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Nexon signs agreement with Unity Technologies for development platform
If you know MMOs, odds are good you know what Nexon is -- one of the biggest free-to-play publishers in South Korea with a stable of several games that have been quite successful in the US as well. You may not know of Unity Technologies, however. That may well change, as Nexon has just signed a license agreement with Unity Technologies to allow the company the rights to utilize the Unity development platform for further projects. The Unity platform is meant to allow easier deployment of applications to alternative platforms, with the platform being in place for browsers, iOS, Android, and other systems. Nexon's agreement with Unity allows them full rights to the software for any and all subsidiaries, as well as the right to modify and alter the source code as necessary. Which projects Nexon has in the pipeline that might utilize this technology are unknown at this time, but it seems that the company is dedicated to branching out into alternative platforms. [Source: Nexon/Unity Technologies press release]
MapleStory adds the Cannoneer
Are you ready to solve all of your problems with the application of cannons? Up until now, MapleStory has allowed players to solve maybe a fifth of all your problems via the application of cannons. But the newest character type in the game, the Cannoneer, solves the vast majority of his problems via... well, you can guess. He also makes use of bombs and perhaps the odd aerial bombardment as well, just in case you wanted to diversify your problem-solving skills a bit. To show off this first update in the Legends patch, we have posted not one, not two, but three videos just past the break. There is, of course, a gameplay trailer for the Cannoneer and a trailer for the patch as a whole. But there's also the "audition" trailer for the Cannoneer as the staff at Nexon tries to decide on the next class to add to the game. Check out the videos just past the break, and get ready to open fire. [Source: Nexon press release]
Dragon Nest launches Theater of War update for PvP
At a glance, it might seem like PvP doesn't require as many updates as PvE -- after all, player conflict is providing most of the actual challenge, so updates are mostly just providing players new ways to take part in combat with one another. The newest Dragon Nest update, Theater of War, is all about precisely that, giving players new combat modes and match sizes to ensure that player combat stays lively. The new updates adds a 3v3 option to ladder matches, allowing smaller and more close-knit groups the option to take part in serious competition. There's also the addition of a free-for-all match type, with players able to take on everyone for supremacy. And then there's the new Protect Mode, challenging both sides to keep one player designated as the Captain alive while slaughtering the other side's similarly important Captain. Take a look at the trailer for the update just past the cut to give you an idea of what the modes will look like in play -- it's not new dungeons, but if you're fond of facing off against other players, it's even better.
Nexon looking to purchase Freestyle developer
Do you like street basketball? It certainly seems like the folks at Nexon do, seeing as how the company is in talks to purchase the developer of Freestyle. The rather unique street basketball MMO is developed by South Korean company JCE, and Nexon is currently in meetings with the company's majority stockholders. Successful negotiations wouldn't mean that Nexon could quite make the company a subsidiary, but they would be the first step down that road. Followers of the industry will no doubt notice that this is an ongoing pattern with Nexon's recent acquisition, as the Seoul-based company has purchased a variety of other South Korean development studios in recent months, as well as a Spanish development studio. What this would mean for the games in North America or for the industry as a whole is unclear as of yet, although it would certainly be another installment of Nexon solidifying its MMO catalogue.
Exclusive: New episode of MapleStory's New Leaf Saga
So you want to get started in Nexon's MapleStory? It can be a little bit baffling at times, as you could expect from starting a new game. But the New Leaf Saga is designed to help players get accustomed to the game through a gentle series of animated game videos showing off how the game works. Our last exclusive installment dealt with the plethora of classes available in the game, but the newest installment deals with a problem that can apply to almost any game. Our intrepid protagonist, still struggling to find her place within the game, is ready to head off and adventure with her pet dragon and her friend. Unfortunately, said friend needs to briefly step away from the computer to take care of some other matters, and the new girl starts getting a little bored. If you're a fan of MapleStory, new to the game, or just new to MMOs in general, skip on past the break to give the latest episode of the New Leaf Saga a quick watch.
