Mark-Hill
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Rise and Shiny: Rusty Hearts
I have a soft spot in my heart for action-based titles. They just seem to skip past a lot of the BS that is involved with all of that theory-crafting math stuff and let you get right to the heart of the fight. OK, so sometimes I prefer to use my brain more than my character's brawn, but give me a good action title and I am almost instantly happy. In fact, the inclusion of an action mechanic can make a bad game much, much better just because the action is potentially more unpredictable than standard MMO combat. Not all action games are great, however. Some of them hide a grind behind a lame story and expect us to appreciate it. There are plenty of gamers who see achievement as much more important than having a good time, so even crappy action-based titles find an audience. So how does Rusty Hearts fare? Where does it fit in the action spectrum? I sat down with Mark Hill, Senior Producer from Perfect World Entertainment, to talk about the game.
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Rise and Shiny: Minecraft
We all know what Minecraft is, right? Well, just in case you have not played it for any number of reasons, let me explain. Minecraft is a sandbox defined by primitive-looking graphics, mining, building by using a massive set of LEGOs, multiplayer interaction, and modding. Lots and lots of modding. I bought it for only 10 bucks way back in its first or second beta, and all I can remember about those first few hours in the game was how high my pulse rate got, and then the buzz I felt when I first heard a pretty song play as the moon rose in the sky. Playing Minecraft for the first time easily goes down as one of my top 10 most thrilling gaming moments. Flash forward well past those betas and Minecraft has become an empire. There are Minecraft toys, clothing items, building sets, and all sorts of real-life tie-in merchandise. It's a popular game on both console and PC and has bridged the age gap between millions of gamers. But we don't talk much about it on Massively. Why? Well, it's not an MMO. Or is it?
Perfect World reassures players regarding the future of RaiderZ
There are certain things that trigger instinctive fears from MMO players. Things like having your game of choice shut down in its country of origin, which rarely bodes well for the future of the game as a whole. RaiderZ has shut down in both South Korea and Europe, but Perfect World Entertainment's senior product manager Mark Hill insists in a recent interview that this does not mean the title is in any risk of shutting down in North America. Hill states that the game is still developing a new expansion for release in the near future and that the development team is in close contact with the North American staff. He also points out that the game is not region-locked, allowing players to still register and play for the American version regardless of their countries of origin. While this doesn't mean the game is invincible in this market, it should help make current players a little more comfortable while playing.
RaiderZ launches Broken Silence expansion
The first expansion for RaiderZ, Broken Silence, is now available for players to tackle and conquer. The region of Cowen Marsh should be the first stop for players looking to see fresh sights in the world. Senior Producer Mark Hill is jolly well thrilled as one might expect: "We are excited to bring our first RaiderZ expansion to our devoted players. We hope players will enjoy the new content and we are looking forward to adding even more in the future." The expansion raises the level cap to 40, while adding new areas, bosses, and gear. Players will see an improved matchmaking system in Broken Silence, as well as a battle "Wave System" and a PvP arena. [Source: Perfect World press release]
RaiderZ announces first expansion, Broken Silence
Perfect World Entertainment's free-to-play hack-and-slash title RaiderZ is about to get a bit bigger. Today, the developers announced the game's first expansion, titled Broken Silence. The expansion is promised to add "a wealth of new content, including an increased level cap of 40, new zones, an updated PvP battle arena system, new epic monsters to conquer piece-by-piece, and much more." Whew, that was a mouthful, but it sounds as if RaiderZ players will have plenty to look forward to. RaiderZ's senior producer Mark Hill states that in the expansion, "the Grand Wall of Silence has fallen [and] the Kingdom of Rendel and its citizens face a new threat from the north," and adds that players can "expect more info very soon." So in the interim, how about some shiny pictures? Everyone loves shiny pictures. Check out the gallery below for seven screenshots highlighting some of what players can expect from the Broken Silence expansion. [Source: Perfect World Entertainment press release] %Gallery-161571%
Massively Exclusive: RaiderZ announces launch date with new screens and a video
Since the beta doors opened on October 24th, more folks have been checking out the action of RaiderZ, banding together to engage massive bosses and even using mobs' own limbs as weapons against them. But if you were waiting for launch to jump in and experience the free-form class system and monster transformation ability for yourself, get ready: Perfect World Entertainment has just announced that the free-to-play game will launch on November 20th. Senior Producer Mark Hill noted that launch was just the beginning. He stated, "We'd like to thank fans for their continued support and also welcome new players to explore the Kingdom of Rendel. This is just the first part of our commitment to provide players with a great experience for years to come." Want a glimpse of what you can expect next week? Check out the beautiful world and watch a variety of battles in the launch trailer after the break, and enjoy some exclusive images in the gallery below. [Source: Perfect World Entertainment press release]%Gallery-170990%
