summer-events
Latest
RIFT kicks off Summerfest on July 25th
It's getting hot out there. Like, really hot. Hot enough to melt plastic, even. But as long as you've got air conditioning in your house, why not stay inside and get in the spirit of summer fun with RIFT's Summerfest? It's all the fun of relaxing in the sun without the heat, risk of sunstroke, or potential for melanoma! (Please note that without air conditioning your computer will heat up your room until you burst into flames, probably.) This year, Summerfest starts on Thursday, July 25th, and brings with it a whole host of new achievements. It's also probably going to contain other treats aside from the normal seasonal events; statements from community managers imply that this year will finally see the inclusion of swimsuits, quite possibly in the cash shop. Even if you're not the sort to enjoy summer fun, you can still enjoy the event when it goes to the live servers late next week.
Captain's Log: The Scimitar arrives in Star Trek Online
I'm back from a great trip to Northern California, during which I took the opportunity to drop in on Cryptic Studios and specifically the Star Trek Online team to see what they had up their sleeves following their success with the Legacy of Romulus expansion. While I was able to interview numerous people while I was there, so much new stuff is coming out that I just can't not go over it here. The new summer event on Risa has already begun, and a big new ship is making her debut in the game. I got a great close-up look at her and her sisters and the inside scoop of what she'll be capable of! So join me past the break as I investigate Star Trek Online's new predator of a ship: the Scimitar!
Final Fantasy XIV is heating up another round of the Moonfire Faire
Veterans of Final Fantasy XIV remember the struggle of last year, the desperate battle to protect the land of Eorzea against a rampaging fire. A battle so desperate that it could be fought only by having men and women dress in skimpy swimsuits and make kissy-faces at fire elementals. This year, the battle must be waged again, but this time adventurers will be dressing up in traditional Eastern clothing. Yes, the Moonfire Faire is upon us once again. From today and running until August 13th, players will have the opportunity to take part in the event by speaking with event NPCs located in each of the major cities. There are no details on precisely what the event will entail, although the mechanics are likely to be similar to last year's equally ridiculous offering. There's also no word on whether or not this year will also allow players to unlock special wallpapers, although it's certainly possible. So if you're in the mood to beat the heat in-game, log in now and start chasing some fire elementals!
A look at the Farmer's Faire in Lord of the Rings Online [Updated]
A riddle for the Lord of the Rings Online players in the audience: If you have every hobbit in Bywater gathered around tables and eating relentlessly, what do you have? Why, the Farmer's Faire, of course. (Or an average hobbit meal-time.) For those of you not familiar with this combination farmer's market and summer event, Lauren "Budgeford" Salk has written up a rundown of the events at the Faire as well as an explanation of what goes into improving the holiday events as the years go on. Players who wish to enjoy the festivities will need to be on-hand to help Mayor Whitfoot sample all of the fine wares of the festival and add seasoning to some of the more bland offerings. They'll also be asked to run security, turning out hobbits who have become too drunk and possibly quelling a wine-induced bit of mischief. Salk goes on to explain how she and the rest of the team make a point of polishing and updating event content every year to ensure that even veterans have something new to enjoy. If you can't wait to find out more about dealing with overstuffed hobbits, there's plenty to devour in the diary. [Update: Farmer's Faire has been postponed until July 26th.]
Final Fantasy XI brings out another Mumor event for the summer
Summer means different things for different people, but if you're familiar with Final Fantasy XI events of years past, you know it includes a summer event out of place anywhere other than Vana'diel. Fantastic Fraulein Mumor is coming around once again on August 2nd through August 14th, and just like previous years, there are plenty of fun activities for adventurers of all ages at this seasonal stage show. And just like with previous years, the stakes of the lore have been upped just a little more this time around... But that's not the biggest draw for most players -- that would be the variety of cosmetic rewards and seasonal minigames that the event brings with it. This year is no exception, with players able to take part in the stage show to help ensure Mumor and Uka emerge victorious against demonic forces. Successful participants will earn a new yukata to show off participation, as well as unlocking new levels of challenge in the goldfish scooping minigame. And really, if you're a fan of FFXI, isn't the promise of taking part in the yearly magical girl event reward enough?
Wings Over Atreia: In the summer of 2.6
Dear NCsoft, You have missed me! Why else would you tempt me with the announcement a few days ago that patch 2.6 will be hitting Aion's live servers on August 3rd but to lure me back indoors? It is true that we haven't spent as much time together lately; I have strayed a bit, seduced by the sunshine, sunblock, and sand between my toes that goes with a summer outdoors. Can you really blame me? I certainly haven't wanted it to end, but a body simply needs more than the same old, same old to keep a long-term relationship fresh. And we are talking sunshine! I am heartened that you seem more serious about combating staleness in our relationship. After all, you aren't leaving me hanging in anticipation for months on end as you did with your last update, Empyrean Calling. Truly, smaller and more frequent gestures are better appreciated than one large one once in a blue moon. And I am sure the events preceding the patch will offer some diversion as I await Aion's newest content. Hmmm, heatstroke or heat wave? Alright, you have convinced me; I am willing to forgo the great outdoors and dedicate more time to us! However, as we renew this commitment, I feel I must be open with you -- even as I look forward to our new times together, I have a few questions I would be remiss not to ask. Surely you can put my mind at ease past the cut?
Fantastical Fraulein Mumor returns for a third event in Final Fantasy XI
Final Fantasy XI's upcoming summer event, another installment in that Fantastical Fraulein Mumor stage show and part of the overarching Sunbreeze Festival, probably isn't going to make much sense to people not familiar with the game. Veteran players, of course, are familiar with the magical warrior Mumor and her struggles against the joy-killing efforts of demon king Ullegore. They're also most likely aware of the conflict from the year before, in which she faced off against the Archfiend Uka and befriended her. And while non-players are now scratching their heads, players are either rolling their eyes or looking forward to this year's installment. Whichever camp you belong to, the stage show (in which Mumor and Uka face off against the new dance trio known as "Cream Puff") and the other games of the summer event will be rolling around on August 1st. Lasting through the 17th, the event will most likely be similar to last year's festivities, offering a wide variety of mini-games, cosmetic rewards, and of course the dance battle between Final Fantasy XI's resident magical girl and her opponents. Read the full rundown for more of the backstory, and look forward to the event itself in just under a week.
Celestial Nights (and days) coming to Final Fantasy XI
While there are those who might argue that the release of the June version update is celebration enough, Final Fantasy XI isn't the sort of game to let a couple of months go by without some Vana'dielian holiday event. It's time for another fun trip into the celebration of summer, and this year's festivities promise to celebrate everyone's favorite part of the season: young lovers dying unpleasantly. At least, that's what this year's piece of introductory fiction for the Celestial Nights is promising, along with the ever-popular profiteering moogles. Unlike several events in Final Fantasy XI, the actual process of the event over the past two years has remained fairly static, as has the backstory regarding the event. In short, it's a chance for characters to get some unique furnishings and the ever-popular decorative pieces of armor. This year's event will be starting on June 29th, running for two weeks until July 13th. Avid players can brush up on the guide from prior years for a good idea of how this year's festivities will most likely take place.
