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MMObility: Introduction to the column and a look at Ministry of War
Browsers are not what they used to be. These days, we do so much through our browsers that we do not even notice their ease of use, and we trust them to be entertaining, informative and user-friendly. Browser gaming has come a long, long way as well. It doesn't take but a single run-in with any one of the more fantastic titles out there to see just how much can be done within the confines of your favorite web tool. Not all of our options are text-based or boring. Fully realized 3-D worlds are yours for the taking, as is some of the most clever design in gaming today. I am glad to bring you this new column to cover the world of browser-based gaming, in the hopes that I can speak to those players who might not be able to afford a state-of-the-art gaming machine. This column is squarely aimed at the basic laptop or netbook crowd -- those college students, working mothers and fathers with little time, or even players who are in medical situations that prevent them from owning the latest piece of hardware. Don't worry; it won't be a non-stop parade of repetitive Facebook games. I aim to push that image firmly to the side, replacing it instead with a picture of gaming bliss. Click past the cut and let's get started!
This week on The MMO Report
This week on The MMO Report, Casey takes us on a free-for-all ride through the MMOGverse, scratches an itch in Uncle Casey's Mailbag, and shares a timely lesson just before World of Warcraft: Cataclysm launches. Listen and learn, for lo, there is wisdom to be had on this mythical (and not-so-mythical) topic. This episode starts off with a look at All Points Bulletin, which has been pulled back from the grave by GamersFirst, and hopefully will get more of the features it was supposed to actually have when it launched. Moving on from there, Casey touches on the recent opening of Ministry of War as a browser-based MMORTS. Some of the staff here dig it, being a bunch of Civ fiends. Mind you, if we start seeing boob-infested flash ads for the game popping up everywhere, we're going to deny ever hearing its name. In other snark news, Casey takes a look at the continuing saga of the Final Fantasy XIV free trial, which is being extended yet again in an attempt to keep fans happy. Looks like Square-Enix will have a title out for the holidays* -- which might be when this one actually becomes fully playable. Finally, the last bit of news wraps up with a mention of DC Universe Online's new trailer showing off a police station which is strangely devoid of donuts. Guess glazed pastries just don't mix with skin-tight spandex. You can find this week's episode behind the cut and of course every week at G4TV. * Note: 'Holiday' is used here to refer to any/all holidays in a given calendar year. Could be Christmas, could be Arbor Day. Who knows?
Snail Games launches Ministry of War
Snail Games USA has announced the launch of its new Ministry of War free-to-play MMORTS. The title is billed as the world's most advanced browser game and boasts a variety of features not commonly found in the genre including Contested Zone Wars, a massive world map, and a robust merchant and trade system. Contested Zones are territories fought over and controlled by player guilds and they're active each night from 9:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. EST. Guilds can hold the territories as long as they're able, and even non-guilded players can opt to participate by choosing a side and fighting as a mercenary. "Ministry of War redefines the entire notion of a browser game," says Snail Games USA CEO Jason Katz. "It has eight different categories of combat -- everything from arena battles and lair raids to epic large-scale multiplayer battles like Contested Zone Wars and city sieges." Check out all the latest information, and start playing almost immediately, at the game's official website. [Update: Snail Games has contacted Massively and asked us to let prospective players know that they'll be flipping the live switch at 6:00 p.m. PST/ 9:00 p.m. EST]
Get your MMORTS on because we have Ministry of War beta keys!
Look, we know that all of you have plans for world domination. That's nothing to be ashamed of. But what good are those plans when you don't have the chance to put them into action, right? Well, that's where Ministry of War comes in. Ministry of War is a browser-based MMORTS that lets you step into the shoes of one of history's great nations: Egypt, Persia, Rome, or China. From there, you'll build your empire humbly at first. You'll build structures, study war techniques, and prepare your army. Then, when your enemies on the game's huge world map least expect it, you can launch a strike into their lands! Here's where the game becomes less like Civilization and more like Age of Empires, as you'll find yourself commanding your units on an RTS battlefield. That's right, no more having battles decided for you -- you control the fight. The good folks over at Snail Games USA have allotted us 100 beta keys to give away to you fine folks. However, there is a catch: The keys will be distributed at random, much like one of our contests. Interested and want to know more? Charge after the break for all of the details and where to sign up for a beta key! %Gallery-99802%
