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Rise and Shiny recap: Dungeon Fighter Online
I'm glad that over the last week I found the time to finally get me some Dungeon Fighter Online by Nexon. I knew that it has quite the following, and I knew that it's supposed to be a blast, sort of like an 8bit Vindictus, but I was still surprised at a few things while I played. The game isn't what I thought it would be in several ways. NPCs have voices and hand out actual quests, the world is more open than I thought it would be, and the graphics feel snappy and fluid despite their primitive nature. Don't get me wrong -- there is plenty that needs to be tweaked or fixed before the game smells of anything near perfection. Much of it is beyond the ability of the developers, but many of the problems with the game could be fixed relatively easy. Click past the cut and I'll tell you what I thought during my time fighting in dungeons... online!
Massively Exclusive: Elsword reveals new Eve playable character
Elsword's ancient Nasod queen has awakened, and boy is she pissed. Eve is the side-scrolling manga title's newest playable character, and Massively's got your exclusive first-look video that shows her in action. According to the clip, Eve is bent on avenging her kingdom's destruction and restoring its former glory. To do so, she relies on player-controlled robotic guardian troops and a couple of seductively titled job classes. Though we don't rightly know what exactly Code Exotic: Mistress of Destruction or Code Architecture: Master of Guardian Nasods means, they sure do sound cool. We do know that Eve is coming out on November 23rd, so you've got just under a week to go until you're able to unleash her particular brand of melee whoop-ass on Elsword's various mobs. Don't forget to watch the vid after the break. [Source: Kill3rCombo press release]
Massively Exclusive: WindSlayer 2 dev diary talks in-game events
Hello 2-D sidescrolling fans, and welcome to another exclusive Windslayer 2 developer diary. We've partnered with Ignited Games to bring you a series of first looks at the title as it moves through beta and toward its official release. So far we've covered a basic introduction, ranged class mechanics, and PvP. Today we're shifting gears a bit to focus on in-game events. Ignited is currently focusing on both scripted events and GM-driven events, and both are designed to add a bit of flavor and give players an interesting diversion from everyday gameplay. See what's in store after the break.
WindSlayer 2 enters open beta testing
We've had a number of dev diaries from the WindSlayer 2 team in the past month, covering everything from melee classes to ranged combat to the game's economy. Now you can try it all out for yourself. The game has just entered open beta, and to celebrate the occasion, the devs are holding a number of events through which players can rake in all kinds of nifty loot. If you want to get the full details on what these events entail and to sign up for the game's open beta test, head on over to WindSlayer 2's official site. [Source: Ignited Games press release]
Rise and Shiny recap: Glitch
Ah, so we meet at last, Glitch. I have been looking forward to playing this game for a long, long time. Possibly decades. All right, not decades... but there is something familiar about the game, something that feels homey and warm and nice. What is it? Perhaps I will find out soon. Before I get all gushy about the wonderful world of giants, I need to explain why I think it is important for the genre, not just for me. Glitch is like Minecraft, not in its dynamic or design but in the obvious impact it is having and will more than likely continue having on its particular genre. Actually, it has already had this type of effect on gaming in general, but not quite at the level of Minecraft. Yet. Click past the cut and I'll gush some more.
Massively exclusive: Introducing WindSlayer 2
One of the things we Massively writers love to do is to be the conduit between you and hidden gems in the MMO world. While high-profile games may get all the hubbub, it's just as important to bring to you the scrappy upstarts that are looking to make a name for themselves. With that in mind, we'd like to introduce you to WindSlayer 2, a 2-D side-scrolling title that keeps the action fast and furious. Ignited Games is understandably excited to show off WindSlayer 2 as it enters closed beta and is prepared to woo you with a series of developer diaries showing off this fun little sequel to WindSlayer. So gird your loins, hold on to your butts, and hit that jump to see what WindSlayer 2 is all about!
MMObility: Glitch makes you wish you were as cool as it is
If you have kept up with my columns for a while, you know what a fan of Glitch I am. I have to admit that I've been terribly angry at the developer, Tiny Speck, for not bringing the game into a final phase yet. I wanted my little Glitch to stay as he was when I logged out; I didn't want to see him wiped over and over again after those pesky tests that help assure quality and playability. So I've been avoiding the testing phase for the most part. Isn't that just a perfect example of how mania drives gamers? We will do anything to avoid playing a favorite upcoming game for fear of becoming attached to our little digital selves or spoiling the fun of discovering new quests. Well, we'll wait no more! As of today, the game and world is finally open to anyone. That means you get to jump in, nibble pigs, massage butterflies, collect random items you find on the floor, and generally exist in the imagination of a giant. Sounds cool? It is cool. In fact, I need to explain just how cool it is. Click past the cut!
