sorts of fascinating "facts" about ancient China, such as how their female warriors fought in elegantly revealing bikinis (at least according to the front page of the site). While they're currently only stress testing a single server in NA, Kingdom Heroes has plans to open a EU server in the near future. As part of the open beta celebration, Aeria Games is hosting a number of special beta events for this upcoming weekend. GMs are coming out of the woodwork to run hide-and-seek games, statue dance contests, secret giveaways and awards for special milestones reached. Yes, once again we learn the insidious truth that our high school history textbooks kept from us: ancient Chinese armies were bolstered by their elite breakdancing skills. So if historical breakdancing and entire armies playing hide-and-seek thrill you to your very core (or you just want to check out an interesting-looking MMO), then head over to the Kingdom Heroes website and download the open beta today.
Touring the battlefield of Kingdom Heroes
I was very excited when I was invited to take a tour of the new MMORPG Kingdom Heroes, made by Aeria Games, one of my favorite publishers. When I first read the details of the game, I pictured players controlling hundreds of soldiers at a time, without ever considering how the game could possibly run with more than several players (and their armies) on the screen. Instead, each player controls between two and six soldiers in his "army," and once I saw how quickly these smaller groups add up on the battlefield, I was convinced that Aeria made the right decision. The game is set in the era right after the Han Dynasty, often considered to be the "Golden Era" of Ancient China. The trees and buildings, and especially the water, are rendered beautifully. It's a wonder that the game runs with almost no graphical lag, even during battles (more on that later). There are four standard classes to choose from: the Warrior, the Fencer (a ranger type), the Tactician (a cleric/buffer type) and a Conjurer (mage). You can pick from several hairstyles and faces, and can make your character child-like or adult. Of course, being an Aeria game, you can pick from several crazy hair colors as well.
We're giving you closed beta keys to Kingdom Heroes, so you too can die to Lu Bu
Let's face it -- you can't defend that gate from Lu Bu. No matter how many times you try, he's just going to come in and clean the floor with your face. Your AI solders are nice to have along during your trek through the Romance of the Three Kingdoms, but they're not always bright enough to get out of the way of Lu Bu... or do anything useful for that matter. Just remember, Lu Bu is the Chinese Chuck Norris. Don't pursue him. So wouldn't it be nice to have some intelligent players around you while Lu Bu wipes the floor with your face? We think so. Then, at least, others can share in your pain. That's why today we have 5,000 keys for you, so you can access Aeria Games's latest MMO, Kingdom Heroes -- an MMO set in the Romance of the Three Kingdoms. So, if you've gotten tired of playing Dynasty Warriors and wish to take on a character of your own, then look no further. Come for the ability to command a small army of your own, stay for the ability to own hundreds of people on the battlefield (except Lu Bu.) Plus take a leap after the break to check out a video of the game in action, so you can decide if this is a game you want to jump into.
Kingdom Heroes marches into closed beta on May 18th
Fantasy MMOs may be a dime -- or less -- a dozen, so there's something special about a game that sets the action in a historical period instead. It's always a side bonus to learn something educational in MMOs, if only to use as ammunition when you want a loved one to pony up cash for another month's subscription ("But I'm learning, mom!") Players looking to stomp around ancient China will have their chance on May 18th, when Kingdom Heroes smashes into closed beta. Kingdom Heroes is striving to hit a sweet spot with engrossing PvP, topping the usual buffet of choices with a few choice gems, such as ship battles, siege engines and customizable armies. Four classes -- warrior, conjurer, tactician and fencer -- and four body types (hm, do you want to be a "maiden" or a "beauty"?) are the tip of the customization Kingdom Heroes sports. The game is set in the era of the Three Kingdoms, and players will choose which kingdom and dynasty to fight for and (repeatedly) die in their name. An ancient Chinese secret no longer, gamers can get their mitts on Kingdom Heroes by signing up for the beta and counting down the days until closed beta on May 18!
Kingdom Heroes releases first developer blog
The Kingdom Heroes team has released their first developer blog. The Aeria Games title, slated to enter closed beta in late Spring of 2010, is shaping up to be an interesting entry in the increasingly crowded free-to-play market. Gameplay includes a number of different siege mechanics, including the ability to recruit and customize NPC soldiers to form a personal army, conquer enemy strongholds using troops, siege engines, mounts, and ships, as well as the ability to establish and defend player-controlled cities. Additionally, Kingdom Heroes will feature fully crewed player ships, something the initial blog goes to great lengths to explain. "There are a variety of ships with different crew sizes, gun types, and features for players to choose from. The smallest of these vessels can hold a crew of seven, while the largest offers stations for up to eleven players. Although you aren't required to have a complete crew on board to use a ship, if you aim to put up a good fight against other player vessels, you'll probably want an experienced navigator at the helm with a full complement of seasoned gunners, repairmen, and raiders," the blog states. You can check out the full text on Aeria's official Kingdom Heroes forums. Also be sure and browse the screen shots in the gallery below. %Gallery-88486%
Kingdom Heroes offers transforming trebuchets and more
Have you ever thought how cool it could be if you had your very own armies to control? Do you dig the idea of getting together with a group of friends to control your own city, or perhaps having large ship battles? Are you all about the sieges? If you answered "yes" to any of those, Aeria Games may have a game you'll want to keep your eyes on. Titled Kingdom Heroes, this new MMO offers players the chance to create and customize their very own NPC armies, pilot and fight guild battleships, use transforming siege weapons to tear down your enemies, and use strategy to engage in full-scale kingdom warfare. Add in the Han Dynasty as the setting, and this makes for an interesting idea, we think. Beta signups are open now for those curious. We've snagged a handful of screenshots tucked into the gallery below, and embedded the trailer behind the break. (Be sure to keep an eye out for the transforming catapult in the trailer!) Kingdom Heroes certainly looks to be an interesting new title. We'll let you know when we hear more about it. %Gallery-87395%
