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Hellgate is back, again, this time on Greenlight
Hoo boy, Hellgate. It's back, again, this time as a Steam Greenlight hopeful sponsored by T3Fun and Redbana. The latest incarnation is called Hellgate Global, which should again sound familiar. It includes the Tokyo expansion, 24 new levels, and plenty of new monsters. T3Fun has put a couple of cinematic trailers up on its Greenlight page. You can see both of them past the break.
Mythos Global shutting down January 22nd
T3Fun, publisher of the free-to-play fantasy title Mythos Global, has announced that the game will be shutting down on January 22nd of next year. As a result, the in-game cash shop will be shut down during maintenance on December 18th, and the post notes that "A Compensation Model is currently at work mainly for users who made recent purchases." Game shutdowns are rarely fun for those involved, but Mythos has certainly had a rocky history of constant death and resurrection, so this might be just another turn of the wheel. In any case, Mythos will be around for a bit longer, so fans can jump in for one last hurrah before the game goes dark. You can check out the full shutdown announcement at the Mythos official site. [Thanks to Mehighlow for the tip!]
Massive update coming to AIKA Online in August
Is your summer filled with the same old, same old? It's not for AIKA Online fans as August will see a big update hit the game. Called Zereca's Plot: Land of Wailing, this giant patch includes plenty of new content and features, including a level cap increase to 90 (with accompanying new equipment, of course), new skills, a new dungeon, and more. A new skill will be unlocked for each job class when player hits level 85, but to get the new Heavenly Set equipment, players will have to utilize the new Disassembly System and acquire the materials by taking apart level 80 unique equipment. The new Hell Mode dungeon -- Kynari Aviary -- is located in the new Land of Wailing map, where monsters range in level from 90-95. Players can enter Kynari Aviary daily for a chance to challenge the powerful boss Seridunn. Prans also get some update love: Not only do they get skill improvements, but with the Property Change feature, they also have wider customization options. [Source: Redbana press release]
Exclusive: Granado Espada expansion to feature drunken pistoleer recruit
Earlier this month we reported on the impending relaunch of Granado Espada, and today we've got some new screenshots and a bit of info relating to the title's new Bristia expansion. When the content patch drops next month it will feature new missions, quests, items, and zones, including the port city of Kielce which is featured in the gallery below. Also on tap are new recruited characters, which are a large part of what sets Granado Espada (formerly known as Sword 2) apart from other MMOs. The game's multi-character mechanics allow you to control three avatars simultaneously, either by creating them all at the start of the game or hiring new recruits as you play. Bristia will also include a drunken barber recruit known as Barrol who uses dual pistols. Publisher Redbana says that "as his drinking increases, so do his attacks, critical hit chance, and movement speed." %Gallery-176600%
T3Fun brings Granado Espada back online
Granado Espada, formerly known as Sword 2, is up-and-running once again, this time under the care of T3Fun after the publisher picked it up from GamersFirst. Existing characters have been carried over to the new version of the game, so players can pick up right where they left off. To sweeten the deal, T3Fun is providing migrating players with some spiffy in-game items as a reward for their loyalty. On top of all of that, Granado Espada has gained some shiny new features in its transition to T3Fun's stable. The press release boasts of "14 brand-new recruit NPCs," along with new weapons, costumes, armor, maps, and missions. If you'd like to check the game out for yourself, head on over to the official site and give it a spin; it's free, after all. [Source: Redbana press release. And thanks to William for the tip!]
The Game Archaeologist: When dead MMOs come back to life
Maybe I'm alone in this, but my jaw just dropped when I came home this past week to see that Massively posted the news that Shadowbane is coming back to life. Granted, it's only going to happen in China, but still, that's pretty incredible. Shadowbane's been in the ground for three years now, and if I had to pick an MMO that deserved resurrection, this particular one would be farthest from my mind (no offense if you liked the game; it's just that there are so many others that are even more worthy). But how can this not give you hope? Many of us have lost an MMO we loved or at least had a decked-out character populating the character select screen, and the thought of that game coming back against all odds is a goosebump-rising one. It may also smack of justice served, as some MMOs fail not because of faulty gameplay but because of mismanagement by the studio, complex legal wrangling, or bad marketing. Today let's look at a few examples of dead MMOs that were brought back to life and what this may mean for the future of the industry. Zombie MMOs! Not, you know, MMOs with zombies.
