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MapleStory 2's closed beta will have 3 PvP modes
When MapleStory 2's closed beta doors open up in Korea from January 21st through the 25th, testers will be able to experience three different PvP modes. MMOCulture brings word of Nexon's recent update, which described these three modes, including 1v1, free-for-all, and PvPvE. Players level 30 and higher can engage in 1v1 battles in Red Coliseum or go for a reward for the most kills in Blood Mines free-for-all. The third mode, Shadow World, has no level restriction and pits players against mobs as well as players in a search for special treasures that aren't available anywhere in the open world.
One Shots: Black sheep, black sheep
What in-game pet means the most to you? To reader Derrick, it's a special black sheep in Mabinogi that's snuggled its way into his heart. "I'm an Aries in real life and always liked the symbolism of rams in culture, so my first pet after my mount was a black sheep named Tanngrisnir," Derrick submitted. "It's now no longer available in the store and is a bit of a rarity. Over the years playing, I managed to find a black sheep balloon, puppet, and a pair of ram horns to complete the look, along with a black sheep title (not shown). It's helped out not just by providing my wool for tailoring; in my early days, Tanngrisnir was always willing to take a hit or two to distract enemies." Yes sir, yes sir, three bags of loot full. Sorry, couldn't help myself. I'll be better after the break!
MapleStory 2 begins closed beta signups next week, will include a jail system
Another day, another game we can't have yet. This one's MapleStory 2, the sequel to Nexon's MapleStory, which in spite of its cuteness is still one of the biggest MMORPGs in the world. Steparu reports that MS2 is set to enter its first closed beta phase on January 21st; signups go live for Korean players on Christmas eve. Over on the official site (in Korean), Nexon further discusses the MMO's jail system, something fans of games like Ultima Online and ArcheAge know well. This particular jail is meant to hold those who make wreckage of chat channels, though Nexon says will punish counter-abuse "severely." What could possibly go wrong? We don't yet know whether the game will come here, but since classic MapleStory has a global version that's earned Nexon boatloads of money, it's pretty darn likely. We've embedded Steparu's MapleStory 2 customization video below.
Arisha coming to NA Vindictus next week
Last summer we told you about Arisha, the latest Vindictus mercenary and a playable character that Nexon has labeled the Sorceress of Blades. She's coming to the game's North American servers next week, according to a Nexon PR blurb. "Though Arisha's main weapon is her sword, she performs Intelligence-based attacks," the firm explains. "When she fights, she dances across the battlefield in a whirl, insulting her foes with cocky taunts before delivering the killing blow." Arisha uses a mana system that allows for "super-fast" sword slashes and teleports and separates her from all other Vindictus mercs. [Source: Nexon press release]
MapleStory 2 shows off a new trailer for G-Star 2014
MapleStory 2 looks pretty different from its predecessor, but it still has its heart in the right place. You can see some of that on display in the game's latest trailer, released as part of the G-Star 2014 festivities going on right now in South Korea. The are ducklings to ride, walls to climb, and boss monsters for huge numbers of players to desperately thwack at until they die. Nature of the beast and all. The game's next beta test has also been confirmed for January of next year, although it will not be a global test at this time. This new test will include 32 new areas for players to explore, more classes to play, and a new Shadow World with open PvP. More player customization and creation options will be unlocked as well. While you might not be able to participate in the test yourself, it'll at least help to know it's hurtling toward completion.
Let the cuteness of MapleStory 2 woo you
We've got another video preview of the upcoming MapleStory 2 for you to check out today, albeit with the standard "it's not in English, so either get really good at Korean fast or just pretend that you know what's happening" disclaimer. So what do you think about the blocky landscape? Is it perfect for the MapleStory setting or too reminiscent of the Minecraft crowd? Also, how has this entire population not killed itself for a lack of handrails next to bottomless drops into the sunshiney abyss? [Thanks to Lunian and Dystopiq for the tip!]
Watch MapleStory 2's feature trailer
Even if you don't understand Korean, chances are that you can grok some of what's going on in this new MapleStory 2 features trailer. The video shows various systems in the game, including player-created content, housing, customization, and (oh yes) minigames. Check out the video after the break and let us know what you think of MapleStory 2's look and offerings!
