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Dawn of Fantasy shows off the Online Kingdoms mode
If you've followed stories on Dawn of Fantasy, you know that the game offers an MMORTS mode in addition to its offline modes. What you may not know is exactly how the MMO side of gameplay works out in practice, and that's the sort of thing that's really important to know before you dive into a game. The team at Reverie World Studios has helpfully put together a video diary detailing the Online Kingdoms mode, showing off how players can experience the game in a persistent online world. The focus of the game, naturally, is on creating and running one's own city; it takes some time to turn your plot of land into a functional city, and in the midst of all that you still have troops to recruit, train, and improve. It's a mixture of quest-based gameplay and more traditional RTS mechanics, but you don't need to take our word for it. Jump past the break to watch the full video and see if it looks like the right mix of both tastes for you. [Source: Reverie World Studios press release]
Dawn of Fantasy tosses Dwarves and discounts at players
Tired of just controlling one measly avatar in MMOs? Does your ego go unfulfilled by such restrictions? Then this might be the time to try something a little more... large-scale with Dawn of Fantasy. This interesting MMORTS allows players to create entire armies, build up castles, and attempt to conquer the world -- and it's currently available for the masses. To promote the title, Reverie World Studios is offering the title at 33% off the normal price of $30, bringing it down to $20. Dawn of Fantasy has no subscription cost, so once you have a copy you can play indefinitely. Reverie also extended its Dwarven Invasion promotion, in which players will receive free Dwarf mercenaries and a special quest for no additional charge. These promotions are only available for the next week, so if you're interested, you might want to get a move on. We've included the launch trailer for the game after the jump if you're looking to get a feel for what's going on in this game world.
Dawn of Fantasy reveals Online Kingdom mode
"You must pursue an epic storyline of betrayal, blood, and resource-management in the aftermath of a mighty war," proclaims the latest press release for Dawn of Fantasy. If that sounds right up your alley, you'll want to check out the MMORTS title from 505 Games as it picks up a head of steam in its ongoing summer beta. 505 is highlighting the game's Online Kingdom mode in its latest media blast, and the gameplay features three campaigns, nine starting regions, and persistent PvP, all rolled together in a rather tasty MMO/RTS/RPG sandwich. Even better is the fact that Online Kingdom is just one of the game's modes, and you can read up on a couple of others -- including Stronghold Defense and Kingdom Wars -- via our earlier coverage. When you're finished, head to the official Dawn of Fantasy website to sign up for the beta.
Video: Sony PRS-600 Touch is fast but too dim to satisfy PRS-505 owner
Touch, it's the panacea of e-book readers, right? Sure, just so long as readability isn't sacrificed in the process. Flickr user Doodlydood uploaded some pics and video of Sony's new $300 PRS-600 (on the left above) reader and did a quick comparison with his legacy PRS-505. Unfortunately, the glare from the plastic resistive touchscreen is an issue and the weak contrast, like the touchscreen PRS-700 before it, pales by comparison to Sony's two year old PRS-505 with glass display. On the flip side, page turns on the new 600 were fast and "work extremely well" compared to the PRS-505. Unfortunately, that's a minor victory when the whole purpose of an e-reader it to well, you know... read. See for yourselves in the videos after the break. [Via Lesen.net, thanks Johannes]
Fashionistas fawn over new screenshots
Considering the popularity of Project Runway -- and yes, we admit to being avid fans of the show and Tim Gunn's flair -- we're surprised that more games like Fashion Designer: Style Icon haven't been announced for the DS.Scheduled for release this November, the sim takes young designers through fashion school, offering opportunities for graduates to "start a workshop, accept private design contracts, supply small boutiques, and set up mail order companies." That's a lot more depth than we would've expected from a game with such a pink-and-purple-dominated palette!We doubt there'll be any online functionality, but developer Creative Patterns promises to include multiplayer "design-offs" where you can battle your friends on the catwalk. "Carry on" and "make it work" while you check the gallery for three new Fashion Designer: Style Icon screenshots.%Gallery-4243%