Mythos Global wants you to play your way
Mythos Global has been on one crazy rollercoaster ride throughout its lifespan, and the latest incarnation of the free-to-play Diablo-esque dungeon-crawler has been in open beta for a little over a month now. But T3Fun wants players to know that there's more to Mythos than just dungeon-delving, and the studio has released a trio of new videos to prove it. Whether you're a loot fiend, an achievement chaser, or a master crafter, Mythos has something for you. As with most Diablo-alikes, Mythos features a plethora of randomized loot for players to hoard like there's no tomorrow, while the artisans among us can become masters of their trades with the help of the game's unique crafting skill tree system. And of course, achievements and titles abound for those who just love showing off their heroic accomplishments. If any of these playstyles tickles your fancy, just head on over to the game's official site to get in on the action for yourself. [Source: T3Fun press release]
Play the MMO that never dies with Mythos Global's open beta
Mythos is the MMO that almost wasn't, then was, then wasn't, and then was again. The free-to-play Diablo-esque MMO was in playable beta as far back as November 2007, but its release was plagued by problems you wouldn't wish on your worst enemies. Mythos has somehow survived its entire original development team being fired, legal battles over the intellectual property rights to the game, and being kicked from publisher to publisher. Now in its third incarnation as Mythos Global, the game will soon relaunch to excited fans, and to curious gamers who didn't play it while it was live. If you didn't snag one of Massively's keys for the closed beta back in December, your chance to play the game starts now! Mythos Global officially entered open beta today, with free registration available via its new publisher T3Fun.
AIKA Global gearing up for nation merge, in-game events
AIKA's plans for global domination are ramping up in the month of May. The free-to-play fantasy title now features four major in-game events, and a new press release hints at "exciting new game and website updates" to be revealed. First up is the month-long Nation Wars II event in which AIKA's nation-states transform into all out war zones. Four players from each nation will represent their homelands on the Lord Marshall Alliance, and national armies will be able to march on enemy territory for fun and profit. Next up is the Legionaires of May event in which participants compete to level new characters from 10 to 50 as swiftly as possible. The first five legions to complete the requirements by May 31st will snag a prize pack. The final two events, A Friend in Need is a Friend Indeed and Auction House, span the entire month. Specifics for each will be given in-game during the lead-up to the event. Finally, AIKA Global is introducing an offline mailing system as well as a nation merge that will have a major impact on the game's political landscape. Head to the official AIKA website and read all about the coming changes.
First Impressions: Mythos
I've played plenty of Diablo-style games, games filled with endless hours of dungeon grinding and loot collecting. I'll be honest: They're not usually my thing. I like a little more variety in my adventure and not such a linear experience. When I was asked to take a look at Mythos, a "new" (read: older title that is receiving a re-do) game that is currently in closed beta, I was pretty skeptical. After all, I've played this style of game before and enjoyed it in Torchlight and others, and the developers are adding on an MMO element to it now. This could mean a few things. First, the game could be a horrible, buggy mess that would turn me off instantly. Or second, it could be something completely charming and different that could work really well as an MMO. Which did I find? Click past the cut and I promise to tell you.