Atlantica Online entering the realm of the Three Kingdoms
If you've never read Romance of the Three Kingdoms or studied a bit of Chinese history, you're missing out on a drama full of intrigue, cleverness, and sweeping battles. Fortunately for players of Atlantica Online, you don't need to know the history to enjoy the upcoming Three Kingdoms update. Slated for release on the 26th of April, the update will contain a variety of new quests and systems along with a new mercenary hero, Guan Yu. The quests will center around the Battle of Red Cliffs, with players getting the chance to rub shoulders with well-known figures such as Cao Cao and Liu Bei. Players can also enjoy the new Expedition Team feature, which allows mercenaries to be dispatched for side objectives while the player focuses on the more pressing battles of the day. Check out some of the concept art in the gallery below, and if you're fond of Atlantica Online, make sure to check out the new update on the 26th. %Gallery-25535%
A new kingdom awaits in Vindictus patch 1.23
There's more to Vindictus than just hacking and slashing everything into a bloody red mist, and with the game's latest update, that statement is more true than ever. Patch 1.23 has just arrived, bringing with it a variety of new content for the free-to-play action title, starting with the brand-new kingdom of Rocheste. Players at level 22 or higher will be able to travel to the new area filled with new vendors and quest NPCs as well as enjoy the start of the brand-new Expertise system for crafting items. But maybe you're not too concerned about all of that fluff and want to cut things to ribbons. The update is catering to you as well with the level cap bump to 70 and the addition of two new transformations for your character. Along with an increased AP cap, new armors, and a new dueling system, there's plenty of opportunity for Vindictus veterans to enjoy the game's signature gameplay. Take a look at the full patch notes and get ready to enjoy all of the new additions, along with several upcoming events for the game.
Exclusive: MapleStory video preview of upcoming class
New classes and new abilities are always a good thing. MapleStory is already full of classes and abilities, but the upcoming Aftershock update will be adding in a new set of abilities for the Cygnus Knight class. Players who have attained level 120 in the class will be granted the option of making a new character of the Ultimate Explorer class, a character starting at level 50 and bypassing the early training levels for veteran players. The fine folks at Nexon have put together a preview showing off some of the new abilities and attacks players will be able to enjoy in the new update, animated with MapleStory's usual aplomb. While it's a bit on the short side, it should still give a picture of what new destruction can be wrought in the game's side-scrolling regions. Click on past the break for the video, and keep an eye out for further news as the patch gets closer.
Vindictus spreads the love with new update and holiday
Whether you're in the mood for hard combat or soft, silky underwear, Vindictus has you covered, strangely enough. Nexon's free-to-play title is charging through February in style, starting with a Valentine's Day event and ending with its massive Lost Artifacts update. Quirky events have quickly become one of Vindictus' staples. Right now players can participate in V-Day events for special rewards. If fishing and chocolate hunting isn't your bag, you can simply purchase a Valentine's Package at the Supply Depot for "sexy Valentine's themed Inner Armor." Cute undies, in other words. Valentine's events will end after the 15th, so players are encouraged to partake sooner rather than regret it later. On the 16th, Nexon rolls out the Lost Artifact update, which includes an increase in level cap to 60, six bonus chapters, and the Hoarfrost Depths and Hilder Forest zones. Lost Artifact also features two new modes, Hero and Gauntlet, for those seeking a more challenging dungeon experience. You can check out pictures from these events as well as the Lost Artifact trailer after the jump.
The Blood Lord has come to Vindictus, and he brings... football
Perhaps you've been enjoying Vindictus but thinking the whole time that something is missing from the game. Something that would really make all of the fantasy action click together for you. Something like, say, footballs. If so, well, we don't know what to tell you except that your dream has come true. Coinciding with the arrival of the Blood Lord is the addition of footballs throughout missions, as well as special football-themed costumes for players to unlock by using the pigskins as a weapon of war. Essentially, defeating bosses with creative use of the football will net players coupons that can be redeemed for football jerseys, which combine with football helmets (available in the cash store) to unlock special bonuses for players. It's certainly apropos of the current playoff season, albeit in a setting where it doesn't make a whole lot of sense. Still, if you're looking to meld ferocious fantasy violence with the thrill of kicking the winning field goal, the video past the cut makes it clear that Vindictus has you covered. (Oh, and there's a vampire lord.) %Gallery-114025%
Vindictus hails to the Blood Lord on January 19th
If there's one thing Vindictus isn't lacking, it's blood, usually freshly harvested from the cavalcade of enemies players encounter. So it makes a certain amount of sense that the January 19th content update features the Blood Lord, who is intended as the newest high-level challenge for players to face off against. And while the update will include some new additions to the cash shop, it's a foregone conclusion that the Blood Lord is taking center stage in the new mission "Shadowed by Darkness." Up to six players may engage the Blood Lord, with the spoils allowing players to craft the Nightmare armor set. It will not be easily earned, however, as the Blood Lord unleashes a variety of devastating fire attacks coupled with aggressive claw swipes. He's also capable of vanishing in a cloud of smoke and moving about in the form of a bat swarm, as if the vampiric allusions weren't quite clear enough. Vindictus players above level 45 can take on the Blood Lord starting on January 19th, but until then they can survey the teaser trailer and the gallery for some idea of what they'll be facing. %Gallery-114025%
Nexon touts Vindictus New Year's item pack
Looking to get a leg up on the new year in Vindictus? If so, Nexon has a time-limited deal that may interest you. The New Year's Renewal Pack is available now through January 11th, and it's crammed full of goodies, including a 90-day storage chest expansion, 30-day hair and body tattoo coupons, a special character title (celebrating the Year of the Rabbit), and 10,000 in-game gold. The pack will set you back 9900 NX (Nexon's cash shop currency; $1.00 US currently buys you 1000 NX) and is only available for purchase a single time per character. Read all about it on the official Vindictus website.
