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LotRO: Riders of Rohan website, pre-purchase available [Updated]
Turbine's sounded the rallying horn today to its legion of Lord of the Rings Online fans to come south to Rohan. The official Riders of Rohan website has launched, and the fall's expansion is now available to pre-purchase for special bonuses. The website shows off the mounted combat, epic story, and regions of Rohan through images, descriptions, and a teaser video. There's also an interesting story section that boasts a short film with live actors portraying some of the key characters in the expansion. While we're still some time off from the expansion's release, Turbine is tempting us into pre-purchasing Riders of Rohan by offering a slew of different packages and bonuses. There are three editions ranging from $39.99 to $69.99. The editions include different amounts of extra content including a special mount, older zone quest packs, and the much-desired sixth inventory bag. By pre-purchasing, players will get many of these bonuses immediately as well as a few extras that won't be available after the expansion launches. You can watch both the teaser video as well as the story trailer for Riders of Rohan after the jump! [Update: Turbine has confirmed that the expansion will release on September 5th, 2012.]
Sorcery kicks off new pre-purchase functionality on PSN
Who has time to accumulate cash then wait for a game to launch before actually paying for it? In this work-a-day world, we need to prepare for such things; we need lead time. And if you're of a similar mind, it may please you to know that Sorcery will be the first game to kick off a new pre-purchase feature on PSN.Right now, you can log onto PSN and pay for Sorcery, triggering a download granted you have auto-download enabled. Once you have the game pre-loaded, you can play as soon as Sorcery launches next week on May 22.Sorcery is the only game you can pre-purchase through PSN right now. We've inquired with Sony about future games.
Guild Wars 2 hosting a surprise stress test next Monday
Are you in withdrawal after the last Guild Wars 2 testing weekend? Feeling the need to get back in the game, even if it's just for one night? If so, you're in luck, as the team has just recently announced that the game will be performing a surprise stress test on Monday, May 14th between 2:00 p.m. EDT until 9:00 p.m. EDT. It's a chance to log back in, play for a bit, and get more of a taste for the game over those seven hours. Worth noting is that the stress test is only for pre-purchasers, but beyond that there are no specific test requirements -- you can continue using the characters you created during the beta weekend. Players may experience some slight performance issues, since the purpose is to try and alleviate issues before the next beta weekend rolls around. So if you've pre-purchased the game, get ready to head back to Tyria in less than a week's time.
Torchlight 2 available for pre-purchase on Steam
With all the buzz around a certain well-known third installment of a franchise, you could be forgiven for momentarily forgetting about Torchlight 2. However, the game is now available for pre-purchase on Steam, which should serve as something of a reminder. The game doesn't yet have a firm release date other than this summer, but you can still drop your $20 and have the game ready to play on launch day. The original Torchlight was hailed by many as the spiritual sequel to Diablo II (and some assumed it would also be the closest we'd ever get to an actual sequel). Torchlight 2 boasts more character customization, more pet customization, improved fishing and pet management, a new set of classes, and of course all of the same hack-and-slash gameplay that the first game featured. If you're a fan of the genre, that third installment likely has your eye for the moment, but you might want to see how the other half lives as well.
Guild Wars 2 briefs players on next weekend's beta event
Excited about next weekend's Guild Wars 2 beta event? We're right there with you, which is why we uttered a sigh of relief to hear some concrete details about the hows and whys of the nitty-gritty details from ArenaNet's mouth. The event will take place from Friday, April 27th, at 3:00 p.m. EDT until Monday, April 30, at 3:00 a.m. While there are various ways to obtain a key for the weekend (such as having gone to PAX East), the only 100% surefire way of getting in the event is to have pre-purchased the game. All event attendees will be emailed next week with instructions about the client download. The beta event will allow players to choose from three races (Charr, Human, and Norn) and all eight classes, to experience PvP and PvE content, and to see Lion's Arch for the very first time. ArenaNet assured us that this will not be the final beta weekend prior to launch and delivered the good news that this event will not be hampered by an NDA of any sort.
ArenaNet shows the making of Guild Wars 2's collector's edition statue
When Guild Wars 2's pre-purchase program started two days ago, scores of fans descended upon their local retailers looking to secure one of its few, highly desired collector's editions. For those fortunate enough to grab one, ArenaNet has posted an inside look at the centerpiece of the CE: the Rytlock Brimstone statue. While the team considered statues of each of the races, it decided that the Charr was the most iconic and worthy of star treatment. ArenaNet partnered up with Canada's Happy Worker to fashion the detailed statue that shows Rytlock with his flaming blade, standing over a field of skulls. The heavy statue is 10 inches tall and painstakingly hand-painted. If you're still attempting to hunt down a collector's edition of Guild Wars 2, head over to the pre-purchase page on the official site for the list of retailers in your country.