Rusty Hearts smashes its way into open beta on September 13th
Fans of Perfect World Entertainment's side-scrolling beat-'em-up Rusty Hearts are in for a treat. After a leisurely Labor Day weekend, PWE announced in a press release today that the title will launch into open beta on September 13th. Closed beta players will have their last hoorah on September 8 at 5:00 p.m. EST, at which point the game will shut down until it enters open beta on the 13th. The open beta isn't the same old cow as the closed beta, however. With its open beta launch, Rusty Hearts is also bringing a number of new updates, such as the removal of the universally panned Stamina system and customizable gamepad settings for Rusty Hearts' more console-inclined players. The level cap will also be raised, allowing players to explore a brand new hub world and a number of new dungeons and quests. So sit tight, Rusty Hearts fans. You'll be pounding monsters into a fine paste before you know it. [Source: Perfect World Entertainment Press Release]
Elsword announces new Raven character
Aside from having one of the cooler names in the MMO space, Elsword Online also has some pretty interesting characters. The manga-flavored brawler added a new face to that roster in today's update, and the dark and deadly Raven joins Rena, Aisha, and the titular Elsword as playable characters ready to adventure their way through Kill3rCombo's side-scrolling opus. Raven is a human fighter with giant metal claws and considerable skill with a variety of blades, and he brings a "quiet, cold, and distant" vibe to the game's brightly colored canvas. In terms of gameplay, Raven is a fast melee attacking class, and he possesses the ability to dual wield, easily chain combos, and fire off heavy attacks without consuming much MP. He also boasts great evasive skills, and you can learn more about him -- as well as download the game -- on the official Elsword website.
Massively Exclusive: Elsword Online community Q&A, part deux
KOG Studios, developer of free-to-play hack'n'slash MMO Elsword, has unleashed the second round of an ongoing series of Massively-exclusive community Q&A segments for your enjoyment. A bit of backstory for the uninitiated: Elsword is a popular Korean side-scrolling MMO that saw its North American launch in May. The game puts players in the role of one of three characters as they face off against legions of manga-styled enemies, or against one another. This second Q&A session covers questions from the Elsword community regarding the hilarious mishaps of localizing the game for North American launch, the team's preferred style of play, and what games the team plays when they're not working (or playing) on Elsword. For the full Q&A, jump on past the cut!
Katamari creator to work on Glitch MMO
Tiny Speck has just added one of gaming's wunderkind developers to the team working on its Glitch MMO. Keita Takahashi, renowned as the brains behind Katamari Damacy and Noby Noby Boy, left Namco Bandai last year and has been keeping a low profile ever since. He's also apparently been having serious discussions with Tiny Speck, and founder Steward Butterfield says that Takahashi has a lot in common with the existing creative team. "We shared the same values -- deep beliefs in curiosity, humor, absurdity, and above all a belief in the positive power of play," Butterfield told GamaSutra. Glitch is a browser-based side-scrolling casual MMO that is currently undergoing beta testing. The game will launch sometime in 2011 according to the its official website.
MapleStory's Chaos updates kicking off with the Age of Heroes
It's been a while since we've heard from MapleStory, but today the free-to-play side-scroller from Nexon has taken the wraps off its Chaos summer update plans. The next two months will bring major content updates to Maple World courtesy of the Age of Heroes patch that drops on June 29th. New quests, zones, and a new high-level boss are all on tap, as is a battle through the Henesys Ruins and the Knight Stronghold that Nexon's press release describes as "the most formidable challenge in the entire game." The Age of Heroes update will also bring about a hero class re-balance, and restrictions for creating Dual Blade, Aran, and Evan classes will be lifted. Explorers, Cygnus, and Resistance classes are also being tweaked, and players will find them "more powerful than ever" due to main skill enhancements. Later in the summer, the Age of Artisans update will unveil a new level-based crafting system, and the Age of Battle will bring a PvP mode to MapleStory. Head to the official site for all the details.
First Impressions: Elsword Online
Last time we checked in on Elsword Online, we found a fun, little, over-the-top, side-scrolling, action-based MMO. (That's a mouthful.) It provided a good amount of challenge but was never too hard, and the freeze-frame finishing moves were... well, neat. I've just used a series of words that do not really describe to you how fun the game is, but like most fluffy arcade romps, it really just needs to be experienced. It was nice to go back and check in on the game after its official release, but I didn't find much difference. Sure, the cash shop is now open (will explain that later), and yes, there are actual players around now, but it's still basically a cute little tear-'em-up that will probably make millions. If you like this kind of game, you'll love Elsword Online. Click past the cut to read more.
Glitch entering beta stage
According to a new post on its official website, Glitch is finally entering an official beta phase. What's Glitch? It's a browser-based side-scrolling MMO from Stewart Butterfield and Cal Henderson, better known as the co-founders of Flickr. Glitch originally began its alpha testing phase a year ago, and Butterfield writes that while the developers didn't anticipate such a lengthy delay prior to the beginning of beta, the time has been well spent. "Hundreds of features have been added -- and nearly as many trimmed or re-thought -- thousands of pictures drawn and animations made, hundreds of thousands of lines of code written, all of it powered by support, feedback, patience, (and impatience!) from our testing community," Butterfield wrote. He also mentions a substantial infusion of capital as well as the fact that Tiny Speck is hiring, so regardless of the delay, it seems as if the title -- and the company -- is building up a head of steam. Check out the full details at the official website (where you can also sign up to be a tester).
