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Perfect Ten: Terrible, terrible MMO names
A catchy, vivid title is essential to getting your game noticed and establishing a strong brand. Yes, we as gamers will get used to pretty much any dumb name (unless it's Daikatana), but a great one allows us to mention it in polite society without getting spat on or rejected for dates. The best MMO names in my opinion are single words that sound cool or conjure up a strong association. I'm less fond of ALL CAPS ACRONYMS and any game that can't be more inventive with its title than to put "Online" after it. For the most part, MMOs play it safe and boring with titles, with only a few outliers in the awesome or terrible fringes. Today, we're going to examine the latter. I want to make a couple of quick qualifiers here. I'm not judging these games by their names; an MMO can be good or bad independent of how silly its name is. And while I know that some of these names make more sense in context, I generally feel that if I have to have it explained to me, then it's a fail.
The Daily Grind: Do you heed or even read Steam MMO reviews?
As more and more MMOs come to Steam, where user reviews were implemented just a few short months ago, the subject of reviewing MMOs seems relevant once again. 2012's RaiderZ, for example, just launched this week on Steam, and before the first day was even done, the action-MMO had collected 80 reviews, most negative, to go along with its 64/100 metascore. We've talked before about the specific difficulties of reviewing and assigning numerical scores to MMOs, but that doesn't seem to stop gamers from posting (and presumably, reading and heeding) these abbreviated and often nonspecific opinions. Or does it? Do you read Steam reviews, and if so, do you find they influence your buying and trying decisions, especially when it comes to MMOs? Every morning, the Massively bloggers probe the minds of their readers with deep, thought-provoking questions about that most serious of topics: massively online gaming. We crave your opinions, so grab your caffeinated beverage of choice and chime in on today's Daily Grind!
RaiderZ now available on Steam
If you're looking for a Steam title that ends with 'Z,' you could follow the crowd and pick up DayZ's early access. Or you could pick up RaiderZ and indulge in some of Perfect World's Monster Hunter-style action combat mayhem. RaiderZ initially launched in November of 2012, and you can read what we thought of the game's lengthy beta process as well as its Broken Silence expansion.
Massively's winter holidays MMO roundup
The holidays are here! That means the hustle and bustle of the season is in full swing, with gifts to get, treats to taste, deals to nab, and plenty of festivities to partake in -- and that's just in the MMOverse! Yes folks, there's a plethora of holiday celebrations out there -- so many, in fact, that it can be hard to keep track of them all, let alone participate to them! If you're trying to catch everything in your favorite games, we're here to help. We've got a round up of the various winter celebrations across the gaming sphere all bundled together right here for you. If something catches your eye, hop in and join in the festivities!
Perfect World putting new resources toward console development
Perfect World Entertainment, the mega-publisher behind games like Neverwinter, Torchlight II, RaiderZ, and Star Trek Online, has just announced that it is launching a new in-house division dedicated to console development. According to general manager of publishing Andrew Brown, investing in console development offers Perfect World a way to "better connect with players." The console division will be dedicated to bringing new and existing PWE titles to consoles. Brown seemed optimistic about expanding into the console world, explaining, "You can expect Perfect World to be a major player in the console marketplace." No specific games were named for release. [Thanks to Paul for the tip!]
RaiderZ update introduces Assassin class
Today's RaiderZ update brings a host of big changes to the game. The patch includes an epic version of the Temple of Renas dungeon, a brand-new PvP zone, support for dual-speccing, and an overhaul of the game's Hellhound system. Additionally, the Brune's Glory battle arena now features 3v3 ranked guild matches. Most notably, Perfect World Entertainment has used the patch to debut the Assassin class. Assassins are capable of moving quickly through the battlefield, shrouding themselves from vision and using elixirs to buff their stamina, attack speed, movement speed, and resistance to damage and crowd control. Check out the gallery below for a closer look at some of the patch's content. [Source: RaiderZ press release]
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 shutting down in Korea, NA version endures
RaiderZ just can't catch a break, it seems. Just a few weeks after the title was shuttered in Europe, Neowiz announced that it will be taking the game offline in South Korea next month. The Korean version will go dark on September 24th, and the publisher said that it will be reimbursing cash purchases through October. The North American version is still alive and kicking, however, and has released a state of the game post to rally players behind the title. Perfect World said that it's preparing new monsters, zones, dungeons, and loot for the near future. The company also took the opportunity to promote its in-game events, such as GM-run hide-and-seek games.