CardMon Hero offers up colorful new trailer
While CardMon Hero went into open beta last week, the teams at Hanbitsoft, T3fun, and Redbana have just put out a new video offering up some gameplay from the game for you to check out. Why did they wait so long? Well, perhaps they hoped to lure you in to all the card-building dueling action, or maybe they just wanted to film some fun fights featuring players running around the world. Whatever the companies' reason, if you are curious for a look at this fast-paced free-to-play MMO, and haven't had a chance to check it out, we've tucked the newest video behind the break. With complex card strategies, crafting, and some pretty wicked-looking henchmen to collect, it's a brightly-colored MMO-offering for those who remember playing insane amounts of TCGs in their youth. Also, we've added our gallery full of concept art, screenshots, and more from CardMon Hero for you to enjoy. If you're ready to get into the action, head over to the CardMon Hero site and get signed up! %Gallery-107151%
Cardmon enters open beta
The time has come for CardMon Hero's card-summoning free-to-play MMO action to be released on the masses -- although there's still a bit of testing to go. That's why they've finally started open beta for the game as of today. Now players who have been curious are able to get in and check it all out, and T3 Entertainment, Redbana, and Hanbitsoft can get valuable feedback about the direction they're headed from a wider variety of gamers. (As well as the inevitable stress testing that generally goes on during this phase.) With CardMon Hero's card-based systems, players can build up a store of Mercenaries, skills, and more to set their character up however they'd like to play the game. Whether you are the overlord of a series of powerfully-built minions, or prefer to get into the thick of combat yourself, it offers quite a variety of styles. Aside from that, players will find a deep card crafting system, lots of quests to do, and much to explore. So, if you're interested in checking out the open beta -- or just remember it from back when it was Camon Hero and want to sign up to see the changes -- then head over to the CardMon Hero site. If you'd like a preview before signing up, we have a series of new screenshots and exclusive wallpapers in our gallery below! If you'd like a full-sized image of any of the exclusive wallpapers, you can snag them by clicking the images after the break to get the large image. %Gallery-107151%
Second round of CardMon Hero beta starts tonight
Searching for something different amidst the recent hullabaloo involving imminent MMORPG releases? Try CardMon Hero on for size, as the free-to-play card-summoning MMO might be just what the doctor ordered. Today marks the start of round two of closed beta testing, and you can sign up on the game's official website and get in on the action starting tonight at 7:00 p.m. EST. CardMon Hero allows players to create and summon various mercenaries via a deck of cards. The mercs will work in concert with a player's skill cards to further adventures and clobber challenging foes through 70 instances and hundreds of quests. You'll find lots more information at the CardMon website, and you'll also want to check out our earlier coverage for a gameplay video and assorted screenshots.
CardMon Hero wants to deal you in on the second round of closed beta
If you're looking for adventure in a new MMO, then Hanbitsoft, Redbana, and T3fun have an option for you -- CardMon Hero! They've taken the feedback from the first round of testing and done a bunch of fixing and polishing. Now it's time for the second round of closed beta testing to start on January 5th, and they're looking for all sorts of testers to get in and give this free-to-play game a good solid thrashing. It's all about finding the bugs and fine-tuning the fun for all. (If you were in the first test, you're automagically in the second test, too.) In CardMon Hero (also known as Camon Hero in other territories), players collect and level up different card summons to create a powerful army to fight for them. However, it's not just about the monster cards. CardMon Hero also features skill cards that allow players to create deadly decks capable of vanquishing foes and dungeons alike. If that sounds like fun, you can pop over to the CardMon Hero site and get signed up for the next round of beta testing. In the meantime, we've snagged a bunch of new screenshots for our gallery below and embedded a new gameplay trailer behind the break if you'd rather check out how the game looks first. %Gallery-107151%
An early look into CardMon Hero
For those who have ever enjoyed collectible card games, the idea of an MMO that features collectible and playable cards might be intriguing. Well, if you're in the market for a new game, Redbana, T3fun and Hanbitsoft have a treat for you. Their newest free-to-play game, CardMon Hero, offers a system that is heavily based on building up certain cards and playing them in the world against mobs and other players. Not only will players get cards for skills, but adventuring through the world will net special monster cards known as mercenary cards, which are picked up via questing, crafting, and drops. As of this evening, the game is entering closed beta as well. We had a chance to take a look at CardMon Hero with Redbana's Project Manager, Damien Moreno, who gave us an early peek at some of the things players can expect within the game. Many of the systems present will be fairly familiar to veteran MMO players. Movement is handled through either click-to-move or WASD. Also present are familiar UI options like action bars, maps, a quest journal, character sheet (with a cosmetic pane) and the like. Eventually, a cash shop will also be implemented, although Moreno informed us that it is being worked on to provide a plethora of cosmetic and helpful options, as opposed to gear or weapons that will create game-breaking imbalances between paid players and free-to-play gamers -- a very important thing to many Western gamers. For more on this free-to-play game, join me after the break, or check out the gallery of concept art and in-game screenshots below! %Gallery-107151%
CardMon Hero gearing up for closed beta, again
When it comes to free-to-play MMOs, we're used to seeing lots of imports. That said, this has to be one of the first ones we've seen imported three times to the West, only to keep changing hands. CardMon Hero, developed by Hanbitsoft for the Korean market, was initially picked up and ported by Gamengame. Earlier this year, we saw the game announced as part of the lineup for T3/Uforia, and now it's purely being published by T3 Entertainment/Redbana, along with a rebranding from Orka to Camon Hero and now CardMon Hero. The principles of the game remain the same: players who enjoy card games can travel around the world, picking up cards that will allow them to summon henchmen to fight for their side. The closed beta will start on November 10th, and signups are open if you'd like to take a whack at some thrice imported card-summoning MMOness. Perhaps the third time will be the charm for the game. In either case, we have a new trailer beyond the break for you to check out and decide if this triple-take title is your flavor of fun.