Vindictus previews upcoming hero Arisha
Bad news first: if you're a stateside player of Vindictus, you don't know when you're going to be able to start playing with Arisha, as she's not releasing in Korea until August 7th. You can, however, take a look at her trailer just past the break to get a sense for the character and how she fights, so that's something, at least. In play, Arisha looks to be a fast-moving character using a single blade and magic to teleport, freeze time, and otherwise tear through her opponents. Also, by the looks of it, she's got a pet dog. Take a gander at the trailer if you're interested in seeing more about the character, although you will have to wait for a while yet to play her yourself.
MapleStory details Tower of Oz content coming July 23
MapleStory's new Rising Heroes: Tower of Oz update is highlighted in this week's official update notes on the site. This Wizard of Oz-themed content allows players to traverse 50 levels of monsters, jump quests, and more, including battles with the monstrous versions of Scarecrow, the Tin Woodsman, the Cowardly Lion, and Dorothy herself. This new v.151 content will be available for free in game on July 23.
Vindictus shows off its TV spot
If you're already a fan of Vindictus, you're not really the target audience for the game's TV spot. Not that you should avoid watching it all the same, though. Who doesn't enjoy the prospect of seeing a game on the small screen? And you can watch it right now! As mentioned, there's not a whole lot to be said if you are a fan of the game, although you can certainly determine how well you think the ad represents the game as a whole. If you're not a player or a fan, though, you can still check out the trailer just past the break to find out what the game's all about. (Hint: hacking at people with swords.)
Gears of War's Bleszinski teaming with Nexon America for arena shooter
It looks as if Cliff Bleszinski is getting exactly what he wanted, as the former Epic Games design director is partnering with Nexon America to create a PC arena shooter. Just one week after Bleszinski announced his return to game development following a 21-month absence, the designer now has a studio by the name of Boss Key Productions and a new game to go along with it, codenamed BlueStreak. No, the game won't star Martin Lawrence (as far as we know). Rather, BlueStreak is a free-to-play, sci-fi FPS that will offer a "new take on an old favorite," according to Bleszinski. It's the latest in a string of strategic publishing partnerships by Nexon America, who recently agreed to publish an as-yet-unannounced game from Sleeping Dogs developer United Front Games and will also distribute Splash Damage's Dirty Bomb. [Image: Boss Key Productions]
Nexon working with Sleeping Dogs dev on free game
Nexon America is partnering with Sleeping Dogs developer United Front Games to publish a free-to-play game, the publisher announced this week. No details on the game are yet known, though it is expected to arrive in 2015. This isn't the only project in progress at the studio, as United Front Games revealed in October that it is working on another game set in the same universe as Sleeping Dogs, which will be published by Square Enix. As for Nexon America, it is publishing Dirty Bomb, an Unreal Engine-based shooter from Brink developer Splash Damage. The game was momentarily known as Extraction before Splash Damage changed the name back to Dirty Bomb in May. [Image: Square Enix]
Vindictus EU introduces playable Lynn
Vindictus Europe has a good cause to cheer today, as Nexon introduced a new playable character to the roster. The fresh face is Lynn, the so-called Princess of the Lost Kingdom. She's a lightning-fast fighter who uses a spear to strike out and quick reflexes to dodge attacks. Some of her skills include Swift Assassin, Five-Fingered Death, and Jade Fox. The addition of Lynn coincides with an in-game event that gives out special awards at specific times and the opportunity to win gifts. You can see Lynn in action in a video after the break!
Vindictus running its Golden Time event
It's the perfect time to play Vindictus if you've been on the fence. Not because of some huge update, but because the game is knee-deep in its month-long Golden Time event. During the event, each week brings a new set of boosts and promotions for players, just a little something extra to enjoy. This week is all about making the weary business of adventuring just a bit less weary, starting with a 50% discount to all repair costs. Players can also resurrect for free between 8 p.m. EDT and 10 p.m. EDT every day this week, and special items will be distributed to players who are logged in at 10 p.m. EDT on Saturday and Sunday. What does the next week bring? You'll just have to find out, but it should provide a nice encouragement to anyone playing the game. See? It's the perfect time for play. [Thanks to Soren for the tip!]