RaiderZ open beta announced, Founder's Pack includes Neverwinter beta access
Fans eager to get a taste of the upcoming fantasy free-to-play MMO RaiderZ will have the chance to come next month. Perfect World Entertainment announced that the open beta will begin October 24th, 2012. The studio also announced that Founder's Packs go on sale starting today. Players can choose between an elite pack and a basic for rewards such as scrolls, potions, and even a mount. The elite pack also includes guaranteed access to the closed beta for Cryptic Studios' upcoming D&D MMO Neverwinter. For a full listing of the items included in the Founder's Pack, visit the official site. While waiting for the open beta to commence, you can read more about RaiderZ in Massively's interview with Senior Producer Mark Hill and watch Massively's video impressions of the game. [Source: Perfect World Entertainment press release]
RaiderZ opens Ingen Free Port for business
Perfect World is cranking up the PR machine leading into this weekend's Penny Arcade Expo. While we got a look at RaiderZ's Broken Mast zone yesterday, today we're treated to a visit to Ingen Free Port. Ingen Free Port is supposedly a "safe harbor" for visitors, offering an array of services and vendors to heroes looking for a respite from non-stop combat. Senior Producer Mark Hill says that it's important for the company to show the quieter side of the game world: "The kingdom of Rendel and its many bustling cities, like Ingen Free Port, is key to bringing the world of RaiderZ truly to life." Perfect World will be promoting RaiderZ at PAX Prime, but you don't have to wait until then to see Ingen Free Port. We've got the full flythrough after the jump. [Source: Perfect World press release]
Free for All: RaiderZ's Mark Hill talks punching, slashing, and beta
I was first introduced to RaiderZ back at E3 2011. The game has been in testing since then and has apparently grown a lot. I've had some time now to try the beta and chop up some monsters, and I have to say that the action is frantic but the open-world is not something I am used to from action-based MMOs. Mark Hill, Senior Producer for RaiderZ, answered my questions and explained just why we should be excited for this new free-to-play title. I'll let you read his answers, but I'd also ask that you try it out when you can. It really is a nice step forward from other action-based titles, but you can judge that for yourself. And after all, we love non-instanced combat, right?
Massively Exclusive: RaiderZ boss fight video
With RaiderZ's closed beta rapidly approaching, it's not a half-bad idea to see the game in action before deciding to make the leap into it or not. Massively has obtained footage of a boss fight that shows a group of players taking on a mighty stone golem that's being piloted by a rather cute goblin. RaiderZ will go into closed beta on August 8th, and Perfect World wants to remind players that those who sign up for the beta will get a chance to win tickets to the sold-out PAX later this month. Senior Producer Mark Hill hopes that the company can build on the foundation it's already set for the game: "Players who already got a chance to try RaiderZ during the Alpha Test phase can also look forward to striving towards a new level cap of 30, exploring the Makot Village, and much more." You can watch the boss fight video after the cut!%Gallery-161571%
Exclusive: Rusty Hearts Reborn launch trailer highlights new weapon specializations
The wait is nearly over for Rusty Hearts fans as the game's first expansion, Reborn, goes live tomorrow. This much-anticipated expansion brings plenty of new content for both higher-level characters and those just starting out, including a new party system, a new starting zone, and a PvP ladder system. But that's not all! Among the major additions coming with the expansion are new weapon specializations known as job focuses. Are you eager to know who gets to wield twin swords and who sports demon gloves? Can you guess which lucky character gets to wrap his hands around a glaive? Are you curious as to what's inside a weapon bag? You don't have to wait until tomorrow to find out! You can watch the Rusty Hearts Reborn launch trailer now, exclusively on Massively. Check out the new weapon action after the break. And for more details on the expansion, read Massively's interview with Game Producer Mark Hill and check out the official site. [Source: Perfect World Entertainment press release]
Perfect World Entertainment's Mark Hill previews Rusty Hearts: Reborn
About a week ago, we got our first look at the first expansion to Perfect World Entertainment's side-scrolling hack-and-slash title, Rusty Hearts. On July 24th, Rusty Hearts: Reborn will be bringing a wealth of new content to the game, and I had the opportunity to sit down and chat with Mark Hill, senior product manager of Rusty Hearts, about the new update. What's particularly interesting about Rusty Hearts: Reborn is that many of the features coming with the expansion are a direct result of player feedback. According to Hill, the studio recognized that many players were quitting the game prematurely, sometimes as early as level 5, and as such, the expansion is focused on retooling the early- and mid-game to make it more welcoming to new players. That's not to say that there's nothing for established players, however, so if you're interested in what Rusty Hearts: Reborn is bringing to the table, head on past the cut, where I'll share all of the information gleaned from my talk with Mr. Hill.
