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Secret of the Solstice is reborn
It's been a while since we've heard anything from Secret of the Solstice, but today we have no choice but to announce that it is no more... specifically, because the game is undergoing a major upgrade. Changing its name to Solstice Reborn, Outspark's isometric free-to-play game is getting a wide variety of improvements including an overhauled UI, a number of 3-D graphical improvements, and a wide variety of new quests and enemies added to the existing gameplay. The game is also heavily tilting toward the social networking side of play, and not just via integration to Facebook. Several new elements tie in directly to social interactions, such as the Marriage quests and the new Master and Pupil system. Whether you've never tried the original game or just want to see what the changes are, Solstice Reborn looks to be an interesting update to an older game and a fun ride for anyone willing to give it a shot. Plus, if you're into winning free trips to San Francisco, the Outspark team is holding a contest to fly you and a friend out to WonderCon 2011. Check the official forums for more info!
News From the Wider MMO World: September 23, 2008
The MMO genre is more than World of Warcraft, Age of Conan, and Warhammer Online. Here's what's going on in the rest of the world.Secret of the Solstice gets new patch with new contentOutspark's Secret of the Solstice, the free-to-play fantasy MMO, has updated its client with a new patch. Available for both new players and veterans alike is a brand-new zone featuring new quests and a lush jungle landscape. Furthering the overarching storyline is a new initiative to pursue GM Alastor across the Emperonie Plateau and the Aserphel, Cretino, and Turmeit deserts. Finally, players can now view all of an NPC's available quests at the same time and choose which mission to undertake. Download the new patch at the SotS website.New Warlock class available to Grand Chase playersKOG and Ntreev, publisher of Grand Chase, the side-scrolling fantasy brawler, has announced an update to the character class known as Arme. Arme, in addition to her Mage and Combat Alchemist jobs, now has access to a third: Warlock. The abilities of the Warlock job include summoning the spirits of earth, wind, fire, and water, to produce spectacular effects and fight with greater power than ever before. Before deciding if you want to switch jobs to the Warlock class, make sure to check up on the job's requirements on the Grand Chase website.
News From the Wider MMO World: September 16, 2008
The MMO genre is more than World of Warcraft, Age of Conan, and Warhammer Online. Here's what's going on in the rest of the world.World of Kung Fu opens screenshot contestFrom September 15th to the 30th, VestGame Entertainment has partnered with zownder.com to create the first World of Kung Fu screenshot contest. "This contest really gives us the chance to showcase the awesome graphics and spectacular artwork that forms such an integral part of the game", says David Clarke, World of Kung Fu's North American Producer. The Grand Prize includes a permanent Xuan Wu mount and over a hundred rare items such as high level Forging Vouchers, Advanced Craftsman Charms, Sky Pearls, and much more. For more information, visit either founder's website.Gaia Online brings Snoop Dogg and the Incredible Hulk to the virtual mallEach month, residents of the virtual world Gaia Online have a chance to vote for their favorite real-world celebrities as part of the Celebrity Snare section of the website. As an example, the latest items to have been made available are Snoop Dogg's hairstyle, and the Hulk's torn-up purple pants. "Gaia Online is truly an extension of our users' real life interests and passions and Celebrity Snare is just another way we're enabling Gaians to customize their online persona and express themselves to the community," said Craig Sherman, CEO of Gaia Online. "The same way fans hang a poster on their bedroom wall or wear a t-shirt with their favorite band on it, we're enabling our users to establish a connection with the celebrities they admire." Further celebrities to go virtual will include Elvis Presley, Justin Timberlake, Tila Tequila, Paris Hilton, Raven Symone and Marvel's She-Hulk.
News from the Wider MMO World: August 12, 2008
The MMO genre is more than World of Warcraft, Age of Conan, and Warhammer Online. Here's what's going on in the rest of the world.Trickster Online celebrates the Olympics with new themed itemsEven MMOs get into the spirit of real world competition, and Trickster Online has some themed items for your enjoyment. These masks, hats, and capes will have a particular country's flag on them; collect all five of each and receive a special item of each type. Check them out before the Olympics ends!Outspark Games offer Olympic-style competition within their titlesFrom now until August 24th, San Francisco MMO publisher Outspark will be hosting the Outspark Games, a series of Olympic-styled competitions within their online offerings. Titles Fiesta, Secret of the Solstice, and Project Powder will feature special events in-game. Expect medals to be granted to the top three winners, and increased experience points offered to all participants.More news after the jump!
Get your 'do fixed with Secret of the Solstice update
There's a new update for Secret of the Solstice in place, and it features both new content and the return of old. First, if you're tired of your old hairdo, you can visit Milly's Hair Salon in Brynhilld and have yourself a new look! And isn't that what we all want? Stick THAT in your armor and chafe it, Wrath of the Lich King!Second, rejoice, for the Lucky Balls return with this update! From the press release: These new black and white variants arrive just in time for summer vacation, and allow players willing to risk their SparkCash a chance at valuable loot, including permanent versions of premium items.Whew. Hairdressing and gambling. Never let it be said that Outspark doesn't understand its audience.[Thanks, Travis!]
Secret of the Solstice heeds player requests, enables guilds
Outspark's Secret of the Solstice has gotten a new feature in the form of guilds, which has been a frequently-requested addition for a while. According to the site, guild features include emblems, storage space, a bank, and system-wide notices to all guild members, though emblem-creators are warned that only the first emblem is free to create, so be careful.Other Solstice-related news is the addition to the game of Korean-themed items to further commemorate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. Apparently, wearing food items on one's head is a popular thing, because players will have the option of choosing to wear dim sum as a hat. According to the site: "Two dumplings make you look yummy." We'll, uh ... we'll just leave you to it.[Thanks, Travis!]
Secret of the Solstice offers new items for Asian Heritage Month
For those of you otherwise ignorant of the event, May is Asian Heritage Month, and Outspark is celebrating by offering unique, Asian-themed items in its Secret of the Solstice store!For the month of May, you can pick yourself up special objects such as kimonos, samurai gear, and ... a rice cake hat. Yes. Anyway, head on in to peruse these festive items and be the first on the block to be a ricehead![Thanks, Travis!]
Outspark celebrates Cinco de Mayo with piatas and sombreros
Outspark, home of Fiesta, Secret of the Solstice, and Bread 'n Butter, are celebrating Cinco de Mayo in their own festive, colorful way. How, you bravely ask? Players of Fiesta have the opportunity to purchase the fine steed you see to the right -- a horse piñata to rival those in any local corner store! We hope that this guy's expression is more indicative of enthusiasm than frozen-smiling, mind-numbing terror.In Secret of the Solstice, there's a new "Happy Cinco de Mayo" emoticon and a sombrero that's more than just decorative, it has its own stats. From the press release: "Players should also be on the lookout for piñata monsters that have more than just ordinary candy for players diligent and strong enough to go toe-to-toe with the less-than-deadly beasts." You know, we like Outspark's style. These events will extend beyond the 5th, to last the rest of the week. Go check 'em out![Thanks, Travis!]