Meet Durango, Nexon's dino survival MMO
Pop quiz, hotshot! Which of these things do not go together: dinosaurs, wooly mammoths, hot air balloons, chainsaws, survival gameplay. It's actually a trick question, because in Durango, Nexon's newest MMO, they all do. Nexon recently revealed the survival-based dino-tastic MMO with a teaser site. From the looks of it, players will be put into a mish-mash prehistoric isometric setting and challenged to survive by making tools, constructing traps, fighting dinos, and building up a safe home. The title is being made by the folks who did Vindictus. In an interesting twist, Durango will be heading primarily (from the looks of it) to mobile platforms, including iOS, Android, and Nvidia Shield. You can check out the teaser trailer after the jump.
See MapleStory 2's bubbly 3-D in action
"Oh yeah," you think, looking at the headline. "They are working on a MapleStory 2. I forgot about that!" That's right, buckaroos: Nexon is charging ahead with a sequel (well, technically a prequel) to the colorful 2-D MMO, and today the publisher has a gameplay trailer to prove it. In the trailer, you can see the transition to chunky 3-D graphics as characters boogie, battle, and be Little Bo Peep to a flock of sheep. MapleStory 2 will be throwing a "Supporter's Day" for select fans in late June and should enter Korean closed beta later this year. We've got the new trailer for you after the break. [Source: Nexon press release]
Unity, Riot Games co-founders join AIAS board of directors
David Helgason, CEO and co-founder of Unity Technologies, and Brandon Beck, CEO and co-founder of Riot Games, have joined the Academy of Interactive Arts and Sciences' Board of Directors. For those just catching up, Unity is engine behind everything from garage development games to the upcoming Pillars of Eternity, while Riot Games is the studio behind highly-successful MOBA League of Legends. Helgason and Beck's addition to the AIAS is effective immediately, as is the promotion of Nexon America CEO Min Kim to Chairman. Ted Price, CEO and founder of Insomniac Games and AIAS vice chairman, congratulated all three men on their new titles. "Min's industry experience, his ability to tackle tough problems creatively and his collaborative approach to leadership will help propel the AIAS forward as it tackles more and more ambitious goals," Price said in a press release." "Furthermore congratulations and welcome to our newest board members David and Brandon. Whether it's through putting games development at the fingertips of every aspiring creator or delivering co-operative and competitive play on an unmatched global scale, Brandon and David have driven major change in our industry. We're honored that they're joining our team and we're excited to work with them in furthering the Academy's mission." [Image: Unity/Riot Games]
MapleStory's Legacy of Nine update marks anniversary
It's MapleStory's ninth anniversary, and for that joyous occasion, the team at Nexon has prepared a special update that landed today called Legacy of Nine. Legacy of Nine is a huge patch that kicks off with skill updates for 10 of the game's classes. That act is followed by a zombie outbreak event (where, as a twist, the players become the feared undead), the new high-level soul weapon system, the Rose Garden addition to the Lion King's castle, and cross-world party quests. So happy birthday, MapleStory! You can check out the Legacy of Nine spotlight video after the jump.
Atlantica Online gets new class, dungeons, and more
Nexon has added new dungeons, a new merc, and a new class to Atlantica Online. The Empires of Gold update boasts dungeons including the Forgotten City of Chichen Itza, Machu Picchu, the Golden City of El Dorado, and the Gold Empire of Defense. Atlantica's new class is the Celestial Hunter, "a fierce archer who can best any challenger with her bow and arrow skills." We've embedded the update trailer for you after the break!
Mabinogi update introduces Doki Doki Island, Valentine's Day events
Just in time for Valentine's Day, Nexon America has announced a new update to its free-to-play title Mabinogi that will add the romantic Doki Doki Island to the game. The new area will also introduce the Soulmate system, which makes romance more of a game than it already is. On the island, players can "create a profile" by talking to the Matchmaker, who will then match them with their "soulmate." Side-by-side, players and their soulmates can "explore charming landmarks such as the Harmony Torch in the town square and participate in events to accumulate Romantic Points." When enough Romantic Points have been earned, soulmates gain the ability to fly, presumably through the power of love or something equally inspirational. Aside from hanging out with their hopefully-not-axe-murderer soulmates, players can also take part in a variety of new minigames and daily quests centered around Doki Doki Island or scour the beaches for cat's eye gems that can be exchanged for items such as an exclusive armor set. To top it all off, beginning on February 26th players will be able to celebrate their newfound powers of flight by taking part in the Seize the Skies event, which will allow players to test their aeronautical prowess against one another in competitions for prizes and bragging rights. If this romantic getaway sounds up your alley, you can join the fun over at Mabinogi's official site. [Source: Nexon America press release]