Frogster releases Mythos cinematic
Looking to get your Mythos fix prior to the game's 2011 release? Look no further than the just-released trailer courtesy of Frogster. The video, which runs a little over a minute and a half, serves as both a teaser and the upcoming free-to-play MMO's opening cinematic. Mythos, a throw-back dungeon crawler, has somewhat of a checkered history, given that it was originally developed by now-defunct Flagship Studios before being shuttered and subsequently kick-started by HanbitSoft. The game is now being published by Redbana in North America and Frogster in Europe, and it features solo and group PvP, three distinct classes, and a unique visual style inspired by comic books. Check out our interview with the Mythos dev team and don't forget to sample the trailer after the cut.
Still clicking: Our exclusive interview with the Mythos dev team
Considering Mythos' stormy post-Flagship past and its relatively low profile over the past half year, we were pleased to see the team at Redbana unveil a website revamp last month, complete with a slew of vibrant new screenshots to tease the upcoming closed beta. The infrastructure revealed in the images suggests that the game has come a long way since we last checked in with the team; although many players might once have pigeon-holed Mythos as "just another Diablo clone," it's now maturing into a hybrid MMORPG that seems to have as much in common with Blizzard's other fantasy game as with the click-fests of yesteryear. Curious, we commandeered the team at Redbana in order to ask about the progress of the game. Meet up with us after the break as we discuss the transition to Redbana, overcoming the Diablo stigma, camera perspectives, map travel, character customization, and the likelihood that Mythos will be free-to-play. Oh, and did I mention you can play satyrs and cyclopes?!
Redbana releases Mythos screens, relaunches website
Redbana has let loose a little bit of new information regarding their upcoming Mythos MMORPG. Along with revamping the game's official website, the North American publisher has released five new screenshots of the title in action. The shots show everything from the user interface, to the in-game map, to dungeon and outdoor combat. Mythos, a Diablo-esque dungeon crawler, was originally produced at Flagship Studios before being acquired by HanbitSoft, and features a classic isometric perspective along with a deep itemization system. Check out the new screens that we've collected for you in the gallery below, and don't forget to stop by the game's new website. %Gallery-10781%
Mythos reveals Pyromancer art
Redbana has released new artwork of the Pyromancer class in their upcoming Mythos MMORPG. The title, originally developed by Travis Baldree (FATE, Torchlight) at Flagship Studios but now the property of HanbitSoft, is a Diablo-style dungeon crawler, complete with isometric perspective and high levels of itemization and randomization. Redbana is the North American publisher for Mythos, and has released the Pyromancer screens as the first of what promises to be a steady stream of information that will lead up to the beta tests and full release later this year. The Pyromancer, as you might expect, relies on fiery magic to burn enemies into submission, and fans can get a leg up on checking out the sorcery and other game elements by signing up for the Mythos newsletter at the official website. %Gallery-10781%