Guild Wars 2 is now available for pre-purchase, still no launch date
Saddle up, Tyrians -- it's going to be one heck of a ride! As of this morning, Guild Wars 2 is available for pre-purchase from a variety of vendors. The digital versions of the standard and deluxe editions can be purchased on Guild Wars 2's website, although ArenaNet has also posted a list of retailers that are selling the game. It's only through these retailers that physical copies of the standard and collector's edition can be obtained. As of the time of this writing, many tipsters have reported that GW2 collector's editions have been sold out at several retailers. ArenaNet said it will have an update in a few hours on Twitter. By pre-purchasing Guild Wars 2, players not only get the game itself and any goodies that edition contains but will secure access into beta weekend events and the game's three-day headstart prior to launch. The standard edition is $59.99, the deluxe digital edition is $79.99, and the collector's edition is $149.99.
Guild Wars 2 adds Best Buy to CE pre-purchase retailer list, releases new video [Updated]
Preparing to run out and snag your Guild Wars 2 Collector's Edition tomorrow? For avid fans in the US, you used to have only one option: Gamestop. However, now it appears that ArenaNet is shipping the coveted CEs to Best Buy as well. According to the ArenaNet-authored pre-purchase retailers list on the Guild Wars 2 wiki, Best Buy has joined Gamestop, which makes them the only two brick-and-mortar outlets in the US that are selling physical copies of the standard edition and Collector's Edition. US players also have the option of pre-purchasing a boxed standard edition through Amazon. ArenaNet will open the doors for Guild Wars 2's pre-purchases and pre-orders tomorrow, April 10th, and will post the pre-purchase list on the official website at that time. President Mike O'Brien recently clarified some of the finer points regarding the pre-purchase program. [Thanks to Ravious for the tip!] [Updated: ArenaNet has also released a Collector's Edition video to celebrate the impending pre-purchase date! We've embedded it after the cut.] [Updated on April 10th: Tipster Mcguffn has pointed us to a thread in which Best Buy representatives posted that the retailer will not be participating in the promotion, but ArenaNet has since Tweeted that "Best Buy is participating in the pre-purchase program, and will have copies soon. Forum poster was misinformed." We'll update this post if we learn more.]
Guild Wars 2 pre-purchase locations announced
April 10th is fast approaching, and the ArenaNet team is doing its best to be sure fans are totally informed on how best to give up their money when Guild Wars 2 is finally available for pre-purchase. French Community Manager Stephane Lo Presti has put a list of retailers participating in the pre-purchase program up on the Guild Wars 2 Wiki. According to the game's FAQ page, fans will be able to order the digital Standard and the Digital Deluxe editions directly from NCsoft (Steam is not on the list, so they're out for digital pre-purchasing). These physical retailers, though, will offer at least the Standard and possibly the Collector's editions of the game, which means that fans will have a special interest in which of the listed retailers provide the CE version of the pre-purchase. Keep in mind that these are the retailers for pre-purchase, not necessarily launch or pre-order. The list is pretty lengthy; it's almost like ArenaNet wants to make pre-purchase as convenient as possible for as many fans as possible. Hit up the list if you want to figure out where you're headed on April 10th.
ArenaNet confirms Guild Wars 2 beta invites are in progress
Brooding over your lack of a beta invite for Guild Wars 2? Are you anxiously refreshing your inbox every three seconds on the off-chance that ArenaNet finally came to its senses and opened the door to the best tester in the world (that's you, of course)? It might help you to know that ArenaNet has indeed begun sending out beta invites for the lucky few who were accepted after the recent 48-hour call to arms. Rubi Bayer confirmed this on Guild Wars 2's Facebook page: "Yes, beta invitations have begun going out. They'll be sent out over the next few days. Please remember that discussing the beta in any way, shape, or form -- including your status in it -- is a breach of NDA. Don't risk your beta access!" Keep in mind that whether or not you're admitted to this round of beta testing, you can ensure your place in future beta weekends by pre-purchasing the game.
Guild Wars 2 pre-purchase details announced
Things are just getting more and more exciting for Guild Wars 2 fans. Since ArenaNet's blog post confirming a 2012 launch, things seem to be warming up: We've had a press beta, an intensely busy beta signup period, the promise of another late March beta, and now an announcement about Guild Wars 2 pre-purchase. NCsoft sent out a press release today with some juicy details regarding the game's Collector's Edition and the benefits of purchasing early. From April 10th onward, pre-purchasers of any of the editions (Collector's, Digital Deluxe, or Standard) will be guaranteed access into beta weekend events and a three-day head start for launch, which is awesome if you want to reserve a cool name so you're not stuck with being xLegolasXx. An additional benefit to any pre-purchase is the somewhat mysterious Hero's Band, which will apparently give characters a variety of power boosts to speed them on their way. The Collector's Edition is going to cost you $149.99, but ArenaNet certainly seems to be providing bang for your buck: a 10-inch statue of the iconic Rytlock Brimstone and his sword Sohothin, a custom frame with five Guild Wars 2 art prints, a book on the making of Guild Wars 2, a soundtrack CD, and five in-game items (including a mini Rytlock), all of which should make this a pretty tempting order for super fans of the game. The Digital Deluxe pre-purchase is only going to run you $79.99, and the Standard Edition will be $59.99 -- again, any three of those will secure you the Hero's Band, a place in beta events, and a three-day head start. Pre-ordering Guild Wars 2 from select retailers will reserve you a copy of the game at launch and entitle you to a one-day head start. [Source: NCsoft press release]
Pre-order Sonic Generations on Steam, receive classic Sonic games free
Today has been a pretty good news day for the dusty old codgers here at Joystiq; not only will the original Sonic the Hedgehog be included in Sonic Generations as an unlockable, but Steam has gone and sweetened the nostalgia pot by giving away Sonic 3D Blast and Sonic 3 and Knuckles with every Generations pre-order. Sonic Generations hits Steam November 4, but the pre-order bonuses become instantly available at check-out. And look at it this way, even if Generations ends up being a flop, you can tell yourself you spent 30 dollars on two Genesis ports, which is a much more palatable sense of disappointment. [Thanks, Prezten!]