Rusty Hearts releases new Leila Vergerius character
If you haven't tried Rusty Hearts yet, this week is as good a time as any since Stairway Games, WindySoft, and Perfect World Entertainment are adding a brand-new playable character to the hack-and-slash free-to-play title. Leila Vergerius is the younger sibling of Roselle Vergerius, and she's been fighting to escape her older sister's protective shadow for some time. Perfect World tells us that Leila doesn't actually need the protection since she's more than capable of unleashing a dark magic-flavored can of whoop-ass on par with those of big sis. Leila is also adept with a sword and an axe, both of which are made even more deadly by her propensity for speed, agility, and leap-and-flip aerial attacks. Check her out in the gallery below, and head to the official Rusty Hearts website for more game info. We've also got an interview with Rusty Hearts producer Mark Hill on today's podcast! [Source: Perfect World press release] %Gallery-129433%
PAX East 2012: Hands-on with Perfect World's RaiderZ
TERA isn't the only upcoming MMO to feature big-ass monsters and action combat. Perfect World Entertainment showed us a demo of RaiderZ at last weekend's PAX East, and producer Mark Hill was pretty enthusiastic about the game's level of polish. He also made a point of highlighting the amount of free gameplay the company will be making available to fans later this year. "We really want to blow people away with how much free content they're getting out of a really top-notch game," he said. Join us after the cut to see what RaiderZ has to offer.
Perfect World offers gamers a shot at a trip to PAX Prime
Bummed because PAX Prime is sold out -- and your wallet's looking thin, anyway? Well, how would it sound if we told you that you had a chance to go to the mega-convention in Seattle next month for free, including round-trip airfare? Pretty good, huh? As part of its efforts to promote Rusty Hearts, Perfect World Entertainment is giving away a convention package to one lucky winner (and his or her best friend). If you register for the Rusty Hearts beta by July 27th, you'll automatically be entered to win these two three-day PAX passes. To make a good deal even better, the winners will have the opportunity to have dinner with the producers and developers of the game! Rusty Hearts Producer Mark Hill is flat-out psyched for the event: "This is a great year for Rusty Hearts to make its debut appearance at Penny Arcade Expo. We cannot wait to interact with Rusty Hearts fans on a personal level and we hope to get everyone as excited as we are by giving away these two passes to the otherwise sold out show. We have really been looking forward to bring Rusty Hearts to a gaming-centric consumer event, and I can't wait to see how the PAX crowd reacts to the game." Massively still has a number of Rusty Hearts beta keys to give away, and each of these comes with a special Massively Pack(TM) of in-game items!
Siege in an all-new way with the Heroes of Gaia: Ascension expansion
Snail Games has officially announced the fourth expansion for its strategy game Heroes of Gaia. Ascension allows players to rise to five new levels of fame, access new cooperative instances, hire temporary mercenaries for castle sieges, and adopt three new command styles for castle development. However, HoG is not done expanding. As Snail Games USA Director of Operations Mark Hill explains in a resent press release, "This is only the first of two major expansions we have planned for Heroes of Gaia. We have an extremely dedicated group of players on HoG, and we are proud to offer them these new and exciting ways to experience the game." Let's get real: Who hasn't wanted to own a castle? Now you can, and with the new Ascension expansion, the developers have redesigned the tutorial and an adjusted novice gift pack, which will allow a new player to gain the skills and equipment he needs to compete with more veteran players. Check out all the latest on this and future expansions for Heroes of Gaia on the official website... and have fun storming the castle!