Death knell sounds for RaiderZ EU
In a move that apparently doesn't surprise some players, RaiderZ Europe is shutting down for good. Gameforge announced the closure today and posted a brief FAQ covering the the when, why, and what's next for players. The game is being shuttered because, "The success of RaiderZ did not meet our expectations and as we saw no other potential alternatives to the discontinuation of the services, unfortunately we were left with no other alternative than to take this step." In response to the announcement, players noted a lack of updates and content surely had some bearing on the lack of interest in the game. The servers will remain open until August 30th, at which time any players who wish to continue to play the game will have to move to a different publisher (i.e. Perfect World) and start from scratch. [Thanks to Skurvel for the tip]
Hands-on with RaiderZ's new Broken Silence expansion
I have to admit, I felt a combination of excitement and fear when I was tasked with covering the newest RaiderZ expansion, Broken Silence, because I knew that I would be challenged in a few ways. First, I had to get used to the game again. I've played it off and on and have enjoyed it until around level 10, but I am no expert. I had already experienced the fantastic non-instanced combat that the game is known for, but I still had a long way to go. Second, I knew that the game would physically punish me. After years of playing games, painting, and drawing, I can easily be forced to soak my forearms in icy water after a session of action-based gaming. Lastly, I knew I would be given a higher-level character and needed to get used to how that particular character performed. The brilliant thing about action-based games is that the person behind the keyboard matters as much as amazing armor or incredible spells. I'd have to sharpen up. I logged into my character and discovered just how fun this game still is. %Gallery-185619%
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]
Perfect World shares RaiderZ: Broken Silence trailer
RaiderZ, the monster hunting title from Perfect World Entertainment, is due for its first expansion. As you revel in the glorious possibilities contained in that statement, why not watch the brand-new trailer for the expansion, which we've conveniently included just below the cut? RaiderZ: Broken Silence will bring in a new level cap, new areas, new bosses, and piles of shiny new gear and features. Among those features will be an improved party and matchmaking system and a "Wave System" that finds other folks hunting down large monster packs. Additionally, Broken Silence will bring in a new PvP arena. We don't have a date or other juicy details yet, but be sure we'll bring 'em to you as they come. [Source: PWE press release]%Gallery-170990%
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%
Keep celebrating Christmas with this RaiderZ event trailer
The official holiday with stockings and gifts nestled under a tree may be over out here in the real world, but the Christmas celebration is continuing in RaiderZ's Kingdom of Rendel. Players can participate in plenty of additional festivities through January 2nd, 2013, including a special quest to hunt the Ice Queen and collecting Christmas cards to exchange for assorted winter gear. Folks should also be on the lookout for a snowman invasion at the port city of Ingen. Get a glimpse of the winter festivities in the screenshots below and the trailer after the break. You might even see some familiar faces from the Diago server! [Source: Perfect World Entertainment press release]%Gallery-161571%
New RaiderZ video tackles the unbearable agony of being a monster
Be honest with yourself -- have you asked many questions about the monsters in RaiderZ? Probably not. You've gone out and done what you need to do, which in this game is usually kill them until there's nothing left but ash and a new pile of loot in your backpack. But they've got feelings too, feelings that are explored in the latest video covering the unbearable agony of being a boss. Specifically, a giant demon. At first glance, it seems like a good ride. You're huge, you're powerful, and you get to stomp a lot of unprepared players into paste. But then you realize that no matter how awesome you are, sooner or later it's going to come time to experience another round of getting your head chopped off in the hopes that you'll drop a sword. Take a look at the full video to feel at least marginally bad about downing bosses over and over... until you log in again, at least. [Source: Perfect World Entertainment press release]
RaiderZ launch day roundup
Sometimes, launch day seems like a mythical beast, taunting adventurers with promises of glory and treasure, but whose very existence is in doubt. Today, RaiderZ fans will face and slay that beast -- along with a slew of other fantastical bosses -- as the free-to-play fantasy game opens its doors to everyone. Want to get a feel for the landscape and prepare for your battles ahead? Scout out the goblin village of Rengot, tour Hero's Lane and Mt. Eda, and learn valuable tricks and tip to assist you in your adventures with the many videos, galleries, and hands-on experiences after the break.
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 gets down and dirty with sewer instance
While RaiderZ shoots through the rapids of open beta on its way to the waterfall of launch, Perfect World is evangelizing this title to any and all who will hear the message of an action MMO with memorable monsters. Today the company is reading from the Book of Dungeons, Chapter Six: the Rietz Sewer. The sewer is a high-level instance that challenges players to wade through colorful waste and dispatch all of the forgotten pets that were flushed a long, long time ago. OK, we have no idea how those monsters got down there, but they're big and in need of culling. Check out the Rietz Sewer in the following screenshots and video, and make sure you've caught up on Massively's hands-on impressions of RaiderZ!%Gallery-161571% [Source: Perfect World Entertainment press release]
Of MonsterZ and Men: Hands-on with RaiderZ
The other night as I was perusing the interwebs for new and interesting things on which to waste my time, I was struck with a craving. I suddenly found myself wanting to get my hands on a good ol'-fashioned hack-and-slash, preferably of the massively multiplayer variety. As I wracked my brain for a game that would satiate my hunger, I remembered RaiderZ. I had a bit of time at PAX Prime to fiddle around with the game between appointments, and I thought it could be just the thing I was looking for. As luck would have it, Perfect World Entertainment was selling RaiderZ founders' packs for the low low price of 30 bucks, and since I have all the impulse control of a gnat I decided to go ahead and pick one up so I could jump into the game's head start. Since then, I've logged something to the tune of 15 to 20-ish hours bashing in the skulls of a variety of nasty creatures, and I've got a few things to say. If you've got nothing better to do, how about jumping past the cut and listening to me rant?
Massively Exclusive: New RaiderZ screens to celebrate open beta
The time has finally come to pass. If you've been unable to get into any of the closed beta events for RaiderZ, you can finally just hop on over and start playing the game, as the open beta is now on. That means a whole lot of slashing up enormous monsters, but it also means some features that will be new even to veterans of the closed beta. But perhaps you're not swayed by that. You aren't convinced to play a game simply by knowing that you can chop up monsters; no, you want to see screenshots of the monsters in mid-chopped status to woo you. If that's the case, you can take a look down below, where our gallery for the game is now hosting 18 new screenshots that display a variety of monsters, chopping, and everything in between. If you're already in the game... well, still, new screenshots. And nice ones! [Source: Perfect World Entertainment press release] %Gallery-161571%