Pre-order Call of Juarez: The Cartel on Steam, get Bound in Blood free
Valve has announced that if you pre-order the upcoming Call of Juarez: The Cartel on Steam, you'll get a copy of 2009's Call of Juarez: Bound in Blood for free. Just like a few other previous Steam pre-order deals (Portal 2's granted a copy of the first game ), you'll be able to give the game away to someone else if you already happen to have a copy of Bound in Blood of your own. That's not all: a Steam pre-order will also get you two exclusive in-game weapons, though it's not yet been revealed exactly what those are. Hey -- maybe a chicken cannon. Because, y'know, it's ... a chicken cannon.
Monday Night Combat's Steam beta live
Want to get in on the Steam version of Monday Night Combat before its first official "Monday Night" -- specifically, Monday, January 17, the release date? If you pre-purchase the arena shooter on Steam now, you can play it on Steam now: the beta is now live, and open to anyone who buys it before release. Remember, when you play a beta, you're not just having fun: you also bear a Sacred Duty to help make the game better. Anyone who played the XBLA version at launch would tell you to be really thorough with your testing.
Final Fantasy XI gets an Abyssean trailer
The highly anticipated December version update for Final Fantasy XI looks to be going live on December 6th. That's not quite certain yet, but considering that the newest update to the Heroes of Abyssea site lists that as the activation date, it's reasonable to assume the game's next major patch will be going live then. It also comes with a trailer showing off the new monsters listed under the bestiary, as well as the landscape for players to explore. Orthrus, Alfard, and Khrysokhimaira are the three headlining notorious monsters for the add-on, with the trailer giving some sense of just how large the monsters are in comparison with players. Combined with the extant previews of the completed Empyrean Armor sets and the option to pre-purchase the mini-expansion, Final Fantasy XI players will have plenty to whet their appetites until the forecasted release date in a little less than two weeks' time.
City of Heroes celebrates the official Going Rogue launch with a new trailer
In case you've managed to miss the news, the latest expansion for City of Heroes has launched today. Well, technically it launched yesterday, but that was for customers who had pre-purchased via the NCsoft store. Today remains the official launch of Going Rogue, and to both commemorate the occasion and drum up more interest, Paragon Studios has released an official launch trailer for the expansion. And if you've somehow missed all of the ramp-up to the launch, well, now would be the perfect time to catch up. Going Rogue is a pretty big expansion for the game's core, and the video (embedded past the cut) shows off the many new elements while also highlighting the familiar City of Heroes engine. Featuring the option to switch between heroic and villainous factions as well as a revamped starting experience, it's the perfect time for a new player to jump on. And if you get in that mood after seeing the trailer, well, we do have a contest running at the moment...
A Mild-Mannered Reporter: Questions versus answers, no holds barred!
We interrupt your regularly-scheduled guide to playing a spider for a number of questions and answers, and possibly several comic book sound effects! (Okay, it's not exactly "interrupting" anything when I said that it would be here this week, but humor me.) As usual, the community has taken the opportunity to ask me a number of City of Heroes questions, and I have used my magical time-looker-forward tube to find the vast majority of the answers. So with that having been said, let's get into the down and dirty, shall we? Superfan asked: "Massively suspects the game has only 40,000 active subscibers right now?" No, the quick math done by one Massively writer suggested it as a possible figure, based on some generous margins and assuming everyone's subscription is on a one-month-recurring basis as opposed to the plethora of other subscription pricing plans available. The goal was to create a vague idea of how many subscribers on an active basis the game might have at the moment, since we no longer get actual subscription numbers for the game.
Global Agenda early start and preorder bonuses detailed
You've gotten all the news and updates, and you've even gotten a handy guide to conquest mode for Global Agenda. If you're ever going to be ready for Hi-Rez Studio's high-action game, it's now. So it's no coincidence that we've gotten news on the game's pre-purchase options, as well as the early start details for all players and the chance to reserve your character name prior to the February 1st launch date. After all, if you've gotten the game via Steam, don't you want to just download and start playing right away? That little grayed-out name is mocking you. The latest newsletter details the early start, which will allow players to reach Level 10, reserve their character name, and unlock special pre-order items. It's also the only chance that pre-order players will have to claim their No Elves Flair and Commonwealth Helmet. Luckily, it's easy to hop in between January 28th and January 31st, and take a little time to start playing the game and forming Agencies. Beta players will also get the option to keep their character name during the transition to Live, although not their levels or data. Good news all around for Global Agenda fans.