Take a first look at Elsword Online with Massively
There are quite a few side-scrolling action MMOs on the market today. As time goes along, they seem to get more and more over-the-top. Elsword Online is staying very much in step with this tradition, looking more like a violent cartoon than a video game. Still, we were happy to sit down with developer/publisher Kill3rCombo to smash some baddies. While there were a few initial technical difficulties and issues that prevented us from participating in PvP, we were able to run through the tutorial area and a few dungeons. If you are familiar with some of the other popular scrollers like Dragonica and games like Grand Chase (a game that was developed by half of Kill3rCombo) then you will be ready for Elsword. That is, until the combos start. Oh, the combos! %Gallery-120229%
Rise and Shiny recap: GhostX
There are quite a few side-scrolling action MMOs out there these days, so when I decided to take on yet another one, I thought that I might regret it. As soon as I downloaded GhostX and loaded it up, however, I knew I was in for a different experience than anything found in the other side-scrollers I have played in the past. First of all, GhostX is set in some kind of futuristic setting, complete with nanobots and strange mutant creatures. The look of the game is distinctively Anime, but the good kind. When I think Anime, I think incredibly bad creations like Naruto or Pokemon -- stuff that literally makes me cringe. GhostX is the kind that just looks like a toy, like you could reach through the screen and manipulate the characters and story yourself. Click past the cut to read more!
Rise and Shiny recap: Dragonica
I was so glad to get back to normal this week, logging into a new (well, newish) game to enjoy and to write about. Dragonica, from what I remember, had been shut down some time ago. Somehow, magically, the announcement of its return slipped past my eyes, but here it is. It seems gPotato EU is going to be publishing it, considering that that's where I found it. I know, I know -- I work at Massively.com, the worlds' coolest and most reliable source for all things MMO, so how did this news get past me? I have no idea. Still, I was glad to see it sitting on my hard drive, waiting to be played. I never gave it much of a chance before, mainly because side-scroller combat games were normally good for just a weekend jaunt or two. I hate repetition, generally, and sometimes the combat in these kinds of games can be boring at best. I was pretty surprised, though, once I gave the game a chance and learned some of my moves. It grew on me really, really fast. Also, it ran like a dream and was adorable to the point of nosebleed, which always helps. Still, there's more. Click past the cut and find out!
Dungeon Fighter Online announces Act VI: Kiss of the Gun
Girls with guns may be a bit of a videogame stereotype at this point, but Nexon America is nonetheless offering up its own version of the archetype in its latest Dungeon Fighter Online update. The side-scrolling action MMO recently added Act VI: Kiss of the Gun to its content repertoire, the primary feature of which is the Female Gunner character class update. Gunners feature special new awakening skills and equipment for their various subclasses including blade-equipped revolvers, electromagnetic fields, and a Gatling gun-wielding mech warrior. Act VI also offers up a new explorable area called Empyrean, which is under constant attack from a faction of vagrants known as the Kartel. Finally, Nexon is giving away free holiday-themed items just for logging in. Gifts include double XP potions, skill resets, and in-game currency.
Nexon changes everything about MapleStory in one Big Bang!
When darkness has covered the world, whom do you call? When everything you have seen on Victoria Island has been changed, is there a hero to save it? When the Black Mage unleashes his evil on the unsuspecting innocents, can he ever be defeated? Will the balance of power be shifted back to good? Will you, the greatest hero, stand up against the destruction and chaos? What are we talking about? Well, it is Nexon's side-scrolling, free-to-play MMO MapleStory, of course. Continuing a five-year tradition of constantly giving players new content, the developers will literally change everything you know about the world of MapleStory this winter in the game's newest story arc, Big Bang. In addition to crafting the new plot, the developers have seen fit to it to better the user interface, game resolution, and graphical textures. On top of that, players should expect a higher experience curve, updated maps, and brand-new character classes. Begin your new adventure by clicking after the break. We have stolen a glimpse of the exciting upgrades with a video trailer of Big Bang. Maybe you can be the one to save Maple World!
Nexon talks about MapleStory's fifth anniversary
Nexon America is proud to announce that their little browser based client-based (Our apologies! ~Sera) game MapleStory of only 6 million North American players turns five years old today! Who would have thought that this cartoonish side-scrolling chop-em-up would attract such a loyal following? Over the years the game has grown from only a few servers to eleven, from starting off with four classes to having fifteen if counting sub-classes, and countless new zones. Recently the game sported over 70,000 max concurrent users and more than 95 million players world wide. Still, not a single player has yet to defeat Pink Bean, a cute, yet ferocious boss monster. It seems as though there is still a lot to do, see and conquer in this little game that could. We asked the developers ten questions, so jump below to see their answers. Also, check out their Facebook page.