Vindictus brings in the King of the Gnolls
Nexon has just what Vindictus players want for the holidays -- more content! Episode 4: King of the Gnolls has just been released to the live servers, and with it comes a variety of additions. This new patch raises the level cap to 44, perfect for players who had already maxed out their characters. Additionally, weaponry has been updated to add three new stats: balance, critical hits, and attack speed. A host of new powers has been added to the Evie, Fiona and Lann archetypes as well, offering new ways to lay the smack down -- but that's not all! Also added in this update are two new high-level dungeons: Prairie Entrance and the Ruins of Sanctity. The Prarie Entrance offers wide-open spaces and challenging trap-filled landscapes, requiring players to employ a bit more strategy than just running in and smacking everything around. Meanwhile, the Ruins of Sanctity is a dark, overgrown area where particularly nasty monsters are lurking around every corner, ready to snack on your face. We've snagged a handful of screenshots from the new areas and added them to the gallery below. For those who prefer their action in video form, check behind the break for some shiny new Vindictus gameplay footage. %Gallery-97587%
G-Star 2010: Vindictus wins big for Nexon
Vindictus has hacked its way into the hearts of many players, with its can-do attitude and liberal stance on how many decapitations make your actions morally justified. Apparently, the players aren't the only ones in love with the game, as it has managed to walk away from the G-Star 2010 convention with so many awards that the development team can build a house. The 2010 Korean Game Awards taking place on the show floor awarded Nexon's game the grand prize as well as six other awards for excellence. The win was a first for Nexon, and it was followed by a half-dozen other awards including the Popular Game Award (in the Online Game category) and all four technical creation categories (Game Planning/Scenario, Game Graphics, Game Character, and Game Sound). CEO Seo Min thanked the organizers for the honors as well as Vindictus players for making the game such a success. Free-to-play games have come a long way as a whole, but if the bevy of awards is any indication, Vindictus is a cut above the rest.
Vindictus takes a look at casting with Evie
The highly active nature of Vindictus has made the game a bit of a darling within the free-to-play community for the time being, but many of the class spotlights thus far have focused on getting into your opponent's face and carving him up. All well and good, but sometimes you'd rather just hang out in the back and start casting some fireballs or summon up devastating golems from the surrounding debris. If that sounds like your cup of tea, the latest video from the game will be for you. Evie is a caster, focusing less upon beating things to death with a staff and more on controlling the battlefield via magic. Among the spells on display are her abilities to summon golems, create magic turrets to attack enemies, and reverse gravity to give party members a fighting edge. Click on past the break to take a look at what things look like in Vindictus from the caster's point of view. (Here's a hint: It's violent.)
Vindictus rips out a new trailer for the last part of beta
Vindictus is set to officially launch on the 27th of October, but it could be argued that the launch has already happened. After all, while the game is currently in open beta, all levels and money will carry over from this phase of testing to the live launch. That's a fine incentive to go ahead and start playing the game early, but if you're one of the people not quite won over to the game, maybe the latest trailer will help convince you. Focused from the point of view of the bosses and the newest beta features, the trailer shows off much of what has made players excited about the latest game to come out of Nexon. The open beta can be downloaded off the official site, and since everything earned in this phase of testing carries over, now's a fine time to start your adventures in Vindictus -- after you check out the trailer past the break.
Vindictus gives characters a moment around the campfire
The focus that Nexon has pushed with Vindictus has been one of non-stop, no-holds-barred action. While that's not a bad thing in any sense, it does lead one to wonder if there will be anything but the non-stop slaughter to deal with. As it turns out, there will be a feature in the game not just allowing players a brief rest, but actually encouraging one -- the campfire. Long known as a place where adventurers can congregate and rest, campfires can be built mid-dungeon and provide not just a chance to stop and chat, but also offer vital services. Obtained from an NPC early in the game, campfire kits and books allow players to put a campfire together, giving them small buffs that increase the longer they sit by the fire. The fire improves attack, defense, and health regeneration, with greater bonuses coming the longer you enjoy its warming presence. It also offers a more subtle benefit to players by allowing the repair of any damaged items. Although you can only assemble one per dungeon and gain no protection while sitting at the fire, it seems that Vindictus has built in a mechanic to encourage the party to sit down and chat for a minute or two before resuming the charnel-house slaughter. %Gallery-104223%
